Indian Nature & Culture Trip with ANF
Hosted by Mr. Ysbrand Brouwers

17 DAYS  Expedition is designed for the discerning participants who want to go beyond the bounds of the traditional journey to discover India , the seventh largest country in the world which has an unparalleled wildlife, geographically, genetically and culturally is perhaps the most diverse country on planet earth. Experience a wildlife safari with a special focus on Tigers & its habitat amidst incredible diverse landscape in India’s most famous Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves in search of Tigers, Leopards, & Wild dogs etc.

Day 1 Depart from Home
We board a connecting flight 0441 at 1905 hrs from the Amsterdam to Mumbai viaHeathrowconnected flight BA0199

Day 2 Mumbai /Nagpur
We arrive in Mumbai (formerly called Bombay)International Airport at 1115 hrs  meet Vivek Sharma and transfer to domestic airport to catch connected flight Indigo # 6E403 at 1430hrs to arrive Nagpur at 1550hrs (Nearest access for Kanha Tiger Reserve).Upon arrival transfer to The Pride Hotel. Overnight in the hotel (B, L, D)

Day 3/7 Nagpur / Kanha Tiger Reserve
After breakfast we’ll drive to Kanha Tiger Reserve, arriving in the noon. Kanha is one of India’s signature wildlife areas. The forests, grasslands and streams here are home to a great deal of wildlife. We explore the park in open 4X4 WD personal jeeps in search of gaur, nilgai, sambar deer, chital and troops of langurs. We keep an eye out for the park's greatest prize: tigers and we'll look for tigers by elephant back. Next four nights our home willbe Stripes Lodge kanha, Village –Samnapur, Mukki gate (B, L, D)

Day 8 Kanha /Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
After breakfast we drive to the renowned Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve En-route we’ll visit a local home and stop in the sleepy town of Mandla (sacred city for Gond tribals) where the Narmada River, second holiest to the Ganges, is the center of activity. Temples and ghats line the banks of the river, and it may be possible to observe the Gonds performing their funeral rites. The main bazaar (market) is interesting to explore with its shops selling tribal silver and bell metal (time permitting).It takes at least 6 to 8 hours to reach Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve, however, it  would not be tiresome as we passes via real tribal life of Indian People.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most important Tiger Reserves. The park is made up of rocky hills, lush deciduous forests, marshes and stretches of meadows. It is considered the best place in the world to observe wild tiger and is home to 250 species of birds, including India’s national bird, the peacock. Other residents include various deer and antelope species, jungle cats and Indian wild dog (dhole). To night we enjoy an outdoor barbeque dinner cooked over an open flame. Overnight Environmental Education Centre Bandhavgarh.

Day 8/11 Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
We enjoy morning and afternoon wildlife excursions daily. Wildlife viewing is by open four-wheel drive vehicle and possibly from the back of an elephant. Boarding elephants is easy, and the cushioned platforms are very comfortable. Since most animals, including tigers, have little fear of elephants or the people mounted on them, this is ideal for wildlife viewing & in search of wild tiger. Overnights in Environmental Education Centre Bandhavgarh.(B, L, D Daily)

Day 12 Bandhavgarh/ Khajuraho 
After breakfast we take a morning drive to Khajuraho (UNESCO World Heritage site) passing through the villages and countryside of Madhya Pradesh. We will have pack lunch at Ken River, Panna. Arrive Khajuraho to check in hotel Ramada. Afternoon visit to Khajuraho temples. Temples built by Chandela rulers in the 9th and 10th century AD. Variety of many inspirational temples, including exuberant and erotic carvings superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture celebrating the pleasures of life and the sublime joy of love. After site seeing in Khajuraho around sun set, we will go to see a light & sound show (1 hour) which is at walking distance from the temples. Dinner and overnight in hotel Ramada. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Khajuraho/ Agra
After breakfast 1000hrs transfer to Khajuraho Railway station to board in the Khajuraho – Delhi Link Express (executive chair car train & this journey will take 5.00 hrs so we have lunch in the train) arrive Agra to check in at the hotel Utkarsh Vilas. We'll have dinner in the hotel Utkarsh Vilas. Overnight at Hotel Utkarsh Vilas. (B, L, D)

Day 14 Agra
An early morning snack with tea helps us to get awake as we will move to see the famous UNESCO World Heritage Monument Taj Mahal early in the morning to catch the sunrise and also contemplate all the color changes of Taj Mahal's white marble due to reflection happening during sun rise. We also explore Agra Fort which is another UNESCO World Heritage Monument of red sand stone built by thirdMughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. Return to hotel for Lunch followed by late afternoon visit to local market. Over night stay in hotel Utkarsh Vilas (B, L, D)

Day 15 Agra / Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary via Fatehpur Sikri 
Following breakfast we'll drive to Bharatpur, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri (Victory City), a UNESCO world Heritage Monument. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, drive for Bharatpur which is about 55 minutes. On arrival in Bharatpur we transfer to hotel Uday Vilas. Afternoon excursion to the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary. Over night stay in hotel Uday Vilas. (B, L, D)
Bharatpur National Park is located in Rajasthan state and is listed in UNESCO World Heritage site; it densely inhabits 350 species of birds. We can watch fishing activities of the handsome pied kingfisher and the sleek darter provides engaging moments. Also seen are eight species of eagles and several species of falcons including the peregrine falcon. In addition to bird life, the park also possesses Indian python, Indian porcupine, fishing cat, Indian civet, Jackal, and three species of mongoose. Some other species like spotted, sambhar deer and Neel gai (blue bull) are also reported. The birds seen are as colorful as their names – pintail ducks, red-crested pochards, and open-billed, painted, and black-necked storks. Overnight stay and all meals in hotel.
Mode of safari: Flat-bottomed boats, bicycle rickshaws and bicycle.

Day 16 Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary/Delhi
we have morning excursions to the great Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary. After lunch drive for 4 hrs to Delhi, stopping en route for drinks at the gardens of Country Inn, Kosi. Arriving Delhi in the late afternoon to check in at Hotel Central Plaza, Near International Air port, New Delhi for wash & fresh. Following our special farewell dinner at this hotel we transfer to the airport for the international flight check-in. (B, L, D)
Day 17 En Route/Amsterdam
Meet our connecting flights BA0142/0430 at 0210 hrs from Delhi to Amsterdam (Netherlands) via LHR