Overview

An expedition through India’s most unique wildlife parks – Ranthambore, Banghavgarh and Kanha, combined with inspiring historic sites and ancient temple cities.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival

Arrive Delhi by an International flight late evening.

After completing Immigration and customs formalities, proceed towards the arrival hall at the airport, where you will be met by our Representative and accorded a traditional Indian welcome. You will be transferred to your hotel. (check-in time is 1400hrs)

Upon arrival transfer to hotel and check in at hotel.

Delhi is a city that defies a one-line description as the capital of India or as the capital of the world’s largest democracy. Actually, Delhi is India in miniature; it is 3,287,263 sq. km of India’s fantastic variety compressed into 1,483 sq. km. Over the millennia, it has wooed rulers, attracted plunderers, and provided historians with so many details. Today, even as it preserves an enviable heritage, Delhi is a true cosmopolitan city, always on the move. Delhi remains the centre of power. Once it was a city of royal power. Then it became the seat of colonial power. Later it was the seat of bureaucratic power. The seat of political power it has always been. Today it is emerging as an important centre for corporate power too. However, the most fascinating aspect of this city is its cosmopolitan nature.

Overnight: Delhi

Meals: None

Day 2 | Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the city tour.

Visit the Qutab Minar, a Tower of Victory, built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta style. The pillar has puzzled scientists, as its iron has not rusted in all these centuries.

Drive through the streets of New Delhi, past the architecture of British India - the imposing President’s House, the North and South Blocks, the government offices and Parliament House and India Gate- the memorial to the Unknown Soldier.

Visit a Sikh Temple - Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a famous Sikh shrine. It is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, as well as the pool inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar. Witness the largest community kitchen serving free food to thousands of devotees.

ater drive towards Old Delhi. Explore the living legacy of the Indo-Islamic culture and lifestyle in Old Delhi. Moghul emperor Shahjahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and laid the foundations of Shahjahanabad, the 7th city of Delhi. Today it is popularly called Old Delhi.

There is no better way to explore this bustling part of the city in the afternoon than on a cycle rickshaw. Ride through the narrow lanes and experience the daily activities of the merchants, the little food and traditional stalls and the teeming population busy in daily activities. 

Visit Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market. Stroll through the bustling, busy lanes of the area. The displays of hundreds of spices and condiments are arranged in neat colourful piles making it a visual treat. Also visit the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), India’s largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan.

Overnight: Delhi 

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 | Delhi - Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (approx. 280kms /4½ hrs drive). 

Upon arrival in Jaipur, transfer to hotel and check-in. 

Jaipur is a city where royalty still lives in the grandeur of its palaces, where fighting for the honour of the clan has never been a need but a way of life, and where treating guests as gods has been a tradition from time immemorial. Jaipur got its name from its founder Sawai Jai Singh (1693-1743), who had the vision to create a meticulously planned city as his capital. All the houses in the old city are painted pink, including the famous Hawa Mahal, thereby giving the city its popular name, the Pink City.

Later proceed for dinner at Dera Amer. This is situated behind the hills of the Amer Fort with a Camp located at the foothills of the Aravali Range and surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization in the vicinity, except for a few hamlets housing the local villagers occupied by farming on their fields bordering a pretty lake. A local Rajput family, who themselves reside in the area, organize walks with their elephants in the jungle using their rustic home and camp as a base, as well as allowing their guests the privilege to interact with the local villagers.

Overnight: Jaipur 

Meal: Breakfast & dinner

Day 4 | Jaipur

After early breakfast at hotel proceed for city tour.

Visit Amber Fort, the capital of the erstwhile State of Jaipur until 1728 is perched on a hill. It has halls of Public and Private Audience, a Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) various marble palaces which are marvellous examples of ancient Rajput architecture. Ride a jeep to ascend the hill on which the fort is situated. 

Visit the City Palace - the former royal residence and the Jantar Mantar - a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century.

Drive past the Hawa Mahal, known popularly as the Palace of Winds. This is a facade built for the ladies of the royal household in the 19th century. Take the opportunity to wander through the traditional markets.

Overnight: Jaipur 

Meal: Breakfast

Day 5 | Jaipur - Ranthambore

After breakfast, drive to Ranthambore (approx. 175kms / 3 hrs drive). 

Upon arrival in Ranthambore, transfer to hotel and check-in.

Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Spread over an area of 400 sq. km of dry, deciduous forest 1,334 sq. km these former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur is a major wildlife tourist spot which attracts many wildlife experts and photographers and lovers. Although there is a rich wildlife here, the park famous for its tigers and is considered one of the best locations to spot the majestic predators in its natural habitat. 

Afternoon: Game Drive in the Ranthambore National Park by a shared jeep 

The park has a very large number of animals, including various deers and a wide variety of birdlife. If you are lucky, you might be able to sight and observe a tigress with her cubs. You will get excellent photographic opportunities at Malik Talao, where the lake’s surface seems to be carpeted by red algae and is visited by all kinds of birds

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight:  Ranthambore

Meal:       Breakfast & dinner

Day 6 | Ranthambore

Morning: Game Drive in the Ranthambore National Park by a shared jeep.

The park has a very large number of animals, including various deers and a wide variety of birdlife. If you are lucky, you might be able to sight and observe a tigress with her cubs. You will get excellent photographic opportunities at Malik Talao, where the lake’s surface seems to be carpeted by red algae and is visited by all kinds of birds.

Return to the hotel for Breakfast 

Rest of the morning to relax at the hotel.

After lunch at the hotel proceed for another game drive by shared jeep.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight:  Ranthambore

Meal:       Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 7 | Ranthambore - Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

After breakfast, transfer to Ranthambore Railway station to board the train to Bharatpur.

Train to Bharatpur – 12059 Kota Janshatabdi Express (07:20AM/09:28AM).

Upon arrival in Bharatpur, drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (approx. 60kms/1 ½ hrs).

Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri – an exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone, with its forts, palaces and mosques, and abandoned after its creation due to political reasons. It is a well- preserved abandoned Mughal city now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Later, continue drive to Agra.

Upon arrival in Agra, check into the hotel.

The ancient city of Agra lies on the banks of the river Yamuna and is one of the oldest settlements of India. Between the 16th and 17th C it was the seat of power of the Mughals and three generations of Great Mughals ruled a huge empire from here. It was also a centre of learning, Culture, Art and Religious philosophies which produced some of the most renowned litterateurs and scholars.

Afternoon: Visit the Agra Fort, which was built in the 16th century AD by three generations of Mughal emperors. It is a superb synthesis of stern military fortifications with delicate interior details. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son here. You will see the art and crafting of the white marble that has made the area so famous, and the Halls of Public and Private Audience.

Visit the incomparable Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays) Experience the sublimity of the Taj Mahal at sunset - a varying kaleidoscope of solitude, colour and mood. A tribute from a great emperor to the memory of his beloved wife, it was 22 years in the making (1631-1653) and is a cerebral experience that defies description. Widely regarded as the earthly replica of paradise, Taj Mahal is likened to   “a vision, a dream, a poem and a wonder”.

Overnight:  Agra

Meal:       Breakfast

Day 8 | Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho

After breakfast, transfer to Agra Railway station to board the train to Jhansi.

Train to Jhansi – 22470 Vande Bharat Express (07:45AM/10:25AM).

Upon arrival in Jhansi, drive to Khajuraho (approx. 175kms/3 hrs).

Khajuraho is an ancient city known for its magnificent temples and intricate sculptures. The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandela dynasty, which reached its zenith between 950 and 1050 AD. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Temple of Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.

Later, continue drive to Khajuraho.

Upon arrival in Khajuraho, check into the hotel.

Afternoon visit to the Mahadeo temple of the Western group of temples, which is the largest dedicated to Shiva. The main shrine is exquisitely carved and features, in delicate detail, gods, goddesses, celestial maidens and lovers. Also visit the Chausat Yogini temple dedicated to Kali and Chitragupta temple dedicated to the sun-god Surya. 

This evening, attend the sound and light show organized at the Temples.

Overnight:  Khajuraho

Meal:       Breakfast

Day 9 | Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh

After breakfast, guided visit to the Parsvanath temple of the Eastern group which is the group’s largest Jain temple. The themes depict, in charming detail, everyday activity.

Architecturally the temples have some unique features. They stand on high platforms and do not have the customary enclosure. Each temple has a large number of spires in ascending order representing man's aspirations towards spiritual goals. The sculptures describe the moments of truth, amazement and bliss in which one forgets everything and surrenders completely to spiritual emotion. And this wonder is the elusive theme of the temples at Khajuraho.

Later drive to Bandhavgarh (approx. 230kms/5hrs) 

Upon arrival check in to the hotel.

Bandhavgarh - Set amidst the Vindhyanchal ranges, the park covers an area of 437 sq. km. and has a series of ridges running through it. About half the park is covered with fine stands of Sal while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands are found throughout. The main view area is still in the core of the park with its 32 picturesque, wooded hills. There are more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds. Common langurs and Rhesus macaque represent the primate group. Carnivores include the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Grey Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard and of course the most famous of all the Royal Bengal Tiger. The other animals spotted in the park are Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chinkara and Gaur. The vegetation along streams and marshes is rich in birdlife. 

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight:   Bandhavgarh 

Meals:        Breakfast & dinner 

Day 10 & 11 | Bandhavgarh

Morning game drive in the National Park by jeeps with an English Speaking Naturalist.

Rest of the morning at leisure for independent activities

After lunch at the hotel proceed for another game drive.

Afternoon game drive in the National Park by jeeps with an English Speaking Naturalist. (National parks are closed every Wednesday for afternoon safari)

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight:    Bandhavgarh 

Meals:        Breakfast, lunch & dinner 

Day 12 | Bandhavgarh - Kanha

After breakfast at hotel, check out and drive to Kanha (240 kms/ approx. 5hrs).

Upon arrival, check into the hotel.

Kanha is one of the largest national parks in India extending over 1945 sq. km. of undulating country, which includes a core area of 940 sq km. Kanha has some 22 species of mammals. The most easily spotted are the stripped palm squirrel, common langur, jackal, wild pig, chital or spotted deer, barasingha or swamp deer, sambhar and black buck. Less commonly seen species are tiger, Indian hare, dhole or Indian wild dog, barking deer and Indian bison or gaur. Other animals found in the park are Indian fox, sloth bear, striped hyena, jungle cat, panther, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, porcupine and wolf. Kanha has some 200 species of birds. The commonly seen species of birds include cattle egret, pond heron, black ibis, common peafowl, crested serpent eagle, racket-tailed drongo, and hawk eagle, various species of fly-catcher, woodpecker, pigeon, dove, parakeet, babbler, mynah, Indian roller, white-breasted kingfisher and grey hornbill. 

Evening village tour / Nature walk.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight:  Kanha 

Meal:       Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 13 & 14 | Kanha

Morning game drive in the National Park by jeeps with an English Speaking Naturalist.

Rest of the morning at leisure for independent activities

After lunch at the lodge proceed for another game drive.

Afternoon game drive in the National Park by jeeps with an English Speaking Naturalist. (National parks are closed every Wednesday for afternoon safari)

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight:    Kanha 

Meals:        Breakfast, lunch & dinner 

Day 15 | Kanha - Nagpur - Mumbai

After breakfast, transfer to Nagpur Airport (approx. 255kms/5½ hrs) to board the flight to Mumbai.

Nagpur/Mumbai – Indigo Air 6E 5036 – 1840hrs-2015hrs.

Upon arrival in Mumbai board the International flight back to home.

Why we love it

Wildlife Encounters

Architecture

Culture

Local Colour

All images courtesy of © Inspiration India