BIG FIVE INDIA

Arrive Delhi. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

DELHI - It is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

On arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel

Transfer to Delhi airport to connect flight for Guwahati

Upon arrival at Guwahati airport, drive to Kaziranga

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK - It is located in East India in the state of Assam. Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it is home to  two thirds of the world's One horned Rhinoceroses and is the oldest National Park of Assam. The Park houses the highest density of tigers among the protected areas in the world and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006. Other animals spotted here are elephants, water buffalo, swamp deer, Indian Gray Mongoose, Leopard, Large Indian Civet, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Golden Jackal, Chinese Ferret Badgers and many more. The topography of the Park consists of dense forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes and pools. The Park houses around 546 species of flora.

Note: The Park remains open from 1st Nov to 30 April every year

Overnight at the hotel

Full day game drive inside the park with 01 Elephant Safari and 02 jeep Safaris

Timing (Kaziranga NP)

Elephant Safari - approx 45 mins duration

05.30 to 06.30

06.30 to 07.30

Jeep Safari

Forenoon: Entry time between 07:00 to 09:30 Hours. Visiting time till 12:00 Noon

Afternoon: Entry time between 13:30 to 15:00 Hours.  Visiting time till sunset

Overnight at the hotel

Transfer from Kaziranga to Jorhat airport to connect flight for Kolkata

KOLKATA - The word Kolkata derives from the Bengali term Kolikata, Kolkata has long been known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage. As the former capital of India, Kolkata was the birthplace of modern Indian literary, artistic and scholastic thought. The people of Kolkata tend to have a special appreciation for art and literature; its tradition of welcoming new talent has made it a "city of furious creative energy". For these reasons, Kolkata has often been dubbed as the Cultural Capital of India or the Literary Capital of India.

On arrival at Kolkata airport, transfer to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel

Morning enjoy visit of Kolkata including following:

Kalighat Temple

The Kalighat Temple, situated on the banks of river Hoogly is about 200 years old. Kalighat is regarded as one of the 52 Shakti Peethams of India, where the various parts of Sati's body are said to have fallen, in the course of Shiva's Rudra Tandava. Kalighat represents the site where the toes of the right foot of Shakti or Sati fell.

Victoria Memorial

A splendid architectural structure was built in the early 20th Century in memory of Queen Victoria by Lord Curzon between 1906 and 1921 and was formally inaugurated by the Prince of Wales. The Victoria Memorial blends the best of the British and Mughal architecture. It is interesting to note that the Victoria Memorial was built without British government funds. Today it is a museum having an assortment of Victoria memorabilia, British Raj paintings and other displays. At present it has notable collection of weapons, sculptors, paintings, maps, coins, stamps, artifacts, textiles etc. It is closed on Mondays.

After sightseeing transfer to Kolkata airport to connect flight for Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD - The city of Ahmed Shah (Medieval ruler of Gujarat), it is widely known for its rich past and its association with the Mahatma (Great Soul), also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The city offers the traveler a unique style of architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles (Indo-Saracenic style of architecture). The monuments of Ahmedabad mainly date back to the 15th century. Ahmedabad has been known for its industry since medieval times. Presently it is famous for its textile mills and is often referred to as the 'Manchester of the East'.

On arrival at Ahmedabad airport and enjoy visit the Jumma Masjid: 

Jumma Masjid

Prettily placed in the heart of the old city, Juma Masjid displays a perfect balancing of Hindu and Muslim style of architectural designs. This shrine is built in the year 1423, during the reign of Sultan Ahmed Shah. Built in by yellow sandstone, the masjid takes the attention of the beholder with its sheer beauty. Most fascinating structure inside the shrine is its western chamber, which contains 260 pillars with fine carvings. These pillars are the supporting stems of 15 domes that situates in various levels.

After visit transfer to hotel

Overnight at the hotel

Morning enjoy the visit of followings:

Calico‘Museum*, an attractive old haveli in the Shahi Bagh Gardens botanically interesting, a store‑house with a rich collection of brocades, fine embroideries, saris, rare carpets, curtains, turbans, Maharajah"s costumes and royal Mughal tents. It illustrates weaving techniques. Fabric paintings "Pad" and worth seeing antiques, interesting old and modern textiles. (*Visit to Calico Museum: Please note that at a time they only allow 30 visitors. It opens at 1030 hrs and it would be better that the guests arrives there well in time in order to visit the same. The visit to Calico Museum is based on first come first serve basis. (It remains closed on Wednesdays and on public holidays.)

Sabarmati Ashram

A name synonymous with the historic freedom struggle of India, Sabarmati Ashram on the banks of Sabarmati River is a familiar term to each house hold in India. As the residence of Gandhiji, this Ashram had played a key role; he had sowed the seeds of non violence from this Ashram. The light and sound show in the ashram gives a clear and in depth knowledge about Gandhiji’s life. Its museum wing displays some of the original letters written by Gandiji and the photo archive depicts important moments and achievements in Gandhiji’s life. Visiting the museum is just like going through the historic era of India’s freedom struggle.

After visit drive to Bhavnagar

BHAVNAGAR- Named after its founder and ruler, Bhavsinhji Gohil, Bhavnagar was founded in 1723.The place of several lakes and temples, Bhavnagar lies in the southeast corner of the peninsular region of Gujarat known as Kathiawad or Saurashtra. The Gulf of Cambay and the Arabian Sea wet its shores. Bhavnagar has a rich history of traditions, trade and culture. It was a major port from 1743, and its commercial importance led to close interactions with countries like Africa, Mozambique, Zanzibar  and Persia. It was ruled by the Gohil Rajput clan and was the capital of Bhavnagar State, the first princely state to join independent India in 1948.

On arrival in Bhavnagar, transfer to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast drive to Sasangir, en-route visit Palitana.

Palitana

It is one of the most important pilgrimage centers for believers of Jainism in the country. Jains believe that many of their spiritual leaders attained salvation at this place. There are many temples that are located in the place in a hill called the Shatrunjaya. In total there are around 1300 temples and many are made from marble with exquisite carvings and sculptors. The temples on the hill have been built over a period of 900 years by various generations of Jains and construction was first started in the 11th century. One has to climb a total of 3800 steps that have been cut out of the rock to reach the temples.

After visit continue drive to Sasangir

On arrival in Sasangir, transfer to hotel

Overnight at the hotel

In the early morning enjoy the safari to Sasan Gir National Park. This sanctuary is known all over the world for being the natural abode of Asiatic lions. A safari in Gir National Park will be one of the most memorable and popular highlights of this trip.

Sasan Gir is the only place in the world outside Africa, where the Lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The last remaining Bastion of the Asiatic Lion, Gir is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, making it an excellent place to see big cats of a different kind. The forest is consist of dry desert vegetation, with scrub and thorn bushes extending over the dry soil and the rough rocky outcrops. The vegetation thins out giving tourists a better chance to see the animals and birds in the Sasan Gir National Park, Gujarat. Enjoy viewing the Asiatic Lion and the flora and fauna of Sasan Gir National Park.

In the afternoon set out for another game drive to the Sasan Gir National Park

Note: The Park remains open from 16th Oct to 14th June every year

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast drive to Rajkot en-route visit followings:

Junagarh:

An ancient city is situated in erstwhile Saurashtra, at the foot of Mount Girnar on the northern fringes of the Gir forest. Through various phases of history, Junagadh is described with equal importance and for many centuries it was the capital of the western region of Gujarat. Stippled with hills, the medieval city of Junagadh derives its name from an old fort called by the same name. Junagadh is a place of pilgrimage and has produced a number of saints in its long histroy. Also visit Uperkot Fort stands on the eastern side of Junagarh. Although the fort is believed to be built by Chandragupta in AD 319, it was rebuilt several times in the later centuries. Legend has it that the fort was besieged 16 times, the longest of which was for 12 continuous years. The fort is open from 7 am to 6.30 pm daily.

Gondal:

Gondal is a testimony to the great visionary ruler Sir Bhagwatsinhiji, who introduced social reforms, planned the development of Gondal town and created a model state of Saurashtra in late 19th and early 20th century. Gondal, the capital of the former princely State of Gondal was ruled by the Jadeja Rajput clan, till the independence of India. It is a fortified town located on the river Gondali.

After visit continue drive to Rajkot, on arrival in Rajkot transfer to hotel

Evening visit Kaba Gandhi No Delo:

Kaba Gandhi No Delo is the ancestral home of Mahatma Gandhi. It now houses the Gandhi Smriti, a permanent exhibition of Gandhiji's items, after visit back to hotel

Overnight at the hotel

Transfer to Rajkot airport to connect flight for Mumbai

MUMBAI – The city that never sleeps! Pulsating, Alive, On the Move, Vibrant, Fun -- this is Mumbai or as it is still frequently referred to -- Bombay. The most modern city in India, it captures the spirit of the changing pace set by liberalization and modernization. It is better known as Economic Capital of India.

Over the years, as colonialism gave way to independence, Mumbai has transformed itself into an entity with thriving markets, business houses and many different communities reflecting a cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere rarely seen elsewhere. On the surface, it represents the ever-changing face of today's India -- the old coupled with the dynamic new, and yet at its very core, the heart of the city is steeped in Indian customs and values. On arrival check-in at the hotel

Later enjoy visit of Mumbai including following:

Marine drive

Built in 1920, Marine Drive runs along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill. It passes Chowpatty Beach along the way. It's one of Mumbai's most popular romantic spot and sunset view is amazing. Tourist brochures are fond of stating it as the Queen's Necklace, because of the dramatic curve of its streetlights at night.

Gateway of India

The Gateway of India - a 26 mt. triumphal Archway designed Century to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary to India in 1911 - is Mumbai's most famous landmark. Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway. Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, you can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai's splendid natural harbour. Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, you can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai's splendid natural harbour.

After visit transfer to hotel

Overnight at the hotel

Transfer to airport to connect flight for Nagpur, upon arrival at Nagpur airport further drive to Kanha

KANHA NATIONAL PARK - It is the largest of the original tiger reserves. Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is known for its exceptional natural beauty and the unique and diverse flora and fauna. The immense natural beauty of Kanha even inspired the famous author Rudyard Kipling to write his all time classic Jungle Book. Kanha is well known for its Tigers and local herd of endangered Barasinghas (Swamp Deer). According to recent surveys, the tiger population in the Kanha Tiger Reserve stands around 70-75, promising better opportunities for sighting tigers in their own habitat.

On arrival in Kanha, transfer to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel

Today enjoy the early morning game drive to the Kanha National Park:

Kanha boasts of about 22 species of mammals. Some of the inhabitants of this park are the gaur, the largest of the world's cattle; the sambar, the largest Indian deer; and the chausingha, the only four-horned antelope in the world. Other frequent visitors include the Nilgai antelope, the sloth bear, the dhole, or Indian wild dog, and an occasional panther. Some 200 species of birds inhabit the park,that includes the cattle egret, black ibis, hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle and various water fowl. Shravantal is an old tank in the central Kanha meadows, which happens to be an important watering hole, for a large number of waterfowl in winter. Bamni Dadar, or Sunset Point, is the most beautiful section of the park, and the view of the sunset from this spot is absolutely mesmerizing. The place is a regular haunt of the sambar, gaur, the four-horned antelope and the barking deer.

In the afternoon set out for another game drive into the Kanha National Park

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast drive to Bandhavgarh

BANDHAVGARH - It is one of the finest and most picturesque tiger reserves of India, located in the scenic surroundings of the Vindhya hill ranges and the eastern flank of Satpura hill ranges (in all 32 hills surround this beautiful park) in Madhya Pradesh. Spread over an area of around 448.84 sq km, Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary was notified as a National Park in 1968 and included in the famous Project Tiger in 1993. The Bandhavgarh National Park is known for its tiger population whose number is now estimated between 45-50. Other important wild animals include Leopards, Wild dogs or Dholes, Sloth Bears, Rhesus Macaques, Sambar, Chital, Indian Muntjac, Chausingha (4-horned antelope) among many others. Bandhavgarh National Park also shelters a sizable population of birds and reptiles.

On arrival in Bandhavgarh, transfer to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel

Today enjoy the early morning game drive to the Bandhavgarh National Park:

Bandhavgarh is densely populated with other species: the great gaur, or Indian bison, can be seen with ease, as they come onto the meadows to graze at dusk; sambar and barking deer are a common sight and nilgai are to be seen in the more open areas of the park. The finest of these hills is Bandhavgarh, sided with great cliffs and eroded rocks and on its highest point stands Bandhavgarh fort, thought to be some 2,000 years old. Scattered throughout the park, and particularly around the fort, are numerous caves containing shrines and ancient Sankrit inscriptions. The vegetation is chiefly of sal forest in the valleys and on the lower slopes, gradually changing to mixed deciduous forest on the hills and in the hotter, drier areas of the park in the sough and west. Bamboo is found throughout.

In the afternoon set out for another game drive into the Bandhavgarh National Park

Note: The Park remains open from 16th Oct to 01st July every year

Overnight at the hotel

Depart to Khajuraho by surface.

KHAJURAHO - The name Khajuraho, ancient "Kharjuravāhaka", is derived from the Sanskrit words kharjura = date palm and vāhaka = "one who carries". The Khajuraho Group of Monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India. The Temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. These temples were built by the rulers of the Chandela dynasty over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150.  There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 25 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 20 square kilometres (8 sq mi). Today, the temples serve as fine examples of Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to their explicit depiction of sexual life during medieval times.

On arrival in Khajuraho, transfer to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel

Morning enjoy visit of Khajuraho including following:

Eastern and Western Groups of Temple: Visit Eastern Group of temples mainly dedicated to the Jain teachers-tirthankaras. The Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple and the Santinatha Temple, the temples are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods, goddesses. Also visit the Western Group of temples, which consist of a group of artistic (erotic) temples built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers and musicians appear to be so natural as if they would come alive any time.

After visit continue drive to Jhansi railway station to board train to Agra

[Train New Delhi Shatabdi Express       departure 17:50 / arrival 20:30 hrs]

On arrival at Agra railway station and transfer to hotel

AGRA - The city of the inimitable “TAJ MAHAL”, the architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals.

Overnight at the hotel

Morning enjoy visit of Agra including following:

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal or Crown of Palaces is a white marble mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. A world-renowned wonder, Taj Mahal looks the same from all the four sides and is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in the beauty alone but in the deep planning and design that went into its making. This enchanting mausoleum started in 1631 and it took 22 years to complete with the help of an estimated 20000 workers. (It remains closed on Fridays).

Agra Fort

The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1666, A.D. although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shahjahan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal. The massive Agra fort is 2.5 km long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort.

Itmad-Ud-Daula / Baby Taj

Often described as 'jewel box', sometimes called the 'Baby Taj', the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal. This exquisite marble tomb was made by Emperor Jahangir's queen, Nurjahan, in the memory of her father Mirza Ghias Beg during 1622-1628 A.D. Built entirely in white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, this mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna River, exhibits a strong Persian influence.

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast drive to Bharatpur railway station en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri:

Fatehpur Sikri

The beautiful and deserted medieval city built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. The complex consists of religious, residential and administrative buildings. The Mosque is considered a copy for the Mosque at Mecca and is extremely elegant, containing elements of Hindu and Persian design. Housed here is the Shrine of Sheikh Salim Chisti one of the greatest of Sufi saints of the Muslim world.

After visit transfer to Bharatpur railway station to board train to Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore)

[Train Kota Jan Shatabdi Express           departure 15:50 / arrival 18:02 hrs]

Upon arrival at Sawai Madhopur railway station and transfer to hotel in Ranthambore

RANTHAMBORE - Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest and most famous national parks in North India. It is named after the historic Ranthambore fortress that is found within the park. The park covers an area of 392 sq km. Bound to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal river, Ranthambore lies at the edge of a plateau. There are several lakes here and it is home to a variety of plants and animals. However, Ranthambore's pride is the population of tigers prowling in their own natural habitat. The other fascinating wildlife, you can see include Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Chital, Chinkara, Sambhar deer, langurs, Civets, Macaques, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Indian Wild Boar, Five-striped Palm Squirrels, Indian Flying Foxes and mongoose to name a few with. A visit to Ranthambore National Park can surely be a rewarding experience for all wildlife enthusiasts.

Overnight at the hotel

Early morning enjoy game drive into the Ranthambore National Park

After game drive return to the hotel for breakfast. Ranthambore is a dry deciduous forest replete with several lakes, rivulets and a magnificent ancient fort overlooking the park. The wildlife that one can see here are a large variety of birds, including an impressive number of waterfowl and birds of prey. The water bodies are home to marsh muggers, turtles and pythons. The park also has an abundant population of Sambhar and cheetal as well as nilgai.

In the afternoon set out for another game drive into the park

Note: The Park remains open from 01st Oct to 30th June every year

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast drive to Jaipur.

JAIPUR - The fascinating capital of the marvellous state of Rajasthan. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City, thanks to the colour of its buildings. It was built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. There are innumerable sagas and stories of culture, traditions, practices and valour. This diverse land of rich cultural heritage is a royal treat for tourists all over the world.

On arrival in Jaipur, transfer to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast enjoys an excursion trip which takes you to Amber Fort on Jeep / Elephants.

Amber Fort

The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh, the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. Built mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents within the ramparts of the fort.

Hawa Mahal Palace

En-route make a photo stop at Hawa Mahal. The poet king Sawai Pratap Singh built this palace of winds. This is easily the most well-known landmarks of Jaipur and is also its icon. This five-storey building overlooking the busy bazaar street is a fascinating example of Rajput architecture and artistry with its delicately honeycombed 953 pink sandstone windows known as 'jharokhas'. It was originally built for the ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life and processions in the city from their veiled comfort.

City Palace

Located in the heart of the walled city, the City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture in the city. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh built many buildings but some of the structures were also built by later rulers. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture and the ex-royal family still lives in a part of the palace.

Jantar Mantar (Royal Observatory)

The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734. It is modeled after the one that he had built for him at Delhi. He had constructed a total of five such facilities at different locations, including the ones at Delhi and Jaipur. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these. It has been inscribed on the World Heritage List as "an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period".

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast drive to Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi, enjoy visit of New Delhi including following:

Govt. Buildings

New Delhi houses several government buildings and official residences reminiscent of the British colonial architecture. Today we will drive past few of them, like The Parliament House, designed by Baker is 173m in diameter, the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy’s residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles.

President House

The Rashtrapati Bhavan or The Official Residence of the Head of the State is the official residence of the President of India, located at Raisina Hill in New Delhi. Until 1950 it was known as "Viceroy's House" and served as the residence of the Viceroy and Governor-General of India. The construction of the building was planned for 4 years, but World War I intervened and construction took 19 years to complete. All important Indian State and Official ceremonies are held here.

India Gate

At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triumph" like archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.

After visit transfer to hotel

Overnight at the hotel

In time transfer to Delhi airport to connect flight for onward destination with memories of your Festigo Journey.