India Wildlife and Heritage Expedition

ARRIVAL IN DELHI

GATEWAY TO INDIA: Your adventure begins upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport, where our representative will greet you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. Delhi, the capital of India, is a city shaped by centuries of conquest and culture, from the Mughals to the British. Today, Old and New Delhi coexist, offering a living testament to India’s rich heritage. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to soak in the energy and contrasts of this fascinating city.

Accommodations: The Surya or similar (Deluxe Room)

New Delhi

EXPLORING DELHI’S HERITAGE AND MODERNITY: Start your India Wildlife and Heritage Tour with a guided visit to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia. Then, navigate the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk on an authentic rickshaw ride, immersing yourself in the vibrant street life. Drive past the imposing Red Fort, followed by a visit to Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s serene memorial. In the afternoon, explore New Delhi’s colonial grandeur. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, an architectural masterpiece that served as a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Stroll through the lush Sunder Nursery, a beautifully restored Mughal-era heritage park. End your tour with a drive past India Gate, the Parliament Building, and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: The Surya or similar (Deluxe Room)

Jaipur

THE PINK CITY: After breakfast, embark on a journey to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. En route, stop at the Heritage Transport Museum, an engaging exhibit showcasing India’s transportation history. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel and explore this vibrant city, famed for its bustling bazaars, exquisite jewellery, and unique pink-hued architecture. Optional experiences include watching a Bollywood movie at the iconic Raj Mandir Cinema or attending the evening Aarti ceremony at Birla Temple for a spiritual experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Radisson or similar (Standard Room)

Jaipur

Jaipur

JAIPUR’S ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS: Your Jaipur adventure begins with a guided tour of Amer Fort, a spectacular hilltop fortress adorned with intricate carvings and the dazzling Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). En route, pause for a photo opportunity at the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a stunning five-storey façade designed for royal women to observe city life unnoticed. In the afternoon, visit City Palace, an architectural masterpiece and home to Jaipur’s royal family. Explore the Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory that remains functional today. Optional experiences include a Pink Tuk-Tuk ride through the walled city or visit a Blue Pottery workshop to witness Jaipur’s centuries-old artistic traditions.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Radisson or similar (Standard Room)

Agra

THE CITY OF THE TAJ MAHAL: Depart Jaipur and stop at Chand Baori, a mesmerising 9th-century stepwell in Abhaneri, renowned for its geometric symmetry. Continue to Bharatpur and enjoy a regal lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace, a heritage property that offers a glimpse into Rajasthan’s royal past. In the afternoon, visit Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent abandoned Mughal capital, where palaces and mosques remain impeccably preserved. Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel and prepare for an unforgettable experience in this city of love and legacy.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Grand Mercure or similar (Deluxe Room)

Agra

EXPLORING AGRA’S RICH HERITAGE: Begin your day with an optional visit to Mehtab Bagh, a tranquil riverside garden offering an unobstructed view of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Later, explore the majestic Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Mughal architectural brilliance through its towering red sandstone walls, elegant palaces, and grand courtyards. Enjoy a meaningful visit to Sheroes Hangout Café, a social enterprise run by acid attack survivors. Learn about their inspiring journeys of resilience and empowerment. In the evening, witness the Taj Mahal at sunset, when its white marble glows in golden hues, creating a mesmerising spectacle. Your local expert will share fascinating insights into its history, symbolism, and construction.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Grand Mercure or similar (Deluxe Room)

Khajuraho

THE JOURNEY THROUGH TIME: Board the Vande Bharat Express for Khajuraho, enjoying a comfortable high-speed train journey with breakfast served onboard. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the artistic grandeur of Khajuraho’s UNESCO-listed temples, renowned for their intricate stone carvings and architectural brilliance. Explore the Eastern Group of Temples, a collection of Hindu and Jain shrines celebrated for their detailed sculptures. Marvel at the craftsmanship of the Parsvanath, Adinath, and Ghantai Temples, each narrating stories of devotion, mythology, and artistic mastery. Your expert guide will illuminate the symbolism and cultural significance behind these extraordinary carvings, enriching your understanding of Khajuraho’s history.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Radisson or similar (Deluxe Room)

Khajuraho

Panna National Park

PANNA TIGER RESERVE EXPLORATION: Begin your day with a visit to the Western Group of Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, renowned for its intricate sculptures depicting human emotions and celestial beauty. Discover other architectural marvels, including the Lakshmana and Vishwanath Temples, which showcase the grandeur of Nagara-style architecture. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling wildlife safari in Panna Tiger Reserve, one of central India’s most diverse sanctuaries. Traverse the rugged landscapes, home to majestic tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and over 200 bird species. Experience an unforgettable journey along the Ken River, where crocodiles bask on the riverbanks and vibrant flora thrives against the backdrop of the Vindhya Hills.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bandhavgarh National Park

INTO THE WILD: Depart for Bandhavgarh National Park, one of India’s most renowned tiger reserves. With the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers, Bandhavgarh offers some of the best opportunities for tiger sightings in the country. Once a hunting ground for Maharajas, the park is steeped in history, featuring an ancient fort and enigmatic rock carvings hidden within the dense wilderness. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and take in the raw beauty of this untamed terrain. Later, your naturalist guide will introduce you to the park’s unique ecosystem, where lush sal forests, vast meadows, and rocky escarpments provide the perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife. Look out for elusive leopards, Indian bison, and endemic bird species. Enjoy a relaxing evening before an exciting day of wildlife exploration ahead.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Bandhav Vilas or similar (Deluxe Cottage)

Bandhavgarh National Park

WILDLIFE SAFARI IN BANDHAVGARH: Rise before dawn for an exhilarating jeep safari into Bandhavgarh’s core zones. With an expert tracker leading the way, venture deep into the jungle in search of elusive predators. Early mornings offer prime tiger-spotting opportunities, as these majestic creatures mark their territories or drink from waterholes. After a late breakfast at the lodge, spend the afternoon at leisure. Later, embark on another thrilling game drive, witnessing the jungle as it transforms at sunset. The sounds of the wild—rustling leaves, distant calls, and nocturnal creatures awakening—create an unforgettable atmosphere. This immersive expedition offers a rare and intimate connection with India’s most iconic wildlife species.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Bandhav Vilas or similar (Deluxe Cottage)

Kanha National Park

A WILDLIFE HAVEN: This morning, set off on a scenic drive to Kanha National Park, one of India’s most breathtaking and ecologically rich reserves. Spanning 940 sq. km, Kanha is home to the Bengal tiger, leopards, and the rare Barasingha deer, a species revived through remarkable conservation efforts. On arrival, visit Bamni Dadar, a famed sunset viewpoint that offers sweeping panoramic views of Kanha’s lush landscapes. As you traverse the dense Sal and Bamboo forests, your local expert will share insights into the park’s biodiversity and the traditions of the indigenous Baiga community. Check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Chitvan Jungle Lodge or similar (Cottage)

Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park

THE ULTIMATE TIGER SAFARI EXPERIENCE: Wake up early for an exhilarating jeep safari, exploring Kanha’s expansive grasslands, dense woods, and meandering streams. Your expert guide will help you track tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs as they move through the wilderness. As the morning mist lifts, witness over 300 bird species, including the striking Crested Serpent Eagle and Indian Grey Hornbill. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, enjoy some leisure time before setting off on your afternoon safari. With its diverse landscapes and thriving wildlife, Kanha offers one of India’s most authentic and rewarding wildlife experiences.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Chitvan Jungle Lodge or similar (Cottage)

Mumbai

URBAN ENCOUNTERS: Depart early for Jabalpur Airport to board a flight to Mumbai, India’s bustling financial capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant energy. Mumbai, often called the Gateway to India, is a fascinating blend of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. Its multicultural charm, dynamic pace, and thriving arts scene make it an essential stop on your India Wildlife and Heritage Tour. Enjoy an evening at leisure—explore Mumbai’s bustling markets and cafes, or simply unwind at your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Taj President or similar (Superior Room)

Mumbai

DISCOVERING MUMBAI’S ICONIC LANDMARKS: Embark on a guided tour of Mumbai’s cultural and historical treasures. Start at the Prince of Wales Museum (closed on Mondays), a repository of ancient artefacts, sculptures, and artworks. Next, visit Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi’s former residence, now a museum chronicling his life and contributions to India’s independence movement. Continue to the Gateway of India, a stunning colonial-era landmark built for King George V’s 1911 visit to India. Drive past Marine Drive, famously known as the Queen’s Necklace, and soak in the scenic beauty of Chowpatty Beach. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel and reflect on Mumbai’s rich heritage and cosmopolitan charm.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Taj President or similar (Superior Room)

Mumbai

DEPARTURE FROM MUMBAI

After an enriching expedition through India’s wilderness and cultural landmarks, it’s time to depart. At the scheduled hour, our representative will transfer you to Mumbai International Airport for your return flight home. This immersive journey through India’s finest tiger reserves, architectural wonders, and vibrant cities leaves you with a deep appreciation of the country’s biodiversity, heritage, and traditions.

Meals Included: Breakfast