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(17 nights / 18 days)
Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Bharatpur - Agra - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Nagpur - Mumbai
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of Group Tours to India and escorted to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.
Day 2: Delhi
Delhi is a bustling metropolis where history mingles with modernity. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, Delhi is a conglomerate of seven cities. It was the seat of power of many famous dynasties such as those of Chauhan, Slave, Khilji, Mughal and finally the capital of the British. The division between the walled city and Imperial New Delhi is also distinct and marks a clear demarcation in lifestyles. You can get a view of the tradition, colors and charm of the past in the walled city whereas New Delhi is a modern city trying its honest best to live up to the standards of 21st century.
In the morning, embark on a city tour of Old and New Delhi.
The tour of the old city includes the great mosque of Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and the final piece of architecture involving extravagance of Shah Jahan. Stroll down the labyrinths of the colorful shopping bazaar of Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Street"). Visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India's Independence.
The excursion to New Delhi includes the Humayun's Tomb, considered to be the precursor of the famous Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath ("the Kingsway"), passing the India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate those soldiers killed in the World War I), the Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Parliament House. Enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colorful Hindu temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Delhi-- Jaipur
After breakfast travel to Jaipur by road. Upon arrival you will be met a representative of Group Tours to India and escorted to the hotel. Later embark on a city tour.
Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and is always at its exuberant best in terms of color, dance, and song with the traditional arts and crafts. A well planned cities, with straight wide avenues following a grid system of roads, streets and lanes. Founded by the great astronomer king Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century, this pink city is a dream tourist destination for those who wish to enjoy the colors of life.
Transfer to the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," one of the most photographed monuments in the world. Overlooking the main street of the old city, the monument is a fine example of Rajput architecture and was built to enable the royal ladies to watch the processions and every day life of the city. The City Palace, located in the canter of the old city, is a large compound of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and also houses an interesting museum. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose penchant for astronomy was even more famous than his military prowess.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Jaipur
After taking breakfast excursion to the city includes ride the painted elephant to the magnificent fortress-palace at Amber. Once the royal capital, the fort is a fine example of the perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 Jaipur/Ranthambore
(Approx. 157 Kms. - 3 hrs.)
Morning drive to Ranthambore. The Ranthambore Tiger Sanctuary is one of the fine examples of the "Project Tiger" conservation efforts. On arrival check in at hotel.
Day 07 Ranthambore
Full day to explore the park. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 Ranthambore
National park Timings Morning (0630hrs. - 0930 hrs.)
Evening (1430 hrs. - 1730 hrs.)
Nestled in the Aravali hills, amidst of the arid plains and rugged tracts of the royal state of Rajasthan, lies Ranthambore National Park, a haven for the adventure seeker and the wildlife watcher. The park boasts some of the best wildlife sightings Asia has to offer. The park has also three major lakes - Rajbaugh, Milak talao and Padam talao, which serve as watering holes for the animals. The imposing Ranthambore fort adds to the grandeur of the park. Among the animals, birds and reptiles that can be spotted in Ranthambore are the tiger - the star attraction for sure - the sambar, leopard, chinkara, blue bull, chital, jackal, hyena, caracal, fox, jungle cat, sloth bear, ratel, langur and wild boar.
The park is also home to over 300 species of bird - like parakeets, peafowl, storks, partridges, egrets, eagles, flycatchers, owls and migratory varieties in the winter months that include the greylag goose, black eagle, ruddy shelduck, pintails can be spotted. This morning go for a jungle safari by open canter. Return back to hotel for breakfast. After lunch, have another jungle safari. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09 Ranthambore /Bharatpur/Agra
(Appx. 238 kms. - 6 ½ hrs.)
(Keoladeo National Park open at 0630 hrs. till 1800 hrs.)
Morning drive to Agra via Bharatpur. Bharatpur is home to India's most famous bird sanctuary. A total of 400 species of birds have been recorded, most famous of which is the Siberian Crane. Lunch at the hotel before driving to Agra. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 Agra
This morning embark upon a full-day city tour of Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Itamad Ud Daula's tomb. Proceed to the Agra Fort (also called Red Fort), noted for its fine views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River. Then move on to the Taj, the single most important sight a visitor to India can see. The most extravagant monument ever built for love, Taj was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal.
The Itamad Ud Daula's tomb was built by Empress Noor Jahan, consort of Jehangir, in memory of her father, Ghiyas Beg, also the Chief Minister in the Court of Mughal Emperor Jehangir. The monument is beautifully conceived in white marble, mosaic, and lattice. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11 Agra/ Khajuraho
After taking breakfast transfer to the airport to take a flight to Khajuraho, the cultural and political capital of the Chandela Rajputs, which flourished between the 9th and the 13th centuries. The erotic sculptures of the Khajuraho temples are famous in the world. Embracing couples, dancers, musicians and provocative maidens adorn these temples, which have been masterpieces of Indian Art. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13 Khajuraho/ Bandhavgarh
Early morning drive to Bandhavgarh. Situated at the foothills of the Vidhya ranges, Bandhavgarh National Park is the habitat of tiger, spotted deer, barking deer, sambar, chausingha, nilgai, guar, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, jackal, leopard, and a wide variety of bird life. If you are granted permission by the Rewa's royal family, you can visit the fort. The wonderful carvings in the fort and the fabulous view from the top cannot be described only experienced. Overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 13 Bandhavgarh
Have a full day of jungle activities. Overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 14 Bandhavgarh / Kanha
After taking breakfast and checking out of the hotel, drive to Kanha National Park. Located in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, the park covers an area of 940 sq. km. Of particular interest during your stay will be sightings of the superb gaur, the remarkably elegant blackbuck, the hard ground barasingha and the ever-present langur. About 22 species of large mammals can be spotted within the park and the bird life is equally extraordinary. Overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 15 Kanha
Full day jungle safari, on elephants. Overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 16 Kanha/Nagpur//Mumbai
Drive to Nagpur and transfer to Nagpur airport to connect evening flight for Mumbai. On arrival at Bombay airport, you will be met by a Group tours to India representative and transferred to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 17 Mumbai
Morning drive to the harbor to visit the Elephanta Islands. Sightsee the cave temples, dating back to the 8th century BC, these shrines are dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Afternoon tour to the city includes the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum, and some other places of attraction. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 18 Depart Mumbai
Transfer to Mumbai International airport to connect flight back home.
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