WILDLIFE PARKS IN INDIA OPEN FROM OCTOBER TO MAY
Duration : 28 Nights/ 29 Days
Destination Covered : Delhi - Agra - Bharatpur - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Gir - Diu - Mumbai - Bangalore - Myosre - Bandipur - Nagarhole - Bangalore - Kolkata - Guwahati - Manas National park - Kaziranga national park - Shilong - Cherrapunji - Khasi Hill - Shilong - Guwahati - Kolkata
DAY 01 : DELHI
Upon arrival at International Airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 02 : DELHI
This morning visit Old Delhi, built in the 17th century by Shah Jehan, the magnificent (who also built the Taj Mahal). Visit the famous Jama Masjid mosque with its 9,000 sq. ft. courtyard, three domes, and two minarets, and then proceed to the massive complex known as the Red Fort and Chandni chowk. Afternoon, visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a spectacular structure that's just 60 years old. Later proceed via India Gate and the Governmental buildings to Qutab Minar, the 240-foot tower built-in 1190 to commemorate the arrival of Islam in India, the Bahai Temple with its nine pools on an elevated platform, and the Crafts Museum, which replicates and Indian street with over 50 artists and craftspeople at work. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 03 : DELHI - AGRA BY ROAD 210 KMS 4 HRS DRIVE
This morning drive to Agra. It was once the capital of India under the Moghuls in the 16th and 17th centuries. Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel. After a short rest, go to see the exquisite tomb of the emperor Jehangir's chief minister and father - in - law, often called the 'BABY TAJ' because its design foreshadows the Taj Mahal. Then we tour Agra's Red Fort, built over three generations by the Mughal emperors. The evening goes at sunset to see the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum built by a sorrowing Shah Jehan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Building's stupendous scale, flawless symmetry, translucent white marble, and shimmering reflection in the water channel are truly breathtaking. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 04 : AGRA - BHARATPUR BY ROAD 80 KMS 1 HRS DRIVE)
This morning travel to Bharatpur for a tour of the world-famous bird sanctuary here. The reserve boasts of river 300 species of resident and migratory birds. Drive to Bharatpur Morning take a cycle rickshaw ride to watch the birds in Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 05 : BHARATPUR - RANTHAMBORE ( BY ROAD 270 KMS 7 HRS DRIVE)
The morning after breakfast, continue to drive towards Ranthambore. It is an exciting journey through the countryside by road which takes us to Ranthambore, nearly a thousand years old fortress. Countless battles have raged around these walls. The Great Mughal emperor Akbar laid siege here and built Lake Palace, summer gardens, temples, mosques, tombs, and hunting towers, all overrun now by grass and shrubs. Today leopards and tigers prowl the ruins. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 06 : RANTHAMBORE
Ranthambore is one of the few preserves where you can spot some camera-shy tigers during the day. You are taken to thrilling Park rides in the morning and evening in search of wildlife. You sometimes chance upon these fleet-footed and silent creatures, the embodiment of grace. In the afternoon, explore the lakes on your own and visit the imposing Ranthambore. Ranthambore covers an area of about 400 square km and has beautiful scenery, and it is a unison area where a natural present meets a historical past. Park has up to 27 tigers and has a considerable population of birds. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 07 : RANTHAMBORE - JAIPUR ( BY ROAD 185 KMS 4 HRS DRIVE)
After a morning game drive, leave for Jaipur, which is popularly known as the Pink City, was built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and designed by Shilp Shastra. An ancient Hindu treatise on architecture, Jaipur follows a grid system. The old city surrounds by a massive wall pierced by magnificent doorways. Later visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. Continue to City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards, and arched entrances. It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures, and an armory of weapons. The Maharajah's observatory looks like a collection of abstract sculptures but is a collection of instruments for studying the heavens. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 08 : JAIPUR
Today morning, visit the Amber Fort in the Aravali Hills, which is a superb example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style architecture. A slow elephant ride takes us to the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful buildings and temples. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, visit Chokhi Dhani, where an ethnic village atmosphere is recreated each evening with thousands of oil lamps, folk dancers, acrobats, snake charmers, puppeteers, etc. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 09 : JAIPUR - DIU BY FLIGHT VIA MUMBAI
DIU – GIR BY ROAD 66 KMS 02 HOURS DRIVEThe morning drive to Airport to board a flight for Diu. On arrival, you are met and transferred to Gir National Park, Sprawling in an area of 1424 sq. km. Gir is a luxuriantly rich ecosystem endowed with floral and faunal plentitude. It is a dry deciduous forest. Thirty species of mammals, twenty species of reptiles, several species of insects and birds are found here. The forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Gir, the last refuge of the king of the jungle, is one of the largest and most important wildlife sanctuaries in India. The number of lions in Gir had dwindled to a mere 15 by the turn of the century, due to extensive trophy hunting. In the early 1900s, the Nawab of Junagadh was advised by Lord Curzon to protect the remaining lions. The lion was declared a protected animal, although concerted conservation efforts started much later. Gir national park is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, and especially in the hotter season, they can sometimes be seen at night close to the lodges. Other animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai Antelope, Chowsingha Four - Horned Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo, etc. Overnight at Lodge.
DAY 10: GIR
Morning and Evening Park Ride.
DAY 11 : GIR - DIU BY ROAD 66 KMS 02 HOURS DRIVE
Diu is one of the country's finest beaches, and tourists who keep falling in love with it have spread its name all over the world. The island is also dotted by three Portuguese Churches, one of which has been converted into a museum housing some rare Portuguese artifacts. Another cynosure at Diu is the Fort of Diu, an imposing statement of power. Diu is a quiet secluded island measuring less than 40 sq. km. Off the west coast of India, it is connected to the mainland of Gujarat by a causeway. The total length of the coastline of Diu does not exceed 21 km. This beautiful island in the Arabian Sea has the river Chasi running along its northern frontier. It's neat golden beaches run along merrily, providing blissful solitude in blue waters beneath blu skies. A former Portuguese enclave, Diu is perhaps the most exotic destination on the West Coast of India. Gently rocked by the winds and waves of the Arabian Sea, Diu is an ideal retreat. It offers the most desirable blend of sun, sand, and sea. The climate is pleasant throughout the year. Nobody and nothing is in a hurry. Here you will find undisturbed peace and a unique Holiday. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 12 : DIU - MUMBAI ( BY FLIGHT )
Today board a flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your prebooked hotel. This afternoon proceeds on a guided tour of the city, Which is distinctly tropical. Its weathered Victorian mansions and some still privately owned, and grand public buildings, many beautifully lit at night, stand as a lingering reminder of the Days of the British Raj, First visit the Gateway of India, hastily created as a symbol of welcome to Queen Mary and King George V of England on their to India in 1911. Later visit the Hanging Gardens, perched at the top of Malabar Hill, which provides lovely views over the Arabian Sea. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 13 : MUMBAI - BANGALORE ( BY FLIGHT )
BANGALORE - MYSORE BY ROAD 130 KMS 3 HRS DRIVE)Morning transfer to airport to board flight for Bangalore. Upon arrival, transfer from Airport to Mysore. Upon arrival in Mysore, check-in at the hotel. Mysore was the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled the state of Karnataka for 150 years till the independence of the country from the British. These kings were great patrons of art and culture, and Mysore was the cultural capital of the south under the rule of the Wodeyars. Later city tour of Mysore includes the zoological gardens, the Chamundi Temple, handicraft Centre, and 22 km away from the Brindavan Gardens, which are a sight by DAY and night. Evening visit to the gardens where there are many illuminated fountains. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 14: MYSORE – BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK BY ROAD 80 KMS 1 HOUR DRIVE
After breakfast, continue to drive towards Bandipur. It is nesting in the foothills of the Nilgiris famous for Bandipur national park was formed by extending the Venugopal Wildlife Park, set up in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajas. It is one of the tiger reserves in the country. A popular game resort of the rulers of Mysore, the flora in the forest comprises Teak, Rosewood, Honne, Mathi, Bamboo, and Sandal Trees. The important animals in the Park are Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Leopard, Chital, and Sambar. There are Birds like the Peafowl, Partridge, Quail, Hornbill, and Ibis also found here. See these, Dhole(wild dog), Sambar, Muntjac or Barking Deer, Giant Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Nocturnal Porcupine, and Black-naped hare in the sanctuary. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 15 : BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK
Morning and Evening Park ride.
DAY 16 : BANDIPUR - NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK BY ROAD 100 KMS 3 HOURS DRIVE
Nagarahole is derived from the combination of two Kannada words - 'Nagar' meaning snake and 'hole' meaning streams and true to its name stream snake through its rich tropical forests. Nagarahole is located in the picturesque districts of Kodagu and Mysore in southern Karnataka. The Nagarahole National Park was set up in 1955, and in 1975 its area was increased to include an expanse of the forest reserve. Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore, the terrain of this park is gently undulating with lush green vegetation, swamps, and numerous water resources, rendering it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Overnight at Resort.
DAY 17 : NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK
Morning and Evening Park Ride.
DAY 18: NAGARHOLE – BANGALORE BY ROAD 230 KMS 5HRS DRIVE
After breakfast, continue to drive towards Bangalore. Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel. Afternoon city tour of Bangalore is most popularly known as the Garden City of India. The city is full of well laid out gardens, wide tree-lined avenues, imposing buildings, and lively bazaars. Visit the Bull Temple, situated on a hill, which is one of Bangalore's oldest attractions. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 19 : BANGALORE - KOLKATA ( BY FLIGHT )
Today we take a flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your prebooked Hotel. Later city tour of Kolkata, once the capital of the British Empire, remains the cultural capital of India with a strong tradition in literature and fine arts. It is also the gateway to the beautiful North-Eastern state of India, where the visitor can only gaze in wonder at their pristine beauty. The city tour includes a visit to the Fort William, Victoria Memorial, the Indian Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, Birla Planetarium, and the Botanical gardens. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 20: KOLKATA - GUWAHATI( BY FLIGHT
GUWAHATI - MANAS NATIONAL PARK BY ROAD 140 KMS 4 HOURS DRIVEMorning transfer to Airport to board flight for Guwahati. On arrival, drive to Manas National Park. The only Tiger Project in Assam. Manas is one of India's most magnificent National Parks. It is situated on the bank of the river Manas at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a well known World heritage site with its unique combination of scenic beauty and rare wealth of wildlife. It covers an area of 519.77 sq. Kms, it has a core area of 360 Kms and is situated in Barpeta District. Manas is one of the nine tiger reserve sanctuaries in India. Tigers, however, are not the only wildlife to be found here. Manas has its peculiar faunal features, the rarest species of which are Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog, Golden Langur, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Buffalo, etc. Other commonly seen animals are Elephant, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Wild Boar, Samber, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer, etc. overnight at Lodge.
DAY 21 : MANAS NATIONAL PARK
Full day in the park. Overnight at the Lodge.
DAY 22: MANAS NATIONAL PARK - GUWAHATI BY ROAD 180 KMS 4 HOURS DRIVE
Morning drive back to Guwahati. Evening local sightseeing includes Kamkhaya Temple, Botanical Garden, and later on proceed to the banks of the mighty river Brahmaputra off Guwahati for a cruise on the river. Overnight at Resort.
DAY 23 : GUWAHATI - KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK BY ROAD 217 KMS 6 HOURS DRIVE
Morning drive to Kaziranga National Park The first and the oldest National Park in Assam situated in Golaghat District is a World Heritage site. Spread over an area of 430 sq. km., Kaziranga National Park is the natural home of the one-horned Indian rhinoceros. Declared a National Park in 1974, the landscape of Kaziranga is of sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes, and shallow pools. The one-horned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Indian bison, Swamp Deer, Samber, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Tiger, Leopard cat, Jungle cat, Hog badger, Capped langur, Hollock Gibbon, Jackal, Goose, Hornbills, Ibis, Cormorants, Egret, Heron fishing eagle, etc. all form a part of an ecological balance of the Park. During winter, a large number of migratory birds are also spotted here. Park can be visited by Jeep, Car, or on Elephant back. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 24 : KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
Morning Elephant Safari. Evening Jeep safari.
DAY 25 : KAZIRANGA - SHILLONG BY ROAD 295 KMS 8 HOURS DRIVE
Morning drive to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a hill town in the Northeastern part of India. It is situated at an altitude of 1496 meters above sea level. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 26 : SHILLONG - CHERRAPUNJI - SHILLONG
After breakfast, drive to Cherrapunjee (1300 Mtrs.). En-route visit Shillong viewpoint, Shillong pick, and Elephant Falls. Breathtaking beautiful scenery, deep gorges, and roaring waterfalls like Nohkalikai, Mawsmai, and Kynrem Falls - falling from a height of 1000 feet by the side of Shella Road about 10kms. From Mawsami Falls, the landscape gives it charismatic beauty. Packed lunch is served at Thangkharang park from where one can have a panoramic view of Bangladesh. Also, visit the Mawsami Caves and Rama Krishna Mission in the heart of Cherrapunjee Town. Overnight at Shillong.
DAY 27 : SHILLONG - KHASI HILL - SHILLONG
Morning visit Khasi Tribal villages. Post lunch, visit the state museum and state emporium. Overnight at Shillong.
DAY 28 : SHILLONG - GUWAHATI BY ROAD 110 KMS 5 HOURS DRIVE
Morning local sightseeing. Later drive to Guwahati. Overnight Guwahati.
DAY 29 : GUWAHATI - CALCUTTA or DELHI ( BY FLIGHT )
Transfer to the Airport to board flight for onward Journey.
