(Choose one or more fields)
Download our 2012-2013 Antarctica brochure for our wonderful new program of expedition cruises to the Great White Continent and beyond. Or request a print copy to be sent by mail.
By 4WD vehicle, riverboat, and—a Botswana specialty—mokoro (dugout canoe), track the best of Africa’s wildlife in a breathtaking mix of Botswana’s most beautiful environments, from savannas to woodlands to the enchanting waterways of the Okavango Delta.
Heart of India: Tigers, Tribes and the Taj
A Cultural and Natural History Journey
Repertory Trip: Next Offered March 17-30, 2013
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $7495 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 14 days |
| Arrive: | Delhi, India |
| Depart: | Delhi, India |
| Lodging: | 13 nights in lodges and hotels describe |
| Meals: | All meals included |
| Activity: | Wildlife & Natural History, Walking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures |
| Trip Level: |
Overland travel with walking tours
explain
|
Highlights
- An insider’s introduction to Rajasthan’s ancient culture and traditional Hindu villages
- Unique Baiga tribal cultures of central India
- Search for tigers with one of India’s most renowned naturalists
- Legendary Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s architectural splendors and bustling markets
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel with Raj and Diane Singh. We benefited from their incredible experience and perspectives on India. Such a privilege, and the itinerary was special, a wonderful balance between wildlife and culture.Katherine A.—Novato CA
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
Email Area Manager
References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerDeparture Notes
Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.
Resources
Repertory Trip
This is one of our special Repertory Trips offered every two to five years. It will be several years before this journey is offered again. Now is the time to go!
Join Indian naturalist Raj Singh and his wife Diane for a spirited journey behind the scenes and into the ancient heart of Mother India. Raj and Diane, organizers of our popular India journeys for the past 20 years, bring to this new WT Expedition a passion for introducing people to the hidden treasures of India. One of the wonders of this journey is India’s wildlife, which we discover in Kanha National Park, haunt of the royal Bengal tiger, and Keoladeo-Bharatpur, India’s most famous bird reserve. Raj, author of Bird and Wildlife Sanctuaries of India, Nepal and Bhutan, brings these reserves to life for us. Another highlight is the fascinating tribal cultures around Kanha and the traditional Hindu villages of ancient Bharatpur, eastern gateway to Rajasthan. Raj and Diane are fantastic companions for exploring this region’s rich history. This will be a memorable experience of India, with the Singhs introducing us to friends and family along the way as we meet a wonderful array of people from all walks of life. The legendary Taj Mahal and the “pink city” of Jaipur make a fitting grand finale. Our accommodations range from a game lodge at Kanha to the dazzling Rambagh Palace in Jaipur.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Days 1-3
Delhi / Raipur / Kanha National Park
From New Delhi, we fly to Raipur, capital of Chatisgarh, a predominantly tribal state in central India. En route to Kanha National Park, we visit the 7th century temples of Bhoramdeo.
Days 4-6
Kanha National Park / Baiga Tribal Villages
Kanha is the best place in India to see royal Bengal tiger, and we have a good chance to see at least one of these majestic animals on our morning gameviewing forays into Kanha National Park by jeep and by elephant. In the afternoons, we explore the fascinating tribal villages of the Baiga people. Our accommodation, The Baagh Resort, is set on 20 acres and bordered by tribal villages.
Days 7-11
Bharatpur / Taj Mahal
We head to Bharatpur, capital of the formerly princely state of Bharatpur. Raj is a descendent of Bharatpur’s royal family and his connections with the local people open many doors for us. During these days, we explore local Hindu villages, learn about social and kinship structures, and may explore the bazaars and markets. We also visit the haunting desert ruins of Fatehpur Sikri (“City of Victory”), once a Mughal capital, and the breathtaking Taj Mahal, a fabled monument to love.
Days 12-14
Jaipur / Depart
In Jaipur, an elegant city built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the early 18th century, we explore Jaipur’s City Palace, the magnificent Amber Fort, and enjoy two overnights at the Rambagh Palace, a member of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Depart via Delhi on Day 14.
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
- South India Extension: The Malabar Coast (4 days)
- Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension (4 days)
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 2, easy to moderate. It is a comfortable, vehicle-based sightseeing trip. Accommodations include comfortable lodges reflecting the traditional architecture as well as a former palace that has been converted into a heritage hotel. Although this is not a difficult trip, please remember that travel in India can be an adventure. The essential requirements are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity, enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected.
Departures & Leaders
This is one of our special Repertory Trips offered only every two to five years. This journey will not be offered again for several years. Now is the Time to Go!
Mar 17-30, 2013 Raj & Diane Singh
Tour Costs
Prices are for 2013
$7495 (11-15 members)
$7695 (6-10 members)
Single supplement: $2650
Forced single supplement: $2650
Internal airfare: $895 (subject to change)
more on pricing
Extension Costs
South India Extension: The Malabar Coast
from: $1925
Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension
from: $1125
Tour Cost Includes:
- Expert leadership of Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders and local guides
- Accommodations
- All meals included
- Ground transportation
- Airport transfers for passengers as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, internal airfare, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, hotels en route to or on return from Delhi or additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, individual arrival/departure airport transfers, visa fees, cost of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel
Day 1 (1 night),
Day 14,
Delhi, India
We use this stylish business hotel as a day room before departing on a late evening flight for home. It’s just a few miles from Delhi’s ...
Click here for full description and more photos
The Baagh Resort at Kanha
Days 2 to 5 (4 nights), Kanha National Park, India
Bordered by tribal villages and located just three miles from the entrance to Kanha National Park, the Baagh is a family-run eco-retreat surrounded ...
Click here for full description and more photos
Babylon International Hotel
Day 6 (1 night), Raipur, India
For our overnight in Raipur, we’ve chosen the Babylon International, the city’s best hotel, set in lushly landscaped grounds and yet ...
Click here for full description and more photos
The Bagh Resort
Days 7 to 11 (5 nights), Bharatpur, India
This country estate offers a serene setting and a historic ambience in its 21 rooms, located in five separate compounds. Gulmohar, the main ...
Click here for full description and more photos
Taj Rambagh Palace
Days 12 to 13 (2 nights), Jaipur, India
Experience one of life’s rare treats—a stay at the Rambagh Palace, an authentic royal residence and a treasure of India, with its ...
Click here for full description and more photos
Extension Accommodations
If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:
- South India Extension: The Malabar Coast (4 days)
- Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension (4 days)
Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Raj & Diane Singh
Raj Singh, born in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, is a distinguished ornithologist, fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, and inveterate world traveler. His first passion in life is wildlife conservation, and his knowledge of natural history is unsurpassed. He also has a fascination with India's history, culture, and cuisine. A descendent of India's royal Kshatriya family from Bharatpur, Raj is the author of Bird and Wildlife Sanctuaries of India, Nepal and Bhutan and Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent. His wife Diane Singh, born and raised in Britain, is also Raj's long-time travel partner, sharing his passion for the natural world and for India's cultural heritage. Raj and Diane organize our popular journeys throughout India and Bhutan and know India as few others do. Their son Arjun has now entered university, giving the Singhs time to revisit many of their favorite places in India as well as discovering new corners of the world.
Upcoming Trips:
Heart of India: Tigers, Tribes and the Taj, March 17-30, 2013
Client Testimonials:
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel with Raj and Diane Singh. We benefited from their incredible experience and perspectives on India. Such a privilege, and the itinerary was special, a wonderful balance between wildlife and culture.Katherine A., Novato CA
Heart of India
Raj’s knowledge of mammals and birds really made the trip a good learning experience. Diane was so good at solving logistical problems and making each guest feel welcome. It was fun!Nancy A, Urbana IL, Heart of India
Raj and Diane were superb trip leaders, probably the best we’ve had. Every aspect of the trip was managed perfectly.Thomas A, Urbana IL
Heart of India
Raj and Diane were superb leaders in all aspects of the trip. They made us feel we were visiting with the and staying at their home, rather than just being clients. This was our 8th Wilderness Travel trip. Your Trip Leaders are the reason we keep coming back.Michael S., Portsmouth NH
Heart of India
We are home safe and sound and grateful for the amazing journey you led with such care and expertise. Now the task is to recover from jet lag and process the many facets of this most remarkable experience in India. Thank you for your excellent job as Trip Leaders extraordinaire!Laura and Joel B., Heart of India
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
India
South India Extension: The Malabar Coast
Cochin and a Cruise Along the Backwaters of Kerala
Walking, Cultural Adventures
4 days
Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension
Holy City Along the Ganges, Magnificent World-Famous Temples
Cultural Adventures
4 days
-
Level 1
Client Comments
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel with Raj and Diane Singh. We benefited from their incredible experience and perspectives on India. Such a privilege, and the itinerary was special, a wonderful balance between wildlife and culture.Katherine A., Novato CA
We are back from our wonderful trip to India. Raj and Diane were super leaders and we all had a great time and lots of wonderful experiences.Michael S., Portsmouth, NH
We rate this trip as 'life changing.' India is an extraordinary place!Thomas A., Urbana, IL
This has to be the most interesting and fun trip of any WT trips I’ve been on!Nancy A., Urbana, IL