Eco-luxury experience in India and Havelock Island

This itinerary between India and Andaman Islands is unpublished and it has all the necessary ingredients to make your honeymoon very special. The cultural fragrance of capitals such as Delhi and Calcutta, the majesty of architectural complexes such as the Taj Mahal, the Rajput stronghold of Orchha and the tantric temples of Khajuraho, the splendor of the nature of the national parks of Keoladeo, Bandhavgarh and Pench and to finish the splendid pristine beaches of the Andaman Islands. It is the ideal route for those who want a unique experience far from the usual tourist circuits in the name of nature, but who at the same time don’t want to miss the opportunity to visit some of the most famous monuments and cities of India. The conscious tourism tour will begin in New Delhi, in the charming street in the heart of the city, Paharganj district (in old Delhi), accompained by young guides trained by a local NGO that supports and helps street children. The itinerary continues to the famous Taj Mahal, the symbol of India and love, built for will of the Mughal imperor Shahijahan, in memory of his wife. After a short stop in a jewel of nature, the Keodaleo National Park, to recover from the traffic and the chaos of the first days in India, you’ll take a fast train to Jhansi. From here on, it is a ride of unparalleled emotions and scents: Orchha, a village nestled in a complex of wonderful well-preserved palaces and temples. The fortress stands on a rocky promontory surrounded by a wooded countryside and the Betwa river. It is an island of peace and tranquillity and a magnificent example of Indo-Islamic medieval fortress, where the walls and the turrets enclose gardens, pavilions and temples. The ideal destination for a honeymoon with bows is the town of Khajuraho, symbol of the Indian tantric erotism. Soft, sensual, elegant and provocative: the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho temples, in India, arouse amazement and curiosity. Strolling in the beautiful garden that surrounds the temples and in front of their sculputers is a bit like seeing the ancient Indian treatises on love and sex, such as the famous Kamasutra. From the architectural jewel of Khajuraho, we’ll pass through the jungle of Madhya Pradesh. Famous for the large number of Bengala tigers that live there, the two national parks of Bandhavgarh and Pench host many animals including deer, leopards, antelopes and countless birds’ species. In Pench you will also have the unique opportunity to visit the villages of Kokha and Khambrit, and you will discover the village of Padchar, known as the Potter’s Village. On the edge of this jungle, you find again India with its temples and its people. Transfers from a park to another will lead us to discover regions rarely visited by tourists. The end of the dry season – when tigers come out in search of water – is the period in which is easy to see them. Bandhavgarh and Pench are the reserves in which tigers are easily spotted, but we remind you that it is an animal in a free and very elusive state. From the national parks of Madhya Pradesh, we’ll move to the capital of west Bengal, Kolkata (ex Calcutta), city symbol of misery that has an authentic Bengali soul, so much so that it is considered to be the most welcoming Indian metropolis. Also known as ‘the city of joy’, it is famous for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage. As the ex-capital of India, it has long been the cradle of literary, artistic and academic thought. The population has a natural propensity for art and literature and the tradition of welcoming new talents has made the city a fervent creative center. For these reasons, the city is considered the cultural or literary capital of the country. During the cultural tour, we will rely on very expert guides such as Husna Tara or Devika Duncan, among the best connoisseurs of the city. The best way to explore it is by foot, crossing the ancient city and local markets, before enjoying breakfast. The final part of this exciting honeymoon will lead you to the pristine beaches of the Andaman Islands to offer you a Robinsonian-style experience. The islands are an ideal shelter with their fantastic crystal-clear waters, surrounded by jungle and pristine mangrooves, with white beaches that turn red at the sunset. The Andaman Islands are considered one of the most beautiful places in the world for scuba diving thanks to the presence of corals, seabed and colourful fishes. Havelock island is the perfect place to take long walks on isolated beaches of fine white sand. The islands and the eco resort selected offer a wide range of activities to satisfy all tastes, making it a perfect place for couples on honeymoon.

After breakfast trip to Agra via highway (about 4 hours). Arrival and visit of the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), one of the most famous and visited monuments in India, built for will of Mughal emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife. The impressive white marble building is today a universal symbol of love and romance and it is also one of the seven wonders of the world. It was built in 1653, a date symbolically reported in the 16 gardens and 53 fountains present; it required 16 years of work and the commitment of thousands of artisans. Lunch in a small restaurant supported by a local NGO that helps women victims of acid attacks. After lunch visit old Agra. You wll explore the old city on a 3-hour walking tour led by a local guide who shows you daily life away from the typical tourist attractions. Learn about Agra’s history, architecture, and traditions as you discover the old market and its surroundings. The first stop will be the Jama Masjid, a big mosque opposite to Agra Fort. You will continue walking along the narrow lanes of old Agra, meeting a local family living in the area. Later you will visit the ancient Manka Meshwar temple (Shiva temple), followed by the wholesale spice market, Rawatpara, where you can find Agra petha, a candy made from ash gourd. You will also experience the bustle at the shoe mandi in Johri Bazar, the only street of Ayurvedic doctors, the paan (betel leaf), and the food street of Seth Gali. In the evening participation to a cultural show of Kalakriti, which shows the love story of Emperor Shajahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz.
Overnight stay in Agra (B).

In the early morning, transfer to the railway station and departure for Jhansi (about 2 and a half hours), from which we continue with private means of transport to Orchha. Visit of the town, and ancient capital built in 1531, which represents a happy synthesis between traditional Hindu, Indo-saracen and more refined Mughal architecture. Everything here is still imbued with the atmosphere of the past: the imposing fortress and its buildings, the Jahangir Mahal and the Raja Mahal, are among the most romantic in India. Continue to Khajuraho (160 km: about 3 and a half hours), in Madhya Pradesh. Arrival in the late afternoon and hotel accommodation. Overnight stay in Kaìhajuraho (B).

Visit of the extraordinary temple complex, built between the X and the XI centuries, famous for its erotic sculptures and declared “World Heritage Site”. We’ll visit the temples situated in the Eastern group, characterized by the extraordinary wealth of details and those of the Southern group, then the Hindu temples, situated in the Western group. In the afternoon, free time to visit the city independently. Overnight stay in Khajuraho (B)

After breakfast transfer to Bandhavgarh National Park (210 km, about 5 hours), in the far north of the Madhya Pradesh state, in Vindhya mountains. Constituted in 1968 for the protection of the tigers, this territory was originally the hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. The peculiarity of this park is not only in its importance from a naturalistic point of view, in fact inside there is a complex of ruins, which cannot be visited. It is dominated by a fortress built on top of a cliff and surrounded by some sanctuaries. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including panthers, sambar, gaur (Indian bison), deer, hedgehogs and numerous ornithological species, in addition to the tigers that made it famous. Arrival and accommodation in the lodge. Free time to explore the eco-resort and dinner in the forest. Overnight stay in Bandhavgarh (B,D).

Day dedicated to the exploration of the park: two jeep safaris are planned: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Bandhavgarh (B,L,D).

Early morning departure for Pench National Park (about 7 hour and half). Check in in our lodge for a typical local lunch. In the afternoon, departure for Kokha and Khambrit villages to discover the Gond tribe, the prevailing community of Pench National Park. We will have the chance to learn about to the daily life, culture and customs of this tribe. Here the locals live in traditional houses built with wood and clay, and the main activities are the processing of clay for the production of beautiful ceramics. In the evening presentation on the fauna of the park by the naturalist of the lodge, then dinner at the restaurant.
Overnight stay in Pench (B,L,D)

Depart for a morning safari. Breakfast in the park. During this safari, there will be the opportunity to spot a huge variety of wild animals, such as: the blue bull of India, the wild boar, the sambar and of course the tiger. Later, return to the lodge to taste a typical local lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Padchar village (10 minutes by car) also known as the “potter’s village”. Here, almost every house in the village has a potter’s wheel. During this experience, you will have the opportunity to see the production techniques of traditional pots and try them (here the locals are very sociable and often invite guests to participate). There will also be an opportunity to purchase one of these pots, or clay bowls as a souvenir. Late afternoon (approximately 6-9 pm) Night Safari to Pench Animal Sanctuary by Jeep. This jungle is one of the most famous in India, 758 sq km of perfect natural habitat for tigers. With a little luck, there will be a chance to spot even the elusive leopard. Return to eco-lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight in Pench in eco-lodge (B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for Nagpur (about 2 hours and half) for the flight to Kolkata. Arrival at Calcutta international airport, meeting with our operators at the terminal exit and transfer to the hotel to rest. Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is the capital of the state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly River, it is the main commercial, cultural and educational center of East India, while its port is the oldest in the country and the only river port. Having been the capital during British colonialism, Kolkata retains the architectural style of that period in many buildings, which contrasts sharply with the degradation of some urban neighborhoods and with the more recent and dynamic suburbs, with the inevitable air-conditioned shopping centers. Arrival at the Kolkata airport, and transfer to the hotel for some rest. Later, visit to the Indian Museum, to the Victoria Memorial Hall, and St. John’s church.
Overnight stay in Kolkata (B).

In the morning after breakfast, walk around the city (about 3 hours) to discover the cultural heritage of North Kolkata, which includes the ancient noble palaces, the potter’s village in Kumartuli, the lively local shops and the narrow streets and alleys from which the city evolved in a few centuries. Return to the hotel for lunch and rest. In the afternoon visit to the headquarters of the Mission of Charity of the Sisters of Mother Teresa. You will visit the Mother’s house where Mother Teresa lived and her samadhi (tomb where the body is kept). In the evening you will take part in the Darhan (divine vision) of the deities and participate in the Aarati ceremony of the Iskon temple. You will assist (and if you want you can participate) in the ceremony of songs (Kirtan) and dances dedicated to the Radha-Krishna deities. Dinner at Govindam temple’s vegetarian restaurant so you can experience prasadam (cooked food for deities).
Overnight in Kolkata. (B, D)

Early in the morning, transfer by plane to Port Blair, capital of the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Upon arrival transfer to the pier for boarding the fast ship to the island of Havelock (last boarding at 1:40 pm, approximately one hour and half in navigation). Check in at the eco-resort. Overnight stay in Havelock (B,D).

Free day to explore the island, snorkel, dive or just rest.
Overnight stay in Havelock (B,D).

Free day to explore the island, snorkel, dive or just rest.
Overnight stay in Havelock (B,D).

Free day to explore the island, snorkel, dive or just rest.
Overnight stay in Havelock (B,D).

After breakfast transfer by speed boat to Port Blair (11.45 am). Transfer to the airport for flight to Calcutta and continuation with international flight.