Indian culture with wildlife

Your full-day guided Delhi sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the imposing Red Fort (Lal Qila) and the grand Jama Masjid, both situated in Old Delhi. Enjoy an exciting rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the historical market that’s alive with colors, spices, and chaos. Then, drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and visit Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wrap up your day with a visit to either the serene Lotus Temple or the stunning Akshardham Temple, depending on your interest.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi (approx. 1.5 hours flight). Upon landing, transfer to your hotel. Spend the day at leisure. In the evening, visit the Ganga Ghats to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a captivating spiritual ceremony with fire offerings, chanting, and divine energy along the sacred riverbanks.

Start the day with an early morning boat ride on the Ganges to watch the sunrise and observe morning rituals at the ghats. After breakfast, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and explore the spiritual lanes of old Varanasi. Post-lunch, take a short 10 km (30-minute) drive to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Museum before returning to Varanasi.

Today, explore the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Western Group with the stunning Kandariya Mahadev and Lakshmana Temples known for their fine sculpture. Also, visit the Eastern and Southern Group of temples including the Jain temples. End your day with an engaging light and sound show that narrates the fascinating history of Khajuraho.

After an early breakfast, begin your drive to Bandhavgarh National Park, located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. This journey gives you a view of central India’s rural life. Upon arrival, check-in at your jungle safari lodge and relax amid nature. Bandhavgarh is famous for having the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world.

Enjoy morning and evening jeep safaris in Bandhavgarh. The dense sal forests and open grasslands make it ideal for wildlife spotting. Apart from tigers, look for leopards, sloth bears, deer, and rich birdlife. Between safaris, relax at the lodge or visit the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort offering panoramic views of the park.

Drive to Kanha National Park, a beautiful forested reserve known as the inspiration behind The Jungle Book. On arrival, check in to your resort and enjoy the tranquil ambiance. Kanha’s meadows and bamboo forests are home to the barasingha (swamp deer) and Bengal tigers.

Set off for early morning and afternoon jeep safaris through Kanha’s pristine jungles. Spot tigers, Indian leopards, wild dogs, and over 300 bird species. Visit the Kanha Museum inside the park to understand the region’s ecological heritage. Return to the lodge for dinner and rest.

Take a long but scenic drive to Satpura National Park, known for its unique terrain and lesser tourist crowds. On arrival, check in to your lodge and head for an evening safari, which could be by jeep, canoe, or walking depending on availability a distinct experience in Indian wildlife.

Drive to Bhopal, the lake city. On arrival, explore the historic Sanchi Stupa (UNESCO Site) and its ancient Buddhist relics. Return to Bhopal and visit the Upper and Lower Lakes, followed by a visit to the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, which house prehistoric cave paintings dating back over 10,000 years.

Spend the day exploring the fascinating ruins of Mandu, including the elegant Jahaz Mahal, the grand Hindola Mahal, and the historic Rani Roopmati Pavilion. The palaces, tombs, and mosques are surrounded by natural beauty and tales of romance and warfare.

Drive to Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat. Visit the iconic Sabarmati Ashram, explore the Jama Masjid, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, and the bustling Manek Chowk Market. Later, stop by the renowned Calico Museum of Textiles to explore India’s rich weaving traditions.

Journey into Rajasthan as you drive to the lake city of Udaipur. Check in to your heritage hotel and unwind with a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, admiring views of Jag Mandir and City Palace reflecting in the water.

Start the day with a visit to Amber Fort, ascending by elephant or jeep. Visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and the photo-perfect Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Enjoy a Rajasthani dinner with cultural performances in the evening.

Drive to Ranthambore, one of India’s top tiger reserves. Check into your safari lodge and enjoy the raw beauty of the surrounding jungle. Prepare for exciting safaris in the coming days.

Explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and evening jeep safaris. Spot Bengal tigers, wild boars, hyenas, and langurs. Also, visit the historic Ranthambore Fort, perched high within the park, offering stunning views.

Drive to the city of Agra, home to the Taj Mahal. On arrival, check in and, if time allows, visit the Taj Mahal at sunset from the Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna River.

Enjoy a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, followed by a tour of Agra Fort. Later, drive back to Delhi. If flight timing allows, enjoy final shopping or a farewell dinner before your international departure.