Nou By Justa
Our CategoryOfficial Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
15 days 14 nights
North and Central India
Cultural Tour, Wildlife Tour, Special Tour
Group & Private
01 Pax onwards
Enjoy a boat safari along the calm waters of the Chambal River and photograph prehistoric-looking Marsh Crocodiles and rare fish-eating Gharials, then be thrilled by an encounter with Gangetic River Dolphins. An overnight train journey takes you to the heart of India where you look out for the beautiful and endangered Bengal Tiger, still king of the jungle in this region. Here you may also come across a Leopard or a Sloth Bear or, if you are lucky, a pack of Wild Dogs which would be an exhilarating experience. Leaving the Kipling’s jungles behind you enjoy the beauty of famous temples of Khajuraho immortalized in stone is a wealth of sensuous and erotic sculptures considered to be most perfect figures achieved in stone depicting Gods and Goddesses and amorous couples. You enter the final leg of your tour with visit to one of the holiest city of Varanasi. Known to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and one of the oldest cities, Varanasi is considered as a great center of learning. The holy city has been a symbol of spiritualism, philosophy and mysticism since time immemorial.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:-
NOTE:- This is a Private Tour with your own private vehicle and personal guides and drivers. We can also book it for couple family or group of friends as per your request. Please raise a request for the same to us and we will revert to you.
Your journey begins in Delhi. With a colourful mix of history, culture and modernisation, Delhi is a fantastic place to explore. On arrival in Delhi you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check in.
If your arrival is during the day, your guide will hand over all your documents including hotel vouchers, flight and train tickets, discuss the whole tour with you, answer any questions you may have and arrange the meeting time for the next day. If your arrival is late we give you a chance to rest first and go through the handover the next day followed by your first sightseeing tour.
Overnight in Delhi.
Meals included: Breakfast
A special opportunity to soak in the sounds and aromas of Delhi and discover why it is known as the heart of India...
In the morning you will be met at the hotel by your professional English speaking guide, then driven to Old Delhi. Here you will meet a local guide from an NGO (non-profit organisation) who speaks good English and has been professionally trained to look after guests. He will have a great knowledge and interest in this area of the walk and take you around the small by-lanes, havelis and other interesting places – this can take 2 – 3 hours.
Your personal guide will wait whilst you are on your local walking tour, and continue with you afterwards to visit the remaining parts of Old and New Delhi.Visit key places such as: Jama Masjid – one of the largest mosques in India, Raj Ghat – Mahatma Gandhi's monument, Sikh Gurdwara – an important Sikh temple and quiet refuge in the busy city and the iconic Lotus Temple.
Later drive to India Gate, the President's House and Lutyen's buildings and have the opportunity to shop at some local markets.
Overnight in Delhi
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be driven to Jaipur in Rajasthan (around 5 hours). This bustling and fascinating city has some of the finest examples of Rajasthani architecture and whilst it is a growing city with a modern outlook, camels can be found wandering the streets and rickshaws blend in with the traffic.
Overnight in Jaipur
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast visit the ancient palace of Amber Fort*, which is exquisite in many ways – size, scale, craftsmanship, history and sits on a hilltop with stunning views.One of the most spectacular buildings contained in the fort is the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), with its walls completely covered with tiny mirrors. It has been designed so that even if a single ray of light enters the hall, this light is reflected in all the mirrors and the entire hall lights up.
Later visit the key sights and wonders of the Pink City in the heart of Jaipur.
Visit the Observatory, the Maharaja's City Palace and Hawa Mahal (also known as Palace of the Winds and viewed from the outside only). Built of red and pink sandstone it is said to resemble the honeycomb structure of a bee’s nest. It was called the Palace of Winds as in the original design it had a clever cooling system that allowed a gentle breeze to pass through the Palace –very welcome in the hot Rajasthani summers. It is said to have been built as an observatory where the women of the Maharaja's City Palace could observe the outside world whilst remaining inside the palace.
The bustling bazaars of the old city are a great place to shop and explore and are some of the most vibrant in Asia – Rajasthan is known for its colour!
*You have the option to take an elephant ride to Amber Fort. The cost of this is USD 12 per person (2 people on an elephant) or USD 24 (one person atop an elephant). There are strict regulations in place to limit the total number of journeys each elephant can do in a day, and they are only allowed to carry 2 passengers at a time to prevent any over-working of elephants.
Overnight in Jaipur
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast you will be collected for the drive to Agra (around 5 hours).
On the way visit the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Walk through the city with your guide hearing the intriguing story behind the abandoning of the city and learn all about its great architecture. Visit a local school (subject to the school being open) and village and enjoy meeting the local children and villagers. In the evening you have the option to visit the famous Taj Mahal at sunset (this evening’s visit is optional and the entrance fee is at your own expense- please check with us) Tomorrow morning there is a scheduled visit to the Taj Mahal.
Overnight in Agra
Meals included: Breakfast
Visiting the Taj Mahal in the early morning is something special. Watch as the marble changes colour as the sun rises and wander the grounds of the Taj Mahal with your guide marvelling at its wonder. You will then be taken back to your hotel for breakfast.
Later in the morning, visit the majestic Agra Fort. Step back to an era of great palaces and grand forts. The fort itself is magnificent and has wonderful views of the Taj Mahal in the distance. Later visit a Marble factory where you see the fascinating inlay work of local artisans whoseforefathers built the Taj Mahal.
In the afternoon you will be driven to the Chambal Safari Lodge (around 1.5 hrs drive). Nestled in over 120 acres of woodland and pasture and surrounded by farmland, Chambal Safari Lodge offers a very special wilderness experience.
In the evening enjoy a guided visit to the Bateshwar Temples on the Ghats of River Yamuna and view the sunset from the terrace of The Kunj overlooking the Ghats and Temples.
Overnight in Chambal
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy a morning boat safari (2½ - 3 hours duration) on the Chambal River. The lodge naturalist will accompany you on the safari. The area is home to gharials, the Gangetic dolphin, marsh crocodiles, different species of turtles, Indian striped hyenas, jungle cats, Indian wolves, otters...as well as over 300 species of birds.
Later join the lodge naturalist on a nature and bird walk around the lodge.After lunch drive to Agra (around 1.5 hrs drive) where you will be taken to the train station for your overnight train to Jabalpur departing at 8:30pm. The driver will make sure you are comfortable on the train before you depart. A packed dry dinner and breakfast will be provided.
Overnight on the train
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Arrive in Jabalpur at 8:20am. You will be met at the station and driven to Kanha National Park (around 4 hours drive).
This famous Park of Central India is home to Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book - Sher Khan the tiger, Bagheera the panther and Baloo the bear. The lush bamboo, sal forest and wide meadows are also home to the wild Bengal Tiger which can be frequently seen roaming the park - a spectacular sight.
The Park has brought the Swap Deer back from the verge of extinction and with luck and patience it is possible to see leopards, sloth bears and dhole (Indian wild dogs) hunting in packs.
More common animals are gaur, or Indian bison, blue cows, swamp mouse, spotted deer and many birds. This is jungle life at its best. In the afternoon, take a leisurely nature walk with a local naturalist at the lodge or you may simply like to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Please note: Kanha National Park is closed for afternoon safaris on Wednesdays.
Overnight in Kanha
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the park spotting more wildlife and taking photos. Remember to take warm clothes with you for the early morning start.
Between your wildlife safaris you can spend your time at leisure. There are also some lovely bird and nature walks in the area.
*Please note: Kanha National Park is closed for afternoon safaris on Wednesdays.
Overnight in Kanha
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, your driver will meet you and you will be driven to Bandhavgarh National Park (approximately 5-6 hours).This beautiful park was once the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Rewa and home to the famous white tigers.
Today, this is a protected National Park that is known for the Royal Bengal Tiger.In fact, the population of tigers in Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India.
It also holds the largest breeding population of leopards and various species of deer and is home to langur monkeys, sloth bears and many birds. Check in to your lodge and after you have settled in, if time permits, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Park.
*Please note: Bandhavgarh National Park is closed for afternoon safaris on Wednesdays.
Overnight in Bandhavgarh
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Wake early to catch the sunrise and enjoy a morning game drive in the park. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before taking an afternoon game drive to spot wildlife.
*Please note: Bandhavgarh National Park is closed for afternoon safaris on Wednesdays.
Overnight in Bandhavgarh
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today your driver will collect you after breakfast and you will be driven to Khajuraho (around 5- 6 hours drive).
*Optional: Morning safari can be added at an extra cost
Khajuraho is a small village in Central India surrounded by forest. This small village came to be known after discovery of the Chandela Dynasty temples. A UNESCO world heritage site in central India, Khajuraho is now a famous tourist and archaeological site.
Spend the afternoon at leisure in Khajuraho and in the evening enjoy a Sound and Light show at the temples.
Optional: If you are interested, Yoga sessions can be arranged with an expert Yoga Instructor in both Khajuraho and Varanasi
Overnight in Khajuraho
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning you will be taken to visit the famous Chandela Dynasty temples. Marvel at the fine art and detail of the sandstone carvings.
Your driver will take you to the airport for your flight to Varanasi at 1:25pm. On arrival at 2:15pm you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Considered as the abode of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is situated on the banks of the River Ganges, which is believed to have the power of washing away all of one's sins. The holy city has been a symbol of spiritualism, philosophy and mysticism for thousands of years.
Later in the evening you will be collected for a rickshaw ride and taken to the Ghats of holy river Ganges to enjoy the evening Ganges “Aarti” ceremony. In Hinduism it is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and rebirths called “Moksha”.
Overnight in Varanasi
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning enjoy a boat ride on holy River Ganges and watch the sunrise over the Ganges from your boat. The Ganges begins life in the Himalayas and flows for over 2,500km to the Bay of Bengal.
In Varanasi, from dawn to dusk the riverfront (Ghats) are filled with thousands of devotees who perform their holy rituals in the hope of attaining eternal salvation - “Nirvana”. Later continue your sightseeing of Varanasi and enjoy a walking tour of the narrow lanes of the old city.Later in the afternoon, enjoy a visit to Sarnath, the buried Buddhist city where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment 2,500 years ago.
You will be taken to the airport in time for your flight to Delhi at around 6pm. Arrive at 7:30pm where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Delhi
Meals included: Breakfast
Today the tour ends. You will be taken to the airport in time for your flight home or onto your next adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast
14 nights' accommodation
Check-in & check-out time: generally, check in is after 2 pm and check out before12 pm. Early check-in
and late check-out FOC are subject to room availability at the discretion of hotel. Guaranteed early
check-in and late check-out may generate additional charges.
23 meals as per itinerary - 14 breakfasts, 4 lunch, 5 dinners.
All airport transfers - by private vehicle.
Assistance by rep/driver at the airport during International arrival and departure.
All transportation throughout the tour in a private air-conditioned vehicle. The vehicle used will depend on the size of your group and will range from an air-conditioned car for groups of 2, a Toyota
Innova for groups of 2 or 3, a minivan for groups of 4-10 people and for groups over 10 a coach will
be used.
English speaking guides. Private or small group tour you will have a local guide in each location but
for large group of 8 pax or more will have an accompanying guide/escort for the trip.
Entrance and sightseeing fees as stated in the itinerary.
3 exclusive jeep safaris in Kahna National Park.
3 exclusive jeep safaris in Bandhavgarh National park.
2 Domestic flights - Khajuraho – Varanasi & Varanasi – Delhi in economy class (Luggage allowance onboard flights are usually15kg checked in baggage, 7kg carry on baggage. If your luggage exceeds the allowed rate then you pay excess charges which are around USD 7* per kg *can vary depending on flight and airline carrier)
1 overnight train: first class AC Sleeper from Agra to Jabalpur.
Free Wi-Fi available at the hotel lobby or room (as per availability in hotels).
Mineral water on tour days with our compliments.
Taxes and service fees.Upon raising request for quote of your tour online, Travelbay will go through your request and will contact you with details regarding price, availability or any other details that you have requested. Our response is typically with-in 24 hrs . Once you give us a go ahead, we will request you to send us a booking advance and start holding accommodation and transportation for your tour.
As soon as we have confirmed the dates (usually within 48 hours sometimes a little longer at weekends) we will email you your booking confirmation.
We will request further information from you to ensure that all your personal preferences are taken care of. This will include details such as dietary requests, allergies, health issues, emergency contact and any special requirements. We will also request a copy of each traveller’s passport and the arrival and departure details.
Capital City: New Delhi
Population: 1.366 billion
Languages: There is no national language in India. Hindi and English are both official languages. India has over 1,000 spoken languages. The languages with the most number of speakers are Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi and Tamil.
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone: (GMT+05:30) Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi
Dialling code: +91
Religion: Hinduism is the predominant followed by Islam, Christianity, Sikh, Buddhism and Jainism
The best time to visit India is from October through to March. At this time, the weather across India is mostly warm and dry.
India is a large country with a huge range of varying climates. Most of the country is sub tropical with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Below is a very general overview to give you some idea of what to expect.
North India
South India:
How to get there
This tour starts and ends in Delhi.
Flights from Australia to India are approximately $900 – $1,200 per person return. The actual price varies depending on departure city, time of year and luck of the draw!
Travelbay works together with an excellent corporate flight booking company and we would be happy to provide you with a free quote.
If you choose to book your flights with Travelbay, we charge a $50 booking fee for this service.
Most nationalities require a visa when travelling to India. You need to apply for and receive your visa before you depart.
You can apply for an e-visa online or you can apply for your visa via VSF Global who works in conjunction with the Indian embassy. For more information you can visit our visa information page.
To find out the visa requirements for India, you can also check here with Visalink.
Please note: We attempt to provide you with the latest information and links. However, please be aware that it is each traveller’s responsibility (and not Travelbay’s) to ensure that you have a valid visa if required for any country you visit.
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