NORTH INDIA

Tigers and Temples of India & Nepal

Along with the full experience of Indian and Nepalese wildlife, which is spectacular in its diversity, the trip includes the famous erotic temples of Khajuraho, world famous Taj Mahal, Varanasi, India’s most sacred city, Royal Chitwan National Park and the ancient capital of Nepal, Kathmandu.

In two of India’s best conservation reserves and one of the famous national parks of Nepal, we hope to encounter a wide range of animal and bird species from Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard, one-horned Asian Rhinoceros to swamp deer, Chinkara antelope and wild elephants. These parks are also well known for the numerous species of native as well as migratory birds. Ranthambhore National Park, situated in India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan and surrounded by the Aravali hills stretches across an area of 1,334 sq km on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert. It is also an oasis of dense dry deciduous forests amidst a vast tract of semi arid scrub and thorny desert vegetation. Bandhavgarh covers an area of 542 sq-kms and is situated amidst the Vindhya ranges with an array of well forested ridges running through it, the park was the royal hunting ground for the rulers of Rewa in the bygone era and known for its highest tiger population in India. Travel on to Varanasi, India’s oldest city and the religious centre for the Hindus. With an excursion to the holy river Ganges by boat and witnessing the morning rituals and religious activities on the cremation ghats of Varanasi, we proceed across the border to Nepal. Here, we visit the Royal Chitwan National Park with an excursion to the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini en route. The tour ends after visiting the ancient Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.

Day 01: Delhi
Arrive in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi - Ranthambhore
Morning visit Delhi. Afternoon proceed by train to Sawai Madhopur. A short drive to hotel in the periphery of Ranthambhore National park

Day 03: Ranthambhore
Ranthambhore is the favourite haunt of wildlife buffs. Professional wildlife photographers from around the world come to the park to see the tiger, panther, wild cat, hyena, jackal, marsh crocodile, wild boar, bear, deer and a rich bird life of over 300 species including the rare great Indian horned owl. More than any park in India, Tigers are often spotted here even in daylight. Game drive in Ranthambhore National Park.

Day 04: Ranthambhore - Agra
Drive to Agra (246 Kms/ 6 hrs). Afternoon visit the beautiful monument of love, the world famous Taj Mahal and the Agra fort.

Day 05: Agra - Orchha - Khajuraho
Proceed by train to Jhansi (215 Kms/2.5 hrs). Drive to Khajuraho visiting Orchha enroute (190 Kms/ 5 hrs). In Orchha, we visit the famous Jehangir Mahal. Afternoon, see the unique temples of Khajuraho well known for its’ intricately detailed erotic carvings.

Day 06: Khajurao - Bandhavgarh
Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park (286 Kms/ 7 hrs).

Day 07 & 08: Bandhavgarh
The fine trees of Saal cover half of the Bandhavgarh National Park while the higher hills consist of the mixed forests. The sanctuary is known to have 25 resident tigers. The other wildlife attractions in the park include Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara antelope, wild boar, fox, Jackal and Monkeys. Game drive in Bandhavgarh National park.

Day 09: Bandhavgarh - Katni - Varanasi
Early morning, drive to Katni railway station (100 Kms/ 3 hrs) to board the train. Proceed by train for Varanasi (400 Kms/ 8 hrs).

Day 10: Varanasi - Lumbini
Early morning excursion to the holy river Ganges by boat and witness the morning rituals and religious activities on the cremation ghats. Return to hotel for breakfast and then drive to Sunauli (215 Kms/ 5-6 hrs). Our representative from Nepal will welcome us at the border. A change of vehicles and then proceed to the hotel in Lumbini (26 Kms/ 1 hr).

Day 11: Lumbini - Chitwan
Early morning visit Lumbini Garden, the birthplace of Buddha including the Ashoka pillar of the Maurya period, Maya Devi Temple and the monasteries. Drive through the plains of Terai to Royal Chitwan National Park (140 Km/ 4 hrs).

Day 12: Chitwan
Full day jungle activities inside the park including Elephant safari, Canoe ride, Jungle walk etc to observe the flora, fauna of the park, which includes the one horned Asian rhinos, Crocodiles, different species of deer and birds and if lucky, the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Day 13: Chitwan - Kathmandu
Drive to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal (165 Kms/ 5-6 hrs).

Day 14: Kathmandu
Full day visit of Kathmandu valley including its ancient Durbar square, Swoyambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Bodhnath Stupa, the largest Stupa of Nepal.

Day 15: Kathmandu - Departure
Transfer to the airport to connect outbound flight from Kathmandu.