Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport assistance & transfer to hotel (check in/out time 12pm). Rest time free for 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 (210km)

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 - Jaipur (245km)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Jaipur via visiting Fatehpur Sikri an abandoned predominately a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area. See the graceful buildings including Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bai Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & Buland Darwaza. Next visit Abhaneri a small village popular for India`s deepest, largest and amazing step well & a Hindu Temple. 

Drive to Jaipur check in at hotel. Evening explore the local market of Pink City. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 5: Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel. City tour of Jaipur the first planned city of India. Established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the king of Amber when he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city. In 1876, the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur and the entire Jaipur city was painted in pink the symbolic colors of hospitality to welcome him. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple.

In morning visit Amber Fort followed by Jaigarh Fort. Later visit City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal, Sisodia Rani Garden & Birla temple. Explore the famous bazaars of Pink City with its rich history and heritage exudes an amazing mix of royalty and art. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 6: Jaipur - Ranthambore (155km)

Breakfast at hotel. drive to Ranthambore National Park & check in & overnight at hotel. Visit Ranthambore Fort built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century. The fort encompass temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls, numerous cenotaphs, ruins and abandoned settlements overcome by nature testament to battles and romances of an era long gone. The fort is also related to the historical legend of the royal women performing jauhar (self-immolation) when the Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji laid siege on this fort in 1303. Lunch, dinner and Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 7: Ranthambore

Breakfast at hotel. Head into Ranthambhore Park twice to enjoy game drives through the rugged terrain which is home to lots of wildlife, including the elusive Bengal tiger. Your game drives are early in the morning and then early evening, when animals at their most active. 
Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the world`s best known wilderness areas at the junction of some of the geologically oldest mountain ranges, the Aravallis and Vindyas. Once a private game reserve of the royal house of Jaipur Ranthambore offers some of the finest opportunities for sighting the magnificent tiger in the wild. A mix of rolling hills and crags, and meadows, lakes and rivulets, this dry-deciduous forest system is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Apart from the tiger, you can also spot sloth bear, leopard, caracal, jackal, fox, hyena, Indian wolf and mongoose. The dainty chital, sambhar deer, the blue bull antelope, rhesus macaque, langur and an incredible variety of birds amidst a setting of dhok, fig and banyan trees makes a visit to this park a delight for tourists and naturalists alike. Basking crocodiles, king vulture on a snag, the scream of the serpent eagle, the alarm call of spotted deer are some sights and sounds that make this safari experience like none other. Lunch, dinner and Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 8: Ranthambore - Orchha (300km)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Orchha via visiting Madhav Palace a quaint palace that has the colonial touch. George castle built for a short stay of King George V. Collectorate of Shivpuri and memorial of Tatya Tope. The Chhatris of royals Scindia king and queen. Flanked by the Mughal gardens with path adorned with picturesque fencing. The chhatris are a great blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. In order to give a similar effect like Taj Mahal, the cenotaph of Madho Rao Scindia is ornamented with precious & semi-precious stone and gemstone.

Arrive Orchha check in at hotel. Evening boat ride on River Betwa. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 9: Orchha - Khajuraho (190km)

Breakfast at hotel. City tour of 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. 

Drive to Khajuraho checks in at hotel. Rest time free to relax. Evening watch the light and sound show. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Khajuraho - Panna National Park (45km)

Breakfast at hotel. 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.

Later drive to Panna National Park check in dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Panna NP - Bandhavgarh National Park (205km)

Breakfast at hotel. Game drive gypsy safari in tiger reserve with naturalist. The park is located where the tropical and subtropical forest belts are found. River Ken runs through this relatively dry national park providing water to the wildlife throughout the year. Many rare species and endangered species can be spotted in this park. You can spot the majestic tiger, the ghariyal - a huge reptile found only in the Indian subcontinent, Indian wolf, four-horned antelope, sloth bear pangolin, rusty spotted cat, leopard, carcal and a variety of flora and fauna. There are six species of vulture found in this park.

Also visit the magnificent Pandav Falls inside the park a perennial fall fed by a tributary of the river Ken. The falls cascades down from a height of about 30 meters into a heart shaped pool. Surrounded by lush green forests. At the foot of falls there are some ancient caves overlooking a large pool of water. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata are believed to have spent a part of their exile here. 

Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park check in Lunch, dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 12: Bandhavgarh NP

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 13: Bandhavgarh NP - Kanha National Park (215km)

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

 

Day 14: Kanha NP

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 15: Kanha NP - Pench National Park (200km)

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

 

Day 16: Pench NP

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 17: Pench NP - Satpura National Park (200km)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Satpura National Park, check in at hotel. 
Later visit Panch Pandav Caves, these caves are believed to provide shelter to the Pandavas during their exile period. These 5 caves also became a shelter to some Buddhist monks in 1st century AD and thereafter it is considered to be religious by Buddhists as well. Jata Shankar Caves, considered sacred as they are popularly believed to be the place where Lord Shiva concealed himself from the wrath of Bhasmasur. The caves boast of a natural Shivalingam under the shadow of a massive rock and the stone formation in the cave closely resemble the mythological hundred headed snake Seshnag. Sunset visit Dhoopgarh the highest peak in the Satpura Range. It has an altitude of 1350 m. It is not only the highest point of Pachmarhi but also the highest point of central India. It is an amazing experience to see the sunset at Pachmarhi. Lunch, dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 18: Satpura NP (Pachmarhi)

Breakfast at hotel. 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. Lunch, dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 19: Satpura NP - Bhimbetka - Bhopal (190km)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Bhopal enroute visit Bhimbetka rock shelters an archaeological site dating back to the Paleolithic age inhabited by the homo erectus more than 100,000 years ago. Bhimbetka is a world heritage site and houses one of the oldest cave paintings in the world, a must-visit site for all history enthusiasts. Next visit Bhojpur an incomplete 11th CE Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The construction was abandoned for unknown reasons, with the architectural plans engraved on the surrounding rocks. It houses a 7.5 feet high lingam in its sanctum, considered to be one of the finest examples of temple architecture in the region. 

Continue drive to Bhopal check in & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 20: Bhopal

Breakfast at hotel. 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 & 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 21: Bhopal - Delhi/ Departure

Breakfast at hotel. 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. 

Later transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi.

Assistance on arrival at airport.

20 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.

Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

Total 14 time gypsy safri in tiger reserve as per itinerary (shared with small group of upto 6 person).

Bottled drinking water in car.

Government taxes.

 

Hotels used or similar for 20 nights accommodation

Delhi x 2 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Emarald Hotel
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Agra x 1 nights
3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Atulyaa Taj
4* - Radission Hotel/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
5* - Trident Hotel/ Courtyard by Marriott

Jaipur x 2 nights
3* - Redfox Hotel/ Park Ocean
4* - Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre/ Lemon Tree Premier
5* - ITC Rajputana/ Hilton Jaipur

Ranthambhore x 2 nights
3* - Tiger Machan Resort/ Sher Vilas
4* - Ranthambhore Regency/ WH Ranthambore Mount Valley Resort
5* - Nahargarh Ranthambore/ Dev Vilas

Orchha x 1 night
3* & 4* - Orchha Resort/ Amar Mahal 
5* - Orchha Palace and Convention Centre x 1 night

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

Panna National Park x 1 nights
3* - Greetoe Resorts
4* - Tuli Tiger Corridor/ Pench Jungle Camp
5* - Sarai at Toria/ Pugdundee Safaris Pench Tree Lodge

Bandhavgarh National Park x 2 nights
3* - Infinity Resort Tiger Trails Resort
4* - Lemon Tree Wild Life Resort/ Syna Tigir Resort
5* - Pugdundee Safaris - Kings Lodge/ Samode Safari Lodge

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

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

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

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

Bhopal - Delhi flight fare approx. INR 5,500 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.