Delhi has a number of tourist attractions, right from history to present. Museums, heritage, shopping -you name it, Delhi has it all. It’s astonishing heritage is the city's star attraction - both in terms of its monuments and its cultural offerings. Although there are sites in Delhi that one may tick off the travellers list, it is the Old Delhi area which has those lesser talked about places that cannot be missed.
Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Once considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park terrain is a major wildlife tourist attraction that has drawn the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers.
Bharatpur is an Indian city in eastern Rajasthan. At its center is the 18th-century Lohagarh Fort, surrounded by a moat. Inside the fort is the Government Museum, which displays artifacts of local rajas. Just south, carved statues of Hindu gods fill Ganga Mandir and the sandstone Laxman Mandir temples. South of the city, Keoladeo National Park is a major bird sanctuary with hundreds of species.
The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state in India. It is Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park. Created in 1955, the reserve includes the Tadoba National Park and the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary.
Amongst the wildlife in Madhya Pradesh, the Kanha National Park is the most sought after destinations. The rolling grasslands, the sal and bamboo forests and the streams at Kanha, all attract a lot of visitors. The Kanha Tiger reserve is a major attraction as is not just has tigers but also provides habitation for the rare hardground Barasingha.
Bandhavgarh National Park is one place where you can be almost certain of spotting a tiger in its natural habitat. Stretching over 448 sq. km., Bandhavgarh National Park is rich in other forms of wildlife like deer, Leopard, Sambar and wild boar. I t is equally rich in bird life and is home to over 200 species. Dominating the park is the Bandhavgarh Fort and numerous pre-historic caves. The Pench Tiger Reserve inspired Rudyard Kipling's famous work, The Jungle Book.
Namaste and welcome to India, meet and greet assistance at the International airport, later transfer to the hotel. Visit of Akshardham Temple - epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breath-taking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and d bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. Post visit, drive back to hotel for overnight stay.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later, transfer to train station to board your train to Ranthambhore. Upon arrival assistance and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Ranthambhore is one of the best India’s Project Tiger conservation projects, it was once the private hunting reserve of the Maharajahs of Jaipur. It’s spread over an area of 392 sq km. along with its nearby sanctuaries like – the Mansingh Sanctuary and the Kaila Devi Sanctuary. The park is majorly famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in its natural habitat.
Early in the morning we go for our first game drive by jeep and have another one later in the afternoon. We usually get 3 -4 hrs free time between these two drives to recover. Besides the jeep driver we also get the services of one forest guides for each drive, who gets on each jeep from the park gate. These forest guides are from the local villages situated in the buffer zone and have very good knowledge of wildlife available in their park and the behaviour of the mammals. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Then proceed to Bharatpur - Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo National Park is recognised as one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds. It originated in as a royal hunting reserve during the 1850s and was a game reserve for Maharajas and the British. In 1982, Keoladeo was declared a national park and then later listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. The park is home to over 370 species of birds and animals such as the basking python, painted storks, deer, nilgai and more. Noted Indian ornithologist and naturalist Salim Ali used his influence to garner government support to create Keoladeo National Park. It was also known as the breeding ground for the rare and elusive to spot Siberian crane. Keoladeo National Park offers well-defined treks which can be covered on either foot, or cycle or rickshaws. In fact, the park management has trained the rickshaw pullers in bird watching and they make for extremely knowledgeable guides.
PM enjoy the Rickshaw Safari. In the evening return to your hotel for overnight stay.
AM enjoy the Rickshaw Safari. Later return to the hotel for breakfast. Then drive to Delhi, upon arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later, transfer to airport to board your flight to Nagpur. Upon arrival, drive to Tadoba National Park. Afternoon enjoy the Safari drive. Overnight at the hotel.
Notably Maharashtra's oldest and largest National Park, the "Tadoba National Park", also known as the "Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve" is one of India's 47 project tiger reserves existing in India. It lies in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state and is approximately 150 km from Nagpur city. The total area of the tiger reserve is 1,727 Sq.km, which includes the Tadoba National Park, created in the year 1955. The word 'Tadoba' is derived from the name of God "Tadoba" or "Taru," which is praised by local tribal people of this region and "Andhari" is derived from the name of Andhari river that flows in this area.
After breakfast, checkout from the hotel. Drive to Pench for about 05 hours and then get ready to experience Afternoon game drive - the best of wild life at Pench national park. Evening return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Tigers. Leopards. Jackals. And us humans. The Pench National Park, like it did in the iconic 'The Jungle Book', still brings humans in close contact with wildlife. Rudyard Kipling based Mowgli's adventures, and his battle with the furious Sher Khan, on this very place. Located in the southern reaches of the Satpura range, it is divided by river Pench into nearly two equal parts. This magnificent expanse shelters over 285 resident and migratory birds. Pench National Park, with its majestic tigers and several other animals and birds, will bring back the thrill you used to have, when watching Mowgli battle Sher Khan.
AM Safari at Pench National Park, Later return to the hotel for breakfast and freshen up. Post breakfast, drive to Kanha. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for overnight stay.
Kanha - Spread across 940 sq.km, Kanha National Park is one of the largest parks in Madhya Pradesh where the majestic royal Bengal tigers are found in good numbers. The Park is respected globally for saving the Barasingha from near extinction. No doubt, it is one of the best managed parks in Asia and a part of Project Tiger. National Geographic's award winning 'Land of the Tigers' was shot here, but the park is home to leopards, wild dogs and Barasingha as well. A safari in Kanha will surely get you thrilled, the way you were on your first trip to the zoo, as a child.
Today you will enjoy the morning and afternoon game drive at the national park. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later checkout and drive to Bandhavgarh. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Bandhavgarh is a place of mythological and legendary significance. The ancient Bandhavgarh Fort is of great importance as it is believed to have been gifted by Lord Rama to his younger brother Lakshmana. 'Bandhav' in English means brother and ‘Garh’ means fort. Hence the name, Bandhavgarh. Bandhavgarh dates back to 2000 years ago and you will find several man made caves with inscriptions and rock paintings.
Bandhavgarh is also the land of tigers. This is the place to visit if you want to spot the big cat. India’s top dwelling for tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park has the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers in the world. The sight of the majestic tiger, up close and personal, is said to trigger a sense of awe in you, of the kinds you would have only experienced in your childhood.
Today you will enjoy the morning and afternoon game drive at the national park. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Morning enjoy the game drive at Bandhavgarh national park. Return to hotel for breakfast and freshen up. Later, proceed to Jabalpur in order to board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, assistance and then transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Rooms are booked till 1200 hours. Later, in time transfer to the airport to catch your onward journey flight.
The Claridges, New Delhi has strived to be the best in business and has been successful in winning accolades of guests and fraternity. The Claridges houses some of the finest restaurants of the city, huge banquet halls, a rejuvenating fitness center, adequately furnished rooms, a pool with cabanas and lush green lawns to make your experience memorable. Comprising of elegantly adorned rooms, The Claridges offers you a plethora of rooms to choose from. Adequately equipped with all the facilities that you could possibly need, these rooms proffer an unconventional blend of the elegant style of architecture and the contemporary modern styles.
The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, the best 5 star hotel in Ranthambhore, offers luxury tented accommodation inspired by the opulent caravans of the royal families. A fine restaurant serving authentic Rajasthani and international cuisine. And spa experiences customised to suit your needs. All accompanied by hospitality that is genuine and sincere. The perfect space to relax and unwind in after a thrilling day spent tiger spotting in the neighbouring jungle.
Laxmi Vilas Palace, offers an amazing blend of Heritage, Royalty & Modern Amenities, close to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary on Agra Jaipur Highway. The heritage hospitality goes beyond the narrowly appointed rooms, period decor, and antique furniture. Enjoy a plush meal acclaimed by national as well as international travellers. The best of creative style is equally distinguished by warmth and personal involvement of our attention to various intangibles that define the rich and varied heritage culture.
The crux of modern ecological awakening is dependent on caring for and getting closer to nature. At WelcomHeritage Tadoba Vanya Villas Resort & Spa, everyone can get closer to an unseen side of Mother Nature. Far away from the oversaturated national parks and forests, the majestic Tadoba Resorts are a gateway to Tadoba National Park, Chandrapur, Maharashtra. This forest is home to the highest number of tigers in central India and deserves a dekko by all nature lovers.
Each spacious bungalow has a 1950s ambience with indoor and outdoor shower options. Pale cream cement screed floors against the contrasting hues of indigo, green and turquoise lend a cool tranquil affect. A life sized portrait of a traditionally attired Indian lady dominates the wall behind the bed. A small alcove forms a perfect reading nook guarded by two forest angels carved in wood. The bedroom opens out into a veranda beyond which is an open wooden deck. A metal vintage toy car sits atop dark wood chest and gives this outdoor space an element of fun. A cushioned swing for two with the teak trees in the background makes for a perfect picture. Follow the stairs to the alluringly beautiful wooden machan (a covered jungle rooftop platform) complete with day bed and an overhead fan. It is a perfect spot to spend the afternoons looking out at treetops and birds. By night it is transformed into a comfortable double bed with a mosquito net for a jungle camping experience albeit with the luxury intact.
Designed with a light footprint to protect the surrounding riverine environment, the 18 tented suites at Banjaar Tola are set on raised platforms. Wide glass doors open onto private decks overlooking the river, offering panoramic views of the wilderness beyond. Pressed bamboo floors and wall panels combine with fabrics in delicate tones of saffron, forest green and earthy cinnamon to create a light and airy feel. A king-sized bed with a multitude of pillows and a couple of lounge beds on the deck offer guests indoor and outdoor lounging options. A cleverly located butler hatch allows butlers to place freshly plunged coffee in the mornings without an intrusion on guest privacy. Selected pieces of Gondi artwork and bell metal figurines from the Chattisgarh region nearby, lend the dwelling a local flavour.
The Mahua Kothi Lodge features 12 cottages, each of which is accessed by a spacious private courtyard with shaded seating and traditional stone floor. Interiors include wooden shutters, hand plastered mud walls washed with lime, roughly hewn wooden rafters and handmade pottery roof tiles. Floors are dressed in the locally sourced ‘Katni’ stone. Large wooden puppets adorn the walls while several small alcoves sport arches with geometric tribal patterns in keeping with local trends. A king-sized bed faces an enormous window overlooking a delightful wooded patch. A wide window seat with mattress covers and bolsters in tones of rust and burnt orange contrast delightfully with the vibrant green outside. Each ensuite bathroom features twin hand basins with vintage brass tap fittings placed in front of a glass window covering most of the wall.
Journey to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
