Heart of India: Tigers, Tribes and the Taj

Join veteran Trip Leader Hashmat Singh and his wife Priya for a spirited journey behind the scenes and into the ancient heart of Mother India. Hashmat and Priya bring to this journey a wealth of knowledge and a passion for introducing people to the hidden treasures of India. One of the wonders of this journey is India’s amazing wildlife, which we discover as we explore the sal forests and bamboo thickets of renowned Kanha National Park, haunt of the royal Bengal tiger, and the marshes of Keoladeo-Bharatpur, India’s most famous bird reserve. Another highlight of our travels is discovering the fascinating tribal cultures of Kanha and the traditional Hindu villages of ancient Bharatpur, eastern gateway to Rajasthan. Our journey promises to be a memorable experience of India, with the Singhs introducing us to friends along the way as we roam the local markets, enjoy a cooking lesson, watch a tribal dance, learn about ancient arts such as henna painting, meet a wonderful array of peoples from all walks of life, and take in colorful history and myriad of cultures. The legendary Taj Mahal and the “pink city” of Jaipur, with its fabulous palaces of pink sandstone, make a fitting grand finale. Our accommodations range from an eco-friendly game lodge at Kanha to the dazzling Rambagh Palace in Jaipur. We invite you to join us for a once-in-a-lifetime journey with two India experts!

Itinerary at a Glance

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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. 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. 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 Detailed Itinerary

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.

Explanation of Trip Levels