INDIA MOBILE CAMPING SMALL GROUP JOURNEY Journey through the history and wildlife of India

Transcription

1 INDIA MOBILE CAMPING SMALL GROUP JOURNEY Journey through the history and wildlife of India

2 JOURNEY THROUGH THE HISTORY AND WILDLIFE OF INDIA Revel in a privately guided experience with &Beyond s 11-day India Mobile Camping Small Group Journey, which offers an unrivalled opportunity to explore some of Central India s iconic destinations on an unforgettable, luxury mobile camping, set departure expedition. Traverse through spectacular locations, off the beaten track, and immerse yourself in the beauty of untouched areas. This adventure-filled expedition offers an exclusive mobile camping experience, with comfortable accommodation and a sought-after guide, which takes guests on an exploration of bustling Delhi, formidable Kalinjar, the flourishing Panna National Park, medieval Orchha and sensational Kuno. Unrivalled in its offering, this small group journey invites you to delve into the fascinating history of India s archaeological wonders, discovering historic forts and palaces, and acquiring wisdom at hallowed temples and shrines. Encounter magnificent wildlife in pristine sanctuaries, and meander through the whirling labyrinth of Delhi s vibrant streets, immersing yourself in the city s bustling heritage. The India Mobile Camping Small Group Journey caters for intimate groups, and offers special access to a series of unique experiences that are exclusive to &Beyond guests. It has been specially designed with history fanatics, cultural and photographic enthusiasts in mind. WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THE INDIA MOBILE CAMPING EXPEDITION Exclusive set departure date: 29 November to 09 December 2018 Small group of just 4 to 8 guests which means plenty of flexibility and privacy Guided throughout by Hashim Nadir Tyabji, a well-know and experienced English speaking local guide Enjoy a unique 11 day / 10 night itinerary spanning Delhi, Kalinjar, Panna National Park, Orchha and Kuno Experience the incredible opportunity of staying in gorgeous Kaafila Camps in Kalinjar and Kuno, in mobile, lightfooted, pack-and-go luxury camps immersed in breath-taking surroundings HIGHLIGHTS Meander through the bustle of Delhi s Old City, kaleidoscopic markets, contemporary buildings, and ancient ruins Explore the spectacular Khajuraho Temples, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for the nagara-style architectural symbolism Discover the historical Kalinjar Fort and the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Strap on your hiking boots for easy hikes around Kalinjar, venture into incredible terrain and engage with friendly locals in colourful villages Capture exotic Indian wildlife on game drives at the spectacular Panna National Park, and marvel at the majestic royal Bengal tiger Wander around enchanting Orchha, steeped in history and famous for its palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries Enjoy a safari at the Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary and observe an abundance of elusive carnivores including leopard, wolves, hyenas, civets, foxes and the caracal, the forgotten cat of the Indian wild, in their natural habitat Explore the Palpur Fort and Pavilion s and the evocative ruins around Shivpuri town, once the hunting grounds of the Mughals Choose to extend your stay at Agra and Ranthambore National Park on request

3 AT A GLANCE Delve into the cultural riches of India 29 NOVEMBER 09 DECEMBER days / 10 nights Private Guide: Hashim Nadir Tyabji Minimum guests: 4 Maximum guests: 8 Rate: USD 7999 per person sharing SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES NIGHT, TRIDENT GURGAON Delhi Explore the whirling streets of Old Delhi, a mesmerising montage of people, vehicles, holy cows, traders and hagglers, and holy men. Marvel at the magnificent historical architecture of a bygone era in New Delhi, and discover temples, mosques and churches congregating peacefully side by side. Meander through the bustling Chandi Chowk market, a swirling abundance of colours, textures, bejewelled saris, shimmering bangles, sweet fragrances and unique handicrafts. 3 NIGHTS, KAAFILA CAMP AT KALINJAR Kalinjar Journey to the captivating fort of Kanlinjar, draped with exquisite temples, palaces, and sculptures embedded on a lush jungle expanse. Engage with friendly locals and stroll around the ancient Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Climb to the fort of Ajaigarh, and enjoy beautiful views of the group of intricate Chandela temples. 2 NIGHTS, SARAI AT TORIA Panna National Park Revel in exhilarating jungle safaris at Panna National Park, tracking iconic wildlife including the elusive tiger. Scan the magnificent landscape of the park and search for wildlife in lush forests, deep gorges, infinite plateaus and the gushing Ken River, drawing animal to quench their thirst. Learn about the delicate intricacies of the bush with a specially trained naturalist who will explain how the fauna and flora exist in harmony, and discover the art of tracking sloth bear, wild dog and sambar deer. 1 NIGHT, AMAR HOTEL Orchha Wander around the enchanting ancient town of Orchha at night, and step into a fairy-tale featuring charming palaces, holy temples, and magnificent monuments. Soak in the beautiful landscape surrounding medieval Orchha, which is enveloped by sprawling mountains and picturesque greenery. 5 3 NIGHTS, KAAFILA CAMP AT KUNO Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary Traverse through the dense foliage of the Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in search of iconic wildlife including leopard, wolves and hyena. Enjoy a walk through buffer forests with Moghiya hunters and visit a fascinating tribal settlement located on the Karahal Plateau. Explore Palpur Fort and Shivpuri Town, once a thriving hunting ground for the resplendent Mughals.

4 SIGNATURE TRADEMARKS ICONIC DESTINATIONS Traverse through the beauty of Cenral India experiencing a country steeped in historical beauty, intriguing culture, exceptional wildlife, architectural ornate wonders, vibrant colour, mesmerising rituals and traditions, and revered spirituality. DELHI A mixture of bustling international metropolis, medieval chaos and regal splendour, the city is crammed to bursting point with tombs, temples, monuments and ruins, all of which exist side by side with modern suburbs and glass and chrome skyscrapers. In this quintessentially Indian city, regal British architecture is combined with ancient Mughal ruins, modern suburban developments and even a touch of rural India. Delhi houses two UNESCO World Heritage sites Humayun s Tomb and The Qutb Minar. Engage all your senses at the bustling market of Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi s oldest and most animated marketplace, and get an authentic glimpse of this bright and florid city s beating heart. KALINJAR Perched on the rugged hills of the Vindhya Range, Kalinjar is a mesmerising milieu of temples, forts and shrines. This magnificent fortress-city, one of the eight that was built by the Chandela s, was inhabited by many kings that left behind exquisite artwork, impressive statues and distinguished stone images. Intricately carved gateways and doorways stand as powerful entrances to the fascinating fort. The landscape is dotted with massive rock figures, beautiful sculptures, revered temples, interesting artefacts and captivating monuments. PANNA NATIONAL PARK Panna National Park is a sanctuary boasting myriad wildlife and magnificent sightings. Tigers and sloth bears inhabit the vast expanse along with wild dog, leopard, hyena and caracal. Over 200 bird species swoop through the air and Blossom headed parakeets, Paradise flycatchers and Honey buzzards paint the sky with colour. A tapestry of terrain includes deciduous forest, open woodlands, riverines, thorny woodlands and Teak and dry mixed forest housing an abundance of eco-diversity. ORCHHA Be drawn into a fairy-tale in the enchanting city of Orchha, with mesmerising palaces and temples seemingly popping up as if from a captivating storybook. Meaning hidden place, Orchha is draped over the sparkling Betwa River, and was built by Maharaja Rudra Pratap Singh in A place where kings and emperors battled fiercely, this medieval city is a grand piece of history, highlighting exquisite mansions, clusters of chattris (memorials of rulers), distinguished forts, revered temples and sensational monuments. KUNO-PALPUR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary is a superb wildlife destination home to a diverse eco-system and abundance of wildlife. A textured landscape is created from meadows, deciduous forests where dense species of trees congregate and provide shade for the herbivores including spotted deer, blackbuck and chinkara. Bears, panthers, hyenas and jackals prefer to lurk in the shadows, and tigers have been known to make an appearance from Ranthambore National Park. The streaming Kuno River is a wonderful place to observe the various wildlife quenching their thirst, and many birds colour the sky including babblers, lapwings and tree pies.

5 SIGNATURE TRADEMARKS EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION TRIDENT GURGAON, DELHI Sprawling over acres of lush lawn, the Trident Gurgaon exudes a calm tranquil ambiance and features a variety of charming courtyards, colourful gardens, and sparkling pools. Offering 129 rooms and seven suites, this delightful refuge is perfectly located and in close proximity to a variety of attractions. KAAFILA MOBILE CAMP, KALINJAR Beautifully adorned tents are set up in sublime locations that are off the well-trodden track, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in authentic, exclusive experiences. Boasting sweeping views of lush forested hills and rich fields dotted with wildlife, your campsite is simply spectacular. SARIA AT TORIA, PANNA NATIONAL PARK Idyllically situated on the lush riverside, eight comfortable cottages are tastefully decorated with luxurious touches interwoven into the beauty. Thatch roofs and mud walls reveal a deep rooted earthy ambiance and blend in seamlessly with the stunning environment, abundant with kaleidoscopic birdlife, thrilling fishing experience in the Ken River and charming walks through the beautiful terrain. AMAR HOTEL, ORCHHA Offering 46 luxury rooms and suites with sweeping views of historical monuments, emerald green hills and a wildlife sanctuary, this heritage resort is enveloped in an old world charm. Immerse yourself in luxury, as the regal Bundela kings did before, and revel in glorious sunsets on the terrace, and gentle strolls around the colourful garden. KAAFILA MOBILE CAMP, KUNO-PALPUR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Situated on a verdant field on the marshy banks of the sparkling Kuno River. Beautiful tents are set up for you, and are ideally positioned to scan the marshy water s edge for lurking crocodiles and deeper in, elegant river dolphins.

6 SIGNATURE TRADEMARKS PRIVATE GUIDES - IN OUR HANDS FROM BEGINNING TO END From the moment guests touch down in India, to the moment they leave, &Beyond will be at their side throughout their adventure. Our wealth of expertise found in our private and specialist guides, ground logistics teams and over 2000 &Beyonders means that guests will experience a journey unlike any other! MEET THE PRIVATE GUIDE HASHIM NADIR TYABJI Hashim s love for his country s outdoors and wildlife has led him to become one of India s finest wildlife guides, and a well-known participant in India s wildlife, tourism and conservation world. In 1978, Hashim embarked on a career at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in Nepal and organized trout fishing expeditions and fascinating treks through the Western Himalayas in both Kashmir and Ladakh. He was appointed as Director of Operations for Tiger Tops India, and split his time between supervising operations in Kashmir and Ladakh, and the Bandhavgarh National Park in Central India. During his time at Bandhavgarh, he began studying its birds, and for his extraordinary efforts and sightings, the results were published in the Bombay Natural History Society. Over the years, Hashim has contributed numerous articles and pieces to a variety of wildlife journals and magazines. He also wrote a guide to Bandhavgarh, which has become an incredibly popular read, and is the only guide to the park. Appointed by the Indian Board of Wildlife, he serves as an honorary Wildlife Warden. He has assisted various film-makers, being scientific advisor to several productions. He was consultant to the BBC Spy in the Jungle, a three part BBC marathon with Sir David Attenborough and also wrote the book that accompanied the series. Earlier he had written the book Wild India with photographs by Gerald Cubitt. He was consultant to the NatGeo Magazine story on Tigers, written by Geoff Ward and photographed by Michael Nick Nicholls. His work as a wildlife and history tour leader has taken him to virtually every corner of the subcontinent, including Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Hashim is very passionate about Military and Indian history, and in his spare time when he is not delving into dense foliage, Hashim enjoys badminton, cycling, bird watching, fly-fishing, dinghy sailing and losing himself in fascinating books. * Terms and conditions apply

7 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY 29 November 2018 Trident Gurgaon Delhi India On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, in Delhi, you will be warmly welcomed by an &Beyond representative and chauffeured to your beautiful hotel. Choose to relax in the sumptuous surroundings of the hotel or venture out to explore Old Delhi, a whirling bustling experience fusing an international metropolis, medieval chaos and regal splendour. The city is crammed to bursting with colourful bazaars, vibrant markets, ancient temples, holy monuments, crumbling ruins, shiny complexes, designer stores, superb restaurants, friendly locals, and steaming cups of delicious tea.

8 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY 30 November 02 December 2018 Kalinjar Kaafila Camp, Kalinjar India On arrival in Khajuraho you will be welcomed and driven to Serai Toria Lodge for a delicious lunch. Once you are ready, you will then be driven to Kaafila Camp at Kalinjar for the start of your exhilarating mobile camping experience. An ancient fascinating fortress-city, Kalinjar was once an honoured home for Bundelkhand s ruling dynasties and the Chandela dynasty of Rajputs. Sprawling over a vast expanse this medieval bastion is a symbol of cultural and religious glory and a variety of temples, sculptures and friezes adorn the site. Be captivated by magical sunsets that create ephemeral works of art in the sky, the magnificence of textured landscapes that highlight historical monuments, holy temples and enchanting palaces, and sitting under lofty shady trees enjoying delicious picnics. Stand in awe of the impressive ruins of Kalinjar Fort, where the great God Shiva conquered death, and in the morning revel in an exhilarating morning hike to the exquisite Ajaigarh Hill Fort.

9 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY December 2018 Sarai at Toria Panna National Park India Upon arrival at Panna, you will be assisted with your check-in into Serai at Toria, a vibrant spacious village inn. Panna National Park is a place of beauty and serenity. One of the most pristine of India s wilderness areas, it is the perfect place to escape to for an authentic appreciation of the country s exquisite natural beauty. The varied terrain of gorges, plateaus, forests and the majestic Ken River creates surprises around every corner. Explore this sanctuary and discover the intricacies of the bush and the diverse flora and fauna with a knowledgeable naturalist, and gain insight into the remarkable world of the wild. Capture stunning sightings of sloth bear, wild dog, sambar deer, leopard, jungle cat and caracal. Panna is home to no less than five other species of cat leopard, jungle cat, leopard cat, rusty spotted cat and caracal, and is a magnificent birding destination, with more than 200 species, from the majestic peacock to a wide selection of eagles, hawks and buzzards.

10 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY December 2018 Amar Hotel Orchha India Upon arrival at the enchanting town of Orccha you will be assisted with your check-in to the sublime Amar Hotel. Enchanting Orchha, meaning Hidden Place is a beautiful medieval town abundant with gorgeous temples, fascinating forts, and stunning palaces. Exuding a dreamy atmosphere this destination is perched near the marshy banks of the Betwa River. Meander around this whimsical medieval city, beautifully illuminated in the dark and observe stunning Mughal-influenced Rajput buildings. Impressive forts, elegant palaces and significant monuments neighbour each other in the vibrant town square. Explore the magnificent Orchha Fort complex, a fascinating montage of beautiful architecture, and once the hunting playground of the Mughals.

11 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY December 2018 Kaafila Mobile Camp Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary India Upon arrival in Kuno, explore the stunning surroundings of the Kaafila Camp. Once used by Gwalior kings as their private hunting ground, today Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary is a fascinating wildlife sanctuary featuring an abundance of wildlife. Armed with a packed picnic breakfast and lunch, venture into the wild for the day, and follow the tracks of the leopards, hyenas, foxes, spotted deer and porcupines, and possibly a tiger as you traverse through dense woodland and vast grassland. Explore the ancient town of Shivpuri, wandering through crumbling ruins, lofty forts and sacred burial grounds of kings. Engage with the tribes that reside on the Karahal plateau, and revel in a wonderful opportunity to walk through the buffer forests of Kuno with the Moghiya hunters, leading you to the Kuno River where they proudly show off their fishing talent.

12 KEEP CONNECTED facebook.com/andbeyondtravel instagram.com/andbeyondtravel twitter.com/andbeyondtravel youtube.com/user/andbeyondafrica andbeyond.com/stories rhinoswithoutborders.com africafoundation.org