Tigers In Focus

Day 1
Flights usually depart London in the evening.

Day 2
For those who are on the group flights we land in Delhi in the morning. Those not on the group flights will need to be at the start hotel by 9am (or at the airport when the group lands). Once everyone has arrived we will then depart for Agra.

Day 3
No stay in Agra would of course be complete without a visit to the beautiful white marble Taj Mahal, built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun during the day. During the morning we will visit this magnificent monument and also visit the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, third of the Moghul Emperors, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. This afternoon is left free for individual sightseeing. In the evening we will catch the overnight train to Katni. Sleeper Train

Day 4
We arrive in Katni in the morning and transfer to Bhandavgarh National Park. The driving time will be approximately 3 hours. In the afternoon there may be time for a game drive (optional). The evening will be free for dinner and time to relax before an early start the next morning.

Day 5 - 8
At only 437 sq. km. Bandhavgarh is one of the smaller and least-visited National Parks and enjoys an impressive setting with a stunning cliff-top fort overlooking grasslands, birch forests and bamboo that provide cover for the plentiful indigenous wildlife. In common with many other parks, Bandhavgarh is home to a wide variety of game including leopard, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital, wild pig and of course tiger. The healthy population of approximately 60-70 animals means that this Park has the highest tiger density of any of India's reserves. Game drives in Bandhavgarh are undertaken by jeep. Aside from the game and the tigers, the Park also plays host to up to 150 species of birds including many on the migratory trail, such as the Steepe Eagle. During our stay in this beautiful rugged National Park the itinerary includes 8 games drives (We will always endeavour to provide 4 game drives through Tala gate and 4 game drives through Magdhi gate). We will also visit the Exodus Bhandavgarh School Project during our stay.

Day 9
After an optional game drive in the morning we will set off for Katni Railway Station: this drive is approximately 3 hours. We will stop for refreshments, conveniences and any photo opportunities along the way. In the evening we will catch the overnight train to Delhi. Sleeper Train

Day 10
We arrive in Delhi during the morning where we will transfer to our hotel. Today you are free to relax, explore the sites of New and Old Delhi (an optional sightseeing trip will be organised if you wish) or you can do some last minute shopping!

Day 11
Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for the airport this morning for the daytime flight back to London; Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel.