Taj, Tigers and Temples is an adventure that will explore authentic Indian culture, tradition, wildlife, art and music. You will see the iconic Taj Mahal at dawn, Indias largest mosque, the Jama Masjid and in Bandhavgarh and Panna, exciting safaris will afford you sightings of Indias unique wildlife. You will visit villages and forts, encountering warmth, hospitality, magnificence and diversity, vibrancy and spirituality. This 14 day gold collection itinerary takes you on a journey full of surprises seeing some of the most breath taking scenery and architecture in the world.
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Day 1 Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, you will be met and transferred to THE IMPERIAL HOTEL where you will stay for the next two nights. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 2 Delhi
After breakfast, you will be taken on a fully guided tour of Delhi. You will visit historical monuments including the Red Fort and Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Quatab Minar, Rajghat- the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, the War Memorial Arch and the India Gate. Enjoy a walk through the dense network of narrow alleys of Chandni Chowk- the shopping centre of Old Delhi. The tour will take you on a drive past the President’s estate and Parliament buildings. During the tour you will stop for lunch at Chor Bizzare (Hotel Broadway). After the tour, you will return to your HOTEL. (B, L)
Day 3 Delhi - Bandhavgarh
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Delhi Airport to board your flight to Jabalpur. Upon arrival in Jabalpur, you will be met and driven to Bandhavgarh National Park where you will check into THE SAMODE SAFARI LODGE. The lodge offers many activities including a safari with an expert naturalist, breakfast or lunch in the jungle, a nature and bird walk with an expert naturalist, cycling in the woods and village as well as local school visits and involvement in different community and conservation projects. (B, L,D)
Day 4 Bandhavgarh National Park
This morning you will be taken on an early morning and late afternoon safari, to see unique wildlife around the park. After dinner, the evening is at your leisure. Overnight at THE SAMODE SAFARI LODGE. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Bandhavgarh - Panna
After breakfast, you will be driven to Panna National Park and check in at THE SARAI AT TORNIA where you will stay for two nights. The activities on offer include, a Jeep safari in Panna Tiger Reserve, a night safari in the park’s buffer zone, a tranquil boat ride on the pristine Ken River, cooking demonstrations, bicycle rides through the local villages and visits to various magnificent old temples and forts. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Ken River amongst unique flora and fauna. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Panna National Park
Today enjoy an early morning and late afternoon safari exploring the wilderness of this Indian jungle. After dinner, the evening is at your leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Panna-Khajuraho-Varanasi
After breakfast, you will be taken on a tour of Khaljuraho (UNESCO World Heritage site), a fascinating town with a quaint rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage showcased in its mesmerising temples. After the tour you will be transferred to Khaljuraho airport to board your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi you will be transferred to TAJ NADESAR PALACE where you will spend the next two nights. In the evening, witness the holy Aarti at the River Ganges. (B,)
Day 8 Varanasi
Today you will venture out on an early morning boat cruise on the River Ganges along the Ghats, bathing and cremation sites. Later you will visit the Vishwanath Temple and then go on an afternoon half-day tour of the city where you will visit important temples and the fabled Palace of Sarnath. (B)
Day 9 Varanasi - Agra
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Varanasi Airport to board your flight to Agra. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to THE OBEROIR AMARVILAS. Later in the day you will visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site holding various palaces and the Halls of Public and Private Audience. (B)
Day 10 Depart Agra/ Arrive Talabgaon
This morning you will visit the Taj Mahal at sun rise where you will see the changing colours as the sun rises. You will return to the Hotel for breakfast. Later, you will be driven to Talabgaon Castle- a 200 year old, restored fort, now a Heritage Resort. Enroute you will stop at the Mughal Empire’s most inspired creations, Fatehpur Sikri then Bharatpur for lunch at the “Bagh”. After lunch, the journey continues with a stop in Abhaneri and visit the 9th century, Harshat Mata Temple. You will arrive at Talabgaon village by evening. Tonight, dinner is served poolside where a Nath tribe musician playing folk songs will entertain you. The next two nights will be at TALABGAON CASTLE. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Talabgaon
After breakfast, explore the Talabgaon old village situated in a beautiful semi desert terrain. This is a small village of people from diverse caste and religious backgrounds. Here you will experience the rural heart of India with village craftsmen, like potters, cobblers, and carpet makers at their daily work. The rest of your morning is at leisure. At noon, a Jeep safari will take you to the village Dhani, which is a beautiful drive through the countryside, and farmlands where you can see local wildlife such as the blue bull, peacocks, foxes and partridges. At Dhani village farmhouse you will be welcomed to an exclusive lunch. After lunch you will return to the hotel on camel carts and spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Dinner this evening is at an exclusive venue where a musician will play local folk songs. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Talabgaon - Jaipur
After breakfast, you will be driven to Jaipur and be taken on a tour of the city visiting historic sites including, City Palace, part of which is the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and the other part, a museum. You will also drive through the “Pink City” and past the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five storey building, famous for its elaborate façade with approximately one thousand windows to enable the ladies of the court to view the passing processions. Your evening is at leisure to explore the Jaipur market. Spend the next two nights at OBEROI RAJVILAS (B, L)
Day 13 Jaipur
This morning you will visit the romantic Rajasthan Amber Fort with an elephant ride or Jeep transfer up to the Fort entrance. Within the fort you will be able to visit the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of mirrors), Jai Mahal and other palaces within the fort. Lunch will be at a local restaurant – Spice Court. In the evening, there is time for shopping around Hawa Mahal and Jewellery Street. (B, L)
Day 14 Jaipur - Delhi
Spend the morning at your leisure where you can explore the city or participate in a yoga and meditation class if you desire. You will be transferred to Delhi where you will board your onward flight.(B)