A wonderful wildlife tour of India’s sanctuaries and National Parks, this ‘back to nature’ journey visits seven reserves, variously renowned for rare river-dwellers and flocks of birds, blackbuck antelopes and the Indian Wild Ass, tigers, leopards, and Asiatic lions
Flight - 1 night
Bharatpur - 1 night
Dholpur - 1 night
Ranthambore - 2 nights
Shahpura - 1 night
Pali - 2 nights
Bajana - 1 night
Velavadar - 2 nights
Sasan Gir - 2 nights
Mumbai - 1 night
Touring to the wilderness landscapes of India’s conservation reserves, this series of safaris takes you to sites for spectacular birdwatching and close encounters with endangered species. In the varied terrains of Rajasthan, we focus on four enclaves, the first being Keoladeo National Park. UNESCO listed as a ‘Bird Paradise’, its 360 species of resident and migratory birds include the Imperial eagle and rare Siberian crane. The untamed acres of Chambal Sanctuary encompass the river home of Ganges dolphins and Gharial crocodiles. Former hunting grounds of Jaipur maharajas are now Ranthambore National Park, actively protecting the Bengal Tiger; while less-visited Jawai is leopard heaven, marking a mystical bond between man and docile big cat, whose lives have intertwined for decades without a single incident of a leopard harming a human. In Gujarat, Bajana’s Little Rann of Kutch is a feeding ground for thousands of migratory birds, but is best known as the last refuge for herds of the gentle Wild Ass. Named for its elegant, endangered antelope, Blackbuck National Park also hosts huge numbers of wildfowl and waders; and Sasan Gir is the only place in the world where Asiatic lions are seen in their natural habitat.
Cultural Tour
Wildlife Experience
Game Drives by Jeep
Jules Verne Sightseeing
8 Lunches & 12 Dinners
Local Expert Guide
Three evening wildlife talks by naturalists focussed on tigers, leopards and Asiatic lions. Enjoy a bush theme dinner at Blackbuck Lodge & a memorable sundowner on the top of an old fort at Shahpura Bagh.
Day 1 Fly overnight from your chosen airport to Delhi.
Day 2 On arrival in the morning, transfer to the Vivanta by Taj Dwarka hotel for breakfast and wash & change facilities. Travel (5hrs) to Bharatpur, best known for the former Maharajas’ hunting reserve on its doorstep, now the UNESCO listed Keoladeo National Park. Overnight at the heritage hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace. (B, D)
Day 3 Take a morning rickshaw ride into Keoladeo National Park, recording 366 species of endemic and exotic birds, from ospreys to herons, cranes, and storks; and boasting an equally sizeable variety of flora. Drive to Dholpur, enjoy lunch at the heritage hotel Raj Niwas Palace, and a boat safari on the Chambal River, a beautiful natural habitat for abundant birdlife, gharial (fish eating) crocodiles, and rare river dolphins. Overnight at Narsingh Bagh Resort. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Discover the Ravines of Chambal on a morning jeep safari, visiting the waterside Machkund Temple and sandstone Shergarh Fort, and watching for waterfowl at the Talab-e-Shahi lake. Drive (4hrs) to Ranthambore National Park, the renowned reserve of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Enjoy a ‘Tiger Talk’ by a naturalist this evening. Two nights at the Ranthambore Angan farm lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Explore Ranthambore with morning and afternoon game drives by jeep, in search of the tigers. The reserve is a wilderness of jungle, meadows, and forests, where wild boar and sloth bears, birds, bats, and leopards live undisturbed; and soft-shelled turtles share lake waters with snub-nosed marsh crocodiles. Return to the lodge between safaris for time to relax. (B, L, D)
Day 6 After an early morning game drive in the park, travel (4hrs) to Shahpura, and overnight at the Shahpura Bagh, offering an authentic ‘homestay’ experience of Rajastan. Enjoy a sundowner interlude by the lake. (B)
Day 7 In the early 1900s, Rajadhiraj Nahar Singh of Shahpura created an oasis of wetlands and ponds to provide water for his people and a landscape for the agrarian lifestyle. This soon became a refuge for hundreds of species of birds. Spot them on a bird-watching interlude this morning, before travelling (7hrs) to Jawai, known as India’s Leopard Hills. Gain an insight of Jawai’s wildlife with a talk by a naturalist. Two nights at the Jawai Sagar resort in Pali. (B, D)
Day 8 Game drives today, in the morning and late afternoon, give you the best chance of spotting the leopards, up to 70 of them sharing the granite hills of the conservation reserve with jungle cats, striped hyena, sloth bear, wild fox and, in the cool season (October to March), myriad migratory birds. (B, L, D)
Day 9 On the journey (7hrs) to Bajana, pause for visits to the UNESCO listed Rani ki Vav stepwell at Patan, the 11th-century structure combining carved colonnades with more than 800 sculptures; and the village of Modhera, where the Hindu Sun Temple complex marks almost a thousand years of history with over a hundred shrines. Overnight at the Royal Safari Camp. (B, D)
Day 10 Discover the Little Rann of Kutch on a morning game drive. The silt and salt-encrusted desert, transformed to wonderful wetlands after the rains, forms the habitat for brilliant birdlife, but is best known for conservation of the Asiatic Wild Ass (Equus Hemionus Khur), one of the most endangered species in the world. Drive to Velavadar for the wildlife of Blackbuck National Park, which stretches north from the Gulf of Khambai coastline. Two nights at the 4-star Blackbuck Safari Lodge, with a bush-theme dinner at the lodge this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Home to 140 species of birds, Blackbuck is a fairly flat, semi-arid swathe of grasslands, scrub and salt plains, forming the perfect terrain for wildlife that is fleet of foot. In the past, maharajas used hunting cheetahs for the surprisingly speedy blackbucks, but now the reserve is a sanctuary for them, and for the swift-running Lesser Florican bustard, and endangered Indian grey wolf. Explore the park on a morning game drive and perhaps add an optional afternoon game drive (£80, pre-bookable). (B, L, D)
Day 12 Drive (6hrs) to the undisturbed hills and forests of Sasan Gir National Park, one of India’s oldest reserves, and billed as the last natural habitat of the rare Asiatic Lion. Enjoy a talk on the park and the lions. Two nights at the 4-star Gateway Hotel. (B, D)
Day 13 Sasan Gir prides itself on its prides of Asiatic lions, having doubled the numbers of these powerful Big Cats within the park. Its pristine wilderness is also home to leopards, jackals, hyenas, and Sambar deer. Explore the park with morning and afternoon game drives, with leisure time in between. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Travel toward Rajkot and call in at regal Gondal, to visit the very grand, riverside Naulakha Durbargarh Palace; the prince’s collection of classic vintage cars, housed in the grounds of Orchard Palace; and the Swaminarayan Temple, a beautiful building and a place of pilgrimage, steeped in spirituality. Continue to Rajkot airport for the flight to Mumbai, and overnight at the 5-star Trident Nariman Point. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your chosen airport. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot with uneven surfaces and inclines.
Gujurat is a dry state, alcohol cannot be served in public areas.
Travel duration mentioned in the itinerary are approximate and can differ due to traffic condition, comfort stops, visits or lunch breaks. Travelling by road through India is the best way to see villages life and explore less known areas, bringing you closer to this fascinating country.
Heritage hotel, Laxmi Villas Palace has a restaurant, bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 30 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A nature retreat resort in the wild near Ramsagar Lake. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (limited/chargeable). 12 unique stone cottages with air-conditioned, private facilities, hairdryer, safe and tea/coffee making facilities.
A luxury homestay located near Ranthambore National Park. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (limited). 6 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and tea/coffee making facilities.
Residence of the rulers of Shahpura located between Jaipur and Udaipur, offering an authentic and luxury homestay experience in a serene oasis. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (limited). 9 Luxury air-conditioned Suites set in 45 acres of garden and pasture, with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities
Nestled at the base of a sheer granite outcrop called Nag Giri or Cobra mountain, home of the Indian Leopard and close to the Jawai lake. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (limited). 12 spacious air-conditioned rooms, with private facilities and veranda providing magnificent views of the lake including mini-bar, safe and tea/coffee making facilities.
Spread over in around 18 acres of land, the 4-star Royal Safari Camp is constructed by the skilful local artisans, built using red stones, which gives it an ancient and heritage look. Restaurants, an outdoor pool and 21 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, satellite TV, WiFi (free) and tea/coffee making facilities.
The 4-star Blackbuck Lodge is situated near a picturesque hamlet surrounded by water bodies and farmlands, close to the Velavadar National Park safari gate. Restaurant, organic kitchen, swimming pool, spa and wellness centre and WiFi (free). 18 deluxe air-conditioned cottages with private facilities, verandah sitting area, outdoor shower, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 4-star hotel located just opposite the Hiran River at the fringe of the dense Gir Forest. Restaurant, pool, spa, gym and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, river view and tea/coffee making facilities.
The best view of Mumbai, the Marine Drive, a 3km long beautiful promenade that rings a natural bay, greets guests at the 4-star Trident, Nariman Point. Restaurants, bar, gym, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 555 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Time to relax or see even more of India!
No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time in India by choosing further experiences?
We invite you to customise your tour by adding one or more extensions from our great range shown on the following pages. Relax in a resort or discover more of India with our specialist guides.
Also please consider adding extra nights before the tour if you would like to draw breath after the flight to India or stay on to reflect, relax or explore independently. Extra nights can also be added to most extensions. Please talk to one of our knowledgeable Personal Travel Experts to let us know what you are looking for and they will work out the best way. Sometimes extra transfers, internal flights and nights are recommended or needed, and sometimes two extensions can be combined into a more logical sequence.
Click here to view all our pre- and post- India extensions
We recommend the Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Prolong your Indian wildlife experience and explore Tadoba National Park, a tiger reserve. Stay at a jungle lodge, 300 metres from the entry gate, providing great opportunities to spot tigers and other wildlife.
The district of Tadoba is a dry district so no alcohol will be available. Tadoba National Park is closed from the 1st July to 30th September.
Prices from £1295 (2023 £1145)
Single supplement £205 (2023 £425)
Day 1 Fly to Nagpur. Transfer to Tadoba (4hrs) for three nights at the Svasara Jungle Lodge, a wildlife resort and conservation focused lodge. (B, D)
Day 2 Early morning and afternoon Jeep safaris in Tadoba National Park, one of India’s most exciting and best protected Tiger Reserve. The National Park is dominated by teak forest and bamboo, the landscape comprises cliffs, caves, marshes, perennial lakes and boulder-strewn streambeds that cater to a host of biodiversity, not least the Tiger, who is seen increasingly, but also many other endangered species including Leopard, Sloth bear, Leopard cat, Honey Badger and Gaur. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Early morning and afternoon Jeep safaris in Tadoba National Park. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Transfer to Nagpur (4hrs) for your flight to Mumbai. Overnight at the 4-star Trident Nariman Point. (B)
Day 5 Return flight to your chosen airport. (B)
A 4-star wildlife resort and eco-friendly lodge, situated 300 metres from Kolara Gate at Tadoba Tiger Reserve. 10-acres of restored forest with 12 elegantly furnished suite rooms with air-conditioned and private facilities including TV, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. Restaurant, pool, spa and WiFi (limited). Multi-cuisine dining options including delectable regional Indian, continental, and the local varadi cuisine. The Lodge area is untouched by any kind of tourism or development and offers the discerning guest the guarantee of privacy as well as lovely walks and hiking trails around the lodge.
The best view of Mumbai, the Marine Drive, a 3km long beautiful promenade that rings a natural bay, greets guests at the 4-star Trident, Nariman Point. Restaurants, bar, gym, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 555 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
2023
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
| November 18 | £4295 |
2024
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Double for sole use £1075
Flight Options
London – Delhi/Mumbai – London
British Airways World Traveller Plus - On request
British Airways Club World - On request
Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham – On request (extra night may be required)
Optional Excursions
Afternoon game drive £80
Extension Options
Extension – Tadoba Tiger Reserve
4 nights from £1145
Single supplement £425
We offer a wide variety of pre- and post-tour extensions, click here for more information.
Other pre/post tour extra nights are available.
Privately Guided
Privately guided tours are on request, please call to discuss your requirements
Tour Only
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Arrival or departure transfer add £24
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 13 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 8 lunches and 12 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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