India – Culture and Wildlife

An 18 night tailor made itinerary

india-woman-potter india-sloth-bear india-jaipur-pool india-holi india-udaipur india-leopard india-carpet-weaver india-amber-fort-jaipur india-indian-darter india-taj-mahal

Experiences:

  • Train journey on Indian railways
  • Glamping
  • Heritage of the Pink City
  • Wildlife game drives in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
  • Handicrafts
  • Traditional festival of Holi
  • Birdwatching
  • The Taj Mahal
  • Ancient cave paintings
  • Birdwatching

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow your overnight flight to Udaipur via Mumbai.

Day 2 On arrival you will be met and transferred to Shiv Niwas Hotel, previously a Maharana’s palace, for two nights.

Day 3 In the morning enjoy a tour of this Lake City. This will include the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and the gardens at Sahelion-ki-bari. In the afternoon enjoy a boat trip on Lake Pichola.

Day 4 Drive from Udaipur to Jawai (approx. 4 hours) and visit the Jain temple complex of Ranakpur on the way. Overnight Jawai Leopard Camp which is situated in the heart of the wilderness and is home to a thriving population of leopards. Evening game drive.

Day 5 After an early morning game drive at Jawai, drive to Jodhpur (approx. 4 hours). En route watch a traditional Rajasthan opium ceremony. Also see dhurrie (rug) makers in one of the Bishnoi Villages. Located mostly in the Jodhpur and Bikaner areas are villages of the Bishnoi, the people who sacrifice their lives to save trees and animals. ‘Bish-noi’ means 29, for the 29 ecological, spiritual and ethical rules they follow. Two nights at the beautifully restored Raas Jodhpur.

Day 6 This morning there is a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur, including Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Standing at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 7 Drive to Nimaj (approx. 2 hours). Overnight at Chhatra Sagar, in a luxury tent. Enjoy a tour to the local village to see a silversmith and pottery makers, walk through the outlying pastures, and bird watch as you enjoy sundowners. Tents face a 100 year old dam overlooking a lake full of waterfowl.

Day 8 Today depart for Jaipur (approx. 4 hours). On the way you will have the opportunity to try paper making by hand, and also try block printing on cotton fabrics. Three nights Royal Heritage Haveli.

Day 9 Visit Amber Fort in the morning, and in the afternoon continue sightseeing in the ‘Pink City’. The capital of Rajasthan, here you will see the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the City Palace.

Day 10 Day at leisure. If you venture outside of the hotel you are likely to have multi coloured powders thrown over you – part of the ritual of Holi! Celebrated by Hindus all over the world, Holi marks the beginning of spring, and is usually celebrated in March. Holi, a festival of colours and fun!

Day 11 Depart for Agra. En route make a short visit to the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Visit the stunning Taj Mahal in the afternoon. Overnight Trident Hotel.

Day 12 Transfer to the station in time for the Shatabdi Express train to Bhopal (First Class a/c). On arrival you will be met and transferred to Jehan Numu Retreat for overnight.

Day 13 Transfer to Satpura (approx 3½ hours), making a short stop at Bhimbetka en route. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its cave paintings. Five nights Reni Pani, an exquisitely designed conservation and wildlife focused lodge.

Days 14-17 Jungle activities from the lodge. There is an option for an overnight camp.
The Satpura Tiger Reserve is prime wildlife habitat and is believed to be one of India’s best kept secrets. Explore true wilderness without the crowds.

Day 18 Transfer to Bhopal. After a sightseeing tour of Bhopal enjoy dinner at the Jehan Numu Palace before being transferred to the airport. Check in for your overnight flight to London via Mumbai.

Day 19 UK arrival.