Kaziranga National Park Kaziranga, in north-east India in Assam, is set on the banks of the mighty Brahamaputra River and is the fi nest place to view Indian greater one-horned rhinoceros in the whole of the subcontinent. With nearly 80% of the world's population resident, the park has been recognised as a World Heritage Site. In addition to wonderful rhino-viewing, the park is also home to large herds of elephant (sometimes up to 200) and wild buffalo. It may also be possible to arrange a visit to the nearby Panabari Forest Reserve to look for the elusive hoolock gibbon, India's only ape. The open country makes wildlife viewing at Kaziranga fairly easy with most major species seen during a day or two's safari. Wild Grass Resort MIDWild Grass Resort is situated by a stream in the paddy fi elds and forest just outside the national park. The lodge provides 18 double rooms in two jungle lodges, each with en-suite facilities. Activities on offer here include jeep safaris and elephant rides into the park, offering you the best chance to view rhinos up close.Diphlu River Lodge HIGHDiphlu River Lodge has tastefully decorated bamboo and thatch cottages, high up on stilts on the banks of the river Diphlu. All cottages are air-conditioned and have outside space; perfect for watching the world go by.Velavadar National ParkVelavadar is a peaceful sanctuary comprised of 35 square kilometres of savannah in Gujarat. Set between two rivers and only a few miles from the Gulf of Cambay this park is home to thousands of India's endemic blackbuck. In the days of the Maharajas of Bhavnagar these handsome antelope were protected for the occasional royal hunting trips. Other animals of note include the endangered India wolf, red fox, jackal, jungle cat and wild pig. The birdlife here is also extensive with endangered birds such as houbara bustard, lesser fl orican, common crane, sarus crane, white stork and white pelican all present. Nilambagh Palace HIGHNilambagh Palace is a simple hotel located at Bhavnagar. It is a most attractive building which was originally built in 1859 as the residence of the crown prince. It has beautiful lawns, a pillared portico with high arches and is surrounded by forest.Sasangir National ParkSansangir (widely known simply as Gir) is a large park in the Gujarat Peninsula of north-west India. The park's main aim is to preserve the last healthy population of the critically endangered Asiatic lion. The area is characterised by an arid rugged terrain with low hills and mixed vegetation, with beautiful stands of teak, acacia and dhak trees interspersed with grassy plains. As well as approximately 300 lions, other smaller members of the cat family are well represented, namely the jungle cat, desert cat and the rusty spotted cat, and there is also a healthy population of leopard. Lion Safari Camp HIGHLion Safari Camp consists of 20 luxury en-suite, air-conditioned safari tents in a beautiful setting in a private mango orchard overlooking the Hiran River. Each has a balcony on which to relax and enjoy the views. Little Rann of KutchThe Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India's largest at a staggering 4,950 square kilometres. This is the last remaining home of the Asiatic wild ass. It is a conservation success story with the asses having recovered from a population of only 800 in the 1960s to currently more than 2,000. This is not the only mammal of interest here however as the sanctuary is also home to chinkara, blackbuck, nilgai, wild boar, jackal and jungle cat. There are so many birds here that the area has been named an offi cial Ramsar Convention of Wetlands site.Rann Riders Camp HIGHRann Riders is a cottage camp at Dasada near the Little Rann of Kutch wildlife sanctuary. The camp has 13 self-contained twin air-conditioned cottages each resembling traditional village huts.92Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

DelhiMost tailor-made itineraries to northern India will fl y into Delhi and we can easily arrange sightseeing to suit however much time you'd like to spend here. Delhi is actually two fascinating cities - old and new. Old Delhi pulses with energy and colour, providing a fascinating insight into the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian sub-continent. It is here you will see the enormous Red Fort, the Jama Masjid Mosque with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes, and the bustling bazaar of Chandni Chowk. New Delhi is a complete contrast; it is a landscaped city of wide boulevards, colonial monuments, stately palaces and formal parks. The Claridges HIGHThe Claridges is a fi rst-class historic hotel in the heart of New Delhi. All the beautifully appointed rooms are air-conditioned and en-suite with a full range of facilities. There is also a swimming pool, four restaurants and a health club. We recommend this as a good option for those who want a pleasant base and extremely decent hotel during their stay in India's capital. The Imperial HIGHThis is Delhi's luxury offering, a fi ve-star hotel ideally located with 137 beautifully appointed rooms and suites. The hotel has a swimming pool, shopping arcade, health club, tennis and golf facilities. Built in 1933, the hotel is a spacious mix of Victorian, old colonial and art deco styles, set in beautifully landscaped grounds.Hans Plaza MIDThe Hans Plaza is a comfortable choice with the added bonus of being centrally located in New Delhi. Its 74 rooms are air-conditioned, tastefully furnished and have en-suite facilities. If you're looking for a good value property for your stay in India's capital, this would be it. The Radisson HIGHA stylish hotel, the Radisson is conveniently located near to the airport so is perfect for stopovers en-route to your next location. Rooms feature TV and mini-bar, and there's a spa, swimming pool and a choice of six bars and restaurants.93SUGGESTED ITINERARYDay 1 Depart UK for Bhavnagar (via Mumbai) Day 2 Velavadar National Park, 3-nights, Nilambagh Palace. Morning and afternoon game drives (BLD) Day 5 Sasangir National Park, 4-nights, Lion Safari Camp. Home to approximately 300 Asiatic lions, it's your chance to see them! (BLD) Day 9 Gondal, 1-night, Orchard Palace. Visit Gondal Lake (BLD) Day 10 Little Rann of Kutch, 3-nights, Rann Riders Camp. Safaris to see the Asiatic wild ass (BLD) Day 13 Mumbai, 1-night, Vits Hotel (B) Day 14 Return to the UK (arrive same day)WILDS OF GUJARATA fascinating holiday to experience some of India's lesser known wildlife in Gandhi's home state. You'll see Asiatic lions, ass and fl amingos as well as endemic blackbuck, and endangered animals, like the India wolf. And it's a lesser trodden route, so you are less likely to be sharing these beautiful reserves with others. TAILOR-MADEOr visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.comASIA | INDIADeparture dates Daily, November to MayCost per person From £2965 (Jan - Mar), £2995 (Apr - May, Nov-Dec), £3265 (Christmas) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, fi ve nights hotel accommodation and seven nights tented camp, guided activities