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Wildlife Encounters

Wild India's Safaris & Parks

India

14 nights 4 Departures Available

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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

Overview

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.

Highlights

  • Cultural Tour
  • Wildlife Experience
  • Game Drives by Jeep
  • Jules Verne Sightseeing
  • 8 Lunches & 12 Dinners
  • Local Expert Guide
Wild India Map

Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly to Delhi

 Fly overnight from your chosen airport to Delhi.

Day 2 - After breakfast in Delhi travel to Bharatpur

On arrival in the morning, transfer to the Vivanta by Taj Dwarka hotel  (2025 - Delhi Novotel Aerocity) 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 - Enjoy a rickshaw ride, before a Palace lunch and boat safari

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 - Explore Chambal on a safari and continue to Ranthambore National Park

Discover the Ravines of Chambal on a morning jeep safari, visiting the waterside Machkund Temple and the sandstone Shergarh Fort. After breakfast, drive (4 hrs) to Ranthambore National Park, renowned reserve of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Check-in at the Ranthambore Angan Farm Lodge where you will spend two nights. This evening enjoy a drink as you listen to an informative 'Tiger Talk' by a local naturalist. 
(B, L, D)

Day 5 - Discover the national park with a full day of game drives

Today you will embark on two game drives in a shared jeep. Rise early and join the safari travelling through the national park trying to catch a glimpse of the elusive Bengal Tiger and any of the inhabitants that live there. Return to the hotel to relax until you join your second game drive later in the afternoon where you will be once again travelling through the National Park in search of all the wildlife and birdlife there is to see.
(B, L, D)

Day 6 - Enjoy a morning game drive and travel to Shahpura

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 - Spend the morning bird watching before travelling to Jawai

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 - Embark on a full day of game drives

 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 - Travel to Bajana, visiting the Rani ki Vav stepwell en route

 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 - Explore the Little Rann of Kutch, later transfer to Velavadar

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 - Discover Blackbuck National Park through a game drive

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 (pre-bookable).
(B, L, D)

Day 12 - Transfer to Sasan Gir National Park for a wildlife talk

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 - Embark on a full day of game drives

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 to Gondal for a palace and temple visit, later fly to Mumbai

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 - Fly home from Mumbai

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.

Unique Experience

Accommodation

Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.

Laxmi Villas Palace Bharatpur India Exterior

Laxmi Villas Palace - Bharatpur

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.

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Narsingh Bagh Resort Dholpur India Exterior

Narsingh Bagh Resort

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.

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Ranthambore Angan Farm Lodge Ranthambore India Exterior

Ranthambore Angan Farm Lodge - Ranthambore

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.

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Shahpura Bagh Shahpura India Pool

Shahpura Bagh - Shahpura

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.

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Jawai Sagar Resort Pali India Grounds

Jawai Sagar Resort - Pali

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.

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Royal Safari Camp Bajana India Pond

Royal Safari Camp - Bajana

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.

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Blackbuck Safari Lodge, Velavadar, India, Tent

Blackbuck Safari Lodge - Velavadar

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.

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Gateway Hotel, Sasan Gir, India, Exterior

Gateway Hotel - Sasan Gir

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.

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Trident Nariman Point Mumbai India Exterior

Trident Nariman Point - Mumbai

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.

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Optional Extras

Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.

Optional Excursions

Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

Afternoon Game Drive

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 an optional afternoon game drive.

More

- Travel Guides -

You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.

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