INDIA’S ANIMAL KINGDOM
Central India is home to two of the country’s finest game sanctuaries and national parks, Bandhavgarh and Kanha. Within their lushly forested landscapes, big cats hunt, herds of deer graze, and packs of wild dogs mark their territory.
Over half of the world’s wild tigers live in India. Approximately 50 Royal Bengal Tigers can be found safely ensconced in the 168 square miles of Bandhavgarh National Park where they roam freely through the sal forests, bamboo trees and grasslands. Prey is plentiful here for these solitary hunters and includes small antelopes, graceful gazelles, deer, buffalo and wild boar.
In Kanha National Park, the beautiful storied setting for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, the great cats, numbering over one hundred at last count, share the protected reserve with leopards, jungle cats, hyenas, porcupines, mongoose, sloths, Indian bison (Gaur) – and deer: spotted, swamp deer, antelope and barking deer.
Spying the tigers in their natural habitat is nothing short of inspirational and will be an experience you’re not likely to soon forget. A symbol of strength and speed, the tiger is an expert at camouflage, its orange and black stripes blending in with the environment where it’s found. A closer look reveals white spots on the tiger’s ears, nature’s way of letting cubs and mothers keep track of one another in dim forests at night.
Endangered in the wild, tigers are now being protected by ongoing conservation efforts, which you will learn about during your visits to India’s national parks with Tauck.
“
There were moments of silence when we were all
soaking in the sunrise. Without uttering a word our naturalist tapped each of us on the shoulder and pointed. A magnificent male tiger casually strolled right by our jeep. As nonchalant as possible, with not a care in the world he gave us nothing more than a fleeting glance as he walked on his way.
” – Dawne Andrews, Tour Architect
6. MONKS, MONASTERIES & THE ARTS The humble monks of nearby Kopan Monastery start their day in prayer and meditation; join them during a morning visit before heading to the colossal stupa of Boudhanath, encircled by images of Buddha and prayer wheels numbering in the hundreds. Next explore Bhaktapur, where cobblestone streets free from traffic make this vibrant town a pleasure. Its centuries-old craftsmanship continues; you will find potters, woodcarvers and weavers as well as temples, courtyards and venerable squares. Meals BL
7. FLY TO DELHI & DRIVE TO AGRA An early morning flight takes you back to Delhi for our drive to Agra, home to the one of the world’s most famous structures, the Taj Mahal – built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, as a memorial to his wife. Your stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra will take you back to an era of emperors as you relax in a luxurious setting of terraced lawns, fountains and pavilions. Meals BLD
8. THE TAJ MAHAL & AGRA FORT This morning, explore the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed in the image of an Islamic garden of paradise, on an optional sunrise visit or just after breakfast – or both. Next up is a visit to the city of Agra and the 16th-century red sandstone Agra Fort, an enormous complex once surrounded by a deep, water-filled moat. This evening’s special dinner will mean special preparations as well, with ladies being shown how to wear their choice of a traditional sari (with a delicate touch of henna painting) and the gentlemen, a traditional turban. Meals BLD
9. THE TEMPLES OF KHAJURAHO Ride the rails to Khajuraho for an overnight stay. This small town is the site of a group of magnificent temples built between the 9th and 10th centuries by the Chandela Dynasty; elaborate sculptures include deities, warriors and sensuous maidens. Your hotel is surrounded by lush gardens near the temples. Meals BLD
10. BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK Today’s scenic drive takes you to Bandhavgarh National Park, one of India’s most important tiger reserves. Some 50 tigers roam the park with leopards, deer, jungle cats and wild dogs, living amidst the rocky hills, wooded forests and meadows. Tonight’s lecture about ongoing tiger conservation efforts provide the perfect informative prelude for tomorrow’s jungle safari. Meals BLD
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