BIG FIVE INDIAN JUNGLES
Overview
Tour Description
Duration : 20 Nights & 21 Days
Destination : Delhi - Kaziranga - Kolkata - Palitana - Sasangir - Mumbai - Kanha - Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho - Agra - Delhi - Corbett
Accommodation : Luxury Hotels / Palaces or Heritage Hotel
Best time to visit : October to June
Journey Type : Group & Private Journey
The Big Five Indian Jungle Tour takes you on a wild discovery of natural treasures across the vast expanse of India. From the Kaziranga National Park - famed for one horned rhinos in the North East, the Gir National Park - abode of the Asiatic lions in the north west, to Kanha Tiger Reserve and Bandhavgarh National Park - known for the Royal Bengal tigers in central India and finally the world renowned Jim Corbett National Park in the North of India, this Tour is covers most of the significant Indian forests. It is designed exclusively for nature lovers and wildlife aficionados and it offers a once in a lifetime chance to wildlife photographers to capture some of the most amazing and adventurous moments of the rich biodiversity and natural resources of the picturesque Indian jungles. Our guests are welcome to be part of the drive working to preserve the diverse and rich wildlife of the Indian sub continent. The tour also lets you explore the largest and most significant Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. You will be awe inspired by the most beautiful of all the Seven Wonders of the World - the stunning Taj Mahal and the ancient temples of Khajuraho. Come experience Indian hospitality in the best luxury lodges and resorts while indulging in your wild Indian escapade with our Big Five Indian Jungle Tour.
Itinerary
You will get a warm Indian welcome on your arrival at the Delhi International Airport by our travel representative, who will assist you in your hotel transfer and check-in. The historical city of Delhi is packed with spectacular Mughal monuments, imposing colonial structures, abundant bazaars and ancient places of worship. Paradoxically, it is also a metropolitan city with several multinationals, world class hotels, top notch restaurants and a vibrant art scene. Be prepared for a memorable rickshaw through the winding old streets of Chandni Chowk brimming with colourful handicrafts, textiles, clothes and souvenirs. You will experience the magic of Old Delhi on a walking tour that will take you to the majestic Red Fort which resonates with Mughal creativity and power. You will visit Humayun's tomb with its arched faade and lovely gardens, known to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. After which you can conclude your Old Delhi visit by going to see the soaring victory tower of Qutub Minar. From there you will go on to visit the splendid Lutyen's Delhi built in the colonial era with its well planned roads, imperial buildings and wide avenues.
Apart from the renowned one horned rhinos, Kaziranga has many rare species like the Asiatic elephants, wild water buffalos, leopards and Royal Bengal Tigers amongst many others. In fact, it has one of the highest densities of tiger population in the world. It is also a popular spot for exotic birds like the black-nested stork and the lesser white-fronted goose that migrate here each year. . You will enjoy an early morning safari in a four wheel drive jeep into the national park accompanied by a local naturalist. After breakfast, take a memorable elephant ride in the central region of the National Park where you can spot wild beasts in their natural habitat. In the evening, you will go for another exploratory jeep safari into different region of the park to maximize your chances of spotting the animals in the wild. Later, you can relax at the forest lodge. .
In 1904 Lord Curzon along with his wife Mary went on an excursion to Kaziranga region but found no signs of rhinos there even though it was known as their home, this led Mary Curzon to make the proposal of converting Kaziranga into a National Reserve forest. Today, it is one of the finest wildlife parks in the world, with more than 2400 rhinoceros, making it the best place in the world to see these animals. . The Gibbons are one of the most popular attractions of North East India's wildlife. Early in the morning you will drive to a nearby region where you will be able to observe these intriguing primate species in their natural habitat. Later, you will return to the lodge for breakfast. In the evening you will again enjoy a thrilling game drive into the national park with a local naturalist and an exclusive four wheel drive jeep. .
After breakfast you will drive 4 hours to the Guwahati airport from where you will board a flight for Kolkata. On arrival you will be assisted by our travel representative with your hotel transfer and check in. Kolkata also known as the City of Joy is a 350 years old city located on the banks of River Hooghly. It was the capital of British India till 1911. The city is an intriguing blend of old colonial architecture lingering in its monuments, mansions and museums and new futuristic establishments looming everywhere. In India, Kolkata is often considered the birthplace of a modern literature, art, music and creativity. . In the evening, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset at one of the Ghats on river Hoogly with stunning views of the grand Vidyasagar Setu bridge. Behold the massive structure of the Howrah Bridge, which is lit up and glittering in the night. One of the longest cantilever bridges in the world, it is an iconic landmark of Kolkata. .
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kolkata airport to board a flight for Ahmedabad in Gujarat. On your arrival, our travel counsellor will meet you and you will drive 4-5 hours to Palitana. . En route you will stop at Lothal to see the ancient ruins of Indus Valley civilization, the oldest known civilization of the subcontinent dating back to 2nd BC. You will travel back 4500 years to one of the most advanced cultures with precisely planned city, perfect drainage systems, standardised weights and measures, beautiful mica pottery and a massive lock-gated dockyard, all of which tragically vanished due to repeated floods. History enthusiasts would love this visit to Lothal, which literally means 'Mound of the dead.' . On arrival at Palitana you will be assisted with your hotel check in for overnight stay. .
After breakfast, you will drive 4 hours to Gir National Park located in the North Western state of Gujarat where you will be assisted in your Hotel/Lodge check in on arrival. Gir National Park is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India home to more than 400 Asiatic lions along with numerous other species of flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, you will take a jeep safari with an expert naturalist into the semi-arid forests of Gir, the only other place except the African continent where the Asiatic lions can be observed in their natural habitat. Later, you can enjoy a leisurely evening in the Hotel. .
You will enjoy exhilarating morning and evening jeep safaris with an expert local naturalist in the Gir Forests. Full of ridges, hills, plateaus and valleys, Gir is blessed with a rich biodiversity. It is not only the last dwelling place of the big and majestic Asiatic lion but also a variety of other animals like leopards, deer, sambhars, blue bulls, jackals and hyenas amongst many others. Later, you can unwind in the Hotel.
In the morning, you will enjoy another adventurous foray into the Gir forests on an exclusive jeep safari accompanied by a private naturalist. This will increase your chances of spotting the regal Asiatic lion. Later you will drive 3 hours to Rajkot from where you will fly to Mumbai. You will be provided assistance on arrival for your hotel transfer and check in for overnight stay. . The city of Mumbai used to be a bustling port on the Arabian Sea, today it is the largest metropolitan city of India and its financial, fashion and Bollywood hub. The city houses ancient monuments and modern skyscrapers as well as sandy beaches and massive slums all co-existing in harmony. .
Early morning you will be transferred to the Mumbai airport to board a flight to Nagpur. On arrival, you will be assisted to take a 5 hour drive to Kanha National Park located in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. There our travel counsellor will help in your Camp/Lodge check in. . Kanha National Park also known as Kanha Tiger Reserve is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpura hills in the heart of central Indian highlands. The vast luxurious meadows, lush green forests of sal and bamboo as well as crystal clear streams of Kanha make it one of the most picturesque wild life reserves in Asia and a heaven for nature lovers. It is home to a major population of Royal Bengal Tigers, sloth bears, leopards, Indian wild dogs, foxes, hyenas, langurs, wild boars and jackals. Catch all these animals and more in an afternoon jungle safari in an exclusive Jeep with a local naturalist. .
One of Kanha's milestone achievements is saving the Swamp Deer (Barasingha) from near extinction. The dense forests, gurgling streams and the unrivalled beauty of Kanha National Park were the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's world famous classic 'Jungle Book.' You will begin your morning with a steaming cup of tea or coffee before heading off for an early morning jungle safari with an expert naturalist in an exclusive jeep for tiger sightings. You will be able to take a closer look at the animals in the wild and capture them in your camera. . In the evening, your search for the royal Bengal Tiger and other wild animals will begin anew with another foray in the magnanimous forests of Kanha. You will be accompanied by a private naturalist and take an exclusive jeep. .
One of the most stunning areas in the park is the Bamni Dadar popularly known as Sunset Point. It offers the mesmerizing backdrop of a stunning sunset against quietly grazing deer from the vantage point of a cliff. You will enjoy early morning and evening jungle safaris in different regions of the park with expert naturalists in a jeep to explore the diverse species of animals and birds as well as the Royal Bengal Tigers roaming in the wild.
Early morning, you will check out of your hotel/lodge at Kanha National Park with a delicious picnic breakfast and drive 6-7 hours to Bandhavgarh National Park also located in Madhya Pradesh. . This world famous National Park has an extremely wide variety of flora and fauna with the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers in the world. It was the former hunting ground of Maharajas of Rewa, with dense forests teeming with jackals, foxes, sloth bears, deer, wild boars and leopards. Its rich biodiversity makes Bandhavgarh an ideal destination for wildlife safaris, birding and excursions. . Accompanied by a local naturalist, you will take part in a thrilling jeep safari in Bandhavgarh forests in the evening. Look for the mighty Bengal Tiger along with other wide animals. Later, you can relax in the Jungle Resort at night. .
Take adventurous jeep safaris in both morning and evening to increase your chances of spotting the numerous bird species and wild animals roaming in their natural habitats in Bandhavgarh National Park. You will be accompanied by a local naturalist in your pursuit wherein you can search for the animals, capture them in your cameras and spend time exploring the wilderness. Unwind and relax in your Jungle Resort at night. . In the afternoon you can enjoy a picnic lunch at the ancient Bandhavgarh fort believed to be more than 2000 years old. Holding many historical stories for various ruling families within its walls, the scenic fort is nestled in the middle of Bandhavgarh forest. .
Early morning, you will go for one last safari for game viewing into the national park with your private naturalist. Soak in the splendorous natural beauty of the area and take a closer look at the animals and birds in the wild. On your return from the park, you will check out of the lodge and drive 5 hours to the temple town of Khajuraho. On arrival, you will be assisted with your hotel check in after which you can spend a leisurely evening there. . Built between 950 - 1050, the 20 Hindu and Jain temples of Khajuraho are one of the greatest masterpieces of medieval Indian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their detailed sculptures, intricate carvings and beautiful frescos depicting eroticism and sensuality will leave you spell bound and speechless! . Late evening you will enjoy a remarkable sound and light show presenting the vivid history of the Khajuraho temples. .
After breakfast, you will visit the Western, Eastern and Southern group of Hindu and Jain temples. Prepare yourself to be mesmerized by the architectural detailing and intricate sculptures of female beauty and erotic art in these temples. Behold the carved figures going up to the top of the Vishvanath temple. At Devi Jagdamba temple you will see a sardula (part lion and part human) frolicking with a woman - one of the finest sculptures in Khajuraho. You will visit the oldest Lakshmana temple and the largest Kandariya Mahadev temple. . Later you will drive 4 hours to Jhansi railway station to board a two hour train to Agra. On arrival you will be assisted with your hotel transfer and check in. .
Mughal history and unparalleled romance come together to weave magic in the city of Agra located on the banks of River Yamuna. At sunrise you will be spell bound by one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, the breathtaking Taj Mahal. Rudyard Kipling called it "the embodiment of all things pure." Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this ivory white mausoleum stands tall as an ode to eternal love. . After breakfast, you will visit the majestic Red Fort built by Emperor Akbar depicting beautiful Mughal style of art and architecture. Agra's local markets are perfect to shop for artifacts and marble handicrafts as souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones. In the afternoon, you will check out of your hotel and drive 4 hours to Delhi. On arrival you will be assisted with your hotel check in. .
After an early morning breakfast, you will drive 5 hours to Corbett National park located in the foothills of Himalayas in North India's Uttrakhand state. On Arrival you will be assisted with your check in into your camp/lodge. . India's oldest wildlife sanctuary, Jim Corbett National Park is named after the hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett. Apart from the famous Royal Bengal Tigers, the park has an incredibly rich and abundant wildlife which includes leopards, cats, and different species of deer, sloth and Himalayan bears and Indian grey mongoose. Local crocodiles were preserved here from near extinction by captive breeding. You can also spot elephant herds during the warmer months. . Indulge in a nature walk amongst the chirping birds and serene environment around your camp in the evening. .
Early morning after a steaming cup of tea or coffee, you will follow the trail of the endangered tiger with an expert naturalist in an enthralling jeep safari into the national park. Later you will drive into the Dhikala range of forest, en route looking for some Gharials (crocodiles) in the Ramganga river. You can also look out for the numerous local and exotic migratory birds in the area. On arrival you will be provided help with your check in into the forest Rest House. Be prepared to spend an unforgettable night in the lap of nature. . Have a leisurely lunch and relax at the rest house in the afternoon. In the evening, you can enjoy the beautiful setting of the forest Rest House and have the extraordinary experience of a short elephant safari in the picturesque landscape of the parks wetlands to see the wildlife.
After a hot cup of tea/coffee early in the morning, you leave for jungle safari on elephant backs with your private naturalist into the grasslands which are known to have a high density of wild animals. This will improve your chances of spotting them while offering an amazing experience to wildlife aficionados. In the afternoon, you will drive back to the camp/lodge along the river, en route soaking in the natural beauty surrounding you
After early breakfast, you will drive 5-6 hours to Delhi International Airport to take the flight to your onward destination
