+44 (0)20 8741 7390 The rich landscapes of Central India provided the inspiration for the stories of Mowgli and the fearsome Sher Khan, Rikki-TikkiTavi and Toomai of the Elephants. Here, amongst some of the largest and most pristine national parks in India, you ll follow in the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling, as you search out the elusive and majestic Bengal tiger Beginning in Mumbai, you ll have an opportunity to enjoy the cultural and historic highlights of old Bombay, before flying on to Nagpur and Tadoba, one of India s most famous tiger reserves. Morning and afternoon game drives provide an ideal opportunity to search for tigers, leopards and a myriad of other wildlife, before continuing on to Satpura National Park, where a unique overnight camping experience awaits. Here you ll have a chance to enjoy walking safaris and evening game drives, before continuing on to Bhopal, where the magnificent UNESCO treasures of the Bhimbetka cave paintings await. Then it is on to the foothills of the majestic Himalayas and a journey on the remarkable mountain railway to Shimla, to enjoy time amongst the colonial grandeur of this old British hill station before beginning the journey home. HIGHLIGHTS: Explore the cultural highlights of Mumbai and visit Kipling s birthplace. Game drives in the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Enjoy a night under the stars in the Satpura National Park. Visit the World Heritage cave paintings at Bhimbetka. Experience the spectacular Shimla mountain railway. TOUR INCLUDES: 3 nights in a four star hotel, 5 nights at safari lodges, 2 nights in a heritage hotel and overnight on a train 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners Private driver and vehicle Local English speaking guides for sightseeing on a private basis, including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports Driver/guide s expenses 4 safaris in Tadoba National Park 2 Jeep and 1 Walking safari at Satpura National park
Park fees Train journey in the best available class Domestic flights in economy class. *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: ARRIVE MUMBAI On arrival in Mumbai you will be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. DAY 2: MUMBAI This morning offers a chance to discover some of Mumbai's finest monuments including the stunning setting of the Gateway of India. Other highlights include the Gandhi Museum, the Victoria Terminus and the Rajabai Clock Towers, situated next to the Mumbai High Courts. Moving on to the Crawford Market there will be an opportunity to admire the exterior friezes designed by Kipling's father, before continuing on to visit Kipling's birthplace on the campus of the JJ Institute of Applied Arts (subject to permission from the local authorities). (B) DAY 3: MUMBAI - TADOBA Fly to Nagpur this morning, from where you'll continue the journey to Tadoba by road. (B,L,D) DAYS 4 & 5: TADOBA Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park, the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve covers over 625 square kilometres. One of India's renowned 'Project Tiger' reserves, the park is home to a rich array of wildlife including wild dogs, marsh crocodiles, leopards, sloth bears, nearly 200 species of birds and one of the largest populations of tigers in India. Over the next two days you'll enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris in the park. (B,L,D) DAY 6: TADOBA - SATPURA Depart early this morning for the long drive on to Satpura. On arrival you will be transferred to the Reni Jungle Lodge. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: SATPURA An early morning jeep safari in the Satpura National Park will be followed by breakfast back at the lodge, after which you will be transferred out to the unique location that has been set aside for your 'Night Under Canvas'. The only experience of its kind in India, this remote location affords a chance for an afternoon walking safari and an evening game drive, before settling down to a freshly cooked dinner and a night under the stars. (B,L,D) DAY 8: SATPURA - BHOPAL - DELHI Before departing Satpura today there is a chance to enjoy an optional early morning walk to the local village. The journey to Bhopal then takes you by way of the cave paintings at Bhimbetka, the second oldest in the world. Set amongst the forests of the Satpura Mountains, these remarkable caves represent the earliest record of life in India. Arriving in Bhopal in time for your onward flight to Delhi, on arrival you will then be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B) DAY 9: DELHI - KALKA This morning provides a chance to enjoy a private cookery lesson, beginning with a visit to the local spice and vegetable market. The rest of the morning is then spent in the company of your genial hosts, learning how to cook an array of authentic Indian cuisine. After lunch there will be time for an orientation tour around New Delhi, which includes the stunning architectural creations of Edward Lutyens and the British Raj, before heading to the railway station to catch the overnight train to Kalka. (B,L) DAY 10: KALKA - SHIMLA Arriving in Kalka early this morning you will then connect with your onward train to Shimla, located deep in the Himalayan foothills. An engineering marvel in its own right, this remarkable narrow gauge mountain railway rattles its way through 103 tunnels, crosses stone viaducts and mountain gorges and takes in some of the most majestic scenery in Himachal Pradesh. On arrival at your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is then free to enjoy at your leisure. DAY 11: SHIMLA A heritage walk around this lovely old hill station today takes in the faded elegance of what was once the most fashionable summer resort in British India. The meandering tour takes in the Mall and the impressive Viceregal Lodge, the colonial opulence of the old Gaiety Theatre and the Flat Green Meadow at Annandale. Ending the tour at the Hotel Woodville Palace, there will be time for afternoon tea in the gardens before returning to the hotel. (B)
DAY 12: SHIMLA - CHANDIGARH - DELHI Transfer to the airport in Chandigarh after breakfast for the flight back to Delhi, where you will connect with your onward international flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION DELHI THE CLARIDGES The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since 1950's. Amidst the rush of new modernity, the soul of The Claridges lives on. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel now offers the guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. The hotel is also in an excellent location just a short Auto ride from Khan Market and not much further to Connaught Place. The Claridges has appointed new management personnel to blend tradition with modernity, which gives it a completely refreshing look. Leading designers of international repute have helped enhance the heritage and elegance of this four star hotel. SATPURA NATIONAL PARK RENI PANI JUNGLE LODGE This is a wonderful property, situated in a picturesque location among deep forest on the fringes of the park, is owned and run by two royal princes of Bhopal and benefits greatly from their presence. Each of the 12 cottages are spaced well apart with high roofs and attractive balconies, indoor and outdoor showers, twin basins and separate loos. The rooms themselves are stylish and spacious, fitted with inverter systems (so when the power fails, your A/C and fan won't stop) and with a pre-order, drinks ice box. And most importantly each room has an assigned butler! (Although that might sound a bit over-the-top for rural India it actually works very well and is not at all oppressive.) The property also has a lovely swimming pool and sun deck, a library and small shop, the proceeds of which go to the local community. There is a large central lodge with lounge and dining areas although dinner is usually served outside. As well as the usual jeep safaris, boat trips and canoe excursions, from here you are also able to enjoy horse rides - on the family's lovely thoroughbreds - day treks through the jungle to ancient temples and cave paintings, mountain biking and village walks. SHIMLA THE OBEROI CECIL Built in 1884 as a Himalayan hill station, the five star deluxe Oberoi Cecil is a perfect base from which to explore the spectacular mountain scenery, cedar forests and ancient monasteries of this world famous destination. The hotel has been restored to its original grandeur with wood floors, period furniture, crackling fires and an inviting ambience. Built around a beautiful atrium, the rooms offer splendid views of the mountains and valleys and the service is everything you would expect of an Oberoi establishment. TADOBA NATIONAL PARK
SVASARA JUNGLE RESORT At just a stone s throw away from the Tadoba National Park where the highest density of India s tigers can be found, the comfortable Svasara Jungle Resort lies on 10 acres of land and is an ideal base for tiger spotting and exploring the wildlife in Tadoba. The 12 spacious suites are clean and comfortable with en suite bathrooms with eco-friendly toiletries, air conditioning, a safe and a private veranda. The restaurant serves local Varadi cuisine as well as traditional Indian and international dishes, and guests can either eat indoors in the dining room or outdoors in the shade of the gazebo. Tadoba is in the dry zone of Maharashtra state and no alcohol is served here. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com