MADHYA PRADESH | CHHATTISGARH

A complex tapestry of ancient cultures and traditions fused with the metropolitan buzz of its big cities, few countries match the staggering diversity of India. In a country as inexhaustible as `India the most romantic and instructive sites often lie off the beaten track. This tour has been specially designed for those keen to explore the real India and to savour its classical past. Take a journey deep into the heart of the subcontinent reminiscing its glorious past in the forts and palaces of Gwalior, the Buddhist sites in Sanchi, to the earliest Hindu monuments at Maheshwar and Ujjain and the irresistibly romantic palaces of 16th – 18th century Mandu. Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its teeming market places and fine old mosques and palaces still bear the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers; Equally impressive is the new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern edifices.

India’s a country that is replete with wonderful safari parks, reserves and forests. Embark on the ultimate wildlife experience in India exploring some of the greatest national parks in India- Panna, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Satpura & Tadoba. With its towering, ancient trees, enchanting chorus of forest birds, and herds of gentle chital, this is a travel experience unlike any other. An unforgettable opportunity to glimpse some of India’s most prized fauna and flora in their pristine surrounds. Test your spotting skills as our naturalists take you on exhilarating safaris. Twice-daily jungle drives are conducted in the comfort of a specially designed open 4×4 safari vehicles, accompanied by an expert naturalists. Driving out into the constantly changing terrain, panoramic vistas unfold before the eye, with sweeping grasslands and often mighty cliffs as the backdrop. Enjoy the delight in identifying each lodge’s ten unique Star Birds. Minivets, parakeets, orioles and barbets are a beautiful sight, glistening in the morning sunlight. The Indian jungle is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The morning peace of the jungle can be abruptly interrupted by the sharp distress calls of chitals and the constant chattering of langur monkeys. This could mean a tiger is on the prowl, and perhaps you may catch a glimpse of this endangered predator, in all its striped glory. Look out for the shy sambar (large forest deer), journey through ever-changing habitats and, if luck is on your side, catch a glimpse of India’s most famous and endangered predator, the Bengal tiger! The inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s classic, The Jungle Book, the two reserves of Kanha and Pench represent the quintessential central Indian tiger land. Your experience will be further enhanced by staying in some of the most stylish safari camps.

Chhattisgarh, India’s 10th largest state is blessed with a rich culture, heritage and natural diversity. Home to the country’s widest waterfalls, caves, lush green forests, ancient monuments, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites and hill plateaus. Chhattisgarh has is an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts who wish to explore unique tribal arts, crafts and traditions. For centuries its tribal communities have played a pivotal role in nurturing and protecting the natural habitat through the eco-friendly practices. Chhattisgarh offers everything to a traveller – art and architecture, heritage, handicrafts, cuisine, fairs and festivals.

RECOMMENDED Central India TRIPS