Into Kipling Country

Day 1 Fly direct from London Heathrow to Delhi.

Day 2 Early morning arrival and transfer to the 4-star Fortune Select, Gurgaon. Afternoon orientation tour of Delhi includes India Gate, Raj Ghat, Jama Mosque and a drive past the Red Fort.

Day 3 Morning flight to Nagpur and continue by jeep to Pench Tiger Reserve for a buffet lunch and an optional afternoon jungle safari. Two nights at Pench Jungle Camp.

Accommodation will be in deluxe tented accommodation with attached bathroom.

Day 4 The River Pench divides the National Park and provides a high concentration of prey for the Bengal tiger and equally shy leopard. Morning and afternoon viewing safaris will include this area.

Day 5 Drive to Kanha National Park for a two-night stay at Kipling’s Camp.

Day 6 Morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Indian bison, dholes (Indian wild dog), the swamp deer and the elusive tiger.

Day 7 Drive across the central Indian plateau to Bandhavgarh for a two-night stay at the Nature Heritage Resort. On arrival there will be the opportunity to take an optional late afternoon safari.

Day 8 Morning and afternoon game viewing safaris. This is one of the smallest reserves in India with a large population of tigers. Set in rugged terrain with hills and forested areas interspersed with savanna which support a rich variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards, bison, sloths, bears and a myriad of birdlife.

Day 9 Morning drive to Katni and continue by Kamyani Express train to Varanasi for two nights accommodation at the 5-star Hotel Radisson.

Day 10 An early morning boat ride on the Ganges to watch the morning prayer ceremonies along the ghats. This will be followed by a sightseeing tour of the city and an afternoon excursion to Sarnath, one of the major Buddhist centres in India.

Day 11 Return to Delhi by fl ight and onward return flight to London.

Day 12 Early morning fl ight to Heathrow arriving later the same day.