Essence of India: Temples, Tigers, and Natural Wonders

Depart the U.S. and fly to India.

Arrive into Delhi, the capital of India. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Please note that this is an arrival day, no activities or meals are included. Dates to travel on this program are from October to April.

After breakfast is program orientation then spend a full day exploring the walled city called Old Delhi and the cosmopolitan New Delhi. Old Delhi pulses with energy and color; the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars is laced by a maze of narrow lanes that twist and turn between tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds, and aromas of the Indian subcontinent. Visit Jama Masjid, with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes, and have the unique opportunity to enjoy a rickshaw ride. In the afternoon explore New Delhi, a city of wide boulevards offering changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India designed by Sir Edwin Lutyen, and India Gate. Also visit Qutab Minar, the 240-foot tower dating back to the 13th century, and Humayun's Tomb, built in the 16th century and architecturally the forerunner of the Taj Mahal.

After breakfast drive to Jaipur (5-6 hrs). Jaipur, the capital city of the state of Rajasthan, also known as the "Pink City," owes its name, its foundation, and its planning to the great warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city sits on a dry lakebed in a wild and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenellated walls. Upon arrival, have the remainder of the day free for leisure activities or go for a walking tour of the bazaar. Stroll through the labyrinth of colorful alleys where artisans make puppets, bangles, and other local handicrafts. The streets are redolent of spices-turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and more.

After breakfast leave for the outskirts of Jaipur to walk through the grounds and structures of the Amber Fort. Originally constructed by a tribe called the Meenas and dedicated to "Amba" or the "Mother Goddess," it was built over the remains of an earlier structure. The present palace complex was commenced in 1592 under the reign of Raja Man Singh, commander of Akbar's army and a member of the emperor's inner circle of nine courtiers. The fort was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Maharaja (a great or high king) Jai Singh II. Have the choice of reaching the fort either on foot or by jeep. The short, steep ascent provides views of Jaipur, Maotha Lake, and the original city walls. One of the fort's most striking features is the Hall of Mirrors. When the palace was occupied by royalty, the hall could be lit at night by a single candle reflected in thousands of tiny, intricate mirrors. After lunch visit Jantar Mantar, an open-air astronomical observatory. Then stop for a photo at the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds" facade, behind which the ladies of the court could watch the busy activities in the street below without being seen. Jaipur's main focus is the huge City Palace complex, home to the Maharaja, as well as numerous rooms, formal gardens and the fascinating Maharaja's Museum containing his personal collection of weaponry, miniature paintings, royal attire, and jewelry.

After breakfast drive to Agra. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city. Emperor Akbar built it as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharata as Agraban and was established by Badal Singh in 1475 AD. Sikandar Lodi made Agra his capital but was defeated by Babur. Babur not only captured Agra but also laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire. In the mid-16th century and earlier 17th century AD, Agra witnessed frenzied building activity, and it was during this time the Taj Mahal was built as a symbol of love. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. In the afternoon visit Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden).

This morning visit the Taj Mahal by sunrise. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design, balance, and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens, and renowned inlay work. (Note: Closed on Fridays.) After your visit, return to the hotel and relax until your flight to Khajuraho. Khajuraho is well-known for its magnificent temples, which were built between 950 and 1050 AD. Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (date palm), which can be found in abundance in the area. The divine sculptures in these temples are a tribute to life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it. The murals depict the life and times of the Chandelas and celebrate the erotic state of being. They not only testify to the mastery of the craftsman, but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose reign these temples were constructed.

This morning tour the Jain and Hindu temples, know as Kamasutra Temples in the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. Intricate stone sculptures exhibits images of gods and goddesses, celestial maidens and dancers, animals and musicians, many in the act of courtship. Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve this collective glorification of life, love, and joy, which reflect the spirit of creativity and human relationships of the Chandela period. Have lunch then drive to Bandhavgarh, approximately 5 hours, passing through the villages and countryside of Madhya Pradesh. Upon arrival, check in at the lodge. Bandhavgarh National Park is set among the Vindhya Hills in Madhya Pradesh, and consists of 168 square miles of mixed forest of sal, bamboo, grassland, and a complex of deciduous forests. There are at least 150 species of birds in the park, along with mammals such as tigers, sloth bears, langur monkeys, wild boar, mongoose, and three kinds of deer-chital, sambar, and barking.

As soon as dawn breaks, leave for your jungle safari, accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest park guides in 4x4 Jeeps. Return to the lodge for lunch and then have a second visit to the park. Please note: India's famous tiger parks are quite popular and therefore visits are tightly controlled. Park is closed Wednesday afternoons. Upon arrival at the park gate, vehicles are assigned a prescribed route whether or not tigers have been seen on this track recently. The vehicles may only go forward, which can present a problem if a tiger appears out of photo range behind the vehicle. To ensure the best viewing and photo opportunities, there is an optional upgrade to a "Golden Permit," which allows entry into the park 15 minutes earlier than regular permit, access to all zones without any time restrictions, and allows 15 additional minutes in the park at the end of the day. The additional cost of the permit is per vehicle per day. Return to lodge for evening tea and free time to relax.

Continue with another early morning jungle safari by 4x4 Jeep. Return to the lodge for evening tea and the rest of your time free to relax.

Embark on an early morning jungle safari, then drive approximately 7 hours to Kanha. The drive is through rural countryside and colorful towns and villages. Stop in the sleepy town of Mandla (sacred city for Gond tribes) where the Narmada River, second holiest to the Ganges, is the center of activity. Break up the long drive with a picnic lunch before arriving at the lodge. Kanha National Park, set on the Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Madhya Pradesh, provides breathtaking vistas of grassy plains and strands of sal forests. This 366-square-mile preserve was created to save two endangered species, the tiger and the barasingha. The park offers a variety of species including tigers and leopards, cheetah, gaur, barking deer, sambhar deer, and the endangered barasingha deer.

This morning wake up to a misty morning and sounds of birds calling. As soon as dawn breaks, set out on a jungle safari accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest park guides in 4x4 Jeeps. Explore the area's abundant nature and enjoy a picnic breakfast. Spend the remainder of the morning at leisure or go for a nature walk, visit a nearby village/school, or watch a cooking demonstration. Have lunch at the lodge. This afternoon there is a second safari by 4x4 open Jeep. Return to the lodge for evening tea and free time for stargazing. Please note: Park is closed Wednesday afternoons.

Today explore the park's jungle again, with the afternoon at leisure. In the evening enjoy a screening of the "Tigerland" documentary.

After one last morning game drive into the park, depart for Jabalpur. After lunch, proceed to Jabalpur airport and board the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to the hotel for time to freshen up before returning to the international terminal and boarding your flight back home.

Arrive home.