Taj Tigers and Temple
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Duration : 16 Nights / 17 Days
Destination : Delhi - Jabalpur - Kanha - Bandavgarh - Khajuraho
- Orcha - Agra - Varanasi.
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DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI
You will be met and assisted on arrival in Delhi and transferred to your hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 02 DELHI
After breakfast in the morning proceed for the full day city tour of Old & New Delhi.
In Old city visit Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan; Jama Masjid, one of the
largest mosques in India; Raj Ghat- the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and enjoy a walking
tour in Chandni Chowk- the silver street of Delhi bustling with activity. In the
afternoon visit Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India; Humayun's Tomb built
in the Indo Persian style and a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra; India Gate
- A War Memorial Arch. Also drive past the President's house, Parliament house,
Government secretariat buildings and Connaught place - the heart of New Delhi and
a busy shopping center. Overnight is at the hotel.
DAY 03 TO JABALPUR
Spend the day in Delhi visiting some lesser-known monuments like Lotus Temple of
Bahai religion, Lakshmi Narayan Temple and National Museum. Relax in the afternoon
and get prepared for a long overnight journey to Jabalpur. Leave your hotel in the
evening and arrive at the railway station, where you will be assisted by our representative
to board your sleeper. Jabalpur lies in the huge central state of India, Madhya
Pradesh, about 106 miles from Kanha Tiger Reserve.
DAY 04 TO KANHA
On arrival at Jabalpur station we will travel a short distance to visit Chausath
Yogini Mandir, a 10th-century temple with stone carvings and enjoy a boat ride to
see the Marble Rocks; these white rocks, with views of black/ dark green volcanic
seams, rise to 30 m on either side of the Narmada River and provide a picturesque
breath of fresh air after the overnight rail journey. After a quick breakfast we
will transfer to our bus for 5- hour drive to Kanha. On arrival at Kanha, we will
settle in for our 3 night, -night stay and if time permits, an afternoon game drive
in the Park may bring our first Tiger encounter.
DAY 5 , 06 IN KANHA
There will be two safaris everyday in the park and one each on the day we check-in
and check-out. Kanha's sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering
streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour which form the core
of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. This is original
Kipling country of which he wrote so vividly in his Jungle Book. The same abundance
of wild life species exists today in Kanha National Park, as it must have when Kipling
roamed these parts. We will also visit the Kanha Museum, located inside the park,
contains fascinating, well-conceived exhibits relating to the entire ecosystem and
its fauna and flora. Outside the reserve we will be able to enjoy the area's birdlife
on foot (walking is not allowed inside any of India's Tiger Reserves, for obvious
reasons!). Thus, we shall aim to leave our lodge each morning at about 5.45 a.m.,
and will stay in the reserve until midday, when it closes during the hottest part
of the day.
In the 1930s, the Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries, Hallon and Banjar,
of 250 and 300 sq km each. Though one of these was subsequently disbanded, the area
remained protected until 1947. Depletion of the tiger population in the years that
followed led to the area being made an absolute sanctuary in 1952.
By a special statute in 1955, Kanha National Park came into being. Since then, a
series of stringent conservation programmes for the protection of the park's flora
and fauna has given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and
best administered National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wildlife
lovers and a true haven for its animal and avian population.
Kanha has some 22 species of mammals. Those most easily spotted are the Striped
Palm Squirrel, Common Langur, Jackal, Wild Pig, Chital or Spotted Deer, Barasingha
or Swamp Deer, Sambar and Black Buck. Tiger, Indian Hare, Dhole or Indian Wild Dog,
Barking Deer, Indian Bison or Gaur. Patient watching should reward the visitor with
a sight of: Indian Fox, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Mouse Deer,
Chausingha or four horned antelope, Nilgai, Ratel and Porcupine. Kanha also has
some 200 species of birds. Watchers should station themselves in the hills, where
the mixed and bamboo forests harbour many species, and in the grassy forest clearings.
Water birds can be seen near the park's many rivulets and at Sarvantal, a pool that
is frequented by water birds and the area in front of the museum. The Sal forests
do not normally yield a sight of Kanha's avifauna. Early mornings and late afternoons
are best for birdwatching; binoculars are an invaluable aid to the watcher.
DAY 07 TO BANDAVGARH
We will undertake a long journey today to travel to another of India's tiger reserves
known as BANDAVGARH. This is a small National Park; compact, yet full of game. The
density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. If
time permits, we will enjoy an afternoon jungle safari before retiring in our lodge
for the overnight stay.
DAY 08, 09 IN BANDAVGARH
Like in Kanha, here too we will enjoy two safaris everyday and one each on check-in
and check-out days. Besides, we will also pay a visit to the Fort. No records remain
to show when Bandhavgarh Fort was constructed. It is thought, however, to be some
2,000 years old, and there are references to it in the ancient books, the Narad-Panch
Ratra and the Siva Purana. Various dynasties have ruled this fort: for example,
the Maghas from the 1st century AD, the Vakatakas from the 3rd century; the Sengars
from the 5th century and the Kalchuris from the 10th century. In the 13th century
AD, the Baghels took over, ruling from Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharajah Vikramaditya
Singh moved his capital to Rewa. The last inhabitants deserted the fort in 1935.
This is also White Tiger country. These have been found in the old state of Rewa
for many years. The last known was captured by Maharajah Martand Singh in 1951.
This White Tiger, Mohun, is now stuffed and on display in the palace of the Maharajahs
of Rewa. The forest of Bandhavgarh can be classified as moist deciduous, and the
National Park holds all those animal species which are typical of this habitat in
Central India. Certain areas of the park (particularly the south and the west) are
drier in character, and hold such species as the Nilgai and the Chinkara. Sal forest
occurs throughout the valleys, giving way to mixed forest, which occurs where the
soil is of relatively poor quality on the upper hill slopes, on rocky outcrops and
in the South and West. Grassy meadow patches occur in the valley and along the nalas.
Covering 448 sq. km., Bandhavgarh is situated in Shahdol district among the outlying
hills of the Vindhya range. At the centre of the park is Bandhavgarh hill, rising
811 mt above MSL. Surrounding it are a large number of smaller hills separated by
gently sloping valleys. These valleys end in small, swampy meadows, locally known
as 'Bohera'. The lowest point in the park is at Tala (440 mt above MSL). The vegetation
is chiefly of Sal forest in the valleys and on the lower slopes, gradually changing
to mixed deciduous forest on the hills and in the hotter, drier areas of the park
in the south and west. Bamboo is found throughout.
Bandhavgarh is densely populated with tiger and other wildlife species. The great
Gaur, or Indian Bison, can be seen with ease, as they come onto the meadows to graze
at dusk; Sambar and Barking Deer are a common sight, and Nilgai are to be seen in
the more open areas of the park. There are more than 22 species of mammals and 250
species of birds. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaque represent the primate group.
Carnivores include the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose,
Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard and Tiger. The artiodactyls frequently sighted
are Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai, Chinkara and Gaur. Mammals
such as Dhole, the small Indian Civet, Palm Squirrel and Lesser Bandicoot Rat are
seen occasionally. Among the herbivores, Gaur is the only coarse feeder. The vegetation
along streams and marshes is rich in bird life. The common ones are Little Grebe,
Egret, lesser Adjutant, Sarus Crane, Black Ibis, Lesser Whistling Teal, White-eyed
Buzzard, Black Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Common
Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Dove, Parakeets, Kingfishers and Indian Rollers. Reptilian
Fauna include Cobra, Krait, Viper, Rat-snake, Python, Turtle and a number of lizard
varieties, including Varanus
DAY 10 TO KHAJURAHO
A 6 to 7 hours drive will bring us today to the world famous temples of Khajuraho,
known for their erotic sculpture on the walls. In the temple architecture of India,
the Khajuraho complex remains unique. One thousand years ago, under the generous
and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, 85 temples,
magnificent in form and richly carved, came up on one site, near the village of
Khajuraho. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the
completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity. Today, of the
original 85, only 22 have survived the ravages of time; these remain as a collective
paean to life, to joy and to creativity; to the ultimate fusion of man with his
creator.
DAY 11 IN KHAJURAHO
Spend the full day today walking around in the temple complex near your hotel. The
architectural style of the Khajuraho temples is very different from the temple prototype
of that period. Each stands, instead of within the customary enclosure, on a high
masonry platform. Combined with the upward direction of the structure, which is
further accentuated by vertical projections, the total effect is one of grace and
lightness, reminiscent of the Himalayan peaks. Each of the chief compartments has
its own roof, grouped in such a way that the highest is in the centre, the lowest
over the portico, a triumph of skill and imagination in recreating the rising peaks
of a range.
The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups: Western, Eastern
and Southern. The Western group is certainly the best known, because it is to this
group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs: The Kandariya
Mahadev. Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 km high. Though the four temples that
stand at the corners of the main shrine are now in ruins, the main shrine has an
exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes. Celestial beings, lovers
serenading musicians... movements captured in stone, frozen in time, yet retaining
a quality of warm, pulsating life. The very stone seems to have taken on the living,
breathing quality of the carved figures.
DAY 12 TO ORCHHA and TO AGRA
Drive 190 kms to Jhansi to connect your train to Agra in the evening. 25kms before
Jhansi you will stop at ORCHHA.
Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the
ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces
and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much
of their pristine perfection. Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela
Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river
as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was
Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned
by graceful chhatris. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs
is spectacular. Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are interiors
which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. In the Laxminarayan
Temple and Raj Mahal, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular
themes, bring the walls and ceilings to rich life.
After the sightseeing continue your drive to the station and connect Shatabdi Express
train to Agra, arriving at 2000hrs. Transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 13 IN AGRA
After breakfast in morning half day city tour of Agra city. Visit the red sandstone
Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna River enclosed
by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12- meter moat between them. Three successive
Mughal emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan - helped create this massive structure
which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture. Then proceed for the famous white
marble mausoleum, which was built in the middle of the 17th century by the Moghul
emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Visit the Taj Mahal surely the greatest
monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652,
skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers
worked for 17 years to build this edifice, constructed by emperor Shah Jehan as
a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Marble was brought from Makrana,
near Jodhpur and precious stones of onyx, amethyst, malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise,
jade, crystal and mother of pearl were carried to Agra from Persia, Russia, Afghanistan,
Tibet, China and the Indian Ocean. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight is at
the Hotel.
DAY 14 TO VARANASI
In time transfer to the airport to board a short flight to Varanasi. From airport,
straight proceed for a guided excursion to Sarnath - where lord Buddha preached
his first sermon. A major Buddhist centre, Sarnath lies 10 kilometres north east
of Varanasi. It was here that Buddha preached his message of the 'middle way' to
nirvana after achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya. In around 234 BC, Emperor Ashoka,
a great follower of Buddhism, erected a stupa here. Between the 3rd century BC and
the 11th century AD, several Buddhist structures were built here in Sarnath. Most
of the Sarnath's monuments are set in large gardens making it quite pleasant for
a visitor to spend some time here. Later check-in at your hotel.
DAY 15 IN VARANASI
Early in the morning, enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges. The most important
facet of this holy city is the river and the ghats lining its southern bank in the
city. From dawn to dusk, the ghats are thronged by thousands of devotees, who perform
their holy rituals in the hope of attaining salvation, the "Nirvana" Also visit
temples like Kashi Vishwanath temple - dedicated to Lord Shiva; Bharat Mata Mandir
- dedicated to Mother India; Durga temple - dedicated to Goddess Durga; Alamgir
mosque - originally a temple dedicated to Vishnu but now an odd mixture of Hindu
and Muslim architectural styles. Rest of the day is at leisure to walk around in
the crowded lanes and by lanes.
DAY 16 TO DEHI
Fly back to Delhi today and spend time in Delhi by the hotel's poolside.
DAY 17 DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport to connect onward flight. End of our services..
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