::visitemyrajasthan::-

Day 1 : Depart your city
Board international flight to Delhi from your home place. Overnight on board before you reach the pulsating and activity filled capital: Delhi.

Day 2: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi very early in the morning. Welcome, meeting and assistance on arrival by the representatives of nature safari and transfer to the hotel. On arrival, check into the rooms.

Delhi - the capital of India, is a fascinating city with complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present.Delhi- the commercial hub has many tourist attractions to offer. Visit vibrant shopping complex of Connaught Place, Delhi Haat for handicraft goods and delicious food bonanza. Pay a visit to Red Fort and Qutub Minar to view the excellence of Mughal architecture.

Or just drop in at Janpath- for buying a variety of cheap and best items. If you are looking for spiritual peace, visit Lotus temple, which is also famous for its marvelous architecture and heavenly beauty. Take a stroll at Rajpath. Or pay a visit to India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan for viewing monuments made during British era.

Late morning: proceed on a Combined tour of Old & New Delhi.

The historic Red Fort - Shah Jehan’s elegant citadel in red sandstone, was built as an octagon measuring 900m by 550m and surrounded by a 9-meter deep moat, which was at its inception fed by the waters of the Yamuna River. The fort is entered from the Lahori Gate and leads to a roofed passage called Chatta Chowk. The Naqqar Khana (drum house) at the end of this passage marks the entrance to the royal enclosure. A spacious lawn leads to the Diwan-i-Am - the pillared Hall of Public Audience, Diwan-i-Khas - the Hall of Private Audience where the emperor met select visitors and the Pearl Mosque built by Shah Jahan’s son, Aurangazeb, the last of the “Great Mughals”. Drive past the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), India’s largest mosque and the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which is adjacent to both the Fort and the Mosque.

The other places that will be visited in the day are the Qutab Minar,Jama masjid, and the like. Welcome Dinner at a nice restaurant in Delhi Overnight in Delhi Taj Palace/ Qutub Residency.

Day 3: Delhi - Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore
Morning transfer to the Railway Station to board the train for Sawai Madhopur. Leave Delhi for Sawai Madhopur and then to the land of the big cat. Meeting and assistance on arrival at Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and transfer to hotel in Ranthambore. On arrival, check into the Jungle Resort.

Ranthambore:
This Park is a jewel in the crown of India`s Tiger Parks and it is situated in southern Rajasthan. The reserve derives its name from a hill top fortress dominating the approach to the park. The mixture of historical sites and wildlife provides magical photo opportunities.The ancient mountain ranges of Aravali & Vindhya meet here producing a mixture of steep cliffs criss crossing the park. The varied topography provides a diversity of habitat for animals like the Jackal, Mongoose, Sloth Bear, Leopard & of-course the Tiger.

The park was declared wildlife sanctuary in 1957 & in 1974 it came under The Project Tiger. It is the best park for photography because of diurnal behaviour exhibited by the Tigers, which adapted to the changes brought about by one of the Park Director.

Nine villages were relocated outside the park by the park Director. The success of this measure could be calculated by the fact that tigers shed their nocturnal claok because of far less human encroachment. This resulted in a dramatic increase in encounters with the Tiger.

Day 4: Ranthambore
Morning and afternoon game drive into the sanctuary by Jeep. Overnight in Ranthambore TIGER DEN RESORT/ RANTHAMBORE REGENCY.

Day 5: Ranthambore
Morning and afternoon game drive into the sanctuary by Jeep. Overnight in Ranthambore Tiger Den Resort /Ranthambore Regency.

Day 6: Ranthambore - Jaipur
Morning game drive into the sanctuary as this is the last day at the national park of Ranthambore.After the adventurous game drive the guests will have to return to the hotel for freshening up and then we will have to leave for our next destination of the pink city: Jaipur.

Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan, is color washed pink - the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This Pink City of fairy tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues, is picturesque. The first planned city of its time, a formidable wall encircles Jaipur. Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Jaipur Jai Mahal Palace / Alsisar Haveli.

Day 7: Jaipur
Morning : Proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort with Elephant ride up to the Fort. Drive past Hawa Mahal, known popularly as the Palace of Winds, is a facade built for the Ladies of the Royal household in the 19th century. The Amber Fort, the capital of the erstwhile State of Jaipur until 1728 is perched on a hill. It has halls of Public and Private audience, a Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) various marble palaces which are marvelous examples of ancient Rajput architecture. The Temple of Amba (Mother Goddess), the patron deity of the Royal family is at the entrance to the palace. Ride an elephant to ascend the hill on which the Fort is situated.

Afternoon : proceed on a city tour visiting the City Palace - the former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles which houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs, including swords of different shapes and sizes with ornate handles. It has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Also visit the Jantar Mantar - an astrological and astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century, which is remarkable for its accuracy even in the present times. Overnight in Jaipur Jai Mahal Palace / Alsisar Haveli.

Day 8: Jaipur / Bharatpur
Morning drive to Bharatpur (200 kms/ 5 hrs). On arrival, check-in to the room at the Laxmi Vilas palace.

One of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds; Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar also inhabit this sanctuary.

Overnight in Bharatpur Laxmi Vilas Palace.

Day 9: Bharatpur
Morning visits the park once again, on a Cycle Rickshaw. Afternoon visit the Sanctuary to the colonies of the bird species. Overnight in Bharatpur Laxmi Vilas Palace.

Day 10: Bharatpur / Agra
Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri (15 kms). Fatehpur Sikri.

Sikri was a decrepit little village till the Mughal Emperor Akbar came visiting in 1568. Despite marrying the Amber princess Jodhabai in 1562, and having over 300 concubines at his beck and call, the monarch was childless. Desperate for an heir, Akbar visited the saint, Shaikh Salim who was encamping here and who predicted that Akbar would have a son within 3 years. As fate had willed it, Jodhabai bore him a son the next year. The emperor named him after the mystic. Not only that, he decided to move lock stock and barrel to the place and named it Fatehpur, or the ‘City of Victory’. His military conquest of Gujarat might also have persuaded him to shift base as must have the local abundance of red sandstone.

Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary crafts persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. The Taj Mahal, Agra

Afternoon: tour of the Taj Mahal - the inimitable poem in white marble. Built over a period of 22 years, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630, for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, it is one of the seven modern wonders of the World. [The Taj is closed on Fridays] Overnight in Agra Trident / Jaypee Palace.

Day 11: Agra / Khajuraho
Morning: visit the Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD, which is a masterpiece of design and construction.

Created by the Chandela kings around 925 AD, Khajuraho emerged when the west was still finding its place in the Sun. The temples are a spectacular feat of architectural excellence, carved with the roughest of tools, all within the span of a hundred years. There were 85 temples in all, portraying the zest for life of the people. The elaborate carvings depict spirituality, love, music, and dance, hunting and feasting. Today, 22 temples survive. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of the erotic sculptures. But, these form only part of the wealth of the site that depicts everyday life of the people and the court in the 10th and 11th centuries.

Architecturally the temples have some unique features. They stand on high platforms and do not have the customary enclosure. Each temple has a large number of spires in ascending order representing man's aspirations towards spiritual goals. The sculptures describe the moments of truth, amazement and bliss in which one forgets everything and surrenders completely to spiritual emotion. And this wonder is the elusive theme of the temples at Khajuraho.

Afternoon: visit the Western Group of temples. The Kandariya Mahadeo temple of the Western group is the largest, dedicated to Shiva. The main shrine is exquisitely carved and features, in delicate detail, gods, goddesses, celestial maidens and lovers. Also visit the Chaunsat Yogini temple dedicated to Kali and Chitragupta temple dedicated to the Sun-god Surya. Overnight in Khajuraho Trident.

Day 12: Khajuraho / Varanasi
Morning: visit the Eastern and Southern group of temples. The Parsvanath temple of the Eastern group is the group’s largest Jain temple. The themes depict, in charming detail, everyday activity. Also visit the Duladeo temple dedicated to Shiva and the Chaturbhuj temple of the Southern group.

Afternoon transfer to the airport to board the flight for Varanasi. Leave Khajuraho for Varanasi by 9W: 724 (1405 / 1445 hrs ) Meeting and assistance on arrival at Varanasi airport and transfer to the hotel. On arrival, check-in to the room.

Varanasi on the banks of the great Ganges and in between the Varuna and the Assi streams. One of the most ancient Indian cities Varanasi or Benaras embraces millions of devotes annually. Join the group of Hindus and Buddhists who frequently flock to their religious center. Explore the center of education, religion, art and culture from times immemorial. Visit the temple dedicated to Mother India besides the Durga temple and the Tulsi Manas temple. The observatory of Jantar Mantar and the oldest university of north India namely the Benaras Hindu University are worth paying a visit. A holiday destination with gharanas of Indian classical music, an art form as popular as the ghats, is awesome.

Day 13: Varanasi
Early morning: Take a boat ride at dawn down India's most sacred river, The Ganges. Sun rise at the holy river is a truly tranquil and breath taking sight with pilgrims standing waist-deep in water, praying to the rising Sun. Past these bathing ghats, see the "burning ghats" where the Hindus cremate their dead. This is done with great religious fervour that makes for a moving experience. On your return walk through the streets of the old city. See the famous Vishwanath temple with its spires covered with gold, dedicated to Shiva, the presiding deity of the city.

Return to the hotel for Breakfast.

Visit the Benaras Hindu University founded in 1916 and its famous Museum - Bharat Kala Bhavan which houses one of the finest collection of Mughal miniature paintings and brocade textiles. The Bharat Mata and Durga Temple.

Afternoon: Proceed on an excursion to Sarnath - The place where the Buddha turned the “Wheel of Law” and delivered His First Sermon. See the Chowkandi and Dhamek Stupas, the ruins of 9th and 10th century monasteries and temples, the temple built by the Mahabodhi Society in 1931, and the Tibetan Temple. Visit the famous Sarnath Museum. Overnight in Varanasi Taj Ganges / Hindustan Int'l.

Day 14: Varanasi / Katni / Bandhavgarh
Morning transfer to the Railway Station to board the train for Katni. Leave Varanasi for Katni by Howrah Mumbai Mail ( 0830 / 1557 hrs ) Carry packed lunch from the hotel. Meeting and assistance on arrival at Katni Railway Station and transfer to the Forest Lodge in Bandhavgarh (95 Kms). On arrival check-in at the Jungle Resort.

Bandhavgarh is a National Park with a very long history. Set among the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh with an area of 168sq miles (437sq kms) it contains a wide variety of habitats and a high density of game, including a large number of Tigers. This is also the White tiger country. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years. Maharaja Martand Singh captured the last known in 1951. This white Tiger, Mohun is now stuffed and on display in the Palace of Maharaja of Rewa.

Prior to becoming a National Park, the forests around Bandhavgarh had long been maintained as a Shikargarh, or game preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. The Maharaja and his guests carried out hunting - otherwise the wildlife was well protected. It was considered a good omen for Maharaja of Rewa to shoot 109 tigers. His Highness Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh shot 111 Tigers by 1914.

With over 35 kinds of mammals, 250 species of birds, 111 species of butterflies, 16 kinds of snakes, 500 kinds of plants and many more trees and shrubs it undoubtedly has a very rich flora and fauna. Judge for yourself and take a drive through the park and be convinced! Forget the Tiger! Forget the Chital herds and forget the Sambar! Just let the sky above and the earth below enchant you! It will. It does! The vibrant and luxuriant Jungles of Bandhavgarh has its own poetry to recite as you "Let Go" and allow your senses to let the language of nature sink in. No doubt the famous Saint of 16th century Kabir spent years atop Bandhavgarh Fort meditating.

Day 15: Bandhavgarh
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning and afternoon game drive into the sanctuary by Jeep/ Elephant.

The Forest Department has devised an ingenuous system of tracking the tiger at this Park. Every day, early in the morning, elephants and their "Mahouts" (drivers) are sent out into the jungle, in search of the Tiger. Once it has been sighted, a radio message is flashed to the Forest Ranger, who in turn informs the visitors in their jeeps, who are then taken on elephant-back, into the bush, to see the elusive Tiger. Overnight in Bandhavgarh Tiger’s Den Resort.

Day 16: Bandhavgarh
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning and afternoon game drive into the sanctuary by Jeep/ Elephant Overnight in Bandhavgarh Tiger’s Den Resort.

Day 17: Bandhavgarh
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning and afternoon game drive into the sanctuary by Jeep/ Elephant Overnight in Bandhavgarh Tiger’s Den Resort.

Day 18: Bandhavgarh / Umaria / Delhi
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. During your stay in Bandhavgarh, arrangements will also be made to visit the local villages and the Tala School. A visit to the Bandhavgarh Fort will also be arranged with picnic lunch.

Morning game drives into the sanctuary by Jeep/ Elephant. Evening transfer to Umaria Railway station (45 kms/ 1½ hrs) to connect the train for Delhi. Carry packed Breakfast from the hotel. Leave Umaria for Delhi by Utkal Kalinga Express leaving Umaria at 2242 hrs. Overnight enroute On Board the Train.

Day 19: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi at 1330 hrs. Meeting and assistance on arrival with the representatives of the company at Hazrat Nizam-uddin Railway Station and transfer to the hotel. On arrival, check-in to the rooms. Rest of the afternoon at leisure for independent activities. Evening Visit an Indian home and participate in some specially planned activities. Overnight in Delhi Park Royal / Qutub Residency.

Day 20: Delhi
Full day free for shopping, packing and independent activities for the guests. Evening: FAREWELL DINNER at a nice restaurant. After Dinner, transfer to the Airport to board flight back home. ( Rooms may be retained till departure for airport)

Day 21: Leave Delhi
Leave Delhi for your respective cities.

Wildlife Vacation in India