The Jungle Book

 

 Level: Easy * Season: October—March

Take a spectacular adventure through India’s National Parks: jungle cats in Ranthambore, sambar in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Bengal tigers in Bandhavgarh, and leopard in Kanha. Kanha National Park is also the popular landscape depicted in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. By car, jeep or elephant, discover the diversity of India’s Northern wildlife. Bring your camera!

Arrival (evening): Delhi

Namaste. Welcome to India! Arrive at Delhi International airport. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Delhi is a bustling metropolis that incorporates the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the monuments stand as a silent reminder to India’s legacy. Driving from the airport, you will be impressed with Delhi’s spacious, tree-lined streets and garden parks. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 1: Delhi

After breakfast, visit the sights of Delhi: Red Fort, a marvel of red sandstone; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Also, drive past India Gate, the President’s Palace, and visit the Qutub Minar. Overnight in Delhi.

 

Day 2: Delhi—Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (5.5 hours). Upon arrival, check into the hotel and proceed on an afternoon tour of City Palace, Palace of the Winds and Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory.

Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, owes its name, foundation and planning to the great astronomer and warrior Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city is fondly called the “Pink City” due to the pink colored buildings and avenues. Overnight in Jaipur.

 

 

 

Day 3: Jaipur—Ranthambore

After breakfast, drive to Ranthambore (3.5 hours). Ranthambore National Park is one of the most filmed wildlife reserves in the world. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and became a part of Project Tiger in 1973. As the park is relatively small, guests often view leopards, tigers, and jungle cats. Overnight in Ranthambore.

Day 4: Ranthambore

Today, enjoy early morning and evening game drives by jeep to explore the varied wildlife. Bring your camera for some spectacular encounters in this preserved land. Overnight in Ranthambore.

 

 

Day 5: Ranthambore—Jaipur

Morning drive from Ranthambore to Jaipur (3.5 hours). In the afternoon, proceed on a tour of the  Amber Fort beginning with an elephant ride to the gates! Explore the vast palaces of the fort, including the magnificent Mirror Palace. Overnight in Jaipur.

 

 

 

Day 6: Jaipur—Agra

This morning, drive from Jaipur to Agra, en-route visiting the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. A local guide will conduct a fascinating tour of the reserve. Later, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the once glittering sandstone city that remains completely preserved. Continue to Agra and check into your hotel. Overnight in Agra.

 

 

 

Day 7: Agra

After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, a magnificent citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions.  The highlight of your afternoon is a visit to the Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 20,ooo men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world. Overnight in Agra.

 

 

Day 8: Agra—Khajuraho

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Khajuraho. Khajuraho was once the capital of the Chandela Rajputs, a Hindu dynasty that ruled this region of India from the 10th to 12th centures.  It has the largest group of Jain and Hindu temples housing various erotic sculptures and Tantric poses.  This afternoon, explore the myriad temples and sculptures. Overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 9: Khajuraho—Bandhavgarh

After breakfast, drive to Bandhavgarh (4.5 hours). Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the few havens in Asia for the Bengal tiger, considered the pride of the jungle. During the afternoon discover the extensive variety of animals: bear, sloth, tiger, leopard and sambar. Overnight in Bandhavgarh.

Day 10: Bandhavgarh

A full day spent either by jeep or elephant to view the wildlife. Overnight in Bandhavgarh.

Day 11: Bandhavgarh—Kanha

In the morning, drive to Kanha National Park, featured so vividly in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. The multitude of wildlife that exists here allows for amazing viewing of India’s landscape. Overnight in Kanha.

Day 12: Kanha

Visit the park to view wildlife by jeep or elephant. Observe black buck, deer, chital, gaur and leopard. Overnight in Kanha.

Day 13: Kanha—Delhi

After breakfast, drive to Nagpur (6 hours) and connect for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival be transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Delhi.