Discover, Plan & Go!

Board your overnight flight to Delhi. Upon your evening arrival, you are escorted to your hotel. Spend the next two days touring the city, including ‘Old Delhi,’ surrounded by crumbling city walls and a labyrinth of streets crowded with rickshaws. Respectfully view the black marble memorial marking the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. See the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid, completed in 1656 A.D. and the magnificent fortress of the Red Fort, once the palace of the Moghul Empire and home to one of the first covered bazaars of the 17th century. Marvel at the India Gate , the architecture of Humayun’s Tomb and the soaring tower of Qutab Minar. Visit Sanskriti Kendra – a creative working space for artists that includes three unique museums. Your luxury hotel is situated amidst lush gardens in the exclusive Diplomatic Enclave of New Delhi. TAJ PALACE HOTEL. (Meals Aloft; B,D; B)

Days 5/6/7 NAGPUR/KANHA NATIONAL PARK

Fly to Nagpur then continue by vehicle to Kanha National Park, the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s famous novel, Jungle Book. The landmark achievements of this environmentally conscious park have been the preservation of the rare Barasingha (swamp deer), and the doubling of the tiger population since being named the first Project Tiger Reserve. Go to Bamni Dadar (Sunset Point) and see grazing Sambar deer and the largest of all wild cattle – the gaur. By open 4x4 vehicles (elephant safaris may be possible – additional costs may apply) investigate the varied terrain for thrilling sightings of prowling tiger while the barking deer snaps its alarm. Mongoose families dart warily, with possible jungle cat, python, dhole (wild dog) or jackal nearby. The bird show gets an early start on misty mornings with almost 200 species to look for, including the metallic green-blue plumage of the fearless Racquet-tailed Drongo. Situated in a mature Sal forest, your eco-friendly lodge is inhabited by colorful butterflies. KANHA JUNGLE LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 8/9/10 BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

Drive into the Vindhya Hills to Bandhavgarh National Park, known for its dense population of the famed white tiger. Declared a tiger reserve in 1993, spend three days exploring for your first glimpse of tiger. On wildlife drives in open 4x4 vehicles or from the back of an elephant, discover an additional 22 wildlife species, including chital (spotted deer), chausingha (four-horned antelope), Chinkara (Indian gazelle), rhesus macaque, black-faced langur, hyena, wild boar and Sambhar and barking deer. Look for the gregarious Malabar Grey Hornbill in forested areas, and to the skies for the soaring Steppe Eagle, just some of the 150 bird species found here. The park is also known for historic remains dating back to the mythological era of Ramayana and the Kalchuri period. In the evenings, return to your lodge adjacent to the park where deer may sometimes be found wondering through the grounds and the roar of a tiger may wake you at night. BANDHAVGARH JUNGLE LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

Day 11 KHAJURAHO

A scenic drive leads to Khajuraho, a World Heritage site where abundant date palm trees flourish amidst magnificent ancient temples constructed between the 9th and 12th centuries. Master craftsmen created extraordinary sculptures and murals in tribute to the Chandelas, and to celebrate the erotic state of being. Explore the Eastern Group of temples constructed with secondary and main spiral superstructures that reflect the gradually rising Himalayan peaks. Detailed stone reliefs depict village life including musicians, potters, farmers, as well as larger-than-life deities, such as the 11-headed Vishnu. Your haven of peace and tranquility is situated on eleven acres of lovely gardens. TAJ CHANDELA HOTEL. (B,L)

Days 12/13 JHANSI/ORCHAA/AGRA

This morning, tour the Western group of Temples, including Kandariya Mahadev – the largest and dedicated to Lord Shiva. En route to Jhansi is the medieval township of Orchaa constructed in the 16th century. Arrive in Jhansi and board the Shatabdi Express to Agra, established in 1475 A.D. Next day, see the eclectic architecture of the Red Fort and the ornate mausoleum, Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Witness the architectural wonder of love that took 22 years to build, the Taj Mahal. The stunningly designed temple of white marble with perfect balance and symmetry, elegant domes, intricate carved screens and expert inlay work will leave you breathless with its sensual beauty. Visit the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, a sanctuary for rescued bears created by the Wildlife SOS. Touched with old-world splendor in the heart of the city is your luxury hotel. MUGHAL SHERATON. (B,L,D; B)

Days 14/15/16 FATEHPUR SIKRI/JAIPUR

En route to Jaipur, visit the Red Sandstone City of Fatehpur Sikri built in the late 16th century and the Bulund Darwaza – the largest gateway in the world. Arrive at the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, founded in 1727 A.D. Explore Amber Fort, tour the vast complex of Jaipur’s City Palace, the 16th century Royal Observatory, the Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. Marvel at the colorful dress of the city’s residents and their incredibly sweet countenances as you stroll amidst a plethora of shops and market stalls. Your regal accommodations bring to life the grandeur of the Rajasthani experience with on-site puppet shows and folk dances. JAI MAHAL PALACE. (B Daily)

Days 17/18 DELHI/NEW YORK

Drive back to Delhi, where a day room awaits you at the TAJ PALACE HOTEL. The remainder of your day is at leisure before enjoying a farewell dinner. Afterwards, transfer to the airport and board your flight home with incredible memories of roaring tigers, ancient ruins and incredible people. (B,D; Meals Aloft)