TAJ AND TIGER TOUR
Duration: 12 Days
Places to visit: New Delhi – Agra – Katni – Bandhavgarh – Kanha – Nagpur – New Delhi
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive New Delhi
On arrival at the airport in New Delhi you will be received by the representative of Nature Safari India who will then take you to the hotel. Overnight in New Delhi.
Day 2. New Delhi
Morning: A visit to Old Delhi and a cycle rickshaw ride are synonymous and must do things when visiting Delhi. The heart of Delhi beats with the hustle and bustle of people at work. Enjoy the pleasure of getting lost and confused in the narrow lanes of old Delhi. Other sights to see include the historic Red Fort and India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid (from outside). Return to the hotel for lunch or eat at an interesting restaurant in town.
Afternoon: Visit New Delhi, seeing the Qutab Minar, a tower of victory built in the 12th century and India Gate, the war memorial. Enjoy Lutyen’s Delhi and drive past the Rashtrapathi Bhawan, the residence of the President of India, the Houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings.
Overnight in New Delhi.
Day 3. New Delhi – Agra
In the morning complete any sightseeing and then drive to Agra, 220 km/5 hours. On arrival, check in to the hotel.
Agra: The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra are a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was the Mughal capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary crafts persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 4. Agra – Katni
Morning sight-seeing in Agra includes the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Be enchanted by the floral and geometrical patterns in the marble and the lapis-lazuli, cornelian, mother of pearl, agate and emeralds inlayed in the marble. See how the Quranic inscriptions on its four entrances are carved in such a subtle increase in size that appear to be of the same size from top to bottom. [The Taj Majal is closed on Fridays.]
The Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565, is a masterpiece of design and construction. The plan is semi-circular, like a bow, with the straight line of fortification running parallel to the river Yamuna. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including the Moti Masjid, Jahangir’s Palace, Khas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, died a prisoner.
In the evening take a 1st Class A/C Sleeper class overnight train to Katni (for Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve). Our representatives will assist you at the railway station and you will be provided with a packed dinner for the train.
Day 5. Katni – Bandhavgarh
Arrive Katni in the early morning. Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park, 95 km/2 hours. Afternoon game drive to the National Park. Meals and overnight at hotel.
Day 6. Bandhavgarh
Morning and afternoon game drives in the Park. All meals and overnight at hotel.
Bandhavgarh National Park lies in the North Eastern border of Madhya Pradesh and northern edges of the Satpura Mountain Ranges. This park contains 32 hills and a natural fort in the centre.
The National Park is mainly known for its tiger population. This is the place where the famous White Tigers of Rewa were discovered. The other wild attractions in the Park include Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Fox and Jackal. The reptile population in the Park includes cobras, kraits, vipers, ratsnakes, pythons, lizards and turtles. There are two primate species, the Rhesus Macaque and the Hanuman Langur.
At independence Bandhavgarh remained the private property of the Maharaja until he gave it to the state for the formation of the National Park in 1968. After the Park was created poaching was brought under control and the number of animals rose dramatically. Small dams and water holes were built to solve the problem of water shortage. Grazing by local cattle was stopped and the village within the park boundaries was relocated. The tigers, in particular, prospered and the 1986 extension provided much needed forest to accommodate them.
Day 7. Bandhavgarh
Morning and afternoon game drives in the Park. All meals and overnight in hotel.
Day 8. Bandhavgarh – Kanha
After breakfast depart for Kanha, 275km/6 hours drive. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 9. Kanha
Morning and afternoon safaris to the Park. All meals and overnight at hotel.
Kanha National Park, stretching over 940 sq km, is the largest National Park. The vegetation is chiefly made of sal and bamboo forests, grasslands and streams.This Park is the sole habitat of the rare hardground Barasingha, the population of which has recovered from the verge of extinction.
Kanha boasts numerous mammal species. Some species found here are Gaur – largest cattle, Sambar – largest Indian deer, Chausinga – the only four-horned antelope, Nilgai – antelope, Dhole – Indian wild dog, nocturnal Flying Squirrel and Sloth Bear. Some 200 species of birds inhabit the Park including the cattle egret, black ibis, hawk eagle, and the red-wattled lapwing.
Day 10. Kanha
Morning and afternoon safaris to the Park. All meals and overnight at hotel.
Day 11. Kanha – Nagpur – New Delhi
After breakfast drive to Nagpur, 275 km/6 hours, to board a flight to New Delhi. On arrival in New Delhi transfer to hotel. Overnight in New Delhi.
Day 12. Fly back home
Transfer to the international airport to board a flight back home.