Tigers and the Taj

Tigers and the Taj

12 nights / 13 days
Starts & ends in Delhi
Departs on request
Price based on a private safari for 2 people

Cost per person sharing:      US$4,345
Single room supplement:      US$1,320

Domestic airfare: Delhi-Bhopal- Delhi                 US$100

Combining 2 of India’s most beautiful tiger reserves with a visit to the country’s most iconic historical site, this itinerary is a real treat for wildlife lovers.
To make the most from your time in Ranthambhore and Satpura you’ll enjoy a full day safari in each reserve; giving you the opportunity to get away from the busy tourist areas and enjoy quality sightings.

Also included is a stay in the National Chambal Sanctuary; a 1235 km sq area by the river Chambal where you will find great bird life. Chambal is also one of the last remianing habitats of the Ganges River Dolphin.

Day 1
Arrive in Delhi by the morning flight. You will be met by our representative who will accompany you to your hotel and assist with the check-in formalities.
This afternoon you explore Delhi. A local city expert will meet you in your hotel lobby and escort you. Overnight at The Claridges, Delhi.

Day 2
Morning at leisure. Check out late morning when our representative will accompany you to the railway station to catch the train to Sawai Madhopur (about 10km from Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve). On arrival in Sawai Madhopur you will be met and transferred to Ranthambhore Kothi.

Day 3
This morning you begin exploring Ranthambhore. We have planned for a full day safari in Ranthambhore for you today. The full day safari will also give you access to all the tourist zones of the park.

Day 4
Today we have planned two game drives – one in the morning and one in the afternoon we continue our search for the tiger and other wildlife. You should have time to explore the Fort, Dastakaar village, Ranthambhore art school or just rest in between the safaris.

Day 5
After a morning jeep safari in the reserve, return to the lodge for breakfast. Check-out and transfer to Chambal. Break for lunch at Bharatpur. After lunch continue onwards to Chambal Safari Lodge.

Day 6
Chambal is a river sanctuary and this morning you explore the river in search for the endemic Gharial crocodiles and the riverine birds. In the afternoon go on a jeep safari searching for blackbucks, blue bulls, striped hyena and the Indian wolf.

Day 7
Morning boat safari on the Chambal. After an early lunch, transfer to Agra. In the evening explore the Taj Mahal. Overnight at the ITC Mughal, Agra.

Day 8
Early morning check-out and transfer to the railway station. Catch the Bhopal Shatabdi Express to Bhopal. On arrival in Bhopal you will be met and transferred to Jehan Numa Retreat.
Late afternoon go on a heritage walk of Bhopal city and learn about the Begums of Bhopal – the true rulers of Bhopal.

Day 9
Check out after breakfast and transfer by road to Satpura Tiger Reserve. En route explore Bhimbetka Rock Shelters. Lunch will be at Forsyth Lodge.
This afternoon you start exploring Satpura. Your first outing here will be a canoe safari that lets you explore the Denwa river and the streams that lead inland. These are great for viewing birds on the river and gives you a great perspective of land mammals coming down to the river. Overnight at Forsyth Lodge.

Day 10
A full day safari today, deep into Satpura to the central Churna Zone. This takes us beyond the main tourist area. Picnic breakfast will be carried on the safari. Hot lunch will be served at Churna Forest Rest House. You can spend the afternoon photographing birds and other wildlife by the creek at Churna. An afternoon game drive brings us back to Forsyth Lodge for the night.

Day 11
Today you explore the tiger reserve on foot. Walking safari in the forest is great as it lets you explore the lesser fauna of the park that is often too well camouflaged and is missed on jeep safari. Of course sighting the larger mammals too is a totally different feeling when compared to seeing them from jeeps. This afternoon you have time at leisure. We will organise the village ladies to come in and make a traditional lunch cooked over a traditional stove and served and eaten on string cots like they do in the villages. In the evening enjoy a dusk drive searching for nocturnal animals and birds. You end your dusk drive in a camp by the river stream and tonight to spend the night in a mobile camp at the edge of the forest. Overnight will be at the mobile camp.

Day 12
In the morning explore the buffer forest and make your way back to the lodge. Lunch will be at the lodge. In the evening take another jeep safari into Satpura Tiger Reserve. Overnight will be at Forsyth Lodge

Day 13
A morning at leisure to unwind from the hectic safari experience. After lunch transfer by road to Bhopal from where you catch your flight to Delhi and connect onto your international flight back home.

Accommodation

What is included:

  • Accommodation for 3 nights on bed & breakfast basis; in Delhi, Agra and Bhopal
  • Accommodation for 9 nights on full board; in Ranthambore, Jarar & Satpura
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary & entrance fee is included
  • All game drives & activities as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All tours will be led by a local English speaking expert
  • All transfers will be made in a private air conditioned Toyota Innova.

What is not included:

  • Does not include any beverages including mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks etc. unless otherwise specified
  • Any items of a personal nature such as beverages, tips (except for group meals and baggage handling), laundry, telephone calls etc
  • Anything featured as optional
  • The prices do not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees.