India’s Tiger Trail

India’s Tiger Trail Itinerary

• Day 1 UK to Delhi

  Today, you'll fly to Delhi on an overnight flight.

• Day 2 Delhi

  On arrival in Delhi, we'll transfer you to your hotel, then we'll head straight out to explore.Our half-day sightseeing tour introduces us to Lutyens' Delhi, which was created in the early 20th century, when the British decided to move their capital from Kolkata. Edwin Landseer Lutyens was the architect appointed to design the new capital and we'll head along some of the wide boulevards and tree-lined avenues he created. We'll drive past two of Lutyen's iconic buildings, the President's House and Parliament House and see the impressive India Gate, which commemorates around 70,000 Indian soldiers who died during the First World War.Our final stop before heading back to our hotel is the incredible Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell. This centuries-old landmark, which was originally used to harvest water, is wonderfully preserved, and as you gaze down the cascading carved steps you'll be simply amazed.

• Day 3 Dholpur

  We're off to eastern Rajasthan today, where we'll stay in a charming, sleepy little town called Dholpur, packed with historical forts and monuments. Rajasthan is thought to be the setting of 'Mowgli's Brothers', a short story penned by Rudyard Kipling.But first, we'll travel to Agra, where we'll realise many a dream as we make our pilgrimage to the wonderful Taj Mahal, described by Kipling as 'an embodiment of all things pure'. This beautiful white marble mausoleum was painstakingly built over 22 years by Emperor Shah Jahan to celebrate and honour Mumtaz Mahal, his beloved wife who tragically died in childbirth. It is a symbol of eternal love, and we'll share a magical moment when we see it at dusk when it transforms from sparkling white to blush pink. We'll also visit the Agra Fort, just across the Yamuna River. Created by several rulers of the Mughal Dynasty, the fort was transformed into a glittering palace by Shah Jahan. Many years later, the Fort became a gilded cell, where he was imprisoned for eight years when his son Aurangzeb overthrew him in 1658. 

• Day 4 Dholpur

  After breakfast together, we'll drive to Chambal and explore the rich heritage held within its valley. Join your fellow travellers on an optional excursion where you can catch your first sight of a majestic Sarus crane or graceful Ganges River dolphins leaping in the air on an exciting river cruise. We'll sail along the Chambal River with a trained naturalist who will teach us about the river's wildlife. You might spot turtles enjoying the sun, and keep a lookout for gharial and mugger crocodiles. Expert boatsmen will carefully take us near the wildlife without disturbing the animals. Alternatively, get up close to India's natural world on a thrilling Jeep ride along the Safari-Sarus trail and the banks of the River Chambal. We'll begin with a visit to the Shergarh Fort, passing through its secret tunnel. The Sarus Crane Conservation Reserve is a sweeping wetland area framed by ravines, agricultural fields and hidden villages. Easily distinguished from other types of crane with their red heads contrasting sharply against grey plumage, these are the tallest flying bird in the world, standing up to six feet tall. See if you can spot raptors and wetland birds here too. We'll regroup tonight at the hotel and tell each other stories about the amazing animals we've seen.

• Day 5 Orchha

  We've got a fantastic day ahead of us. After breakfast, we'll drive to laid-back Orchha, which lies on the Betwa River. Flying a little more under the radar compared to its neighbour Khajuraho with its erotic sculptures, Orchha has a relaxed vibe and plenty of medieval charm. En route, we'll make a stop at Gwalior, an imposing sandstone fort set atop a picturesque hilltop overlooking the city. Reminiscent of a bygone royal era, Orchha is a feast for the senses, dotted with vibrant ochre palaces and ancient forts. We'll indulge in some sightseeing, absorbing the town's famous sacred temples. These surviving relics were built by the Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th century. Next, we'll visit the ornate, multi-storey palace of Jahangir Mahal. The expansive 136-room citadel boasts eight elegant domes, walls adorned with intricate panels and stylish hanging terraces. Built by Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor, he named the palace after his son, Jahangir, and mainly used it for his Rajput royal wives. We'll take photos under the beautiful arches and marvel at the glorious palace, carved from a single piece of stone. Next, we'll make our way to the magnificent Ram Raja temple, enclosed within the grand square. Up to 3,000 Hindu worshippers pray here every day. As the only temple in India that features Lord Rama as a king, it's said that those who look at his left toe will have their wishes come true. We might even experience an invigorating aarti ceremony, where light is offered to deities within the temple.

• Day 6 Panna National Park

  We'll make our way through Central India to Panna today. First, we'll stop at the Khajuraho temples within India's Vindhya Mountain Range. According to local legend, gods and deities - including Shiva the destroyer - enjoyed praying here. The temples were creatively built by mighty warrior kings from the Chandela dynasty. However, the temples are well-known around the world for their intricate carvings featuring erotic poses from the Kama Sutra, of which only 22 of the original 85 carvings have survived. We'll tour the monuments and will have plenty of opportunities for photos. When we arrive in Panna, we'll get some much-needed rest as we'll be up bright and early tomorrow for our morning safari in Panna National Park.

• Day 7 Panna National Park

  Today's the day to truly immerse yourself in pristine natural beauty and imagine you're in Kipling's 'Just So Stories'. We'll set off for tranquil Panna National Park for an exhilarating game drive. Wait in breathtaking awe for a glimpse of a leopard running through the wilderness and rolling savannah grasslands. From the safety and comfort of our Jeep, we could easily spot any or all of the following, big cats, antelopes, hyenas, sloths, deer, monkeys, wild dogs and over 300 species of bird. Pinch yourself as you listen to the sounds of the jungle and take in the lush backdrop of 550 square kilometres of stunning scenery. Plunging gorges, cascading waterfalls and rolling savannah grasslands await you. In the afternoon, we'll have plenty of time at leisure to unwind at our hotel.

• Day 8 Bandhavgarh National Park

  Today, we've got a long but very enjoyable drive ahead of us that really gives us an insight into the remoteness and peaceful tranquillity of Central India. Hopefully, we'll be rewarded tomorrow, when we visit Bandhavgarh National Park in search of an elusive Bengal tiger. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel and get some sleep, as we've got a big day ahead of us.

• Day 9 Bandhavgarh National Park

  A dizzying array of wildlife awaits us in Bandhavgarh National Park. Boasting the highest population of tigers in India, this is perhaps your best chance to see one in its natural habitat. Although we'll hope to see an elusive Bengal tiger, it's not all about the big cats here. You're likely to spot the great gaur – an Indian bison – grazinh. When we get to more open swathes of wilderness, look out for nilgai, a fascinating species of Asian antelope, and barking deer roaming free across the land. A plethora of bird species also call the park home. You're certain to take some amazing photographs and make memories you'll treasure forever. The lush green landscape is framed with steep, 800-metre-high cliffs and dotted with deep valleys.  At the highest point we'll find the park's namesake Bandhavgarh Fort, standing proudly over an auburn forest floor and a mottled canopy of trees. The fort is considered over 2,000 years old. Scattered around the park are numerous caves shrouded in mystery and housing shrines and ancient Sanskrit inscriptions. On arrival back at our hotel, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing with your fellow travellers.

• Day 10 Kanha National Park

  We're really getting into the swing of jungle life now, and after breakfast, we'll journey by road to Kanha. Relax as you admire Central India's superb scenery and when we arrive, we'll enjoy a leisurely day exploring our new surroundings. Tomorrow, we're off in pursuit of the King of the Jungle once more - majestic tigers await you in Kanha National Park, where 'The Jungle Book' comes to life.

• Day 11 Kanha National Park

  Today, fans of Rudyard Kipling's iconic childhood stories are in for a real treat. Arguably India's most impressive wildlife reserve, Kanha National Park is widely considered to be the inspiration for 'The Jungle Book'. This thrilling park is also known as the Kanha Tiger Reserve, so you're likely to see your very own Shere Khan here. We're going on morning and afternoon safaris where we'll look out for royal Bengal tiger footprints and listen for their magnificent roars. Amongst the 950 square kilometres of peaceful rivers and lush rolling hills, we might spot pythons slithering through the grass like vengeful Kaa, wolves reminiscent of those who raised Mowgli and sloth bears just like Baloo. Get up close and imagine yourself in the 'Just So Stories' through savannah that stretches as far as the eye can see. Although Kipling never visited Kanha, he was enthralled by his friends' photographs and the writers who travelled to the Seoni region – we'll see for ourselves how the park inspired every page. When we've soaked up the evocative atmosphere, we'll retreat to our hotel for a delightful evening meal together.

• Day 12 Mumbai

  As we return to reality, we're off to Rudyard Kipling's birthplace, the bustling, modern metropolis of Mumbai. A cosmopolitan melting pot, it's the perfect contrast of old and new. Lapped by the Arabian Sea, Mumbai – or Bombay, as Kipling would have known it – lies on the coast of Western India. Here, shiny, towering offices and apartment blocks jostle with the colonial Gothic architecture of times gone by. We'll be welcomed by the Gateway to India's looming arch over the seaside harbour. Stroll around the port, take in the original Art Deco cinemas and visit the sublime Taj Palace Hotel in all its architectural glory.

• Day 13 Mumbai to UK

  This morning, we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.