Temples & Tigers !!

27th Nov : Agra / Umaria ( Overnight Train Journey )

We are about to witness one of the greatest sights of one's lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before departure for the monument we shall be served tea/coffee and cookies so that our eyes open real wide to behold this breathtaking sight. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building.

We return to our hotel for breakfast, following which we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.

Overnight AC Sleeper Class Accommodation .( B )

28th Nov : Arrival / Umaria
Umaria / Bandhavgarh National Park

Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Omaria Train station and drive to Bandhavgarh . a small wildlife sanctuary located in rocky hills rising from swamps and thick forest. The park has the highest density of tigers of any of India's reserves, who prey on the abundant herbivores including various deer such as the shaggy sambar, spotted chital, and muntjac; antelopes like nilgai, chinkara, and the 4-horned chowsingha; and massive gaur and wild boar. Arrive at your riverside resort and check into your thatch-roofed bungalow decorated in local ethnic motifs. Late afternoon, enter the park to search for wildlife by open jeep, followed by an evening naturalist presentation, barbecue dinner and tribal dances back at your resort.

Overnight Tiger Trails Resort - (B,L,D)
Ph. 91-7655-265325 / 265326

29th - 30th Nov : Bandhavgarh National Park

You have two full days to explore the riches of Bandhavgarh Park. Guided by expert naturalists, explore the jungle in jeeps, on a leisurely elephant riding safari, or even on a boat safari or fishing outing. Search for tigers, leopards, and caracal cats and their prey in the splendid isolation of the park's open plains, sar and bamboo forests, and rugged hills, including a striking outcrop topped by a fort some 2000 years old.

Overnight Tiger Trails Resort - (B,L,D)

1st Dec : Bandhavgarh / Khajuraho

Set out in the misty morning for a final safari in Bandhavgarh. Then enjoy breakfast before departing on a six-hour overland journey to Khajuraho. This sleepy village was founded in a golden age of Hindu civilization, a pre-Moslem period of riches, when pleasure flourished and sexual expression coincided with religious and philosophical values. Nowhere in India will you find artistic sculptural tributes paying greater homage to the lives of ancient people, as at the Khajuraho's famous erotic temples, built 1000 years ago. Enjoy a restful evening in this pleasant rural Indian setting, in preparation for a tour of this unique sight tomorrow.

Overnight Taj Chandela Hotel - (B)

2nd Dec: Khajuraho / Varanasi [ 9W 334 1330 / 1410 ]

Morning, proceed on a guided tour of the city.

The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. The divine sculptures in these temples, are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it. The murals depict the life and times of the Chandelas, and celebrate the erotic state of being. They not only testify to the mastery of the craftsman, but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose reign, these temples were constructed.

Afternoon, transfer to the airport for flight to Varanasi .

Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel .

This place is a mecca for Hindus. Varanasi offers you the opportunity to witness the ritualistic aspect of the average Hindu's life. The boat ride at sunrise on the Mother Ganges River is soul stirring as you witness the performance of various rituals, laundry & cremations in the background of the rising Sun. We also have ab opportunity to walk the narrow streets which are preserved as they were 100s of years back in time. Following your visit, you would realise why Varanasi is described as the 'eternal city !'

This evening take a short trip to the Buddhist city of Sarnath to visit the site where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, and participate if you wish in a service of chanted prayers and traditional temple music.

Overnight Hotel Taj Ganges ( B ) .

3rd Nov : Varanasi / Delhi [ 9W 334 1430 / 1555 )

Awaken before sunrise, the time of spiritual cleansing when pilgrims gather on the ghats of the Holy River Ganges, the geographic center of their faith. You will experience this moving daily ritual up close from a boat ride on the river past poignant scenes of Hindus meditating, immersing themselves in the water, and performing other rituals. After the boat ride, take a walk through the fascinating city lanes crammed with cows, shopkeepers, and people from all over India. You will also visit Banarus Hindu University and a selection of colorful temples.

Afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi . Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel.

Overnight Hotel Taj Palace ( B )

4th Dec : Delhi / Departure

Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight back home .

END OF TOUR

We also offer customized tours to destinations in Rajasthan. We will be happy to customize this tour for you to suit your interests and convenience.