The Discovery Journey to
Wild India
Experience the drama of wild India as the forest and the grasslands come alive with the sounds of Sambar deer crunching on grass, the pounding hoofs of the guar, playful langur leaping from branch to branch... suddenly a hush descends announcing the arrival of one of the world's most magnificent creatures - the wild tiger. Take a journey through three Project Tiger Reserves - Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Ranthambhore - for thrilling wildlife adventures via safari vehicles or elephant back. Explore cities and rural villages, and ancient forts, temples and palaces surrounded by vibrant colors and exotic cultures. Record your adventures while staying at lodges and hotels exuding old-world charm and elegance.
Days 1/2/3 - New York/Delhi
Your overnight flight arrives the next evening in Delhi, where you are escorted to your hotel. Spend the next two days touring the city. Respectfully, view the memorial marking the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, see the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and the soaring tower of Qutab Minar. Your luxury hotel is situated amidst lush gardens in the exclusive Diplomatic Enclave of New Delhi. TAJ PALACE HOTEL. (Meals Aloft; B; B)
Day 4 - Old Delhi
This morning, explore ‘Old Delhi’ with a labyrinth of streets crowded with rickshaws before flying to Nagpur this afternoon. TULI INTERNATIONAL HOTEL. (B,L,D)
Days 5/6/7 - Nagpur/Kanha National Park
Get set to discover India’s immense wildlife as you drive 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) where grazing Sambar deer mingle with the largest of all wild cattle – the gaur. By open 4x4 vehicles 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, 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 colorful plumage of the Racquet-tailed Drongo. If a tiger is sighted, a ‘tiger show’ on elephant back is included. 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
Your drive now takes you to Bandhavgarh National Park. Explore via open 4x4 vehicles and discover an additional 22 wildlife species, including chital (spotted deer), chausingha (four-horned antelope), Chinkara (Indian gazelle), rhesus macaque, black-faced langur, hyena and wild boar. Look for the Malabar Grey Hornbill in forested areas, and to the skies for the soaring Steppe Eagle, just some of the 150 bird species. Wander through historic remains dating back to the mythological era of Ramayana and the Kalchuri period. Return to your lodge where deer may sometimes be found wondering through the grounds. 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 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 spiral superstructures that reflect the gradually rising Himalayan peaks. Detailed stone reliefs depict village life, 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)
Day 12 - Orchaa
This morning you will tour the Western group of Temples, the most significant of them being the Kandariya Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later drive to Orchaa, a well preserved medieval township built in the 16th century. See Rajmahal with its beautiful murals, the Laxmi Narayan Temple and the Jehangir Mahal, and enjoy viewing of village life, all the while staying at the lovely AMAR MAHAL HOTEL. (B)
Days 13/14 - Jhansi/Agra
Further sightseeing in the area this morning before continuing to Jhansi to board the Shatabdi Express to Agra, arriving in the evening. Your rail journey is part of a chain of fast, intercity trains that link major cities and offer facilities for quick and comfortable travel. Next day begin with a sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal. Perhaps no other historical monument has evoked as much awareness and admiration from tourists and travelers alike as the magnificent Taj Mahal. An architectural wonder that took 22 years to build, it is fondly considered the ultimate requiem of love, from a great Mughal Emperor to his beloved wife. It doesn’t take much for the wandering eye to discover that there's more to Agra than just the fabled Taj Mahal. The city is a virtual gateway to a world of historic discovery. Spend this morning uncovering its fabled past as you explore the monuments, the majesty of the buildings and the exquisite arts and crafts, including the Red Fort and the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Return to the hotel this afternoon. A sunset viewing of the Taj Mahal is also possible. THE TAJ VIEW HOTEL. (B Daily)
Days 15/16 - Delhi/New York
Return to Delhi via the Jan Satabdi Express, where a day room awaits you at the TAJ PALACE HOTEL. The remainder of your day is at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight home taking with you wild memories of roaring tigers. (B,D; Meals Aloft)
Pre-Extension to Kaziranga National Park
Kick off your wild adventure by searching for the one-horned rhino in the swamps, dense forests and tall thickets of elephant grass in Kaziranga National Park. A World Heritage Site, it is home to the largest population of this prehistoric survivor. In 4x4 open vehicles and by elephant (subject to availability and may include additional cost), you'll explore this incredible habitat for the one-horned rhino, as well as elephant, sloth bear, leopard, jungle cat, capped langur, hoolock gibbon and gaur.
Post-Extension to Rajputana
Get wild about the fascinating tribes and historic structures of western India. Explore the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, the staggering array of 400 temples in Pushkar and the Rajput-era palaces of the lake city of Udaipur. Long known as an archaeological haven, it is also a cultural melting pot where different tribes of people have settled, from the nomadic to the forest dwellers. Stroll through colorful bazaars and treat yourself to vibrantly-colored silk saris.
Your Journey Includes:
- All local flights within India per itinerary and Shatabdi Express to Agra.
- Superior or best available accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Breakfasts daily and other meals per itinerary. Complimentary bottled water at meals and while touring.
- Transportation in cities and sightseeing drives by air-conditioned motorcoach.
- Services of English-speaking local guide for all city sightseeing.
- Accompanied by professional naturalist with a minimum of ten travelers.
- Wildlife viewing by 4x4 open vehicles or by elephant (dependant upon availability & may be at additional cost).
- All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All entry fees to national parks, wildlife reserves and points of interest.
- Visits to Sanskriti Kendra in Delhi and Agra Bear Rescue Facility.
- Complimentary baggage tags and passport wallet.
2009 |
Jan 23 -
|
Feb 19 - |
Mar |
Apr 17 - |
Oct |
Oct 30
|
Dec |
Main Trip |
$6,195 |
$6,195 |
$6,195 |
$5,495 |
$6,895 |
$6,895 |
$6,995 |
SRS |
$2,295 |
$2,295 |
$2,295 |
$1,695 |
$2,495 |
$2,495 |
$2,495 |
Airfare |
$1,900 |
$1,900 |
$1,900 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
Pre- |
$2,195 |
$2,195 |
$2,195 |
$1,895 |
$2,395 |
$2,395 |
$2,395 |
SRS |
$1,095 |
$1,095 |
$1,095 |
$895 |
$1,195 |
$1,195 |
$1,195 |
Post- |
$2,495 |
$2,495 |
$2,495 |
$1,795 |
$2,795 |
$2,795 |
$2,795 |
SRS |
$1,195 |
$1,195 |
$1,195 |
$695 |
$1,395 |
$1,395 |
$1,395 |
*SRS means Single Room Supplement
For more information or reservations, please contact:
Classic Escapes at (800) 627-1244