India's Sacred Wild

Today, depart for Delhi, India. Upon arrival in Delhi, you’ll be greeted with a traditional garland welcome at the airport. Our friendly representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel in a private, chauffeur-driven vehicle. As you check-in and receive your room keys, our representative will provide you with a “Welcome Folder” containing essential tour documents and give you a brief overview of your exciting journey ahead.

Delhi, the bustling capital of India, serves as a vibrant gateway to the country. Steeped in over 3,000 years of history, Delhi is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern advancements. Known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse architecture, the city has witnessed the rise of seven different cities, each contributing to its unique character. As the seat of political power, Delhi is home to key government figures, including the Prime Minister and President. From ancient markets to contemporary districts, Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents at least 6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Delhi Hotel (Standard or Premium option)

Meals included: In-Flight

After breakfast, embark on a guided city tour exploring both the old-world charm and modern vibrancy of Delhi. Begin with a visit to Chandni Chowk, the bustling main street of Old Delhi, famous for its colourful bazaars and lively atmosphere. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through its narrow lanes, taking in the sights and sounds of this historic marketplace. Continue with a drive past Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and the imposing Red Fort, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

Next, visit Raj Ghat, the serene memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, before heading to New Delhi. Stop at the Laxmi Narayan Temple, a beautiful shrine dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Marvel at the towering India Gate, a 42-metre high war memorial honouring over 70.000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Conclude your tour with a drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, the grand official residence of the President of India, an architectural masterpiece blending Mughal and Western styles.

After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure or take an optional tour through some must see UNESCO world heritage sites.

Optional Activity: UNESCO World Heritage Site Exploration
India boasts an impressive 43 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and today you have the chance to visit two of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks. Begin with a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent example of early Mughal architecture. Set amidst beautifully manicured lawns and tranquil fountains, this grand structure was built to house the remains of Emperor Humayun.

Next, head to the towering Qutub Minar, a 72.5-metre-tall victory tower with five distinct storeys. Constructed in 1193 by Qutb ud-din Aibak, it stands as the world’s tallest brick minaret. Admire the intricate Quranic inscriptions carved into the red sandstone walls, showcasing the stunning craftsmanship of the time.

This optional tour includes transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees to both sites.

Overnight: Delhi Hotel (Standard or Premium option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart by road to Agra (approximately a 235-Kilometre drive), the quintessential Mughal city renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take a moment to settle in.
Agra is forever linked with the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, a symbol of love, beauty and sacrifice, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city has earned the title "City of the Taj" as visitors from around the globe are captivated by its timeless charm. As you stroll through the bustling streets of Agra, you may find yourself imagining the lives of those from the Mughal era, their presence still lingering in the air.

Later in the day, visit the magnificent Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort, a fascinating site steeped in history. The fort’s impressive architecture reflects a blend of Persian, European, and Indian styles, creating a unique "Shahjahani" aesthetic rich in detail and colour. Once adorned with treasures like the famous Kohinoor diamond, Agra Fort offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the fort’s stunning design also influenced the later architecture and garden layouts of Delhi.

Optional Activity: Visit Baby Taj and Mehtab Bagh
Enhance your Agra experience with a visit to the exquisite mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daulah, affectionately known as the "Baby Taj." This intricately carved marble monument, built before the Taj Mahal, is often regarded as its architectural precursor and boasts stunning craftsmanship.

Continue to the serene Mehtab Bagh, also known as the Moonlight Garden. This peaceful spot offers breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal, especially at sunset, when the soft light reflects off the iconic monument, creating an unforgettable scene.

This optional tour includes transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees.

Overnight: Agra Hotel (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Begin your day with an early morning visit to the majestic Taj Mahal, arriving just after sunrise around 06:00. Alternatively, you may choose to visit after breakfast at approximately 09:00. Witness the breathtaking beauty of this world-renowned monument, as the soft morning light enhances the white marble's glow, creating a truly magical experience. Your tour includes entry to the breathtaking central mausoleum.

The Taj Mahal is a stunning blend of Persian and earlier Mughal architectural traditions. While earlier Mughal structures were primarily built with red sandstone, Emperor Shah Jahan revolutionised this style by using gleaming white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. Built as a tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and took over a decade to complete, with the main mausoleum finished in 1643 and the surrounding complex completed five years later.

After your visit, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure in Agra, or join an both optional activities (both can be booked).

Optional Activity: Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur
In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing excursion to the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible variety of bird species. Enjoy a peaceful rickshaw ride through the sanctuary as you take in the sights and sounds of nature, with opportunities to spot both native and migratory birds in their natural habitat.

This optional tour includes transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, a rickshaw ride, and entrance fees.

Optional Activity: Food Trail Tour
Immerse yourself in the local culture with an afternoon heritage walk through Agra’s hidden lanes and bustling markets. Explore the city's vibrant street food scene and meet the vendors behind some of its most famous snacks. Sample delicious traditional treats such as paratha and chaat, and enjoy one of the best cups of chai served in a traditional clay cup.
Indulge in Agra’s renowned sweet, petha, originally crafted over 350 years ago in the royal kitchens of Shah Jahan. This sugary white pumpkin delicacy comes in a variety of flavours, reflecting the city's evolving tastes.

This optional tour includes transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, a selection of snacks, and chai.

Overnight: Agra Hotel (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

In the morning, transfer to the railway station to board your high-speed train for Khajuraho. The Vande Bharat Express is one of the fastest high-speed trains in India (travel time is around 6 hours and 35 minutes). Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist with your transfer to the hotel via private transport and help with check-in.

Khajuraho is renowned for its extraordinary temples, dedicated to deities such as Shiva, Vishnu and Jagadamba. These ancient temples, celebrated for their intricate sculptural art, are over a thousand years old. Khajuraho is particularly famous for its erotic carvings, which have drawn visitors from across the globe. Of the 85 original temples, only 20 have survived, preserved as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite enduring centuries of warfare and the forces of nature, these architectural wonders remain standing and continue to attract tourists from all over the world. Beyond its temples, Khajuraho is also known for its annual dance festival, which celebrates the region’s artistic heritage.

In the afternoon, embark on a city tour starting with the Western Group of Temples. Located near the Government of India Tourist Office, this complex consists of 14 remarkable temples, including Chausath Yogini, Lalguan Mahadev, Parvati, Varaha, Matangesvara, Lakshmana, Vishwanath, Nandi, Chitragupta, Devi Jagdamba and Kandariya Mahadev temples. Continue to the Eastern Group of Temples, located 2.4 Km from the Tourist Office, featuring seven temples—four Jain temples (Parswanath, Adinath, Shantinath, and Ghantai) and three Hindu temples (Vamana, Javari and Brahma).

Overnight: Khajuraho (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, today is either a full day at leisure or you may choose one, or both of the optional tours for the day.

Optional Activity: Raneh Falls with Lunch
Embark on a morning excursion to Raneh Falls, located 20 kilometres from Khajuraho along the Ken River. This picturesque spot, surrounded by lush forest, offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts. The falls are renowned for their striking multi-colored rocks —green, red, pink, and grey— that glisten in the sunlight, creating a stunning visual display.

Optional Activity: Panna Tiger Reserve Safari
In the afternoon, explore the Panna Tiger Reserve, a diverse national park teeming with wildlife. Home to a variety of animals including tigers, leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, nilgai, and chital, as well as over 200 species of birds, this reserve offers a thrilling safari experience. Enjoy a comfortable jeep ride through the sanctuary.

Overnight: Khajuraho (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart by road for Bandhavgarh (approximately 260 kilometres). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to settle in.

Bandhavgarh National Park, nestled in the Vindhya Mountain range of Central India, is renowned for its rich wildlife. Although smaller than Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh boasts a comparable number of tigers and leopards, making it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts. In addition to these majestic predators, the park is known for its thriving populations of medium-sized bison herds.

Overnight: Bandhavgarh (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, set out for a thrilling wildlife safari in Bandhavgarh National Park. Renowned for having a high density of tigers among all Indian reserves, Bandhavgarh offers a remarkable wildlife experience within its compact area. The park is historically significant as the original home of the white (albino) tiger, though sadly this rare species is no longer found here. In addition to tigers, Bandhavgarh is known for its diverse wildlife, including sloth bears, sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), muntjac, nilgai (blue bull), chinkara, and wild pigs. Enjoy the opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Optional Activity: Afternoon Safari Bandhavgarh
If the morning safari wasn't enough, you may take a further afternoon safari out into Bandhavgarh National Park. Because of the different time of day, you may have opportunities to see animals that you may not have seen in the morning.

Overnight: Bandhavgarh (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, depart by road for Kanha National Park (approximately 215 kilometres). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and settle in.

Kanha National Park stands as one of India’s most captivating natural destinations. Renowned for its picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife and lush flora, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Kanha is famously known as the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s beloved classic, The Jungle Book. The park’s enchanting scenery, with its expansive grassy meadows, dense forests, and vibrant birdlife, evokes the same sense of wonder described in the book. As you observe the swamp deer, sambar, and chital grazing peacefully, you’ll find yourself immersed in the timeless beauty of this remarkable sanctuary.

Overnight: Kanha (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, embark on a wildlife safari in Kanha National Park. This renowned park is home to approximately 22 species of mammals, 200 species of birds and a variety of reptiles, as well as an array of grasses and orchids. Kanha offers an immersive experience in the lap of nature, where you can appreciate the park’s rich biodiversity.

The park is particularly famous for its tiger sightings, and you’ll have the opportunity to observe these majestic predators in their natural habitat, along with other fascinating wildlife.

Optional Activity: Afternoon Safari Kanha
If the morning safari wasn't enough, you may take a further afternoon safari out into Kanha National Park. Because of the different time of day, you may have opportunities to see animals that you may not have seen in the morning.

Overnight: Kanha (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Nagpur Airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our representative, who will assist with your transfer to the hotel via private transport and help with check-in.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore Delhi on your own or relax at your leisure.

Overnight: Delhi Hotel (Standard or Premium option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport to board your flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Please note: Some flights may depart early in the morning the following day (Day 13). In these circumstances, customers are still required to be at the airport in the evening of Day 12.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some customers may arrive +1 day.

Meals included: None