In the Land of the Tiger

After breakfast, we visit the fortified city of Old Delhi, with its bustling streets, buzzing with activity and still under the influence of the Mughal civilization that once ruled over the walls of the majestic Red Fort. We visit Jama Masjid of Delhi- the largest 17th century mosque in India, Chandni Chowk - the typical Indian market always full of activity, and Rajghat - the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi (also called the "Father of the Nation").

At the end of the day, transfer to the station to take the night train to Sawai Madhopur, a small village famous for the Ranthambore National Park. Night on board

Today, we wake up early in the morning and set off for our second safari. We track tigers and other wild animals throughout the morning and return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we will be transferred to Sawai Madhopur to take the train to Bharatpur. Upon arrival, transfer and check-in at the hotel.

Then, visit to Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a bird sanctuary inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Egrets, wild ducks, coots, storks, kingfishers, owls, eagles and harriers, migratory and domestic birds fly here forming multicolored flocks. The lowlands, once deliberately flooded, were a fabulous hunting ground for the guests of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. In 1956, they were converted into a bird sanctuary. Today, more than 360 bird species are counted there. In the afternoon, visit to the park by rickshaw (bicycle carrying two passengers). Night at the hotel.

After breakfast, we travel to Agra. Stop to visit the red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri. Capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571, it was abandoned after only 14 years due to lack of water. Its perfect state of preservation makes it a prime site.

We continue our journey towards Agra, located on the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel.

Today, we start our day very early to enjoy an incredible sunrise over the Taj Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj is a true masterpiece in white marble. A symbol of love, it stands on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was built by the 5th Mughal king Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to his fourteenth child.

In the afternoon, visit the Red Fort of Agra, a complex of semi-circular red sandstone forts richly decorated with double ramparts and monuments.

Free afternoon to stroll at your leisure in the bazaars where artisans still work, heirs to those who built the Taj Mahal.

At the end of the day, transfer to the station and take the night train to Jabalpur.

Arriving early in the morning in Jabalpur and then traveling to the Kanha National Park and upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Created in 1974, covering an area of nearly 2000 hectares, the park is home to a large number of wildlife species. Tigers, leopards, Indian bison, many species of deer and primates and of course countless birds populate the forest. Kanha is often cited as an example of one of the best managed national parks. Free afternoon to discover the village.

Early in the morning, we leave Kanha to head to the Bandhavgarh National Park. It has the highest density of tigers in the world. Leopards, sloths, gaurs (the largest wild bovine), sambar deer, chital deer (Bambi!) share the territory. As in Kanha, safaris are conducted by jeep, but you can opt for the elephant safari option.

We leave the park after breakfast. Khajurao, a small town in the state of Madhya Pradesh, owes its fame to its complex of 25 Hindu and Jain temples. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the religious buildings have their walls covered with expressive erotic sculptures. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free.

In the afternoon, we depart to visit the city of Khajuraho. It was founded between the 9th and 10th century by the rulers of the Chandela dynasty. Influenced by tantrism, eroticism became a theme of philosophical interest or Maithun during this period. This is how women became an incarnation of divine energy or Shakti. It is also likely that Khajuraho was influenced by the Kama Sutra. The Kandariya Mahadeo temple is also among the temples to visit in the city. It rises to a height of 31 meters. It is said that this is the largest and most famous temple in Khajuraho. You can also visit the Chaunsat Yogini temple, the only temple made of granite and is a living relic among the temples dedicated to Kali, dating back 900 centuries ago. There is also the Chitragupta temple, a temple dedicated to the sun god Surya. We then stop at the temple dedicated to Vishwanath, one of the three forms of Brahma. We spend the night at our hotel.

In the afternoon, drive to the proud city of Jhansi. In 1857, during the war of independence against the English, the maharani of Jhansi distinguished herself bravely by fighting against the armed forces of the British raj. She remains a symbol of the struggle for independence.

At the end of the day, we will be transferred to Jhansi railway station to take the train to Delhi. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.