Agra, the Taj Mahal and Orchha
For just £90 per person, extend your Wildlife of India itinerary by including visits to the incomparable Taj Mahal at Agra, the magical city of Orchha (pictured right), and the little known Panna National Park:
DAY 3 – By rail to Agra. Taj Mahal.
An early transfer to Delhi Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express train to Agra, the capital of the Mughal Empire. You will travel in Executive Class for the journey of approximately 2 hours. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in time for a late breakfast. Later you will visit what is generally regarded as the world’s most romantic building – the glorious white-marble Taj Mahal, built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. This magnificent monument, a fusion of Indian Hindu and Persian Muslim architectural traditions, never fails to impress. You will also explore the huge red-sandstone Agra Fort overlooking the River Jumna.
DAY 4 - By rail and road to Khajuraho.
In the morning rejoin the Shatabdi Express for the onward journey to
Jhansi, where you will me met and driven to the atmospheric abandoned
city of Orchha, set on an island on a bend in the
Betwa River. Built in the early 16th century by the Bundela dynasty
this little visited medieval fortress boasts some splendid buildings,
especially the Raj Mahal, which contains a selection of beautiful
murals, and the Lakshminarayan Temple. After lunch, continue your
journey by road to Khajuraho.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.
DAY 5 - Panna, Khajuraho.
An early awakening for the drive to Panna National Park. Panna is
well known for its deer, antelope and leopard. There are also tigers in
the reserve but these are rarely seen. Return to Khajuraho where in the
afternoon your guide will take you to visit the astonishing temples of
Khajuraho, built under the Chandela kings in the 10th and 11th
centuries. The 20 remaining temples (originally there were 85) are
intricately carved with mythical beasts, celestial nymphs, Hindu gods
and goddesses and cult images. There are many erotic representations
for which Khajuraho has become world-famous. The temples have been
granted World Heritage status.
Meals included: Full breakfast.
DAY 6 – By road to Bandhavgarh (as Day 4 on main itinerary)....
Accommodation in Agra would be at the Gateway Hotel, and you would have an additional night at the Chandela Hotel in Khajuraho.