India Wildlife and Medieval Tour

01 Day: Arrival Mumbai

Welcome to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, our representative will assists and escorts you by a/c car and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. After check in, you will be given all the required documents related to your tour plan; he will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. If you are arriving by early flight, after relaxation you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.

Mumbai a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by no time frame, neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.

02 Day: Mumbai

Today morning after breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Mumbai city, firstly visit to Gateway of India and cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves -ancient rock cut cavesdedicated to Lord Shiva. Later cruise back to Gate Way of India. And sightseeing continues visiting Prince of Wales Museum- A heritage museum exhibits ancient artifacts. Parliament house- (From outside), Nariman Point- Commercial Hub, Marine Drive-a most beautiful laid boulevards of the city. Dhobhi Ghat- a famous open air laundry, Mani Bhawan- Known also Gandhi Bhawan.Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), formerly Victoria Terminus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an historic railway station in Mumbai, Bandra Worli Sealink, which crosses the Arabian Sea, linking the Mumbai suburbs with south Mumbai, is viewed as an engineering marvel. Later return to the hotel. You may also opt to enjoy Mumbai night life visiting pub, bars and restaurants of the city. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.

03 Day: Mumbai – Nagpur (By Air) – Kanha (250 kms: 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the domestic airport to board the scheduled flight for Nagpur, on arrival drive to Kanha and transfer to the resort, the history of Kanha as a hunting ground dates back to the British era when the officials used to hunt the famous twelve-horned antelope or hard ground Barasingha or Swamp Deer. Evening free for explore nature around the resort & local area, evening walk. Later return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Kanha's sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour which form the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The park is the only habitat of the rare hardground Barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi). By a special statute in 1955, Kanha National Park came into being. Since then, a series of stringent conservation programme for the protection of the park's flora and fauna has given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers and a true haven for its animal and avian.

04 Day: Kanha

After breakfast take sightseeing to Kanha, safari at Kanha zone, etc. Enjoy Jeep safari in Jungle, A must see for all nature enthusiasts, Kanha gives you a perfect opportunity to escape the mundane city hustle bustle and get lost in the wooded charm of the dense forest. Later take Jungle walks in designated nature trails is a very good option to explore and understand about Kanha national park and its bio-diversity. Kanha National Park is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India that forms the central Indian highlands. Guides are available at the entry gate after payment of normal guide charges and they take you on the trail. Afterwards return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Note: Optionally can visit the Kanha Museum. This is a place from where detailed information about the topography of the park and its various aspects can be obtained. Also visit the spot named Bamni Dadar, popularly known as the Sunset Point and the famous Kawardha Palace, which is a drive of around 3 hours.

05 Day: Kanha – Bandhavgarh (205 kms: 5hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the jungle lodge and drive to Bandhavgarh. This Park is spread over an area of 437 sq. km. The terrain is made of rocky hills, sal forests and grazing areas, formerly agricultural land. On arrival, transfer to the jungle lodge/resort. Evening will be free for jungle and photographic activities. Dinner and overnight stay at jungle lodge.

Bandhavgarh National Park: Set amongst The Vindhya Hills in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh consists of 168 sq miles of Sal & a mixed forest with large stretches of Bamboo and Grassland to The North. One is genera lly lucky to view The Tiger, Gaur (Indian Bison) Chital, Chansingha ( Four horned antelope). This Park houses some 150 species of birds including the Blue Bearded bee eaters, White Browed Fantails, and The Mal abar Hornbill. The Bandhavgarh Fort, besides offering breath taking views, houses a 35 ft reclining statue of Lord Vishnu and 10th Century Rock Images of the incarnation of the Lord.

06 Day: Bandhavgarh

Today after breakfast enjoy the jungle activities at the Bhandhavgarh take jungle safaris (Jeep) in the reserve with a naturalist, in search of the Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Bison, Chital, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chowsingha, Barking deer, Later return to the jungle resort. You may opt to study the water management system. See the archaeological find of over 1000 years and study the unique topography of the Park from a birds-eye view, later return to the jungle lodge for dinner and overnight.

07 Day: Bandhavgarh – Jabalpur (165 kms: 4 hrs)

Morning after breakfast, you can visit the rural schools and the little town of Bandhavgarh. Afterwards check out and drive to Jabalpur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for relaxation and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Jabalpur: Famous among tourists for its marble rocks and waterfalls at Bedaghat, Jabalpur also provides access to splendid views of the Narmada River that flows around the city. Jabalpur was known as Tripuri and was governed by Hayahaya rulers. The ancient Indian epic of Mahabharata has references to this city. Later Jabalpur became a part of the great Mauryan and the Gupta Empires. From time to time, the Mughal rulers tried to overrun it. The legendary Gond Queen Rani Durgavati died fighting the Mughal forces led by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. It finally fell to the Marathas in 1789 and was taken over by the British in 1817, when they defeated the Marathas.

08 Day: Jabalpur

After breakfast, ta ke a city sightseeing tour of Jabalpur. Jabalpur is famous for its Marble Rocks and for the city resting on the banks of the Narmada River. It is also the birthplace of Mauveen! Morning visit Dhauladhar, a waterfall in adjoining part of Bhedaghat. Here one can observe the force of water flow and considered photogenic spot. Madan Mahal Fort & Balance rock, the fort is a pride of Jabalpur city. While going towards Madan Mahal fort, one can also see another piece of attraction “Balance rock” in bonus. Balance rock is a large piece of natural rock positioned over another rock occupying very less area. Visit Shiva temple and the most popular boating site of Jabalpur city, Bhedaghat. After a picnic lunch at the grounds of the Marble Rocks, board a rowboat for the leisurely trek 2 kms, up the gorge and wait viewing the rocks by moonlight. The Marble Rocks are gleaming white, though are said to change colours as the sunsets. They are very, very impressive. After visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.

09 Day: Jabalpur – Bhopal (305 kms: 6 -7 hrs)

Early morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Bhopal. On arrival, transfer to the hotel, after relaxation, visit Laxmi Narayan Temple And Museum, Van Vihar, Upper And Lower Lakes. Situated behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake is Gohar Mahal, which is an architectural gem dating back to the times of Kudsia Begum, also known as Gohar Begum, who built this sprawling palace in 1820. The Mahal is a magnificent expression of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Evening visit the most unique national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan is a centre for the performing and visual arts. Designed by renowned architect, Charles Correa, the contours of Bharat Bhawan merge in exquisite harmony with the landscape creating a visual impact of spacious and natural elegance. After visit return back to hotel for overnight stay.

Bhopal, the capital city of the largest state in India, Madhya Pradesh, is also known as the City of Lakes because of the two beautiful lakes that are situated in the center of the city. Bhopal is a beautiful city also famous for its mosques. The city of lakes, Bhopal, is divided as; Old Bhopal and New Bhopal. Both the new Bhopal and the old Bhopal are contradictory to each other. One of the greenest cities of India, it has wide, clean, well-lit roads lined with fiery, tall Gulmohar trees.

10 Day: Bhopal – Sanchi (50 kms: 1 hr)

After breakfast, check out and take city tour of Bhopal visiting the Jama Masjid: Gold sp ikes crown the minarets of this beautiful mosque built in 1837 Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil: an architectural curiosity. Also visit the Taj-ul-Masajid is one of the largest mosques in Asia, built by Nawab Shahjehan Begum around a courtyard with a large tank in the center and with an imposing double storeyed gateway with 4 recessed archways and 9 imposing cusped multifold openings in the main prayer hall. The Quibla wall in the prayer hall is carved with 11 recessed arches, while the mimber is made of black basalt. After visit, drive to Sanchi, the ancient seat of Buddhist learning. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Sanchi is known for its Stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. The most famous of these monuments, the Sanchi Stupa 1, was originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the then governor of Ujjayini, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a merchant from adjacent Vidisha. Their son Mahindra and daughter Sanghamitra were born in Ujjayini and sent to Sri Lanka, where they converted the King, the Queen and their people to Buddhism.

11 Day: Sanchi – Orchha (300 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Sanchi. The places worth visiting are Archaeological Museum - The most interesting pieces are the lion capital from the Ashoka pillar, a Yakshi hanging from a mango tree and a beautiful Buddha figure in red sandstone. Great Stupa - This is the finest work of art at Sanchi and amongst the finest examples of Buddhist art in India. After visit drive to Orchha, on arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Orchha: The medieval city of Orchha, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. Orchha had the distribution of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central India. The Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, founded the city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa River, in the 16th century. The word Orchha means 'hidden'. When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15th century, pushed the Bundelkhand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orchha.

12 Day: Orchha

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Orchha, the medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century - which have remarkably withstood the onslaught of time, walk by the century old temples and forts, each with its own poignant history, and rest amidst the beauty of the ruins. Amongst the various imposing edifices, o f particular interest are the Jehangiri Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to commemorate the visit of Mughal Emperor Jehangir, The Raj Mahal and the Laxmi Narayan temple, both noted for their fine frescoes and mural paintings. Visit various temple and Palaces such as Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Shiva Mandir, Panch Mukhi Mahadev Mandir. Also visit Fort Palace of Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan -I- Khas and Rai Praveen Mahal. Overnight at the hotel.

13 Day: Orchha – Khajuraho (175 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)

Today morning after a leisure breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Khajuraho. On arrival, transfer to the hotel, after refreshment visit Raneh Falls is one of the prominent tourist attractions, which is named after King Rane Pratap, the erstwhile ruler of the region, situated in close vicinity of the destination, the waterfall emerged at the confluence of Ken and Khuddar rivers. Also visit Archaeological museum with its collection of stone sculptures of the Chandela dynasty. In the evening enjoy the speculative light and sound show. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: This fascinating light & sound spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day. The 50 minutes sound and light show is conducted by tourism department in the garden of western group of temples. The show is entertaining and informative about the construction, history and importance of the temples. The life and times of the great Chandela kings and the legend and grandeur of the unique temples from the 10th century to the present day are narrated in the voice of Amitabh Bachchan– the Bollywood legend.

14 Day: Khajuraho

After breakfast explore Khajuraho, is worldly known for its magnificent temples of erotica built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho - the very name, Khajuraho, arouses strange dreams even in daytime of full bodied feminine forms frozen in stone, so real that you wonder whether they might come alive at a touch. Khajuraho is world heritage town, the temples are scattered in an area of 8 sq km. take a sightseeing tour visiting Western group of Temples consisting of the massive Laxman Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples dedicated to Vishnu’s consort Laxman, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chausath Yogini temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Later take a sightseeing tour of Eastern group of Temples which consists of 3 Hindu and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular, visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman both dedicated to lord Vishnu. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Khajuraho: The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. It derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. The divine sculptures in these temples are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it. With the wane of the Chandela Empire, these magnificent temples lay neglected, and vulnerable to the ravages of Nature. It was only in this century, that they were rediscovered, restored and granted the recognition that they justly deserve. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. These magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras. The three main compartments are the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa), and the actual sanctum (garbha griha). The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern.

15 Day: Khajuraho – Chitrakut (185 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Chitrakut. On arrival transfer to the hotel, day free to explore Chitrakut by own. You may visit Kam adgiri, A forested hill of prime religious significance, this is believed to be the original Chitrakoot. The Bharat Milap Temple is located here. Pilgrims perform a ritual circumambulation of the hill to seek blessings. Sphatik Shila, This picturesque spot is marked by two immense rocks. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama and Sita feasted their eyes on the beauty of Chitrakoot. Hanuman Dhara, Located on a steep hillside, it is approachable by a flight of 360 steps. Here, the waters of a natural spring cascade over an image of Lord Hanuman. Janki Kund, an unusual cave over the Mandakini, said to be the place where Sita bathed. Ram Ghat, Located on the banks of the River Mandakini, and center of ritual activity, this Ghat is the most frequented in Chitrakoot. The "Aarti" performed in the evening is particularly beautiful. Overnight at the hotel.

Chitrakut: Situated in Banda District of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of river Paisuni (Mandakini), Chitrakoot Dham is one of the most ancient holy pilgrim places of India. Goswami Tulsidas the creator of the epic “Shri Ramcharitmanas" spent many years on the soil of Chitrakoot sacred with the touch of the Lord's feet. He composed many of his verses surrounded by Nature in its fullest splendor. Wrapped in peace and tranquility, broken only by the flutter of birds and the murmur of gushing streams, Chitrakoot is a symbol of Faith - dotted with myriad temples and filled with the reverberating sound of bells - truly, an Abode of the Gods.

16 Day: Chitrakut – Varanasi (260 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)

Today after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Varanasi, the spiritual city. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take an excursion to Sarnath, located at 10 kms from Varanasi where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to the five holy men; visit Dharmarajika Stupa, the 110 ft. tall Dhamekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon., also visit to Archaeological museum, the collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images, also see the Ashok Pillar with 4 lions, built in 3rd Century BC., symbolize both Ashoks's imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha.. The four-lion capital was adopted as the emblem of the modern Indian republic. After visit drive back to Varanasi, after relaxation, if time permits than you can visit to local markets and narrow lanes of old Varanasi for shopping specially word famous Benarasi Silk clothes and Sarees. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Varanasi, also recognized with the name, Kashi (meaning the city of spiritual light) and Banaras. This is one of the oldest cities in India with fascinating past; it has found a place in the epic of Mahabharata as well in the Buddhist scriptures. This ancient Indian city is sandwiched between the rivers Varuna and Ashi as they unite with the Ganges, the most revered river in the country, and provides easy access to industrial zones, including the automobile, garment and leather sectors. The notorious American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”

17 Day: Varanasi

Early morning, take a BOAT RIDE at holy river Ganges, during the sunrise the city and river come alive, in the magical rays of the Sun; the city looks so exotic and lively: People bathe early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. Later return to the hotel for breakfast, afterward take sightseeing tour of the city visiting various ghats of Varanasi: two main cremation ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra, sightseeing continues with visiting the Bharat Mata temple, houses a huge relief map of the whole of Indian subcontinent and Tibetan plateau. Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, the most famous temple is the Kashi Vishvanath known as Golden Temple due to 15.5 meters high golden spire, though off-limits to non-Hindus, can be seen from the top floor of the oldhouse opposite it. Durga temple also called Money Temple, Banaras Hindu University: the largest residential university in Asia, with over 12,000 students living on its campus, the campus spread over 1350 acre (5.5 km?). In the evening visit at the bank of Ganga River to witness speculative Aarti (worship) ceremony, as this beautiful ritual process with brass lamps with chanting of Mantra in presence of crowd, every moment fills you with spiritual thoughts and feelings. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

18 Day: Varanasi – Delhi (By Air)

Today morning, check out from the hotel and drive to domestic airport to board the scheduled flight for Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation, day is free for shopping, shopping in Delhi can be utterly extravagant, or amazingly inexpensive. India’s capital city is among the most exciting places to buy textiles (fabric as well as ready to wear clothes), jewellery, shoes, bags, leather, carpets, handicrafts, traditional and contemporary Indian art and curios. Several leading designers have boutiques and showrooms in Delhi. Explore the Chandni Chowk wholesale market, and search for handicrafts at Dilli Haat. Connaught Place has been one of Delhi's most popular shopping venues since 1931. In the evening witness Light and Sound show at Red fort. The show projects splendid history of 5000 years old city, a truly memorable experience. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: Light and Sound Show: A spectacular show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the harmony of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and majestic past are vibrantly brought to life. Special effects combine with the exceptional character to make this show an impressively memorable experience.

19 Day: Delhi

Today morning after breakfast, take a sightseeing tour & explore the historic city, starting with Old Delhi: (Shahajahanabad) the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, both built by Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame; Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. Later take a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling and colourful bazaar of Chandani Chowk. The sightseeing continues to explore the best tourist attractions of New Delhi including President House (Rashtrapati Bhawan), the regal residence of British rulers; a palace built for British Viceroys. India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, then visit Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple) built by the Birla family. Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, the towering capital city of the independent and largest democratic country in the world: India. It is one of India's modern and fastest developing cities with a charismatic charm on its visitors. Delhi is located and sprawled on both banks of Yamuna River. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is a blend of the ancient past of India with the vibration of the modern world. It houses some of India’s finest museums, historical monuments, sightseeing places, and temples. The city designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious.

20 Day: Delhi – Hometown (By Air)

After breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to the International airport to board the scheduled flight for onwards journey, on departure the tour concludes with happy memories.