Family wildlife tour offers tigers, temples and Taj

Naturetrek still has availability on its 9-day Temples & Wildlife family holiday combining the best of India's wildlife and culture, with visits to Bharatpur NP and Panna Tiger Reserve, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, the iconic Taj Mahal and the erotic temple carvings at Khajuraho, culminating in the opportunity to stalk Tigers in Bandhavgarh!

Arrival in Delhi offers glimpses into Indian life and the opportunity to visit Old Delhi’s Red Fort or Jami Masjid (the great mosque) - whetting the appetite for the journey ahead. Next, Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur - one of the most outstanding wetland reserves in Asia, providing refuge for thousands of waterfowl, herons, storks, cranes and waders. Here, other wildlife highlights include Nilgai (or Blue Bull), Asiatic Jackal, and possibly, rare Fishing Cat and Indian Rock Python.

Next, stop off at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri - once Moghul capital, before reaching Agra for sightseeing tours of the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Continue to Panna Tiger Reserve for some of the best wildlife in India. Here, Jeep, elephant back and boat explorations maximise the chances of spotting Tiger – other mammals on offer include Spotted Deer, Sambar and shy Chousingha followed by possibilities of spotting endangered Fish-eating crocodiles basking on the muddy banks at Gharial sanctuary on the Ken River.

Later, be prepared for some awkward questions during an enlightening tour of Khajuraho’s erotic temple carvings before either heading to Delhi and homeward flights or taking an optional 4-day extension to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Situated amid the airy Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh – Bandhavgarh’s one of the best places in India to observe Tigers.

Though sightings can never be guaranteed, Tiger movements are well known to the mahouts and estimates suggest that a healthy population of 22 Tigers is resident in the 105 square kilometres of the reserve open to tourists. With luck, rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian Fox and Jungle Cat may make brief appearances. On the return to Delhi, choose between a final afternoon exploring the lively capital or a visit to the Yamuna River, which flows through the city, for a more sedate afternoon of birdwatching before the flight home.

The tour costs from £1,820 adults and £1,720 children (5yrs - 12yrs) including international flights, transfers, hotel, lodge and sleeper train accommodation and most meals. The optional 4-day Bandhavgarh extension costs £575 p/p adults and children. The tour departs London 27th December 2008.

For more information and bookings, log on to Naturetrek.co.uk.