The
Jungle Experience
Bandhavgarh
National Park, is unequaled by any other park in India as
far as wildlife sightings are concerned. With a core area
of 105 sq.km. and a buffer zone of 437 sq kms, this reserve
forest is home to leopards, sloth bears, various deer and
wild pigs apart from tigers. In the centre of the park is
a huge granite outcrop that until 1726 housed the great fort
of the Maharaja of Rewa at the top. This magnificent fort
which covered the whole of the plateau is now a deserted ruin
that looks down on the park some 500m below and provides a
fantastic backdrop to the national park.
An excellent extension of this adventure
trip is a visit to Khajuraho with its world famous
temples. The temples of Khajuraho were built under Chandela
kings between 950 and 1050 AD. Only 25 of the original 85
temples are intact and are among the finest in India. Lost
among the forests for centuries, they were accidentally discovered
by a British army engineer in 1838. The sculptures inside
the temples supposedly illustrate the Kama Sutra and the sensuality
outside the temple contrasts with the serenity within.
BEST TIME: NOVEMBER to APRIL
DAY
1 Delhi - Umaria
Transfer to the Delhi train station for train to Umaria.
O/n in Train.
DAY
2 Bandhavgarh Jungle Camp
Early morning arrival at a small village called Umaria.
Transfer to Bandhavgarh Jungle Camp (the Maharajahs Hunting
Lodge) on the border of the Bandhavgarh National Park. After
a wash and breakfast, morning at leisure. After lunch, a jeep
safari into the National Park. The park offers first class
game viewing and is considered one of the best for tigers.
Formerly part of the princely state of Rewa, where the rare
white tiger originated, the forests of Bandhavgarh were protected
as a royal hunting reserve. O/n at Jungle Camp.
Day
3 Bandhavgarh Jungle Camp
Early morning safari on the elephant, with the guides
taking you on and off the trails in search of game. You then
return to the Camp for a late breakfast. After breakfast Morning
at leisure. After lunch optional afternoon safari which begins
at 15.30 and includes a walk up to the fort. O/n at Jungle
Camp
DAY
4 Bandhavgarh-Khajuraho
In the morning, another safari into the forest. After
breakfast, set off for the 5 -hour drive to Khajuraho. Check
into hotel. Sunset visit to the Khajuraho temples. Each of
the 85 temples (unfortunately only 25 remain) were constructed
of interlocking pieces of exquisitely carved sandstone, depicting
the sensual nature of the Chandelas' open society. Overnight
at hotel.
DAY
5
Transfer to airport for flight back to Delhi
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