Basic travel information
An enjoyable tour showcases the best of gorgeous India in a comfortable setting.
On the way, we explore the quieter and smaller travel destinations outside of major cities in North India. Rajasthan’s picturesque countryside and its colorful and hospitable culture lead to the fine safari landscapes of Indian national parks as well as fascinating historical monuments.
The itinerary includes tiger and leopard workshops in Ranthambhore and Sariska National Parks, gavials and scissors of the Chambal River, and the Keoladeo wetland, famous for its birds. Animal density in the regions compares to African national parks. Rajasthan’s rural areas also offer authentic local life. On the way to the old palaces and fortresses, we stay in restored heritage-style hotels with time to enjoy the historic atmosphere.
MINIMUM GROUP SIZE 2 people
Itinerary
DAY 1 – DELHI – SARISKA
Arrival in Delhi. Transfer from the airport (or hotel if you want to spend time in Delhi before the itinerary) to the south, away from the metropolitan area of Delhi to the state of Rajasthan and to the Sariska National Park in the Aravalli Hills south of Delhi, where we stay. Sariska National Park is a former private hunting area in Alwar Maharaja, now known as one of India’s tiger parks – though seeing a tiger here is less likely here than at our next destination in Ranthambore. Afternoon free time to explore the surroundings or just enjoy the hotel services. (I)
ACCOMMODATION IN
SARISKA PALACE OR SIMILAR
DAY 2 – SARISKA NATIONAL PARK – RANTHAMBHORE
We do an early morning safari ride in the Sariska National Park in jeeps, observing typical animal species in the dry forests of North India such as various deer, antelopes, monkeys, wild boars and of course numerous bird species. With good luck, we might come across a tiger or a leopard here as well. We will return to the hotel for a late breakfast. We continue our journey south from Sariska towards perhaps India’s most famous national park, Ranthambhore, also known from the Kipling jungle book. We stay at Sawai Madhopur next to the national park. (OH)
ACCOMMODATION IN
NAHARGARH RANTHAMBHORE OR SIMILAR
DAY 3 – RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK
We do morning and afternoon safari rides in jeeps in the National Park area. Ranthambhore National Park, known for its tigers, is also home to numerous other species of animals and birds, well seen from safari vehicles. In the area of the national park you can also admire old ruins. Between safaris, during the hottest time of the day, we enjoy lunch at the hotel and can relax by the hotel’s pool. (UNDER)
ACCOMMODATION IN
NAHARGARH RANTHAMBHORE OR SIMILAR
DAY 4 – RANTHAMBHORE – KARAULI
After breakfast, we say goodbye to Ranthambhore and drive east to the city of Karaul, which for 600 years served as the capital of the independent kingdom of Karaul. In the afternoon we will explore the interesting historical sights of the peaceful city, such as the former Maharaja’s palace and old town, as well as the temples. (OH)
ACCOMMODATION IN
BHANWAR VILLAS PALACE OR SIMILAR
DAY 5 – KARAULI – DHOLPUR
After breakfast, we will still visit our hotel’s own garden and dairy before being transported to the southeast corner of Rajasthan, the city of Dholpur, where we will stay for the next two nights. (OH)
ACCOMMODATION AT
RAJ NIWAS PALACE OR SIMILAR
DAY 6 – DHOLPUR & CHAMBAL RIVER
After breakfast, we head south to the city of Dholpur, where the Chambal, a tributary of the mighty Ganges, forms the natural border between the states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. We take a boat trip on the protected section of the river, which is inhabited by e.g. gavials, rare ganges dolphins, Indian saxons and numerous other bird species. In the afternoon, we will explore the ravines of the area, in the mazes of which the border guards used to hide, as well as the historical sights around Dholpur. (OH)
ACCOMMODATION AT
RAJ NIWAS PALACE OR SIMILAR
DAY 7 – BHARATPUR & KEOLADEO GHANA
After breakfast, about 1.5 hours drive north to the small town of Bharatpur, known above all for Keoladeo Ghana National Park. The Keoladeo Ghana Wetland is a former private hunting ground in Bharatpur Maharaja and is now a world-famous natural site on the UNESCO World Heritage List, especially popular with those interested in birds. It is at its best during the winter season, when the wetland is inhabited by numerous wintering migratory birds. In addition to about 370 species of birds, in a small park area you can see e.g. deer antlers and ankle antelopes. In the afternoon we take a trip in the national park on a bicycle rickshaw. (OH)
ACCOMMODATION IN
LAXMI VILLAS PALACE OR SIMILAR
DAY 8 – DELHI
After breakfast about 4 hours drive to Delhi where we will stay for the last night of the trip. Afternoon free time in Delhi for shopping, for example. (A)
ACCOMMODATION IN
VIVANTA BY TAJ OR SIMILAR
DAY 9 – RETURN
Transfer to Delhi Airport. (A)
MEALS: [A] BREAKFAST [L] LUNCH [I] DINNER
