Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Jaipur - Amer - Ranthambhor - Bharatpur - Keoladeo Ghana National Bird Sanctuary - Agra - Orcha - Bhandavgarh National Park - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Kashi - Delhi
Day 01 : Delhi
Arrival Delhi in the morning. "Namaste" a warm welcome to India, a sincere greeting with a bow and folded hands. Transfer to a 5-star hotel in New Delhi. After a short break we embark on our first journey to discover India. Our introduction to India will be by a " Rickshaw" ride a mode of transport used in small towns and in Old Delhi.
We head for a guided city tour to the most interesting sights of the city that is the Red Fort a fort made of red sand stone which once housed the world famous PEACOCK throne and the Jama Masjid mosque. Welcome Dinner at the old Hauz Khas village complex overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02 : Jaipur
We leave for the pink city of Jaipur arriving for lunch. After lunch day at leisure to explore the streets and bazars of Jaipur.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : Amer
We visit the city palace, the palace of winds and then proceed to Amer fort the ancient capital of Jaipur built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh in red sandstone and marble. It has some very intersting apartments like the Sheesh Mahal the glass canopy apartments and Jai Mandir, Sukh Niwas Baodi etc.
The highlight of this trip is the elephant ride up the ramparts of the fort just like the maharajas did. After this we visit the Jaigarh fort the armoury of the erstwhile state which houses the biggest cannon on wheels in the world. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 : Ranthambhor
Drive to Ranthambhor the finest national park of India arriving in the hotel in afternoon. Evening visit the old fort which overlooks the national park. Overnight hotel.
Day 05 : Ranthambhor
Ranthambore Morning & Evening drives in the park.
Day 06 : Bharatpur
Ranthambore - Bharatpur drive to Bharatpur the capital city of another racial community of India The Jats. Afternoon visit Bharatpur fort which is different from other Rajasthan forts as it has thick mud walls which the British army could not break despite laying a seige for 4 months.
Day 07 : Keoladeo Ghana National Bird Sanctuary
Full day bird watching in possibly the biggest bird sanctuary in the world Keoladeo Ghana National. To take in the essence of the park you need to divide your trips into different times of the day, Early morning take in spectacular sightings of large flocks of water birds & their exquisite birdsongs. At dusk catch the elusive bird (night herons ,bitterns & owls). Post lunch catch the python basking in the sun.Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 : Agra
Take the road for Agra Enroute we visit the ancient city of Fathepur Sikri built by Emperor Akbar as thanks giving for the saint who blessed him with a son. In the afternoon check in to the hotel. After a short break leave for the Agra Fort. The fort where Emperor Shajahan the builder of Taj was held captive by his son Emperor Aurangzeb, who had usurped the throne of India. One can see the magnificant Taj from the quarters in which the emperor was jailed. Before sunset visit the Taj a monument of Love and romance. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 : Orcha
Take an executive class airconditioned train to Jhansi drive to Orcha the old capital of the Bundhela Kings who were the contempories of the Mughal Emperors. Check into the hotel on the banks of the river. Go exploring the marvels of Bundhelkhand. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 : Bhandavgarh National Park
Some more exploring later in the day take the train to Katni / Umaria. Disembark for Bhandavgarh National Park. Afternoon take the first drive into the park if luck favours us we will sight the Tiger. As the concentration of tiger population is highest in this park hence our chances of sighting. Overnight at hotel / camp.
Day 11 : Bhandavgarh National Park
Full day for the park. We will take two trips into the park. Early morning on elephant back, post lunch & evening in jeeps.
Day 12 : Khajuraho
Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho. Drive to Khajuraho the citadel of power of the Chandela Kings in 10th &11th century. Khajurao has been declared a World Heritage Site. Though famous for its Erotic temple sculpture Khajurao is much more then just Kamasutra. The question which comes to mind is how could any society approve of such eroticism in a place of worship. To answer this question only a visit to khajurao can do. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 : Varanasi
Walk the streets of Khajurao leave for the airport around 11:30 A.M. to catch the flight for Varanasi the oldest living city in India and one of the worlds most ancient previously known as Kashi in the times of Puranas and Vedas. Its also the second most important religious city on the Ganges. After check in and a short break visit the bazar of Benaras which is an experience of a life time even for the Indians living in other cities. Varanasi is a city which can not be described it can only be experienced. Around sunset take a visit to the ghats (Banks of river ganga) and a boat ride in the Ganges to see the AARTI (culmination of the days prayers with lamps) which are offered to the mother Ganga and left to float in the river. It's a spectacle seen nowhere else in the world. It seems that stars are floating in the river.
Day 14 : Kashi
Early morning again visit the ghats before sunrise to see people praying to the Sun god another experience of its kind. After breakfast visit Kashi Vishwanath temple the most important temple of Lord Shiva in India Saranath where lord Budha preached his first Sermon. It was here he revealed the eight fold path of Nirvana.
Day 15 : Delhi
Varanasi - Delhi In the morning take another river cruise on the Ganges. In the evening, fly to Delhi to catch your international flight.
