TIGERS AND TRAVELS IN INDIA As of October 17, 2013

Transcription

1 TIGERS AND TRAVELS IN INDIA As of October 17, 2013 Visit us at

2 The Itinerary Recognized by National Geographic Traveler magazine as a "Tour of a Lifetime," our Tigers and Travels in India is one of the most indepth and comprehensive India travel adventures dedicated to the search for the elusive tiger and discovery of ancient civilizations out of which arose the contemporary cultural and spiritual fabric of modern India. During your tiger safaris in Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks you stay in the lodges closest to the best sectors for viewing tigers where they are in the highest density and you learn about Project Tiger to bring tigers back from the brink of extinction. Explore the old city of New Delhi, the Moghal masterpiece of the Taj Mahal in Agra, Khajuraho's spectacular temples, and the sacred city of Varanasi on the Ganges. Amongst the forts, the walled cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, and the surrounding countryside you walk among rural villages of Rajasthan and enjoy a meal with a middle class family who shares insights of their daily life. The castles and palaces of unequaled grandeur, echoes of the British Raj, and the corresponding historic boutique-style accommodations combine to produce an unforgettable India travel experience. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 Sun DELHI 2 Mon DELHI 3 Tues AGRA 4-5 Wed Thurs JAIPUR The Claridges (Deluxe Room) The Claridges (Deluxe Room) ITC Mughal-Luxury (Emperors Chamber) Samode Haveli (Deluxe Room) BLD 6-7 Fri-Sat JODHPUR Hari Mahal Vivanta BL 8-9 Sun-Mon UDAIPUR Lalit Laxmi Palace (Lake View Room) B BL BL/BD 10 Tues MUMBAI The Lalit B 11 Wed KANHA Thurs Fri KANHA 14 Sat BANDHAVGARH Sun Mon BANDHAVGARH Kanha Jungle Lodge Kanha Jungle Lodge Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge BLD BLD BLD BLD 17 Tues KHAJURAHO Taj Chandela BLD 18 Wed VARANASI 19 Thurs DEPART Gateway Ganges (Executive Room) Eaton Airport Hotel (Day Use Room) BD B Meet and arrival transfer to hotel. Full day Delhi tour. Welcome dinner. Drive to Agra. Visit Agra Fort and sunset guided tour of Taj Mahal. Dawn at the Taj. Visit Fatipur Sikri. Drive to Jaipur. Tour Amber Fort and Jaipur palace with time to explore the city. Drive Jodhpur. Explore Mehrangarh Fort. Visit Bishnois community. Tour Blue City and lunch in local home. Drive Udaipur via Ranakpur temple. Lake Pichola boat, Udaipur city and palace, Eklingji and Nagda temples, countryside walk. Free day to explore Udaipur environs. Fly to Mumbai. Fly from Mumbai to Raipur. Drive to Kanha National Park. Morning and afternoon jeep safaris. Community walk through the countryside. Drive Bandhavgarh. Rural village visits. Morning and afternoon jeep safaris and free time at lodge. Drive to Khajuraho. Guided tour of western and eastern temples complex. Morning return to temples. PM fly to Varanasi. Ganges River boat and Aarti ceremony. Sunrise boat on Ganges. Explore the city and visit Sarnath. Afternoon flight to Delhi. Evening international departure. -2-

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVE IN DELHI Arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Once the capital of the Moghul Empire, today Delhi is a sprawling metropolis - a fascinating blend of past and the present- which is an apt introduction to the composite culture of the entire subcontinent. Overnight Claridges DAY 2: EXPLORE OLD AND NEW DELHI Your expert guide weaves you in and out of Old and New Delhi. Catch a rickshaw into the old walled city and walk through the bustling and crowded market of Chandni Chowk. Walk to the nearby Friday Mosque, the Jama Masjid, which is the largest mosque in India and stop at Raj Ghat, the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament House, the President's Residence, and then on to see the Qutab Minar, an impressive 237-foot tall brick minaret built in the 11 th Century. Enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight Claridges [BLD] DAY 3: DELHI AGRA Depart early for your drive to Agra (205 km/3-3.5 hrs). Badal Singh first established Agra in 1475 soon to be defeated by Babur, king of Afghanistan, who developed the city as the seat of the Mughal Empire. Visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site with massive 70-foot high walls 1.5-mile long, encompassing an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan (who built the Taj). The emperor intended to build a second tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj for Mumtaz. Tragically, before he could begin, he was deposed by his son and imprisoned in the Agra Fort where he remained until his death, spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting-place of his wife. After lunch and resting in your hotel, you are guided through the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings on earth and unquestionably the most beautiful. It is an architectural wonder inspired by love - a white marble memorial to Mumtaz Mahal, wife of the great Shah Jahan, fifth Moghul Emperor and architect extraordinaire. Designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa, it took 22 years to complete and features stunning balance and symmetry, elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever produced. After your guided walk you will have as much time as you wish until closing to wander and photograph in the glow of the afternoon setting sun. Overnight ITC Mughal-Luxury Collection [B] DAY 4: DAWN AT THE TAJ MAHAL FATEHPUR SIKRI JAIPUR Rise at dawn and make your way to the Taj Mahal for its opening to contemplate and photograph at your individual leisure in the early light with few other visitors. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then depart for Jaipur (260 km/5 hrs) en-route visiting the ancient site of Fatehpur Sikri. The city was built by Emperor Akbar the Great, Shah Jehan s grandfather, the consolidator of the Mughal Empire and most farseeing and tolerant of all the Mughals. The entire city was deserted a few years after construction due to a dearth of water posterity s gain, as the entire city has thus been preserved. -3-

4 Continue your drive to the pink city of Jaipur where you check in to your boutique accommodation of Samode Haveli. Built over 175 years ago within the city of Jaipur by Rawal Sheo Singhji as the manor house for the royal family, Samode Haveli reflects the style and elegance of the family and the art and architecture of the times and culture, all of which have been impressively restored today. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening free in the pool, rest in the luxurious environs of the Samode, or ride a rickshaw in the old city to explore and shop: Jaipur is famous for fabric, gems, jewelry and handicrafts. Overnight Samode Haveli [BL] DAY 5: AMBER FORT JAIPUR CITY Amber Fort is the classic image of the romantic Rajasthani palace. Arrive in the morning light for the best photography of its forbidding exterior that belies a beautiful inner fusion of Mughal and Hindu architectural styles with exquisite filigree and lattice carving. Drive into Jaipur, the famed Pink City, painted pink to honor a British Vice-Regal visit in the late 19 th century. The city palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture which sprawls over one-seventh of the walled city s area. Visit the museum, wander the palace to view the famed Peacock Gate, visit the Jantar Mantar - the largest and the best preserved of the five outdoor astronomy observatories built by Jai Singh II still as accurate as a Swiss watch today. Leave the palace to view the Hawa Mahal - the "Palace of Winds", an ornamental five-storey sandstone façade of fine trelliswork, with 953 niches, windows and elaborate balconies. Overnight Samode Haveli [BL] Note: We use jeeps instead of joining tourist groups on elephant rides up to the fort because the animals suffer in the sun, and walking up and down the cobblestone ramps damages their cuticles. DAY 6: JAIPUR JODHPUR Drive to the Blue City of Jodhpur (330 km /6 hrs) founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha Ji, who claimed descent from Lord Rama himself (hero of the epic, The Ramayana). This afternoon walk the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, photographing and interacting with merchants and townsfolk at the Sardar market. Overnight Hari Mahal Vivanta [BL] DAY 7: BISHNOI COMMUNITY FAMILY LUNCH MEHRANGARH FORT This morning you journey into the countryside among the Bishnois, villagers living outside of Jodhpur who dedicate themselves to conservation and living a life in harmony with nature. The teachings of their guru or preceptor, Jambaji, are based on 29 (bish: twenty, noi: nine) principles that include karuna or compassion for all living beings. Bishnois do not cut or lop green trees; instead they use dried cow dung as fuel. You visit several families to learn more about their lifestyle, traditions and artistic talents in pottery and weaving. Enjoy lunch in a middle-class family home including enjoyable conversation with the family as you watch and learn how to prepare traditional dishes. In the light of the afternoon sun walk into Jodhpur s iconic Mehrangarh Fort which dominates the city skyline. Mehrangarh Fort hangs over the city perched on an almost vertical volcanic plug. Spread over 3 miles at a height of 300 feet, the fort appears invincible and impenetrable from outside and houses some of the most intricately adorned palace buildings in Rajasthan with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows. Pass by the Jaswant Thada monument, an architectural landmark of Jodhpur built of carved marble that casts a warm glow in the sun s rays. Overnight Hari Mahal Vivanta [BL] -4-

5 DAY 8: JODHPUR RANAKPUR UDAIPUR Drive to Udaipur (260 km/6 hrs) stopping en-route to visit the impressive 12 th century Jain Temple of Ranakpur, a cluster of temples made of intricately sculpted white marble. The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars - none of which are similarly carved. Continue to Udaipur, "The Venice of the East". Udaipur is truly an enchanting city. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh, Udaipur is surrounded by the Aravalli mountain ranges and situated on the edge of three lakes. In the lakes or by their edges are palaces straight out of fairy tales, each one rivaling the splendor of the next. Early evening boat ride on the lake reveals the serenity of the place with the lights of the city and your lake shore palace hotel illuminated before us. Overnight Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace [BL] Udaipur City Palace reflection on Lake Pichola. DAY 9: UDAIPUR Your local guide takes you into the Udaipur city palace complex - the largest palace in Rajasthan - Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, and the Palace Museum. From here head out into the main streets of Udaipur where you visit the main Hindu temple and walk among the shops and cafes. After lunch enjoy the peace and tranquility of our palace hotel or join an afternoon excursion to walk in the countryside of this beautiful agricultural landscape revealing the daily life including Eklingji & Nagda temples important spiritual sites for of local people built in white marble with a double storied porch on the bank of Lake Bageela. Enjoy a sunset terrace dinner overlooking the lake. Overnight Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace [BD] DAY 10: UDAIPUR MUMBAI The day is at leisure to wander in the town until mid-afternoon when you transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. You will transfer to your hotel. Overnight The Lalit, Mumbai [B] Flight: Air India 471, departing Udaipur at 5:20 PM, arriving Mumbai 7:05 PM or similar DAY 11: MUMBAI KANHA NATIONAL PARK Transfer to the airport for your flight to Raipur. You will be met and driven to Kanha National Park (240 km/4-5 hrs), one of the largest and most scenic national parks in India and an ideal habitat for both tigers and their prey. Kanha has a remarkable conservation story that you learn about at your lodge which was one of the first lodges in the area established by the founder of Project Tiger, a leading tiger conservation organization. Today the lodge remains in the family and your hosts share their dedication to conservation and collaboration with the surrounding community to protect tigers. Sloth bear Photo: Ava Gerdes, Tigers and Travels -5-

6 Together in association with TOFT (Tour Operators for Tigers) Wildland Adventures has sponsored a member of the community in guide training and he will be assigned to your trip if possible. After check in, stretch your legs on a nature walk with the resident naturalist in the Banjar buffer zone full of alluring birds and butterflies. Overnight Kanha Jungle Lodge [BLD] Flight: Air India 651, departing Mumbai at 10:40 AM, arriving Raipur at 12:20 PM or similar 1000 Tigers Conservation Campaign By participating on this trip you help save tigers, in part by supporting the local communities around the parks so they benefit from ecotourism. Click here to learn more about our 1000 Tigers Conservation Campaign and meet Mr. Vinod Ayam who was sponsored by Wildland Adventures and our travelers to participate in a local guide training program. Vinod is usually our spotter when Wildland travelers are in Kanha National Park. Note on safaris: The park service closes the park Wednesdays in which case we combine a community visit with nature walks in the forest. DAY 12: KANHA WILDLIFE SAFARIS During your days in Kanha National Park you arise to an early morning wake-up call followed by tea and coffee, and then depart the lodge in 4x4 open jeeps accompanied by a resident naturalist and community forest park guide acting as your scout. Early morning is the best time for tracking the Bengal tiger and other wildlife as you look for tracks and follow the distress calls of chital (spotted deer) and langur monkeys who alert prey that tiger are in the area (acting as a signal for us). The lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines of Kanha shelter a significant population of rare species including tiger, leopard, sloth bear, and wild dog or Dhole. Kanha's mixed forests are interspersed with vast meadows which support a high density of herbivores, including chital, barasingha, sambar and Indian gaur (bison). These herbivores attract predators to waterholes and the fringes of clearings. A picnic breakfast is served in the jungle with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Return to the lodge where the remainder of the morning is at leisure. Lunch is taken at the lodge before you depart on the afternoon wildlife safari. Return to the lodge near dusk for tea, cocktails and dinner. Your gracious lodge hosts, Tarun and Dimple, have dedicated much of their lives here, raising their young son, studying and sharing the love of tigers, birds, and flowers. Elephant safari in Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks. Enjoy their stargazing program, Indian cooking lessons and catch the flying squirrel at sunset! Overnight Kanha Jungle Lodge [BLD] DAY 13: KANHA WILDLIFE SAFARIS You wake early again for another wildlife safari. A picnic breakfast is served in the jungle with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Return late morning to the lodge to relax before lunch. In the afternoon head out again on an afternoon safari or you can stay in the lodge to relax or participate in any number of activities; your hosts at the Kanha Jungle Lodge can arrange visits to the village with a local resident who introduces us to daily life in the community including markets, artisans and local families. Dinner and overnight Kanha Jungle Lodge [BLD] -6-

7 Note on elephant safari: Every day a limited number of elephant safari permits are issued for park visitors. If permitted, you will spend an hour on elephant back to go deeper inside the core of the park, away from roads, where you can see the diverse flora and fauna of the park. You may get lucky and spot a tiger from elephant back! Availability of elephant rides is subject to the park authority, usually one permit per visitor. DAY 14: DRIVE BANDHAVGARH RURAL VILLAGE VISITS Depart this morning for Bandhavgarh National Park (300 km/6 hrs). En-route visit villages and schools stopping at any local markets or community events frequently encountered in this productive agricultural region of India. Depending on interest there is also a roost of large fruit bats and reservoirs that attract abundant bird life. Set in the Vindhya Hills protecting a habitat of mixed bamboo, grassland, and deciduous forests, Bandhavgarh National Park has one of the highest concentrations of Bengal tiger on earth and is one of the best places to see them in the wild. In addition there are at least 150 species of birds in the park, along with other mammals such as sloth bear, langur monkeys, wild boar, wild dogs, mongoose and 3 kinds of deer - chital, sambar and barking. Once a hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa, Bandhavgarh was declared a park in 1968, and it was in Bandhavgarh that the famous White Tigers of Rewa were discovered. Enjoy dinner at your hotel, Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge. [BLD] DAYS 15-16: BANDHAVGARH WILDLIFE SAFARIS During your visit in Bandhavgarh you have the opportunity to go on three jeep safaris and one possible elephant safari (if not taken in Kanha). After an early morning wake-up call followed by tea and coffee, dawn breaks and you depart the lodge in 4x4 open jeeps accompanied by a resident naturalist and community forest park guide acting as your scout. In the winter months morning safaris require insulating clothes, woolen caps, and gloves to protect us from the wind in your open jeep. Take a field breakfast with hot tea/coffee or depending on sightings you take breakfast on your return at the lodge. After lunch at the lodge take your afternoon safari by 4x4 open jeep. In the evening back at the lodge chat with your naturalist about the game sightings of the day. Dinner and overnight Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge [BLD] Good chances of seeing tiger in Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks! Photo: Ave Gerdes, Tigers and Travels DAY 17: KHAJURAHO TEMPLES Drive to Khajuraho (270km/5-6 hrs). In the afternoon a local expert guide take us on a tour of the magnificent Jain and Hindu temples and intricate stone sculptures dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. Known as the erotic temples, the craftsmanship exhibits images of gods and goddesses, celestial maidens and dancers, animals and musicians, all frozen in stone, many in the act of love. Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve this collective glorification of life, love, and joy, and reflect the spirit of creativity and human relationships of the Chandela period (9 th & 10 th century CE). The Eastern group of temples include the Parasvanath Temple - the only Jain Temple surviving at Khajuraho with excellent sculptures on the outer walls of the Sanctum, the Javeri Temple dedicated to Vishnu, and other temples dedicated to Brahma, the Goddess Kali, the Visha Temple of Shiva, and the Bharatji Temple with a lovely image of 11 headed Vishnu. Overnight at Taj Chandela [BLD] -7-

8 DAY 18: VARANASI Enjoy an optional morning excursion into the western temples for photography in the early light of day. Transfer to Khajuraho airport for flight to Varanasi. The city of Varanasi is known to devout Hindus as Kashi, said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe at the beginning of time. One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi is also one of the most important pilgrimage destinations today. Located on the banks of the sacred Goddess Ganga (Ganges River), a goddess herself, Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years. In late afternoon, ride bicycle rickshaws in town and walk amidst the crowded local market of Beniabagh famous for spices, shops, cloths and daily vendors selling fruits, pickles and vegetables. At Dashaswamedh Ghat, board a small row boat on the Ganges to watch a glittering Aarti ceremony: huge lamps are set ablaze amid a multitude of chants and hymns. Maintaining a respectful distance from the shore you can observe the cremation Ghats burning in the night, a living tradition of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight Gateway Ganges Hotel [BD] Flight: Jet Konnect 9W-K-2424, departing Khajuraho at 1:45 PM, arriving Varanasi at 2:35 PM or similar DAY 19: SUNRISE ON THE GANGES SARNATH DELHI DEPARTURE Early in the morning venture by rickshaw and on foot back to Dashaswamedh Ghat. Push off your private boat into the slow current on the Ganges River passing by smoldering cremation Ghats. As dawn breaks the rising sun imparts a glow to the city, unveiling its buildings, temples, and courtyards. In this place at this moment you witness the spiritual reaffirmation of the light after darkness, life after death, and hope after despondency. Capture the holy images of devotees offering prayers and seeking blessings of their beloved deities. Step out onto the streets again to the unfurling of bazaars passing by the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on return to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, today the most sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Time and interest permitting pass by Dhamaekha Stupa, Moolgandha Kuti Vihar and the Experience the sacred rites on the banks of Ganges at sunrise and sunset. famous Sarnath Museum. Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, an Eaton Airport Transit Hotel representative will meet you at your arrival gate and escort you to the transit hotel. After you relax, a representative will escort you to the appropriate ticket counter for your international departure. [B] Flight: Jet Konnect 9W-K-2424, departing Varanasi at 3:20 PM, arriving Delhi 7:00 PM or similar END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -8-

9 PRICING: FALL 2013 SPRING 2014 Days: 19 GROUP SIZE Land Cost per person $8150 $7550 $7250 Internal Airfare $625 $625 $625 Single Supplement: $2450 *Prices valid October 15, 2013 through April 30, Additional charges may apply for holiday departures. Groups of 4 or more persons are accompanied by an English-speaking escort throughout; special arrangements can be made for less than 4 persons without a full time guide-escort using a private English-speaking driver and car to meet local expert on-site specialist guides in each locale. DEPARTURE DATES: 2014 January February 16 - March 6 March 30 - April 17 INCLUDED SERVICES Accommodations on twin share bed and breakfast basis as listed A/C Toyota Innova, Tempo Traveler van or spacious minibus depending on group Specialist full time guide-escort for 4 or more persons Local on site guides in cities and resident naturalists at Kanha and Bandhavgarh Guided tours and excursions including entrance fees Airport-hotel transfers on scheduled dates, land, boat, jeep, elephant and rickshaw transportation Complimentary water during all transfers, drives and sightseeing Assistance at airports/railway station/hotels at the time of check in and check out at all major cities Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International or domestic airfare (listed separately) Airport transfers on alternate dates of scheduled arrival and departure India Visa (US citizens must obtain an India visa in advance) Airport taxes Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, water in restaurants, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Camera or video fees Any other items not mentioned above TRIP NOTES In the winter months morning safaris require warm clothes and woolen caps and gloves to keep you warm from the wind chill in your open jeep. We provide blankets and sometimes even a hot water bottle to keep you comfortable. -9-

10 Accommodations THE CLARIDGES, NEW DELHI Graceful architecture, elegant décor, and a blend of old-world charm and contemporary facilities have made The Claridges, New Delhi a classic hotel of Delhi. The Claridges is conveniently located in the center of the city very close to shopping, cultural centers and historical landmarks. Enjoy the lounge, café and renowned restaurants including Dhaba and Jade. Facilities include swimming pool, spa, and fitness center. Rooms include all amenities such as A/C, Wi-Fi, plasma TVs with satellite, safes, hair-dryers and coffee/tea-maker. ITC MUGHAL, AGRA Set in 35 acres of gardens near the Taj Mahal, the ITC Mughal has been award the Aga Khan Awarded for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture. Rooms are complete with modern amenities including air conditioning, flat screen TV, and Wi-Fi, each with a view of the gardens or the outdoor pool. Make a visit to the Royal Spa which is one of India s finest spas and the largest at over 99,000 square feet. In addition to spa services the spa encompasses a yoga garden, relaxation garden, orchard walkway, and a butterfly park. SAMODE HAVELI, JAIPUR Located near Gangapole Gate in the pink walls of India s Maharaja capital city Jaipur, the heritage Samode Haveli reflects the rich culture and atmosphere of a former residence of aristocracy steeped in Jaipur s history. The 39 deluxe rooms and suites retain their unique character and historic charm with contemporary amenities. Private courtyards and balconies look out on the pool, fountain courts and gardens of the Haveli. Hotel facilities and services include a restaurant, bar, pool, Jacuzzi, spa, bar, gift shop, laundry, room service, Rajasthani folk dances. HARI MAHAL VIVANTA, JODHPUR Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal is a unique mix of chic and classic styles combining Moghul-inspired domes, enameled murals, slender columns, and grand interiors with contemporary amenities and modern technology. Several distinctive restaurants offer different cuisines and environments to dine. Stroll across 6 acres of hotel grounds including lush gardens in an oasis in the middle of the desert. Each room features ergonomically designed furniture, high quality beds and bath products, safe, Wi-Fi, coffee maker. Enjoy the pool, Taj spa and fitness center. -10-

11 LALIT LAXMI VILAS PALACE, UDAIPUR The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace luxury historic hotel is located just 4 km from the city center on a prominent hilltop location with a spectacular view overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake and Udaipur. Built by His Highness Maharana Fateh Singh in 1911, Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace radiates with the grandeur and charm of a royal era. 55rooms are elegantly decorated each with modern room amenities: A/C, Wi-Fi, safe, mini bar, telephones, LCD TV, business and fitness centers. Enjoy fine dining in two restaurants and relax in the spacious grounds enjoying a sundowner on the terrace. THE LALIT MUMBAI The LaLit Mumbai is conveniently located in Andheri, close to Mumbai s airports and is an oasis in this busy city. This 5-star luxury hotel offers numerous amenities and services including several restaurants and bars, spa, pool and fitness center. Here you can enjoy one of most popular nightclubs in the city. The air-conditioned rooms have LCD televisions with satellite, deep-soaking bathtubs, hair-dyers, safes, Wi-FI, coffee-tea makers and other amenities. KANHA JUNGLE LODGE, KAHNA NATIONAL PARK Set in the midst of the Sal forest, Kanha Jungle Lodge has 20 spacious twin-bed rooms, each with en-suite bathrooms and hot water. Just a short walk from Kanha National Park, the lodge has an ideal setting for bird watching. Enjoy home cooked Indian and international cuisine, browse the books in the library or ask your hosts, Tarun and Dimple, about growing up and raising their son so close to the national park. BANDHAVGARH JUNGLE LODGE Located within walking distance of Bandhavgarh National Park's main gate, the jungle lodge has been developed on the theme of an Indian village, with thirteen thatched twin-bedded cottages around an inner courtyard. A spacious thatched dining room which serves home cooked Indian food and Continental cuisines, becomes the centre point of activities like campfire performances, lectures and star gazing. In the morning wake up to a symphony of bird songs, while at night you can often hear the alarm calls of deer, which alerts you to a tiger on the prowl. -11-

12 TAJ CHANDELA, KHAJURAHO Tucked back amidst 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens the Taj Chandela offers an array of modern comforts with facilities including a pool, restaurants, and yoga. All 94 well appointed rooms, including four Executive Suites and one Deluxe Suite, offer Wi-Fi, mini-bar, personal safe, channel music and color television, satellite programming, and en suite bathrooms. TAJ GATEWAY GANGES HOTEL, VARANASI Set amidst 40 acres of lush gardens, the 130 room Taj Ganges is a haven of peace and tranquility in the bustling ancient temple city of Varanasi. Stay in an Executive Room featuring central air conditioning, high speed wi-fi, and beautiful teak floors with views overlooking the gardens. Enjoy a swim in the pool or stroll in the gardens. On-site dining includes the modern coffee shop and lounge Gad, as well as the Varuna, a fine dining Indian restaurant. THE EATON SMART AIRPORT TRANSIT HOTEL, NEW DELHI The Eaton Smart hotel is located between the international and domestic terminals of the New Delhi airport and is convenient for both interim and overnight stays. This modern hotel offers 57 rooms entering from the International Terminal for transiting passengers who have already cleared customs. Travelers flying from within India can access one of the 36 rooms in the Domestic wing. Each wing features spa, gymnasium and a lounge which offers 24-hour dining and drinks. Rooms are fully equipped with A/C, full bath, LCD satellite TV, and high speed Wi-Fi. -12-

13 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions -13-