Wonders of India & The Tiger Trail

Wonders of India & The Tiger Trail

Discover India's diverse landscapes, from historic temples built by ancient dynasties to the forests where Bengal tigers roam freely. This journey takes you from Mumbai's vibrant streets to the iconic Taj Mahal at sunrise, combining wildlife encounters across three renowned national parks with cultural experiences. Explore India's wilderness through exciting safaris while learning about the traditions and communities that have shaped this fascinating country for centuries.

What's Included

• Return flights from London
• 13 nights in 4 & 5-star hotels and lodges plus 1 night in flight
• 34 meals: 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 13 dinners and welcome drink
• Various excursions
• Travelsphere Holiday Director
• Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage

Holiday Highlights:

• Orientation tour of Mumbai
• Morning and afternoon safaris in Pench National Park
• Evening forest walk with an expert naturalist in Kanha National Park
• Morning and afternoon safaris in Kanha National Park
• Visit local village in Kanha National Park
• Morning and afternoon safaris in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
• Evening barbeque with a glass of wine
• Tour of Khajuraho's western temples
• Orchha visit including Ram Raja Temple
• Explore the UNESCO listed Agra Fort
• Visit Sheroes Hangout Cafe, Agra
• Enjoy sunset views of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh
• Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal

Day 1 - Mumbai

Your Indian safari adventure begins today as you fly to Mumbai.

Day 2 - Mumbai

On arrival in Mumbai, we'll transfer you to your hotel where the remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore the hotel's facilities. This evening, you'll meet your fellow travellers for a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel and you'll enjoy your first taste of authentic Indian cuisine.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 3 - Mumbai

Bustling, colourful and fascinating, Mumbai offers travellers a captivating blend of colonial charm and modern culture. Today's guided city tour will showcase the highlights including the iconic Gateway of India, Mani Bhavan (Gandhi's former residence and now museum), and the Prince of Wales Museum. You'll also enjoy a walking tour of Kala Ghoda, renowned for its vibrant street art and heritage architecture. We'll make a photo stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, one of Mumbai's most prominent landmarks. Enjoy some free time to explore independently before dinner at the hotel this evening.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 4 - Mumbai to Pench National Park

Today we bid farewell to Mumbai and fly to Nagpur, where we'll transfer to Pench National Park. After settling in and enjoying lunch, a naturalist will introduce you to the flora and fauna of central India, preparing you for the wildlife adventures ahead.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Pench National Park

Located in Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park is home to diverse wildlife that roam the forests, grasslands and along the meandering Pench River. Today features morning and afternoon jeep safaris through the park's rich terrain in search of captivating wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for Bengal tigers, jackals, sloth bears, Indian leopards, striped hyenas, various monkey species, and many more fascinating creatures. With over 285 bird species recorded in the park, don't forget to look skyward for spectacular avian displays.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Pench National Park to Kanha National Park

After breakfast, we'll journey to Kanha National Park, renowned for its strong commitment to conservation through habitat management, wildlife preservation, and community involvement. Following lunch at the hotel, as dusk filters through the dense forest, you'll take a leisurely evening guided walk with a naturalist. This offers the opportunity to explore the smaller, often overlooked wonders of the jungle while learning about the forest's ecosystem and gaining insights into the delicate balance of Kanha's vibrant biodiversity.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park offers some of India's most rewarding wildlife experiences. With morning and afternoon jeep safaris, you'll have opportunities to spot Bengal tigers in their natural habitat, as well as the Barasingha (swamp deer), famously known as 'the jewel of Kanha'. The park teems with countless species of plants, birds, reptiles and insects waiting to be discovered. This evening, over a glass of wine, a naturalist will share fascinating insights about central India's national parks and how they inspired Rudyard Kipling's beloved story 'The Jungle Book'.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Kanha National Park

This morning's jeep safari offers another chance to search for Kanha's remarkable wildlife. After lunch at the lodge, you'll visit a local village where many communities maintain traditional lifestyles. Here you'll learn about local life and discover how these communities contribute to Kanha's conservation efforts.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Kanha National Park to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

After several early morning starts, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before our adventure continues to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. This evening we'll gaze towards the Indian sky for some stargazing while a naturalist shares more about wildlife conservation efforts in India.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Boasting India's densest tiger population, Bandhavgarh is a jewel in the crown of wildlife conservation. Your time here offers excellent chances to observe tigers in their natural habitat. The park supports a diverse array of wildlife with more than 47 mammal species including spotted deer, chinkara, gaur, leopard and dhole, along with 250 bird species, making this an ideal location for memorable sightings. This evening, enjoy a barbecue with your fellow travellers and take the opportunity to share your favourite moments from the tour so far.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve to Khajuraho

Following breakfast, we'll drive to Khajuraho, home to temples built during the Chandella dynasty. This afternoon, we'll tour the western group of temples, built during the 10th and 11th centuries. These beautiful structures are adorned with intricately carved sculptures of nymphs, musicians and erotic figures, representing some of India's finest medieval architecture.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 12 - Khajuraho to Agra

Today we leave Madhya Pradesh behind as we travel towards Agra. First, we'll drive to Orchha, nestled on the banks of the River Betwa. This historic town perfectly captures the grandeur of medieval India, and we'll spend time here visiting the Ram Raja Temple – a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site renowned for being the only temple in India where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king. We'll continue our journey by train to Agra, where we'll transfer to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 - Agra

After breakfast, we'll head to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort, a powerful fortress that served as the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Within its walls stand spectacular palaces and courtyards that showcase the architectural brilliance of the Mughal era. Enjoy some free time to explore further or find somewhere to enjoy lunch. This afternoon we'll visit Sheroes Hangout Café, a unique social enterprise run by and employing survivors of acid attacks. We'll stay for refreshments and learn more about the café and how it helps individuals regain their confidence by offering employment and a safe space to share their experiences. Later, we'll visit Mehtab Bagh, a centuries-old garden complex on the opposite side of the river from the Taj Mahal. Remember your camera as you'll enjoy a splendid view of the world-famous monument as the sun sets.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 14 - Agra to Delhi

It's an early start as we venture out to the incredible Taj Mahal at sunrise. This magnificent mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is one of the world's most glorious sights. Watch in awe as the sun rises over its white marble walls and enjoy leisure time to absorb this magnificent monument's beauty before returning to the hotel for breakfast. The rest of the morning is free for you to relax before we travel to Delhi for an overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 15 - Delhi to UK

Your unforgettable Indian adventure comes to an end today as we transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, arriving later the same day.

Meals included: Breakfast