India: The Best of Tigers, History, and Culture
India: The Best of Tigers, History, and Culture
This is a customized pre-sale travel product.Please contact our travel specialists to design a personalized itinerary tailored to your needs.The departure date is approximately 90 days after payment (subject to your finalized itinerary).Our team will reach out to you 30 days before departure to confirm all travel details and arrangements.
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Visit the Icons of India
From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene landscapes of Kanha and Pench, this journey offers a deep dive into India's diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage.
Knowledgeable naturalists and local trackers will accompany you through renowned national parks, allowing you to gain an understanding of unique wildlife and ecosystems. Beyond the adventure, you will find moments of reflection and tranquility, whether in the historical charm of Jodhpur or the spiritual calm of Udaipur.
Expect to be captivated, inspired, and forever transformed by the charm of India.
Suggested Length: 15 days/14 nights
Starts from: $3,000 per person
Highlights
- Socially and ecologically responsible lodges and hotels.
- Search for tigers, leopards, and cheetahs with your naturalist guide and local tracker on safari in Pench National Park.
- Sleep under the stars during a Star Bed experience and fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.
- Immerse yourself in a wilderness experience with minimal environmental impact while staying in a luxury tent at Jamtara Wilderness Camp.
- Engage in conversations with the Rabari Tribe, nomadic herders who have walked the hills of Jawai for generations while also looking for leopards.
- Experience fairytale luxury at a 300-year-old summer palace on Lake Pichola, accessible only by boat.
- Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the world's most iconic and symmetrical structures, symbolizing eternal love.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
After you pass through customs and immigration at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be met by a representative who will accompany you to The Leela Palace, where you will be staying for the next three nights.
The capital city of India has a fascinating history that spans several centuries. As the seat of power for numerous empires, Delhi has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties, each leaving a distinct cultural imprint on the city. Despite its cosmopolitan character today, Delhi retains many of its unique traditions. The city is home to awe-inspiring monuments and museums that offer a glimpse into its past.
Overnight The Leela Palace
Day 2
Delhi
Experience the vibrant pulse of Delhi with a private tour that will ignite all your senses. To start, visit Humayun's Tomb and take part in an inspiring workshop led by a group of women who have experienced abuse. You'll gain a profound perspective on their circumstances as you create art together.
Next, you'll be transported back to the Mughal Empire as you navigate the bustling Chandni Chowk on bicycle rickshaws. Here, you'll have the opportunity to participate in an Ittar (perfume)-making workshop at an 8th-generation studio, where you can create your own unique scent.
Amidst the chaos of Old Delhi's busy lanes, find a touch of calm at the heart of the Jama Masjid, a stunning marble and red-sandstone structure. This final architectural triumph of Shah Jahan provides a serene escape.
For lunch, indulge in the aromatic flavors of Delhi. Enjoy modern Indian cuisine at Haveli Dharmapura, where skilled chefs create artistic dishes in a stunning lounge ambiance.
To wrap up your tour, delve into the British history of India as you head to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. You will hear the melodic sounds of Gurbani at Delhi's largest Gurudwara, creating the perfect atmosphere for reflecting on your day.
Overnight The Leela Palace
Day 3
Agra
This morning, you will board the Gatimaan Express Train with your guide for the journey to Agra. When you arrive in Agra, your first stop will be the iconic Taj Mahal, commissioned by Shah Jahan to memorialize his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is a breathtaking structure made of white marble, designed by the Persian architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori. The monument took 22 years to construct and is celebrated as one of the greatest achievements of Indo-Islamic architecture. It has impeccable balance and symmetry, and its elegant domes and intricately carved screens enhance its beauty.
Later today, visit the Agra Fort, which served as the emperors' primary residence during the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was moved from Agra to Delhi. Emperor Akbar had the fort reconstructed in red sandstone to serve as the centerpiece of his reign.
Overnight The Leela Palace
Day 4
Kanha
Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight to Raipur Airport. When you arrive, our representative will greet you in a private vehicle and take you to Kanha National Park.
Kanha National Park is considered one of Asia's top wildlife reserves. It was designated one of the first Tiger Reserves under Project Tiger in 1973. The park's stunning sal and bamboo forests, grasslands, ravines, and hills, provide exceptional opportunities to capture photos of Indian wildlife. Kanha is renowned as one of the prime locations in the world, if not the best, for spotting wild tigers.
Overnight Kanha Jungle Lodge
Day 5 - 6
Kanha
Make the most of your two days at Kanha Jungle Lodge by taking safaris in the national park. Your adventure begins bright and early with a wake-up call before sunrise, followed by a cup of coffee at the dining hall to kickstart your morning safari. A naturalist will be there to greet you and lead you to your open 4x4 jeep before heading towards the park gates. Once there, you'll meet your local tracker, who will accompany you on your safari.
Watch for tigers, jackals, wild boars, leopards, and more during your morning safari. Pause for a picnic breakfast in the beautiful setting before continuing your safari and returning to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, hop into your jeep with your naturalist and local guide for another exciting safari. Experience the park in a new light and observe the changes in the jungle's activity before returning to the lodge at sunset.
In addition to safaris, Kanha Jungle Lodge offers a range of recreational activities, including nature or village walks, bird watching, elephant baths by the river, and visits to the weekly market, village, or schools. You can also enjoy tribal dances, stargazing, cooking classes, and BBQ dinners around a campfire.
Overnight Kanha Jungle Lodge
Day 7
Pench National Park
Today, travel approximately 4.5 hours via car to reach Jamtara Wilderness Camp. Once you arrive, you can take it slow at camp or participate in a village walk to meet the nearby community via walking or cycling with your guide. The villages surrounding Jamtara are visually stunning and have influenced the design and concept of the Jamtara Wilderness Camp.
Pench National Park, the 19th Project Tiger Reserve, has been a hidden gem among wildlife enthusiasts. Its diverse landscape supports the highest concentration of herbivores in any Indian park. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including leopards, tigers, jungle cats, dholes (wild dogs), sloth bears, wild boars, mongooses, and gaurs. It also hosts the region's largest population of cheetahs (spotted deer) and sambars.
Overnight Jamtara Wilderness Camp
Day 8
Pench National Park
Enjoy an early morning safari in Pench National Park with a naturalist and local tracker. Stop for a picnic breakfast during your safari and return to the lodge for lunch before heading out for your afternoon safari.
Tonight, you have the unique opportunity to sleep in the Star Bed. You can experience the forest coming to life under the night sky, offering a one-of-a-kind experience. As you lie in the fields, gazing up at the stars, you'll be treated to the natural orchestra of crickets, owls, frogs, and jackals, accompanied by the occasional calls of the spotted deer.
Overnight Jamtara Wilderness Camp
Day 9
Pench National Park & Mumbai
Start your day with a sunrise safari at Pench National Park, accompanied by a naturalist guide and local tracker. After the safari, return to the lodge for lunch. When you check out from the camp, head to Nagpur Airport for your flight to Mumbai Airport. Upon arrival at Mumbai Airport, our representative will be waiting with a vehicle to take you to the Taj Mahal Palace. Here, you can relax for the evening and enjoy the luxuries of the accommodation.
Originally comprised of seven fishing islands, Mumbai has developed into a vibrant city, home to people from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles and beliefs. This diversity has made it one of the world's great centers of commerce and creativity, attracting people worldwide. Mumbai is also renowned for its energetic nightlife, Bollywood scene, colorful festivals and beautiful beaches.
Overnight Taj Mahal Palace
Day 10
Mumbai
Discover the best of Mumbai with a guided tour that offers unique experiences and different perspectives of the city. The tour begins with a historical walk through Mumbai's colonial precinct, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, the Taj Mahal Palace, and the Yacht Club.
Next, get ready for a private Bollywood dance workshop with your own choreographer. After working up an appetite, visit a nearby restaurant to sample local delicacies. Then, either attend a workshop at Bombay Sweet Shop followed by lunch or enjoy lunch at Bombay Canteen. If you have time and enjoy a good cup of coffee, head to Subko Coffee to try local brews; otherwise, there's always chai.
This afternoon, your guide will take you to the famous Mumbai Spice Market, where you can buy individual spices or create your own Masala mix. Wrap up your day with a train ride to experience the daily lives of Mumbaikars on a train network that accommodates over 6 million commuters daily.
This evening, indulge in the Ekaa Dining Experience, featuring a multi-course meal that lasts approximately 2-3 hours. The dynamic menu is based on seasonality and produce, with unusual ingredients such as sea urchins off the coast of Madurai, coconut sprouts from Thrissur, Manipuri black rice, and Maharashtrian Indrayani rice.
Overnight Taj Mahal Palace
Day 11
Jodhpur
This morning, your driver will take you to the airport for your flight from Mumbai to Jodhpur. After arriving, check-in at your hotel and visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort before taking a leisurely walk through the narrow alleys leading to the famous "Blue City." When you catch sight of Jodhpur's walled city, you'll quickly understand why it's called the Blue City. The view of the indigo-colored houses is truly remarkable.
For lunch, you'll have the opportunity to experience life in a Jodhpur home and try some traditional dishes that every Jodhpur household grew up on. During lunch, take the time to talk with the family and learn more about the city from their perspective.
Hop on a tuk-tuk with your guide and head towards the Old City to visit a 98-year-old, 5th-generation major handicraft and textile store. Jodhpur is a significant export hub, and this particular store supplies fashion houses like Chanel, Mui Mui, Prada, and Kenzo. It may not look impressive from the outside, but you'll know you're somewhere special once you navigate the first set of narrow stairs and find yourself surrounded by colorful, floor-to-ceiling piles of shawls and carpets.
Overnight Raas Jodhpur
Day 12
Jawai
After breakfast, your driver will take you through the countryside to reach Jawai. The drive from Jodhpur to Jawai takes approximately 3 hours, during which you can soak in the beautiful landscapes. Jawai is a place where the earth is etched with deep gorges. Nomadic Rabari herders are as much a part of the landscape as the mysterious felines that grace these hills and vanish at will into their folds.
The best times for leopard sightings are early morning and late evening, so safaris will be scheduled accordingly. Between safaris, you can visit the nearby villages and walk in the hills. In Jawai, you have the opportunity to see Nilgai, Jungle Cat, Crocodiles, Osprey, Black Shouldered Kite, Sarus Cranes, and various waterfowl.
Overnight Suján Jawai
Day 13
Jawai
The Jawai experience offers some of the most thrilling, authentic, and unique ways to immerse yourself in the area's culture and encounter the wilderness. Start your day early with a morning game drive before sunrise and head out for another exciting drive in the afternoon. You'll tour the landscape with a knowledgeable guide in customized 4x4 jeeps. While many visitors are drawn to the leopards, there's a diverse range of wildlife and almost 300 species of birds to spot during your safari.
Jawai's hills are scattered with temples, shrines, and memorials, and the region's events and celebrations are deeply rooted in religion. The communities of Jawai have proudly preserved their traditions over centuries. During your stay, visit some of the temples, witness the daily Aarti rituals, and learn about how the leopards earned a semi-divine status in the eyes of the communities. You'll also have the honor of meeting the Rabari Tribe, which has walked these hills for generations.
Overnight Suján Jawai
Day 14
Udaipur
Today, your driver will take you on the 3.5-hour drive from Jawai to your accommodation, the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur. Upon arrival, take some time to immerse yourself in the ambiance of the Taj Lake Palace and enjoy its facilities. The hotel features a stunning swimming pool that overlooks the lake, a beautiful rooftop terrace, and an open-to-the-sky lily pond that provides a perfect setting for romantic and leisurely dining experiences. In addition, floating on the lake, the Jiva Spa Boat offers an exquisitely soothing experience during treatments.
Overnight Taj Lake Palace
Day 15
Departure Day
Make the most of your last day in India by experiencing the beauty of Udaipur. Udaipur is a peaceful city known for its serene lakes, beautiful gardens, and grand palaces. Despite its turbulent history, the city has a nostalgic charm and a reputation as one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
Begin your day with a guided morning walking tour of the stunning City Palace, Jagdish Temple and the Old City. Engage with local artisans specializing in jewelry making, pottery, and bamboo craft, and gain insights into the area's customs, traditions, and religious practices. Your guide will lead you through Sunarwada to meet silver and goldsmiths and witness the traditional techniques of crafting clay pottery and water pitchers. This specially curated walking tour captures the authentic Udaipur – its people, age-old traditions, charming neighborhoods, and bustling markets.
As you farewell India, your driver will transport you to the airport for your international flight back home.
