India Tours: The Call of The Wild India Wildlife and Cultural Small Group Tour

This tour is a kaleidoscopic spectacle of animals and birds in their natural habitat, untamed, wild and free. India's diverse ecology is home to some of the most famed National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in the world, boasting of plush vegetation with dense forests that often houses rare medicinal plants and exotic flowers. Add to this a prolific bird life with myriad varieties unique to the region, the wildlife dwelling amidst these jungles is abundant. Conservation programs have saved many species from near extinction along with successful breeding programs. If the thought of a wildlife tour in India evokes images of dark, dense jungles, crackling campfires, nights in tents, and sends shivers of trepidation and excitement down your spine, you are not far from the truth. Be part of this adventure!

India Tour Length: 15 days

Day 1: Saturday, March 10, 2012
Depart US

Day 2: Sunday, March 11, 2012 - Welcome to Delhi!
After clearing immigration and customs, step into the receiving area where you will be met by our representative and driven to the Svelte Suite Hotel.

Delhi is a dynamic city where the past coexists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here, and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Diverse cultural elements absorbed into the daily life of the city have enriched its character. Seven times this city went through the pain of being built, destroyed and rebuilt. It has been witness to many important events in Indian history, and today it is the capital of India
Hotel: Svelte Suite Hotel.

Day 3: Monday, March 12, 2012 - In Delhi
After breakfast, set off on a tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi including:

Jama Masjid – A magnificent architectural gift by Emperor Shah Jahan, it is built of red sandstone and white marble and was completed in 1658. This is India's largest mosque; its courtyard can hold 25,000 people. This mosque has three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets. One can also climb to the top of the minarets for a bird’s eye view of Delhi.
Visitors are requested to remove their shoes before entering the mosque and must be properly dressed, no shorts or sleeveless shirts.

Chandni Chowk – Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), once the imperial avenue down which Shah Jahan rode at the head of lavish cavalcades. It is today bustling with shops, stalls and silversmiths' ateliers.

A drive past the Red Fort which was built in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jahan and was the seat of the Mughal Empire. It is a huge red sandstone fort, housing within its precincts imposing palaces and impressive public buildings. 

Today’s lunch will be arranged at a local popular restaurant.

Humayun's Tomb is the first Mughal garden tomb. Visitors are immediately struck by the tomb's resemblance to its more famous cousin, the Taj Mahal, with its four grand gateways, octagonal base plan, soaring niche shaped arches, lofty double domes and the symmetrical garden with its central canal. This tomb built in 1570 is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. Humayun's widow got this sandstone mausoleum built to house the mortal remains of her husband. 

Qutub Minar is one of Delhi’s most visited and most striking monuments is the 72-meter (230 feet) high Qutab Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi. It is a victory tower built by the slave King Qutubuddin Aibak and later completed by his successor, Iltutmish. The construction of the Qutub Minar began in the 12th century and it was completed in the 13th century.  Beautiful calligraphy of the magnificent tower, covered with intricate carvings and deeply inscribed verses from the Koran, adorns the adjacent edifices. The Minar can be ascended by a circular stairway for a breathtaking view. The first three stories are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. To Qutbuddin, the tower marked the eastern extremity of the Islamic faith, casting the shadow of God over east and west.

From here, drive past the Government buildings including India Gate, Parliament House and the President’s Residence.

India Gate - This modern memorial arch was built in homage to the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I and whose names are inscribed on it. It is also referred to in history as an All India War Memorial, an eternal flame,the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which has been lit to honor the Unknown Soldiers.

Parliament House is an impressive circular colonnaded building 171 meters/561 feet in diameter and houses the Indian Parliament.

Rashtrapati Bhawan was formerly the Vice Regal Palace. Rashtrapati Bhawan is currently the residence of the President of India.

We will enjoy a special welcome dinner at a restaurant.
Hotel: Svelte Suite Hotel (B,L,D)

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - Delhi – Jaipur (Drive 156 miles/ 5 hrs)
After breakfast, we will drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival we will check into Alsisar Haveli Hotel. 

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is known as the 'Pink City'. Jaipur means "the city of victory". Jaipur is one of the best planned cities in India, built of rose-pink sandstone by the great astronomer-King Jai Singh II in 1727. This colorful city is enriched with royal tradition & culture, attractive monuments, forts and palaces.

Today’s lunch will be arranged at a local popular restaurant.

Afternoon at leisure to explore the pink city & its colorful bazaars on your own.
Hotel: Alsisar Haveli (B,L,D)

Day 5: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - In Jaipur
After breakfast, embark on a full-day city tour of Jaipur. Start by visiting the 16th century Amber Fort and enjoy an elephant ride up to the fort's ramparts, just like the royals did. The fort encloses superb palaces and a marble temple dedicated to the goddess of death, Kali. 

Amber, the capital of India for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built, lies 11 km/6.8 mi north of Jaipur. Rising majestically on the slopes of a hill, this 11th century fort and palace complex is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. The earlier constructions in the inner apartments designed by the Hindu founder are austere, while later constructions abound in the rich flourishes characteristic of Muslim influence. The Diwani-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) affords a view of the strategic location of Amber. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is the finest example of the artistic exuberance of the day - panels of alabaster, fine inlay work and a shimmering Hall of Mirrors. The Sukh Nivas (Hall of Pleasure) has 17th century air-conditioning.  
After visiting the amazing Amber Fort, we will take a lunch break at a local popular restaurant.

This afternoon after lunch, we will continue to explore Jaipur.
The City Palace stands in the centre of the city. Part of it is still the Maharaja's residence, while most of the complex has been developed into a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armory.
The Hawa Mahal is the part of the east wall of the City Palace complex. The most well known of Jaipur's buildings, you can have the best views of this great building from the street outside. The palace is a façade which is fifty feet/15meters in height and a mere one foot/30.5 cms in width. The screen allowed the ladies of the palace to have views of the market place below and of the royal processions.
Hotel: Alsisar Haveli (B,L,D)

Day 6: Thursday, March 15, 2012 - Jaipur – Ranthambhore (Drive 120 miles/ 4 hrs)
Today after breakfast, we will drive to Sawai Madhopur. En route, we will visit the imperial 'ghost city' of Fatehpur Sikri built of sandstone by Emperor Akbar. Within it, lies the tomb of the great Sufi Saint, Salim Chisti. It houses the Panch Mahal and the Buland Darwaza, two of the many excellent representations of Mughal architecture.

Upon arrival in Sawai Madhopur, we will check into Tiger Den Retreat.

Enjoy an evening game drive inside the National Park.
Lunch and Dinner will be served at your retreat.
Hotel: Tiger Den (B,L,D)

Day 7: Friday, March 16, 2012 - In Ranthambhore
Today, we will enjoy a morning & evening game drive into the National Park.

Ranthambhore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern India. It is situated in Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan

The park lies at the edge of a plateau and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. There are several lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambhore fortress which lies within the national park. The park covers an area of 392 km², is known for its tiger population and is one of India's Project Tiger reserves. Major wild animals include the tiger, leopard, nilgai, dhole, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chital. It is also home to wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles. Ranthambhore is also the site for one of the largest banyan trees in India.

Lunch and Dinner will be served at your retreat.
Hotel: Tiger Den (B,L,D)

Day 8: Saturday, March 17, 2012 - Ranthambhore – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (Drive 162 miles/ 5.5 hrs)
Today after breakfast, we will drive to Agra. En route, visit the imperial 'ghost city' of Fatehpur Sikri built of sandstone by Emperor Akbar. Within it, lies the tomb of the great Sufi saint Salim Chisti. It houses the Panch Mahal and the Buland Darwaza, two of the many excellent representations of Mughal architecture.

Today’s lunch and dinner will be arranged at a local popular restaurant.
Hotel: Gateway Hotel Fatehbad (B,L,D)

Day 9: Sunday, March 18, 2012 Agra - Jabalpur (Overnight Train)
We will visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The postcard picture of Taj Mahal does not adequately convey the legend, the poetry and the romance that Rabindranath Tagore calls "a teardrop on the cheek of time". The Taj rises on a high red sandstone base topped by a huge white marble terrace on which rests the famous dome flanked by four tapering minarets. Within the dome, lies the jewel inlaid cenotaph of the queen. So exquisite is the workmanship that the Taj has been described as "having been designed by giants and finished by jewelers". The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his beautiful wife, Mumtaz Mahal. A garden by the Yamuna River was selected as the site for the construction of the tomb. Work on the mausoleum began in 1631. 

After we visit the Taj Mahal, we will return to our hotel for a leisurely breakfast.

We will visit the Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar in the year 1565. Constructed with red sandstone, it reflects the fineness of Mughal architecture which is clearly visible in the ornate interiors of the Jehangir Mahal (Jehangir's Palace), Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and Deewan-e-Am (Hall of Public Audience). 

Later on time, we will be driven and assisted to the railway station to board our train 12412 Gondwana Express to Jabalpur in Air conditioned 1st tier sleeper coach.
Depart Agra Cant. at 18.50 pm and Arrive Jabalpur at 07.15 am. (next day)

Packed box dinner will be provided while you board the train. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Monday, March 19, 2012 - Jabalpur – Bandhavgarh Drive 56 miles/ 2 hrs)
We will arrive Jabalpur at 07.15 am and will be assisted upon arrival. After breakfast, we will     drive to Bandhavgarh. Upon arrival, we will check into Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge.  
In the afternoon, we will enjoy a game viewing in the National Park. The Park covers an area of 448 sq kms and has a rocky terrain. In the wooded hills, one can observe nilgai, chital, chinkara, wild boar as well as jackals, parakeets and some 300 species of birds. This is tiger country where the famous white tigers of Rewa were discovered. 
Lunch and Dinner will be served at your lodge.
Hotel: Bandavgarh Jungle Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 11 -12: Tuesday/Wednesday, March 20 and 21, 2012 - In Bandhavgarh
We will have two wonderful full days of game viewing. We will enjoy morning and evening game viewing at the Bandhavgarh National Park spanning 448 sq kms of rocky terrain. This is tiger country where the famous white tigers of Rewa were discovered and once roamed. You will no longer see white tigers, but you will see the beautiful Bengal tiger.

We will once enjoy an elephant ride inside the park for game viewing. Otherwise, game viewing will be by jeep.
Lunch and Dinner will be served at our lodge.
Hotel: Bandavgarh Jungle Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 13: Thursday, March 22, 2012 - Bandhavgarh – Kanha (Drive 150 miles/ 5 hrs)
After breakfast, we will drive to Kanha. Upon arrival, we will check into Kanha Jungle hotel.

Kanha is a Tiger Reserve that extends over 1945 sq kms. The lush bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines of Kanha provided inspirations for Rudyard Kipling’s famous novel , ‘Jungle Book’. It forms the core of Kanha Tiger reserve, created in 1974 under Project Tiger. Stringent conversation programs for the overall protection of the Park’s fauna and flora, makes Kanha one of the most well maintained parks in Asia.
We will enjoy an evening safari.
Lunch and dinner will be served at our Lodge.
Hotel: Kanha Jungle Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 14: Friday, March 23, 2012 - In Kanha
Today, we will enjoy both morning and evening game viewing at Kanha National Park.
A heightened attraction within the Park is Bamni Dadar which is popularly known as Sunset Point. This area offers the most awe inspiring backdrop of a sunset against grazing Sambhars and Gaurs which magnifies the natural splendor of the area. Aside from its diverse wildlife and bird population, the frequent sightings of Tigers roaming in the wild at Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary remain its most popular draw. 

We will enjoy one elephant ride inside the park for game viewing and one jeep safari today.

Lunch and Dinner will be served at your lodge.
Hotel: Kanha Jungle Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 15: Saturday, March 24, 2012 - Kanha – Raipur (Drive 156 miles/ 5 hrs) – Delhi (Fly) Depart
After a leisurely breakfast, we will drive to Raipur. Today’s lunch will be at a mid way local restaurant. We will have an on time transfer to airport for our Jet Airways flight to Delhi.

Depart Raipur               17:50 PM   9W 2212             NON STOP
Arrive Delhi                   19:30 PM

Upon arrival in Delhi, we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner before we all depart for home. We will  be transferred after dinner to the international airport for our onward flight back home. 

End of the India Tour

This tour will be accompanied by Susan Geringer, owner of Geringer Global Travel, and Mr. Yatish Bahuguna, a well known Indian wildlife guide and naturalist.

Yatish was born and raised in Pauri, Garhwal which is at the foot hills of the Himalayas. He did a Post Graduation from Garhwal University in Indian history and tourism. A professional guide since 1983, Yatish has led innumerable, Cultural, History, Wildlife tours, Safaris, and Trekking throughout the Himalayas and the Indian Subcontinent including Tibet. He has co-led trips for Scientific Explorer Society of UK, Dr. Lute Justard (US summiteers of Mt. Everest) and with Sir Gorge Band (UK). 

Apart from leading trips he has been involved in various research work in writing books and doing documentaries. To name a few:

* He has done research for the trekking guide book " TREKKING IN INDIAN HIMALAYA” a Lonely Planet  Publication (Second edition). 

* He worked on the documentary film called, “Queen of Elephants” by Discovery Channel.

* “Source of Ganges” by Icon Films for BBC, presenter Mr. William Dyalrimple and directed by Mr. Hugh Thomson. 
  
* “India Diary” by National Geographic, presenter Mr. Mark Shand. 

*“Himalaya with Michael Pelin” for BBC. 

Quote for this trip is from $3999.

Single supplement is from $780.

Deposit is $ 1270

Final Balance is due 30 days before the trip.

PRICES INCLUDE:

• Accommodation for 13 nights in hotels with buffet breakfast.
• Welcome and Farewell dinner at a local popular restaurant.
• Fixed menu lunch & dinner as specified in the itinerary.
• Transportation in a chauffeur driven air conditioned Mini coach (6–9 pax) and (9–15 pax) during the entire tour as per the itinerary.
• Services of an English-speaking guide/naturalist at each place of sightseeing. 
• Common Jeep safaris inside the park.
• Elephant ride inside park once in Kanha and once in Bandhavgarh.
• Park entrances/Monument entrance charges as per the itinerary.
• Mineral bottle water inside coach during long drives and during meals.
• All current applicable taxes.

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Tips and gratitude to drivers/bellboys/restaurants.
• Video or still camera fee.
• Any beverages like cold & hard drinks; unless specified otherwise as above.
• Any visa / insurance charges
• Any personal use thing like laundry, telephone bill etc

 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  * Baggage allowance for domestic flight is 44 pounds. 
  * Visa is required for entry into India. You must have a visa before departing US or from  other countries. You can not obtain a visa in India.
   *Cancellation insurance is highly recommended. 

Please call Susan Geringer at 877 255 7438 or 203 216 7106 or email her at susan@geringerglobaltravel.com with any questions or if you just want to talk about the trip.