Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at Hotel
Day 02: Delhi / Agra (205 Kms)
Morning,
we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as
Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar 72 meters high
and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron
Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500
years. Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government
buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main
shopping district of the capital. Later, we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
Afternoon we will drive to Agra along India's finest freeways
Upon arrival in Agra check into your hotel
Overnight at Hotel
Day 03: Agra / Katni (Gondwana Express - 1815 / 0520* Hrs)
We are about to witness one of the greatest sights of one's lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before departure for the monument we shall be served tea/coffee and cookies so that our eyes open real wide to behold this breathtaking sight. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building.
Afternoon we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects
Evening transfer to the train station to board your overnight train to Katni
Overnight at First Class Air-Conditioned Sleeper Accommodation
Day 04: Arrival / Katni / Bandhavgarh
Meeting
and assistance upon arrival in Katni train station and drive to
Bandhavgarh Upon arrival in Bandhavgarh check into your hotel
Afternoon we will enter the park to search for wildlife.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 05: Bandhavgarh Wildlife Tours
The pattern of early morning and afternoon excursions will be interspersed with periods of relaxation back at our accommodation during the heat of midday. Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh the supporting cast of mammals and birds is very impressive, the latter including such species as Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Plum-headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher among a total of over 250 species recorded in the district. Tour members with an interest in ornithology will value the time between game drives as an opportunity to explore some of the habitats close to our base.
Tigers, and the more rarely seen Leopards, have no shortage of prey in the reserve. The Spotted Deer or Chital is a favourite item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful deer inhabit the park.
Other species found here in varying abundance include; Chinkara, Chowsinga, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. Herds of the Asian Bison, or Gaur, formerly Inhabited the Reserve but impressive beast has not been seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998 although a closely monitored programme for the reintroduction of the Gaur is planned within couple of years. A hunting pack of wild dogs may also be seen on occasions. Mammal sightings always require a degree of luck, particularly when the species is essentially nocturnal or reclusive but each outing in the reserve will at least provide a chance to meet one of the rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyenas, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. More predictable are the sounders of Wild Boar rooting among the vegetation, Indian Hares, the lively little Palm Squirrels that seem to be constantly in a state of agitation, and several members of the mongoose tribe. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaques are also plentiful, the former enjoying an elevated view of the forest as they devour their favourite leaves and often the first creature to bark out a warning at the appearance of a Tiger below.
We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a reserve.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 06: Bandhavgarh / Khajuraho (260 Kms) Khajuraho / Delhi (9W 724 - 1330 / 1600 Hrs) Delhi / Departure
Set out in the misty morning for a final safari in Bandhavgarh.
Then enjoy breakfast before departing on a six-hour overland journey to Khajuraho. This sleepy village was founded in a golden age of Hindu civilization; a pre-Moslem period of riches, when pleasure flourished and sexual expression coincided with religious and philosophical values. Nowhere in India will you find artistic sculptural tributes paying greater homage to the lives of ancient people, as at the Khajuraho's famous erotic temples, built 1000 years ago.
Transfer to Khajuraho airport to board your flight to Delhi
Meeting & assistance upon arrival in Delhi & transfer to the International airport to board your onward flight back home
