Temples & Tigers - Safari & Biking Vast, remote, rugged and stunningly beautiful; with an incredible array of virtually unknown historic sites and cities, untouched wilderness and unexplored national parks peopled by a host of colorful tribes and communities, CENTRAL INDIA is the ultimate destination for those who cherish the joy of exclusive discovery and exploration in this overcrowded world. Central India, encompassed almost entirely by the state of Madhya Pradesh, has perhaps more incredible surprises for the traveler than any of the other better-known regions of India. Strategically important as the gateway to the south, this vast region with its lush valleys, fertile plateaus and rugged forest covered hills remains, for most travelers, Terra Incognita. For various reasons Central India, known as India’s Tigerland due to the multiplicity of famous tiger reserves remains shrouded from the tourist gaze. Given the way so much of Indian tourism has developed this is, perhaps, a blessing! Highlights: ● Walk among the 9th century world famous Khajuraho temples ● Safari in Panna Tiger Reserve. ● Cycle to Raneh waterfall & along the Panna Buffer Zone ● Visit temples and monuments in 16th c. Orchha Flight /Train Information: November 28, 2018:​ Arrive at Delhi international airport anytime for overnight stay in Delhi. November 29, 2018:​ Delhi -Jhansi Train (Bhopal Shatabdi Express departs Delhi at 06:00 am arrives in Jhansi at 10:45 am) - Booked by RVentures December 6, 2018:​ Depart Bhopal on your homeward flight or proceed with your own independent arrangements. Day 01, Wednesday 28​th ​ November 2018 Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, meet our local representative and be escorted to your hotel to relax before immersing yourself in the incredible and amazing experience that is India. Overnight at Airport Hotel. No meals included. Day 02, Thursday 29​th ​ November 2018 - Jhansi-Panna Morning transfer to the train station for train to Jhansi. Train departs at 06:00 am. Breakfast will be served on the train.Arrive in Jhansi at 10:45 am, on arrival private transfer to Panna lunch en-route at Alipura. Post lunch, drive to the lovely Sarai at Toria hotel situated picturesquely on the banks of the pristine Ken River just downstream of where it emerges from the forested hills of the Panna Tiger Reserve. Evening we take a boat ride on the Ken river. Overnight at ​Sarai at Toria​. (Meals: B,L,D) Day 03, Friday 30​th ​ November 2018 Biking full day Early morning tea at Sarai, we then get on two wheels and cycle to Raneh Falls. The ride takes us through farmlands flanked by the Vindhya hills. ​Raneh Falls flow in a 5km long canyon formation, the likes of which are not found anywhere else in India. It is said that these canyons formed because of volcanic eruptions thousands and thousands of years ago. Breakfast will be served at Raneh Falls. Post breakfast we continue our ride towards Khajuraho town taking the backroads which passes through farmlands and village. On arrival in Khajuraho we visit the temples in the Western Group. Khajuraho’s temples are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites with intricate carvings that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. These Hindu temples are famous for erotic carvings featured in the tales of the Kama Sutra. Lunch at khajuraho, post lunch ride back to sarai at toria. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Sarai at Toria. (Meals: B, L, D) Biking 60 km/37 miles round trip - mostly flat with some undulating terrain Day 04, Saturday 01​st ​ December 2018 Early morning we set out on a 3 hr game drive into Panna Tiger Reserve which has witnessed the most successful tiger reintroduction program and now boasts a small but growing tiger population. In addition to this Panna has excellent numbers of leopards, wild dogs, wolf, striped hyena, sloth bears, crocodiles and the full range of herbivores – spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, nilgai antelope, four-horned antelope, chinkara gazelle and a host of fascinating smaller mammals. The bird life is spectacular as well. Breakfast at Sarai, after breakfast​ private transfer to Orcha which will take 04 hour driving time. On arrival check in to hotel followed with lunch. Afternoon you will be taken on a heritage walk during which you visit the historical monuments, markets and temples ​at the medieval town of Orchha. The beauty of Orchha, with its tall chatris that line the banks of the Betwa river, the Orchha fort and the various old temples and markets, makes it an ideal destination. Drive back to hotel at dusk you will be taken to Raja Ram temple to witness the Aarti ceremony performed by the locals. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at ​Amar Mahal​. All meals included. Jeep Safari - 3 hours; Day 05, Sunday, 02​nd ​ December 2018 Early morning we do a 02 hour bike ride in the Orchha sanctuary. The natural trail gives us the beautiful ride in the forest. Back to the hotel for breakfast . Post breakfast checkout and private transfer to Bhopal, the journey will take about 06 hour 30 min.On arrival in Bhopal you will be transferred to your Adventure NEXT hotel. (Meals: Breakfast) Map of the itinerary Difficulty Rating: ​(2) Easy active (i.e., Beginner level, physical activity; ~2-4 hours activity/day) - Note: Biking on days 3 and 5 may feel moderate to some people. Weather: December is characterized by mild temperatures, with daily highs from 13 °C (55.4 °F) to 27 °C (80.6 °F) over the course of the month, rarely exceeding 30 °C (86 °F) or dropping below 10 °C (50 °F). Your Accommodation Sarai at Toria Panna​: The uniquely designed 8 rooms accommodation is situated on a beautiful riverside site. Close to Khajuraho and Panna Tiger Reserve. Surrounded by wonderful history and natural beauty it is a destination in itself. Rooms are crafted in traditional village style, but their thick mud walls hide an unexpectedly elegant interior. Thoughtfully designed to include every detail for comfort & aesthetic delight, no one escapes uncharmed. Amar Mahal Orchha:​ ​Located in a zero polluted area, Amar Mahal ensures a panoramic view of the monuments, surrounding hills and wildlife sanctuary. Completely away from the city crowd, the strategic location of Amar Mahal ensures a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday in the lap of nature and heritage. Enjoy the relaxing ambiances of resplendent rooms along with breathtaking view of sunset and sunrise from the lawns and the terrace of Amar Mahal.​ ​Offering the true flavors of the continental and local Bundelkhandi dishes prepared from the fresh plucks of our own organic garden. Dining at Amar Mahal is a unique experience that not just brings back to life the grandeur and memorable flavors of the royal era but also serves health in the platter. Included Services: ● 4 night accommodation (twin occupancy) ● Meals as noted in the itinerary ● Sightseeing as per the itinerary ● Entrances and English-speaking guide for the monuments ● Activities as per itinerary Not Included: ● International flights ● Drivers’ and guides’ tips ● Visa fees for entry to India ● Vaccines, if needed ● Personal items such as laundry fees, souvenirs, etc ● Anything not already explicitly included in the itinerary Packing List: ● Comfortable clothes: t-shirts, pants, sweater/jacket, shorts and raincoat (please avoid dark/bright colors - neutral colors are best for safari) ● We recommend that you bring at least one pant and one jacket if the weather changes and it gets cold (it can be cooler in the early morning and at night) ● Raincoat / windbreaker ● Fleece jacket/sweater ● Knit hat and gloves (for early mornings/evenings) ● Comfortable walking shoes ● Swimsuit ● Slippers/sandals ● Polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat ● Sunscreen with high SPF ● Do not forget to bring your plug adapter to charge your electronic devices ● Binoculars and a camera ● Headlamp ● Mosquito repellent/DEET ● Extra Cash/Credit Cards (please note, cash machines are limited, so please make sure you have enough cash. Some places may accept credit cards) ● Prescribed medication (including antihistamine) (please note, pharmacies may not be available in the remote locations of this itinerary.) ● Extra batteries ● Personal toiletries ● In addition, we highly recommend bringing a small backpack to use every day to carry your water bottle, sunscreen, snacks... Main Contact: Email: ​[email protected] Tel: ​9810409055 .