JOURNEY THROUGH THE INDIAN WILDERNESS
Journey through the Indian Wilderness
The natural wealth of the Indian subcontinent has remained unique, mysterious and fascinating for nature lovers. In Indian philosophy, life in any form is deemed sacred and it is advocated that compassion for all living creatures is essential. The worship of nature in all its different forms is an essential part of Indian cultural legacy.
In its wealth and variety India’s wildlife compares favourably with that of any other country in the World. India has a rich diversity of wild fauna comprising about 500 species of mammals, 2100 species of birds, 250 species of reptiles and 30,000 species of insects. They live in the country’s diverse vegetation varying from the open thorny desert of Rajasthan in the West, to the evergreen forest of Kerala in the South, the rain forest of North – East India and the alpine pastures of Kashmir in the North and also in the inland and marine waters, swamps and marshes and the moist and dry deciduous type of forest in the east coast and Central India.
The northern plains, the course of the holy rivers Ganga and the Yamuna; the Great Thar Desert in the west; the Sundarbans, the marshy swamplands, in the delta of the Ganga and the Brahmaputra, in the east; the ancient volcanic rock of the Deccan Plateau, lying in the rain shadow of the hills and the Western Ghats with their dense, luxuriant forests – all provide fascinating variations in habitats. These sustain over 350 species of mammals, 2100 kinds of birds – local and migratory, nearly 350 species of reptile and countless insects.
India’s concern for conservation is second to none and “Project Tiger” is a classic example. The basic principle of this project is to preserve the entire ecosystem in order to protect the Tiger. India harbours 60% of the world’s tiger population, 50% of Asian elephants, and 80% of the one-horned rhinoceros and the entire remaining population of the Asiatic lion.
India currently has around 80 National Parks and 441 Sanctuaries dotted around the country. While some are inaccessible, many have excellent facilities for visitors. Depending on the area and terrain, wildlife watching provides its own excitement. It may be done from elephant back, from watch towers or even a boat – and the thrill of spotting herds of wild elephant, deer, a rhino or even a tiger, in its natural environment, is very difficult to match.
Wildlife Tour
Delhi* Kanha * Bandhavgarh * Khajuraho * Agra Ranthambore * Delhi
Upon arrival at the hotel, proceed for check-in to your rooms.
Overnight at the hotel
The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 – 48 when the Mughal Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
After visit of the Jama Masjid, you will enjoy Riksha ride from Jama Masjid and to the lanes of old Delhi of Kinari Bazar and enjoy the real flavor of old Delhi. It will be almost half an hour Rishka ride and you will be back to the Jama Masjid.
Later proceed to the Qutub Minar, which is the tallest stone tower in India. The Qutub Minar was started in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by the sultan’s successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The building is 72.5 m high and has 379 steps from the bottom to the top. The Minar is tapering with the diameter of the base is 14.3 m while at the top floor it is2.7 m. The Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
A representative will meet you at Nagpur airport and you will be driven straight to Kanha (280 KMS / 6 Hours). Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.
Lunch at the hotel following which remainder of the day will be at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Spread over a massive area of 1945 sq. km, Kanha is in the heart of Kipling Country, the setting of the Jungle Book. A much bigger park than Bandhavgarh offers more diversified viewing of wildlife. Chances of seeing the Indian Bison here are much better than Bandhavgarh. You also might the chance of spotting a pack of Dholes – the Indian Wild Dog, also known as the whistling hunters, Dholes are known for their perseverance in hunting down their quarry. Kanha is also the last refuge of the Swamp Deer (Hard Ground), only 400 or so survive in the wildlife and all of them are to be found in Kanha.
KANHA NATIONAL PARK and Tiger Reserve is considered one of Asia’s finest protected areas and probably the best place in the world to see tigers in the wild.
Kanha was expanded in 1976 – the National Park now has a core area of 940 sq km and a buffer zone of 1005 sq km
There are four main vegetation types – moist deciduous forest, dry deciduous forest, valley meadow, and dadar meadow. The moist deciduous forest, which covers 27% of the Park area, is dominated by Sal trees. The forest is broken up into grassy meadows, the result of early slash-and-burn cultivation by Baiga tribals.
Daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Buffet lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon proceed for a game viewing drive.
Buffet dinner and overnight at the hotel
The reserve named after the highest hill Bandhavgarh (807 m) in the centre of it, falls between the Vindhyan hill range and the eastern flank of Satpura hill range and is located in Shahdol and Jabalpur districts of Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh has been an excellent habitat of tiger and is known for the highest density of tigers in the world. Considering the importance and potentiality of the National park, it was included in the Project Tiger Network in 1993.
During these drives you stand a very good chance of seeing the Lord of the Indian Jungle the tiger. This magnificent striped cat was almost hunted down to extinction by 1970 after having numbered over 40,000 at the turn of the century. Thanks to the efforts of Project Tiger looking after reserves like Bandhavgarh, there is now a fighting chance for the beast to survive into the next Century.
A relatively small park, Bandhavgarh is one of the smallest tiger reserves holding such a large population of tigers (49 according to the 1997 census). Set in rugged terrain with many hills, the forested area is interspersed with savanna like areas known as Chaurs. These wildernesses support a rich variety of wildlife that includes Tiger, Leopard, Gaur (Indian Bison), Sloth Bear, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Chowsingha (Four horned Antelope), and Wild Pigs etc. It has also rich birdlife.
Daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner at the camp
Overnight at the hotel.
After buffet breakfast, you will be driven from Bandhavgarh to Khajuraho (235 KMS / 6 Hours). Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.
In the realm of architecture, Khajuraho holds a unique position. The temples here were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. by the Chandela dynasty, which claims descent from the Moon God and a mortal, Hemavati, with whom the god fell in love.
Most of the temples of the north were destroyed by invaders, but Khajuraho escaped and stands today as an island of beauty. The Chandelas built 85 temples and some 22 survive today. Architecturally the temples have some unique features. They stand on high platforms and do not have customary enclosures. Each temple has a large number of spires in ascending order representing man’s aspirations towards spiritual goals. They are ornately carved, with each frieze and sculpture depicting the genius of the men who carved it and the king who inspired them. Although famous for erotic depictions, these form only a small part of the wealth of the site. Taken in totality, the sculptures of Khajuraho depict the everyday life of the people and the court in the 10th and 11th centuries.
Khajuraho is not something that can be described in words; it has to be experienced.
Afternoon, proceed for a tour of the Chandela Temple Complex. The tour of Khajuraho this morning concentrates on the famous erotic temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in Northern India.
Overnight at the hotel
GLOBUS representative will meet you at Agra railway station and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel
The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture.
Return to your hotel after the sunrise tour for buffet breakfast, following which, you will be driven from Agra to Bharatpur (60 KMS / 1.30 Hours). Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.
Officially known as the Keoladeo National Park is probably the best-known birding location in India. The 29 sq Km area of the park is home to almost 400 species of birds. It is possible to see up to 180 species of birds in a day that include water birds, passerines, and over 25 species of raptors (birds of prey). The park is nothing but a network of shallow lakes (jheels) surrounded by forest, savannah and scrubland. For years the park was known for it’s winter visitor – the rare and highly endangered Siberian Crane, but the numbers have been steadily dwindling and this has been a cause for worry. But nevertheless no birding trip to India can be complete without a trip to this extremely well run park in Rajasthan
In the afternoon, proceed for a bird watching tour in one of the most well-known bird sanctuaries in the world. You will visit various parts of the sanctuary by cycle rickshaw, the quietest and most efficient way of getting around the sanctuary.
Overnight at the hotel
Upon arrival at Swai Madhopur railway station, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Ranthambore National Park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The desire to preserve the game in these forests for sport was responsible for their conservation, and subsequent rescue by Project Tiger.
After lunch, proceed for an afternoon game viewing drive at Ranthambore National Park by jeeps/canters.
Return to your hotel after your visit to the park.
Buffet dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Buffet lunch and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Optionally you may wish to take a flight from Jaipur to Delhi.
Upon arrival, a representative will transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel