Wildlife Adventure Holidays
One aspect of India, which always impresses travellers, is the degree of love and concern that even the poorest of the people display towards their families despite the hardships of daily life. This attitude, and the fact that this ancient land has always placed cultural importance in the strength of extended family bonds - is the inspiration for this new tour which is designed to create this feeling of togetherness, and share the fun & excitement of being with your loved ones in the heart of the Indian countryside, amid a wealth of colorful and fascinating creatures. The focus of the tour is to help participants to enjoy a few of the luxuries that the north Indian sub-continent offers and at the same time introduce their families to this fascinating country, home of the Taj Mahal and the Tiger - two of the most popular attractions in the world. To do this, the tour itinerary visits Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, the 'Pink city' Jaipur, where you will enjoy an elephant ride to the fort, and the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The tour additionally includes a visit to Bharatpur bird sanctuary and the picturesque deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri to complete the Indian experience. Although Ranthambhore is located in a remote area of rural Rajasthan it can be reached with relative ease by train from Delhi, passing en route through a constantly changing landscape dotted with occasional villages where the traditional way of life still prevails. Recent Naturetrek groups visiting the park have been rewarded by outstanding Tiger and wildlife sightings but the 'lean' years in the mid-90's do however, give an indication of how seriously poaching can reduce chances. It is therefore essential to appreciate that Tigers are very rare and very shy mammals, and there can be no guarantee of seeing one on any tour. However, we have no doubt that by spending a couple of days in the park with morning and afternoon safaris, we are providing excellent chances of a Tiger encounter.
After Ranthambhore we will move on to Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan, also known popularly as the 'pink city'. Here we will see the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), which remains only a façade today, but was originally built to enable ladies of the royal family to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The Jantar Mantar (Observatory) was built between 1728 and 1734. Each of the instruments serves a particular function and still provides accurate readings. Situated in the centre of the city occupying a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings, the City Palace is an interesting place to visit. There are various museums full of artifacts from the Mogul days and after exploring the attractions of the Palace we can pay a visit to the majestic Amber Fort, which towers over the city like a sentinel on guard. The ride up to the fort will be on elephant back - the Maharajah style.
Bharatpur, or more correctly, Kaleodeo Ghana, is India's most outstanding bird sanctuary and plays host too many migrant species of waterbirds from Siberia & Northern Asia. Large Rock Pythons can be seen sunning themselves at Python Point and a varied selection of mammals inhabit the reserve including Sambar, otters and the rare Fishing Cat.. During the monsoon season large numbers of storks and herons nest in the marshes, their numbers augmenting the thousands of winter visitors each autumn.
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the Taj Mahal - synonymous with romance, and a testament to the splendour and opulence of the Mogul dynasties. Viewing the Taj Mahal is a breathtaking emotional experience but almost as spectacular are the perfectly preserved ruins of the former Mogul capital, Fatehpur Sikri which houses the 'Panch Mahal' with 84 columns - no two of which are exactly alike.
If you enjoy birds, mammals and wild environments, - and you would like to see the architectural wonders of a truly ancient land in the company of your family then this tour is meant for you.
