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India Wildlife and Culture Tour

  17 Days / 16 Nights

   Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho – (Panna National Park) - Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Kolkata - Kaziranga

Major attractions of India Wildlife and Culture Tour comprise tigers, rhinos, elephants, Ganga, ghats, ‘Ganga Aarti’, forts, palaces, temples, rituals, traditions, tombs, mosques, cultural fiesta & colorful bazaar. Wildlife & Culture Tour of India encompasses cultural tourist destinations of Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho and Kolkata along with central and eastern Indian wildlife sanctuaries of Panna National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park and Kaziranga National Park. Delhi, along with being polotical capital of India, is a cultural hub as well. Replete with historical monuments, Delhi tells the tumultuous past of north India. Varanasi, known as Kashi & Banaras, is considered as the cultural capital of India. Khajuraho with its world famous erotically sculptured temples needs no introduction. Kolkata, undoubtedly, attracts visitors for its old world charm. Panna National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park are tiger reserves and offer excellent opportunity to spot Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural ambience. These wildlife sanctuaries unfurl chances to trace prowling tiger. But visiting Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a prized catch as you see one-horned rhinos, found only in India. Hence, on India Wildlife & Culture Tour you will be witnessing immense floral, faunal and cultural diversity, hallmark of India.

Day 1

Arrival at New Delhi

New Delhi, capital Indian Republic, welcomes you with open arms oozing out perennial cultural ethos of "Atithi Devo Bhav'. Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. You will be met, greeted and assisted by Optima Travels representative upon arrival. You will be taken to the pre-booked hotel. After warm reception and before your pleasant check in, you will be given the hard-copies of itinerary, hotel vouchers, invoice, receipt of the payment and any domestic air-ticket/ railway tickets done through us. As the international flights land around mid night, have cozy stay in soothing ambience of the hotel.

Day 2

Delhi tour

After leisurely breakfast in the hotel, the Delhi tour guide and chauffeur will meet you at the lobby of the hotel and take you on Delhi sightseeing tour. Although exceeded in population and surpassed in economic importance by both Kolkata and Mumbai, Delhi is now, as it has been for the larger part of a thousand years, the heart and nerve centre of India. In case of Delhi, happily, the rulers did not build their new cities on top of old ones, as so often has happened in the past, but chose instead sites a few miles apart. Delhi, thus, offers to the visitor monuments of Hindu, Islamic and British origin, dating from 12th to 20th centuries.

The Old Delhi tour is special as it introduces you with the bygone era of medieval India. The Old Delhi tour is highlighted by the visit of Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid and Raj Ghat. But the topping on the ice will be manual rickshaw ride through the alleys of Kinari Bazaar of Chandni Chowk.

In Lutyan’s Delhi, the two chief monuments are Parliament (formerly the Secretariat) and the Presidential Palace (formerly the Viceroy's House). There is a wide avenue known as Rajpath that runs from India Gate to the Presidential Palace, where New Delhi is at its most splendid. Qutub Minar is also a major tourist attraction of Delhi, as well as India. Construction of Qutub Minar, a tower, begun in 1199 by the first sultan, completed by his successor and partially restored in the fourteenth century. Standing 238 feet high, it is built of subtly graded sandstone and marble, the colours ranging from dark red at the base, through shades of pink, to glowing orange at the summit. At the foot of the tower stands India's first mosque, erected over the foundations of a Hindu temple. A sixteenth century structure, the mausoleum of Humayun, erected in his memory by his widow, is a tourist attraction. Post independence structures of Lotus Temple (belonging to Bahai faith) and Akshardham Temple (belonging to Swaminarayan sect of Hindu religion) are highly visited cultural centers with exquisite architectural specimens. After visiting Delhi, return to Delhi hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 3

Delhi-Varanasi (by air)

After a delightful morning breakfast drive for New Delhi airport to board flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi, representative of Optima Travels will meet you and give transfer to hotel. Check in at hotel, refresh yourself and move for Sarnath Tour & relishing mesmerizing Ganga Aarti (Ganges Worship Ceremony).

Sarnath is a famous ancient Buddhist site. It was in Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and started 'Sangh'. From here, a soft socio-religious revolution took place and the whole world started chanting 'Buddham Sharanam Gachchhami, Sangham Sharanam Gachchhami, Dhammam Sharanam Gachchhami. Here, you will happen to see ancient Buddhist monastery in ravaged form, Dhamek & Dharmarajika stupas, Asokan Pillar and a great museum.

Having visited Sarnath, you will be driven to Dashashwamedh Ghat of Varanasi where grand and auspicious Ganga Aarti (Ganges Worship Ceremony) takes place every evening. Be witness to cultural and traditional rituals of Hindu religion which worships river Ganga as mother. Later in the evening, come back to Varanasi hotel for overnight stay.

Day 4

Varanasi-Khajuraho (by air)

The 4th day of India Wildlife and Culture Tour is special as you will happen to see various aspects of Varanasi. Early in the morning, Varanasi tour guide will accompany you for boat cruise along the ghats of the sacred river the Ganges to see the cremation ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions.

After having enjoyed boat cruise, return to Varanasi hotel to relax and have breakfast. Thereafter check out from Varanasi hotel and proceed for Varanasi city and temple tour. After Varanasi city tour, move for Varanasi airport at Babatpur to board flight for Khajuraho.

Upon Khajuraho arrival, representative of Optima Travels representative will meet you and give transfer to hotel. Check in at the hotel, refresh yourself and visit the temples at Khajuraho-probably one of the best examples of Indian art and architecture.

Relax a bit in Khajuraho hotel, move for sightseeing of Khajuraho along with Khajuraho tour guide. The guided tour of the famous temples of Khajuraho will mesmerize you, literally. Refined carving, grand temple architecture, explicitly erotic and sexually postured sculpture, historical past and rural ambience take you into the realm of glorious, lively and celebrated past.

There are three prominent clusters of temples in Khajuraho- Western Group of Khajuraho Temples, Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples and Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples. Out of these three clusters, Western Group of Khajuraho Temples is most representative of Khajuraho temples. You will be shown and explained all the vital and even minutest details about the history, art, architecture and religious thoughts behind these marvelous temples. Having seen Khajuraho temples, you will be taken to enjoy cultural (folk dance and music show).Overnight stay in Khajuraho hotel.

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Day 5

Khajuraho-Panna National Park –Khajuraho

After hearty breakfast in the hotel, proceed to Panna National Park for sightseeing. Special vehicles, mostly Maruti Gypsi, with statutory permission from the wildlife authorities ply in the forests of Panna. A naturalist, certified by the forest department, will accompany you during your wildlife exploration.

Panna National Park, a wildlife sanctuary, is located merely 70 kms from Khajuraho, one of the most visited tourist destinations of India and specially Madhya Pradesh. Proximity with Khajuraho, being natural habitat of tigers and wide variety of flora and fauna, make Panna National Park a natural stopover of wildlife enthusiasts. But, Panna is more recognized for diamond mines and white tigers. Having enjoyed jeep safari into Panna National Park, return to Khajuraho hotel for overnight stay.

Day 6

Khajuraho-Bandhavgarh

After breakfast in Khajuraho hotel, proceed by car to one of the best tiger reserves of India with highest probability to watch tigers. Bandhavgarh offers jeep as well as elephant safaris. On arrival at Bandhavgarh, you will be transferred to forest resort for evening relaxation and overnight stay in jungle resort.

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Day 7

Bandhavgarh jungle safari

Morning and afternoon game drives by jeep/ elephant with an English-speaking naturalist. Overnight stay is scheduled in the hotel.

Day 8

Bandhavgarh game drives

Morning and afternoon game drives by jeep/ elephant with an English-speaking naturalist. Overnight stay is scheduled in the hotel.

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Day 9

Bandhavgarh National Park- Kanha National Park

Have scrumptious breakfast in Bandhavgarh hotel/ resort, check out and depart for Kanha National Park. A 290 kms long drive to Kanha National Park, finds mention in Rudyard Kiplings’ ‘The Jungle Book’, takes you through several smaller towns and real villages amidst scenic beauty. On arrival at Bandhavgarh, you will be transferred to forest resort for evening relaxation and overnight stay in jungle resort.

Day 10

Kanha National Park game drives

Everyday two game drives are organized by the forest department. Authorities of Kanha National Park have devised a unique mechanism to help tourist spot tigers. The tourists are taken on a game drive in jeeps with an English-speaking naturalist. At the same time, a Mahaut with elephant is sent into the jungle to search prowling or resting tiger in the interior. As the tiger is spotted by the Mahaut, he immediately informs the jungle authorities through a signal. This signal is flashed through radio message and the forest ranger immediately directs the tourists towards the location of the tiger. The tourists are then taken on elephant-back, into the bush, to see the elusive Tiger. Overnight stay has been scheduled in jungle resort.

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Day 11

Kanha National Park- Nagpur – Kolkata (by air)

After having breakfast in the hotel of Kanha National Park, proceed to Nagpur, in the state of Maharashtra. On arrival at Nagpur, you will be directly transferred to Nagpur airport to board flight for Kolkata. On arrival at Kolkata, you will be transferred to Kolkata hotel for overnight stay.

Day 12

Kolkata tour

Have delicious breakfast in Kolkata hotel. Representative of Optima Travels will introduce you with Kolkata tour guide in the lobby of the hotel. Along with tour guide, move for sightseeing tour of Dominique Lapierre’s ‘City of Joy’- Kolkata. Visit Kalighat Kali, National Library, Victoria Memorial, Indian Botanical Garden and Howrah Bridge. After finishing Kolkata sightseeing, return to Kolkata hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 13

Kolkata – Guwahati (by air)-Kaziranga (by car)

After breakfast in Kolkata hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Guwahati. Flight leaves Kolkata 10:10 hrs & arrives Guwahati at 11:20 Hrs. On arrival at Guwahati, transfer to Kaziranga National Park, famous as the only natural habitat of the Great Indian Rhinoceros. On arrival at Kaziranga National Park, check in at the jungle resort. Spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay in Kaziranga resort.

Day 14

Kaziranga National Park game drives.

Morning elephant ride to spot rhinos at close quarters. After breakfast, morning and evening jungle safaris in Kaziranga National Park by 4x4 open jeep. During day time go for nature, river and birdwatchers’ walks with experienced naturalists, tea garden walk and visit to tribal villages. Dinner and overnight at jungle lodge.

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Day 15

Kaziranga National Park game drives

Morning elephant ride to spot rhinos at close quarters. After breakfast, morning and evening jungle safaris in Kaziranga National Park by 4x4 open jeep. During day time go for nature, river and birdwatchers’ walks with experienced naturalists, tea garden walk and visit to tribal villages. Dinner and overnight at jungle lodge.

Day 16

Kaziranga National Park game drives

After breakfast in Kaziranga drive to Guwahati to board the flight for New Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi, you will be transferred to New Delhi hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 17

Kaziranga National Park game drives

After early morning breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi to board flight for your onward destination.

  • Above rates are based on current exchange rate, fuel price, entrance fee, hotel rates and tax structure as applicable on the date of mailing the package proposal, however any change in these components beyond our control shall affect the cost accordingly.

  • Our Above all cost is based on good combination of Heritage & star hotels. All the hotels are neat and clean, tastefully decorated air-conditioned rooms and of international standards with all modern facilities. We have been using these hotels regularly for our various overseas clients with excellent report in respective categories.

    In case you are particular to stay with any preferred hotels, please do let us know and we will revise our cost accordingly.

  • If a particular hotel is stated in this travel proposal is not available, we will book you at an alternative hotel in the same category as the one stated with your consent and agreement.

  • We shall not be responsible for any delays & alterations in the programme or expenses incurred – directly or indirectly – due to natural hazards, flight cancellations, accident, breakdown of machinery or equipments, breakdown of transport, weather, sickness, landslides, political closures or any untoward incidents.

  • We do not have any insurance policy covering the expenses for accident, sickness, loss due to theft, or any other reasons. Visitors are advised to seek such insurance arrangements in their home country.

  • Please contact your health department or the nearest Indian consulate for more information on recommended vaccinations and medical precautions.

  • You will need a tourist visa to visit India . Please contact the nearest Indian consulate in your country of residence for more information.

  • In India, hotel check in time is 14:00 hrs & hotel check out time is 10:00 hrs, until specified otherwise.

  • Our cost doesn’t have any hidden taxes/charges.

Payment Terms:

We would require 50% advance payment to secure your bookings and process the file. We accept bank transfers and payment by credit cards through PAYPAL international payment gateway only. Balance amount needs to be paid on arrival in India by cash, Traveller’s Cheques or credit cards. All credit card payments are subject to 4.88% bank fees.

Cancellation Terms:

50% cancellation if cancelled within 45 days.

75% cancellation if cancelled within 30 days.

100% cancellation if cancelled 15 day or less.

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