Felines of India - 13 nights
India offers some of the best wildlife experience. With captivating wildlife settings, it bestows vast mountain ranges and national parks. Get the opportunity to spot the- Bengal Tigers and Indian Leopards & Asiatic Lions. Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. Once considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park terrain is a major wildlife hub. Gir National Park is the only place in the world outside Africa where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The lions of Gir are a majestic animal, averaging 2.75 metres in length, and with a bigger tail tassle, bushier elbow tufs and prominent belly folds than his African cousin which has larger mane. While, Jawai is set in a spectacularly dramatic wilderness, where you are bound to see the leopards that roam wild and free, coexisting comfortably with the charismatic communities.
Day 1 Arrive Delhi Arrive in India
An Eastbound representative, holding a sign with your name, will meet you in the arrivals area upon exiting baggage claim and transfer you to your hotel. Delhi, India’s capital and political hub is an ancient city that has something for everyone. Settled seven times over the centuries, this city has grown in a way that reflects its past, while retaining its cosmopolitan flavor. Delhi is India’s showcase for architecture, religion, shopping and culture – everything is available here – waiting to be discovered. Delhi is a city of contrasts, where an elephant can overtake an overheated Italian sports car on the streets. Where colonial mansions stands next to squatter slums, and where cows are revered, but musicians are labeled 'untouchable'. The city's pace is chaotic, yet fairly relaxed, and makes it ideal for exploring. You're certain to be confronted with some strange and exotic sights. Overnight: The Lalit, Delhi Meals: No Meals
Day 2 Delhi - Ranthambore
After breakfast, you will be drive to Ranthambore National Park, the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Ranthambore National Park is a magnificent 392 sq. km park made up of dry deciduous forest, sprawling over the undulating Aravali and Vindhyachal mountain ranges. This park is home to India’s most regal inhabitant – the Royal Bengal Tiger. Overnight: Sawai Madhopur Lodge. Ranthambore National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 In Ranthambore
Early this morning enjoy your first safari into the national park to get a glimpse of the varied wildlife. Ranthambore has an impressive range of animal species, including sambar, cheetal, (spotted deer), nilgai (blue bull), chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, leopard and the highly endangered Royal Bengal Tiger. The rich bird life reflects the range of flora on which it feeds. During the winter months, the lakes attract a variety of migrant water birds. Due to its varied terrain and abundance of water bodies, Ranthambore has an excellent population of birds, resident and migrant. A total of 272 species have been documented Return to the hotel for breakfast. After lunch, take another safari into the wild, returning for a relaxing evening and dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Sawai Madhopur Lodge. Ranthambore National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 Ranthambore - Barli
Drive to Barli and overnight in the 18th century fort. Take a tour of the fort, spend your time exploring the village or simply relax by the pool. Overnight: Fort Barli, Barli Meas: Breakfast Day 5 Barli- Jawai
Drive to Jawai, which is an area of extraordinary natural beauty which until recently had remained a best kept secret for centuries apart from, of course, with its local inhabitants, a healthy leopard population and the Rabari tribals, distinctive by their vivid red turbans. The two have lived in harmony together here for centuries. This afternoon venture out on a safari and spot the mighty cat! Overnight: Sujan Jawai Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 In Jawai
Enjoy morning and afternoon games drives to spot the leopards. During the day, interact with the local village to gain insight into daily community life and valuable insight on Indian village society. When not out exploring you can relax by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment or yoga lesson. Overnight: Sujan Jawai, Jawai Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 Jawai - Udaipur - Mumbai
After leisurely breakfast, drive to Udaipur Airport to catch a flight to Mumbai Upon arrival, you will be driven to you hotel and check in. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 In Gir National Park
After leisurely breakfast, take a flight to Diu and drive to Gir National Park. Overnight: The Postcard Gir, Gir National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 In Gir National Park
Enjoy morning/afternoon Game Drives in search of the Asiatic Lion. This is the only place in the world, apart from Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. About 10,000 year ago, lions spanned vast sections of the globe, but as the human population started to increase, trees were cut and forests were cleared to make more land for people to live in. Now lions are found only in small numbers in some parts of the world. And the Asiatic lions, a subspecies that split from African lions perhaps 100,000 years ago, are only found in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. Overnight: The Postcard Gir, Gir National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DInner Day 10 In Gir National Park
Another day of morning/afternoon game drives in search of the Asiatic Lion. As the food is roasted to perfection, enjoy soft ambient music while enjoying a unique culinary Barbecue experience under the stars. Overnight: The Postcard Gir, Gir National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DInner
Day 11 Gir National Park - Diu - Goa
Today after an early breakfast drive back to Dui to catch your connecting flight from Mumbai to Goa. White gold sands, turquoise waters, and kaleidoscopic skies make it a playground for historians, hippies, and spiritualists. A backpacker's paradise and wealthy man's heaven. An assemblage of little Portuguese bungalows, and a string of luxury hotels - Goa is a heady blend of the old and the new. Take a stroll along the long coastline or try a Local Coconut from one of the local beach vendors today. Overnight: Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Goa Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 In Goa
Today spend the day at the hotel pool, with cocktails and delicious seafood. Overnight: Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Goa Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 In Goa
After a relaxed breakfast, visit the Old City, which served as the Portuguese capital from the 16th to the 18th century. Next, admire the beauty of the much-revered Basilica of Bom Jesus, exuberating the finest examples of Baroque-style architecture. This church holds the remains of Saint Francis Xavier, the man behind the Society of Jesus. You will also witness the exemplary architecture of a few other churches, including the Se Cathedral, Church of St. Monica, and St. Francis of Assisi. These churches unravel the authentic culture and depict the magnificence of Goa during olden times. Spend the evening enjoying traditional Goan food. Overnight: Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Goa Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 Depart Goa
Today after a leisurely breakfast you will depart for the Goa airport to connect a flight back home.