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India is probably the only
country in the world that can boast of harbouring
as varied and rich a bird life as it does.
Home to well over a thousand species, of
which about 100 are to be found only in
India, this country is a veritable paradise
for any birdwatcher. The reason for this
treasure-trove of species is undoubtedly
the fact that India encompasses almost all
the ecosystems to be found on the planet,
ranging from the hot and humid evergreen
forests of the north-east and south-west
to the scorching deserts making up most
of the western state of Rajasthan, providing
habitats for variously adapted species,
both residents and migrants, the latter
numbering about 250 species. Two species,
the Pinkheaded Duck and the Mountain Quail
are now considered extinct whereas the Jerdon`s
Courser and the Forest Owlet were rediscovered
recently after a gap of more than a century.
Even a cursory glance at the Indian countryside
will reveal roughly 150 very common species,
ranging from the ubiquitous House Sparrow
and Indian Myna to such birds as the Red-vented
Bulbul, Black Drongo and White-breasted
Kingfisher. Common raptors include Black
and Brahminy Kites, Honey Buzzard, Shikra
and Egyptian Vulture. Water birds also offer
quite a spectacle, especially in the winter,
when the migratory waders arrive. Common
resident species are White-breasted Waterhen,
Indian Moorhen and Black-winged Stilt.
The best time to visit India from an ornithological
standpoint is no doubt the months between
October and April as, in addition to the
variety of resident species, migratory waterfowl,
raptors, starlings & other passerines and
a host of other species are also to be seen
all around the Indian countryside.

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| DAY
01 |
ARRIVE DELHI |
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Meeting
and assistance on arrival at the airport
and transfer to your hotel. Overnight
at the Hotel.

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| DAY
02 |
IN DELHI |
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Delhi -
believed to have founded by the Pandava
brothers around 2nd or 3rd century B.C.,
is one of the oldest cities in India. The
city has been raised out of ashes and ruins
seven times. Be it the Tomars of the 7-8th
century or the Ghori's, The Khaljis, the
Tughlaqs, the Saiyads, The Lodis, the Moghuls
and finally the British rulers, each has
contributed to the colourful history of
the city.
Among some of the most interesting highlights
of your city tour of Old and New Delhi are
the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk
and Raj Ghat in the old city area and the
Government Buildings, a drive through the
majestic Rajpath to the India Gate, the
Laxmi Narayan Temple, the Humayun's Tomb,
the Qutab Minar etc. Overnight
at the Hotel.

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| DAY
03 |
DELHI-JAIPUR |
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Morning
after early breakfast, leave Delhi by surface
to Jaipur (260 kms/6 hrs approx) and on
arrival check-in at your hotel.
Jaipur, the
capital of erstwhile Kachwaha Rajputs, Jaipur
city was founded in 1727 AD. By the great
King Maharaja Jai Singh who was not only
a great statesman but also a keen astronomer
and an architect.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city.
Among the principal sights are the Jantar
Mantar or the Observatory, The Palace of
Winds or Hawa Mahal, The City Palace & Museum
and Choki Dhani. Jaipur is also a major
centre of precious and semi precious stones,
jewellery, cotton textiles and the typical
Blue Pottery.Overnight
at the Hotel.

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| DAY
04 |
JAIPUR-RANTHAMBORE |
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Morning
excursion to Amber Fort, the ancient capital
of the State until 1728. Visit the Jagmandir
or the hall of victory glittering with mirrors,
Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali. Take a ride
on gaily-decorated elephant to the ramparts
of the Fort.
Later drive to Ranthambore and on arrival
check-in at your resort.
The Ranthambore National
Park was the hunting ground of Maharaja
of Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a game
sanctuary; in 1980, it became a national
park. But with the commissioning of Project
Tiger in 1972, it was included in the project.
With the addition of neighbouring Keladevi
and Mansingh sanctuaries, the total area
of the national park stands at 1,334 sq
km. But the entire park - the core area
is just 392 sq kms - is not open to the
public. The Ranthambore Park is set between
the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. Its deciduous
forests were once a part of the magnificent
jungles of Central India. The terrain is
rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills
and open valleys with lakes and pools.
The tigers are the prized attractions of
the park. Other inmates of the park are
the Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar and Chital,
which are easy to spot. Those who are lucky
enough get to see the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar,
Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard,
Jungle Cat and Marsh Crocodile. The lakes
and water holes in the Ranthambore national
park are the best places to sight the animals.
These water bodies are full of lotus and
water lilies. Ranthambore also has a sizeable
bird population, both resident and migratory.
There are about 264 species of birds found
within the park. Indian Hare, Mongoose and
Monitor Lizards can also spotted.
Late afternoon visit by jeeps/canter to
the Sanctuary.Overnight
at the Hotel.

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| DAY
05 |
RANTHAMBORE |
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Early morning
and late afternoon game viewing visit to
the Sanctuary.Overnight
at the Hotel.
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| DAY
06 |
RANTHAMBORE-BHARATPUR |
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Morning
another visit to the Sanctuary for viewing
wild life. Later drive to Bharatpure. On
arrival check-in to your hotel.
Prince Bhamji of Morvi state in Gujarat
converted this area into a world famous
wildlife reserve. Duck shoots were organized
in the area every year by the rulers of
Bharatpur, in honour of Viceroy Lord Curzon
and his party on 1st December, 1902. The
exploits of all visiting dignitaries since
1902 have been engraved on stone plaques
standing near the Keoladeo temple.
Largest number of birds (4273) were killed
on 12th November, 1938, by Lord Linlithgow,
Viceroy & Governor General of India and
his party. After independence, this reserve
was notified as a bird sanctuary but the
former rulers of Bharatpur continued to
enjoy their shooting rights over the area
till 1972. The area was notified as a National
Park in 1981 but made effective only in
Novemeber,1982.
Bharatpur national park supports a population
of 375 species of birds, numerous mammals
and reptiles. With the onset of winter,
migratory birds from all over world come
here. They arrive by August and leave in
February. Visitors include Coot Snipes,
Spanish Sparrow, Red Crested Porhard, Rosy
Pelican and Flamingo. The special attraction,
however, remains the arrival of the rare
Siberian Crane. Bharatpur wildlife sanctuary
is also rich in Pythons, Spotted Deer, Sambhars,
Blue Bull, Black Buck, Jackals, Otters,
Fishing Cats, Monitor Lizards.
Afternoon take a bird watching Cycle Rickshaw
ride in the Sanctuary.Overnight at Hotel.

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| DAY
07 |
BHARATPUR-AGRA |
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Morning
revisit the bird sanctuary by foot. Later
proceed by surface to Agra en route visiting
Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted capital of
Mughal India. Among the principal attractions
of Fatehpur Sikri are the large audience
halls, palaces, the Mosques, the tomb of
Salim Chishti, The Panchmahal, and the Buland
Darwaza, which is among the biggest gates
in Asia.
Continue your drive and upon arrival check-in
at the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Agra city
visiting the eternal monument of love -
Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Taj Mahal, built
by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, this beautiful
mausoleum is built of pure white marble
and is an architectural marvel. Built in
the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.
The building was conceived as a garden tomb
with the mausoleum rising at the far end
of the complex with the river Yamuna flowing
below. Beneath the dome are the cenotaphs
of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jehan.
Agra Fort built
by Emperor Akbar over the years 1565 - 1573
with its maze of courtyards, mosques, and
private chambers. Most of the buildings
originally built by Akbar were destroyed
and were replaced by his grandson Shah Jehan.
The only surviving structure from Akbar's
period apart from the solid sand stone ramparts
and the gateway is the Jehangir Mahal. It
is the biggest private residence in the
complex and its architecture indicates strong
influences from Hindu overtones. Nearby
are the various buildings, which were built
by Shah Jehan, Including the Khas Mahal,
The Jasmine Towers, the Octagonal Tower,
the Sheesh Mahal, and the Hamam's. Ironically
it was within these apartments that Shah
Jehan spent his last years when his son
Aurangzeb imprisoned him.Overnight
at Hotel.

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| DAY
08 |
AGRA-KHAJURAHO |
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Morning
transfer to the airport to board flight
to Khajuraho. Assistance on arrival and
transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Eastern &
Western group of Temples.
Western Group
is the best known as it is to this group
that the largest and most typical Khajuraho
temples belong - the Kandariya Mahadeo.
Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 metres
high. The main shrine is in an almost perfectly
state of preservation. This shrine has an
exquisitely carved entrance arch with a
multitude of themes: celestial beings, lovers,
serenading musicians - movement captured
in stones and frozen in time, yet retaining
the warmth of pulsating life. The stones
seem to have taken on the sensuousness of
the carved figures.
Eastern Group: Hindu and Jain temples make
up the eastern group, close to Khajuraho
Village. The largest Jain temple, Parsvanath,
is in this group. Sculptures on the northern
outer wall make this temple the finest in
the group. The carvings are timeless, of
a woman bending thoughtfully over a letter,
a damsel removing a thorn from her foot.
The sanctum has a throne facing a bull,
emblem of the first Tirthankara, Adinath.
The actual image of Parsvanath, from which
the temple derives its name, was installed
in 1860.Overnight at
the Hotel.

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| DAY
09 |
KHAJURAHO-BANDAVGARH |
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Morning
leave by surface for Bandavgarh and on arrival
check-in at your hotel. The density of tiger
population is among the highest in India.
The tigers once roamed freely here but due
to extensive hunting (Maharaja Venkat Raman
Singh shot 111 tigers by 1914), their population
came down drastically. Numerous steps were
taken to conserve the wildlife here without
spoiling the natural beauty of the park.
Even today, the Bandhavgarh national park
has retained its un-spoilt look. The Bandhavgarh
National Park is the place where the famous
white tigers of Rewa were discovered. The
last known capture of the white tiger was
in 1951. He is believed to have fathered
many a cub in Indian zoos and outside. 'Mohun'
is now stuffed and on display in the palace
of the Maharaja of Rewa.
Bandhavgarh is densely populated with other
animal species too. The great gaur, Indian
bisons can be easily spotted when they come
to graze on the meadows at dusk. The sambar,
barking deer and nilgai are also common
sights in the open areas of the park.
The ancient fort of Bhandavgarh adds grace
to the park. Climb the fort to get a bird's
eye view of the park. Do not miss the small
population of naughty black bucks that live
here, protected from the predators below.
The vegetation of the park is dry deciduous.
About half of the park is covered with Sal
trees. There are mixed forests in the higher
reaches of the hills. Stretches of Bamboo
and grasslands extend to the north of the
park. Grassy meadow patches occur in the
valley and along the nalas. The park sustains
all those species, which are typical to
Central India.
There are 22 species of mammals, which include
langurs and rhesus macaque as the primary
group. The jackal, bangal fox, bears, ratel,
mongoose, hyena, jungle cat, leopard and
tiger form the core carnivore population.
The animals frequently sighted are wild
pig, spotted deer, sambar, dhole, the small
Indian civet; palm squirrel and lesser bandicoot
rat are seen occasionally. Among the herbivores,
the gaur is the only coarse feeder.
The national park holds some 250 odd species
of birds along the streams and marshes.
Reptilian fauna include cobra, krait, viper,
rat snake, python, turtle and a large number
of lizard varieties, including varanus.
Late afternoon game viewing Jeep safari
to the Bandavgarh National Park.Overnight
at the Hotel.

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| DAY
10 |
BANDAVGARH |
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Morning
and late afternoon visit the Sanctuary for
wildlife viewing.Overnight
at the Hotel.
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| DAY
11 |
BANDAVGARH-KANHA |
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Morning
revisit the Sanctuary and later after breakfast
proceed by surface to Kanha. On arrival
check in at your hotel.
This is the place that has been described
by Rudyard Kipling in his great book "The
Jungle Book". Picture these thick Sal forests,
long bamboos, swaying grasslands and meandering
rivers. This is what Kanha is all about.
Located in the Mandla district of Madhya
Pradesh, Kanha national park is a tiger
reserve that extends over an area of over
1940 sq km. A horse-shoe 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.
The park was created in 1955 by a special
law and since then it has dedicated itself
in preserving a variety of animal species.
Many endangered species have indeed been
saved here. Today Kanha is among the few
most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves
in Asia.. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal
home for both predator and prey.
It was at the Kanha national park that the
first ever-scientific study of the tiger
was undertaken by the eminent zoologist
George Schaller. Another landmark at Kanha
is the preservation of the hard ground Barasingha
.This was achieved by extending the grasslands,
relocating villages and by increasing habitat.
There are 22 species of mammals in the park.
These are the three-stripe squirrels, variety
of monkeys and apes, hyena, wild pigs, deers
and black bucks. The Indian jackal, jungle
cat, leopard, blue bull can also be spotted
here.
The mixed forests and bamboo forests are
good breeding and nesting grounds for many
feathered species. There are almost 200
species of birds in Kanha. Many of them
are found on the grasslands too. Some of
them can be spotted around water holes.
The ground opposite the Museum is also a
good place to watch the birds at play. Take
binoculars to watch them closely. Best time
to observe the birds is in the morning and
evening. The park also sustains a sizeable
number of reptiles, which are very difficult
to spot.Overnight at
the Hotel.

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| DAY
12 |
KANHA |
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Morning
and late afternoon game viewing jeep rides
to the Kanha National Park for viewing wildlife.
Overnight at the Hotel.
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| DAY
13 |
KANHA |
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Morning
and late afternoon game viewing jeep rides
to the Kanha National Park for viewing wildlife.
Overnight at the Hotel.
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| DAY
14 |
KANHA-NAGPUR-MUMBAI |
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Morning
revisit the National Park. Later depart
by surface to Nagpur airport (260 kms) to
board your flight to Mumbai. Assistance
on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Overnight
at the Hotel.
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| DAY
15 |
MUMBAI |
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Morning
half-day motor launch excursion to the rock
cut Elephanta caves
(closed on Mondays). Elephanta Caves - from
the Gateway of India take a motor launch
to the 7th century sculptures of manifestation
of Shiva.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Mumbai
city visiting Prince of Wales Museum (closed
on Mondays), Fish Aquarium, Jain Temples,
Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar
Hills offering nice view of Marine Lines
and Chowpatty Beach, Kamla Nehru Park and
Marine drive.Overnight
at the Hotel.

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| DAY
16 |
DEPART MUMBAI |
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In time
departure transfer to the airport to board
your flight back home.
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END OF THE
TOUR
FLIGHT SCHEDUELS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
CHECK-IN/OUT TIME AT THE HOTELS IS 12 NOON
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