A perfect combination of both outstanding wildlife and fascinating culture, exploring the wilds of central India in search of tigers before visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Our Tiger, Tiger itinerary is one of our most popular trips for wildlife enthusiasts and represents an unrivalled opportunity to observe one of the most iconic and charismatic of the big cats, the Bengal tiger. Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh tiger reserves are all located within the state of Madhya Pradesh. The state plays host to the highest numbers of tigers in India, and this ‘trip idea’ will take you on a journey to some of the greatest strongholds in the country for tiger encounters. Additionally, this itinerary includes cultural visits to some of India’s most synonymous landmarks, such as the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah.
Starting in Pench, where wildlife abounds, here you may encounter leopard, dhole (Indian wild dog), gaur (Indian bison), sambar, chital, wild boar, Indian giant squirrel, sloth bear and of course, Bengal tigers. Heading north, you visit Kanha National Park which is home to over 25 mammal species including muntjac, swamp, spotted and barking deer, sloth bear, common langur, rhesus macaque and three of India’s four lowland antelopes – nilgai, four-horned antelope (chowsingha) and blackbuck. The bird life here is prolific with 220 species recorded, and highlights include racket-tailed drongo, golden oriole and crested serpent eagle, whilst migratory birds may also make an appearance. Finally, you visit Bandhavgarh, home to an abundance of mammals including Indian elephant, chital, sambar, muntjac, nilgai, chinkara, chowsingha, wild boar, leopard and dhole, and with over 275 bird species, it really is a haven for wildlife.
Despite these locations being some of the best places in the country for tiger watching, they're also home to a spectacular array of other species and birdlife, from leopards and langurs to Indian rollers and crested serpent eagles. Our suggested combination of small, intimate camps and lodges ensures a relaxing stay positioned in prime locations with fantastic wildlife viewing on jeep safaris.
Suggested Itinerary
Day1: Depart UK
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Delhi, India.
Day2: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi, you're met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Your flight will often arrive early or mid-morning, meaning there's normally enough time for an optional afternoon city tour of Old and New Delhi.
Accommodation: Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, 1-night
Day3: Fly to Nagpur & transfer to Pench National Park
After a good night's sleep and picking up a packed breakfast, there's a transfer ready to collect you from your hotel and return you to the airport for a 2-hour domestic flight to the city of Nagpur.
On arrival at Nagpur, you're met and transferred to Pench National Park, a drive of around three and a half hours to the northern side of the park. The late afternoon is the perfect time to settle into your comfortable accommodation and prepare for the safaris to come in the magical sal and teak forests of central India.
Over the next two days you venture into Pench National Park on early morning game drives to seek Bengal tiger and other wildlife prior to returning to the lodge to relax and enjoy lunch before heading into the park again in the late afternoon.
Day6: Morning tiger safari & transfer to Kanha National Park
Following a final early morning game drive in Pench, you depart on a 5-hour drive to Kanha National Park, arriving by mid to late afternoon. Once you've settled into your new accommodation for the next four nights, you have time to explore the lodge and enjoy the surrounding birdlife before dinner.
The next three days are spent embarking on early morning and late afternoon jeep safaris along meandering forest tracks in one of the parks which Rudyard Kipling drew inspiration from to write ‘The Jungle Book’ and as such you will have the opportunity to spot many of the animals featured in the tale including sloth bear, leopard and of course tiger.
Day10: Morning tiger safari & transfer to Bandhavgarh National Park
After waking to the sounds of the dawn chorus, there's time for a morning game drive before departing on a drive of approximately five hours to Bandhavgarh National Park.
Days11-12: Jeep safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park
You journey out on early morning and late afternoon jeep safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park over the next two days to spot tigers and go in search of all of central India's finest fauna and flora.
Day13: Morning safari & overnight train to Agra
Today you enter the park for a final morning game drive before returning to the lodge and preparing your belongings for the next adventure. A car collects you after lunch, driving roughly two and a half hours to Katni railway station, here you board the overnight train to Agra, taking around 12 hours. A packed dinner is provided upon your departure from the lodge.
Day14: Visit Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Itmad-Ud-Daula
On arrival in Agra, you're met and transferred directly to your hotel to freshen up and then head out on a half-day city tour of Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daulah and of course the iconic Taj Mahal at sunset.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Agra, 1-night
Day15: Return to Delhi by train
After breakfast, it's time to leave Agra, and you're transferred to the railway station for the train back to Delhi, taking roughly two hours. On arrival in Delhi, you're met and transported to your hotel for your final night in India, where you can reflect on all you have seen and experienced in this incredible part of the world.
Accommodation: Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, 1-night
Day16: Fly back to the UK
You're collected in the morning for the short transfer to the international airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note: This trip is fully customisable with a host of accommodation options and additional/alternate locations, India is a remarkable wildlife destination with vastly varied landscapes resulting in diverse wildlife. Head north to Ladakh to search for snow leopards in the Ulley Valley, west to Gujrat to observe the Asiatic lions at Sasan Gir, east to Assam where you’ll find greater one-horned rhinos at Kaziranga National Park or south to the mystical forests of Karnataka, home to many of India’s elephants in reserves such as Bandipur National Park or Nagarhole. With so much more still to offer, India is a land of immense variety in terms of both wildlife and culture. Speak to our team to find out more about this remarkable destination.
Key info
Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 16 daysfrom £6,395 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 15 daysfrom £5,295 pp
Single supplement:
On request – please contact us.
Pench National Park is renowned for the richness of its flora and fauna. Nestling in the Satpura Hills, it takes its name from the nearby river, which winds through the park. Its most famous residents are tigers, but is also home to large herds of Indian bison and four endangered species of vulture.
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Where: Madhya Pradesh State
Ideal for viewing: chital, nilgai, sambar, tiger, gaur
Excellent for: Walking safaris, Wildlife photography, Photography tours With Nick Garbutt, Vehicle safaris, Tiger safaris
Kanha National Park offers some of India’s finest tiger viewing. The setting for Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book', the undulating grassland and deciduous forest also supports a further 22 species of mammal and its waterholes create tranquil spots for bird watching in the surrounding jungle.
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Where: Madhya Pradesh State
Ideal for viewing: Asiatic jackal, barasingha, Indian gazelle, nilgai, tiger
Excellent for: Walking safaris, Photography tours With Nick Garbutt, Vehicle safaris, Tiger safaris
Bandhavgarh National Park has the highest known density of Bengal tigers in India, and over the years has maintained an excellent record of sightings. Its rocky hills, grassy swamps and forested valleys create a diverse ecosystem that is home to other predators and mammals, as well as 250 bird species.
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Where: Madhya Pradesh State
Ideal for viewing: chital, leopard, sloth bear, tiger, white-breasted kingfisher
This exclusive lodge, situated on the outskirts of Pench National Park, features just six chalets perched amidst the trees in an undisturbed area of forest in the small village of Sarrahiri. Guests can enjoy treetop dining or a dip in the swimming pool between safaris and nature walks into the wildlife-rich park.
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Nestling on the edge of Kanha National Park, this camp is an oasis of tranquility with six spacious canvas tents set in young woodland. Overlooking a pool fed by two natural springs, you can expect to see a variety of birdlife, including kingfishers, cormorants and hundreds of egrets.
Find Out More about Shergarh Camp
Set in grounds of over 8 hectares, on the border of Bandhavgarh National Park, is the aptly named Tree House Hideaway. This intimate lodge has five rustic, elegantly-furnished treetop rooms, and a communal dining area encircling a large mahua tree, immersing guests into the surrounding nature.
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