Tiger Trails - Wildlife Safari in India

India has more wildlife resorts than any other country in the world—20 major wildlife sanctuaries, 121 national parks and 9 bird reserves, plus 15 UNESCO Biospheres Reserves. It boasts nearly 350 mammal species and 1200 species of birds, to say nothing of a bewildering cast of thousands of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Tiger, elephant, lion, rhino, and deer are some of the many animal habitats you can visit. Bird life sanctuaries are quite spectacular, with many rare species traveling thousands of miles to nest here. Animal spotting is still done in the traditional hunting style—on elephant back—but you shoot with your camera.

Season : Mid November to June

Royal Bengal Tiger

Day 1. ARRIVE DELHI

Traditional welcome on arrival and meeting assistance at the airport. Transfer to hotel.

Day 2. DELHI

Sightseeing of Old and New Delhi, including the 17^{th Century Jama
Mosque, Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Qutab Minar, India Gate, and then drive past
the grand government buildings.}

Day 3. DELHI / JAIPUR

Drive to Jaipur—the fabled “Pink City.” On arrival check in at hotel.

Day 4. JAIPUR

Morning excursion to Amber Fort, built in the 17th century. Scenic elephant ride up the hill to the old palace overlooking the lake. Later sightseeing of Jaipur visiting the Astronomical observatory (Jantar Mantar), City Palace, and the lovely Hawa Mahal—the Palace of Winds.

Day 5. JAIPUR / RANTHAMBORE

Drive to Ranthambore—one of the finest tiger reserves in the world. On arrival check in at Jungle lodge or camp. Evening a naturalist will be invited to deliver a lecture on the wildlife and Project Tiger.

Day 6. RANTHAMBORE

Ranthambore is one of the few preserves where the camera-shy tigers may occasionally be seen in daylight. Take exciting jeep rides in the morning and evening in search of wildlife—and, perhaps, if you are lucky, have a rare encounter with one of these fleet-footed and silent creatures, the embodiment of grace and power. The other wildlife you will come across include panther, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sloth bear, sambar, cheetal, blue bull.

Day 7. RANTHAMBORE / BHARATPUR

Drive or take a train to Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur, home to over 350 species of birds and several other wild animals. On arrival check in at hotel or lodge. Evening lecture on the local wildlife by a naturalist.

Day 8. BHARATPUR / FATEHPUR SIKRI / AGRA

Rise early to see Bharatpur at its most glorious. Enjoy a boat ride with the opportunity to see hundreds of migratory Siberian birds and flocks of ducks, widgeon, heron, and spoonbill in graceful flight. Later drive to Agra, en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri—built by the great Mughal Empire. On arrival check in at hotel.

Day 9. AGRA

Sightseeing of Agra including world’s greatest monument of love—Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort.

^{Day 10. AGRA /
KHAJURAHO
Transfer to airport to flight to
Khajuraho—a village that flourished for four centuries and then
faded rapidly in the face of 13th century Muslim invaders. On
arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon, sightseeing of world famous
Khajuraho temples—85 carved and ornamented temples celebrating
life in all its phases, including depictions from the erotic Karma
Sutra. Evening optional visit to Ayurvedic Spa for an herbal
massage.}

A Dancing Peacock

^{Day 11. KHAJURAHO / BANDHAVGARH
Drive to Bandhavgarth—home of white
tiger and other species including India bison, sambar, white-bellied
drongo, blue bull, and a large variety of birds. Bandhavgarh’s large
tiger population offers the best chance to see this elusive cat. On
arrival check in at jungle lodge or camp. Evening jungle visit to view
wildlife. A lecture by naturalist on the wildlife of Bandhavgarh will be
organized.
Day 12. BANDHAVGARH
Morning leave for game viewing on
elephant back or by Jeeps. Again in the evening, jungle visit to view
wildlife.
Day 13. BANDHAVGARH / KANHA
Drive to Kanha, the original country
Rudyard Kipling so vividly described in his Jungle Book. Kanha has some
22 species of mammals, including langur, jackal, spotted deer, swamp
deer, sambar, and black buck. Kanha also has some 200 species of birds.
Evening lecture by a well-known naturalist on the wildlife.
Day 14. KANHA
Game viewing and bird watching in Kanha,
a true haven for the animal and avian population.
Day 15. KANHA / NAGPUR / DEPART MUMBAI
Morning depart for Nagpur, for flight to
Mumbai. Check in at hotel for day use. In the evening transfer to
international airport for flight back home.}