Day - 01

ARRIVE IN DELHI

Arrive Delhi on you are met outside the International Arrivals hall and transferred to the hotel Claridges, for overnight stay.

Day - 02

TRAIN DELHI TO AGRA

You will be picked up from the hotel for transfer to the New Delhi Railway Station in time to board Shatabdi Express departing at 0600 hours. Train Arrives in Agra at 0815 hours.

AGRA CITY TOUR: Visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna River, enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12- meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan - helped create this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is a mausoleum on the left bank of the Jamuna, built by Empress Nur Jehan in memory of her father. Though small, it is perfectly proportioned and regarded as the forerunner to the Taj Mahal, being the first Mughal building all in white marble. The highlight of your trip will probably be a visit to the Taj Mahal, surely the greatest monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 laborers worked for 17 years to build this edifice, constructed by Emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.

AFTERNOON TRAIN AGRA TO UMARIA (BHANDAVGARH): Morning free for own activities. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the Agra Cantt railway station to board Kalinga Express departing at 16.10 hours. Overnight on Train.

Day - 03

ARRIVE IN UMARIA AND DRIVE TO BANDHAVGARH

Your train arrives at Umaria at 05:40 hours. You will be met upon arrival and driven for about half an hour to Bhadavgarh. Upon arrival proceed to the Hotel Tiger Den for overnight stay.

One of the striking features of Bandhavgarh is the natural topography. It is set around a table top hill that was once used as a fort and even today has an active temple on its summit. The oldest sign of habitation in Bandhavgarh are the caves dug into sandstone, to the north of the fort. Several contain 'Brahmi' inscriptions dating from the 1st century B.C. From that time onwards Bandhavgarh was ruled by a succession of dynasties including the Chandela kings of Bundelkhand who built the famous temples of Khajuraho.

In the late afternoon take a jeep ride in the park in search of some of the game found here: Cheetal (spotted deer), Sambar, barking deer, Chowsingha (four-horned antelope), wild boar, Nilgai (blue bull), wild boar, grey langur, Rhesus macaque, Dhole (Asian wild dog) and a wide variety of birds.

In the evening there is a slide show or lecture on the park and its flora and fauna, with resident naturalists always on hand to answer any queries you may have.

Dinner and overnight at Tiger Den.

Day - 04 to 06

AT BANDHAVGARH

Spend the next three days exploring the park. You are taken on early morning and late afternoon jeep drives into the Park in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger and other game. Bandhavgarh is renowned, and justly so, for the relatively easy sighting of tiger, especially by daylight. With a road network of over 200 km, it is possible to cover every habitat type in the park.

You can also visit some the ancient monuments found here, including a huge 35-foot status of Vishnu, reclining on a bed of serpents. There are also several ancient cave dwellings in the area - the inscriptions on their walls have yet to be identified. Provided permission is granted, you could spend one morning at Bandhavgarh Fort, which is owned by the Maharaja of Rewa. The natural fort formed by the plateau has only one possible approach and has numerous man-made water tanks and the ruins of an ancient township including the palace, school house, armoury and treasury. Among the remarkable sights are numerous 10th century rock-hewn incarnations of Lord Vishnu. An exploratory walk in the area is a rewarding experience. All meals and overnight stays at Tiger Den.

Day - 07

DRIVE BANDHAVGARH TO KANHA

After an early breakfast depart on the 6 -7-hour drive to Kanha. On arrival check in at Kipling Camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Kanha National Park: is located in the heart of Central India in Madhya Pradesh and is one of the largest tiger reserves in the world. Along with Bandhavgarh is one of the best places to see tigers, making it the top spot for an Indian tiger safari. It's known as Kipling Country - not because you can get exceedingly good cakes here, but because this is where Rudyard Kipling's jungle book was conceived. If you are only going to see one park in India then Kanha is the one to go for. The numbers of animals, diversity and the stunning scenery combined with the very good chance of seeing a tiger make Kanha my top recommendation.

Day - 11

DRIVE KANHA TO KAWARDHA

After breakfast drive to Kawardha 120 kms. / 3 Hours. Upon arrival proceed to the Kawardha Palace for overnight stay.

Kawardha Palace is a treasure Trove of breathtaking scenery & fascinating reminders of India's rich cultural heritage. This lovely property was build in the 1930s using the best Italian marble, and stone, stands out in the 11 acres of lush green garden. It is more of a private guest house then of a hotel, which is rich in memories style, and history. In faithful observance of the grand traditional of a long forgotten standard of living, this palace hotel blends Sumptuousness with the elegant restraint of an exquisite, prosperous era. Yes, this palace belongs to the Royal family of Kawardha State. These rooms were built to provide relief to the ruling family from the scorching mid-summer temperatures before the arrival of the long awaited monsoon.

Overnight stays at Kawardha Palace.

Day - 12

EXPLORE RURAL AND JUNGLE VILLAGES

Equally fascinating are the TOLAS (settlements) of the BAIGA tribal folk. The Baigas adhere rigidly to a simple and primitive lifestyle and live alongside nature in the heart of the remote forested areas. They are a gentle peace-loving people who make even the slightest incident a cause for celebration. It is a privilege to witness their delightful fire-lit tribal dances and particularly exciting if you are invited to participate in their colorful gaiety. Explore the natural beauty of the area incorporate the pleasures of stumbling across temple ruins crossing bubbling streams and climbing the hills to see breathtaking views of the valleys below. The flora and fauna in this region are particularly colorful and provide wonderful examples of nature in its purest form. Overnight stays at Kawardha Palace.

Day - 13

DRIVE FROM KAWARDHA TO KANKER

In the morning you will be collected for the drive to Kanker 270 kms / 6 hours. Upon arrival at Kanker Palace, you will receive the traditional welcome. Later, enjoy an exciting Chhattisgarhi folk music and dance program, over beverages and pre-dinner snacks. After refreshments, the royal family members will join you to share their insights into life of the region. Overnight stays at Kanker Palace.

Day - 14

KANKER

After breakfast at the Palace, get set for exploring the fascinating tribal regions of Bastar, which can indeed be a lifetime experience for you. Climb up the forested Keshkal Ghat with your royal guide. Here you will see some spectacular views of the tropical jungle below, and encounter the special nature of North Bastar. Later on, you will visit the village of Bison-horn Muria Tribe to get a first hand experience of the Bastar's unique 'Ghotul' dormitory system. Also enjoy their traditional hospitality and a wonderful village cuisine. After lunch, visit a small tribal market of the area. Late return to the Kanker Palace and enjoy a late dinner with the royal family. Overnight stay will be at Kanker Palace.

Day - 15

DRIVE TO RAIPUR AND FLY TO DELHI

A mere village in the 17th century, Kolkata today is one of the largest cities in the world, one of the largest ports in the East and the main outlet for produce of West Bengal and neighboring states. The city was built around Fort William, with a huge Maidan surrounding it. The main building on the Maidan is the Victoria Memorial, a massive domed building of white marble which houses a collection of Victoria memorabilia. In its central oval are the Calcutta Polo Club grounds where the game has been played since 1861.

In the evening you will be transferred to the International airport for homeward journey.