Magnificent Indian Wildlife and Historical Tour 12 Nights

A journey through Indian heritage and biodiversity

Duration

13 Days
Total Destinations

4
Attractions

24
Pkg Id

0000166

Step back in time at the magnificent architectural gems of the yesteryears in the history rich lands of India. Witness the Mughal and Nawabi cultures in the old cities of Delhi and Bhopal and discover early rock shelters dating back to the Palaeolithic period. Drive through the wildlife rich Northern plains tracking tigers and fall in love all over again at the iconic Taj Mahal.

DAY 1

Arrive Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, guests will be met at the aero bridge and will be assisted through customs / immigration baggage collection. And you will be transferred to your hotel.
Delhi: The planning of New Delhi started in 1911 under the guidance of Sir Edwin Lutyens; this was following the declaration made by King George V at the Delhi Durbar, that the capital of India was being shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. This was an emphatic way to reinforce the permanence of the British Empire in India. The new city was inaugurated on 09th February 1931.
Delhi is steeped in history, which dates back to 3000 years. 'Indraprastha', the seat of the Pandavas in the early centuries of the era, was situated in Purana Quila and is believed to be Delhi's earliest city.

DAY 2

Sightseeing Of Delhi

Morning at leisure for independent activities.
Afternoon start the guided sightseeing of Old which includes:
Chandni Chowk: Take a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk which was once the grandest of markets in India. Even though today Chandni Chowk appears choked with congestion, it retains its historical character.
Later visit to the Jama Masjid. Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid of Delhi is the principal mosque of Old Delhi in India. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, and completed in the year 1656 AD, it is the largest and best-known mosque in India. It lies at the origin of a very busy central street of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk.
Followed by a tour to the streets famous for its food, from many generations. Guests will visit traditional food stalls that developed in the folds of the culture of old Delhi. At each stop guests will see the house specialties. Some of the foods that guests may sample are: Parathana’s, (Indian Flatbread) Samosa (triangular deep fried dumplings stuffed with potatoes), Kachori (deep fried dumplings stuffed with an assortment of lentils and spice), Kulfi (Indian ice-cream), Lassi (a yogurt drink), jalebi, (Indian Sweet) etc.
Evening visit to Dharampura Haveli for High- Tea followed by Kite flying.
The Haveli Dharampura with its distinctive features is attributed as Late Mughal style though parts of it has the influence of the 20th Century architecture. During Mughal and late Mughal Period, a large numbers of havelis were built by the courtiers. This Haveli in particular dates to 1887 AD and was originally designed to have mixed use pattern i.e. both residential and commercial. The surroundings of the Haveli still bear the evidences of history through its physical features. Brackets, balconies, jharokas, multifoliated arched gateway, carved sandstone facades, wooden doorway from the virtual of the approach
Later return to your Hotel.

DAY 3

Sightseeing Of Delhi

Morning proceed on a city tour of New Delhi, visiting
Qutab Minar: At 72.5 meters, this is the world's tallest brick minaret! Construction commenced in 1193 under the orders of India's first Muslim ruler Qutub-ud-din Aibak. The tower is notable for being one of the earliest and most prominent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Humayun’s Tomb: Humayun's tomb is a complex of buildings built as the Mughal Emperor Humayun's tomb, commissioned by Humayun's wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562. It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, and is located in Nizamuddin East. It was also the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale. The complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Agrasen ki Baoli: -Agrasen ki baoli has unique structure which is quite different from the traditional round shape. It has three levels where each level has an arched area, which was used as a resting place. The center of the well has water and the water is also linked to a well dug in a covered platform. The gallery and chambers surrounded walls of Agrasen ki baoli are carved profusely.
Afternoon visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the temple of the Sikhs. Their turbans and beards make the men easily identifiable with the sect.
Sikhism developed as an antithesis to the caste ridden and ritualistic forms of Hinduism and developed as a simple religion whose foundation was “sewa” – socially responsibility irrespective of a person’s social standing. Thus every Sikh Temple has the famous community kitchen, where it is considered a privilege to assist cooking the food and serving a simple meal to pilgrim and visitors. If guests wish, they can participate in the community service.
Also drive past
India Gate: This 42m high stone arch of triumph stands at the eastern end of the Rajpath. It bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW I the North West frontier operations of the same time and the 1919 Afghan fiasco.
Rajpath: - The Kings Way is another focus of Lutyens New Delhi. It is immensely broad and is flanked On either side of ornamental ponds. The Republic Day parade is held here every 26th January, and millions of people gather to enjoy the spectacle.
Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House): The official residence of the President of India stands at the opposite end of the Rajpath from India Gate. Completed in 1929, the palace like building is an interesting blend of Mughal and western architectural styles, the most obvious Indian feature being the huge copper dome. To the west of the building is a Mughal garden, which occupies 130 ha. This garden is only open to the public in February. Prior to independence this was the viceroy’s residence.

DAY 4

Transfer Delhi to Agra

Drive of about 03 ½ hrs will take you to Agra.
Agra: The city of Agra flourished under the patronage of the emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan and attracted artisans from Persia and central Asia. Agra is where Emperor Shah Jahan engraved his immortal love for his Empress in marble, the Taj Mahal. Agra is still famous for handicrafts products such as inlay work on marble, carpets, jewellery, zari and embroidery work.
On arrival transfer to Hotel.
Kaya Kalp -The Royal Spa is the country’s largest spa at over 99,000 square feet. A harmonious blend of Mughal and contemporary design, it offers an oasis of tranquility where holistic therapies and services are offered in royal style.
Afternoon proceed on a city tour of Agra visiting Itmad-Ud- Daulah Tomb and Agra Fort for a guided visit of the fort.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah: - A highly ornate edifice, this mausoleum is considered as the imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal as far as elaborate carvings and inlay work are concerned. Though the structure does not have much to offer architecturally, it makes a clear departure from the earlier Mughal tombs built during the period and is softer with lot of inlay carvings.
Agra Fort: - The red sandstone Agra Fort was renovated and converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time, and reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), and Musamman Burj.
Later visit Taj Mahal at sunset. Said to be one of the most elegant and a harmonious building in the world, Taj Mahal is the manifestation of the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in its architecture, garden design, painting, and calligraphy.

DAY 5

Transfer Agra to Gwalior

Later Drive –2 ½ hour to Gwalior. On arrival check-in at Hotel
Later proceed on a city tour of Gwalior
Tour the gigantic Gwalior Fort, the palaces and temples within. The fort is one of the largest in India, established around the 8th century AD. The fort spreads to about 3.5 sq kms. Within the fort complex visit the Teli ka Mandir, Saas Bahu Temple, Suraj Kund and the Man Mandir Palace
Within the fort lies the Scindia School, a famous residential school for boys established by the erstwhile Maharaja Of Gwalior over one hundred years ago
Later, you will be taken on a tour of the newly restored Jai Vilas Palace (closed Mondays/holidays), built in 1875, and the current residence of the Scindia Royal family. 35 rooms in the Palace have been converted into a museum where there is an interesting collection of family memorabilia including royal robes, thrones and even a crystal train that chugged around an enormous dining table with condiments and other delicacies for royal guests! In the Durbar Hall of the Palace is a pair of chandeliers said to be the world’s largest, each 12.8m high and weighing 3 tons.

DAY 6

Transfer Gwalior to Bhopal

After breakfast, you will be met and chauffeured to the Gwalior railway station. You will be welcomed, on arrival, by your and Dook representative chauffeured to your hotel.
Bhopal was first founded in 10th Century AD and since grown in its importance in India’s history, becoming the second largest state in pre-independence India. Greatly influenced by it Mughal rulers, Bhopal’s Muslim culture is evident in the city’s beautiful old mosques, massive stone and brick gateways and the broken down remains of the walls that once protected this princely state.
Late afternoon Visit the Museum of Man. This museum overlooks the Upper Lake and is an interesting Tribal Habitat Museum, with its excellent open air exhibition of contemporary, life-size, tribal dwellings from all over India and ancient rock shelte
Accommodation will be in Deluxe room with ensuite facilities. Stay will be on bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 7

Sightseeing Of Bhopal

This morning you will be taken on a guided tour of Vidisha and the Sanchi Stupa.
SANCHI (46 kilometers – approx. 1 hour drive): This group of Stupas and monasteries perched on a peaceful hill are amount the most important Buddhist sites in India, although the Buddha himself never came to Sanchi. There is a quiet stillness about the place in keeping with Buddhist beliefs.
The first Stupa was built during Asoka’s reign in the 3rd century BC. Over a century later it was doubled in size and the gateways were built 75 years later. Finally four figures of the Buddha were placed facing each gateway 450 years later completing the construction. The Great Stupa as this was called had staggered entrances because it was common belief that evil spirits travel only in a straight line. Around the great stupa are a number of smaller ones. From the 14th century Sanchi lay forgotten and deserted and was rediscovered by General Taylor in 1818, the year before the Ajanta caves were found. Treasure hunters destroyed much of the Stupa, but there are still outstanding sculpture to be seen. The earliest decorative carvings were done on wood and ivory, but the craftsmen of Sanchi easily transferred their skill to the sandstone here. The carvings illustrate scenes from the life of the Buddha, events in the history of Buddhism and the “jataka” tales, stories about Buddha’s previous life. The four gateways are of particular interest showing the seven incarnations of Buddha, the Wheel of Law and the birth of the Buddha in a series of dramatic carvings.
VIDISHA (10 kilometers from Sanchi – approx. 20 minute drive)
Vidisha or Besnagar as it is called in the Pali scriptures, once the prosperous capital of the western dominions of the Sungas, contains some remarkable antiquities that throw light on the considerable architectural development of the period.
Situated in the fork of the Betwa and Bes rivers, Vidisha, 10 km from Sanchi, it occupies an important place amongst the ancient cities in India. In the 6th and 5th centuries BC, it rose to become an important trade centre and a bustling city under the Sungas, Nagas, Satvahanas and Guptas. The Emperor Ashoka was governor of Vidisha, and it finds mention in Kalidasa's immortal Meghdoot. Deserted for three centuries after the 6th century, it was renamed Bhilsa by the Muslims who built the now ruined Bija Mandal, a mosque constructed from the remains of Hindu temples. It later passed on to the Malwa Sultans, the Mughals, and the Scindias.
Afternoon visit the jewel of Bhopal’s Islamic cultural heritage - Taj ul Masjid, the ‘crown of mosques’. It is an imposing mosque reputed to be one of the largest in India. The Taj ul Masjid has a striking façade, two towering white domed minarets and a huge courtyard where the devout gather to pray. The foundations of the mosque were laid in late 18th century AD.

DAY 8

Bhopal

Morning visit the ancient site of Bhimbetka (45 kilometers SE of Bhopal – approx. 1 hour of drive)
The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains on the southern edge of the central Indian plateau. Within massive sandstone outcrops, above comparatively dense forest, are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. The site spread over 10 km in length and about 3 km in width has more than 700 rock shelters, of which over 400 have paintings. The earliest human activities are known from the numerous stone tools including handaxes, cleavers and also the pebble tools.
Afternoon at leisure

DAY 9

Transfer Bhopal to Satpura

This morning, you will be met and chauffeured Satpura Tiger Reserve (3 Hours & 30 Min). The reserve is mostly covered in forest, dominated by Teak but also includes groves like Sal. The wildlife includes tiger, leopard, sloth bears, gaur etc. It’s the only place in central India to harbour Malabar Giant squirrels and mouse deer. The bird life is magnificent and includes exciting species as Black eagle, Malabar pied hornbills, various species of harriers and an exciting range of small birds.
Upon arrival, check-in at Reni - Pani.
Afternoon game drive.
Accommodation is in Cottage with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on full board basis & scheduled game drives by a shared jeep.

DAY 10

Satpura National Park

Enjoy scheduled morning & afternoon Game drive in the Park.

DAY 11

Satpura National Park

Beautiful hilly terrains, deep gorges, rivulets, untouched forest locations etc. of Satpura National Park is nurtured in the Satpura Ranges of Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh. Along with adjoining Pachmarhi & Bori Sanctuaries, Satpura National Park it covers 1427 km2, otherwise it covers an area of 524 sq.km. Various ways of wildlife watching distinguishes it’s from other tiger reserves of India. Unspoiled Highland eco-system of Satpura National Park is unique in nature and was established in 1981.

DAY 12

Satpura National Park – Bhopal – Delhi

Morning game drive. Later transfer to Bhopal Airport for flight to Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, guests will be met transferred to hotel.
Accommodation is in Deluxe room. Your stay is on Bed & Breakfast basis

DAY 13

Departure from Dehi

Morning at leisure for independent activities.
Late evening departure transfer from Hotel to International Airport for flight back home.

Top Attractions of Magnificent Indian Wildlife and Historical Tour 12 Nights Tour

A journey through Indian heritage and biodiversity

Haveli Dharampura

Chandni Chowk

The Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi India. It is located close to Old Delhi Railway Station. The Red Fort monument is located at the eastern end of Chandni Chowk. It was built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor of India Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter Jahanara. The market was once divided by canals to reflect moonlight and remains o

Satpura Tiger Reserve

Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve

Bori Wildlife Sanctuary

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is on top among the 7 wonders of the world and it is pride of India. Taj Mahal is said to be the symbol of love. In the first look itself anyone can fall in love with this ivory white marble mausoleum. On your trip to India Taj Mahal is a must visit place because if you missed it then you missed the best travel experience in India. This over 400 years old site attracts over 7-8 millions of visitors every year. It is located in the heartland of the city of Agra, India.

Humayuns Tomb

Jama Masjid

The Masjid-i Jehan Numa commonly known as the Jama Masjid of Delhi is one of the largest mosques in India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656 at a cost of one million rupees and was inaugurated by Imam Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari from Bukhara.

Qutub Minar

Delhi is one of the most attracting cities in India for travellers from across the world. One of the busting cities of the world, Delhi is the capital city of India. Qutub Minar is part of Qutub complex in southern part of the city of Delhi. It is a minaret that forms part of Qutub Complex and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Qutub Minar is quite a tall minaret with the height of 73 meters with five storeys with a base diameter of 14.3 meter which reduces at the top of the minaret to just 2.7 meter. Qutub Minar has spiral staircase with 379 steps there. Each story of the Qutub Minar is distinct and each is marked by a projecting balcony.

Agrasen ki Baoli

Agrasen ki Baoli designated a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958 is a 60-meter long and 15-meter wide historical step well on Hailey Road near Connaught Place Jantar Mantar in New Delhi India. Although there are no known historical records to prove who built Agrasen

India Gate

The India Gate is a war memorial located astride the Rajpath on the eastern edge of the ceremonial axis of New Delhi formerly called Kingsway.It stands as a memorial to 70000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died in between 19141921 in the First World War in France Flanders Mesopotamia Persia East Africa Gallipoli and elsewhere in the Near and the Far East and the thi

Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India located at the Western end of Rajpath in New Delhi India. Rashtrapati Bhavan may refer to only the 340-room main building that has the presidents official residence including reception halls guest rooms and offices also called the mansion it may also refer to the entire 130-hectare Presidential Estate that additionall

Rajpath Area

Haveli Dharampura

Itmad-ud-Daula

Tomb of Itimd-ud-Daulah is a Mughal mausoleum in the city of Agra in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Often described as a jewel box sometimes called the Bachcha Taj the tomb of Itimd-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal.

Agra Fort

Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638 when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Before capture by the British the last Indian rulers to have occupied it were the Marathas. In 1983 the Agra fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famo

Teli ka Mandir

Teli ka Mandir also known as Telika Temple is a Hindu temple located within the Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh India. Dedicated to Shiva Vishnu and Matrikas it has been variously dated between the early 8th and early 9th century CE.

Jai Vilas Mahal

The Jai Vilas Mahal also known as the Jai Vilas Palace is a nineteenth century palace in Gwalior India. It was established in 1874 by Maharajadhiraj Shrimant Jayajirao Scindia Alijah Bahadur the Maharaja of Gwalior. While the major part of the palace is now the Jiwajirao Scindia Museum opened to the public in 1964 a part of it is still the residence of his descendants the former royal

Gwalior Fort

Gwalior Fort is a hill fort near Gwalior Madhya Pradesh India. The fort has existed at least since the 10th century and the inscriptions and monuments found within what is now the fort campus indicate that it may have existed as early as the beginning of the 6th century. The fort has been controlled by a number of different rulers in its history.

Bhimbetka rock shelters

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site in central India that spans the prehistoric Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods as well as the historic period. It exhibits the earliest traces of human life in India and evidence of Stone Age starting at the site in Acheulian times. It is located in the Raisen District in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh about 45 kilometres south-east of Bho

Vidisha Museum

Vidisha Museum or Vidisha District Museum is the main museum of the city of Vidisha ancient Besnagar. The museum has many sculptures terracottas and coins especially from the 9th to the 10 th century CE as well as Harappan art.

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya or National Museum of Humankind or Museum of Man is an anthropology museum located in Bhopal India to present an integrated story of the evolution of man and culture with special reference to India. It spreads over an area of about 200 acres on the Shyamla Hills in the city. This museum depicts the story of mankind in time and spa

Taj-ul-Masajid

The Taj-ul-Masajid or Tj-ul-Masjid is a mosque situated in Bhopal Madhya Pradesh India. It is the largest mosque in India and one of the largest mosques in Asia.

Sanchi Stupa No. 2

The Stupa No. 2 at Sanchi also called Sanchi II is one of the oldest existing Buddhist stupas in India and part of the Buddhist complex of Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh. It is of particular interest since it has the earliest known important displays of decorative reliefs in India probably anterior to the reliefs at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya or the reliefs of Bharhut. It displays what