Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport assistance & transfer to hotel. (Standard hotel check in time 12pm, early check in subject to room availability). Rest time free to relax and personal activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 2: Delhi

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the majestic Red Fort (closed on Monday) the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. 

In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun`s first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Bahai House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape. Also drive pass President House, Parliament & India Gate etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 3: Delhi - Agra (210kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Agra check in at hotel. 

Later visit Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Agra Fort the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. And Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 4: Agra - Bhopal (Satabdi Train 07.50/ 13.55hrs (6hrs))

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Agra railway station to board Satabdi train to Bhopal. 

On arrival at Bhopal railway station assistance and transfer to hotel. Later city tour of Bhopal famous for the pair of artificial Upper & Lower Lake that split the city. Towards the north of the lakes lie the intriguing old town with rustic mosques, bustling bazaars, serpentine alleys and exquisite havelis. To its south is the new town with swanky infrastructure, shopping complexes and wide roads. The city will catch your attention through its breathtakingly beautiful havelis and museums as well as Nawabi food. Visit two historic mosques the Jama Masjid a classic Islamic architecture with two tall minarets & Moti Masjid an architectural marvel. Only Muslim can enter Taj-Ul-Masjid a stunning and elegant architecture with enormous domes, a spectacular hallway and elegant minarets. 

Also visit arts center in Bharat Bhawan a centre of performing arts, a unique institution with an unparalleled and impactful architecture. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 5: Bhopal - Excursion to Sanchi (50kms one way)

Early morning visit Bhoj Wetland a Ramsar site consists of two lakes Upper and & Lower Lake a man-made reservoir and home to diverse flora & fauna. 179 species of birds, 43 species of fishes, over a dozen species of reptiles and amphibians (including five species of tortoise), 206 species of phytoplankton and 98 species of insects, all of which add up to a vibrant and thriving ecosystem. over a hundred sarus cranes (India`s largest avian species) have been observed congregating here. Other species sighted at this birders paradise are Eurasian wrynecks, roufous-tailed finch larks, white-throated kingfishers, white-bellied drongoes, black-headed orioles, western reef herons, grey-headed canary-flycatchers, Egyptian vultures and bay-backed shrikes.

Breakfast at hotel, drive. Excursion to visit Sanchi a serene hill crowned by a group of stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from 3rd BCE to 12th CE. Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO world heritage site is home to the relics of Buddha and his followers. Built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, it is a remarkable specimen of Buddhist art and architecture. Sanchi`s uniqueness lies in the fact that Buddha isn`t represented by figures but through symbols. 

Next visit Udayagiri Caves, early Hindu ritual site, extensively carved and reworked under the command of Chandragupta II, Emperor of the Gupta Empire, in the late 4th & 5th CE. Udayagiri has a series of rock-shelters and petroglyphs, ruined buildings, inscriptions, water systems, fortifications and habitation mounds, all of which have been only partially excavated. Drive back to Bhopal for overnight stay at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 6: Bhopal - Satpura National Park (50kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Satpura NP. Enroute visit Bhojeshwar Temple & Bhimbetka rock shelters an archeological site dating back to the Paleolithic age inhabited by the homo erectus more than 100, 000 years ago. 

Continue drive and check in at hotel. Later visit Panch Pandav Caves built by five Pandava brothers of Mahabharatha era. Sunset visit Dhoopgarh the highest peak in the Satpura Range. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 7: Satpura National Park

Morning and afternoon gypsy safari in the tiger reserve with naturalist. The forest of the Satpura ranges are rich in biodiversity and are inhabited by many endangered species. The high ranges of the Pachmarhi plateau are covered by Sal forests, whereas dense teak forests are spread over its lower hill ranges. This large land is an important habitat for tiger, Giant Squirrel, Indian Skimmer, Black Bellied Tern, Leaf - nosed Bat and more than 300 species of birds. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 8: Satpura National Park - Pench National Park (250kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning game drive. Later drive to Pench National Park check in at hotel. Lunch, dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 9: Pench National Park

Breakfast at hotel. Morning and afternoon gypsy safari in the tiger reserve with naturalist. The Pench National Park like it did in the iconic `The Jungle Book`, still brings humans in close contact with wildlife. The major carnivores are Tiger, leopard, wild cat, wild dog, hyena, jackal, fox, wolf & weasel among the vegetarian species, Gaur, Nilgai, Sambar, Chital, Chasinga, Chinkara & Wild Pig are prominent. River Pench divide the park into nearly two equal parts. This magnificent expanse shelters over 325 resident and migratory birds. Lunch, dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Pench National Park - Kanha National Park (200kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning game drive. Later drive to Kanha National Park check in at hotel. Lunch, dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Kanha National Park

Breakfast at hotel. Morning and afternoon gypsy safari in the tiger reserve with naturalist. Kanha best known for its evergreen Sal forests, is home to about 300 species of Birds, 43 species of Mammals, 26 species of Reptiles and more than 500 species of Insects. The Major species found are hard ground Barasingha, Tiger, Leopard, Dhole, wild dogs, Bear, Gaur, Bison and Indian Python etc. Lunch, dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 12: Kanha National Park - Bandhavgarh National Park (220kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning game drive. Later drive to Bandhavgarh National Park check in at hotel. Lunch, dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 13: Bandhavgarh National Park

Breakfast at hotel. Morning and afternoon gypsy safari in the tiger reserve with naturalist. This area is unique from the point of biodiversity, as it comprises hills, valley, rivers, marshes and meadows. Apart from highest density of Royal Bengal tigers in the world, 34 species of Mammals, nearly 260 species of birds and 70 species of butterfly are found in park. The remains of 2000 years old ancient Bandhavgarh Fort provide glimpse into its intriguing history where you will find several man made caves with inscriptions and rock paintings. Lunch, dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 14: Bandhavgarh National Park - Khajuraho (250kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Khajuraho check in at hotel.

Later visit well maintained UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring eastern, western & southern group of temples adorned by erotic and sensuous carvings. The architecture of these temples depict the erotic forms of love, the carvings on the walls display passion in the most sensuous yet aesthetic ways. Built between 950 to 1050 AD by Chandela dynasty the temples of Khajuraho are India`s unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world`s great artistic wonders. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 15: Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi/Delhi (Satabdi Train 18.30/ 23.55 (5.25hrs))

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Orchha a historical town known for its grand palaces, intricately carved temples adorned with classic mural paintings, frescos and cenotaphs that were constructed to commemorate the Bundela rulers. Visit the Orchha Fort complex, which houses a large number of ancient monuments. These are Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens and pavilions. Chaturbhuj Temple a multi-storied structure noted for having one of the tallest Vimana among Hindu temples. Chattris (Cenotaphs) situated on the banks of Betwa river, are magnificent royal tombs of the Maharajas, placed on a platform and supported by the pillars. 

After sightseeing transfer to Jhansi railway station to board satabdi train for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi railway station assistance and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 16: Delhi - Departure (Flight)

Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination. (Standard hotel check out time 11 AM). 

Assistance on arrival at airport.

15 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

Daily breakfast at hotels. Any other meal (lunch/ dinner) if clearly mentioned in the itinerary).

Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.

English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.

Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

Agra - Bhopal & Jhansi - Delhi train ticket in 1st class AC Train.

Total 12 Time gypsy safari in National Parks with forest department naturalist.

Bottled drinking water in car.

Government taxes.

 

Hotels used or similar for 15 nights accommodation

Delhi x 3 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Emarald Hotel
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Agra x 1 night
3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Amar Hotel
4* - Radisson Hotel/ Holiday Inn
5* - Courtyard by Marriott/ Trident Hotel

Bhopal x 2 night
3* - Lake View Ashok/ The Fern Residency
4* - Noor Us Sabha Palace/ Sayaji Bhopal
5* - Jehan Numa Palace/ Courtyard by Marriott

Satpura National Park x 2 night
3* - Satpura Jungle Retreat/ Hotel Satpura Safari
4* & 5* - Denwa Backwater Escape/ Forsyth Lodge

Pench x 2 night
3* - The Riverwood Forest Retreat/ Jungle Home
4* - Pench Jungle Camp/ Tuli Veer Bagh Resort & Spa
5* - Pench Tree Lodge/ Tathastu Resorts

Kanha x 2 night
3* - Infinity Kanha Wilderness/Soulacia Kanha
4* - Kanha Jungle Camp/ Kipling Camp
5* - Kanha Earth Lodge/ Singinawa Jungle Lodge

Bandhavgarh x 2 night
3* - Infinity Bandhavgarh Wilderness/ Bandhavgarh Meadows
4* - Lemon Tree Wild Life Resort/ Syna Tiger Resort
5* - Kings Lodge/ Tree House Hideaway

Khajuraho x 1 night
3* & 4* - Ramada/SYNA Heritage Hotel
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Hotel Chandela

Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi flight fare approx INR 10,500 per person in economy class.

Camera charges at monuments.

Meals other than mentioned in day plan.

Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

Gratuities & optional activities.

Anything not mentioned in inclusions.