New Delhi, capital Indian Republic, welcomes you with open arms oozing out perennial cultural ethos of "Atithi Devo Bhav'. Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. You will be met, greeted and assisted by Optima India Tourism’s representative upon arrival. You will be taken to the pre-booked hotel. After warm reception and before your pleasant check in, you will be given the hard-copies of itinerary, hotel vouchers, invoice, receipt of the payment and any domestic air-ticket/ railway tickets done through us. As the international flights land around mid night, you will have enough time to sleep, relax and refresh. Have leisurely breakfast in the hotel and early noon, the Delhi tour guide and chauffeur will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and take you on Old Delhi sightseeing tour. The Old Delhi tour is special as it introduces you with the bygone era of medieval India. The Old Delhi tour is highlighted by the visit of Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid and Raj Ghat . But the topping on the ice will be manual rickshaw ride through the alleys of Kinari Bazaar of Chandni Chowk. If you are touring India to experience older and less European India, the first day of India Wildlife & Culture Tour will be a treat to eyes and senses. After Old Delhi sightseeing, return to Delhi hotel for overnight stay.

The second day of India Wildlife & Culture Tour is scheduled for sightseeing of New Delhi. After having delicious breakfast in Delhi hotel, proceed for New Delhi sightseeing tour along with Delhi tour guide. Although exceeded in population and surpassed in economic importance by both Kolkata and Mumbai, Delhi is now, as it has been for the larger part of a thousand years, the heart and nerve centre of India. In case of Delhi, happily, the rulers did not build their new cities on top of old ones, as so often has happened in the past, but chose instead sites a few miles apart. Delhi, thus, offers to the visitor monuments of Hindu, Islamic and British origin, dating from 12th to 20th centuries.

The two chief monuments are Parliament (formerly the Secretariat) and the Presidential Palace (formerly the Viceroy's House). There is a wide avenue known as Rajpath that runs from India Gate to the Presidential Palace, where New Delhi is at its most splendid.

Qutub Minar is also a major tourist destination of Delhi, as well as India. Construction of Qutub Minar, a tower, begun in 1199 by the first sultan, completed by his successor and partially restored in the fourteenth century. Standing 238 feet high, it is built of subtly graded sandstone and marble, the colours ranging from dark red at the base, through shades of pink, to glowing orange at the summit. At the foot of the tower stands India's first mosque, erected over the foundations of a Hindu temple. Two sixteenth century structures that have survived the years are the mausoleum of Humayun, erected in his memory by his widow, and the Purana Qila, a massive fort (occupying the site of prehistoric Delhi) that contains both a mosque and a library. Post independence structures of Lotus Temple (belonging to Bahai faith) and Akshardham Temple (belonging to Swaminarayan sect of Hindu religion) are highly visited cultural centres with exquisite architectural specimens. After visiting New Delhi, return to Delhi hotel for overnight stay.

After a delightful morning breakfast drive for New Delhi airport to board flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi, representative of Optima India Tourism will meet you and give transfer to hotel. Check in at hotel, refresh yourself and move for Sarnath Tour & relishing mesmerizing Ganga Arti (Ganges Worship Ceremony).

Sarnath is a famous ancient Buddhist site. It was in Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and started 'Sangh'. From here, a soft socio-religious revolution took place and the whole world started chanting 'Buddham Sharanam Gachchhami, Sangham Sharanam Gachchhami, Dhammam Sharanam Gachchhami. Here, you will happen to see ancient Buddhist monastery in ravaged form, Dhamek & Dharmarajika stupas, Asokan Pillar and a great museum.

Having visited Sarnath, you will be driven to Dashaswamedh Ghat of Varanasi where grand and auspicious Ganga Aarti (Ganges Worship Ceremony) takes place every evening. Be witness to cultural and traditional rituals of Hindu religion which worships river Ganga as mother. Later in the evening, come back to Varanasi hotel for overnight stay.

The 4th day of India Wildlife and Culture Tour is special as you will happen to see various aspects of Varanasi. Early in the morning, Varanasi tour guide will accompany you for boat cruise along the ghats of the sacred river the Ganges to see the cremation ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions.

After having enjoyed boat cruise, return to Varanasi hotel to relax and have breakfast. Thereafter check out from Varanasi hotel and proceed for Varanasi city and temple tour. After Varanasi city tour, move for Varanasi airport at Babatpur to board flight for Khajuraho.

Upon Khajuraho arrival, representative of Optima India Tourism representative will meet you and give transfer to hotel. Check in at the hotel, refresh yourself and visit the temples at Khajuraho-probably one of the best examples of Indian art and architecture.

Relax a bit in Khajuraho hotel, move for sightseeing of Khajuraho along with Khajuraho tour guide. The guided tour of the famous temples of Khajuraho will mesmerize you, literally. Refined carving, grand temple architecture, explicitly erotic and sexually postured sculpture, historical past and rural ambience take you into the realm of glorious, lively and celebrated past.

There are three prominent clusters of temples in Khajuraho- Western Group of Khajuraho Temples, Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples and Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples. Out of these three clusters, Western Group of Khajuraho Temples is most representative of Khajuraho temples. You will be shown and explained all the vital and even minutest details about the history, art, architecture and religious thoughts behind these marvelous temples. Having seen Khajuraho temples, you will be taken to enjoy cultural (folk dance and music show).Overnight stay in Khajuraho hotel.

After hearty breakfast in the hotel, proceed to Panna National Park for sightseeing. Special vehicles, mostly Maruti Zypsi, with statutory permission from the wildlife authories ply in the forests of Panna. A naturalist, certified by the forest department, will accompany you during your wildlife exploration.

Panna National Park, a wildlife sanctuary, is located merely 70 kms from Khajuraho, one of the most visited tourist destinations of India and specially Madhya Pradesh. Proximity with Khajuraho, being natural habitat of tigers and wide variety of flora and fauna, make Panna National Park a natural stop over of wildlife enthusiasts. But, Panna is more recognized for diamond mines and white tigers. Having enjoyed jeep safari into Panna National Park, return to Khajuraho hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast in Khajuraho hotel, proceed by car to one of the best tiger reserves of India with highest probability to watch tigers. Bandhavgarh offers jeep as well as elephant safaris. On arrival at Bandhavgarh, you will be transferred to forest resort for evening relaxation and overnight stay in jungle resort.

Morning and afternoon game drives by jeep/ elephant with an English-speaking naturalist. Overnight stay is scheduled in the hotel.

Morning and afternoon game drives by jeep/ elephant with an English-speaking naturalist. Overnight stay is scheduled in the hotel.

Have scrumptious breakfast in Bandhavgarh hotel/ resort, check out and depart for Kanha National Park. A 290 kms long drive to Kanha National Park, finds mention in Rudyard Kiplings’ ‘The Jungle Book’, takes you through several smaller towns and real villages amidst scenic beauty. On arrival at Bandhavgarh, you will be transferred to forest resort for evening relaxation and overnight stay in jungle resort.

Everyday two game drives are organized by the forest department. Authorities of Kanha National Park have devised a unique mechanism to help tourists spot tigers. The tourists are taken on a game drive in jeeps with an English-speaking naturalist. At the same time, a Mahaut with elephant is sent into the jungle to search prowling or resting tiger in the interior. As the tiger is spotted by the Mahaut, he immediately informs the jungle authorities through a signal. This signal is flashed through radio message and the forest ranger immediately directs the tourists towards the location of the tiger. The tourists are then taken on elephant-back, into the bush, to see the elusive Tiger. Overnight stay has been scheduled in jungle resort.

After having breakfast in the hotel of Kanha National Park, proceed to Nagpur, in the state of Maharashtra. On arrival at Nagpur, you will be directly transferred to Nagpur airport to board flight for Kolkata. On arrival at Kolkata, you will be transferred to Kolkata hotel for overnight stay.

Have delicious breakfast in Kolkata hotel. Representative of Optima India Tourism will introduce you with Kolkata tour guide in the lobby of the hotel. Along with tour guide, move for sightseeing tour of Dominique Lapierre’s ‘City of Joy’- Kolkata. Visit Kalighat Kali, National Library, Victoria Memorial, Indian Botanical Garden and Howrah Bridge. After finishing Kolkata sightseeing, return to Kolkata hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast in Kolkata hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Guwahati. Flight leaves Kolkata 10:10 hrs & arrives Guwahati 11:20 Hrs. On arrival at Guwahati, transfer to Kaziranga National Park, famous as the only natural habitat of the Great Indian Rhinoceros. On arrival at Kaziranga National Park, check in at the jungle resort. Spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay in Kaziranga resort.

Morning elephant ride to spot rhinos at close quarters. After breakfast, morning and evening jungle safaris in Kaziranga National Park by 4x4 open jeep. During day time go for nature, river and birdwatchers’ walks with experienced naturalists, tea garden walk and visit to tribal villages. Dinner and overnight at jungle lodge.

Morning elephant ride to spot rhinos at close quarters. After breakfast, morning and evening jungle safaris in Kaziranga National Park by 4x4 open jeep. During day time go for nature, river and birdwatchers’ walks with experienced naturalists, tea garden walk and visit to tribal villages. Dinner and overnight at jungle lodge.

After breakfast in Kaziranga drive to Guwahati to board the flight for New Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi, you will be transferred to New Delhi hotel for overnight stay.

After early morning breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Indira gandhi International airport New Delhi to board flight for your onward destination.

Usually the first visit to Delhi stuns a visitor and it takes a while to be accustomed to navigate in the middle of a maelstrom of traffic of people, vehicles and even animals. Delhi, being a large cosmopolitan & segregated into two parts from tourism perspective, is composed of seven cities. The recent Delhi is city of New Delhi, present & colonial day political capital of India, was laid down by the British in 1914. New Delhi, a city of straight streets with most of modern hotels and large chunk of tourist inflow, is treasure of monuments of colonial regime like President House, Parliament, India Gate etc.

Old Delhi is about two kilometers north of New Delhi. As its name suggests, Old Delhi is linked to the Indian tradition, predominantly Muslim traditions and culture, with a majority Muslim population. Old Delhi, a medieval city, was established by Shah Jahan as capital of Mughal Empire. Among famous monuments of old Delhi are Red Fort (the largest stone-built fort of India on the banks of River Yamuna), Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) and Chandni Chowk, the market of the old town, full of color and scent.

South to New Delhi, there are five other ancient cities, Indraprastha, Dhillika, Siri, Tughlaqabad and Dinpanah which are the rest five Delhis. Historical evidences of thousands of years old existence of settlements in Delhi are continuously being unearthed at Purana Qila site with archaeological ruins and crumbling murals. Qutub Minar, ancient Iron Pillar, Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple are some prime tourist attractions of Delhi.

One of the great attractions of Delhi is endless and bustling market stuffed with all variety of goods and products prepared in various parts of India as well as the world. In the markets of Delhi, one can find objects coming from anywhere in India. Bargaining is suggested to get the best deal. Delhi is the best place in India to learn about the culture and history of the country, with its museums of history and Indian politics, as well as its extensive cultural program.

Varanasi or Benares rests on the crescent-shaped bank of the Ganges and is one of the main centers of Hindu pilgrimage. Thousands of people take holy dip and offer auspicious prayers every day in the sacred river Ganges (the holy river Ganga, as it is pronounced locally). One of the ancient and oldest living cities of the world, Varanasi has preserved legends, legacies, cultural niceties, religious beliefs and lifestyles from at least the 6th century BC. His monumental wealth was destroyed by endless wars but retains its appeal as a center of worship. For the Hindus, the rivers are female deities and are thus paid reverence and worshipped. On the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, cremations are performed as last religious rite with a belief that saying goodbye to the life of the deceased and celebrating his death and reincarnation in the new life cycle. It is common for the elderly or chronic patients to come to the shores of the Ganges in Varanasi to die with a belief that one who dies here embraces immediate enlightenment (‘moksha’). Varanasi is one of the strangest places in India for the western tourist for its narrow streets and ethereal spiritualism.

The main attraction of Varanasi is to visit Ganges ghats. The "ghats" or stone steps are embankments on the Ganges, flanked by temples where pilgrims bathe and celebrate their rites. The main activities in sight are funerals, meditation, holy dip, chanting of ‘mantras’ and prayers, religious rites and traditional rituals. Many pilgrims walk the perimeter of the city accompanied by a priest reciting prayers. Have a walk along the banks of the Ganges to have glimpse of rawness of the city. The downside of all these exotic scenes is the growing pollution of the Ganges due to chaotic urbanization.

The center of Varanasi, Vishwanatha Khanda, is an intricate labyrinth. Inside Vishwanatha Khanda is the Golden Temple (Golden Temple or Vishwanatha Temple), but access is only for the Hindus. Other recommended visits are Ramnagar Fort (Palace of the Maharaja), Bharat Mata Temple (modern temple) and the Durga temple. You can rent a boat to see Varanasi from the Ganges, although generally requires an intense haggling.

Varanasi is famous for its great schools of music. The city is one of the great schools (called ‘gharanas’) of Tabla. Vendors of flute, tabla and other musical instruments can be found easily in music loving city of Varanasi.

Any visitor, interested in tour of north India, Khajuraho is a must-see destination to explore. Khajuraho draws its fame from erotically sculptured temples. The figures are suggestive of bodily pleasures, centred around various sexual postures, but, Khajuraho, like elsewhere in the country, has a magnetic and enigmatic intrinsic charm. The captivating erotic engravings on Khajuraho temples unknowingly push a visitor to subterraneon Indian mysticism. Erotic monuments are the center of everyday life in the city, cut off from the massive development taking place across the length and breadth of Indian sub-continent. The libertine spirituality that permeates Khajuraho means you can only surrender to the evidence that you are in another world. Khajuraho has a mystery that leaves you indifferent and when you return, a nostalgic feeling invites you to return. The temples of Khajuraho were built by the rulers of the Chandela dynasty between 9th to 12th centuries. The Muslim invaders devastated many temples out of their victorious zeal and despicable religious intolerance towards people and monuments of other faiths. Among the remaining temples, Kandariya Mahadev temple is the biggest and most famous. The famous erotic temples of Khajuraho are undoubtedly one of the most magical places on earth. It's amazing how Chandelas could sculpt such wonders in the ninth and tenth centuries. Really, those (also called Kamasutra Temples) are worth seeing. These temples, mostly in Western Group, have become famous for the statues, inspired with Kama Sutra postures, however, most images carved in stone have religious reasons. These temples have been declared World Heritage Site by Unesco. No wonder. The erotic temples are located in a fenced park. As you get closer to these temples, you are impacted greatly. Its towers or Sikhara surprise both for their spectacular size, as for their elaborate details. Statues of apsaras, erotic scenes, gods, mythological beasts and lots of figures have been sublimely carved in stone.

Panna National Park, spreads along the river Ken, is situated about 32 kms away from Khajuraho. Its jungles harbour many species of wildlife. Being closer to Khajuraho offers an excellent opportunity to see one of the best temples in the world along with spotting Royal Bengal Tiger. Since, Khajuraho is a prominent tourist place and ,thus, houses all modern amenities to stay and explore, Panna National Park can easily be accessed. The tiger can be glimpsed here along with other rare species such as the leopard, wolf and ghariyal. Herds of nilgai, chinkara and sambar are a common sight too. Alternating valleys and plateaus, grassy maidans, steep gorges and escarpments, down which the waterfalls cascade, present a breathtaking view.

Bandhavgarh is situated in Shahdol district amongst outlying hills of the Vindhyan range. The tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the densest in India and offers perhaps the best chance in the world of seeing this elusive cat. Bandhavgarh is densely populated with other species: the great Gaur or Indian Bison can be seen with ease as they come on to the meadows to graze at dusk, sambar and barking deer are common sight, Nilgai are to be seen in the more open area of Bandhavgarh National Park. There are also many species of birds to be seen in the park. Spread over 437 sq kms of vast area, Bandhavgarh National Park, before declared as a National Park, was a game preserve of the king of Rewa. Still, jungle retreat of the king of Rewa, a small palace in the jungle, has now been converted into a luxury hotel, being managed by the Taj Group of Hotels. Earlier, Bandhavgarh was famous for being the sole habitat of white tigers.

Kanha National Park lies in Madhya Pradesh of India. About 165 kms from Jabalpur, Kanha National Park is known for sal and bamboo forests, grasslands and streams. One of the best National Parks of India, Kanha spreads over 940 sq kms. Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary, a Project Tiger Reserve, harbouring an abundance of wildlife species, enjoys the reputation of a well-maintained and tourist-friendly National Park. There are over 200 species of birds, making Kanha a bird watcher’s paradise as well. Kanha is one place where you can be almost certain of spotting tiger in its natural habitat.

Kolkata is distinctively noted for her spiritualism, intellect, art and culture. The city is the nerve centre of intellectual and human values having given birth to numerous modern movements in literature, art, cinema, theatre, science, politics and industry. Kolkata is appropriately regarded as the cultural capital of India for her immense contribution in these fields. Kolkata either gave birth to or was associated with a galaxy of great men and women and was the birth place of Indian Rennaissance. Kolkata besides being the hub-centre of West Bengal’s rich culture is the city of five Nobel laureates- Sir Ronald Ross, Rabindra Nath Tagore, Sir C.V. Raman, Mother Teressa and Amartya Sen. Renamed very recently after the popular Bengali utterance, Kolkata was founded more than 300 years ago out of three villages namely Sutanuti,Gobindpur and Kolikata on the east bank of River Ganga or Bhagirathi or Hoogly. After London, Kolkata was the British Empire’s second city of pride. Once the capital of the British India, the capital of undivided Bengal and the capital of West Bengal since Independence, Kolkata retains the aura of days long gone weaving the glorious past, the fascinating present and integrating a mix up of Indian and colonial heritages. Kolkata is the home of the Bengalees to whom every activity is commitment of passionate intensity- be it freedom movement, a religious festival, soccer or cricket match, political demonstartion, music, art, poetry, little magazine, theatre, cinema, eating or chat session. Kolkata is home to several monuments and places to visit. Prominent among them are Victoria memorial, Raj Bhawan, Indian Museum, Fort William, National Library, Kali Temple, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shanti Niketan etc.

Kaziranga National Park, located in Assam province of India, is famous worldwide for Indian Rhinos. Earlier an endangered species, Indian Rhinos are now increasing in number due to proper protection and conservation efforts of Indian government. Spreaded over an area of 430 sq kms and located in the basin of Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park is primarily visited to spot Indian Rhinos but it charms a wildlife enthusiat with a great diversity of flora and fauna comprising elephants, Indian bisons, swamp deer, sambhars, hog deer, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, leopard-cats, hog, badger, capped langoor, hillocks gibbons, jackals, porcupines, python, pelicans, ducks, hornbills, ibis,cormorants, egrets, herons, black-necked strokes, lesser adjutant and ring detailed fishing eagles. The landscape of Kaziranga National Park is marked by sheer thick forests, elephant grass lands, rugged reeds, mallow marshes and the shallow pools. It creates conducive habitat for rich biological diversity.

• Accommodation in the mentioned hotels on double sharing.

• Daily breakfast basis in Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho and Kolkata.

• 01 jeep safari in Panna.

• 04 jeep safaris in Bandhavgarh.

• 02 jeep safaris in Kanha.

• 04 jeep safaris in Kaziranga.

• All meals (breakfast+ lunch+ high tea+ dinner) basis in Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Kaziranga.

• Total Meals: 33 (Breakfast-16; Lunch-09; Dinner-08).

• Total night stays: 16 (Delhi-03; Varanasi-01; Khajuraho-02; Bandhavgarh-03; Kanha-02; Kolkata-02; Kaziranga-03).

• Boating in Ganges at Varanasi.

• Sound & light show in Khajuraho.

• Well-appointed upgraded air-conditioned rooms at all places.

• Along with breakfast at all places, 01 dinner in Orchha in a restaurant located on the banks of river Betwa.

• Monument entrance charges.

• Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, Delhi.

• Morning boat cruise in the Ganges during morning hours to enjoy panoramic view of Varanasi ghats.

• English speaking & destination-specific guides at all destinations for mentioned sightseeing tour.

• Meet & assist at the airport on arrival & departure.

• Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary.

• Air-conditioned private car for the whole sightseeing tour.

• Driver for the whole tour.

• All prevailing taxes like luxury tax, service tax etc.

• All transfers, city tours, excursions & drives by air-conditioned transport.

• Interstate road tax, toll tax, parking charges, driver’s wages, fuel charges etc.

• Price is per person twin/ double sharing basis.

• Airfare not included.

• Additional conditions may apply, please enquire for further details.

• Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes.

• Additional levies, government charges & other applicable fees, including additional taxes and surcharges on flight routing, may apply and are beyond our control.

• Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.

• Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.

• Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or through normal bank transfer into our accounts.

• These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice.

• Prices are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, please enquire for further details.

• Please provide your passport details to Intrepid at least one month before travelling. Please note that if you do not provide your passport details you may be denied entry to any National Parks that are visited along this itinerary, or you may be charged a fee by the local government as passport details are now a requirement for entry into all national parks in India.

• Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

• In India normally the check in time is 02:00 PM and check out time is 10:00 AM.

• Meals other than breakfast and as specified above.

• Video camera/ still camera fee applicable at various monuments. The same will be paid by you direct on spot on actual basis.

• Items of personal nature like telephone calls, laundry, tips, hard/soft drink etc.

• Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay/cancellation/hike in fare, strike or any other natural calamities.

• Indian visa fees.

• Any compulsory meal supplements during festive season is not included.

• Early check in & late check out at the hotels.

• Any other Items is not included in " Inclusions" heading.