North India & Rajasthan Air Safari - 2008
India - Rich and authentic culture, exotic game viewing, ancient history and architectural masterpieces.
Departure Dates
Trip Summary
India is an exotic land best described by its colors and smells; the soft pinks and whites of marble palaces, bold yellows and brilliant reds of tribal costumes, fortresses rising out of golden desert sands and the aroma of exotic spices.
From your first night in India at the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel overlooking the Taj Mahal, through your journey to Jaipur, Jaislmer and beyond, you will see India's elegant palaces, extraordinary wildlife and remote deserts. You'll experience the vitality of the cities; visit with shepherds in their villages; have a cooking lesson led by local families and visit Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples.
Traveling by regional private air, you can now experience North India and Rajasthan in a single expedition, and discover how this ancient civilization weaves its wonderful natural and cultural heritage into a magical adventure you will never forget.
Itinerary
Day 1
Delhi/Agra, India
On arrival in Delhi, transfer to your private aircraft for a short flight to Agra. Check into your hotel where your first sunset will include a view of the Taj Mahal. This evening, meet for a welcome reception.
Lodging:The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Days 2 - 3
Agra
After a mystical sun rise visit to the Taj Mahal, continue to the Agra Fort - a powerful Mughal monument built from red sandstone. The following morning take a river voyage through the National Chambal Sanctuary in search of marsh crocodiles and Gangetic dolphins, followed by a camel safari. This afternoon is at leisure to rest at your hotel overlooking the Taj, or explore more fascinating sites of Agra.
Lodging:The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Days 4 - 5
Fatehpur Sikri, Bharatpur, Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, the artfully carved royal "City of Victory" that blends both Islamic and Hindu architectural elements. Continue to Bharatpur and get up close to a myriad of colorful birds in Keoladeo National Park. This evening, arrive in Jaipur, and the next day, explore the City Palace, home to a museum of rare manuscripts, paintings and armory. Walk or ride an elephant to the top of the hill to visit the Amber Fort with commanding views of the rugged landscape, followed by a private dinner with a local family.
Lodging:The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
Days 6 - 7
Jaisalmer, Siana
Board your private aircraft and fly to Jaisalmer, a magnificent yellow sandstone fort that rises out of the desert with a golden hue. Continue by private air to the rural town of Nun, where you will drive to a speciallyerected private tent camp set atop a sand dune in the Rajasthan Desert. The following morning search for leopards, bluebull antelopes, wild boars, and desert foxes from safari jeeps, then visit shepherds and their villages, and help cook a traditional Indian meal with your host family.
Lodging:Siana Tented Camp
Day 8
Ranakpur
Drive through mountains and valleys to Ranakpur, and discover one of the most complex and extensive Jain temples in India renowned for their carved stone workmanship. Participate in a ritual worship at the temple and see a folk dance of the Bheel tribe.
Lodging:Maharani Bagh
Days 9 - 10
Udaipur
Continue by road through the dry deciduous forests of Khumbulgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, dominated by Dhok trees and black-faced langur monkeys. At Udaipur, take a boat ride on a the lake to see marble island's palaces and gardens. The next day visit the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.
Lodging:The Oberoi, Udaivilas
Days 11 - 12
Sanchi, Pench Tiger Reserve
Fly to Sanchi and see one of the oldest groups of Buddhist monuments that crowns a hilltop with commanding views. After lunch continue by private air to Nagpur and the tented Pench Jungle Camp. Over the next two days explore these rich deciduous forests. You'll have walks with naturalists, and game viewing and bird-watching in the Pench Tiger Reserve by elephant back or four wheel-drive vehicles.
Lodging:Pench Jungle Camp
Days 13 - 15
Pench, Mumbai, Flights Home
After a full day of activities at Pench, board an evening commercial flight to Mumbai. The following morning explore this harbor city's sites, such as Marine Drive. There will be time for last minute shopping before departing home.
Lodging:The Taj Mahal Palace
Post-trip Extension through South India by Luxury Train
Price: $3276
Single Supplement: $4558
Days 15 - 16
Mumbai, Goa, Pune
Fly to Goa and explore the city before boarding the luxurious Deccan Odyssey train. The following day explore the Maharaja's palace and museum, and the old central market and handicraft stalls in Pune, before reboarding the train for dinner.
Day 17
Aurangabad
This morning arrive in Aurangabad, then visit a fort that was once a stronghold of the rulers of the Deccan. Continue to Ellora, an astounding complex of ancient Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves carved out of a basalt cliff designated a World Heritage Site.
Lodging:Overnight on the train.
Day 18
Aurangabad, Nashik
Discover the Buddhist caves of Ajanta set into the rocky sides of a crescent shaped gorge in the Inhyadri hills of the Sahyadri range. This hidden complex of temples and monasteries was once occupied by artisans and monks and houses some of India's most magnificent paintings. Continue aboard the train past vineyards across the Deccan Plateau, and visit a winery near the Godavari River, one of the holiest rivers of the Deccan.
Lodging:Overnight on the train.
Days 19 - 20
Mumbai and International Flights Home
Arrive in Mumbai and explore the city. The following day depart on flights home.
Post-Trip Extension to Bhutan
Price: $3785
Single Supplement: $4875
Days 14 - 15
Mumbai, India/Paro, Bhutan/Thimphu
This evening fly to Calcutta and in the morning connect to Paro, Bhutan. Visit the National Museum in Paro before driving to Thimphu, a large village that is the national capital. This evening there will be a dinner with Bhutanese guests.
Lodging:Taj Tashi
Day 16
Thimphu
Today explore a giant fortress that is Bhutan's seat of government, the King's offices, and the summer residence of the Kingdom's spiritual leader. Visit the children's traditional Painting School, a Buddhist center of learning, and Thimphu's lively market.
Lodging:Taj Tashi
Days 17 - 18
Thimphu, Paro
This morning drive to Paro, one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. Shrines dot the landscape and graceful willow trees line the edge of the Paro River as it winds between farmlands. Over the next two days explore the city, see elaborately carved houses, and hike to the "Tiger's nest," a famous hermitage that clings to a sheer cliff face above the Paro valley.
Lodging:Uma Paro
Days 19 - 20
Paro/Delhi, India/Flights Home
Fly to Delhi, and see the sites, with an overnight in this exciting city.
Study Leaders
Vishnu Singh
Vishnu Singh is a graduate of the University of Rajasthan, and holds a postgraduate degree in English. He has also studied the monuments and history of the Indian sub-Continent in detail, and has deep knowledge of the local traditions, customs and religion. Over the years, Vishnu has led many prominent groups. He lives with his young family at Bharatpur, near the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary and is passionate about birds and wildlife.
Raj Singh
Raj Singh is a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, inveterate world traveler, a distinguished ornithologist, an avid naturalist and active conservationist. A descendent of India's royal Kshartriya family from Bharatpur, he combines a passion for India's indigenous flora and fauna with personal efforts on behalf of their preservation as part of India's national heritage. He is the author of Bird and Wildlife Sanctuaries of India, Nepal and Bhutan and the recently published Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent. Since 1989, Raj has led numerous educational programs through India.
Cost
Capacity: 17 guests
Core Trip Cost Per Person
Double Occupancy: $16,885
Sole Occupancy: $19,079
Post-Trip Extension to Bhutan Cost
Capacity: 17 guests
Double Occupancy: $3,785 per person
Sole Occupancy: $4,875
Airfare Business Class: Mumbai-Calcutta-Paro-Delhi: from $1,250
Post-Trip Extension through South India by Luxury Train Cost
Capacity: 17 guests
Double Occupancy: $3,276 per person
Sole Occupancy: $4,558
Airfare Business Class: Mumbai-Goa: from $180
Preparing For Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you'll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We'll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you'll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a "typical day" might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You'll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We’ll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We'll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we'll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.