India Culture and Tiger Tour
Overview
Tour Description
Duration : 18 Night & 19 Days
Destination : Mumbai - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Deogarh - Jaipur - Agra - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh - Delhi
Accommodation : Luxury / Modern / Heritage Hotels.
Best Time to Visit : October to June
Journey Type : Group & Private Journey
Our India Culture and Tiger Tour will capture your imagination with the finest treasures that this country has to offer. Discover the opulence and decadence of the Mughals and Maharajas on India's most popular tourist route - the Golden Triangle connecting the national capital Delhi with the pink city of Jaipur and Agra, the city of the Taj. View some of the finest architecture and experience the grandeur and inclusiveness of Indian culture in Udaipur, Jodhpur and Deogarh. Prepare to be spellbound by the breathtaking architecture and stunning sculptures celebrating eroticism in the temples of Khajuraho and while you are here, journey into the open jungles of Bandhavgarh to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger in all its glory. The India Culture and Tiger Tour is perfectly designed not only to introduce the historical splendor, superlative architecture and all inclusiveness of Indian culture but also to indulge your love for nature and photography.
This is a suggested tour which can be tailor-made to suit your requirements. Please contact us for details.
Itinerary
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Mumbai international airport and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
BOMBAY - the Manhattan of India Bombay is a gateway city for visitors to India and the starting point for itineraries covering the Western and Southern regions. The first glimpse of the British Empire’s “Jewel in the crown” was Bombay, and this bustling seaport is now a teeming metropolis, the heart of the country’s financial, commercial and industrial activities. Visitors to Bombay will see that this city is the symbol of modern India.
After breakfast, you will visit the iconic Gateway of India overlooking the Arabian Sea, known as the Entrance point of India and then stroll along the boulevard of Marine Drive which arcs around the shore of Arabian Sea. Dazzling with hundreds of streetlights at night, it is often referred to as the 'Queen's Necklace.' Look upon the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a majestic train station with an exquisite faade.
You will take a thrilling drive across the Bandra Worli Sea Link, a magnificent eight lane cable bridge spanning across Mumbai's coastline. This civil engineering wonder is a seamless amalgamation of natural beauty and man-made wonder. Finally you can enjoy a relaxed evening in one of the most popular beaches in Mumbai, the Juhu Beach with local street food unmatched in taste and quality.
After breakfast, get enchanted with the splendour of the imposing Mehrangarh Fort which towers protectively over the city. In words of Rudyard Kipling it is "A creation of angels, fairies and giants." In the evening you will walk around the old city encircled by an imposing wall and accessed through eight magnificent gates. Fill your shopping bags with stunning silver jewellery, brightly coloured bangles and textiles at the local bazaars.
After breakfast, you will drive 5 hours to Udaipur. En route you will stop at the Ranakpur Jain Temple. Built in the 15th century, these temples are one of the five major pilgrimage centres for Jainism. With spectacular architecture, intricate carvings, beautiful sculptures and an amazing history, this temple complex will leave you spell bound. Check-in and overnight stay at in Udaipur
Known as 'Venice of the East,' the city of Udaipur has a fairy tale setting around the stunning Lake Pichola. With grandiose palaces, quaint heritage havelis and serene waterfronts, this city abounds in culture, heritage, natural beauty and history.
After breakfast, you will venture into the bygone era of Maharajas and royalty on your visit to the historic City Palace and the Monsoon Palace of Sajjan Garh situated on a hilltop. In the evening, you will enjoy a cruise on the shimmering Lake Pichola surrounded by seductive lights of ancient palaces and their dancing reflections.
After breakfast, you will drive 3 hours to Deogarh. On arrival you will be assisted with your hotel check-in. In the evening, you can explore the town and the magnificent Deogarh Mahal. The Heritage Palace rises majestically on a hill surrounded by rolling plains complete with turrets, jharokhas and majestic gateways. Built over 300 years ago, it is now fabulously restored into a luxury hotel.
After breakfast you will drive 4 hours to reach Jaipur and you will be assisted in your hotel check-in by our travel counsellor. The city of Jaipur is a cultural treasure trove brimming with resplendent forts and palaces, royal monuments, colourful bazaars and intriguing stories of courage and valour. Feel free to have a leisurely evening here.
After breakfast you will visit the magnificent Amber Fort. Enter this fort resonating with Rajputana history and culture by Jeep back. In the afternoon, tour the City Palace and its museum, the historical observatory of Jantar Mantar and the popular landmark, Hawa Mahal or the palace of winds. You can also explore the busy bazaars of Jaipur which have always charmed visitors from across the globe.
After breakfast, you will undertake the 5 hour drive to Agra. En route, you will stop to explore the magnificent fortified city of Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO world heritage site. This deserted city which is a charismatic blend of Indo-Islamic architectural styles will transport you to the intriguing Mughal era. Overnight stay at a hotel in Agra.
At sunrise you will be mesmerized by one of the finest edifices of Mughal architecture, the breathtaking Taj Mahal. Referred by Rudyard Kipling as "the embodiment of all things pure," this stunning ivory white structure stands tall as an ode to eternal love.
After breakfast, you will visit the massive Red Fort of Agra built by Emperor Akbar and soak in its Mughal style of art and architecture. You can also walk around the busy local markets to shop for artifacts and marble handicrafts as souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones.
After an early breakfast you will be transferred to the Agra Railway Station to board the train to Jhansi. On arrival you will drive 4 hours to Khajuraho, stopping at Orchha en route.
Orchha means 'a hidden place' and true to its name, this historical town is one of the best kept secrets of Indian tourism. It has spectacular temples, grand palaces and charming cenotaphs built in a unique Mughal-influenced Rajput architectural style that you can explore.
On reaching Khajuraho in the evening, conclude your day with a dramatic sound and light show presenting the history of Khajuraho temples.
Built between 950 - 1050, the group of 20 temples of Khajuraho showcases the greatest masterpieces of medieval Indian architecture. You will visit the Western, Eastern and Southern group of Hindu and Jain temples. Their architectural precision, expressive frescos and sculptural detailing celebrating eroticism and sensuality are bound to leave you speechless!
Later you will drive 5 hours to reach the Bandhavgarh National Park. On arrival we will assist in your check-in at a Jungle lodge.
This world-renowned National Park is extremely rich in biodiversity with the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers in the world. The former hunting ground of Maharajas of Rewa, the forests are thriving with jackals, foxes, sloth bears, deer, wild boars, leopards. These animals and the large variety of flora make Bandhavgarh a perfect destination for wildlife safaris, birding and excursions.
Accompanied by a local naturalist, you can enjoy thrilling jeep safari's in the morning and evening. Relax in the Jungle Resort at night.
Take adventurous elephant or jeep safari's to spot a large number of primate bird species and wild predators roaming in their natural environment into the jungles of the Bandhavgarh National Park. You will be accompanied by a naturalist both in the morning and evening. Unwind in the Jungle Resort at night.
In the morning enjoy one last exciting foray into the forests with an expert guide to increase your chances of spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger. Soak in the unparalleled natural beauty your surroundings and enjoy a bit of bird watching amid melodious bird songs. Then you will leave for the Katni Railway Station to board an overnight train to Delhi.
On arrival at the Delhi Railway Station, you will be assisted by our travel counsellor for Hotel transfer and check-in. Delhi is the flamboyant and colorful heart of India. On one hand there is old Delhi steeped in history and culture and New Delhi on the other brimming with art houses, multinationals and the fast modern way of life. Enjoy a leisurely day relaxing in your hotel.
You will explore the tangled old streets of Chandni Chowk on a rickshaw accompanied by our guide. Experience the magic of Old Delhi with its crumbling havelis, timeworn places of worship and swarming bazaars. Then step into the royal world of Mughal creativity and power at Red Fort which has a fascinating blend of Islamic, Persian, and Hindu architectural influences.
You will visit Humayun's tomb, a sublime monument said to have been the inspiration for TajMahal. After visiting the soaring victory tower of QutubMinar you can also pay your respects to Mahatma Gandhi, the man who taught the world the power of non-violence at Rajghat.
You will be transferred to the Delhi International airport to take a flight to your onward destination.
