
APPRECIATION LETTERS
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The Call of the Wilds
Duration : 16 Days / 15 Nights
Destination Covered : Delhi - Nagpur - Kanha - Bandhavgarh - Jhansi -
Agra - Ranthambore - Guwahati - Kaziranga
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Day 01: Arrive Delhi
 Late
night Arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our
representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our
representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the
documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest
is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the
opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at The Imperial - a 5* Downtown Hotel
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Day 02: Delhi / Nagpur (IC 871 - 0550 / 0715 Hrs) Nagpur /
Kanha
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Early morning, transfer
to the airport to board your flight to Nagpur
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and drive to Kanha
On arrival, transfer across the countryside to your safari
headquarters for a two-day exploration of this vast, unspoiled
central Indian preserve.
Upon arrival, check into your Hotel Banjaar Tola Kanha National
Park
Overnight at Banjaar Tola Kanha National Park - a 5* Taj
Group Hotel
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Day 03 - 04: Kanha Tiger Reserve
 Kanha
National Park, which is one of the most well known tiger
reserves worldwide, is located among the Banjar and Halon
valleys in the Mandla / Balaghat districts of the state of
Madhya Pradesh. Its creation took place among, and after, a lot
of turbulence and storm within concerned circles regarding
rampant killing of wildlife in the area at the time. The central
Kanha valley was declared a sanctuary way back in 1933 but got
its status as a National Park in 1955. It covers a large area of
1,945 square kilometers, out of which 940 square kilometers form
the main park. The altitude of the park ranges from 450 meters
to 900 meters above sea level. The temperature, depending on the
season, ranges from 0 degrees in the winters to 48 degrees in
the summers. The park remains open from the 01st of November to
the 30th of June. Sometimes, as with most parks of the country,
it can be closed earlier if the monsoon season arrives sooner
than expected. The park has a heavy monsoon season with an
average annual rainfall of 1600mm. The basic infrastructure at
the park is well developed and visits can "mostly" be
expected to pass without any problems.
Kanha is also famous for it's animal conservation efforts made
in collaboration and cooperation with the local resident
communities. One of the famous success stories of the park is
the survival of the Barasingha population in the park, which
went down to as low as 66 animals in 1970 from the earlier 3000
and which through huge efforts have now revived to a respectable
number of around 1000. Kanha boasts of many such success stories
of which this is only an example.
Kanha National Park is world famous for it's tigers. Tiger
sightings are not as rare as in most other parks of the country.
The only other reserves in the country that can claim to have as
many sightings as Kanha are Ranthambor and Kanha's own
neighbour, Bandhavgarh.
Other than the tiger, some of the more frequently seen animals
in the park consist of Leopards, Gaur, Chausinghas, Sloth Bears,
Barking Deer, Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Blackuck, Langurs, Wild
Boars, Porcupines, Mouse Deer, Hyenas, Jackals and Wild Dogs
(Dholes).
The reptile residents of the park consist of Monitor Lizards,
Pythons and a large variety of other snakes.
Overnight at Banjaar Tola Kanha National Park - a 5* Taj
Group Hotel
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Day 05: Kanha / Bandhavgarh
 Morning,
we will drive to Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh National Park, situated amid the airy Vindhya hills
of Madhya Pradesh, has established a reputation as one of the
best places in India to observe Tigers. Although a relatively
small reserve when first established in 1968, it was enlarged
twenty years later to include adjacent tracts of Sal forest and
this extension has proved very beneficial for the Tiger
population. The 105 square kilometres of park area, open for
tourists is estimated to have a population of 22 tigers, a
density of one tiger for every 4.77 square kilometres.
Like many Tiger reserves in India, the area was formerly the
hunting reserve of a Maharaja and contains much evidence of its
royal associations, most spectacular being the ruins of a huge
hilltop fort, which dominates the centre of the reserve.
Bandhavgarh is somewhat isolated in the rural heart of India but
the long overnight train journey from Delhi is well worth the
effort and visitors are richly rewarded by a fine selection of
wildlife and the real chance of never to be forgotten encounters
with the greatest of the big cats.
Upon arrival check into Mahua Kothi
Late afternoon (Subject to your time of arrival), enter the
park to search for wildlife.
Overnight at Mahua Kothi - a 5* Taj Group Hotel
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Day 06: Bandhavgarh
 The
pattern of early morning and afternoon excursions will be
interspersed with periods of relaxation back at our
accommodation during the heat of midday. Although Tigers are the
star attraction at Bandhavgarh the supporting cast of mammals
and birds is very impressive, the latter including such species
as Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Plum-headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied
Hornbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise
Flycatcher among a total of over 250 species recorded in the
district. Tour members with an interest in ornithology will
value the time between game drives as an opportunity to explore
some of the habitats close to our base.
Tigers, and the more rarely seen Leopards, have no shortage of
prey in the reserve. The Spotted Deer or Chital is a favourite
item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful
deer inhabit the park.
 Other
species found here in varying abundance include; Chinkara,
Chowsinga, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. Herds of the
Asian Bison, or Gaur, formerly Inhabited the Reserve but
impressive beast has not been seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998
although a closely monitored programme for the reintroduction of
the Gaur is planned within couple of years. A hunting pack of
wild dogs may also be seen on occasions. Mammal sightings always
require a degree of luck, particularly when the species is
essentially nocturnal or reclusive but each outing in the
reserve will at least provide a chance to meet one of the rarer
inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel,
Striped Hyenas, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. More predictable
are the sounders of Wild Boar rooting among the vegetation,
Indian Hares, the lively little Palm Squirrels that seem to be
constantly in a state of agitation, and several members of the
mongoose tribe. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaques are also
plentiful, the former enjoying an elevated view of the forest as
they devour their favourite leaves and often the first creature
to bark out a warning at the appearance of a Tiger below.
We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a
reserve.
Overnight at Mahua Kothi - a 5* Taj Group Hotel
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Day 07: Bandhavgarh / Jhansi Jhansi / Agra (Shatabdi Express -
1755 / 2020 Hrs)
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Morning search the game
parks
Later transfer to Jhansi train station to board your train
journey to Agra
Upon arrival check into you are individually checked in at your
rooms at the luxurious Amarvilas hotel, which is one of the best
boutique hotels in the world. The hotel of whimsical charm has
several attractions. However, being in the city of the Taj
Mahal, the most relevant charm of the hotels is the unhindered
view of the Taj Mahal from your bedroom. It is the most
beautiful and an amazingly uplifting sight. Only 600 meters from
the Taj Mahal stands this luxury resort. Discerning travelers
can now appreciate the fabulous Taj Mahal while enjoying
world-class luxury. The elaborate Mughal gardens, terraced
lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions complement the
classical architecture of the hotel
Overnight at Amarvilas
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Day 08: Agra
 We
are about to witness one of the greatest sights of one's
lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before departure for the
monument we shall be served tea/coffee and cookies so that our
eyes open real wide to behold this breathtaking sight. A dawn
visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects
caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising
Sun on this brilliant white marble building.
Afternoon, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant
buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and
Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the
maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the
fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid &
other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient
Indian architects.
Overnight at Amarvilas
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Day 09: Agra / Ranthambore
 Morning,
we will drive to Ranthambore
Upon arrival check into to the delightful Vanyavilas hotel. For
the duration of your visit, you will be pampered and cared for
beyond imagination. Experience and discover the magic of romance
and rejuvenate body and mind with our spa treatments. Long after
you have returned to real life, the Unforgettable Experience of
staying at The Oberoi Vanyavilâs will remain a vivid
memory.
Afternoon jungle excursion in an exclusive jeep
Overnight at Vanyavilass
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Day 10: Ranthambhore
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Morning & afternoon
Jungle excursions in open top vehicle. Ranthambhore is known to
have India's Friendliest tigers Assured of protection; these
nocturnal creatures are seen often in the day. Sprawled on the
Aravalli and Vindhya ranges of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore National
Park encompasses an area of 410 Sq. km. in which lives a healthy
population of about 40 tigers. A large number of deer inhabit
the area and leopards are occasionally sighted. The Pandam Taloa
lake, located adjacent to the Jogi Mahal hunting lodge, is the
park's favorite water source. Smaller pools at Raj Bagh and
Milak also attract a variety of wild life The best way to
explore Ranthambore is in open top vans as the park is well
connected by arterial roads and tracks. Some of the popular
sighting areas are Nal Ghati , Lahpur , ,Bakuala , Anantpur and
the Kachida valley. Mammals: Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Jackal,
Jungle Cat, Caracal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Wild
Boar, Chinkara, Indian hare mongoose. Birds: Bonelli's eagle,
crested serpent eagle, great Indian horned owl, grey partridge
sandgrouse, quail, spurfowl, common peafowl, tree pie, paradise
flycatcher, pheasant tailed jacana, painted stork, black stork,
spoonbill, green pigeon, ducks.
Overnight at Vanyavilas
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Day 11: Ranthambore / Delhi (Golden Temple - 1250 / 1910 Hours)
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Morning jungle
excursion in open top vehicle
Later transfer to the airport to connect your train to Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your hotel
The Connught
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel (Standard
Room)
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Day 12: Delhi / Guwahati (9W 601 - 1015 / 1225 Hrs) Guwahati /
Kaziranga
 Morning
and Afternoon jungle excursion in jeeps / elephants
Beside of course the great one horned Indian Rhino, the other
major wild attractions include a large population of Indian
Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer,
Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog
Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal,
Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor Lizards, etc.
Kaziranga National Park is a birding paradise; the grasslands
are a raptor country that can be seen on safari makes a
remarkable experience. These include the Oriental Honey Buzzard,
Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas's
Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle,
Himalayan Griffon, etc. Huge numbers of migratory birds descend
on the parks lakes and marshy areas during winters, including
Greylag Geese, Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall,
Falcated Duck, Red-Crested Pochard and Northern Shoveller.
The vast open country makes Kaziranga National Park very
accessible and wildlife viewing fairly pleasurable. Here one can
leave in the early hours of the dawn for an elephant-back-ride.
Authorized and trained Mahouts who guide visitors through the
park train the Elephants. One could see wild Elephant herds
roaming around or Indian Rhinos browse past visitors
unconcernedly. Since Kaziranga wildlife Sanctuary is easily
accessible, its provides a chance to see animals in the wild at
such close quarters, thus making a trip to this National Park a
very rewarding experience.
Overnight at Wild Grass Resort
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Day 13 - 14: Kaziranga
 Morning
transfer to airport to board your onward flight for Guwahati.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and drive to scenic
landscape to Kaziranga.
On the banks of Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga covers
approximately 106,255 square acres, and includes swamps and tall
thickets of elephant grass, making this ideal habitat for the
Indian one-horned rhino. The park was declared a sanctuary in
1940 in an effort to protect rhinos from poaching. Indian rhino.
A vast stretch of coarse, tall elephant grass, marshland and
dense tropical forests, it has managed to survive the onslaught
of poachers, urbanization and burgeoning human populations.
Plans are already afoot to extend the park's boundaries to
include the Brahmaputra River to the north and a part of the
Mikir hill ranges to the south.
Upon arrival we check into Wild Grass Nature Reserve - An
ethnically designed lodge with wooden ceilings and furniture
blending beautifully with the forest.
Overnight at Wild Grass Resort
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Day 15: Kaziranga / Guwahati Guwahati / Delhi (9W 608 - 1630 /
1845 hrs)
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Today transfer to
Guwahati airport to board your flight to Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and check into your hotel
The Imperial
Overnight at The Imperial - a 5* Downtown Hotel
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Day 16: Delhi / Departure
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Transfer to
International airport to connect your onward flight back home
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END OF SERVICES
We do hope the flavor of India will
remain on your taste buds for all times to come and hopefully would
kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you
for being our guest, and as we say in India 'Please Come back Soon"
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