Travel to India: Extended Journeys
Asia Transpacific Journeys offers India vacation packages and extended journeys, if you have more time, if it’s your second trip to India, or you are looking for something specific, we suggest these additional great destinations in India.Travel India: Central India
Fatehpur Sikri
The magnificent deserted red-sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri with its forts, palaces and mosques is located 23 miles from Agra. The city, designed as a tribute to the Sufi saint, Shaikh Salim Chishti, who had predicted the birth of Akbar’s son and heir, was begun in 1571 and abandoned just 15 years later due to a shortage of water.
Khajuraho
A thousand years ago, in the heart of India, artisans of the Chandela dynasty built the spectacular temples at Khajuraho, which were to become renowned for their exquisite carvings and erotic sculptures. Take the opportunity to see these in person on your travel in India. The sculptures, which were rediscovered by an English soldier in 1839, are said to portray the rite of creation in which both body and soul are involved. Of the original 85 temples, only 22 now survive; still the curious visitor is overwhelmed by the profusion of positions and possibilities found in the famed erotica.
Panna National Park
(half day from Khajuraho)
A half-day’s safari to nearby Panna National Park provides a good opportunity to spot deer, antelope, Indian bison, and perhaps one of the resident tigers. This nature exploration is a great addition to your travels through Central India with one of our India vacation packages.
Orchha
On your luxury tour to India, continue the cultural experience in Orchha. This off-the-beaten-path destination, now a village of farmers and artisans, was formerly the capital of the Bundela Empire; at its height this lesser-known empire paralleled and challenged the Mughals. The Jehangir Mahal and Raj Mahal tower over several square miles of temples, palaces, and memorial chhatris, that have been taken over by jungle. Explore the monuments for frescoes and other relics. Stroll along the Betwa River, among monkeys and myriad birdlife. In the evening, join the friendly villagers and other pilgrims at the Ram Rama Temple, for a festive aarti ceremony.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Park
This tranquil area was the private property of the Maharaja of Rewa until 1968 and this helped preserve the forest and the wildlife. It boasts the highest tiger density of any park in India, so you’ll stand a good chance of seeing this magnificent animal.
Our India travel provides an opportunity to enjoy a full day of game viewing by jeep or elephant with a wildlife naturalist. In addition to the tigers it’s possible to spot wild boar, jackal, fox, gaur (Indian bison), porcupine, rhesus macaque, the black-faced langur and the elusive leopard. The park is also home to a profusion of delightful birds, including the blue-bearded bee-eater, the white-bellied drongo, minivets, wood shrikes, blossom-headed parakeets and the stunning Malabar hornbills.
Sarnath
Six miles from Varanasi lies the site of Sarnath where it is said Buddha preached his first sermon, setting in motion the Wheel of Law. Pilgrims travel from around the world to Sarnath and there are monasteries constructed by Buddhists from several countries including China, India, Tibet and Japan. Also on the grounds is a museum containing sculptures from Sarnath’s Buddhist past. The highlight is the Ashoka Pillar and Lions Capital: its famous image adorns all of India’s currency. >>Extended Journeys: North India
Travel to India | Essential India | Extended Journeys: Central India | Extended Journeys: North India | Extended Journeys: Indian Himalaya | Extended Journeys: South India | India Travel Information | India Accommodations
