India Cultural
&
Wildlife Safari 

13 Days / 10 Nights

This tour offers an exciting introduction to India - an incredible land full of cultural experiences and a wide variety of wildlife.  The 13-day program includes popular cultural sites, including Delhi (Old & New), Agra - site of the Taj Mahal, and Khajuraho - the "Temple Town" with its erotic architecture.  Our wildlife adventure visits the two principal tiger reserves in India - the Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks, where we can see the tiger and other wildlife species.

Sample Group Itinerary 

Day 1  -  Depart USA

Day 2  -  Arrive Delhi
Evening arrival at the Delhi airport, where we are met and transferred to our hotel.

Day 3  -  Delhi
A full-day tour of Old and New Delhi today.  In Old Delhi, we visit the Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, and the Red Fort.  In New Delhi we visit the Qutub Minar, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence, and drive through the Diplomatic area, and a stop for shopping.  Overnight in Delhi. (BLD)

Day 4  -  Delhi – Agra 
We drive to Agra today, stopping at Sikandra en route.  On arrival in Agra, check-in at our hotel.  In the afternoon we visit the Agra Fort, followed by a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset.  Overnight in Agra.  (BLD)

Day 5  -  Agra – Jhansi – Orchha – Khajuraho 
A morning train takes us to Jhansi, and we proceed to nearby Orchha.  Sightseeing at Orchha sites within the Fort Complex.  After lunch we continue with a drive to Khajuraho.  On arrival in Khajuraho, we check-in at our hotel.  The evening is free, or a visit can be planned to the Sound & Light Show, a spectacular narration of the life and history of the Chandela rulers who built the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, besides other interesting stories related to the temples.  Overnight in Khajuraho. (BLD)

 Day 6  -  Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh
This morning we’ll explore Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and better known as the Temple Town.  Famed for its magnificent Jain and Hindu temples, along with intricate stone sculptures, Khajuraho remains the epitome of the temple architectural style and aesthetic sensibility.  Of the 85 beautiful temples, only 22 have survived the ravages of time.  Made of sandstone blocks fitted together, these erotic temples remain as a collective glorification of life, love and joy, to the spirit of creativity and human relationships.  Lunch, followed by and afternoon drive to Bandhavgarh.  On arrival we check-in at the Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge to begin the wildlife segment of our journey.  The Lodge is based on a unique theme of an Indian Village.  It is tastefully developed with a low impact on the land and the environment, and located close to Bandhavgarh National Park.  The Park covers 168 square miles, with large stretches of Bamboo and Grassland.  We are likely to see the Tiger, Chital, and Chansingha.  This Park also has some 150 species of birds, including the Blue Bearded Bee Eater, White Browed Fantail, and the Malabar Hornbill.  Overnight at the Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge.  (BLD)

Days 7 & 8 -  Bandhavgarh
Each morning you’ll have an early wake-up call with a knock on your room door and Tea/Coffee.  You’ll wake up to misty mornings and sounds of birds calling, which will make an exciting start to your day.  As soon as dawn breaks, we leave for our Jungle Safari, accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest park guides in 4 X 4 Jeeps.  Early morning is the best time for tracking the tiger and other wildlife. “Sher Darshan” or a “Tiger Show” offers you the chance to see a Royal Bengal tiger up close from elephant back (subject to availability), if you are lucky!
Elephant Ride: 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. After the safari, we return to the lodge and have breakfast.
Rest of the morning at leisure, go for a nature walk, or visit to nearby village/school.
During our stay at Bandhavgarh, we’ll have an optional excursion to see the imposing fort that is located inside the sanctuary. This Fort, or “Garh,” from which the park gets its name, is fascinating and involves a relatively easy climb to the temple located on its summit, dedicated to Lord Rama. The view from here is equally fascinating.
Lunch and afternoon safari by 4x4 jeep accompanied by resident naturalist and forest guide.  Return to lodge for evening tea and rest of time free to relax.  Overnights at Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge.  (BLD Daily)

Day 9  -  Bandhavgarh – Kanha
Early morning jungle safari by 4x4 Jeep accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest guide.  Return to the lodge for breakfast.  Then we depart and drive to Kahna.  On arrival in the afternoon, we check-in at the Kahna Jungle Lodge.  The Lodge is located close to the Kanha National Park, a 366 square mile preserve set up to save two endangered species – the Tiger and the Barasingha.  While on safari the next two days, we also have the possibility of seeing the Swamp Deer, Black Buck, Chital, Indian Bison, Barking Deer, Sambar and Leopard.  Balance of the day at leisure.  Overnight at the Kanha Jungle Lodge. (BLD)

Days 10 & 11  -  Kahna
Early each morning, a wake-up call with a knock on your room door and Tea/Coffee. As soon as dawn breaks, leave for your Jungle Safari, accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest park guides in 4x4 Jeeps.  A picnic breakfast will be served in the middle of the Jungle with a cup of hot Tea or Coffee.  Rest of the morning at leisure or to go for nature walk, visit a nearby village/school, or engage yourself in a cooking demonstration.
Lunch and afternoon safaris by 4x4 open jeep.
Return to lodge for evening tea and rest of time free for star gazing.  Overnights at the Kanha Jungle Lodge.  (BLD Daily)

Day 12  -  Kahna – Jabalpur – Delhi – Depart India
Early this morning we drive to Jabalpur Airport and board a flight for Delhi.  Upon arrival in Delhi, we are met and transferred to a nearby hotel, where dayrooms will be provided.  Late this evening we transfer back to the airport for our midnight flight departure back to the USA.  (B)

Day 13  -  Arrive USA
We arrive back in the USA today, full of memories and a new understanding of the culture and wildlife of India!

Included Meal Codes:
B  -  Breakfast
L  -  Lunch
D  -  Dinner.

Tour Price Will Include:
  -  Round-Trip Airfare from USA to India     
  -  Round trip private transfers airports/hotels in India 
  -  10 Nights Accommodation as described (or similar) with private facilities, based on double occupancy 
  -  Dayrooms near Delhi Airport on the final day in India
  -  Most Meals (as indicated) 
  -  Appropriate ground transportation
  -  Internal air and train transportation within India
  -  Services of a professional English speaking Tour Escort/Naturalist throughout from arrival in Delhi until departure from Delhi
  -  Local guides in Delhi, Agra, Orchha & Khajuraho, and resident naturalists at National Parks 
  -  Jeep safaris/elephant safaris as described in the itinerary, inclusive of applicable entrance fees
  -  Mineral water during drives and sightseeing, and with all meals
  -  Assistance at airports/railway stations and at the time of check-in/check-out at hotels
  -  All tips, with the exception of tips for the accompanying Indian Tour Escort
  -  Applicable local and government taxes on accommodation and transportation. 

Tour Price Will Not Include:
  -  Taxes, Fuel Surcharges, and other fees applicable to the airfare
  -  Tips to the Indian Tour Escort
  -  Excess baggage fees
  -  Drinks with meals (other than mineral water)
  -  Anything ordered from room service, including mineral water
  -  Optional tours, including the Sound & Light Show in Khajuraho, and the tour of Bandhavgarh Fort
  -  Items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls, internet access fees, laundry, etc.
  -  Travel Insurance.

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