DAY 1-2 MUMBAI

On your arrival at the airport in Mumbai you will be met and transferred to your hotel, then it’s up to you, spend the rest of your day exploring or relaxing before spending day 2 exploring Elephanta Caves and the many sights of Mumbai. This is bound to be a memorable start to your Tigers and  Beach tour.

Mumbai: A city full of rich and colourful history that has made it the thriving commercial capital of India. Back in 1661, English King, Charles II was given the seven islands that make up Mumbai by King John IV of Portugal as his dowry when he married Catherine of Braganza. In 1668, King Charles leased Mumbai to the East India Company, a company still in existence today. Mumbai offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled there, and as a consequence it has thrived. Mumbai is a city of migrants with people from all over India settling here, making it richly multi-lingual and multi-cultural and one of the most populous cities in the world.

After breakfast you’ll head to the Elephanta Caves by motor boat. The island of Elephanta lies 6 miles from the harbour in Mumbai and is an “must see” sight when in Mumbai. Dating back to 600AD, the painstakingly hewn rock-cut cave temple dedicated to Shiva provides an exciting glimpse of Indian sculpture. Huge panels depict episodes relating to Lord Shiva, including the central Maheshamurti panel that depicts Shiva as creator, preserver and destroyer.

The afternoon offers no less delight and intrigue as we explore the city sights including Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum and Kamla Nehru Park, then ascend the slopes of Malabar Hill with its hanging gardens for a panoramic view.

ELEPHANTA ISLAND IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS

Accommodation & Meals
2 nights at the Taj Mahal Palace (Deluxe Sea View) or similar (B)

DAY 3-5 TADOBA NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast you’ll head to the airport to catch a flight to Nagpur and onwards by road to the magnificent Tadoba National Park where and an afternoon of rest and relaxation gives you the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries.

Tadoba Highlights
• Tigers
• Jungle Cats
• Striped Hyena
• Dhole

Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest National Park and one of India’s 41 tiger reserves. Here you’ll search for one of Tadoba’s 65 tigers as well as leopard, sloth bear, gaur, nilgai, dhole, striped hyena, small Indian civet, jungle cat, sambar, barking deer, chital, and chausingha, all accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest guide in 4x 4 Jeep. Don’t forget to ask your guide about the God Taru. Legend holds that Taru was a village chief who was killed in a mythological encounter with a tiger. A shrine dedicated to the God Taru now exists beneath a huge tree, on the banks of the Tadoba Lake.

Accommodation & Meals
3 nights at Svasara Jungle Lodge or similar (B, L, D)

TADOBA NATIONAL PARK IS CLOSED EVERY TUESDAY.

DAY 6-12 GOA

You will transfer to Nagpur where you will catch a flight to Goa for a week of sunshine on Goa’s sparkling beaches. After the exhilaration of the last few days, heading to the beaches of Goa will give you a chance to sit back and relax in India’s smallest state.

Not much needs to be said about this fabulous beach destination, the Konkani word sussegad meaning relaxed or laid back, says it all.

Accommodation & Meals
7 nights at Alila Diwa Goa (Terrace Room) or similar (B)

NOTE: The flight from Nagpur to Goa stops at Mumbai and you will change aircraft

DAYS 13-14 MUMBAI

You’ll get the chance to enjoy your last morning in the beautiful Goa before an afternoon flight back to Mumbai for your last night in incredible India.

On day 14 we bid you a fond farewell and transfer you to the airport to board the flight for your onward journey.

Accommodation & Meals
1 night at The Lalit or similar (B on day 12 only)

* Key to Accommodation
B = Bed & Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

Subject to availability we use the following hotels for our guests

B = Bed & Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

What’s included:

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis at hotels mentioned or of a similar category. Rooms will be their standard ones unless otherwise specified. We reserve the right to substitute accommodation of an equivalent standard if the accommodation shown is not available during your travel dates
• Meals as specified in the detailed itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner).
• Jungle safaris at Tadoba by exclusive 4x 4 open jeep
• Services of English speaking local guides in Mumbai & resident naturalist and park guides in national parks.
• Entrance fees including ASI monuments and national parks.
• Mineral water during all transfers, drives, sightseeing
• Meeting / assistance at the time of arrival and departure at airport and during check in/out at hotels in major cities.
• 3.09% Govt. Service Tax on Total Bill.

What’s not included:

• International flights. We are happy to help you book these or you can arrange your own.
• In Goa, vehicle is not at disposal on free days.
• Domestic flights.
• Insurance
• India visa fee
• Meals or drinks not specified in the detailed itinerary
• Any services of accompanied escort (supplement advised, if required).
• Tips and gratuities
• Purchases of a personal nature
• Still/video camera fee if any
• Any expenses incurred due to any unforeseen situation or any other reason beyond our control including acts of god, change in government tax policy etc.