The Discovery Journey to
Wild India

Experience the drama of wild India as the forest and the grasslands come alive with the sounds of Sambar deer crunching on grass, the pounding hoofs of the guar, playful langur leaping from branch to branch... suddenly a hush descends announcing the arrival of one of the world's most magnificent creatures - the wild tiger. Take a journey through three Project Tiger Reserves - Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Ranthambhore - for thrilling wildlife adventures via safari vehicles or elephant back. Explore cities and rural villages, and ancient forts, temples and palaces surrounded by vibrant colors and exotic cultures. Record your adventures while staying at lodges and hotels exuding old-world charm and elegance.

Days 1/2/3/4 - New York/Delhi
Board your overnight flight to Delhi. Upon your evening arrival, you are escorted to your hotel. Spend the next two days touring the city, including ‘Old Delhi,’ surrounded by crumbling city walls and a labyrinth of streets crowded with rickshaws. Respectfully view the memorial marking the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. See the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and the soaring tower of Qutab Minar. Your luxury hotel is situated amidst lush gardens in the exclusive Diplomatic Enclave of New Delhi. TAJ PALACE HOTEL. (Meals Aloft; B; B)

Days 5/6/7 - Nagpur/Kanha National Park
Fly to Nagpur then continue by vehicle to Kanha National Park, the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s famous novel, Jungle Book. The landmark achievements of this environmentally conscious park have been the preservation of the rare Barasingha (swamp deer), and the doubling of the tiger population since being named the first Project Tiger Reserve. Go to Bamni Dadar (Sunset Point) where grazing Sambar deer mingle with the largest of all wild cattle – the gaur. By open 4x4 vehicles (elephant safaris may be possible – additional costs may apply) investigate the varied terrain for thrilling sightings of prowling tiger while the barking deer snaps its alarm. Mongoose families dart warily, with possible jungle cat, python, dhole (wild dog) or jackal nearby. The bird show gets an early start on misty mornings with almost 200 species to look for, including the colorful plumage of the Racquet-tailed Drongo. Situated in a mature Sal forest, your eco-friendly lodge is inhabited by colorful butterflies. KANHA JUNGLE LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 8/9/10 - Bandhavgarh National Park
Enjoy an early morning wildlife drive before continuing on to Bandhavgarh National Park.Explore via open 4x4 vehicles or from elephant back and discover an additional 22 wildlife species, including chital (spotted deer), chausingha (four-horned antelope), Chinkara (Indian gazelle), rhesus macaque, black-faced langur, hyena and wild boar. Look for the Malabar Grey Hornbill in forested areas, and to the skies for the soaring Steppe Eagle, just some of the 150 bird species. Wander through historic remains dating back to the mythological era of Ramayana and the Kalchuri period. Return to your lodge where deer may sometimes be found wondering through the grounds. BANDHAVGARH JUNGLE LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

Day 11 - Khajuraho
A scenic drive leads to Khajuraho, a World Heritage site where abundant date palm trees flourish amidst ancient temples constructed between the 9th and 12th centuries. Master craftsmen created extraordinary sculptures and murals in tribute to the Chandelas, and to celebrate the erotic state of being. Explore the Eastern Group of temples constructed with spiral superstructures that reflect the gradually rising Himalayan peaks. Detailed stone reliefs depict village life, as well as larger-than-life deities, such as the 11-headed Vishnu. Your haven of peace and tranquility is situated on eleven acres of lovely gardens. TAJ CHANDELA HOTEL. (B)

Days 12/13 - Jhansi/Orchaa/Agra
This morning, tour the Western group of Temples, including Kandariya Mahadev – the largest and dedicated to Lord Shiva. En route to Jhansi is the medieval township of Orchaa constructed in the 16th century. Arrive in Jhansi and board the Shatabdi Express to Agra, established in 1475 A.D. Next day, see the eclectic structure of the Agra Fort and the ornate mausoleum, Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Witness the architectural wonder of love that took 22 years to build, the Taj Mahal. The stunningly designed temple of white marble with perfect balance and symmetry work will leave you breathless with its sensual beauty. Touched with old-world splendor in the heart of the city is your luxury hotel. MUGHAL SHERATON. (B; B)

Days 14/15- Fatehpur Sikri/Ranthambhore National Park
Enjoy the chaotic scenery of rural India as you drive to the Red Sandstone City of Fatehpur Sikri built in the late 16th-century. Continue to Bharatpur and board the Jan Shatabdi Express for Ranthambhore National Park, one of the best places in the world to see wild tigers. With over 98,000 acres of mainly deciduous forest, it is dotted with ruins reflecting a bygone era, including its namesake, the Ranthambhore Fort. During safari expeditions, you may see one of the 26-odd tigers hunting in full-view of your vehicle or wildlife such as jackal, mongoose, sloth bear, leopard and marsh crocodile. Graceful Sambar and spotted deer, and blue bull and Indian gazelle roam the area. Of 272 bird species, the Indian Gray Hornbill is commonly sighted in pairs. A former hunting lodge from the 1930's, your accommodations are a rustic hideaway. SAWAI MADHOPUR LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 16/17 - Delhi/New York
Return to Delhi via the Jan Satabdi Express, where a day room awaits you at the TAJ PALACE HOTEL. The remainder of your day is at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight home taking with you wild memories of roaring tigers. (B,D; Meals Aloft)

Pre-Extension to Kaziranga National Park
Kick off your wild adventure by searching for the one-horned rhino in the swamps, dense forests and tall thickets of elephant grass in Kaziranga National Park. A World Heritage Site, it is home to the largest population of this prehistoric survivor. In 4x4 open vehicles and by elephant (subject to availability and may include additional cost), you'll explore this incredible habitat for the one-horned rhino, as well as elephant, sloth bear, leopard, jungle cat, capped langur, hoolock gibbon and guar.

Post-Extension to Rajputana
Get wild about the fascinating tribes and historic structures of western India. Explore the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, the staggering array of 400 temples in Pushkar and the Rajput-era palaces of the lake city of Udaipur. Long known as an archaeological haven, it is also a cultural melting pot where different tribes of people have settled, from the nomadic to the forest dwellers. Stroll through colorful bazaars and treat yourself to vibrantly-colored silk saris.

Your Journey Includes:

• All local flights within India per itinerary and Shatabdi Express to Agra.
• Superior or best available accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
• Breakfasts daily and other meals per itinerary. Complimentary bottled water at meals and while touring.
• Transportation in cities and sightseeing drives by air-conditioned motorcoach.
• Services of English-speaking local guide for all city sightseeing.
• Accompanied by professional naturalist with a minimum of ten travelers.
• Wildlife viewing by 4x4 open vehicles or by elephant (dependant upon availability & may be at additional cost).
• All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
• All entry fees to national parks, wildlife reserves and points of interest.
• Visits to Sanskriti Kendra in Delhi and Agra Bear Rescue Facility.
• Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.

2008 Dates	Main Trip Price/ Person Land Only	Single Supplement	Extensions Offered	Price Extension	Single Supplement
Jan 17- Feb 2	$7,995	$2,295	Kaziranga National Park	$2,695	$695
			Rajputana	$3,395	$1,595
Feb 21 - Mar 8	$7,995	$2,295	Kaziranga National Park	$2,695	$695
			Rajputana	$3,395	$1,595
Oct 23 - Nov 8	$7,995	$2,295	Kaziranga National Park	$2,695	$695
			Rajputana	$3,395	$1,595
Dec 27- Jan 12	$8,695	$2,295	Kaziranga National Park	$2,695	$695
			Rajputana	$3,395	$1,595

*Prices do not reflect applicable taxes.

For more information or reservations, please contact:
Classic Escapes at (800) 627-1244