THE DAY TO DAY

Day 1 - SAT 17 FEB Depart Brisbane for Delhi

Join our Singapore Airlines flight today to Delhi. Met on arrival, and transferred to Delhi Novotel Hotel. We overnight in the capital city of Delhi, with remnants of lost empires on almost every corner.

Accommodation: Delhi Novotel Hotel

Meals Included: Inflight Meals

Day 2 - SUN 18 FEB Delhi - Jabalphur - Bandhavgarh

We waste no time and head immediately to the first of our national parks and wildlife experiences. We take a flight to Jabalpur and then continue by road through the countryside to Bandhavgarh National park. An essential stop on any India safari, Bandhavgarh is renowned for one of the country’s highest concentrations of Bengal tigers. Originally established as a national park in 1968, Bandhavgarh was declared a protected tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1993. At 1150sq kms, it is a relatively small park with a thriving tiger population, offering visitors a good chance of encountering them, as well as other distinctive Indian wildlife.

Accommodation: The Untamed Luxury Tented Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - MON 19 FEB Bandhavgarh National Park

We experience morning and afternoon safari drives into the dense jungle combined with vast stretches of grasslands spread over surrounding hills. We explore Bandhavgarh’s varied habitats on morning and afternoon wildlife drives. Predominantly covered with mixed deciduous forest, thickets of bamboo and expansive grasslands that line the stream valleys, the park’s hilly terrain harbours one of the highest densities of tigers in the world. Bandhavgarh was once a prime hunting reserve for the Maharajahs, where Maharaja Raman Singh himself shot an astounding 111 tigers in 1914. Today it is a pacesetter in tiger protection. With tigers at the apex of the food chain, Bandhavgarh’s rich biodiversity includes a multitude of other wildlife. We hope to see a sample of its 37 mammal species, among which are leopard, jungle cat, civet, wild boar, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, sloth bear and Asiatic jackal. Some 250 bird species, 70 different butterflies and various reptiles round out the diverse wildlife population.

Accommodation: Samode Safari Private Villa Camp Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - TUE 20 FEB

Bandhavgarh to Kanha (6 hours)

Today we continue onto Kanha National Park. Situated in central India, the park covers 2000 sq kms of rich and varied habitat. Its lush bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines provided inspiration to Rudyard Kipling for his famous collection of stories in The Jungle Book. Kanha was established as a national park in 1955 and forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, created in 1974 under India’s Project Tiger. The park’s landmark achievement is the preservation of the rare barasingha, an endangered swamp deer with 12-point antlers, saving it from near extinction. Strict conservation programs for the overall protection of the park’s fauna and flora make Kanha one of the most exemplary national parks in Asia. From our ecolodge base in the tiger heartland of the world, learn in depth about the Bengal tiger and its habitat, and varied habitat.

Its lush bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines provided inspiration to Rudyard Kipling for his famous collection of stories in The Jungle Book. Kanha was established as a national park in 1955 and forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, created in 1974 under India’s Project Tiger. The park’s landmark achievement is the preservation of the rare barasingha, an endangered swamp deer with 12-point antlers, saving it from near extinction. Strict conservation programs for the overall protection of the park’s fauna and flora make Kanha one of the most exemplary national parks in Asia. From our ecolodge base in the tiger heartland of the world, learn in depth about the Bengal tiger and its habitat, and observe how conservation travel directly benefits local communities and the tiger reserve.

Accommodation: Kipling Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - WED 21 FEB Kanha National Park

We search for Bengal tigers and other wildlife on our morning and afternoon 4x4 vehicle excursions. Scenic Kanha, once a hunting ground for imperial rulers and viceroys, is now one of India’s most important conservation reserves. With ideal habitat for tigers and their prey, it offers some of India’s best tiger viewing, though it can take effort to locate them in the sun-dapplied scrub forest that provides superb camouflage for many species. The open meadows where herbivores graze attract tiger, leopard and wild dog (dhole) to the edges of the clearings, and we hope to see some of these predators on the hunt. The Banjaar River bordering the park provides a steady water source for wildlife. Dense jungle interspersed with vast grassy meadows called maidans support a range of species similar to those in Bandhavgarh. Other mammals we might see include four-horned antelope (chowsingha), common langur, gaur (the world’s largest wild ox), rhesus monkeys and occasionally leopard.

Accommodation: Kipling Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - THUR 22 FEB

Kanha - Jabalpur - Hyderabad

This morning we visit a nearby tribal village, interacting with the locals and learning about their ancient culture. Gond and Baiga are the two prominent tribes found here. These were hunter-gatherer, forest dwelling communities that practised a harmonious co-existence with nature. Remnants of that lifestyle can still be glimpsed here, although the younger generations are fast adapting to modern ways.

We then take our flight on to Hyderabad, steeped in history, thronged with people and buzzing with commerce, the city of Hyderabad has one of India’s most evocative ancient quarters. We arrive late evening, and head to our comfortable hotel.

Accommodation: Taj Krishna

Meals Included: Breakfast & Inflight Snacks

Day 7 - FRI 23 FEB Hyderabad

We will explore the lanes of this district, with its tea shops and spice merchants, and encounter a teeming urban masala of colour and commerce. Looming over the Old City is some of Islamic India’s most impressive architecture, in varying states of repair. Our local guide will tell us about the incredible heritage of the city of Nizams. We visit the Golconda Fort, first built by the Kakatiya Dynasty and later developed by the Qutub Shahi Kings; it is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India. The history of Golconda Fort goes back to the early 13th century. It rests imposing on a granite hill 120 metres high with huge crenelated ramparts surrounding the structure. You will enjoy the many bazaars and buildings around the Charminar, the city’s signature landmark, as we stroll with our guide through the bustling lanes and observe local Indian life at its colourful best.

Accommodation: Taj Krishna

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - SAT 24 FEB

Hyderabad to Delhi

We take our flight to Delhi, departing Hyderabad at 9.45am, arriving Delhi 12.15pm.

We will then head to Khan Market for our lunch at Latitude, located among a shopping enclave favoured by the elite and expats. While strolling the markets it is common to bump into the glitterati of Delhi.

Tonight, we can enjoy a home hosted dinner with a young modern couple in an affluential neighbourhood. It is an opportunity to get an insight into modern emerging India, and how families have managed to retain their cultural heritage. We are sure you have many questions for our genial host family.

Accommodation: The Claridges Hotel, Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch at Latitude & a home hosted dinner

Day 9 - SUN 25 FEB Join the luxurious Maharaja Express

The Red Carpet awaits.. and we are escorted aboard our luxurious train - our accommodation for the next 6 nights. Our cabin butlers will be on hand to settle us into our Deluxe Cabin and before long, you will have a glass of champagne or your favourite tea/coffee in your hand as you experience departure from Delhi.

Later today, we arrive into Agra, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the immortal Taj Mahal.

All our train excursions are included, and the Taj Mahal never fails to impress the visitor.

Accommodation: Maharaja Express Meals Included: Hotel Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on the Maharaja Express.

Day 10 - MON 26 FEB Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur by train

This morning we can enjoy a visit to Agra Fort, a 16th century Mughal monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - an imposing sandstone citadel, symbol of Mughal grandeur. The train then proceeds to Sawai Madhopur to arrive at Ranthambore National Park, for yet another exciting game drive. Once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the park gained celebrity status during the 1960s when the Queen visited, and Prince Philip shot a tiger in this park. Dominated by the historic, walled Ranthambore Fort, it is famous for its stunning views, and its large wild tiger population. So, habituated to the presence of humans, Ranthambore’s tigers have been known to stalk and hunt prey in full view of visiting safari vehicles.

Later the train continues to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, the capital of Rajasthan. Within the pink walls of Jaipur, you will find lively bazaars, camel carts, cows and rickshaw drivers, as well as numerous historic sites. Jaipur is blessed with an abundance of superb shopping opportunities.

Accommodation: Maharaja Express Meals Included: All meals & drinks

Day 11 - TUE 27 FEB Jaipur to Bikaner

We peel the layers of history away as we explore the classically romantic Amber Fort, followed with a brief stop at the spectacular Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) – built for the women of the royal household to observe street life without being seen. Later we visit the magnificent outdoor observatory (Jantar Mantar) before we explore the Maharaja’s City Palace, a unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions and gardens which is still home of the Jaipur Royal Family. As well as its numerous historic sites, Jaipur is renowned for textiles, precious and semi-precious gemstones, exquisite jewellery, blue pottery and an abundance of shopping opportunities.

Accommodation: Maharaja Express Meals Included: All meals & drinks

Day 12 - WED 28 FEB Bikaner to Jodhpur by train

We arrive into Bikaner. One of the earlier established cities, Bikaner still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts that have withstood the passage of time.

We explore Junagarh Fort, an impregnable bastion that holds the distinction of having never been captured. This fort was constructed by one of Emperor Akbar’s most distinguished generals. The fort complex houses some magnificent palaces constructed in red sandstone and marble. Visitors can feast their eyes on an attractive assortment of courtyards, balconies and windows.

This afternoon, our Maharaja Express team invite us to enjoy sundowners at the Dunes. Later tonight the train continues onto Jodhpur.

Accommodation: Maharaja Express

Meals Included: All meals & drinks

Day 13 - THU 29 FEB Jodphpur to Udaipur

Jodhpur has always been an entrepreneurial stop on the ancient trade route from Delhi to the ports of the Arabian Sea, protected by one of the most impenetrable forts in history. This 500-year-old settlement was the headquarters of the famous Rathore Raijputs, celebrated for their tales of daring. It is a glittering jewel set in the sands of a barren desert landscape, renowned for its vibrant colours, towering forts and palaces that rise from the sand like a mirage. It is now a major centre for handicrafts. The labyrinthine Old City is a visually exciting marketplace, gathered around a wonderful Clock Tower. You will have the choice of several excursions today. You can explore the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort. It stands on an astonishingly high cliff above the skyline and dominates the city below. Or perhaps you would like to visit a Bishnoi Village, to meet the locals, and see rural artisans at work, potters and weavers, observe daily life and experience village hospitality. The Bishnoi are passionate environmentalists.

Accommodation: Maharaja Express

Meals Included: All meals & drinks

Day 14 - FRI 1 MAR Udaipur

Today we depart by train for the fairy-tale lake city of Udaipur. The most romantic city in India, Udaipur sits on the shores of placid Lake Pichola. A kaleidoscope of white shoreside palaces with an heroic history of valour and chivalry, are reflected in the waters of the lake. Udaipur is clean, organised and exudes a scene of space and peace. We take a boat cruise on Lake Pichola to observe the legendary Lake Palace, built by the Maharajah over a small island in the lake, so that it looks like it’s floating. It is the most photographed hotel in the world.

Udaipur, also known as the Venice of the East, is ruled by a much respected Maharana whose magnificent City Palace forms the heart of the city, an enormous edifice built in 1725. We will explore the City Palace and the famous Crystal Gallery.

Accommodation: Maharaja Express

Meals Included: All meals & drinks

Day 15 - SAT 2 MAR Mumbai, by train

Breakfast and lunch are served on the train as we travel towards Mumbai, our final destination on this magnificent train journey. Ever since the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Mumbai (Bombay) has been the principal gateway to the Indian sub-continent. The city has an enduring ability to create wealth. It alone generates 40% of India’s GNP, and its movie industry is the biggest in the world. With a population the same as the whole of Australia, unfortunately half of its population are homeless.

Our visit is short, as tonight we join our flight from India, back into Australia.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 16 - SUN 3 MAR Our flight to Australia

We arrive back in Australia today, bringing our wonderful Indian holiday experience to a conclusion.

The Perfect Extension

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Please call and ask for full itinerary details.