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Day 01: Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on
arrival at the international airport in Delhi
late in the night or midnight. Transfer to
your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is
now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating
blend of the past and the present. It is a
perfect introduction to the composite culture
of an ancient land. A window to the
kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Udaipur
Book this Tour
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Transfer to
airport for flight to Udaipur.
Reach and check in at hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land
around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush
hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white
drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a
fascinating blend of sights, sound and
experiences and inspiration for the
imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes,
temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with
stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past,
epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their
reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE
PICHOLA is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled
by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the
placid waters of Lake Pichola. From he boat
you will be able to view the city of Udaipur
as it rises majestically above the lake in the
middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the
Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in
the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the
Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 03: Udaipur
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Proceed for sight-seeing tour of Udaipur in
the afternoon, stopping first at City Palace.
Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored
walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows
and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock
Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari
Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk
Museum.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at
Udaipur.
Day 04: Udaipur - Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City -
Jaipur. Lunch will be at Kishangarh Phool
Mahal Palace.
Reach and check in at hotel.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of
Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth
century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who
ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur
today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana.
In-spite of growing into a bustling
metropolis, it still retains its character and
history - A beautiful fusion of the
yesteryears and modernity. It is popularly
known as the Pink City because of the
extensive use of the locally abundant pink
plastered stone, painted so in honor of the
visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive
forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples
and lush gardens. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 05: Jaipur
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the
outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to
the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic
romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its
construction was started by Man Singh I in
1592, and completed by his descendent Jai
Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an
inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of
Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate
expression.
Proceed for sight-seeing of the city.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and
traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City
Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in
the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal,
Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace
Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the
best preserved of the five observatories built
by Jai Singh II in different parts of the
country. This observatory onsisting of
outsized astronomical instruments is still in
use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this
"Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in
Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of
sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine
trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The
palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in
1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal
grandstand for the palace women.
Explore the city markets. Overnight will be at
Jaipur.
Day 06: Jaipur - Ranthambhore
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer to SAWAI MADHOPUR.
Evening free at the resort and you can relax
or watch some slides on the tiger.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of
the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique
example of natural and historical richness,
standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid
and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely
14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune
with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart
of the jungle. Ranthambhore - perhaps the best
place in the world to sight a tiger in the
wild. The Ranthambhore National Park has had
more Tiger sightings than any other National
Park in the country. It has come to be known
as "The land of the Tiger", where most of the
documented footage of this majestic beast has
been recorded.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography
varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat
topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical
hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis,
from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky
gorges. An important geological feature the
'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya
plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges,
meanders through the Reserve. The National
Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the
south and Banas in the north.
Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry
deciduous type, further classified as Dhok
climax forest because of the predominance of
Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla) found nearly
everywhere. Dhok is an extremely hardy tree,
capable of withstanding prolonged droughts.
The leaves of this tree are good fodder and
they are browsed by herbivores, and form a
significant part of their diet. Even the dry,
fallen leaves, eaten by them, are rich source
of nutrition.
Palas or Cheela or the Flame of the Forest (Butea
monosperms) blooms magnificently around
mid-April. During the period, Kachida and
Anatpura provide an amazing view, like a
forest on fire. Around Kamaldhar massive Gum
trees (Sterculia urens) with smooth white
trunk stand out conspicuously. Similarly,
Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica) with greyish
trunks at the banks of the lakes and soft wood
Salar (Boswellia serrata) dotted atop hills
are noticeable.
Fruits of Ber (Zizyphus spp.) and 'crocodile
bark' Tendu (Diospuyros melanoxylon) are
highly relished by Sloth Bears.
The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation
including duck weeds, lilies and lotus. A
haven for a multitude of wild animals, the
Park boasts of playing host to tigers,
leopards, the elusive caracals, hyenas, sloth
bears, wild boars, crocodiles and so on.
Besides, there are over 300 species of birds,
from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle to the
exotic Golden Oriole.
Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord
over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by
nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore
tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are
always a matter of chance. However, even
evidences of tiger's activities are very
exciting.
The other kinds of cats found in Ranthambhore
are Leopard (Panthera pardus), Caracal (Felis
caracal), Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis),
Fishing Cat (Felis viverrina) and the Jungle
Cat (Felis chaus). Besides the big cats, the
other large predators found in Ranthambhore
include Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Wolf, Wild
dog (or Dhole), Jackal, Indian Fox, Palm
Civet, Small Indian Civet, Common Indian
Mongoose, Small Indian Mongoose, Ratel (or
Honey Badger), Marsh Crocodile and the Indian
Python. There are two species of Antlers,
namely the Spotted Deer (or Chital) and the
Sambhar, Deer, and, two kinds of Antelopes,
namely the Indian Gazelle (or Chinkara) and
the Bluebull (or Neelgai). Black Buck (another
kind of antelope), which is rarely found in
the National Park is common in Devpura area,
in the outskirts of the park.
Overnight will be at resort.
Day 07: Ranthambhore
A full day game viewing inside the jungle.
(Two safaris)
Overnight at the resort.
Day 08: Ranthambhore - Bharatpur
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Bharatpur.
Just 176 km from Delhi is a very special
wilderness - the Keoladeo Ghana National Park,
one of the finest water-bird sanctuaries in
the world. The Maharaja of Bharatpur
artificially created the lake and wetland in
the 19th century. By building small dykes and
dams and diverting water from an irrigation
canal, he converted this low-lying area into a
fine wild fowl shooting preserve. In a few
years, the new wetland surrounded by marginal
forests was able to support thousands of water
birds.
Commonly referred to as Bharatpur, the Park is
a delight for bird watchers. Over 375 species
of birds are found here and raised paths,
camouflaged by babul trees and undergrowth
make viewing easy. A quiet ride by boat in the
early hours of the morning is also
unforgettable experience. The cacophony is
unbelievable as painted storks, open bills,
spoonbills, egrets, cormorants, white ibis and
multitudes of others, tend their young.
Jacanas with their iridescent colors and
elegant tail feathers and purple moorhen can
be seen delicately treading over the floating
vegetation.
Every year Bharatpur waits with bated breath
for the arrival of the Siberian cranes. There
are only two wintering places for this rare
species one in Iran and the other Bharatpur
and these beautiful birds with their
distinctive red beaks and facial patches, fly
over 6400 km from their summer retreats.
Colorful kingfishers, graceful pelicans rare
Siberian cranes and Trans- continental fliers
- the migratory water - fowl are amongst the
375 species of birds found in the Keoladeo
National Park. The most spectacular nesting is
that of the egrets, storks, herons and
cormorants, which make over 10,000 nests every
year. This makes outstanding bird havens of
the world. The park covers an area of 28.73
km.
The story of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is
incomplete without an account of the migratory
waterfowl. The most prominent waterfowl coming
to this park are bareheaded and greylag geese.
Ducks also create a lot of fluttering in the
lakes. The ducks usually found here are
pintail, widgeon, common shelduck, shoveler,
garganey, teal, etc.
Attracted by the influx of the waterfowl the
predatory birds-tawny eagles, spotted eagles
short-toed eagles imperial eagles and fishing
eagle also arrive. They all form the apex of
the biological pyramid of the sanctuary and
complete the avian food chain of the
ecosystem. There are large herds of the nilgai,
chital, wild boar and fear cows in addition to
a few herds of sambar.
Reach and check in at the hotel. Proceed on
RICKSHAW for viewing the birds. RICKSHAW
PULLERS have been trained by the forest
department in bird watching and are
knowledgeable.
Return to the lodge in the evening and relax.
Overnight will be at Bharatpur.
Day 09: Bharatpur - Agra
Early morning RICKSHAW RIDE at the Bird Park.
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Agra.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and
Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of
Agra into a befitting second capital of the
Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat
{seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra
is caught up in a world of contrasting
edifices, of red sandstone and white marble,
narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that
irresistible charm that this favorite city of
the Mughals still retains. It is not
surprising, that modern Agra still reflects
its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk
down the narrow bustling streets of the city
will introduce the visitor to the wafting
aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Reach Agra and then proceed to visit Taj.
Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this
architectural wonder which is always the soul
raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to
Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white
marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz
Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be
completed and was designed, and planned by
Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its
stunning design balance and perfect symmetry,
the Taj is lso noted particularly for its
elegant domes, intricately carved screens and
some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for sight-seeing to the AGRA FORT -
Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in
1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red
sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture
perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist
attraction.
Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR
JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors
of which are considered better than the Taj).
Take train to Jabalpur in the evening.
Overnight would be on board the train.
Day 10: Jabalpur - Kanha
Reach Jabalpur and you would be transferred to
Kanha.
This is the place that has been described by
RUDYARD KIPLING in his great book "The Jungle
Book". Located in the Mandla district of
Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is a tiger
reserve that extends over an area of over 940
square km. A horseshoe shaped valley bounded
by the spurs of the Mekal presents an
interesting topography. Steep rocky
escarpments along the edges offer breathtaking
views of the valley. Realizing the danger on
the Tiger population in the country, the
Government started the "Project Tiger" at
Kanha and in 1974 the area was declared a
Tiger reserve. The park is also the habitat of
the high ground Barasingha.
In 1930s, the Kanha area was divided into two
sanctuaries - Hallon and Banjar of 250kms to
300kms each. Though one of these was
subsequently disbanded .The area remained a
protected one until 1947. Depletion of the
tiger population in the year that followed led
to the area being made an absolute sanctuary
in 1952.
Patient watching should reward the visitor,
with a sight of Indian Fox, Sloth bear,
Striped hyena, Jungle cut, Leopard, Mouse
Deer, Chausingha or four horned antelope,
Nilgai, Ratel and Porcupine Kanha has some 200
species of birds. Watchers should station
themselves in the hills, where the mixed and
bamboo forests harbour many species and in the
grassy forest clearings. Water birds can be
seen near the park's many rivulets and at
Sarvantal, a pool that is frequented by water
birds and the area in front of the museum.
Excursion to Kawardha just east of the Maikala
Range (up to 1100m) to the south east of Kanha
National Park, Kawardha is a small town in
Chhattisgarh (34 forts) region of M.P. In this
remote area Maharaja Viswaraj Singh has
recently opened his palace to visitors. It
provides a delightfully quite unspoiled
contrast with India's big cities and with the
much busier tourist circuit of Rajasthan's
'palace circuit'. This town is in the center
of the Baiga tribe, who live in forest
surrounding the town, and these are several
eleventh century temples in the immediate
region.
Reach before lunch and proceed for an
afternoon GAME DRIVE to view TIGERS. Overnight
at the Kanha Resort.
Day 11: Kanha
A full day game viewing inside the jungle.
(Two safaris)
Overnight at the resort.
Day 12: Kanha - Jabalpur - Delhi
Book this Tour
Proceed for the morning Game Drive into the
forest. Proceed to Jabalpur and board train
for overnight journey to Delhi.
Overnight will be on train.
Day 13: Delhi
Arrive in the morning. Check in at hotel and
freshen up. Proceed for a full day tour of Old
& New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi
would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the
memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was
cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in
India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent
fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Take a
cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to
Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sight-seeing tour of
New Delhi would include a visit to the
Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along
the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the
imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the
President's Residence and would end with a
drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Transfer to airport for connecting flight
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