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The Enviroment:
I tinerary14 days
Rahasthan, Bandhavgarh National Park e Kanha National Park
This extroverted journey takes the traveler along a richly historic route, full of lore and splendor, punctuated by photographic attractions, and features varied sightseeing and sojourns in historic places. In addition to the historic highlights of this ancient country including the historic city of Delhi, Agra- home to the ethereal Taj Mahal, Khajuraho-well known for its magnificent erotic temples, Bandhavgarh National Park with one of the largest concentrations of tigers in all of India along with your visit to Kanha National Park for its all the astonishing diversity in its wildlife population.
Being Responsible
The Sankhala family has a history of wildlife conservation from the 1970’s started by the late Kailash Sankhala Founder and Director of Project Tiger. Continued by his son Pradeep who successfully built and developed two eco-friendly jungle lodges at Kanha and Bandhavgarh. The legacy continues today with the third generation with Amit known for his enthusiasm in the field of eco-tourism.
Both the Kanha Jungle Lodge and Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge support and sustain the local community which is a part of the lodge. 95% of the workers that we have at the lodge are from the nearby villages. All the jeeps that we hire for the national parks are from local drivers. In the past we have conducted information sessions for the villagers to learn more about medicinal plants and solar cooking. Today, we have these medicinal plants growing all around the lodge so our guests could also witness there uses. All the food cooked is locally grown and 60% of it is grown in our own vegetable garden. We encourage guests to do a village safari where they can learn more about the local communities and their initiatives. Kanha Jungle Lodge Located at Mukki Gate amidst 11 acres of Sal forests, is about one kilometer from Kanha National Park. It is designed as a jungle lodge, well camouflaged in the forest, tastefully developed with low impact on the land and the environment. It is set on strong principles of being environmentally friendly and every aspect of its development and operation is sensitively synthesized towards nature conservation. We have not cut any trees to construct the lodge.
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge - Located within walking distance of Bandhavgarh National Park's main gate, the jungle lodge has been developed on the theme of an Indian village, Since it is located close to Bandhavgarh National Park, it is sensitive to the environment and enables all guests to listen to jungle sounds during night or day which makes it an exciting experience, to listen to alarm calls of the deer or an occasional roar of the Tiger. The estate also has meadows that attract deer and fruit trees that are home to birds and butterflies.
Responsible tourism elements in this itinerary
A green circuit to help promote sustainable tourism itinerary. In this itinerary there are included the Jungle Lodges owned by the Shankhala Family. Lodges, are run by local people and are based on the eco tourism principles - Solar heating, Solar cookers, Wormi Composting, Medicinal Plant Gardens for the local villagers.All of the hotels on this tour are extremely proud of their strong policies regarding the environment and ecotourism. They support local charities and invite customers to do so too.
Day 01 ARRIVE DELHI
On arrival at international airport in Delhi and after clearing customs & immigration, our representative will greet you and transfer to the hotel.
Delhi, The capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land.
Day 02 DELHI
After breakfast, start a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi.
Old Delhi A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
New Delhi An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave followed by shopping at prime and famous shopping places. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 03 DELHI-SIKANDRA-AGRA
Morning drive to Agra stopping en route to visit Sikandra. Continue your drive to Agra.
Agra - Badal Singh established the city of Taj in 1475 AD. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharat as Agraban. Sikandar Lodi made Agra his capital but Babur defeated the Lodis to capture not only Agra but also laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire. In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century AD, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built.On arrival at Agra, pick up and transferred to hotel.
Later sightseeing of Agra covering Agra Fort and Mausoleum of Itmad.
Agra Fort a massive structure with 70-foot high, 1.5-mile long walls encompassing an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.Sunset visit to Taj Mahal Taj Mahal-Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul raison- tre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Day 04 AGRA- JHANSI-ORCHHA-KHAJURAHO
After breakfast transfer to railway Station to board train to Jhansi. Train Leaves Agra at 0815 & arrives Jhansi at 1040hrs Reach Jhansi and proceed to Orchha, 12 km away. Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. In the Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceilings to rich life. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha. Continue drive to Khajuraho.Reach Khajuraho.Transferred to hotel and relax. Evenin will be free or you can go out for a stroll.
Khajuraho Located in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho has emerged as a renowned tourist destination from a tiny unknown village. A World UNESCO Heritage Site, Khajuraho is better known as the Temple Town. Famed for its magnificent J ain and Hindu temples and intricate stone sculptures, Khajuraho remains the epitome of the temple architectural style and aesthetic sensibility. Of the 85 beautiful temples, only 22 have survived the ravages of time. Made of sandstone blocks fitted together, these remain as a collective glorification to life, love and joy, to the spirit of creativity and human relationships. Built by the Chandela rulers in 9th and 10th century AD, the temples exhibit carved images of gods and goddesses, celestial maidens and dancers, animals and musicians, all frozen in stone.Upon arrival at Khajuraho, transfer to hotel. Evening will be free or one can optionally visit to Sound and Light Show, a spectacular narration of the life and history of the Chandela rulers who built the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, besides other interesting stories related to the temples. Overnight at Khajuraho.
Day 05 KHAJURAHO / BANDHAVGARH
After breakfast, visit Eastern & Western groups of Temples Afternoon drive to Bandhavgarh.On arrival check in at hotel. Bandhavgarh National Park. Set amongst The Vindhya Hills in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh consists of 168 sq miles of Sal & a mixed forest with largestretches of Bamboo and Grassland to The North. One is generally lucky to view The Tiger, Chital, Chansingha ( Four horned antelope). This Park houses some 150 species of birds including the Blue Bearded bee eaters, White Browed Fantails, and The Malabar Hornbill. The Bandhavgarh Fort , besides offering breath taking views, houses a 35 ft reclining statue of Lord Vishnu and 10th Century Rock Images of the incarnation of the Lord.
Overnight at Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge- The Lodge is based on a unique theme of an Indian Village. It is tastefully developed with low impact on the land and the environment. With 12 cottages and eight rooms, a temple, a well, and an organic garden it makes a unique setting in Indian landscape and specially the Rural and wild India. The Lodge is planned to provide a friendly, informal relaxed environment with lots to observe, understand and learn, to make some good friends and to support conservation. Since it is located close to
Bandhavgarh National Park and to the entrance gate, it has been sensitive to the environment to enable all guest to listen to Jungle sounds during day or night which makes it a exciting and chilling experience for some, listening to alarm calls of the deer or a occasional roar of the Tiger. It is set on strong principles of being environmentally friendly and every aspect of its development and operation is sensitively synthesized towards nature conservation. We hope you will enjoy and make your stay a learning experience.
Day 06 to 08 BANDHAVGARH
Early morning wake-up call with a knock on your room door and Tea/Coffee. You will wake up to misty mornings and sounds of birds calling, which will make an exciting start to your day. As soon as dawn breaks, leave for your Jungle Safari, accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest park guides in 4x 4 Jeeps. In the winter months morning safaris require warm clothes and woolen caps and gloves to keep you warm from the wind chill factor in your open jeep. We provide blankets and sometimes even a hot water bottle to keep you comfortable. During your stay at Bandhavgarh: Optional excursion to see the imposing fort that is located inside the sanctuary. This Fort, or “Garh”, from which the park gets its name, is fascinating and involves a relatively easy climb to the temple located on its summit, dedicated to Lord Rama. The view from here is equally fascinating. Lunch and afternoon safari by 4x4 jeep accompanied by resident naturalist and forest guide. Return to lodge for evening tea and rest of time free to relax. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 09 BANDHAVGARH / KANHA
After morning game ride drive to Kanha (5hrs drive). Arrive Kanha and check in at Lodge.Kanha National Park. Set on The Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Madhya Pradesh. Kanha provides breath taking vistas of grassy plains and strands of mixed sal / teak forests. This 366 sq mile preserve was set to save two endangered species i.e. Tiger and The Barasingha. You would also have an opportunity to see Swamp Dear, Black Buck, Cheetal, Indian Bison, Barking Dear, Sambhar, Leopard and Tiger. Overnight at Kanha Jungle Lodge.
Kanha Jungle Lodge-The Lodge is in midst of rich Sal forest and thus deigned as a Jungle lodge, well camouflaged in the forest It is tastefully developed with low impact on the land and the environment with its 18 well appointed rooms and 2 new cottages to give a physical and emotional jungle experience. The Lodge is planned to provide a friendly, informal relaxed environment with lots to observe, understand and learn, to make good friends and support conservation. Since it is located close to Kanha National Park and is the closest to the Hukki entrance gate, it has been sensitive to the environment.Guests can listen to Jungle sounds during day or night which makes it a exciting and chilling experience for some, listening to alarm calls of the deer or a occasional roar of the Tiger. Its sal forest and open meadow has become a favorite place for Deer to stay fearlessly in the compound. It is set on strong principles of being environmentally friendly and every aspect of its development and operation is sensitively synthesized towards nature conservation. We have not cut any trees to construct the Lodge. We hope you will enjoy and make your stay a learning experience!!
Day 10 & 12 KANHA
Early morning wake-up call with a knock on your room door and Tea/Coffee. You will wake up to misty mornings and sounds of birds calling, which will make an exciting start to your day. As soon as dawn breaks, leave for your Jungle Safari, accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest park guides in 4x 4 Jeeps. A picnic breakfast in the middle of the Jungle with a cup of hot Tea or Coffee. Early morning is the best time for tracking the tiger and other wildlife. “Sher Darshan” or a “Tiger Show” offers you the chance to see a Royal Bengal tiger up close from elephant back (subject to availability), if you are lucky!
Elephant Ride - The Forest Department has devised an ingenuous system of tracking the tiger at this Park. Every day, early in the morning, elephants and their "Mahouts" (drivers) are sent out into the jungle, in search of the Tiger. Once it has been sighted, a radio message is flashed to the Forest Ranger, who in turn informs the visitors in their jeeps, who are then taken on elephant-back, into the bush, to see the elusive Tiger. Rest of the morning at leisure or go for nature walk, visit to nearby village/school or engage yourself in cooking demonstration. Lunch and afternoon safari by 4x4 open jeep. Return to lodge for evening tea and rest of time free for star gazing. Dinner and overnight at Lodge.
Day 13 KANHA / RAIPUR / DELHI
Proceed for the morning game drive in to the park. And later proceed to Raipur to board flight for Delhi. Flight Leaves Raipur at 1820hrs & arrives Delhi at 2010hrs Arrive Delhi & transfer to the hotel.
Day 14 DELHI / ONWARD DESTINATION
On time transfer to the Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight back home.
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