DESCRIPTION:

Experience wild India at its best! Visit three of the best wildlife destinations throughout India, as well as Old and New Delhi, the Khajuraho temples, and the holy city of Varnasi, for a comprehensive natural and cultural experience. Throughout this adventure, view natural India by elephant-back, jeep, foot, boat, and cycle-rickshaw to maximize chances for animal and bird sightings.

Drive through rural India to arrive at the first park. Its lush forests, meadows and ravines provided inspiration to Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. The largest wildlife sanctuary in Asia, this park was one of the first Project Tiger reserves in India and is home to tiger, leopard, wolf, jackal, sloth bear, macaque, wild dog, and a stunning spectrum of birds. On jungle safaris in open 4x4 vehicles, watch for shy creatures hiding in the grasses and listen to the vibrant sounds of nature – mating calls, alarms, even casual roars. Walks can also be arranged, as well as visiting local villages. Overnight in an environmentally friendly lodge with all modern comforts.

Embark on a lengthy but thrilling drive to the next National Park, a wildlife retreat where history and nature meet. Set amidst the Vindhyan Mountains, it is home to the famous white tigers of Rewa, including the legendary Mohan, who reportedly has offspring in zoos around the world. The park was once a hunting reserve for Rewa’s royal family, and an alarming number of tigers were killed in imperial times. This park boasts the highest density of tigers in India. Other wildlife includes nilgai, chital, chinkara, gaur, sloth bear, dhole, wild boar and 250 species of birds. Overnight in a lodge set amid a sprawling estate of 12 acres surrounded by sal forest hills.

Fly to Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world dating back 3,500 years and one of the seven sacred cities of Hindu, home to the holy shrine of Lord Kashi Vishwanath and one of only 12 shrines in India to Lord Shiva. Watch the Hindu ritual of Aarti performed at sundown. Next day, start your day with a boat ride on one of the most sacred sites – the holy river Ganges. Witness the faithful wash away their sins and view the cremation sites. Hindus believe that bathing in the river will remit their sins, and that dying in the city circumvents rebirth – cremation ceremonies along the river are numerous. Later, visit Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon about enlightenment and tread in his footsteps while taking a stroll in Deer Park. See various beautiful temples and pass by old-world shops filled with exquisite handmade silks.

Drive to northern-most Madhya Pradesh province and tour the eastern group of the famed Khajuraho Temples. These enchanting structures, now a World Heritage Site, are considered the high point of medieval Indian architecture and offer a fascinating insight into the country’s spirituality. Each shrine is dedicated to a Hindu deity or the Jaina pantheon, and all celebrate the sublime beauty of everyday life. Be inspired by the complex spires, erotic imagery and intricately carved sculptures depicting ordinary villagers – farmers, musicians, women applying make-up, etc. Overnight in a tranquil haven nestled amidst eleven acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.

CONSIDER:

This is a view of India that few Americans see. Of course, the trip can be shortened. As with many special natural history destinations, their remote location is key to their pristine condition. In order to see a variety of wildlife in their indigenous eco systems, long drives and a few flights are necessary. These drives are a wonderful opportunity to observe the beautiful Indian countryside, its villages and farms, and everyday life.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and onto the "Pink City" of Jaipur.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL:

Best during winter – October through March. During this time, there’s hardly ever any rain, and the days are warm – not hot – while the evenings are cool.