Temples And Tigers - Wildlife And Cultural Tour In India

• Day 1: Arrive Delhi

  On your arrival at the Delhi International Airport, you will be received by a Trans India Holidays representative and will be escorted to the hotel. He will then help you with the check in formalities. Your wildlife and cultural tour starts from the capital city, Delhi, an energetic city, with a unique blend of the ancient and the contemporary era. Delhi has two visible parts: New Delhi, the city created by the British in 1911 as the Imperial capital of India and Old Delhi considered as the Muslim capital of India between the 17th and the 19th century. There are at least eight cities on the location of the modern Delhi, among which Indraprastha is one of the first recognized settlements, highlighted in the epic Mahabharata over 3000 years ago. Nevertheless, Delhi has always been one of the major cities in the northern region of the subcontinent. Overnight in Delhi

• Day 2: In Delhi

  After a relaxing breakfast, the tour guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you for a guided sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. This tour includes the following places: Red Fort : The term Red Fort is taken from a Hindi word Lal, which means red and Quila which means fort. The structure of the Red Fort is very uneven and it is placed in an octet shape along the Yamuna River. This fort is delimited by a wall of about 2.4 kms in perimeter and is constructed of red sandstone. In 1638, Shah Jahan started building this huge fort and it was completed in 1648. The fort has a Diwan-e-Am (Hall for public audience), a Rang Mahal (a water- cooled apartment of royal ladies) and a Pearl Mosque, which was constructed with white marble. Red fort has two hallways: a) The Delhi gate and b) The Lahori gate, and both this gates face the renowned Chandni Chowk. Jama Masjid : Jama Masjid is one of the country’s major mosques where hundreds and thousands of Muslims offer their prayers even today. Jama Masjid was constructed by Shah Jahan as an architectural extravaganza in 1658. The wonders of construction in Jama Masjid are seen in the long stretches of stairs and the hefty courtyard. Chandni Chowk (Silver Street) : (Chandni Chowk is well-known for its flamboyant streets with the famous shopping spots of Old Delhi. It is also has the country’s best known extensive market for textiles, electronic goods and watches. Entire Chandni Chowk was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s beloved daughter and was then populated by the well-to-do families of that time. The famous Parantha wale Gali, known for its mouth watering paranthas is also positioned in Chandni Chowk. The famous gold market, Dariba Kalan is also situated here. Raj Ghat : An elementary square platform of black marble on the banks of Yamuna River, symbolizes the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated followed by his assassination in 1948. A dedicatory ritual takes place each Friday, in his memory. Birla Mandir: Birla Mandir is a major prayer site and comprises of idols of numerous divinities. It is situated close to Connaught Place. Birla Mandir was constructed in 1938, by an industrial Raja Baldev Birla. India Gate: India Gate is a free standing, 42 metre high arch. It was built in 1931 and was formerly called the All India War Memorial in the memory of the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The names of the warriors are engraved all along the walls of the arch. The eternal flame was lit here to honor the Amar Jawan (Immortal Soldier), in 1971. Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) : Rashtrapati Bhavan is the authorized residence of the President of the country. It was designed by Lutyens, and was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India. Humayun’s Tomb: Nine years after the death of Humayun, Haji Begum (widow of Humayun) built this tomb in 1565-66 in his memory. Qutub Minar: This outstanding building in the Southern part of the capital was built by the Muslim King; Qutab–ud–din Aibak in 1199 A.D. The Minar (tower) is 72.5 meters tall and its base is a mosque. Bahai’s Temple: It is a very new architectural marvel of the Bahai cult. This temple is visible from quite a lot of spots in South Delhi. This temple is moulded in the shape of a lotus and has precisely been given the name. Overnight in Delhi.

• Day 3: Fly Delhi - Varanasi

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check-out formalities. You will then be escorted to the airport in time to board flight for Varanasi, the next destination on your Wildlife and Cultural tour. Varanasi - Varanasi the ‘eternal city’ is one of the major pilgrimage spots in India. Varanasi is located on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. Over 2000 years Varanasi has been a center of learning. Apart from being a pilgrimage spot in India, Varanasi is also considered as an auspicious place to die, establishing an instant route to heaven. Varanasi is a special place for the Sanskrit scholars and students from all over India are seen here. The ancient city of Varanasi is located along the West bank of the river Ganges. This city extends back from the riverbank ghats in a twisted collection of passageways. These passageways are too cramped for anything but walking. The city extends from Raj Ghat, near the bridge to Asi Ghat near the University. You will be met by our representative at the Varanasi Airport and he will escort you to the hotel and help you with the check in formalities. Overnight in Varanasi.

• Day 4: Fly Varanasi – Khajuraho

  The day begins early with a Dawn Boat Ride on the holy river Ganges. The guide will pick you up from your hotel and will take you to the river Ganges. The City and the river Ganges come alive at dawn, when hundreds and thousands of devotees come to the river to worship the Sun God. The edge of the river looks amazing from a boat at sunrise and this sight is spiritually uplifting. Hinduism is deep and magical, it is everywhere; in the sight of a sparkling temple; in the sound of a sacred bell; in the prayer chants of the priests and in the smell of the flowers. Return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing breakfast and then again you will be picked up from your hotel for a guided tour of Varanasi. Tour includes visits following places of interest: Asi Ghat: AsiGhat is one of the five extraordinary Ghats in India; where the pilgrims are suppose to bathe in all the ghats on the same day and in order. The order is Asi, Dasaswamedh, Barnasangam, Panchganga and finally Manikarnika. Durga Temple: Durga Temple was constructed in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani. This temple is commonly known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ as many monkeys have it their home. The construction of this temple is in Nagara style (North Indian style). The temple has a Durga Kund (Kund means Pond or pool). The temple has multi-tiered shikharas and is stained red with ochre, which represents the color of Durga. This temple is closed for non-Hindus. Kashi-Vishwanath Or Golden Temple: The Kashi-Vishwanath or the Golden Temple is devoted to lord Shiva as the Lord of the Universe. The original Temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb and he constructed a mosque over it. The New temple is constructed in 1776 by Ahalya Bai of Indore and the Gold plating on the towers of the temples was contributed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore. The new temple is located right across the road from its original position. The Traces of 1600 temples could be behind Aurangzeb’s mosque. Next to the temple is the Gyan Kupor Well, the well of knowledge. In this temple also the non-Hindus are not allowed. Later you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check-out formalities. Then you will be escorted to the airport in time to board flight for Khajuraho, the next destination on your Wildlife and Cultural tour. Khajuraho : Khajuraho was once the capital of the Chandela Rajput’s of Bundelkhand. It is the dwelling place of the World’s famous 10th century Khajuraho Temples. These temples have attractive and erotic rock carvings and the carvings symbolize some of the beautiful specimens of the medieval Hindu architecture and sculpture in the country. Overnight in Khajuraho.

• Day 5: Drive Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh (250 kms / 05 hrs)

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Khajuraho and the tour includes visits to the following places of interest : Eastern & Western Group Of Temples : The Eastern group of temples includes the Lakshmi and the Varaha Temple, the Lakshmana Temple, the KandariyaMahadev, the Mahadeva Temple, the Devi Jagadamba Temple, the Chitragupta Temple and the Vishwanath Temple. The Eastern Group of temples houses the Parasvanath Temple, the largest and finest Jain temple in the city as well as the Adinath Temple, the Shantinath Temple, the Ghantai Temple, the Javari Temple, the Vamana Temple and the Brahma and Hanuman Temple. The Western group of temples includes the Matangesvara Temple, the only temple in Khajuraho where the daily rituals still takes place and the Chausath Yogini Temple, the temple which is in ruins now and is believed to be the oldest temple in Khajuraho. Later in the afternoon, you will be met by our representative at the hotel and will be assisted with the check out formalities. You will then start your drive to Bandhavgarh, the first National Park that you would visit on your Wildlife and Cultural tour. Bandhavgarh National Park : Bandhavgarh is a comparatively new National Park, and amongst the most popular Tiger Reserves in India. The Park is extremely popular because of it’s high density of Tiger population, being a relatively smaller park. There is also a lovely fort in the middle of the park, which doubles its charm. The park has a huge biodiversity. Bandhavgarh National Park also has a huge breeding population of leopards, Jungle cats, Rhesus macaques, hyenas, blackbucks and various species of mammals and 250 species of bird. On your arrival in Bandhavgarh, check in at the lodge. Overnight in Bandhavgarh.

• Day 6: In Bandhavgarh

  Morning and Afternoon game safaris into the Bandhavgarh National Park accompanied by an English speaking Naturalist. Game drives in Bandhavgarh are conducted using 4WD vehicles. Overnight stay in Bandhavgarh.

• Day 7: Drive Bandhavgarh-Umaria (35 kms/ 45 minutes) & Overnight train to Agra

  The day starts with an early morning game safari into the Bandhavgarh National Park, once again accompanied by an English speaking Naturalist. Early evening, drive to Umaria(35 kms/ 45 minutes), the nearest station for Bandhavgarh, to board your overnight train for Agra(Utkal Express--2050/ 1045 hrs--next day), the next destination on your Wildlife and Cultural tour. Overnight on board train.

• Day 8: Arrive Agra

  You will be met at Agra Railway Station by our representative and transferred to hotel and assisted with check in formalities Agra : Agra is situated on the bank of Yamuna River. It is the dwelling place to India’s famous monument, the Taj Mahal. Agra was the capital of Mughal Empire in the 16th & 17th centuries. Arrive Agra at 1045 hrs. You will be met at the Agra Railway Station by our representative and he will escort you to the hotel and will assist you with the check in formalities. Later in the afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Agra. Tour includes visits following places of interest: Taj Mahal : Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Taj Mahal in the memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal who died during the birth of their child in 1631. The construction of this famous monument is said to have taken 22 years, starting from 1631.Over 20,000 artisans were working day and night for the construction of this landmark. Craftspersons and whizzes were brought from France and Italy. And the chief architect was from Iran. The visit to the Taj Mahal will long be remembered by you as the highlight of your National Park tour. Agra Fort : Emperor Akbar started the construction of this huge red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of Yamuna River in 1565. It was mainly constructed for the soldiers until his grandson, Shah Jahan, added more opulent accommodations. There are a number of attractive buildings within its porches such as Samman Burj, where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Moti Masjid, a white marble mosque, Diwan–e–Am, Diwan–e–Khas, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal. Overnight in Agra.

• Day 9: Drive Agra – Ranthambore (280 kms / 6 hrs)

  After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check-out formalities. You will then start your drive to Ranthambore, the second National Park on your Wildlife and Cultural tour in India. Stop en-route at Fatehpur Sikri for guided tour of this ancient capital. Fatehpur Sikri : The deserted capital of Emperor Akbar roughly 35 kms outside Agra, this city was built in the 16th century, and was abandoned for 12 years due to the paucity of water. The entire city is still intact, and a sight of this city is worth remembering. The Buland Darwaza is the main entrance to this city, which is 54 m tall and this gate was built in the honor of Akbar’s victory in Gujarat. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, continue your drive to Ranthambore, the next destination on your wildlife and cultural tour. Ranthambhore : The Ranthambore National Park is one of the major illustrations of the Project Tiger's conservation in Rajasthan. The Ranthambore National Park covers an area of over 400 sq. km. It has many sharp cliffs enfolding a route of lakes and rivers. The 10th century Ranthambore Fort stands as a silent watchman on one of these hills. This National Park is a combination of the fortified forest and the open chaparral land. The Ranthambore National Park is naturally a dry deciduous type of forest. Dhok is the most noticeable tree in the forest. Since, Ranthambore is a tiger reserve, glimpses of tigers are very common in this area, apart from that, the park has a few panthers too. Kachida Valley is known to be the best place to have a glimpse of these exclusive cats. One can also find marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and the sloth bears. The avian population includes the black storks, quails, Bonelli’s eagles; spur fowls, crested serpent eagles and painted storks. During the winters, there are a lot of migratory birds in the forest, including a different variety of ducks. The National Park is well known for wildlife photography. On your arrival in Ranthambore, check in at the lodge. Rest of the day is free for you. You can relax and enjoy the facilities of the lodge. Overnight in Ranthambore.

• Day 10: In Ranthambore

  Morning and afternoon game safaris into the Ranthambore National Park accompanied by an English speaking Naturalist. Game drives in Ranthambore are conducted using 4WD vehicles. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

• Day 11: Drive Ranthambore – Jaipur (195 kms /03 ½ hrs)

  The day begins early with a morning game safari into the Ranthambore National Park, accompanied by an English speaking naturalist. Game drives in Ranthambore are conducted using 4WD vehicles. Return to the lodge for a relaxing breakfast. You will then drive to Jaipur, the next destination on your Wildlife and Cultural tour. Jaipur - It is the capital of Rajasthan, and is known as the “Pink City” because of the pink tinted constructions in the old city. It is situated on a dry lake bed, bordered by barren hills vanquished by forts and broken walls. The city was found in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who wanted to be in the good books of the then ruling Mughals. He positioned the city with rectangular blocks according to early Hindu architecture. It is a great city for shopping. On your arrival at the hotel in Jaipur, you will be met by our representative and will be assisted with the check in formalities. Rest of the day is free for you. You can either relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the city. Overnight in Jaipur.

• Day 12: In Jaipur

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Jaipur and Amber. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: Hawa Mahal (Palace Of Winds): Constructed by Maharaja Sawaj Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is one of the Jaipur’s main landmarks; the front of the Mahal has pink windows and latticework screens. This mahal was initially constructed for the ladies of the imperial household to watch the ordinary life and parades of the city. City Palace: The City Palace is still the dwelling of the former royalty H.H Bhawani Singh Ji of Jaipur. This Palace still has an extensive collection of art, carpets and old weapons. Jantar Mantar (Observatory) : It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728. Jantar Mantar appears to be an inquisitive collection of sculptures but in fact each construction has a detailed purpose such as measuring the positions of stars, altitudes and azimuths, and calculating eclipses. The most striking instrument is the sundial which is 27 meter tall gnomon. The shadow this casts moves up to 4 meters an hour. Amber Fort: The Amber Fort is located 11 kms away from Jaipur. Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur. The Fort is an excellent illustration of Rajput architecture, impressively situated on a hillside facing a lake, which reflects its walkways and walls. Overnight in Jaipur.

• Day 13: Drive Jaipur - Delhi (265 kms/05 hrs)

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check out formalities. You will then start your drive to Delhi. On you arrival at the hotel in Delhi, you will be assisted with the check in formalities. The rest of the day is free for you. You can either relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the city. Overnight in Delhi

• Day 14: Depart Delhi

  Have a relaxed morning at your hotel, or take in some last minute shopping. After a 1200 hrs (noon) check out, you will be met by our representative and will be assisted with checkout formalities. He will then escort you to the Delhi International Airport in time for your flight back home.

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