10-Nights India Wildlife Safari - Marco Polo Journeys from $11,640

Abercrombie & Kent: India Wildlife Safari

Day 1 Delhi, India

Arrive in Delhi this evening, where you are met and transferred to your iconic hotel.

Begin your exploration of Delhi with a visit to the great Jama Masjid, the largest and most important mosque in India. Move among locals engaged in daily prayer, taking in its two minarets, each over 130 feet tall. Then, Ride Like a Local by rickshaw through the alleys of Chandni Chowk bazaar — one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi. After lunch, discover New Delhi, including Humayun’s Tomb, an architectural precursor of the Taj Mahal. Also view the India Gate, a triumphal arch more than 130 feet tall; drive along the Rajpath, or King’s Way, a broad ceremonial boulevard; and see the presidential residence of Rashtrapati Bhawan. Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel.

Embark on an overland day trip to Agra. Here, drive past the city’s 16th-century fort, fascinating monuments and vibrant chowks (markets) en route to visit the Taj Mahal, the stunning mausoleum and testament of love built by Indian artisans from neighboring Islamic countries. Return to Delhi for an evening at leisure.

After breakfast, fly to Jabalpur. After pausing for lunch at a local restaurant, continue several hours overland into the jungles of Kanha, where your luxury camp overlooks the lush forests and grassy meadows of Kanha National Park.

Take in an early morning and afternoon of game viewing in Kanha, one of India’s most famous national parks. Among the sal (resin tree) and bamboo forests, search for the elusive Bengal tiger. You may also encounter chital, blackbuck, gaur, leopard, hyena, sloth bear, barasingha and a host of exotic bird species.

Once again set out on captivating morning and afternoon game drives, and cap off your visit to Kanha with a refreshing Scenic Sundowner, taking in views of the river and forests.

After breakfast, journey overland to Bandhavgarh National Park. One of India’s most beautiful national parks, it is nestled among the tropical forests, woodlands, rocky hills and flat grasslands. While renowned for its tiger reserve, the park also harbors dense populations of gaur, leopard, wild boar, Indian gazelle, common langur, rhesus monkey and sloth bear.

Enjoy early morning and afternoon game drives, watching for the Bengal tiger, leopard and wild boar. Keep an eye on the canopy for its diversity of exotic bird species. Take part in a Chef’s Table experience led by your lodge’s chef, learning about and sampling local popular dishes.

After once again venturing into the forest for morning and afternoon game viewing, toast your Indian safari with fellow guests over farewell cocktails, followed by dinner at the lodge.

After breakfast, travel several hours to Jabalpur Airport for a flight to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Early this morning, transfer to the airport and depart.