THE BIG FIVE WILDLIFE TOUR, December 2010.

15 Nights 16 Days

An exciting opportunity to spot five rare and exciting species in their natural habitat – The Asiatic Lion, Asiatic Elephant, one horned Rhinoceroses, Tiger and Indian Bison – within a space of sixteen days.

Day 1 MUMBAI  Our Indian Tour representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Mumbai. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 2 MUMBAI  Morning Breakfast. Visit Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park home to over 250 species of exotic birds, and so much other fauna and flora. Covering 104 sq km, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park enjoys the distinction of being the only National Park of such size and natural grandeur within the municipal limits of any city.

Afternoon half day sightseeing tour of Mumbai, visit Gateway of India, Banganga Tank, Victoria Terminus Railway Station, drive past Asiatic Library, Jain Temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 GIR NATIONAL PARK  Breakfast. Depart for Diu by 9W-3403 at 1330 hrs, arrive at 1435 hrs. Drive to Gir Sanctuary (two hours), transfer to hotel. Overnight at Lodge/Resort.

This 155 sq. kilometer sanctuary lies in the southwest region of Gujarat, founded to protect the Asiatic Lion. The Gir forest is a mixed deciduous forest with teak, acacia and banyan trees. The lion population has increased from 20 in 1913 to 300. The Asiatic lion is smaller than its African cousin, and so is its mane. Other animals in the park are leopard, sambar deer, chital spotted deer, nilgai antelope, four-horned antelope, gazelle, wild boar, langur monkey, jackal, and hyena and a variety of birds like the paradise flycatcher, Bonneli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers and flamingo.

Day 4 GIR NATIONAL PARK  Morning safari in national park, followed by lunch and afternoon jeep safari. Overnight at lodge.

Day 5 GIR NATIONAL PARK  Morning safari in national park. Depart for Ahmedabad after lunch to board Kingfisher flight to Nagpur at 1720 hrs, arrive at 2020 hrs. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel in Nagpur.

Day 6 KANHA  Depart for Kanha Wildlife Reserve after breakfast, arrive after four hours. Transfer to Resort. Afternoon –Evening 3 hours jungle ride. Overnight at resort.

Kanha's sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour which form the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The park is the only habitat of the rare hardground Barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi). By a special statute in 1955, Kanha National Park came into being. Since then, a series of stringent conservation programmes for the protection of the park's flora and fauna has given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers and a true haven for its animal and avian population. Forest Department guides accompany visitors around the park on mapped-out circuits which enable viewers to see a good cross-section of Kanha's wildlife. The best areas are the meadows around Kanha, where blackbuck, chital and barasingha can be seen throughout the day.

Day 7 KANHA  Morning depart for 3-4 hours jungle ride by jeep. Breakfast inside park. Lunch. Afternoon 3 hour jungle ride. Dinner. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 KANHA Breakfast, followed by departure to Nagpur. Lunch en-route, depart for Bangalore by IT 3453 at 1500 hrs and arrive at 1630 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9 NAGARHOLE  Depart Bangalore for Nagarhole by car at 8 a.m. Halt en-route at Kokrebellur (incredible breeding site of pelicans, storks over village huts) Ranganathitoo (famed waterbird sanctuary, also renowned for crocodiles and bat colonies). LUNCH HALT at Mysore (Hotel Metro Pole or Sandesh the Prince). Reach Nagarhole at 1600 hrs and relax. Overnight in the hotel.

Nagarhole became a national park in 1955. The deciduous forest, accessible by river and boat, consists of swampland, teak and rosewood trees, as well as bamboo stands. The Kabini river flows through the forest with the upper canopy reaching a height of over 30 meters. The park is home to Tiger, Leopard, Gaur (called Indian bison), Indian wild dog, Elephants and plenty of deer and other animals. It is a bird haven with a wealth of forest species that includes hornbills, drongos, woodpeckers (including the enormous White-bellied Woodpecker), Grackle or Hill Myna, Malabar Trogon and so many more.

Day 10 NAGARHOLE  Morning. Depart for 3–4 hrs Jungle Ride by Jeep.

Lunch. Afternoon/Evening – 03 hrs Jungle Ride, Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 NAGARHOLE  Morning Jungle ride. Afternoon visit nearby coffee and spice plantations. Dinner. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 NAGARHOLE  Morning Jungle Ride. Afternoon drive to Bangalore. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 KAZIRANGA  Depart Bangalore for Guwahati by IC 772 at 0605 hrs, arrive at 1100 hrs. Transfer by coach to Kaziranga National Park (215 kms) Kaziranga is a title of a remarkable success story of conservation of the One Horned India Rhinoceros and other wild lives in the North East India. It is not only the homeland of the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, but also provides shelter to a variety of wild lives. Check-in at Resort. Dinner. Overnight at resort.

In the heart of Assam, this park is one of the last areas in eastern India undisturbed by a human presence. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of birds.

Day 14 KAZIRANGA  Morning and afternoon jeep safari and elephant ride. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 KAZIRANGA  Morning and afternoon jeep safari and elephant ride. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16 MUMBAI  Depart Guwahati to board flight to Mumbai at 1445 hrs. Arrive at 1800 hrs. Transfer to international airport to board flight to onward destination.

TOUR ENDS

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES:

Accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast

Transport by air conditioned coach

All meals

Service of naturalist Sunjoy Monga for complete tour

Entrance fees to monuments and wildlife sanctuaries/national parks

Jeep, Safari rides, elephant rides wherever mentioned

Domestic airfare

TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:

All expenses of a personal nature

International Airfare to and fro India

Any item not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

(Subject to a minimum group size of 15 persons)

For BOOKINGS and any other details please CONTACT US

Booking closes 60 days before departure

HOTELS:

MUMBAI: Hotel Ambassador or Similar

GIR NATIONAL PARK: Gir Birding Lodge or Similar

KANHA NATIONAL PARK: Wild Chalet or Similar

NAGARHOLE: Kabini River Lodge or Similar

KAZIRANGA: Wild Grass Resort or Similar

BANGALORE: The Meridian or Similar

NAGPUR: Hotel Pride or Similar

THE PLAINS OF INDIA AND PUSHKAR FAIR, October 2010.

15 Nights – 16 Days.

MUMBAI

Day 1 (29th Oct) Arrive Mumbai. Transfer to hotel. Evening free. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2 (30th Oct) City tour of Mumbai commences at about 11.00 hours. Visit Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Victoria Terminus Railway Station (Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), Mani Bhawan, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Crawford Market, Banganga Tank. Drive past the Marine Drive. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 (31st Oct) Half day visit to Elephanta Islands, commences at 8:45 by motor launch, visit the artistically carved caves. Return to the Gateway, evening free for shopping. Overnight at hotel.

JAIPUR

Jaipur the `Pink City' as it is popularly known, is the bustling capital of Rajasthan. `Pink city' because most of the buildings are pink in color in the old city. The city retains its old self, at the same time it is moving fast as a modern city. You can see extreme contrast on the streets of Jaipur. On one side you have cars, buses and motorbikes, on the other side you can see camel carts. On one side there are traditionally dressed men and women in their turbans and colorful long skirts and blouses. On the other hand you can see modernly dressed Indians and foreign tourists having a bite in their favorite American restaurants

Day 4 (1st Nov) Depart Mumbai for Jaipur at 1130 hrs by IT 104 and arrive at 1325 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Evening Rajasthani folk dance program. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 (2nd Nov) Breakfast. Full day sightseeing of Jaipur visit Amer Fort, City Palace, and Palace of the Winds (from outside) Afternoon free for shopping. Evening visit Chokhidhani for dinner. Overnight at hotel.

PUSHKAR

The Pushkar fair in Pushkar is celebrated annually with fervour. The festival pays homage to lord Brahma, the creator. Celebrated on the occasion of Karthik Purnima (November), it is believed that Lord Brahma, Vishnu and others come down to Pushkar to bath in the lake Pushkar. So it is considered very holy to bath in the Pushkar lake on this auspicious occasion. The festival is focal point for the cultural and trading activities during these days. The villagers bring herds of cattle along. The Pushkar fair is an international event which should not be missed.

Day 6 (3rd Nov) Transfer by coach to Pushkar, traveling time three hours. Afternoon visit Camel Fair. Overnight in tents.

Day 7 (4th Nov) Visit Pushkar lake and temple. Overnight at tents in Pushkar.

AGRA

Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Agra came to its own when Shah Jahan ascended to the throne of the Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Day 8 (5th Nov) Depart Pushkar for Agra (Driving time- 4 Hrs). Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 9 (6th Nov) Early morning visit to the enchanting monument built to commemorate love, the Taj Mahal, followed by a visit to Agra Fort. Afternoon take an excursion to visit the ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, former capital of Emperor Akbar. Overnight at hotel. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday)

KHAJURAHO

Khajuraho: Khajuraho boasts of some of the finest temples ever built. Their distinctive feature is carvings of ethereal beauty on sandstone brought from the quarries of Panna on the east bank of the Ken river. The unique temple structure built on a high platform, gives an impression of a vast open promenade round the temple. These temples are interconnected, and built on a single axis running in an east-west direction, and have 3 main compartments namely: the entrance known as ‘ardha mandapa’, the assembly hall – ‘mandapa’ the assembly hall – mandapa’ and the inner sanctum- garbha-griha’ . The central dome is surrounded by balconied windows, which admit light into the interiors, making the interplay of light and darkness a spectacular affair. The compartments have their own roofs, which rise from their lowest over the entrance porch, to their highest over the sanctum. When seen from a distance, these roofs resemble Mount Kailasa with which the Hindu temple is compared.

Day 10 (7th Nov) Depart Agra for Khajuraho by train, Shatabdi Express, good luxury train at 8:30, arrive Jhansi at 11:00, board coach to Khajuraho, arrive 3.5 hours later. Check in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 (8th Nov) Full day sightseeing of Khajuraho, including visits to Western, Eastern and Southern Group of temples. Overnight at hotel.

VARANASI

Varanasi is said to combine all virtues of all other places of Pilgrimage. Varanasi stands as the chief centre of Sanskrit learning in North India and derives its name from 2 streams, Varuna to the North & Assia small trickle on the South. Banaras is a corruption of Varanasi but it is also called Kashi (The City Of Light) by the Hindus. As one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. It attracts well over One million Pilgrims while about 50,000 Brahmins are permanent residents.

Day 12 (9th Nov) Depart Khajuraho for Varanasi by IC405 at 1400 hrs and arrive at 1440 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Evening free. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 (10th Nov) Full day sightseeing of Varanasi , including boat ride, visit to temples, the bathing and burning stairways, and Sarnath - the place where Buddha preached his first sermon. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 (11th Nov) Morning free Depart for airport to board flight to Delhi by IT334 at 1345 hrs and arrive at 1500 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Evening free. Overnight in the hotel.

DELHI

A history which encompasses all the various kings and emperors who fixed their royal citadels here -- Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or Shahjahanabad. But combined and integrated into one, these 'new cities' have always been called Delhi and howsoever many names it may have acquired, Delhi has always been intrinsically identified with power and imperial sway.

Day 15 (12th Nov) Breakfast, half day sightseeing of Delhi, visit Qutub Minar, Bahaai Temple and Humayun Tomb. Evening free to visit the Hauz Khas Shopping Village Overnight at hotel.

Day 16 (13th Nov) Full day sightseeing of Delhi. Visit the largest mosque in India, Jamma Masjid followed by a cycle rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk. Drive past Red Fort, visit memorial of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, Humayun Tomb and India Gate. Drive past the President’s Palace and later in the afternoon visit the Qutub Minar and the Bahaai Temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17 (14th Nov) Breakfast. Depart for airport for international to board a flight for onward journey.

TOUR ENDS

Your Holiday Includes:

Accommodation on twin sharing basis

Domestic Airfare.

Services of a tour escort for the complete tour

English speaking guides at places mentioned in program, entrance fees to monuments.

Air-conditioned vehicle with driver for all land journeys

Elephant ride at Amer Fort in Jaipur

Tour cost does not include:

Air fare to India

Lunches

All expenses of a personal nature, such as tips, laundry, alcoholic beverages, etc.

Any item not specifically mentioned as `included’ in tour program.

HOTELS:

MUMBAI: Hotel Ambassador or similar.

JAIPUR: Hotel Mansingh or similar

PUSHKAR: Tented accommodation.

AGRA: The Trident or similar

KHAJURAHO: Hotel Ramada or similar

VARANASI: Radisson or similar

DELHI: Hans Plaza or similar

Grandeur of Varanasi

(Note: Varanasi has so many facets to it, you are often left wondering- how does one describe one of the oldest and holiest cities on Planet Earth. Some things remain constant, Varanasi and the River Ganga are inextricably linked, one cannot be imagined without the other. The rituals connected with the cycle of life and death is performed at the bathing and burning ghats, lining the river bank, almost continuously. It is mentioned that the flame at the Manikarnika and Harishchandra cremation platforms are never doused, because there is a cremation taking place at any given point of time. A bewildered look on the face of many a tourist during the early morning boat ride alongside the river bank as they watch rituals being enacted will probably stay on forever, the same can be said of pilgrims wishing to take the holy dip at the touch of dawn. Mendicants and sadhus can be found in and around the river banks as well as in the lanes and by-lanes of a vastly confusing complex, while the common man and the residents of this amazing city carry on with their lives in an unfazed manner. It is almost impossible to provide an accurate description, the least one could do is to provide an impression.)

A sea of humanity stood in front of us, the milling crowds never seeming to cease. How could they? Our tourist bus stood next to the main railway station in Varanasi , the junction for hurried goodbyes and warm embracing welcomes; quite naturally the crowds didn't seem to diminish. While many departed and many arrived, our bus was caught in a mega traffic jam, consisting of four wheelers, two wheelers, and anything that would move! The bus inched forward, after an unseemingly long wait we reached the grand trunk road, one of India 's most renowned highways. We were on our way to visit a monument which is rarely visited by many tourists, the former residence of the Maharaja of Varanasi, Ramnagar Fort. As luck would have it, we caught a spectacular sunset from the fort rampart. In front of us was the placid and dusty colored River Ganga following its lazy course; in the distance the sun had painted the sky amber. Boats were rare and few, when they came into view it served a gentle reminder of life in the slow lane. The boatman or pilot, gently guided his boat with a long oar, while fellow assengers observed the happenings in studious silence. Once in a while a non descript ferry boat would come under the gaze of the setting sun, 'twas time for a picture perfect moment to be captured on our digitals. In an instant the hardships of our journey were soon forgotten and all forgiven. This is the case on many sojourns across India , ours was no different.

The Ramnagar Fort was the former residence of the Maharaja of Varanasi, though we didn't get to see him, we did see some of his attendants guarding the museum consisting of armaments, costumes, and many items needing preservation under a sheet of glass. I kept thinking about the fort with its stunning location, and whether it would soon become part of a hotel chain resort in the future - just like the palaces and havelis of Rajasthan. The ride back to main city was no different, though on this occasion we were privy to marriage processions along the way. Our presence in Varanasi was on an auspicious day, a time when many marriages are solemnized; it came as no wonder we came across numerous ceremonies and processions during our stay. Marriages are made in heaven (I beg to differ) they are made and celebrated at Varanasi ! Speaking about the word marriage, the name Varanasi is also a 'marriage' of two words, Varuna a River to the north, and Assi a stream of a flowing river to the south. Benaras is yet another name for the magnanimous city, while many Hindus refer to it as Kashi (the city of lights). Revered as one the seven most sacred sites of Hinduism, Varanasi finds mention in the Ramayana as well as Mahabharata and was visited by Buddha in 500 B.C. The centre for education, learning, art and culture was plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1033, while Alaudin Khilji tore down temples and replaced them with mosques during his reign of Delhi from 1294-1316. Jain followers descended, mainly because three 'tirthankars’ were born here. Over a period of time, Varanasi gained prominence as a spiritual city and the abode of pilgrimages. The Panch Kosi (meeting of rivers) road is considered the holiest stretch, this stretch running in a wide arc and including some of the most well known ghats/step wells along the river Ganga is where some devout Hindus come to spend their last days of their lives. It is believed, one can escape the cycle of rebirth should death occur in the city’s holiest parts.

The sound of hurried footsteps is what I distinctly remember when we arrived at the Dasasvamedha Ghat early next morning for our boat ride across the river. As dawn had not yet set in, faces were hard to decipher. Many followers stopped at wayside stalls to buy flower garlands, light lamps and incense sticks, while we (tourists) scurried past to our waiting boats. Bathing alongside this landing place is considered propitious. We passed by a number of such landing places, each holds its own significance. At Man Mandir you can see the well restored palace of Maharaja Man Singh of Amber, while the Dom Rajas belongs to the patron who oversees the cremation activities at the cremation grounds. The entire process beginning with dressing of the corpse, the ritual bathing, the actual cremation and the final act of gathering the ash into the urns is undertaken by the employees of Dom Raja, who are lower end hierarchy in the Indian caste system. We were to learn from our guide that 'master of cremations’ is one of the wealthiest persons living in Varanasi . Who would dispute this?

Widows are fed and clothed at Mir Ghat, while the Tulsi Ghat commemorates the saint-poet Tulsi Das. It was at Harishchandra Ghat we turned around, not before witnessing flames rising in the air from burning pyres. Silence descended as we tried to capture the reality of death and the ease with which the transition takes place. While dawn offered us numerous surprises, evening ride was magnificent because it provided us an opportunity of watching a stunning, vedic chanting ceremony by young hindu priests at the Dasashvamedha Ghat. It was an electrifying experience, to this day the sights and sound of the gongs and the chants remain clearly entrenched in memory.

The magic of Varanasi can never be desciribed in words, it needs more than a single visit. You will either return back truly inspired and come back with ten others, or decide, once is enough.