Khajuraho Tour
Duration:
14 Nights/ 15 Days
Destinations:
Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambhor - Sawai Madhopur - Bharatpur - Fatehphur Sikri
- Agra - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Jabalpur - Delhi
Day
01: Delhi Company representatives will receive you on arrival at
the international airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight. Transfer
to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and
empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past
and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an
ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Jaipur
By Road 260 km in 6 hr
Proceed to Jaipur after breakfast.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced
back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who
ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of
Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains
its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and
modernity. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City because of the
extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in
honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills
the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and
lush gardens. Start sightseeing of the city.
CITY PALACE -
A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the
City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It
houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best
preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts
of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical
instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental
facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in
Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted
with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and
windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for
the palace women.
Relax in the evening or visit the markets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 03: Jaipur - Ranthambore
By Road 180 km in 3 hr
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber
Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER
FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its
construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his
descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise
where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate
expression. Transfer to the station for train to SAWAI MADHOPUR after
breakfast.
Drive to Ranthambhore. Reach and transfer to the
resort. Evening free at the resort and you can relax or watch some slides on
the tiger.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the
Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical
richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of
eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune
with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle.
It
spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep
slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and
sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky
gorges. An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the
Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the Reserve.
The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in
the north.
Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous
type, further classified as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance
of Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla) found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an extremely
hardy tree, capable of withstanding prolonged droughts. The leaves of this
tree are good fodder and they are browsed by herbivores, and form a
significant part of their diet. Even the dry, fallen leaves, eaten by them,
are rich source of nutrition.
Palas or Cheela or the Flame of
the Forest (Butea monosperms) blooms magnificently around mid-April. During
the period, Kachida and Anatpura provide an amazing view, like a forest on
fire. Around Kamaldhar massive Gum trees (Sterculia urens) with smooth white
trunk stand out conspicuously. Similarly, Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica) with
greyish trunks at the banks of the lakes and soft wood Salar (Boswellia
serrata) dotted atop hills are noticeable.
Fruits of Ber
(Zizyphus spp.) and 'crocodile bark' Tendu (Diospuyros melanoxylon) are
highly relished by Sloth Bears. The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation
including duck weeds, lilies and lotus. A haven for a multitude of wild
animals, the Park boasts of playing host to tigers, leopards, the elusive
caracals, hyenas, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides,
there are over 300 species of birds, from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle
to the exotic Golden Oriole.
Tiger, at the apex of the food
chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it
operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are
always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities are
very exciting.
The other kinds of cats found in Ranthambhore are
Leopard (Panthera pardus), Caracal (Felis caracal), Leopard Cat (Felis
bengalensis), Fishing Cat (Felis viverrina) and the Jungle Cat (Felis
chaus). Besides the big cats, the other large predators found in
Ranthambhore include Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Wolf, Wild dog (or Dhole),
Jackal, Indian Fox, Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Common Indian Mongoose,
Small Indian Mongoose, Ratel (or Honey Badger), Marsh Crocodile and the
Indian Python. There are two species of Antlers, namely the Spotted Deer (or
Chital) and the Sambhar Deer, and, two kinds of Antelopes, namely the Indian
Gazelle (or Chinkara) and the Bluebull (or Neelgai). Overnight will be at
resort.
Day
04: Ranthambore Breakfast will be at the lodge.
Proceed
for full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris with lunch break
in-between)
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day
05: Ranthambore Breakfast will be at the lodge.
Proceed
for full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris with lunch break
in-between) Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 06:
Ranthambore - Agra By Road 220 km in 6 hr
Proceed to
Agra after breakfast.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs,
Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a
befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name
Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up
in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble,
narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this
favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that
modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk
down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to
the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Reach Agra. Check in at
hotel. Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 07: Agra - Umaria
(Bandavgarh) By Overnight train
Proceed to visit Taj
after breakfast. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.
TAJ
MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is
always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by
Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz
Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and
planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design
balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its
elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work
ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by
the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red
sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a
major tourist attraction.
Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by
Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are
considered better than the Taj).
You will be transferred to
station for train to UMARIA. Overnight will be on train.
Day
08: Arrive at Bandavgarh Reach UMARIA and transfer to Bandavgarh.
Reach and enjoy breakfast.
Bandavgarh is a new National Park
with a very long history. Set among the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh with
an area of 168sq miles (437sq km) it contains a wide variety of habitats and
a high density of game, including a large number of Tigers. This is also the
White tiger country. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for Many
years. Maharaja Martand Singh captured the last known in 1951. This white
Tiger, Mohun is now stuffed and on display in the Palace of Maharaja of
Rewa. Prior to becoming a National Park, the forests around Bandavgarh had
long been maintained as a Shikargah, or game preserve of the Maharaja of
Rewa. The Maharaja and his guests carried out hunting - otherwise the
wildlife was well protected. It was considered a good omen for Maharaja of
Rewa to shoot 109 tigers. His Highness Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh shot 111
Tigers by 1914.
There are 32 hills in this part of the park,
which has a large natural fort at its center. The fort's cliffs are 2625
feet (800 meters) high, 1000 feet (300 meters) above the surrounding
countryside. Winter temperatures (Nov-mid-February) vary from almost
freezing at night to around 68 degree Fahrenheit in the daytime. Summer
nights are also cooler than the daytime temperatures, which rise to 104
degree Fahrenheit. This park is closed during the breeding season, which
coincides with the monsoon (July-October). Rainfall in the park averages 50
inches (120cm) per year.
Bandavgarh has been a center of human
activity and settlement for over 2000 years, and there are references to it
in the ancient books, the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Shiva Purana. Legend has
it that Lord Rama, hero of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, stopped at
Bandavgarh on his way back to his homeland after defeating the demon King
Ravana of Lanka. Two monkey architects, who had engineered a bridge between
the isle of Lanka and the mainland, are said to have built Bandavgarh's
Fort. Later Rama handed it over to his brother Lakshmana who became known as
Bandavdhish "The Lord of the Fort". Lakshmana is the particular
God of the fort and is regularly worshipped in a temple there.
The oldest sign of habitation in the park are caves dug into the sandstone
to the north of the fort. Several contain Brahmi inscriptions dating from
the 1st century BC. Various dynasties have ruled the fort, for example, the
Maghas from the 1st century AD, the Vakatakas from the 3rd century AD, from
that time onwards Bandavgarh was ruled by a succession of dynasties
including the Chandela Kings of Bundelkhand who built the famous temples at
Khajuraho. The Baghel Kings, the direct ancestors of the present Royal
family of Rewa, established their dynasty at Bandavgarh in the 12th century.
It remained their capital till 1617 when the center of court life moved to
Rewa, 75 miles (120Kms) to the north. Without royal patronage Bandavgarh
became more and more deserted until forest overran the area and it became
the royal hunting reserve. This helped to preserve the forest and its
wildlife, although the Maharajas made full use of their rights. Each set out
to kill the auspicious number of 109 Tigers.
At independence
Bandavgarh remained the private property of the Maharaja until he gave it to
the state for the formation of the National Park in 1968. After the park was
created poaching was brought under control and the number of animals rose
dramatically. Small dams and water holes were built to solve the problem of
water shortage. Grazing by local cattle was stopped and the village within
the park boundaries was relocated. The Tigers in particular prospered and
the 1986 extension provided much needed forest to accommodate them.
Bandavgarh is justifiably famous for its Tigers, but it has a wide
range of other game. The undergrowth is not as dense as in some northern
terai forests, but the best time to see the park inhabitants is still the
summer months when water becomes scarce and the undergrowth dies back.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris with
lunch break in-between)
Overnight will be in the lodge.
Day 09: Bandavgarh Breakfast will be at the resort.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris with
lunch break in-between)
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 10: Bandavgarh Breakfast will be in the lodge.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris with lunch
break in-between)
Trip to the Bandavgarh Fort: The
oldest fort in India - considered to be more than 2500 years. One-hour trek
up the fort is worth the effort. The charm of this trek lies in discovering
these monuments in the jungle, unspoiled and unexplored. Some of the statues
lie off the main path and so it is best to take a guide. Apart from the
avatars, well worth seeing are three small temples of around the 12th
century. These temples are deserted but the fort is still used as a place of
worship. Kabir Das, the celebrated 16th century saint, once lived and
preached here. The natural ramparts of the fort give breathtaking view of
the surrounding countryside. The fort still belongs to the Maharaja of Rewa
and permission is required to visit it. However permission is available
locally and no trip to Bandhavgarh is complete without making an effort to
climb up the fort. The staff of the resort carries your lunch while you are
busy negotiating the trek to the fort.
Overnight will be at the
resort.
Day
11: Bandavgarh - Kanha By Road 255 km in 6 hr
After
breakfast drive to Kanha.
This is the place that has been
described by RUDYARD KIPLING in his great book "The Jungle Book".
Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is a
tiger reserve that extends over an area of over 940 square km. A horseshoe
shaped valley bounded by the spurs of the Mekal presents an interesting
topography. Steep rocky escarpments along the edges offer breathtaking views
of the valley. Realizing the danger on the Tiger population in the country,
the Government started the "Project Tiger" at Kanha and in 1974
the area was declared a Tiger reserve. The park is also the habitat of the
high ground Barasingha.
In 1930s, the Kanha area was divided into
two sanctuaries - Hallon and Banjar of 250kms to 300kms each. Though one of
these was subsequently disbanded .The area remained a protected one until
1947. Depletion of the tiger population in the year that followed led to the
area being made an absolute sanctuary in 1952.
Patient watching
should reward the visitor, with a sight of Indian Fox, Sloth bear, Striped
hyena, Jungle cut, Lepord, Mouse Deer, Chausingha or four horned antelope,
Nilgai, Ratel and Porcupine Kanha has some 200 species of birds. Watchers
should station themselves in the hills, where the mixed and bamboo forests
harbour many species and in the grassy forest clearings. Water birds can be
seen near the park's many rivulets and at Sarvantal, a pool that is
frequented by water birds and the area in front of the museum.
Excursion to Kawardha just east of the Maikala Range (up to 1100m) to the
south east of Kanha National Park, Kawardha is a small town in Chhattisgarh
(34 forts) region of M.P. In this remote area Maharaja Viswaraj Singh has
recently opened his palace to visitors. It provides a delightfully quite
unspoiled contrast with India's big cities and with the much busier tourist
circuit of Rajasthan's 'palace circuit'. This town is in the center of the
Baiga tribe, who live in forest surrounding the town, and these are several
eleventh century temples in the immediate region.
Reach in the
afternoon and relax at the resort.
Overnight will be at the
Kanha Resort.
Day 12: Kanha Breakfast will be at
the resort.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the jungle.
(Two safaris with lunch break in-between)
Overnight will be at
the resort.
Day 13: Kanha - Nagpur By Road 240 km
in 5 hr
Proceed for the morning safari into forest.
Proceed to NAGPUR after lunch. Reach and relax at the hotel. Overnight will
be at Nagpur.
Day 14: Nagpur - Delhi By Air
Flight Number : CD 7470/7469
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 0900/1010/1015 (Depending on the day)
Stopover : Nil
Arrival : 1025/1135/1140
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Spend day relaxing at the
hotel or spending time at local markets. Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 15: Delhi - Home Proceed for a day tour of Delhi
after breakfast.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi
would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi
was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort -
once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
Take
a cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW
DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit
to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue
- Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the
President's Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic
Enclave.
Transfer to airport in time for flight home.
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