India - Royal Rajasthan In Style!

Transcription

1 India - Royal Rajasthan In Style! Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Outline itinerary Day 1 Depart London Day 2 Day 3/5 Days 6/7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Delhi Ranthambhore National Park Jaipur Transfer Agra; via Bharatpur Delhi Fly London Pench & Kanha extension Day 10 Day 11 Day 12/14 Day 15 Day 16 Fly to Nagpur; drive to Pench Pench Kanha Nagpur Fly to London via Mumbai Dates 2014 Wednesday 12th February to Friday 21st February 2014 Cost: 4,495 Pench and Kanha extension: to Thursday 27th February 2014 Cost: 1,595 Tiger by Robert South Wednesday 19th November to Friday 28th November 2014 Cost: 4,495 Pench and Kanha Extension: to Thursday 4th December 2014 Cost: 1, Wednesday 11th February to Friday 20th February 2015 Cost: 4,495 Pench and Kanha extension: to Thursday 26th February 2015 Cost: 1,595 Wednesday 18th November to Friday 27th November 2015 Cost: 4,495 Pench and Kanha Extension: to Thursday 3rd December 2015 Cost: 1,595 Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England T: +44 (0) F: +44 (0) E: info@naturetrek.co.uk W:

2 500 reduction if booked without flights, land only trip. Single room supplement 1,995 (Add 595 for Pench and Kanha extension) Grading A (easy). This wildlife and cultural tour involves easy, non-strenuous walks only Focus Tigers, other mammals, birds and culture. Tiger by Lesley Boast 2 Naturetrek 2013

3 India - Royal Rajasthan In Style! Tour Itinerary Introduction A new tour focusing on Rajasthan s Golden Triangle and the Moghul monuments and wildlife of Rajasthan, based at the very best hotels at each site. India offers some of the most splendid and luxurious hotel accommodation in the world. On this tour, which focuses on Rajasthan s Golden Triangle and the Moghul monuments and wildlife of the area, we will be staying at the very best hotels at each site the luxurious Oberoi Hotel in the heart of New Delhi, the Oberoi Vanyavilas at Ranthambhore, the Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, and the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra. During the tour we will be focusing on the magnificent Moghul monuments of Old Delhi, Jaipur (the Pink City) and Agra including, Agra Fort, the Baby Taj and the Taj Mahal. We will also spend 3 days (with 6 game drives) in Ranthambhore National Park, India s most popular Tiger Reserve, in search of its Tigers, other mammals and rich birdlife, as well as paying a visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. For those of you wishing to extend your stay, our extension to Pench (the setting for the popular BBC TV series Tiger Spy in the Jungle ) and Kanha National Parks is thoroughly recommended. The splendour of India s Mogul architecture and the great diversity of the country s wildlife are enjoyed each year by hundreds of Naturetrek clients as they travel on our numerous natural history holidays on the subcontinent. Most of these groups are accommodated in comfortable 3-star hotels and lodges. This unusual new series of tours, however, provides a taste of luxury, offering stays at some of the very best accommodation available at each location. The high level of comfort, combined with sightseeing and superlative wildlife viewing, makes this an Indian experience par excellence for connoisseurs of gracious living. The focus of the tour is on enjoying some of north India s luxuries while introducing you to this fascinating country, home of the Taj Mahal and Tigers two of the most popular attractions in the world. We will visit Ranthambore Tiger Reserve then Jaipur riding on elephant-back to its famous fort, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The tour also includes a visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and the picturesque deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri to complete the Indian experience. Although Ranthambore is located in a remote area of rural Rajasthan it can be reached with relative ease by train from Delhi, passing en route through a constantly changing landscape dotted with occasional villages where the traditional way of life still prevails. Recent Naturetrek groups visiting Ranthambore Tiger Reserve have been rewarded by outstanding Tiger and wildlife sightings. However, it is essential to appreciate that Tigers are very rare and very shy mammals, and there can be no guarantee of seeing one on any tour. By spending a couple of days in the Reserve on morning and afternoon safaris, we aim to give ourselves an excellent chance of encountering Tigers. After Ranthambore we will move on to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, and known popularly as the Pink City. Here we will see the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), which remains only a façade today but was originally built to enable ladies of the royal family to watch everyday city life and processions. We will also visit the Jantar Mantar (Observatory), which was built between 1728 and 1734 and houses many instruments, each one serving a particular function and still giving accurate readings. Situated in the centre of the city and occupying a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings, the City Palace has plenty to interest the visitor, including various museums full of Moghul artefacts. After exploring the attractions of the Palace we may pay a visit to the majestic Amber Fort, which towers over the city like a sentinel on guard. The ride up to the fort will be on elephant, Maharajah-style! Naturetrek

4 Tour Itinerary India - Royal Rajasthan In Style! Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, is India s foremost bird sanctuary and hosts many migrant species of waterbirds from Siberia and Northern Asia. Large Rock Pythons can be seen sunning themselves at Python Point and a varied selection of mammals inhabits the Sanctuary, including Sambar Deer, otters and the rare Fishing Cat. During the monsoon season large numbers of storks and herons nest in the marshes here, their numbers augmenting the thousands of winter visitors each autumn. One of the highlights of this tour is a visit to the Taj Mahal, a building synonymous with romance and a testament to the splendour and opulence of the Moghul dynasties. Viewing the Taj Mahal is a breathtaking and emotional experience, but almost as spectacular are the perfectly preserved ruins of the former Moghul capital, Fatehpur Sikri, which houses the extraordinary Panch Mahal with its 84 columns no two of which are exactly alike. If you enjoy birds, mammals and wild environments, and you would like to sample some of the architectural wonders of a truly ancient land then this tour is for you. Day 1 Wednesday In Flight We depart London in the evening on a direct scheduled flight to Delhi. We will be in flight overnight.. Day 2 Thursday Delhi On our arrival we will be transferred to a 5-star deluxe hotel, usually The Oberoi, New Delhi, the hotel reflects the capital city s spirit in a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication. Recognised as a pioneer amongst luxury hotels in India, its exquisite interiors, impeccable service and fine cuisine combine to make it amongst the most graceful and elegant downtown hotels in Delhi. The Oberoi, New Delhi is ideally located in the city centre near government offices, shopping, financial and business districts. The hotel offers an exciting range of dining options which include a rooftop Oriental restaurant, a celebrated all day dining restaurant offering the best in world cuisine and an Italian fine dining restaurant. The Oberoi Spa, regarded as one of the best luxury spas in Delhi, provides a sanctuary of peace in the heart of the city. Highly skilled therapists provide a variety of treatments and programs ranging from the best in ancient Ayurveda to Aromatherapy. Later in the afternoon we will have a chance to sample some of Delhi s historical sites. Old Delhi was built by the famous Mughal Ruler Shah Jehan, in Old Delhi we will visit the Red Fort and will take a ride on a cycle rickshaw through its narrow lanes and alleys and try and observe life in the old city before heading to New Delhi, which was built by famous British architects Sir Edward Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker in the 1900 s. In New Delhi we will see the famous Qutb Minar built by the one of the first Muslim rulers of Delhi Qutbuddin Aibak, the Humayuns Tomb which is considered to be an inspiration for the Taj Mahal and is also the mausoleum of the second Mughal ruler and later on we will drive past the Presidential Palace, the government buildings and the tree lined avenues of New Delhi. 2 Naturetrek 2013

5 India - Royal Rajasthan In Style! Tour Itinerary Days 3 5 Friday Sunday Ranthambore Tiger Reserve In the morning we will have some time to enjoy this lovely hotel. Later in the afternoon we will transfer to Delhi railway station for an interesting rail journey south to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Arriving in the late evening at the town of Sawai Madhopur, which is close to the reserve, we will take a short ride to Ranthambore for our 3-night stay at The Oberoi Vanya Vilas. Nestling in an area of great natural beauty, the Oberoi Vanyavilas is India s leading luxury jungle resort and is situated on the edge of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. It provides a perfect base from which to explore reserve the setting is beautiful and includes a dramatic watercourse. The 25 luxury tents are all furnished in regal style and have finely embroidered canopies, wooden floors, luxurious bathrooms and private walled gardens, all of which contrasts starkly with the ruggedness of the surrounding jungle. The tents are 73 sq metres, and all have private gardens and an outside deck for sunbathing. Ranthambore is widely considered to be one of India s most beautiful Tiger reserves. Encircled by a series of high escarpments, the forests, lakes and dry scrub that make up the reserve are dotted with old forts and temples, creating a wonderful atmosphere for both bird and mammal-viewing among a landscape dripping with ancient Rajput history and Rajasthani culture. Ranthambore is perhaps most famous for being designated one of the original nine Project Tiger reserves in 1973, and it provides good opportunity of seeing a Tiger. Whether or not you see Tiger on this holiday, you cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer variety and number of other mammals and birds that make the Reserve their home. Common Langurs are abundant, as are both Spotted (Chital) and Sambar Deer; the latter often feeding so far out into the lakes that only their heads show above the water. Nilgai (the largest of India s antelopes) are also fairly common. For the very fortunate there is also a chance of tracking down a Sloth Bear, Leopard, or perhaps a Chinkara Antelope (or Indian Gazelle). Mugger Crocodiles are common in the lakes and Monitor Lizards are frequently seen around their shores. In addition to the mammals and reptiles, we will see a wonderful diversity of birds. Flocks of Peafowl are on almost constant show, while on the lakes Cotton Pygmy Geese, Bronze-winged and Pheasant-tailed Jacanas are common. The surrounding woodland and grasslands hold such species as Black-rumped Flameback Woodpeckers, Tickell s Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Finch Lark (an Indian endemic), Painted Spurfowl, Jungle Bush Quail, Small Minivet and Stork-billed Kingfisher. In addition there is also an opportunity to find up to five species of Owl, including Brown Fish Owl, Dusky Eagle Owl and Collared Scops Owl. On our morning and evening game drives we will be accompanied by local guides, whose expert knowledge of the Reserve is invaluable when tracking down some of the more elusive species. The spectacular ruins of Ranthambore Fort, whose massive battlements dominate the Reserve, are well worth a visit and afford a wonderful vantage point over the rolling hills which comprise Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, as well as the adjacent semi-desert areas where such dry-country birds as Indian Courser, Yellow-wattled Lapwing and sandgrouse species may be found. Day 6 Monday Drive to Jaipur We will have a final visit to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve before driving to Jaipur. We will arrive by late evening and stay at the Luxurious Oberoi Raj Vilas. With Jaipur as its backdrop, the hotel recreates the magnificence of princely Rajasthan in a beautiful fort setting with rooms, luxury tents and vilas with private pools clustered around private Naturetrek

6 Tour Itinerary India - Royal Rajasthan In Style! courtyards. At The Oberoi Rajvilas, our attention to detail creates a soothing blend of warm, effortless service and harmonious spaces. All rooms have large four poster beds and sunken marble baths overlooking private walled gardens. Air-conditioned luxury tents have embroidered interior canopies, old style baths and outdoor decks. Interiors of the Royal Vila highlight the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail that distinguishes the hotel. The hotel offers a range of activities to relax and recharge. Day 7 Tuesday Jaipur This morning we will visit the splendid Amber Fort on elephant back. Later in the afternoon we will enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Jaipur, which is the capital of Rajasthan, and was founded in Amber Fort was built by Man Singh ( ) who was a trusted general of the emperor Akbar. Amber embodies the Rajput belief that the fort symbolises the strength of the King. The fort s commanding view, sheer walls and rock face, and the curved route that leads to the palaces within, all point to a concern with security and defense. The fort is mirrored in Maota Lake, which stands adjacent to the Dilaram garden. The private apartments begun by Man Singh in the 17th century combine Hindu and Moghul styles and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), its walls covered with tiny mirrors, becomes a dazzling fantasy with the light of a single match. Other highlights include Jag Mandir (Hall of Victory) which glitters with mirrors, the Jai Mahal and Kali Temple. The ride up to the fort will be Maharajah-style on elephant back (subject to availability). Day 8 Wednesday Jaipur to Agra, via Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary We will depart the city of Jaipur to reach the bird sanctuary at Bharatpur in time to allow us to go for a birding walk before lunch. Formerly a shooting preserve of the Rajput Maharajahs of Bharatpur, it occupies just 29 square kilometres, but holds a remarkable diversity of habitats. The wetlands marshes and flooded jheels are contained within acacia-lined bunds, or embankments, and irrigated by a system of canals and sluices. Around them lie semiarid grass and scrubland and some excellent broad-leaved Kadum woodland. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded in the Sanctuary and in just this short visit we are likely to see about 50 of them. Among these will be an unequalled array of wetland species, a great variety of vultures, eagles, falcons and owls, plus numerous small land birds. As well as birds, the Sanctuary has an excellent variety of wild animals. Nilgai (blue bull), Sambar and Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Asiatic Jackal and two species of mongoose are all common, and this is one of the few places in India where the rare Fishing Cat may be seen. After enjoying the magic of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, we will move on to the intriguing deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, which is an hour s drive from Bharatpur. Fatehpur Sikri was once the capital of the Moghul Empire and is situated roughly halfway between Bharatpur and the city of Agra. Dusky Crag Martins skim over the red sandstone walls of this ancient place and, although the accent is on culture during our visit, birds are always present for members of the group who want to enjoy both the location s historical and natural wonders! Hoopoes, Brown Rock Chats and possibly Blue Rock Thrush may be seen as we walk round, and clouds of Black Kites and vultures circle 4 Naturetrek 2013

7 India - Royal Rajasthan In Style! Tour Itinerary overhead, the latter likely to include several Long-billed. On occasions, wintering Wallcreepers find the numerous rocky crevices worthy of investigation. We will now drive to the city of Agra, a short drive from Fatehpur Sikri. We have chosen the Amarvilas Hotel for our stay in Agra. The Oberoi Amarvilas is located 600 metres from the Taj Mahal and all of its rooms, suites, lobby, bar and lounge offer breathtaking views of the monument. The Oberoi Amarvilas is built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mogul architecture and the resort is a splendid display of terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions with rich interiors that take you back to an era of emperors and princes. A stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas is truly unforgettable. Each bedroom has an area of about 42 sq metres, teak wood flooring, spacious marble bathroom with separate shower stall, walk-in closet, personal bar, satellite television, compact disc, digital video player, in-room safe and two line telephones with data ports. The hotel has a specialty Indian restaurant, an all day restaurant, a lobby lounge and a bar and tea lounge to cater for all your dining needs. This luxury resort also features a swimming pool and a spa and fitness centre offering a complete Ayurvedic treatment programme. With marble and teak prominent in the decor and all the facilities of a modern 5-star hotel, this hotel is a gracious blend of the traditional and contemporary. Day 9 Thursday Agra At sunrise we will make a trip to see India s most famous monument the Taj Mahal, and later on in the day we will visit other great buildings of this fascinating Moghul city. The magnificent atmosphere of the Taj is hard to leave, especially as its gardens and the Yamuna River just behind, offer much ornithological excitement as well! After spending the morning at the Taj we will move on to see the Agra Fort, which offers fascinating views of the Taj and is in itself a beautiful place to visit. It is a marvellous structure, with towering walls that are 2½-kilometres long. Itmad-ud-daulah (the Baby Taj ), mausoleum of Mirza Ghiyas Beg (grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal, the lady of the Taj ) is quite as magnificent as the Taj Mahal itself, and set in idyllic riverside gardens. Later in the afternoon we will drive back to Delhi Arriving in Delhi 5 hours later, we will spend our last night in India at the fabulous Oberoi, Gurgaon featuring the most spacious accommodation in any hotel, the 202 guest rooms and suites are planned with a host of innovative features. The rooms feature landscape windows that bathe every room with abundant daylight offering a view of the serene reflection pools and landscaped gardens. The Oberoi, Gurgaon offers a range of gourmet experiences that encompasses cuisine from around the world. Options range from an all day dining restaurant featuring five interactive show kitchens, and alfresco seating on teakwood decks extended onto the reflection pool to an Indian coastal cuisine specialty restaurant. A delicatessen, bar and the country's only exclusive Cigar Lounge complete the culinary experience. Day 10 Friday London We depart Delhi in the early afternoon on a scheduled Jet airways flight to London, arriving home just after midday. Naturetrek

8 Tour Itinerary India - Royal Rajasthan In Style! NB. Please note that the itinerary offers our planned programme of excursions. However, adverse weather and other local considerations can necessitate some reordering of the programme during the course of the tour, though this will always be done to maximise best use of the time and weather conditions available. Extension to Pench and Kanha National Park (The minimum number of people required to run this extension is five; however, we may decide to operate it with fewer people, at our discretion, with local guides.) Day 10 Friday Delhi Pench via Nagpur We depart from Delhi in the morning by scheduled flight to Nagpur, upon our arrival in Nagpur; you will be driven by surface to Pench, a pleasant journey of just over two hours to the north of the city. On arrival at Pench, we will settle into the Tuli Tiger Corridor Resort, for a 2-night stay. This lodge provides luxurious tents and has a welcoming swimming pool. In the afternoon, after lunch we will get ready for our first safari inside the park. You may well have enjoyed watching the BBC s wonderful Sunday-evening series (April 2008) on the Tigers of Pench, entitled Tiger Spy in the Jungle, narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Pench rose to prominence following its designation as Project Tiger s nineteenth Tiger Reserve in 1992 and today it protects 758 square kilometres of prime Tiger habitat. It is situated amongst the southern reaches of the Satpura Hills, which lie in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts, the region which inspired Rudyard Kipling s Jungle Book. The park spans the border of the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharastra which is marked by the Pench River as it meanders from north to south through the reserve. During the dry season the river ceases to flow, forming pools which provide the primary watering holes for Tigers and all other wildlife. On the southern boundary of the park the Pench River has been dammed to generate hydro-electricity, and around the banks of this dam many waterbirds and mammals may be found, amongst them Asiatic Jackal and Nilgai. The terrain is rugged and the region s hills are cloaked in both southern moist deciduous forest and extensive dry, deciduous forest, dominated by Teak. Gaur, Wild Boar and Common Langurs are common here, as are Sambar, Spotted and Barking Deer. With luck we might also see Dhole, or even a Sloth Bear or a Leopard which are generally seen in the peripheral areas of the park where they are more likely to avoid an encounter with a Tiger. Day 11 Saturday Pench We will enjoy a full day in Pench National Park. We will rise before dawn for tea/coffee and biscuits, and then we will head out for our first morning safari into the park perhaps even experiencing our first Tiger encounter! The morning game drive through the park will be from sunrise until mid or late morning. We will then retire to our lodge for late breakfast/lunch and a siesta, and then head back into the park at around 3pm to enjoy an evening game drive for the last three hours of the day. 6 Naturetrek 2013

9 India - Royal Rajasthan In Style! Tour Itinerary Day Sunday Tuesday Kanha National Park / Tiger Reserve After our early morning game drive, we traverse the scenic Vindhya Hills as we transfer by road to Kanha National Park where we have further opportunities to watch Tigers during daily excursions. Kanha Tiger Reserve encompasses 751 square miles of varied habitats, and is one of the largest reserves in India. It is a beautiful region, situated on a plateau in the Maikal Range, and is made up of a crescent of hills (rising to nearly 1,000 metres) that embraces broad undulating grasslands speckled with clumps of bamboo and Sal forest. Mixed deciduous forest cloaks the hills and borders the meadows. Small pools, and a perennial lake, provide drinking holes for the animals year-round. The reserve is famous for its Swamp Deer the only population of the hard-ground race in existence for whose protection Kanha National Park was first established in Once, these deer roamed India in herds of many thousands. Today there are just 300 left, though this represents a good recovery since 1970 when just 70 individuals remained. However, since the launch of the initially successful Project Tiger in the early '70s, Kanha has been one of the Project's key Tiger Reserves and, because its wide meadows are so suited to successful Tiger viewing, it has become one of the best places in the world in which to search for this king of beasts. Besides Tigers, we can also hope to see plenty of Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkeys and Common Langurs. We should also see Gaur (the huge Asiatic Bison), Wild Boar, Asiatic Jackal, and with luck, Leopard and Dhole (the Indian Wild Dog). Sloth Bear and two of India's lowland antelopes Chousingha and the beautiful Blackbuck also occur and may be seen with patience and good fortune. Around 120 species of birds are likely to be encountered around the reserve during our stay, and these will be amongst the highlights of the tour. A good variety of birds of prey is likely to include Black-shouldered Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard, Shikra, and a variety of vultures. Open country birds such as Painted Francolin, Indian Roller, Yellow- and Red-wattled Lapwings, and a variety of woodpeckers, pigeons, larks, pipits, and drongos are common. In the forests, the elusive Malabar Pied Hornbill, Black-headed Oriole, and a selection of flycatchers, babblers and warblers may be found. In particular, we shall keep a look out for the very rare Green Munia. Our aim during our stay at Kanha will be to observe, enjoy and photograph the reserve's many species of mammals and birds. Naturally, we will spend a great deal of time looking for Tigers, and with luck we may see and photograph this magnificent animal. However, although Kanha is one of the very best reserves for Tiger sightings, and we shall be going at one of the best times of year, whilst we hope to see Tigers, we cannot guarantee them! Our daily programme will include both a morning and an evening jeep drive inside the reserve. These are, of course, all optional and there may be times when you d prefer to relax back at the lodge and recharge your batteries though it goes without saying that the more you do, the more you ll see! You are likely to see Tigers, and the bulk of the other wildlife you will encounter during the holiday, on these game drives. However, from time to time, you may be able to take an elephant ride for a close encounter with a Tiger. This will happen when the mahouts, who are employed by the Forest Department to track and monitor the Tigers each day, locate a suitable individual and are then permitted to use their elephants to shuttle eager visitors to otherwise inaccessible areas of the forest for closeup views of a Tiger. Such Tigers are usually resting or even swimming, and your viewing time may be just five or ten minutes or so. However, if the Tiger begins to move, you will move with it, and viewing times can be much longer in such situations. You should also be aware that trips on elephant back cannot be guaranteed, as this depends on Naturetrek

10 Tour Itinerary India - Royal Rajasthan In Style! the successful tracking of a Tiger by the mahouts; also, on occasions, use of its elephants can be withdrawn by the Forest Department if their urgent use is required elsewhere. Thus, each morning we aim to leave our lodge at around 5.45 a.m. taking a picnic breakfast with us which we can eat at one of several designated stopping places and will stay in the reserve until midday, when it closes during the hottest part of the day. We will return to the reserve when it opens again at 4.00 p.m. and stay there until dusk, at around 6.30 p.m. (NB. From 1st November to 15th February the reserve opens in the afternoon at 3.00 p.m. and our stay will last until dusk at around 5.30 p.m.) In the middle of the day, after lunch, there will be time to rest or go on short birdwatching walks around the lodge. Outside the reserve we will be able to enjoy the area's birdlife on foot, walking being forbidden in all the Tiger Reserves of India, for obvious reasons! Day 15 Wednesday Nagpur Today morning the park will remain closed for game drives and our tour leader will take us for a nature walk around the lodge. Later in the afternoon, we must reluctantly leave Kanha behind, taking a long drive south to Nagpur (a journey of approximately 6 hours). Here we will transfer to a central located hotel Tuli Imperial for an overnight stay. The hotel offers you excellent recreational facilities with modern amenities. We can enjoy the fully equipped gymnasium and health club. We will enjoy our farewell dinner at the hotel's fine restaurant. Day 16 Thursday Fly London In the early morning, we will be transferred to the airport to catch our plane to London at Fly to London, via Mumbai, with Jet Airways. We will arrive in London in the afternoon at Grading A (easy). This tour does not require a high level of physical fitness. The focus is on bird and mammal-watching as well as cultural highlights and there will not be any strenuous walks. Weather The weather from October to February should be mostly fine and sunny by day with temperatures in the region of C, but nights can be very cold with frost a possibility, and during early morning game drives it can feel bitterly cold until the sun gathers heat. 8 Naturetrek 2013

11 India - Royal Rajasthan In Style! Tour Itinerary Clothing Please inspect the separate clothing list, sent to you on booking, thoroughly. Please remember to take a swimming costume as all the hotels on this tour have swimming pools. Food & Accommodation 5 Star deluxe hotels are used in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. The Oberoi Vanyavilas in Ranthambhore, which is ranked the best resort in Asia and the World by the readers of Travel + Leisure in On the extension we use Tiger Corridor s luxurious tents in Pench, Kanha and best hotel in Nagpur. All meals in Ranthambore are included except for lunches and dinners in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. All meals are included on the extension. Extra Expenses Please note that we do not include the following in the cost of this holiday: main meals in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, all items of a more personal nature such as drinks, laundry, souvenirs and tips for guides and drivers (allow a minimum of 20 for tips. More detailed advice on tipping will be provided on booking). Flights We use the direct scheduled service of Jet Airways for this tour to India. Jet Airways is the biggest success story in the Indian aviation industry and one of the fastest growing airlines with one of the most modern fleets in the world. Jet Airways gained yet another prestigious award for the third consecutive year (and fourth time in the past five years) by being voted India s best airline at the 17th Annual Travel Awards This is the fifth award in different international and national categories that Jet Airways has been conferred with in The airline was voted India s leading airline at the World Travel Awards and won two Avion Awards for its in-flight entertainment. If you would prefer to travel Business Class or First Class, please call us for competitive quotes. National Parks remain closed to public access on Wednesdays The National Parks Authority for Madhya Pradesh have announced that all National Parks in the State will remain closed to public access on Wednesday until further notice. This order will affect Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Satpura and Panna Reserves. The inconvenience caused to Naturetrek tour participants is regretted but unfortunately there is nothing we can do to facilitate entry during these closures. On occasions when our tour itinerary would normally include entry to one of these reserves on a Wednesdays we will arrange alternative natural history activities either around the periphery of the National Parks or in nearby wildlife habitats. Entry Requirements All UK passport holders and most other nationalities require a visa for India, which is obtainable in advance from your nearest embassy. No vaccinations are mandatory for entry, but as recommended in our brochure we think it is Naturetrek

12 Tour Itinerary India - Royal Rajasthan In Style! wise to also be protected against TB, polio, typhoid, tetanus and hepatitis A and to take malaria prophylactics. Above all, it is essential to consult your GP about your requirements as soon as possible before travelling. Receive our e-newsletter Join the Naturetrek ing list and be the first to hear about new tours, additional departures, new dates, tour reports and special offers. Visit to sign up. How to Book Your Place! In order to book a place on this holiday, you will need to read our main Naturetrek brochure and complete and return the enclosed booking form, together with a deposit of 20% of the holiday cost. If you do not have a copy of this brochure, please give us a call on and we will gladly post one to you. Alternatively, you are welcome to book online at or by calling on If you would like us to call you, please send us an on info@naturetrek.co.uk or rajan@naturetrek.co.uk and we will call you right back. Please book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Please provide us with your passport details (passport number, date of issue, date of expiry and your date of birth) at the time of booking. 10 Naturetrek 2013