Tigers & Palaces - India

For most people tigers are the main draw and the chances of seeing tigers in Ranthambore is excellent. To improve the chances further we include Kanha NP, which also supports a good tiger population.  For variety we have included time at Keoladeo NP, the magnificent natural wetland which was extended prior to obtaining national park status and as a result is a fine sanctuary for wildfowl.  And for the first timer to India we must add the attractions of Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra (Taj Mahal) as they are close to the parks.

Without doubt Ranthambore National Park is the wildlife highlight of India, well known for its tiger population in a forest setting and add to this Kanha National Park with its alternative habitat of savanna makes for an interesting safari. At Kanha there are big herds of deer and an abundance of predators to match - leopard, jackal, and tiger.  Additional attractions at Kanha are the bison, gaur, sambar, chital, barasingha, barking deer, black deer, black buck, mouse deer, sloth, jackal, porcupine and monkies.

The forests of northern India are home to more than 330 species of mammals, over 1,500 species and subspecies of birds and over 760 species of amphibians, reptiles and fish, and at least 49,800 known species of insects. The flora is also quite special, for example there are over 2,000 varieties of orchid to be found.

Itinerary

Day 1  Arrive in Delhi.  Transfer to the Connaught Hotel.

Day 2  Sights of Jaipur   We take the train  to Jaipur, where we take our time and soak in the splendour of Hawa Mahal and the forts and palaces of Amber, the famous Rajput stronghold. Enjoy an elephant ride.

Day 3 Jaipur - Ranthambhore NP   We spend the morning in Jaipur, then in the afternoon we drive to Ranthambhore (or Ranthambore) National Park.

Days 4-7 Ranthambhore NP   We explore the most famous of Indian national parks by 4X4 with two outings per day, one during the morning and another in the cool of the evening. There is a good number of tigers in this park as well as leopard, striped hyena, sloth bear and other smaller carnivores. 

Day 8 Ranthambhore NP - Keoladeo Ghana NP  We take a last drive into Ranthambhore then in the afternoon we take the train to Bharatpur to spend a day at Keoladeo Ghana NP.

Day 9 Keoladeo NP  This park is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in Asia and boasts about 365 species.  A full day of bird watching.

Day 10 Agra & Fatehpur Sikri  No visitor to India can ignore the Taj Mahal.  We also visit the ruins of nearby Fatehpur Sikri.

Day 11 Agra - Delhi  After a morning in Agra Fort, we drive to Delhi. Connaught Hotel.

Day 12 Delhi - Kanha National Park  We fly to Nagpur then drive to Kanha National Park. Afternoon game drive.

Days 13 & 14 Kanha National Park   Explore the park and see the plentiful wildlife by 4X4 vehicle and on elephant. Kanha NP has a large population of tigers.

Day 15  Travel back to Delhi by road and air.  Transfer to the Connaught Hotel. 

Day 16  Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Dates:  17th October 2008 or any date as a private trip

Price Indication per person: 

2 people - USD1600 / GBP890

3 people - USD1500 / GBP850

4 people - USD1400 / GBP750 

5 - 6 people - USD1350 / GBP720

Prices exclude international airfares

Single room supplement:  USD290 / GBP164

What is included
Airport arrival / departure transfers. Transport in an air-conditioned car or minibus.   Sightseeing with an English speaking guide throughout.  4X4 transport with a naturalist guide in the wildlife parks. Most meals are included.

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Delhi and does not include international airfare and departure taxes.  Lunch and evening meals in the cities.  Personal insurance.  Visa fees.  Vaccination costs. Personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all alcoholic and proprietary drinks.