Panna Reserve Tiger Safari 4 days in the state of beautiful state of . Explore ancient Hindu carvings, go on a safari through teak forests to spot a Bengal tiger, and get a taste of rural life of while enjoying a palace hotel stay beautiful eco lodge experience.

$995 per person, double occupancy (booking together) $1295 per person, single occupancy

Includes: • 3 nights accommodations at a palace hotel & a first class eco-lodge • Exploration and guided visit of the hidden gem of , including the Orchha Fort, Chattris & Laxmi temples • Visit the ancient Hindu carvings & architectures at the Western Group of Temples at the UNESCO World Heritage site of • 3-day nature experience at a beautiful eco-lodge at the Panna Tiger Reserve • Tiger safari for flora and fauna viewing with a naturalist • Hiking, boat ride and village visit options during our eco-lodge experience • Train -> Jhansai + domestic flight Khajaraho -> Delhi • Airport transfers + transit between activities

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Day 1: Orchha (Starting on Day 9 of the Welcome to India itinerary) This morning you’ll take a train to in in the state of Madhya Pradesh, known for its conservation efforts and nature reserves. You’ll be picked up from the train station to drive to the magical village of Orchha. Nestled on the banks of the , Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Chief, Rudra Pratap. Here, the river splits into seven channels known as the Satdhara. Legend goes that this is in honor of the seven chiefs of Orchha.

Before we start our explorations we’ll check in for our palace hotel stay, one of the state’s primary ways of restoring beautiful old structures and repurposed for a unique tourism experience.

You’ll first visit the Orchha Fort, located within an island formed by the confluence of the Betwa River and Jamni River in Orchha town approached from the eastern part of the market in the town through a multiple arched bridge with 14 arches built in granite stones. We’ll also visit the Jehangir Mahal, which has 236 chambers laid around a vast, central courtyard. We’ll also visit the Laxmi temple, dedicated to the goddess of wisdom.

Before dinner, we’ll walk down to the local temple in time for an aarti ceremony with the local community. Meals: B, D

Day 2: Panna Nature Reserve After all the time in temples, forts and city it’s time to escape into nature! This morning you’ll transfer to a beautiful eco-lodge at the Panna Tiger Reserve, which has witnessed the most successful tiger reintroduction program in Madhya Pradesh and has a small but growing population of about 40 tigers. In the afternoon, we’ll take a boat ride then enjoy the beautiful lodge to watch a documentary on our husband and wife team hosts, both of whom are naturalists who have been studying tigers and wildlife for 20+ years. Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Tiger Safari & Wildlife Viewing Wake up bright and early today for our tiger safari! We’ll drive through teak and acacia forests looking for the elusive Bengal tiger as well as leopards, sloth bears, sambar, antelopes and a variety of other flora and fauna. We’ll be accompanied by experienced wildlife guides and naturalists who will explain each animal’s important role in the local ecosystem. After lunch, you’ll have time to relax or take a walk into the small local village to see what rural life in India is like.

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You’ll have the afternoon to relax in the gardens, take a boat ride, and soak in the sounds of birds and buzzing insects before another fabulous home-cooked feast of locally sourced, homestyle Indian cuisine. Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Khajuraho Temples & Departure After breakfast, we’ll pack up and say goodbye to our lodge friends to make our way to Khajuraho. From about 13th century to 18th century, the Khajuraho temples remain in forest cover, away from popularity until it was re-discovered by British engineer T. S. Burt. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 25 remaining temples today have awed generations of people with their architectural brilliance and intricate carvings and represent peace and coexistence between the Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist faiths. You’ll visit the Western Group of Temples at Khajuraho, believed to be the religious capital of the Chandellas. After fall of Chandella dynasty (after AD 1150), the 85+ Khajuraho temples suffered destruction & disfigurement by Muslim invaders in this area, which forced local people to leave the city.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the airport for our flight back to Delhi, arriving at 6:30 in the evening. Because many flight depart late, you can plan your departure flights from Delhi for after 10 p.m. or choose to add on a hotel night for a next day departure. Meals: B

Trip Excludes: • Meals not specified • International airfare • Required travel insurance • Alchohol, unless specified • Guide tips

www.traversejourneys.com [email protected]