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I must re-iterate how much I enjoyed the tour; not just the cultural 'sights' and the birds and wildlife, but the total experience of glimpses into a different way of life in villages and towns where we stopped along the way. People were all so friendly and welcoming, keen to show us things. The sounds, smells and colours will remain in my memory.
M.L. Worcestershire
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Temples & Tigers - The Best of Northern India
Tour Code: IND32A 13-day holiday combining the best of India's wildlife and culture, with visits to Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Khajuraho, Panna Tiger Reserve and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, plus an optional 5-day extension to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
13 days
from
£3,995 (Inc flights)
£3,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£3,495
£3,495
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Our holiday begins with sightseeing in Delhi, a city steeped in Moghul history. We then drive to the world-famous Bharatpur Reserve in Rajasthan to observe a superb variety of wetland birds, before diverting to admire the archaeological splendours of nearby Agra as well as the deserted former capital of Fatehpur Sikri. We travel next from Agra by train deep into the heart of Madhya Pradesh to visit the spectacular Jehangir Mahal at Orchha and to search for Tigers in Panna Tiger Reserve, where other mammalian residents include Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambar and Chousingha. The holiday concludes with a tour of the temple complex at Khujuraho before returning to Delhi.
- Large numbers of waterbirds, wildfowl & raptors in Bharatpur
- Guided tours
- Visits to the legendary Taj Mahal, Red Fort & Fatehpur Sikri at Agra
- Rail journey through rural India
- Visit the Jehangir Mahal at Orchha
- Game viewing in Panna Tiger Reserve
- Tour of the famous temples at Khujuraho
- Painted Sandgrouse, owls, nightjars, & (with luck) Tiger at Panna!
Grading
A wildlife and sightseeing tour that includes no strenuous walking.This Naturetrek holiday specifically focuses, in equal measure, on both wildlife and India’s fabulous historical, cultural and architectural heritage. Above all, and unusually for India, our itinerary achieves a maximum of variety with a minimum of exhausting travel. A brief domestic flight, two short and comfortable train journeys, and just a few hours of driving on the peaceful roads of rural India are all that are required to complete this fascinating and colourful circuit. We will visit such fabulous sights as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and the temples of Khajuraho, all of which so magnificently encapsulate the lavish history of northern India over the past millennium. We will also visit Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve — one of India’s most scenic sanctuaries and currently a favourite amongst wildlife connoisseurs on account of the sheer abundance and variety of both its mammals and birds — and conclude our tour in the world’s most famous bird reserve … Bharatpur.
We begin in India’s capital, New Delhi. Here, we will drive to our comfortable hotel. Later, after a rest and a light lunch, an optional afternoon tour of Old Delhi might include such magnificent Moghul monuments as the Jama Masjid Mosque and the Red Fort, though the keen birdwatchers in our party may choose instead to visit the Sultanpur National Park and Bird Sanctuary. In 1839 a British army engineer stumbled upon a complex of the most remarkable Hindu temples. Lost for centuries in remote jungle, these magnificent examples of Indo-Aryan architecture had escaped the destruction that Moghul rule inflicted on virtually all other Hindu monuments in northern India at the time. Today, Khajuraho’s temples, so skilfully constructed between 950 and 1050 AD under the later kings of the Chandela dynasty and boasting exquisite (and many erotic) carvings, are listed as a World Heritage Site. Now beautifully restored, they are set within delightful gardens favoured by abundant birdlife and marauding Rhesus and Common Langur Monkeys. From our base in Khajuraho we have ample time to explore the temple complexes and the wildlife of Panna Tiger Reserve.
Panna, a stunning national park of 543 square kilometres, has remained largely unknown and ignored by tourism, mainly because its few Tigers remain wary and elusive. Though consisting largely of dry deciduous forest, it boasts great scenic beauty through its combination of rolling hills and plateaux, grassy meadows, gorges and waterfalls. The broad waters of the River Ken pass through the park and allow us to enjoy wildlife-viewing, abundant waterbirds and many large Marsh Mugger crocodiles on boat excursions. Primarily though, we will explore this extensive park on lengthy jeep tours, and sometimes on elephant back, encountering abundant Spotted Deer, Sambar, Nilgai, Wild Boar and troupes of Common Langurs, the more elusive Chinkara and Chousingha antelopes and, with luck, a Tiger, Dhole (Asian Wild Dog) or even a Leopard! With such a variety of habitats, Panna also provides a most varied birdlife, with Painted Sandgrouse, and a wide variety of owls and nightjars likely to be amongst the highlights.
We next drive to Orchha, once the capital of the Bandela dynasty, and today a most picturesque and peaceful village that sits amongst a proliferation of temples, royal chhattris (tombs) and a striking 16th century fort-palace on an island in the Betwa River. There is much to enjoy for a day here, before we take the train from Jhansi to Agra, passing the imposing Gwalior Fort. A stay in Agra will allow us to soak in the splendour of the Taj Mahal and its environs … and to visit the magnificent Agra Fort. We will then drive on, stopping en route to explore the fascinating abandoned Moghul city of Fatehpur Sikri, to Bharatpur, the most famous bird reserve of them all, where a feast of birds and other wildlife awaits us.
So, is there a downside to our managing director’s favourite Indian odyssey? Yes, just one! Your chance of a Tiger sighting on this tour is a fairly slim one. For this reason, we offer you the chance to extend your holiday with a visit to Ranthambore, one of India’s most spectacular and best known Tiger Reserves, or any other of the country’s fine national parks.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London
Day 2
Delhi
Day 3
Temples of Khajuraho
Day 4/6
Panna Tiger Reserve
Day 7
Orchha
Day 8
Agra and Taj Mahal
Day 9
Fatehpur Sikri; overnight Bharatpur
Day 10/11
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Day 12
Evening train to Delhi
Day 13
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: Comfortable tourist hotels in Delhi, Khajuraho and Agra; simple but comfortable lodges elsewhere. All rooms have private facilities.
- Food: All included in the price, except for meals required in Delhi. Allow ?30.
Reviews
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We really enjoyed our 'Temples and Tigers' holiday...; India proved even more fascinating than we thought, if anything - lots of good birding, even a few leopards in Panna, some beautiful buildings and tremendous people who always seemed happy and friendly...
P.L. Worcestershire -
I thought it was a superb trip... from the points of view of variety sites covered and vast quantity of birds to watch - and in my case, learn about - especially in Bharatpur. I enjoyed all of it greatly.
A.C. Middlesex -
The warmth, patience and enthusiasm of the leader and guides was infectious and I was awed by the beauty of both birds and mammals on this trip as well as the forests and wetlands. I found the people fascinating and delightful - falling over themselves to help. A holiday I will never forget and exceeded my expectations.
L.G. Bath -
I thought it was a wonderful holiday, well organised, with a variety of experiences, from wildlife and culture, to train travel, city and village life. A great way to see India.
Mrs B. Wrexham
Extensions
Ranthambore
Ranthambore is one of the original 'Project Tiger' reserves, and is also regarded as one of India's most beautiful parks. Based for three nights at a modern 'jungle lodge', we'll make morning and evening game drives into the park to enjoy its superb diversity of birds, mammals and reptiles. The lodge's grounds are home to treepies, woodpeckers, wood-chats and a host of other birdlife.
4 days from £1,495
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Thu 13th Nov – Tue 25th Nov
SPACES
£3,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£995
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Thu 22nd Jan – Tue 3rd Feb
SPACES
£3,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£995
Thu 12th Nov – Tue 24th Nov
SPACES
£3,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£995
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[description] => Tiger Safaris – Unparalleled 100% Record of Success
Naturetrek has nearly 30 years of experience leading Tiger watching holidays to the Indian subcontinent. With a 100% record of success on our top tours, we’ve shown Tigers to more people than any other wildlife specialists.
Arguably the most iconic and charismatic species on the planet, this enigmatic big cat is a vision of natural perfection. The opportunity to observe the animal in its natural habitat on a dedicated Tiger watching tour is at the top of many people's wildlife wish lists. With almost three decades of expertise leading in India, and the widest range of itineraries available, we have a Tiger tour to suit all interests.
We visit some of the most wildlife-rich reserves in this astonishingly diverse country. Accompanied by the best local naturalist guides and enjoying the security and intimate experiences that come with small group travel, participants enjoy the ultimate thrill of encountering these magnificent wild animals in their own environment.
Superb Tiger Watching with Naturetrek
As the leading operator of natural history tours in India, Naturetrek has a long and proud tradition of enabling clients to experience the very best wildlife viewing opportunities in the subcontinent. Over the past three decades, many hundreds of nature lovers have enjoyed the benefits of our renowned small group itineraries to gain multiple sightings of this beautiful animal in the wild.
Our professionally organised tours take in some of the most famous and wildlife-rich reserves in India, including Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Panna National Parks. Our expert naturalist guides provide the best opportunities for sightings of a wide range of species in these spectacular natural environments.
Two other fantastic national parks – Tadoba and Satpura – can be visited on optional extensions to several of our top Tiger tours. Tadoba is an excellent Tiger watching destination, while Satpura is renowned for intimate encounters with Sloth Bear, Leopard and Dhole (Indian Wild Dog); the park also offers walking safaris and night game drives.
Some of the reasons our tours are so successful:
- 100% sightings on our four top safaris in the last five years
- Small groups escorted by India’s best naturalist guides
- Up-to-date information from wildlife reserves
- Scrupulous attention to detail in choosing a high standard of accommodation
- Excellent local guides monitor the animals’ movement daily to ensure the best sightings
What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek Tiger holiday?
- A comfortable lodge within a convenient distance from the reserve
- Twice-daily excursions by vehicle (or by foot in Satpura) into the reserves
- A focus on sightings of this wonderful big cat, while also enjoying culture and other wildlife
- The enjoyment of like-minded travelling companions in a small group
Further information on when, where, and how to see Tigers can be found here.
Our specialist recommends...
"I’d recommend our Tiger Marathon tour, which takes you straight into the heart of the jungle on a 13-day safari that combines Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna National Parks, four of India's finest reserves. Since we began the tour we've had 100% sightings! Alternatively, our Tiger Direct itinerary encompasses less travel and also has 100% success rate.”
Rajan Jolly - Operations Manager
Mammal Watching Holidays
Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.
Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours
Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.
Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:
- India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
- A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears
- A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
- Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
- Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
- Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
- Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert
Bargain mammal selection
We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.
Our specialist recommends...
"Africa is perhaps the greatest continent for mammal-watching. I would recommend 'Botswana’s Desert & Delta (Mammals)' for combining stunning scenery and wildlife. We also offer a tour to Uganda which includes a chance to see Mountain Gorillas. And India, along with Tigers, has a superb variety of mammals. Closer to home, short breaks to Spain in search of Wolves and Iberian Lynx are hard to beat.”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Big Cat Safari Holidays
Big cats are among the most admired and sought-after mammals on the planet, and we are proud to offer a broad and comprehensive range of big cat safari holidays. We offer inspiring and truly memorable wildlife tours to enjoy sightings of all of the world’s iconic species in their natural habitats, including Tigers in India and Nepal, Jaguars in the Pantanal, Pumas in Chile and Snow Leopards in India and Mongolia and we certainly do not neglect the smaller cats either.
We offer a range of itineraries around Africa and encounter the continent’s high-profile species like Lions, Cheetahs and Leopards and also the lesser known species such as Caracal, Sand Cat, Black-footed Cat, Serval and African Wild Cat. We also have wildlife holidays that catch sightings of the Asiatic Lion in India and the elusive Leopard in Sri Lanka.
We also offer a pioneering tour to try to see the most difficult of all big cats the Sunda Clouded Leopard in Borneo with Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat and Flat-headed Cat all having being seen on our Borneo holidays. Closer to home, we offer holidays in Europe to go in search of Wildcat and both Eurasian and Iberian Lynx.
We have run these holidays for many years with great success, working with the best local contacts and guides and staying at the very best locations with carefully crafted itineraries which allow the optimum amount of time to achieve sightings.
Our specialist recommends...
"Naturetrek has been instrumental in designing, researching and pioneering many of the big cat safari tours on the market. Our dedicated Tiger-watching trips have an unparalleled 100% success record with sightings, while if you want an experience dedicated to looking for Jaguars (also with a 100% success rate), you can’t do any better than our 'Brazil – Just Jaguars!' holiday. Additionally, our 'South Africa – Just Cats!' holiday offers a chance to see a wide variety of species in stunning scenery and for a real adventure, well off the beaten track, our 'Borneo's Mammals - Deramakot Forest Reserve' holiday is hard to beat for sheer excitement as we go in search of Sunda Clouded Leopard with extensive night time spotlighting outings encountering a wonderful number of mammals as we search for this elusive cat. Finally, if you wish to combine two holidays in one, our 'South America's Big Cats' holiday, first goes in search of Pumas in Chile followed by Jaguars in Brazil with a wonderful chance now for Ocelot in the Pantanal. "
Tom Mabbett - Operations Manager
Tom Mabbett - Operations Manager
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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