Wildlife of India
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
Arrive in New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, and transfer to our comfortable hotel in the city. This evening we will have dinner and our orientation meeting. Overnight in New Delhi.
Day 2: City Tour of New & Old Delhi
We spend the day in Delhi, exploring some of the sights in both the "Old" and the "New" cities. In Old Delhi, we visit the Jama Masjid - India's largest mosque, and also enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, Delhi's famous "Silver Street". In New Delhi, we see the Qutab Minar, Gandhi's tomb, as well as see India Gate - the "Arc de Triomphe" that leads to the Indian Parliament, which we drive through. Overnight in New Delhi.
Day 3: Fly to Udaipur
Today we have an early morning flight to Udaipur. Udaipur is set in the Girwa Valley amidst the Aravalli Hills of south Rajasthan. Udaipur is a beautiful city, regarded by Indians and foreigners alike as one of the most romantic in India. It is a lovely city to explore with fairy tale white marble palaces, placid blue lakes and green hills that create a feeling of serenity. Udaipur is undoubtedly an oasis of colour in an arid region of India. Upon arrival we will have a walking tour of the small streets with a visit to an art studio for a demonstration of miniature paintings, an age old art form in Udaipur, symbolizing Rajasthan in many ways - colourful, detailed and opulent. In the evening we will attend a culture show followed by dinner. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 4: Udaipur
We have a full day to enjoy Udaipur and an opportunity to visit the City Palace. Located on the bank of the peaceful Lake Pichola, the City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, boasting an interesting blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture. Made of granite and marble, the palace is a wonderful assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. At sunset take a boat ride around the lake to get a different perspective of Udaipur's beautiful setting. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 5: Rabari Village Life Ranakpur
Today we drive to rural Rajasthan, which is home to the Rabari shepherds, a nomadic tribe of cattle herders. This area is also home to a big, but very shy cat - the elusive leopard. The leopard roams in the wild here, which makes for an exciting safari. Overnight in Ranakpur.
Day 6: Leopard Wildlife Safari
We enjoy both an early morning and afternoon jeep safari to explore the wildlife. The area of Ranakpur boasts vast and varied vegetation and wildlife including the elusive leopard and the mighty bluebull. Overnight in Ranakpur.
Day 7: To Ahmedabad
Today we will have a long drive to one of India's largest cities, Ahmedabad. The Sabarmati River divides the city into sections with the ancient architectural remains contrasting sharply with the modern mills and factories in the newer parts of the city. Overnight in Ahmedabad.
Day 8: To Sasan Gir National Park, Sabarmati 'Gandhi' Ashram
After breakfast we visit the Sabarmati Ashram, a simple ashram that has had a profound affect on India. The following is taken from the official website: It was also here on the 12 March 1930 that Gandhi launched the famous Dandi march 241 miles from the Ashram (with 78 companions) in protest of the British Salt Law, which taxed Indian salt in an effort to promote sales of British salt in India. This mass awakening filled the British jails with 60 000 freedom fighters. Later the government seized their property, Gandhi, in sympathy with them, responded by asking the Government to forfeit the Ashram. After our Ashram visit, will begin a long drive to Gir National Park. Besides Africa, this is the only place in the world you can spot lions roaming free in the wild. With its dry and deciduous vegetation, it provides an ideal habitat for Asiatic lions. Although Gir is most famous for its lions, it also features the chousingha (4 horned antelope), in addition to over 200 bird and over 40 reptile species. Overnight in Gir.
Day 9: Lion Safaris
Today we will have morning and afternoon jeep safaris to explore for lions and other exotic wildlife. In 1913, due to over-hunting practices, the lion population had declined to 20. It was through the efforts of the Dungar Garh royal family that it became protected territory and in 1965 it became a national park. Today it covers approximately 1412 square kilometers and is home to over 500 lions. Overnight in Gir.
Day 10: Fly to Mumbai, Indian Gate
Today we fly from Diu to Mumbai, the most populous city in India. Home to 21 million people, it serves as the entertainment capital and India's financial powerhouse. The city is diverse, vibrant and multi-cultural. Upon arrival, we visit the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924, and later enjoy dinner in the action packed city. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 11: Mumbai Sites, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
We will explore the sights of Mumbai today, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a bustling railway station that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a brilliant specimen of Victorian Gothic architecture. We visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum. We will also visit the Dhobi Ghat, a laundry nook. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 12: Fly to Nagpur, to Tadoba National Park
Today we take a short flight to Nagpur, where upon arrival we will drive to Tadoba National Park, one of the finest and largest national parks in Maharashtra state. This beautiful and wild paradise has abundant dry deciduous forests and lakes teeming with rich aquatic life. Overnight in Tadoba.
Day 13: Tadoba - Jeep Safaris in Search of Royal Bengal Tigers
We will enjoy both a morning and evening jeep safari in search of India’s national animal, which is also one of the biggest and most beautiful cats in the BIG CAT family - the Royal Bengal tiger. The hilly terrain provides perfect shelter for the animals, yet its excellent accessibility makes it an ideal area for a wildlife safari. Overnight in Tadoba National Park.
Day 14: Morning Tiger Safari, To Pench
This morning, we have one last tiger/wildlife safari in Tadoba before continuing on to Pench National Park. Dinner and overnight in Pench National Park.
Day 15: To Kanha Tiger Reserve
Today we drive (approx 3 - 4 hours) to picturesque Kanha National Park. Animals you may see in the park include tigers, leopards, wild dogs, foxes and jackals, swamp deer, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer and Indian gaur (part of the ox family). In the afternoon enjoy a jeep safari in arguably the most beautiful of the parks that we visit. Overnight in Kanha.
Day 16: To Bandhavgarh National Park
Today depart for Bandhavgarh National Park, (approx 6 - 7 hours) known for its large population of Royal Bengal tigers. Bandhavgarh is one of the better parks to search for the magnificent Royal Bengal tiger. In addition to our goal of seeing these majestic cats, we can also enjoy the incredible biodiversity of the tropical forests and grassland area of central India. Overnight in Bandhavgarh National Park.
Day 17: Bandhavgarh - Tiger Safaris
Today we have both a morning and an evening jeep safari in the famous tiger reserve in Bandhavgarh National Park. We will search for the famed Bengal tigers, but we will also be on the lookout for white tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and deer. The area is also home to scores of bird species, including eagles.Overnight in Bandhavgarh National Park.
Day 18: Tiger Safari, to Khajuraho
Enjoy your last wildlife and tiger safari before the drive to Khajuraho, a historical place which is famous for beautiful temples from the 12th century AD, and known for its erotic figures. Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 19: Erotic Temples of Khajuraho, to New Delhi
Today enjoy a guided tour of the famous erotic temples of Khajuraho before lunch. After lunch we will drive to the airport to catch our flight to Delhi. Upon our evening arrival, we will have our farewell dinner and overnight at our airport hotel. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 20: Depart New Delhi
Today we say goodbye to India and its majestic big cats. We transfer to the airport for our international flights home.
Inclusions
19 Nights Accommodation in 3 star hotels based on twin share
3 Domestic airfare - Delhi/Udaipur - Diu/Mumbai - Mumbai/Nagpur - Khajuraho/Delhi
Breakfast from Day 2 to Day 20 / Lunch from Day 7 to 19 / Dinner 7 & 19
Private air-conditioned vehicle as per itinerary
Arrival and departure airport transfers in Delhi
English speaking city guides
Safaris with local guides
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Sightseeing as per itinerary
English speaking Walkabout Journeys leader
Water while sightseeing
Excluded
International flights
Drinks of all kinds (Except water while sightseeing)
Optional activities not listed as included
Medical/evacuation/cancellation insurance strongly suggested
Camera / Video / Mobile Fees (note some parks may not allow cell phones)
Additional Safaris
Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, room service, etc
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Gratuities to tour leader (approximately $14 per passenger per day)
Gratuities of any kind (Porterage/hotel and restaurant staff/drivers/etc