Lions and Tigers of India

Arrive at Delhi by flight on or before 12 pm. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later we drive to Agra (4 – 5hrs drive). Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. The erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra is the home to two world heritage sites – the magnificent Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Rest of the evening is free to visit the bazaar where the local artisans do the famous fine marble inlay work.(Meals: Nil)

After breakfast we visit Agra Fort, whose mighty red sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Then we visit the beautiful Taj Mahal, built by the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan on the banks of River Yamuna in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. A symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first time visitor. Later we leave Agra and drive to Bharatpur en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri (1 – 1.5hrs drive). The deserted royal city constructed by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. This impressive and well-preserved citadel served as the political capital of India’s Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign. We further drive to Bharatpur. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

Early morning we enjoy cycle-rickshaw ride to Bharatpur bird Sanctuary. Nesting indigenous water birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar. After lunch, we drive to Ranthambore National Park (4 – 5hrs drive). Upon arrival check-in to the hotel and relax. (Meals: Breakfast)

This day we enjoy two-game drives into Ranthambore National Park. The first game drive will be in the morning and second in the afternoon. It is one of India’s famous tiger reserves under Project Tiger. There is other wildlife, such as several species of monkey, deer, crocodiles, birdlife, and together with the scenery, make the visit well worth it. Today we will have 2 game drives into the park by Canter – a large open truck on sharing basis. We wake up early morning and leave for our 1st safari into the National Park. Track the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. After having lunch, we leave again for our 2nd safari in the park. (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning we drive towards Jaipur (3.5 – 4.5hrs drive), popularly known as the “Pink City”. It is one of the important heritage cities with a rich cultural heritage and colourful past. Jaipur was the first planned city of its time with imposing forts, dazzling palaces, beautiful gardens and markets. In the evening, we explore the colorful bazaars of Jaipur. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we drive to Amer, 11 the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries. We will visit the famous Amer Fort – the hilltop fort built by Maharaja Man Singh. Later we will visit City Palace – the palace complex of Kachwaha Rajput clan which is a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory) – an astronomical treasure house with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We will drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five-storied structure of pink sandstone, specially built as a high screen wall for the women of royal household to observe the street festivities without being noticed from outside. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we will be transferred to the Jaipur airport for flight to Ahmedabad. KVT representative will meet us at the airport and later we drive Bajana (2 – 2.5hrs drive). Upon arrival we check-in to the hotel and relax. The culture of Bajana has a blend of both Saurashtra and Kutch, making it very unique. This is reflected in the architecture, arts and crafts of this region. The hospitality of the people of Bajana is sure to touch your heart. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Morning Jeep Safari in Rann of Kutch a salt marsh bedecks the western tip of Gujarat with its surreal charm. The name that springs from the inherent geographical features of this land literally means a “salt marsh” or “salty desert” of Kutch. The Little Rann has to its credits one of the largest wildlife reserves in the country, the Wild Ass Sanctuary. Little Rann has been deemed as the world’s last refuge of the Indian Wild Ass known locally as Khur, hence it has been declared as the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary. The bleak appearance of the land seems to be a camouflage when we realize that it shelters some unique species of animals. Little Rann also gives refuge to several migratory water birds like pelicans, flamingos, cranes, ducks and land birds like Indian bustards, sand grouse and frankolins. Apart from the wild ass the Little Rann is also home to some rare mammals like Indian Wolf, Desert Fox, and Nilgai. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast we drive to Gondal (3 – 4hrs drive) and upon arrival check into the hotel. Gondal, once the capital of the princely state ruled by the Jadeja Rajputs, is a small town with a string of palaces and a gentle river flowing though. The small scale and relative tranquility make an overnight stay here worthwhile. Later in the day we proceed for a guided tour of the Naulakha Palace Museum – the former living quarters of the palace that have been converted into a private museum exhibiting textiles, brassware, royal wardrobes, library, silver, trophies won by the Gondal princes, and a collection of toys. (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning after breakfast we drive to Sasan Gir (5 – 6hrs drive). Upon arrival we check-in to hotel and relax. Afternoon we will proceed for a shared Bus Safari at Devalia Park – the Interpretation Zone which is a mini version of Gir National Park. The foresight behind the safari park’s conception was to create awareness about the Gir ecosystem conservation values and to provide a unique experience to the visitors. (Meals: Breakfast)

Early morning we enjoy wildlife into Gir National Park. Gir National Park is one of India’s oldest sanctuaries, and is synonymous with the majestic Asiatic lion. The only place in India to spot the Lion, the park played a significant role in saving the endangered species which was at the threshold of extinction at the start of the twenty-first century, by providing a more secured habitat. Here we get an opportunity to watch those rare Asiatic Lions coupled with thousands of other elusive wild animals and hard-to-find birds like Asiatic wild ass, hyenas, Gir foxes, pygmy woodpecker, brown fish owl, black buck etc.. We then return to our hotel for some relaxation. Later we drive to Rajkot (2.5 – 3.5hrs drive) and upon arrival we check in to hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we drive to Ahmedabad (4 – 5hrs drive). Upon arrival we check-in to hotel and relax. Afternoon we will visit to Sabarmati Ashram – the peaceful ashram built by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of River Sabarmati and which served as his place of residence for nearly 13 years. See the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalay – a beautiful architecture built by Charles Correa. (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning we will be transferred to the Ahmedabad airport for international flight for onward destination. (Meals: Breakfast)