Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse wildlife on this meticulously planned tour. Begin your adventure in Delhi, where you’ll delve into the historical tapestry of Old Delhi, exploring its vibrant market lanes and majestic landmarks like the Jama Masjid and Red Fort. In New Delhi, marvel at the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhawan and the solemnity of India Gate before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutb Minar, and the exquisite Humayun’s Tomb.
Journey onward to Agra, where the iconic Taj Mahal awaits, bathed in the golden hues of dawn. Traverse to Orchha, a hidden gem boasting architectural marvels like the Ram Raja Temple and Chhatris, before immersing yourself in the untamed wilderness of Panna Tiger Reserve. Discover the raw beauty of nature as you venture deep into the heart of Pench National Park and Satpura National Park, where thrilling encounters with tigers, leopards, and diverse avifauna await at every turn. Conclude your odyssey with an exploration of the ancient temples of Khajuraho and the tranquil landscapes of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve before bidding farewell to India’s enchanting tapestry of cultures and wildlife.
Duration: 16N/17D
Destinations Covered
Delhi: Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Old Delhi is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, bustling bazaars, and ancient monuments. Chandni Chowk, with its bustling marketplaces and delectable street food, is a testament to the city’s vibrant culture and heritage.
Agra: Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra is synonymous with eternal love and architectural splendor. Besides the Taj Mahal, visitors can explore the imposing Agra Fort and the exquisite tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, showcasing the city’s rich Mughal heritage.
Orchha: Nestled on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha is a charming town dotted with magnificent palaces, temples, and cenotaphs. Its architectural wonders, including the Ram Raja Temple and Chhatris, reflect the grandeur of its erstwhile rulers, the Bundela Rajputs.
Panna National Park: Situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s diverse landscapes, ranging from dense forests to rocky plateaus, provide a habitat for elusive big cats like tigers and leopards, along with a myriad of other wildlife species.
Pench National Park: Inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” Pench National Park is a picturesque wilderness teeming with wildlife. Its dense forests and meandering rivers harbor a thriving population of tigers, leopards, deer, and over 200 species of birds, offering visitors a truly immersive jungle experience.
Khajuraho: Renowned for its exquisite temples adorned with intricate carvings, Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples, built between the 9th and 11th centuries, depict a remarkable blend of spirituality and sensuality, showcasing the artistic prowess of the Chandela dynasty.
Bhopal: The capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is a charming amalgamation of old-world charm and modernity. From its scenic lakes and verdant landscapes to its historic monuments and vibrant bazaars, Bhopal offers a delightful mix of cultural and natural attractions.
Satpura National Park: Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of the Satpura mountain range, Satpura National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. Its pristine forests, meandering rivers, and diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and sloth bears, beckon adventurers to explore its untamed beauty.
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve: Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity and high tiger population. With its dense forests, grassy meadows, and tranquil water bodies, Tadoba offers visitors a chance to witness the majesty of the Indian wilderness up close.
Detailed Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrive Delhi and transfer from airport to hotel.
Half day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Today you will explore Old Delhi, once the Mughal city of Shahjahanabad, with its vibrant market lanes, old havelis (mansions) and colourful neighbourhoods. Explore Chandni Chowk in a cycle rickshaw through lanes or gallis, where everything from spices, brassware, antiques, jewellery and perfumes are sold. Visit the highly decorative Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; its courtyard can accommodate 25000 devotees to offer prayer at one time and later drive past the Red Fort and visit Raj Ghat, a memorial built for Mahatma Gandhi.
Day 2: Delhi
Today enjoy a tour of New Delhi starts with a drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India, Raj Path and the India Gate whose Amar Jawan Jyoti (eternal flame) has been burning since 1971 and symbolizes the sacrifice of Indian soldiers. A visit to the Qutb Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lastly visit the first garden tomb built by the Mughals in India – the Humayun’s tomb.
Day 3: Delhi – Agra
Travel to Agra by morning train. You will be transferred to hotel. Later in the day visit the Agra Fort & Itamud ud Daula. The impressive Diwan-e-Am & Diwan-e-Khas inside the forbidding red sandstone battlements of the Agra Fort and later the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, father of Queen Nur Jehan. Late in the afternoon visit the Taj Mahal to see the sun cast a fantastic orange glow on the white dome of one of the world’s great monuments.
Day 4: Agra – Jhansi – Orccha – Panna
Board morning train to Jhansi. On arrival, you will drive to Orchha – a town founded in the 16th century by Bundela Rajput Chief, Rudra Pratap. Orchha has some unique temples and many heritage buildings.
Ram Raja temple is the only place where Lord Ram is worshipped both as a God and as a King. The Laxmi Narayan temple exhibits a unique architectural style, which is a mix of a fort and a temple. The famed Chhatris of Orchha are Cenotaphs that were constructed in honour of its erstwhile rulers. After vsiting Orccha, continue driving to Panna National Park – a tiger reserve.
Panna Tiger Reserve is a critical tiger habitat located in Vindhya Hill in northern Madhya Pradesh and fragile through dynamic dry deciduous forest. This land is characterized by extensive plateaus and gorges. Tiger the king of the jungle, roams freely in this secure, though a bit small habitat alongwith his fellow beings leopard , wild dog , wolf , hyaena and smaller cats. Sloth bear has his most favourite home in the rock escarpments and undisturbed vales. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar the largest of Indian deers, chital and chowsingha . One can easily see Blue Bull and chinkara in most open areas in the grasslands, especially on the periphery. The avifauna comprises more than 200 species including a host of migratory birds.
Day 5 & 6: Pench
Enjoy two full day of jungle activities including a jeep safari, nature walks etc.
Day 7: Panna – Khajuraho
Drive to Khajuraho this morning. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the small town of Khajuraho houses the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture.
This afternoon visit the renowned temples of Khajuraho. These intricately carved temples, set amidst pretty gardens, are famous for their erotic reliefs.
Day 8: Khajuraho – Jhansi – Bhopal
Take a day train to Bhopal. On arrival at the station and transferred to your hotel. One of the greenest cities in India, Bhopal is located at the upper end of the Vindhya mountain range and is a former royal state. This morning visit the open air zoological gardens. Later visit the Upper and Lower lake, the impressive Taj-ul-Masjid and other impressive buildings and stop for a browse through its atmospheric main bazaar. In the afternoon visit the State Museum and the Tribal Museum before returning to your hotel. If required you can also visit the old city to see the mansions and traditional markets.
Day 9: Bhopal – Satpura
Morning drive from Bhopal to Satpura. Afternoon game drives in the jungle.
One of the most spectacular of its kind in India, Satpura National Park is spread across the highest stretch of the rugged Satpura mountains and stretches out to 524 square kilometres. The birdlife is reputed to be matchless and the astonishing array of prey species: various types of deer and antelope and their predators tiger, leopard, wild dogs, woves and sloth bear invite you to experience wilderness without the crowds seen in other national parks. The densely forested hills of sal and teak, bamboo, grasses and medicinal plants along with the sparkling waters of the Tawa reservoir can be visited by jeep and boat as well as atop an elephant. Unknown in any other national park, walking safaris inside the park are becoming increasingly popular as well.
Day 10: Satpura
Enjoy a full day of jungle activities including a jeep safari, nature walks and boat ride.
Day 11: Satpura – Pench
Enjoy an early morning game drive in the national park. Later drive to Pench for 2 night stay.
Day 12: Pench
Morning and afternoon game drive.
Pench National Park is situated to the south of Satpura Hills and is named after the river that flows through this area. With tropical moist deciduous forests, the park spreads out to 275 square kilometers in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. As per the census of 2011, the park is home to 25 tigers and apart from 39 species of mammals and reptiles, the park is also rich in birdlife.
Day 13: Pench – Tadoba
Enjoy an early morning game drive in the national park. Later drive to Tadoba.
Day 14: Tadoba
Enjoy morning and afternoon by safaris / Jungle activities.
The Taboba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is the largest and oldest national park in Maharashtra, and sufficiently off the beaten track to have escaped the attention of the hordes, despite boasting one of the highest tiger density figures in the country. Nearly 87% of the reserve is covered in beautiful dry deciduous forest – a renowned storehouse of rare trees and medicinal plants. Over 60 tigers live within and around the park borders, along with leopard, wild dog, striped hyena, gaur, nilgai, sambar, chital, civet cats, marsh crocodiles and nearly 200 species of birds.
Day 15: Tadoba
Enjoy another morning and afternoon by safaris / Jungle activities.
Day 16: Tadoba – Nagpur – Mumbai
Enjoy morning jeep safari in the national park. After safari, you will be driven to Nagpur airport and fly to Mumbai. You will stay in a hotel close to aitrport.
Day 17: Depart Mumbai
In good time, you will be transferred to Mumbai airport to board your homebound flight.
End of Tour
Tour FAQs
Q: What are the highlights of the tour?
A: The tour encompasses a blend of cultural exploration and wildlife adventures, including visits to iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Qutb Minar, as well as immersive experiences in national parks such as Pench and Satpura.
Q: How long is the tour?
A: The tour spans 17 days, offering ample time to explore the diverse landscapes, historical sites, and wildlife sanctuaries across India.
Q: What is included in the tour package?
A: The tour package includes accommodation, transportation, guided tours of attractions, safari experiences in national parks, and some meals as per the itinerary.
Q: What is the best time to embark on this tour?
A: The tour can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and wildlife safaris.
Q: Are there any physical requirements for this tour?
A: While most activities are suitable for all fitness levels, some jungle activities in national parks may involve walking and hiking. Participants should have a moderate level of fitness to fully enjoy the tour.
Q: How is transportation arranged during the tour?
A: Transportation is provided via trains and private vehicles, ensuring comfortable and efficient travel between destinations.
Q: What wildlife can be spotted during the safari experiences?
A: Wildlife sightings may include tigers, leopards, deer, sloth bears, wild dogs, and a diverse range of bird species endemic to the national parks visited during the tour.
Q: Are there opportunities for cultural immersion during the tour?
A: Yes, the tour includes visits to historical sites such as forts, temples, and monuments, offering insights into India’s rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels.
Q: Are meals included in the tour package?
A: Some meals are included as per the itinerary, allowing participants to savor authentic Indian cuisine and culinary delights at select locations throughout the tour.
Q: How can I book this tour?
A: To book this tour or to have it customized to your requirements, you can Call or Whatsapp Mr.Mukul Azad at +91-9810594172.
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