Jessica Dolan
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Delhi
Arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Meet your representative at the arrival lounge who will escort you to your hotel – Taj Mahal. Stay in one of the beautifully furnished rooms overlooking the green spaces of the metropolis – the perfect confluence of style and comfort.
In the evening, time permitting, drive past the illuminated Qutub Minar, to get a firsthand experience of the old charm of Delhi.
Overnight Taj Mahal, Delhi
Day 2
Delhi
After breakfast, experience your first foray into India’s rich spiritual heritage. Join a heritage expert to decode the multi-faith culture of Old Delhi which includes a visit to a Jain temple, a Sikh temple, and the Mosque. While Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest and most varied faiths, Sikhism and Jainism are among the youngest.
Also take a cycle-rickshaw ride in the by-lanes of Shahjahanabad, popularly known as Chandini chowk. Later, drive past iconic sites, such as the Parliament House and India Gate.
The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy as you please.
Overnight Taj Mahal, Delhi
Day 3
Delhi - Jaipur - Fort Barwara
Take a train to Jaipur and explore Amber Fort, an imposing edifice of red sandstone perched on a hilltop. An al-fresco lunch follows at a wilderness camp before you drive two and a half hours to Fort Barwara for a royal retreat of well-being.
Overnight Six Senses Fort Barwara
Day 4
Fort Barwara
Choose to rise early for a yoga and meditation session before breakfast. Next, participate in a heritage walk to discover Fort Barwara and to nearby villages. Learn about healthy cuisine by touring the organic garden, water bottling plant and local markets with chefs and put your new-found knowledge to the test in a cooking class done in earthenware pots.
The rest of the day is at leisure for self-exploration, both outwardly and inwardly.
After an early dinner, join a session on sleep therapy to upgrade your sleep and to take the learnings back home.
Overnight Six Senses Fort Barwara
Day 5
Fort Barwara
Wake up early this morning for a jungle safari to Ranthambore National Park for a glimpse of the elusive royal bengal tiger (Approx. 20 – 30 minutes’ drive to the national park). Post safari, return to the sanctuary suites. Later, enjoy a specially crafted wellness meal.
The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the spa facilities. Enjoy your dinner under a blanket of stars.
Overnight Six Senses Fort Barwara
Day 6
Fort Barwara - Agra
This morning, drive to Agra (approx. 6-7 hrs) – once the capital of the mighty Mughal Empire. Upon arrival, proceed to The Oberoi Amarvilas with its enviable views of the Taj Mahal.
Overnight The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Day 7
Agra
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise –the most serene time of the day to visit and truly a magical sight. After breakfast, you will get to visit the Agra Fort built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
If you like, embark on an optional visit to a café and rehabilitation project run by the survivors of acid attacks before returning to the hotel to enjoy some free time in your spectacular surroundings.
After lunch, set out for a soulful musical evening, specially crafted at a venue with the Taj Mahal as a backdrop.
Overnight The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Day 8
Agra - Panna
Transfer to Agra Cantt railway station to board the Shatabdi express train to Jhansi. India has the largest network of railways in the world and transports over 23 million passengers every day. An experience worth taking!
Upon arrival in Jhansi, you will be met and driven to Panna National Park (approx. 4 hours’ drive). Your wilderness home for the next three nights is Pashan Garh, located in 200 acres of private jungle.
Overnight Pashan Garh, Panna
Day 9
Panna
Rise early this morning for a drive in Panna National Park aboard a four-wheel-drive vehicle, spotting crocodiles or perhaps the elusive Bengal tiger. Learn how a successful conservation program has grown the park’s tiger population, increasing the odds of a sighting.
Return to the lodge to savor a Chef’s Table experience, featuring an Indian cooking demonstration, as your lodge chef prepares local delicacies for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon drive before returning to Pashan Garh for dinner.
Overnight Pashan Garh, Panna
Day 10
Panna
After breakfast, set out on a foot trail in the buffer zone of the forest. This walk is led by youth from the Pardhi community who were once poachers and were responsible for decline in the number of tigers in the area. With the efforts from forest department and NGOs, the community is being rehabilitated and engaged in other livelihood activities.
As you walk; slow down, breathe, and listen to the various sounds of nature. Along the way, you can learn about the medicinal properties of local plants and trees. As you drive back to the resort, there is an opportunity to visit Pardhi Girls’ hostel, another social impact project that is changing the lives of the girls.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the meditative experience of staying in the wilderness.
Overnight Pashan Garh, Panna
Day 11
Panna - Bandhavgarh
This morning, you will be driven to the Bandhavgarh National Park. As one of India’s most beautiful national parks, it is nestled among the tropical forests, woodlands, rocky hills and flat grasslands of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
While renowned for its tiger reserve, the park also harbors dense populations of gaurs, leopards, wild boars, Indian gazelles, common langurs, rhesus monkeys and sloth bears.
Upon arrival, stay in traditional mud cottages at Mahua Kothi.
Overnight Mahua Kothi
Day 12
Panna - Bandhavgarh
Enjoy early morning and afternoon drives looking out for the Bengal tiger, as well as leopards and wild boars. Keep an eye on the canopy, as it is frequented by a vast diversity of exotic bird species.
Before dinner, enjoy a sharing circle around the bonfire.
Overnight Mahua Kothi
Day 13
Bandhavgarh - Jabalpur - Delhi
After an early breakfast, set out on a village trail to meet the indigenous Gond and Baiga tribes, said to be among the oldest surviving tribes in India. An interaction with the community will give you insights into their unique culture, which they have preserved for centuries.
Later, you will return to Delhi for one night’s rest before your onward departure the following day.
Overnight Taj Mahal, Delhi
Day 14
Delhi - Onward destination
In time for your departing flight, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight for your onward journey.
