Lions & Tigers of India

Day 1 : Arrive in Delhi - The capital city of India!

Travel Pals India executive will warmly welcome you with a smile on your arrival at Delhi international airport with the aroma of a marigold flower garland. Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is god) is our 'mantra'.

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Delhi is the capital of the modern India, though it is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning over a period from 11th to 20th centuries.

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Day 2 : Delhi

Enjoy a private guided tour of the capital city which highlights the great contrasts between Old and New Delhi including visits to the magnificent Red Fort, the Jama Masjid - one of Asia's largest mosque, enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride in the narrow bylanes of Old Delhi followed by Rajghat - the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. 

Also not to be missed the majestic Qutab Minar - 73 mt. tall minaret built in 1193 and the Humayun's  Tomb. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House), India Gate - war memorial and the Parliament building to halt for a quick photo. Team Travel Pals prides itself in customising the tour as per one's likes & preferences. 

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Day 3 : Delhi - Ranthambhore National Park (By train)

Morning transfer to Delhi's bustling railway station for a train ride in a chair car class to Ranthambhore taking approximately 5 hrs. India is incomplete without it's train ride. Upon arrival, a short transfer to a jungle resort for 3 night's stay.

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Ranthambhore National Park is spread in an area of 1,334 sq.km. (515 sq.mi.) and was established as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955. It was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973 and became a national park on 1 November 1980. Tiger sightings in this park do not disappoint anyone.

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Day 4 & 5 : Ranthambhore National Park

Before crack of dawn we embark on our pre-appointed jeep to explore the natural & wild habitat of Ranthambhore. We will have abundant sightings of the wildlife. 

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Enjoy a picnic breakfast during the safari in the jungle is an unparallel experience to cherish.

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Afternoon safari is another opportunity one shouldn't miss to catch the wildlife in post siesta mode.

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Evening bonfire with Tiger talks with the naturalist will add a crown to the feather of your jungle experience sharing their experiences of the jungle.

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Day 6 : Ranthambhore National Park - Dholpur (220 kms / 5 hrs)

Driven north-east to Dholpur to stay in a palace retreat built in 1876, set in 13 acres of lush green gardens with Amla trees. The Palace grounds are full of peacock and bird life.

Evening participate in a small ceremony at the local Machkund Hindu Temple, an ancient sacred place & commands a picturesque view.

An opportunity for those who would like to see the world famous 'Taj Mahal' - one of the Seven Wonders of the World in Agra which is an hour's drive further north of Dholpur. You can have a relaxing excursion to Taj by adding a day.

Day 7 : Dholpur - Jhansi (By train) - Orchha (30 minute's drive)

A sunrise boat safari at the mighty Chambal river for an out of the world experience of the magnificent ravines on one side of the bank and natural habitat of 'Ghariyals' (Alligator), Crocodiles, Turtles on the other side with close to 300 species of resident and migratory birds.

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By noon, we take a train to Jhansi Junction for further transfer to Orchha town situated on the banks of river Betwa.

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Evening short walk to Ram Raja Temple to witness a grand ceremony laced with a certain amount of pomp and fanfare. The gun salute reverberates through the night as the lights fade away.

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Day 8: Orchha / Khajuraho (175 Kms / 4 hrs) 

Explore Orchha town on a private tour with a local guide. The impressive Mughal era fort & palaces as the gorgeous cenotaphs & the Orchha Fort and their fascinating history are the highlight, but you can also get an insight into rural India by visiting local homes and markets with your guide.

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This afternoon continues four hours drive to Khajuraho with your private driver. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. These temples were built by the rulers of the Chandela dynasty over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150.

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Day 9: Khajuraho 

Today full day guided visit to all the UNESCO temples of Khajuraho. Known for their erotic and intricate carving, there is lots to explore. The temples are a combination of Hindu and Jain and hold some of the most intricate carvings in India.

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Day 10: Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh (225 kms / 4.5 hrs) 

Leaving your palace your journey continues to Bandhavgarh National Park, home of the elusive tiger to stay in another jungle resort.

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Bandhavgarh National Park spread in an area of 105 square kilometres (41 sq mi) and declared a national park in 1968 and then became Tiger Reserve in 1993. This park has a large biodiversity. The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh (8 tigers per square km) is one of the highest known in India. The park has a large breeding population of leopards, and various species of deer. Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa captured the first white tiger in this region in 1951. 

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Day 11 & 12: Bandhavgarh 

Early morning jeep safari to the Bandhavgarh National Park to see the King of the jungle - the Indian Bengal Tiger. You will see abundant spotted deers, Sambar deer, blue Antelope (nilgai), Chinkara Antelope (Indian Gazelle), monkeys, langoors, wild boars, wild dogs and much more. Sighting of leopard is also quite possible.

We will arrange a picnic breakfast during the safari to be enjoyed in the jungle.

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Afternoon safari is also possible in case you are ready for a quick turn around to witness the jungle action.  

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Evening bonfire & Tiger talks with the naturalist will add a crown to the feather of your jungle experience sharing their experiences of the jungle.

 
Day 13: Bandhavgarh - Jabalpur (170 Kms/ 3.5 hrs) - Mumbai (by air)

A short drive to Jabalpur airport with packed lunch to board direct flight for Mumbai.

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Mumbai - India's commercial capital, industrial powerhouse, busiest port, fashion capital, home to Bollywood (India's Hollywood), worlds biggest textile market - the list goes on and on.

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Day 14: Mumbai 

A guided short walking tour to Gateway of India - built under the British Raj on the waterfront in Apollo Bunder area overlooking the Arabian Sea.

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An excursion by ferry from Gateway to the Elephanta Caves which are carved out of rock and have also been given the recognition of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known in ancient times as Gharapuri, the present name Elephanta, was given by 17th century Portuguese explorers. On your return to the shore, visit the following intersting sites: the Crawford Market - a shopper's paradise for groceries, dry fruits, spices, poultry etc; Dhobi Ghat - open air laundry, Chatrapati Shivaji Railway Station (erstwhile Victoria Terminus) building and also visit the the Prince of Wales Museum - one of the best-known museums of the country.

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Day 15: Mumbai - Diu (By air) - Sasangir (80 Kms / 2 hrs) 

Transferred to Mumbai domestic airport for a short flight to Diu. Arrive Diu & straight driven to jungle resort in Sasangir - the only abode of Asiatic Lions in the world. 

Day 16 & 17: Sasangir

Morning Jeep Safari at Gir Forest National Park - only place in the world outside Africa, where the lions can be seen in his natural habitat. Established in 1965, with a total area of 1412 km². The forest famous for Asiatic Lions & also harbours a variety of smaller animals and birds. Other predators are the Panther and the Hyena. The Indian Deer, Sambar, Chital (spotted deer), Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara and the Chowsingha (four horned antelope) are found here, along with the bear and the long tailed langoors. Return to resort for breakfast.

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Afternoon safari is also possible in case you are ready for a quick turn around to witness the jungle action.  

Evening bonfire & Tiger talks with the naturalist will share his personal experience of the jungle and living with Lions for many years.

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Day 18: Sasangir - Diu - Mumbai - Back home

Today we will transfer you to Diu airport to board flight for Mumbai/Delhi to connect international flight for onward destination with sweet memories of your India tour.

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You may like to extend your visit by few nights on the beach in Diu. Alternatively, please ask us for our various extension programmes to choose from.