Central India | Temples & Tigers
 Bird spotting also a reward of the region |
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13 days / 12 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Delhi | 2 |
| Varanasi | 1 |
| Khajuraho | 2 |
| Bandhavagrah National Park | 3 |
| Kanha National Park | 2 |
| Mumbai | 2 |
Day 01 Arrive Delhi
A friendly A&K welcome to the Indian capital.
Taj Mahal New Delhi (Deluxe Room)
Day 02 Design Your Day Delhi
Map your own exploration of this bustling city. Choose two of the following activities. Join foreign correspondent and author, Satish Jacob, as he introduces you to his Old Delhi on a morning walk; or spend half a day shopping for Indian silks and home wares at some of Delhi’s boutique shops; or visit the famous lotus temple on a temple tour of the city; or visit Deepalaya, a local A&K Philanthropy sponsored primary school just outside of Delhi (B).
Taj Mahal New Delhi (Deluxe Room)
Day 03 Delhi – Varanasi
Fly to the spiritual heart of India, the holy Hindu city of Varanasi. This afternoon visit the Buddhist city of Sarnath before a private boat cruise on the Ganges River at sunset and witness the grand evening aarti ceremony held at Daswamedh Ghat to worship the scared river (B).
The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi (Superior Room)
Day 04 Varanasi – Khajuraho
Early morning cruise on the Ganges River at sunrise. Fly to Khajuraho, once the great capital of the Chandela dynasty, and now a sleepy town with some of the most magnificent temples in all of India (B).
Grand Temple View (Deluxe Room)
Day 05 Khajuraho
Morning tour of the temple complex. Marvel at the artistic stone work, depicting daily life a millennium ago. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at your hotel.
Grand Temple View (Deluxe Room)
Day 06 Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh National Park
After breakfast leave Khajuraho for the long journey into tiger territory as you travel by road to Bandhavgarh National Park (7 hours). Originally the private hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Rewa, Bandhavgarh was given national park status in 1968 and is now one of the best places on earth to spot tiger (B,D).
Taj CC Africa Mahua Kothi (Suite)
Days 07 – 08 Bandhavgarh National Park
Two days of discovery with early morning and late afternoon game drives on offer. Your expert safari guide will introduce you to the park and help you recognise the different alarm calls that mean a predator is nearby! During your stay you may also have the opportunity to safari on elephant back (B,L,D).
Taj CC Africa Mahua Kothi (Suite)
Day 09 Bandhavgarh National Park – Kanha National Park
After an early morning game drive in the park, drive through the rugged, yet scenic landscape to Kanha National Park (6 hours) (B,L,D).
Taj CC Africa Banjaar Tola (Suite)
Day 10 Kanha National Park
A final day in the land of the tiger with early morning and late afternoon game drives. As well as tiger, Kanha is also home to leopard, jackal, stripped hyena and the highly endangered barasingha (swamp deer). With over 200 recorded bird species, Kanha is also a birdwatcher’s paradise (B,L,D).
Taj CC Africa Banjaar Tola (Suite)
Day 11 Kanha – Nagpur – Mumbai
After lunch transfer to Nagpur for your evening flight to Mumbai (B,L).
Four Seasons Mumbai (Superior Room)
Day 12 Design Your Day Mumbai
A vibrant and cosmopolitan city, plan your day to suit. Choose two of the following activities. A city orientation tour visiting the colossal Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan Museum showcasing the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and the colourful Dhobi Ghats, Mumbai’s unique outdoor laundry. Or a walking tour taking in the fresh produce stalls at Crawford Market and the city’s colonial buildings. Or visit the ornate 8th century cave temples at Elephanta Island by boat. Or further a field visit the rarely explored Kanheri Buddhist Caves (B).
Four Seasons Mumbai (Superior Room)
Day 13 Depart Mumbai
This morning is at leisure. A private transfer to the airport completes the journey (B).
Optional Extensions
From Mumbai, it is possible to extend your tour by adding on a 2 night extension to Aurangabad, your base for visiting the remarkable Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Re-discovered early last century, the magnificent paintings of Ajanta are thought to date from around 200 B.C. while the sculptural masterpiece of World Heritage site Ellora is equally impressive. Or take a short flight to Cochin to explore this fascinating and ancient trading port before meandering your way through the lagoons and lakes on our Backwaters of Kerala private journey.
Bargain your way through the Thieves Market!
Whilst in Mumbai, visit the Chor Bazaar, affectionately called the ‘Thieves Market’. Once a market for stolen goods, today it offers an eclectic mix of goods, ranging from Ming vases to crystal chandeliers and old English tea sets. Brush up on your bartering skills and be prepared to bargain hard!
The luxurious Four Seasons Mumbai
A luxurious base in cosmopolitan Mumbai, this hotel offers 202 extra spacious guest rooms and suites, with expansive views of the Arabian Sea, the Mahalaxmi Racecourse and Mumbai’s impressive city skyline. Dine in style with choices ranging from authentic Indian to Italian cuisine and refresh and relax in the spa which features holistic therapies inspired by ancient Ayurvedic traditions.
