Tigers, Temples and Distant Palaces of Central India

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the Emirates flight to Dubai. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Kolkata

On arrival in Dubai, connect onto the Emirates flight to Kolkata. Kolkata is the heart of Eastern India and is often described as the 'soul of India'. One of the forward-thinking capitals of India, the city is home to several architectural landmarks—many of which date from the period of the British Raj. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel. (N)
Accommodation in Kolkata: The Elgin Fairlawn
Upgrade option: Oberoi Grand Hotel

Days 3 & 4 Kolkata

Spend the next two days exploring Kolkata with your guide. During your tour you will visit the silver-domed General Post Office, St John's Church, the Writers Building and South Park Cemetery. Take a trip to the Indian Museum, India's largest museum with magnificent collections and later visit the wonderful white marble Victoria Memorial. Constructed in 1921, today it holds a treasure trove of Raj relics. (B)
Accommodation in Kolkata: The Elgin Fairlawn
Upgrade option: Oberoi Grand Hotel

Day 5 Kolkata to Raipur – by air

Fly to Raipur this morning. Raipur is the state capital of Chhattisgarh which is one of the least populated and urbanized regions of the Indian peninsula. Predominately rural, Chhattisgarh's infrastructure is limited and the tourism industry in its infancy. A fertile region of farmland and swathes of untouched forest, Chhattisgarh also has a wealth of mineral deposits and a strong tribal culture. (B)
Accommodation in Raipur: VW Canyon Hotel

Day 6 Raipur to Kanker – 140kms

Leaving Raipur, drive to Kanker this morning. Built by the British in the early 20th century, Kanker combines its colonial heritage with over seven-hundred years of Indian royal history. The charming accommodation is located in one wing of the palace and the host during your stay is owner Maharajkumar Surya Pratap Deo, a descendant of the ruling Chandravansh family. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Kanker: Kanker Palace

Days 7 & 8 Kanker

Over the next two days explore Kanker and the surrounding countryside with your hosts. Nestled alongside a bend of the Dudh River, this pretty town with its fine colonial buildings and bustling market-place is set in the heart of a region inhabited by the Gond, Muria, Maria and Halba tribes. A focal point for the local tribal groups, Kanker is where many come to sell their wares and, as such, is the perfect base from which to experience their unique society and customs which underpin their traditional way of life. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Kanker: Kanker Palace

Day 9 Kanker to Kanha – 360kms

Leaving Kanker drive via the 1930s Kawardha Palace to Kanha National Park. One of India's most scenic reserves, Kanha's landscape is characterised by deciduous hardwood forest, bamboo and rolling grassland and it is this varied environment which has contributed to the wide range of wildlife and birdlife which call the park home. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Kanha: Shergarh
Upgrade option: Taj Banjaar Tola

Days 10 & 11 Kanha

Set within a section of the Satpura Range, over the next two days explore the park on morning and evening safaris. Kanha is home to tiger, bison, leopard, jackal, wild boar, sambar, Indian swamp deer and blackbuck as well as a rich variety of birdlife where over 230 different species have now been recorded. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Kanha: Shergarh
Upgrade option: Taj Banjaar Tola

Day 12 Kanha to Bandhavgarh – 280kms

After breakfast leave Kanha and continue by road to Bandhavgarh National Park. Bandhavgarh is a beautiful reserve set within the heart of the Vindhyachal mountain range. Predominately sal and mixed forest, there are also areas of meadow and grassland as well as numerous small streams that flow through the park. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Bandhavgarh: Kings Lodge
Upgrade option: Samode Safari Lodge
Alternative upgrade option: Taj Mahua Kothi

Days 13 & 14 Bandhavgarh

Over the next two days explore the reserve in the company of an expert naturalist. Bandhavgarh has one of the highest densities of tiger, leopard, sloth bear, sambar, chital, barking deer, gaur and nilgai in India. The park is also home to rich and varied birdlife with hornbill, crested serpent eagle, partridge, variable hawk eagle and parakeet among the many different species it is possible to see. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Bandhavgarh: Kings Lodge
Upgrade option: Samode Safari Lodge
Alternative upgrade option: Taj Mahua Kothi

Day 15 Bandhavgarh to Khajuraho – 270kms

After an early morning safari drive leave Bandhavgarh and begin your journey through the Madhya Pradesh country to the temple town of Khajuraho. (B)

Accommodation in Khajuraho: The LaLiT Temple View

Day 16 Khajuraho

The temples of Khajuraho are among the most famous in India and fully justify their billing. Over the course of the 11th and 12th centuries the Chandela dynasty created the most sublime examples of erotic sculpture in India, if not the world. An exceptionally well maintained UNESCO World Heritage Site, spend a full day in the company of a guide exploring the different temples and marvelling at their astonishing beauty. (B)
Accommodation in Khajuraho: The LaLiT Temple View

Day 17 Khajuraho to Varanasi – by air

Today transfer to Khajuraho Airport to catch the onward flight to the sacred city of Varanasi. Located on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is one of the oldest surviving cities in the world. Few places compare to Varanasi making any visit here a highlight of the country. In the evening travel to colourful ghats to watch the evening aarti rituals take place. (B)
Accommodation in Varanasi: Ramada Plaza JHV Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Suryauday Haveli
Alternative upgrade option: Taj Nadesar Palace

Day 18 Varanasi

Early this morning view a spectacular sunrise over the Ganges and witness the pilgrims who gather to perform their religious rituals during a ride on a small rowing boat - a magical experience. Later that morning take a guided walk through the heart of the old city and in the afternoon visit the evocative ruined city of Sarnath where Buddha first preached his message of enlightenment over 2,500 years ago. (B)
Accommodation in Varanasi: Ramada Plaza JHV Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Suryauday Haveli
Alternative upgrade option: Taj Nadesar Palace

Day 19 Varanasi to Delhi – by air

Today transfer to Varanasi Airport in good time to catch the afternoon flight to Delhi. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation which is ideally located close to the international airport and where you will stay overnight. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Radisson Blu Airport Hotel (or similar)

Day 20 Delhi to the UK

Today transfer back to Delhi Airport to catch the Emirates flight to Dubai. On your arrival connect onto the onwards Emirates flight to the UK. (B)

Tigers, Temples and Distant Palaces of Central India

20 days from £5465 per person

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS

Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £5465 per person

Itinerary: Tigers, Temples and Distant Palaces of Central India

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

What To Do Next?

SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL SPECIALISTS TO START PLANNING YOUR TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY