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India’s Tiger Trail
India’s Tiger Trail – an invigorating mix of stunning wildlife and historical allure, India’s dazzling diversity is a feast for the senses. Wind your way through India’s exotic delights in pursuit of a glimpse of an elusive Bengal tiger, among many more enchanting creatures including leopards, crocodiles and snakes.
You’ll explore sacred temples, gain an insight into Rudyard Kipling’s influences and make memories you’ll treasure forever on three unforgettable safari trips. Gasp in awe at the romantic Taj Mahal, soak up the exciting buzz in Mumbai and lose yourself in India’s unparalleled wildlife.
Escorted Tours to India for Solo Travellers
Incredible is not enough to describe how awesome India is. With a history reaching back 5 millennia, it’s one of the world’s most fascinating countries, full of attractions to delight all the senses. India’s grandeur is undeniable; everywhere you look, there’re palaces, monuments and temples standing proudly as testaments to national traditions that’re as rich and as varied as the country itself. Mughal Empire landmarks like Delhi’s Red Fort Complex are sure to excite culture vultures and history buffs as well as interested explorers simply looking to be awed, making singles holidays to India a wonderful way to see all this captivating country has to offer. And the best part? Just You takes care of everything on our escorted tours of India, leaving you to enjoy it to the full.
Comprising the vibrant cities of Agra, Delhi and Jaipur, India’s ‘Golden Triangle’ is one of the most popular routes for overseas travellers to take whilst visiting, and Just You can take you along it to give you the perfect introduction to this charming land. Of course, wherever you go here, the experience is sure to impress; from wildlife to wonderful scenery, India is the perfect place for shared experiences with fellow solo travellers. Enjoy making memories to cherish forever in vast and versatile India with Just You!
Price Includes
- Tour Manager as your host
- Return flights from Heathrow – Regional connections available
- Use of an airport lounge in the UK
- 11 nights in 4 & 5-star hotels plus 1 night in flight
- 23 meals: 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
- Welcome drink
- Overseas transfers & other transportation
- Porterage
- Dedicated representative to greet you at all UK airports
Included excursions
- Look for tigers in Kanha National Park, which formed part of the inspiration for The Jungle Book
- Visit Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell in Delhi
- Visit the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
- See the Khajuraho temples & carvings
- Visit the sacred temples in medieval Orchha
- 2 game drives in Bandhavgarh,
- 2 in Kanha & 1 in Panna National Parks
- Discover the cultural melting pot of Mumbai
- Optional excursions
- River safari in Chambal
- Jeep safari in Chambal
Tour available October 2019 – November 2020. Price based on October & November 2019 & May 2020 departures from London. Regional flights available at a supplement, please call for full details
India’s Tiger Trail Hotels:
Itinerary
Our half-day sightseeing tour introduces us to Lutyens' Delhi, which was created in the early 20th century, when the British decided to move their capital from Kolkata. Edwin Landseer Lutyens was the architect appointed to design the new capital and we'll head along some of the wide boulevards and tree-lined avenues he created. We'll drive past two of Lutyen's iconic buildings, the President's House and Parliament House and see the impressive India Gate, which commemorates around 70,000 Indian soldiers who died during the First World War.
Our final stop before heading back to our hotel is the incredible Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell. This centuries-old landmark, which was originally used to harvest water, is wonderfully preserved, and as you gaze down the cascading carved steps you'll be simply amazed.
But first, we'll travel to Agra, where we'll realise many a dream as we make our pilgrimage to the wonderful Taj Mahal, described by Kipling as 'an embodiment of all things pure'. This beautiful white marble mausoleum was painstakingly built over 22 years by Emperor Shah Jahan to celebrate and honour Mumtaz Mahal, his beloved wife who tragically died in childbirth. It is a symbol of eternal love, and we'll share a magical moment when we see it at dusk when it transforms from sparkling white to blush pink.
We'll also visit the Agra Fort, just across the Yamuna River. Created by several rulers of the Mughal Dynasty, the fort was transformed into a glittering palace by Shah Jahan. Many years later, the Fort became a gilded cell, where he was imprisoned for eight years when his son Aurangzeb overthrew him in 1658.
Alternatively, get up close to India's natural world on a thrilling Jeep ride along the Safari-Sarus trail and the banks of the River Chambal. We'll begin with a visit to the Shergarh Fort, passing through its secret tunnel. The Sarus Crane Conservation Reserve is a sweeping wetland area framed by ravines, agricultural fields and hidden villages. Easily distinguished from other types of crane with their red heads contrasting sharply against grey plumage, these are the tallest flying bird in the world, standing up to six feet tall. See if you can spot raptors and wetland birds here too.
We'll regroup tonight at the hotel and tell each other stories about the amazing animals we've seen.
Reminiscent of a bygone royal era, Orchha is a feast for the senses, dotted with vibrant ochre palaces and ancient forts. We'll indulge in some sightseeing, absorbing the town's famous sacred temples. These surviving relics were built by the Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th century.
Next, we'll visit the ornate, multi-storey palace of Jahangir Mahal. The expansive 136-room citadel boasts eight elegant domes, walls adorned with intricate panels and stylish hanging terraces. Built by Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor, he named the palace after his son, Jahangir, and mainly used it for his Rajput royal wives. We'll take photos under the beautiful arches and marvel at the glorious palace, carved from a single piece of stone.
Next, we'll make our way to the magnificent Ram Raja temple, enclosed within the grand square. Up to 3,000 Hindu worshippers pray here every day. As the only temple in India that features Lord Rama as a king, it's said that those who look at his left toe will have their wishes come true. We might even experience an invigorating aarti ceremony, where light is offered to deities within the temple
The temples were creatively built by mighty warrior kings from the Chandela dynasty. However, the temples are well-known around the world for their intricate carvings featuring erotic poses from the Kama Sutra, of which only 22 of the original 85 carvings have survived. We'll tour the monuments and will have plenty of opportunities for photos.
When we arrive in Panna, we'll get some much-needed rest as we'll be up bright and early tomorrow for our morning safari in Panna National Park.
Today's the day to truly immerse yourself in pristine natural beauty and imagine you're in Kipling's 'Just So Stories'. We'll set off for tranquil Panna National Park for an exhilarating game drive. Wait in breathtaking awe for a glimpse of a leopard running through the wilderness and rolling savannah grasslands.
From the safety and comfort of our Jeep, we could easily spot any or all of the following, big cats, antelopes, hyenas, sloths, deer, monkeys, wild dogs and over 300 species of bird. Pinch yourself as you listen to the sounds of the jungle and take in the lush backdrop of 550 square kilometres of stunning scenery. Plunging gorges, cascading waterfalls and rolling savannah grasslands await you.
In the afternoon, we'll have plenty of time at leisure to unwind at our hotel.
Hopefully, we'll be rewarded tomorrow, when we visit Bandhavgarh National Park in search of an elusive Bengal tiger. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel and get some sleep, as we've got a big day ahead of us.
Although we'll hope to see an elusive Bengal tiger, it's not all about the big cats here. You're likely to spot the great gaur – an Indian bison – grazinh. When we get to more open swathes of wilderness, look out for nilgai, a fascinating species of Asian antelope, and barking deer roaming free across the land. A plethora of bird species also call the park home. You're certain to take some amazing photographs and make memories you'll treasure forever.
The lush green landscape is framed with steep, 800-metre-high cliffs and dotted with deep valleys. At the highest point we'll find the park's namesake Bandhavgarh Fort, standing proudly over an auburn forest floor and a mottled canopy of trees. The fort is considered over 2,000 years old. Scattered around the park are numerous caves shrouded in mystery and housing shrines and ancient Sanskrit inscriptions.
On arrival back at our hotel, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing with your fellow travellers.
Tomorrow, we're off in pursuit of the King of the Jungle once more - majestic tigers await you in Kanha National Park, where 'The Jungle Book' comes to life.
Amongst the 950 square kilometres of peaceful rivers and lush rolling hills, we might spot pythons slithering through the grass like vengeful Kaa, wolves reminiscent of those who raised Mowgli and sloth bears just like Baloo. Get up close and imagine yourself in the 'Just So Stories' through savannah that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Although Kipling never visited Kanha, he was enthralled by his friends' photographs and the writers who travelled to the Seoni region – we'll see for ourselves how the park inspired every page. When we've soaked up the evocative atmosphere, we'll retreat to our hotel for a delightful evening meal together.
We'll be welcomed by the Gateway to India's looming arch over the seaside harbour. Stroll around the port, take in the original Art Deco cinemas and visit the sublime Taj Palace Hotel in all its architectural glory.