India Jungle Tour- Lure of Jungle
Duration: 20 Nights / 21 Days
Places Covered: Delhi
- Jaipur - Ranthambhore - Agra - Gwalior
- Shivpuri - Orcha Khajurao - Bandahavgarh - Kanha - Nagpur - Delhi
For
More India Travel Packages
:
Taj
Mahal & India Vacations
Day 01
Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport
in Delhi late in the night or midnight. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
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. A window to the kaleidoscope
- that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02
Delhi
In the morning take a city tour covering Laxmi Narayan Temple - The Place
of Gods, India Gate - The memorial of martyrs, Parliament House – The
Government headquarters. In the afternoon take a city tour of Old Delhi covering
Jama Masjid - The largest mosque in Asia, Red Fort - The red stone magic,
Gandhi memorial - The memoir of father of the nation. Also enjoy the sound
& light show in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03
Delhi – Jaipur
By Road
260 kms – 6 hrs
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City – Jaipur.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to
the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the
Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite
of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and
history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known
as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink
plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of
Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent
palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Overnight at Jaipur.
On arrival check in into hotel. Afternoon enjoy city atmosphere. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 04
Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his
descendent Jai Singh I. It’s forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise
where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture,
the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It
houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories
built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory
consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is
a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of sandstone plastered
pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has
953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal
grandstand for the palace women.
Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory
and see the gem cutting and polishing process. Overnight at Jaipur.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05
Jaipur - Ranthambore National Park
by road
162 kms – 3 Hrs
Reach and transfer to the resort. Evening free at the resort and you can relax
or watch some slides on the tiger.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas,
is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously
in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers
from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart
of the jungle. Ranthambhore - perhaps the best place in the world to sight
a tiger in the wild. The Ranthambhore National Park has had more Tiger sightings
than any other National Park in the country. It has come to be known as "The
land of the Tiger", where most of the documented footage of this majestic
beast has been recorded.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep
slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and
sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges.
An important geological feature the ‘Great Boundary Fault’ where
the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the Reserve.
The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in
the north.
Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous type, further classified
as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance of Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla)
found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an extremely hardy tree, capable of withstanding
prolonged droughts. The leaves of this tree are good fodder and they are browsed
by herbivores, and form a significant part of their diet. Even the dry, fallen
leaves, eaten by them, are rich source of nutrition.
Palas or Cheela or the Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperms) blooms magnificently
around mid-April. During the period, Kachida and Anatpura provide an amazing
view, like a forest on fire. Around Kamaldhar massive Gum trees (Sterculia
urens) with smooth white trunk stand out conspicuously. Similarly, Gurjan
(Lannea coromandelica) with greyish trunks at the banks of the lakes and soft
wood Salar (Boswellia serrata) dotted atop hills are noticeable.
Fruits of Ber (Zizyphus spp.) and ‘crocodile bark’ Tendu (Diospuyros
melanoxylon) are highly relished by Sloth Bears.
The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation including duck weeds, lilies and
lotus.
A haven for a multitude of wild animals, the Park boasts of playing host to
tigers, leopards, the elusive caracals, hyenas, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles
and so on. Besides, there are over 300 species of birds, from the majestic
Crested Serpent Eagle to the exotic Golden Oriole.
Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way.
Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent
as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's
activities are very exciting.
The other kinds of cats found in Ranthambhore are Leopard (Panthera pardus),
Caracal (Felis caracal), Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis), Fishing Cat (Felis
viverrina) and the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus). Besides the big cats, the other
large predators found in Ranthambhore include Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Wolf,
Wild dog (or Dhole), Jackal, Indian Fox, Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Common
Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Mongoose, Ratel (or Honey Badger), Marsh Crocodile
and the Indian Python. There are two species of Antlers, namely the Spotted
Deer (or Chital) and the Sambhar Deer, and, two kinds of Antelopes, namely
the Indian Gazelle (or Chinkara) and the Bluebull (or Neelgai). Black Buck
(another kind of antelope), which is rarely found in the National Park is
common in Devpura area, in the outskirts of the park.
Overnight at resort.
Day 06
Ranthambore
A full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris)
Overnight at the resort.
Day 07
Ranthmbhore - Agra
By road
225 Kms – 5 hrs
Today we will drive to Agra, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri (The old
deserted town of Mughal Dynasty) On arrival check in into hotel. Overnight
at hotel.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little
village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving
it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra
is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white
marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that
this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that
modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk
down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to
the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Reach Agra. Check in at hotel.
Overnight at Agra.
Day 08
Agra – Gwalior
By Road
120 kms – 3 Hrs
In the morning have half day city tour covering Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and the
tomb It-mad-ud-Daula and Shop.
and then proceed to visit Taj. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is
always the soul raison-de-etre 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 it’s 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.
Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor
Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within
is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
Visit Itmadullah’s Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her
father (The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).
In the afternoon drive to Gwalior,
Gwalior's history is traced back to a fascinating legend: in 8 AD, a chieftain
called Suraj Sen was stricken by a deadly disease. He was cured by a hermit
saint, Gwalipa, and in gratitude, founded a city which he named after the
saint who had given him the gift of a new life. The new city of Gwalior became,
over the centuries, the cradle of great dynasties and with each, the city
gained new dimensions from the warrior- kings, poets, musicians and saints
who contributed to making it a capital renowned throughout the country.
Steeped in the splendour of its past, the ancient capital of Gwalior has yet
made a successful transition into a modern Indian city, vibrant and bustling.
A multitude of reigning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas,
Kacchwahas and Tomars have left indelible etchings of their rule in this city
of palaces, temples and monuments. Gwalior's tradition as a royal capital
continued until the formation of present day India, with the Scindias having
their dynastic seat here. The magnificent mementoes of a glorious past have
been preserved with care, giving Gwalior an appeal unique and timeless.
This, then, is Gwalior: where a rich cultural tradition has been interwoven
into the fabric of modern life. Where a princely past lives on in great palaces
and their museums. Where a multitude of images merge and mix to present to
the visitor a city of enduring greatness.
On arrival check in into hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09
Gwalior
Full day city tour covering The Fort, Man Mandir, Teli Ka Mandir - the Indo-Aryan
architectural beauty, Sas Bahu Temple - the amazing temple, Man singh Palace
– a delightfully whimsical building, Jai Vilas Palace & Museum -
piece de resistance. Overnight at hotel.
The Fort
Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and
is its most magnificent monument. It has been a scene of momentous events
: imprisonments, battles and jauhars. A steep road winds upwards to the Fort,
flanked by statues of Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. The magnificent
outer walls of the Fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high,
bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible forts
of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor Babar to describe it "the
pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind."
Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century
Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gujar
queen, Mrignayani. After he had wooed and won her, so the story goes, Mrignayani
demanded that he build her a separate palace with a constant water supply
from the River Rai, via an aqueduct. The outer structure of the Gujari Mahal
has survived in an almost total state of preservation; the interior has been
converted into an Archaeological Museum.
Man Mandir Palace: Built by Raja Mansingh between 1486 and 1517. The tiles
that once adorned its exterior have not survived, but at the entrance, traces
of these still remain. There is a charming frieze here of ducks paddling in
turquoise waters. Within, the palace rooms stand bare, stripped of their former
glory, mute testimony to the passing of the centuries. Vast chambers with
fine stone screens were once the music halls, and behind these screens, the
royal ladies would learn music from the great masters of the day. Below, circular
dungeons once housed the state prisoners of the Mughals. The Emperor Aurangzeb
had his brother, Murad, imprisoned, and later executed, here. Close by is
Jauhar Pond, where in the Rajput tradition, the 'ranis' committed mass 'sati'
after their consorts had been defeated in battle. Though the major portions
of the Fort were built in the 15th century, references to this gigantic complex
can be traced back to 425 AD. Older than the city is the Suraj Kund within
the Fort walls, the original pond where Suraj Sen, or Suraj Pal as he was
later known, was cured by the Saint Gwalipa.
Teli Ka Mandir : The Teli ka Mandir is a 9th century edifice, towering at
100 ft high. This is a Pratihara Vishnu temple of a unique blending of architectural
styles. The shape of the roof is distinctively Dravidian, while the decorative
embellishments have the typically Indo-Aryan characteristics of Northern India.
Sas Bahu Temple : This Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, built in 11th century.
Jai Vilas Palace : A splendour of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas
Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. Some 35 rooms have been made
into the Scindia Museum, and in these rooms, so evocative of a regal lifestyle,
the past comes alive. Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure which combines
the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar Hall has
two central chandeliers, weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after
ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in
gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets, and antique furniture
from France and Italy are features of these spacious rooms.
The Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum houses rare antiquities, some of them
dating back to the 1st century AD. Even though many of these have been defaced
by the iconoclastic Mughals, their perfection of form has survived the ravages
of time. Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Shalbhanjika from Gyraspur,
the tree goddess, epitome of perfection in miniature.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10
Gwalior – Shivpuri
By road
112 kms – 2 Hrs
Morning drive to Shivpuri.
The National park in Shivpuri known as Madhav National Park, which has an
area of 156 sq km in area, the park is open throughout the year. With a varied
terrain of wooded hills, the forest being dry, mixed and deciduous with flat
grasslands around the lake, it offers abundant opportunities of sighting a
variety of wildlife. The predominant species that inhabits the park is the
deer, of which the most easily sighted are the graceful little Chinkara, the
Indian gazelle, and the Chital. Other species that have their habitat in the
park are Nilgai, Sambar, Chausingha or four-horned Antelope, Blackbuck, Sloth
Bear, Leopard and the ubiquitous common Langur.
The National Park is equally rich in avifauna. The artificial lake, Chandpata,
is the winter home of migratory Geese, Pochard, Pintail, Teal, Mallard Gadwall,
Red Wattled Lapwing, Large Pied Wagtail, Pond Heron, White - Breasted Kingfisher,
Cormorant, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Laggar Falcon, Purple Sunbird, Paradise
Flycatcher and Golden Oriole.
Other important attraction in Shivpuri-
Chhatris (Cenotaphs) - Set in a formal Mughal garden, with quiet nooks under
flowering trees, intersected by pathways with ornamental balustrades and illuminated
by Victorian lamps, is the complex in which the cenotaphs of the Scindias
are set. Facing each other across a water tank are the Chhatris of Madho Rao
Scindia and the dowager queen Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia, synthesising the
architectural idioms of Hindu and Islamic styles with their shikhara-type
spires and Rajput and Mughal pavilions.
Madhav Vilas Palace
Standing upon a natural eminence, the elongated rose-pink summer palace of
the Scindias is a fine example of colonial architecture. The 'Mahal' as it
is called, is remarkable for its marble floors, iron columns, graceful terraces
and the Ganpati mandap.
Sakhya Sagar Boat Club
Edging the forests of the Madhav National Park is the Sakhya Sagar Lake, habitat
of a variety of reptiles. Seen here are the Marsh Crocodile or Mugger, Indian
Python and the Monitor Lizard. On the shores of the lake and connected to
it by a broad pier is a Boat Club, an airy, delicate structure with glass
panels.
On arrival check in into hotel. Afternoon free to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11
Shivpuri
Day free for jungle activities, Morning game viewing. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12
Shivpuri – Orcha
By road
120 kms – 2 Hr
Day to Orchha enroute visiting Karera Bird Sanctuary. On arrival check in
into hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13
Orchha
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.
Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra
Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site
for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh
Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by
graceful chhatris. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs
is spectacular.
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.
Full day city tour covering Jahangir Mahal - an impressive museum,
Rajmahal - the palace of superb murals, Phool Bagh - a cool summer retreat.
Orchha's fort complex, approached by a multi-arched bridge, has three palaces
set in an open quadrangle. The most spectacular of these are:
Jehangir Mahal
Built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit
of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Its strong lines are counterbalanced by delicate
chhatris and trellis work, the whole conveying an effect of extraordinary
richness.
Raj Mahal
Situated to the right of the quadrangle, this palace was built in the 17th
century by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju
Deo. The plain exteriors, crowned by chhatris, give way to interiors with
exquisite murals, boldly colourful on a variety of religious themes.
Rai Parveen Mahal
Poetess and musician, Rai Parveen was the beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani
(1672- 76) and was sent to Delhi on the orders of the Emperor Akbar, who was
captivated by her. She so impressed the Great Mughal with the purity of her
love for Indramani that he sent her back to Orchha. The palace built for her
is a low, two-storeyed brick structure designed to match the height of the
trees in the surrounding, beautifully landscaped gardens of Anand Mahal, with
its octagonal flower beds and elaborate water supply system. Skillfully carved
niches allow light into the Mahal which has a main hall and smaller chambers.
Chaturbhuj Temple
Built upon a massive stone platform and reached by a steep flight of steps,
the temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Rama that remained
in the Ram Raja Temple. Lotus emblems and other symbols of religious significance
provide the delicate exterior ornamentation. Within, the sanctum is chastely
plain with high, vaulted walls emphasizing its deep sanctity.
Laxminarayan Temple
A flagstone path links this temple with the Ram Raja Temple. The style is
an interesting synthesis of fort and temple moulds. The interiors contain
the most exquisite of Orchha's wall paintings. Covering the walls and ceiling
of three halls, these murals are vibrant compositions and cover a variety
of spiritual and secular subjects. They are in excellent state of preservation,
with the colours retaining their vivid quality.
Phool Bagh
Laid out as a formal garden, this complex testifies to the refined aesthetic
qualities of the Bundelas. A central row of fountains culminates in an eight
pillared palace-pavilion. A subterranean structure below was the cool summer
retreat of the Orchha kings. An ingenious system of water ventilation connects
the underground palace with Chandan Katora, a bowl-like structure from whose
fountains droplets of water filtered through to the roof, simulating rainfall.
Sunder Mahal
This small palace, almost in ruins today is still a place of pilgrimage for
Muslims. Dhurjban, son of Jhujhar, embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl
at Delhi. He spent the latter part of his life in prayer and meditation and
came to be revered as a saint.
Overnight to be spent at hotel.
Day 14
Orchha – Khajuraho
Early morning to drive Khajuraho.
In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique.
One thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela
Rajput kings of Central India, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly
carved, came up on one site, near the village of Khajuraho. The amazingly
short span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the completion of all
the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity. Today, of the original 85,
only 22 have survived the ravages of time; these remain as a collective paean
to life, to joy and to creativity; to the ultimate fusion of man with his
creator.
Why did the Chandelas choose Khajuraho or Khajirvahila - garden of dates,
as it was known then - as the site for their stupendous creations ? Even in
those days it was no more than a small village. It is possible given the eclectic
patronage of the Chandelas and the wide variety of beliefs represented in
the temples, that they had the concept of forming a seat of religion and learning
at Khajuraho. It is possible that the Chandelas were also believers in the
powers of Tantrism; the cult which believes that the gratification of earthly
desires is a step closer to the attainment of the infinite. It is certain
however, that the temples represent the expression of a highly matured civilization.
Yet another theory is that the erotica of Khajuraho, and indeed of other temples,
had a specific purpose. In those days when boys lived in hermitages, following
the Hindu law of being "brahmacharis" until they attained manhood,
the only way they could prepare themselves for the worldly role of 'householder'
was through the study of these sculptures and the earthly passions they depicted.
On arrival check in into hotel.
In the afternoon city tour of Eastern / Western group of temples which includes
Laxmi & Varha Temples, Kandariya Mahadev, Devi Jagdamba temples.
The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples is very different from the
temple prototype of that period. Each stands, instead of within the customary
enclosure, on a high masonry platform. Combined with the upward direction
of the structure, which is further accentuated by vertical projections, the
total effect is one of grace and lightness, reminiscent of the Himalayan peaks.
Each of the chief compartments has its own roof, grouped in such a way that
the highest is in the centre, the lowest over the portico, a triumph of skill
and imagination in recreating the rising peaks of a range.
The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups: Western,
Eastern and Southern.
The Western group is certainly the best known, because it is to this group
that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs: The Kandariya
Mahadev. Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 km high. Though the four temples
that stand at the corners of the main shrine are now in ruins, the main shrine
has an exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes. Celestial
beings, lovers serenading musicians... movements captured in stone, frozen
in time, yet retaining a quality of warm, pulsating life. The very stone seems
to have taken on the living, breathing quality of the carved figures.
Beyond the archway of the Kandariya Mahadev, lie the six interior compartments;
the portico, main hall, transept, vestibule, sanctum and ambulatory. The ceilings
are particularly noteworthy and the pillars supporting them have intricately
carved capitals. The transept's outer walls have three horizontal panels showing
deities of the Hindu pantheon, and groups of lovers, a pageant of sensuousness,
vibrantly alive.
Also in the western group is the Chaunsat Yogini, the only granite temple
in the Khajuraho group. Dedicated to Kali, it is also unique in being quadrangular
in plan. Only 35 of the original 65 cells remain and no image of Kali has
survived: not surprisingly, since this is the earliest surviving shrine of
the group dated to 900 AD.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15
Khajuraho – Bandavgarh:
By Road
255 km in 8 hr (Bumpy drive)
Drive to Bandavgarh after early breakfast.
Bandavgarh is a new National Park with a very long history. Set among the
Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh with an area of 168sq miles (437sq km) it
contains a wide variety of habitats and a high density of game, including
a large number of Tigers. This is also the White tiger country. These have
been found in the old state of Rewa for Many years. Maharaja Martand Singh
captured the last known in 1951. This white Tiger, Mohun is now stuffed and
on display in the Palace of Maharaja of Rewa. Prior to becoming a National
Park, the forests around Bandavgarh had long been maintained as a Shikargah,
or game preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. The Maharaja and his guests carried
out hunting – otherwise the wildlife was well protected. It was considered
a good omen for Maharaja of Rewa to shoot 109 tigers. His Highness Maharaja
Venkat Raman Singh shot 111 Tigers by 1914.
There are 32 hills in this part of the park, which has a large natural fort
at its center. The fort’s cliffs are 2625 feet (800 meters) high, 1000
feet (300 meters) above the surrounding countryside. Over half the area is
coverd by Sal forest although on the upper slope it is replaced by mixed forest
of sal, saj, dhobin, and saja. Winter temperatures (Nov-mid-February) vary
from almost freezing at night to around 68 degree Fahrenheit in the daytime.
Summer nights are also cooler than the daytime temperatures, which rise to
104 degree Fahrenheit. This park is closed during the breeding season, which
coincides with the monsoon (July-October). Rainfall in the park averages50
inches (120cm) per year.
Bandavgarh has been a center of human activity and settlement for over 2000
years, and there are references to it in the ancient books, the Narad-Panch
Ratra and the Shiva Purana. Legend has it that Lord Rama, hero of the Hindu
epic, the Ramayana, stopped at Bandavgarh on his way back to his homeland
after defeating the demon King Ravana of Lanka. Two monkey architects, who
had engineered a bridge between the isle of Lanka and the mainland, are said
to have built Bandavgarh’s Fort. Later Rama handed it over to his brother
Lakshmana who became known as Bandavdhish “The Lord of the Fort”.
Lakshmana is the particular God of the fort and is regularly worshipped in
a temple there.
The oldest sign of habitation in the park are caves dug into the sandstone
to the north of the fort. Several contain Brahmi inscriptions dating from
the 1st century BC. Various dynasties have ruled the fort, for example, the
Maghas from the 1st century AD, the Vakatakas from the 3rd century AD, From
that time onwards Bandavgarh was ruled by a succession of dynasties including
the Chandela Kings of Bundelkhand who built the famous temples at Khajuraho.
The Baghel Kings, the direct ancestors of the present Royal family of Rewa,
established their dynasty at Bandavgarh in the 12th century. It remained their
capital till 1617 when the center of court life moved to Rewa, 75 miles (120Kms)
to the north. Without royal patronage Bandavgarh became more and more deserted
until forest overran the area and it became the royal hunting reserve. This
helped to preserve the forest and its wildlife, although the Maharajas made
full use of their rights. Each set out to kill the auspicious number of 109
Tigers.
At independence Bandavgarh remained the private property of the Maharaja until
he gave it to the state for the formation of the National Park in 1968. After
the park was created poaching was brought under control and the number of
animals rose dramatically. Small dams and water holes were built to solve
the problem of water shortage. Grazing by local cattle was stopped and the
village within the park boundaries was relocated. The Tigers in particular
prospered and the 1986 extension provided much needed forest to accommodate
them.
Bandavgarh is justifiably famous for its Tigers, but it has a wide range of
other game. The undergrowth is not as dense as in some northern terai forests,
but the best time to see the park inhabitants is still the summer months when
water becomes more scarce and the undergrowth dies back.
Check in at the resort and overnight will be at Bandavgarh.
Day 16
Bandhavgarh
A full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris)
Trip to the Bandavgarh Fort: The oldest fort in India - considered to be more
than 2500 years. One-hour trek up the fort is worth the effort. The charm
of this trek lies in discovering these monuments in the jungle, unspoiled
and unexplored. Some of the statues lie off the main path and so it is best
to take a guide. Apart from the avatars, well worth seeing are three small
temples of around the 12th century. These temples are deserted but the fort
is still used as a place of worship. Kabir Das, the celebrated 16th century
saint, once lived and preached here. The natural ramparts of the fort give
breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. The fort still belongs to
the Maharaja of Rewa and permission is required to visit it. However permission
is available locally and no trip to Bandhavgarh is complete without making
an effort to climb up the fort. The staff of the resort carries your lunch
while you are busy negotiating the trek to the fort.
Morning till evening, see the wild life by jeeps and elephants etc, also
visit the fort said to have been built by Lord Rama, the hero of the great
Indian epic Ramayana.
Overnight at the resort.
Day 17
Bandhavgarh – Kanha
By Road
255 km in 6 hr
After breakfast drive to Kanha.
This is the place that has been described by RUDYARD KIPLING in his great
book "The Jungle Book". Located in the Mandla district of Madhya
Pradesh, Kanha National Park is a tiger reserve that extends over an area
of over 940 square km. A horseshoe shaped valley bounded by the spurs of the
Mekal presents an interesting topography. Steep rocky escarpments along the
edges offer breathtaking views of the valley. Realizing the danger on the
Tiger population in the country, the Government started the "Project
Tiger" at Kanha and in 1974 the area was declared a Tiger reserve. The
park is also the habitat of the high ground Barasingha.
In 1930s, the Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries - Hallon and Banjar
of 250kms to 300kms each. Though one of these was subsequently disbanded .The
area remained a protected one until 1947. Depletion of the tiger population
in the year that followed led to the area being made an absolute sanctuary
in 1952.
Patient watching should reward the visitor, with a sight of Indian Fox, Sloth
bear, Striped hyena, Jungle cut, Lepord, Mouse Deer, Chausingha or four horned
antelope, Nilgai, Ratel and Porcupine Kanha has some 200 species of birds.
Watchers should station themselves in the hills, where the mixed and bamboo
forests harbour many species and in the grassy forest clearings. Water birds
can be seen near the park’s many rivulets and at Sarvantal, a pool that
is frequented by water birds and the area in front of the museum.
Excursion to Kawardha just east of the Maikala Range (up to 1100m) to the
south east of Kanha National Park, Kawardha is a small town in Chhattisgarh
(34 forts) region of M.P. In this remote area Maharaja Viswaraj Singh has
recently opened his palace to visitors. It provides a delightfully quite unspoiled
contrast with India’s big cities and with the much busier tourist circuit
of Rajasthan’s ‘palace circuit’. This town is in the center
of the Baiga tribe, who live in forest surrounding the town, and these are
several eleventh century temples in the immediate region.
Reach in the afternoon and relax at the resort.
Overnight at the Kanha Resort.
Day 18
Kanha National Park
A full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris)
Overnight at the resort.
Day 19
Kanha – Nagpur:
By Road
250 km in 6 hr
Proceed for the morning safari into forest.
Proceed to Nagpur after lunch.
Nagpur popularly known as Orange Capital of India is also the second capital
of Maharashtra. The Gond King of Deogad, “Bakht Buland Shah” laid
the city’s foundation in the year 1702. This city derived its name from
the river Nag that flows through it. Nagpur was the capital of Madhya Bharat
State (C.P. and Berar) after Indian independence and in 1960 the Marathi majority
Vidarbha region was merged with the new state of Maharashtra.
Reach and check in at hotel for the night.
Day 20
Nagpur – Delhi:
By Air
Flight Number : CD 7469/7470
Airlines : Indian Airlines
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 0900/1010
Stopover : Nil
Arrival : 1025/1135
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Check into hotel for the day. Spend
day relaxing at the hotel or spending time at local markets. Transfer to the
airport in time for flight home.
Transfer to Airport for flight to Delhi. On arrival we will transfer you to
hotel where we will be holding the rooms for wash & change. Have your
farewell dinner being organized by us.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 21
Departure - Delhi
Departure transfer to International Airport for flight back home.
India Jungle Tour- Lure of Jungle FREE Quote
Request / Booking Form
Copyright © Travel Packages Locateindia. All Rights Reserved