Luxury Tiger Safari Holiday in India
16 Nights / 17 Days
Destinations Covered
- Day 01: Arrive New Delhi (Flight)
- Day 02: New Delhi - Khajuraho - Panna (Flight + 40 Kms/01 – hour drive)
- Day 03: In Panna
- Day 04: Panna – Bandhavgarh (240 Kms/05 – hour drive)
- Day 05 – 07: In Bandhavgarh
- Day 08: Bandhavgarh - Kanha ( by surface 280 kms/06 – hours drive )
- Day 09 - 10: In Kanha
- Day 11: Kanha - Pench (210 kms /4-5 hrs drive)
- Day 12: In Pench
- Day 13: Pench - Tadoba (drive 100kms/02 hours drive)
- Day 14 – 15: Tadoba National Park
- Day 16: Tadoba - Nagpur - New Delhi (Drive 150 Kms/04-05 Hours Drive + Flight)
- Day 17: New Delhi Fly back home
Tour Overview
With the mesmerizing beauty of the Royal Bengal Tiger and the luxury of the Taj Group of Hotels, this tiger safari in India is sure to leave you spellbound. The safari brings to you, not one, not two but five tiger safari parks for your next wilderness expedition in India. These parks are an escapade not only for Tigers, but also for other wildlife such as the Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Bison, Barasingha, and close to 350 species of birds.
Central India, is gifted with some of the most breathtaking landscapes, featuring a network of rivers, plateaus, and mountain ranges with an altitudinal variation from 150 m above sea level to 1300 m. Weathered over millions of years by the forces of nature, the area is also blessed with a system of ravines, gorges with a variety of vegetation that harbors its magnificent flora and fauna. It is no wonder that many travelers that embark on a wildlife safari here feel as though they are a part of Rudyard Kipling’s very own world of animals.
You may also like our other luxury tiger safari tours in India.
What you will experience on this tour
Experience the best of Indian wildlife safari tours that includes the Royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Lions, Black Leopard, Indian Leopards, Snow Leopards, Red Panda, Asian Elephants, and a plethora of reptile and bird species, with experienced naturalists while you stay at the best-selected premium wildlife lodges and hotels.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 01: Arrive New Delhi (By Flight)
On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, you will be greeted by our representative who will transfer you to the hotel, explain and hand over all the travel-related documents, and further assist you in check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi.
Accommodation: The Roseate House, Aerocity or similar
DAY 02: New Delhi - Khajuraho - Panna (Flight + 40 Kms/01 – hour drive)
The morning after breakfast, transfer to airport to board a flight at 1045 hrs, which arrives in Khajuraho at 1335 hrs. Meet our driver at the Khajuraho airport and drive to Panna national park (40 km/45 minutes). On arrival, check into the Taj Pashan Garh, scenically situated along the Ken River with vast stretches of unspoiled forest and within easy reach of Panna National Park, guests will stay in stilted treehouses suspended high above the forest floor, affording dramatic views over the river, and perfect for romantic eat outs.
Lunch and afternoon free for leisure activists. Dinner and overnight at Lodge.
Accommodation: Taj Pashan Garh or Similar
DAY 03: In Panna
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning & evening jeep tiger safari in Panna national park.
Panna is situated in the Vindhyan Hill range and spreads over the Panna and Chhatarpur districts in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh. Panna National Park is the most important protected area in the north-central highlands of India, as it links the eastern and western populations of wild animals through the Vindhyan ranges.
Situated just 31 km from the world-famous temples at Khajuraho, Panna National Park is located along the banks of the Ken River. The Park is endowed with deep ravines, cascading waterfalls, and thick teak forests, with many plateaus, and sprawling flatlands punctuated by hills, deep valleys, and gorges. The terrain is largely rocky and uneven. It encompasses mixed dry deciduous forests with short grasses and open woods. Lower altitudes are characterized by taller grasses and closed woodlands. Common bamboo also occurs on hilly slopes and gorges.
Home to the majestic tiger, guests also have a good chance to see leopard, wolf, hyena, jackal, and sloth bear. The reserve is also well known for sightings of nilgai, sambar, chital, wild boar, and Indian crocodile
Accommodation: Taj Pashan Garh or Similar
DAY 04: Panna – Bandhavgarh (240 Kms/05 – hour drive)
After breakfast, drive to Bandhavgarh National Park (240 km /5 hrs). On arrival, check into the Taj Mahua Kothi. Neighboring Bandhavgarh National Park, one of India’s most scenic national parks, this intimate lodge features twelve enchanting guest suites, constructed in the charming local Madhya Pradesh style. The name Mahua Kothi draws its inspiration from one of India’s most beautiful trees, the Madhuca Indica, or as it is commonly known, the Mahua or butter tree.
Pronounced ‘ma-hoo-aa’, this tree with its fleshy off–white flowers play a central role in festivals and rituals. The Lodge sprawls over the 40-acre land, just 20 minutes from the park entrance. The original Kothi (homestead) comprises the guest areas and has been beautifully renovated, and the guest accommodation is all brand new.
Guests delight in the yoga amenities provided in a basket (complete with instructions), as well as traditional Indian games of marbles and Chaupad. Kettles of boiling water on chulhas (charcoal burners) are brought out with early morning tea to the kutiyas. Bicycles, parked in the kutiya courtyards, are an invitation to explore.
Lunch at the resort and around 1430hrs proceed for the afternoon game drive to the national park. The safari starting time varies depending on the month of the year. Bandhavgarh is a forest with a great reputation for its Tiger sightings. Tracking the majestic and elusive Tiger will be an experience you will not forget. Unlike Africa, where the habitat, wildlife, and technology assist you in tracking wildlife, the encounters in India are quite contrasting, learning, and thrilling to say the least. The time well spent in the national park during the safari with the skilled drivers and experienced guides will remain etched in your memory. Afternoon safaris are usually 3-4 hours, which ends just before sunset. Dinner and overnight at lodge.
Accommodation: Taj Mahua Kothi or Similar
DAY 05 – 07: In Bandhavgarh
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning & Evening Jeep drive in the park
Bandhavgarh national park situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is a 448 km2 renowned tiger reserve nestled among the picturesque Vindhya and Satpura ranges. This is one of India’s most beautiful national parks. The dramatic landscape features tropical forests and woodlands, and steep rocky hills with flat grasslands in the valleys below. An ancient 2000-year-old fort, 10th-century statue of Lord Vishnu, and the dense Sal jungle combined with the grasslands make Bandhavgarh one of the most extraordinary parks in India.
Bandhavgarh supports one of the highest densities of tigers on the Subcontinent. Its hilly open terrain includes many large grassland meadows that offer good chances of sightings. The density of its big cat population has made Bandhavgarh world famous. The Park is also home to a large variety of mammals: leopard, chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, nilgai, wild boar, chinkara, sloth bear, rhesus macaque, grey langur, jungle cat, hyena, porcupine, jackal, fox, and wild dog.
Accommodation: Taj Mahua Kothi or Similar
DAY 08: Bandhavgarh - Kanha ( by surface 280 kms/06 – hours drive )
Morning tiger safari in Bandhavgarh national park. Later, depart for Kanha, (280kms, 6 hours). On arrival, check into Taj Banjaar Tola Kanha. Taj Safaris’ third jungle safari lodge is situated along the banks of the Banjaar River, directly overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park. Nine dramatic tented suites, designed with masculine canvas and aged timber to embody classic jungle atmosphere will spread out along the Banjaar River’s edge bordering the rich riverine forests of Kanha National Park, one of the first nine tiger reserves established.
The luxurious, yet lightweight, en suite tents have been designed in a contemporary style, with pressed bamboo wall panels, gorgeous bamboo floors, and locally crafted furniture hewn from the timber of exotic Indian trees. The textiles have been designed in tones of delicate saffron and acid-washed green, with rich block-printed Madhya Pradesh cotton and silks. The atmosphere is light, ethereal, and organic. The lodge boasts two elegant camps of nine suites, each with its own intimate tented sitting area. Banjaar Tola has its own unique identity, celebrating the Bastar and Dogra art that hails from nearby Chattisgarh.
Accommodation: Taj Banjaar Tola or Similar
DAY 09 - 10: In Kanha
Wake up at 0500hrs with tea/coffee and biscuits and proceed for the morning safari to the National park.
Kanha’s sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands, and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendor, which forms the core of the reserve. Created in 1974 under Project Tiger, the park is one of the few habitats of the rare hardground Barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi).
This is the original Kipling country of which Rudyard wrote so vividly in his Jungle Book. Packed breakfast from the Lodge is served at a designated spot and spread on the bonnet of the Safari vehicle. Enjoy your breakfast in the wilderness of Kanha.
After witnessing Kanha, you would be extremely elated that the forest was included in this itinerary. The sheer beauty of this park along with the rich bio-diversity make this a must-visit in your India program. Kanha features approximately 70 tree species and is a bird watcher’s paradise, with over 300 recorded bird species.
Continue your search for the elusive Tiger if you have not yet seen the same, and soak in the fresh energizing environment. Return from Safari around 1130hrs. Freshen up, while Lunch is prepared.
Post Lunch, depart for the afternoon jeep tiger safari in Kanha National Park. Return at 6 pm from safari. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Accommodation: Taj Banjaar Tola or Similar
DAY 11: Kanha - Pench (210 kms /4-5 hrs drive)
Morning game drive in the national park. After an early lunch, depart for Pench national park (210 kms/5 hrs). On arrival, check into Taj Baghvan. This charming lodge is located on the edge of Pench National Park, which is dominated by hills, forests, and valleys. The lodge comprises twelve standalone suites with beautiful rooftop terraces or ‘machans’. Set deep in the wilderness grounds and perfect for sleepouts under starry Indian skies, Baghvan will enchant and enthrall.
Baghvan is aptly named after one of India’s iconic symbols, the Bengal tiger
(bagh – tiger and van – forest). Pronounced ‘baagh-vun’, this enchanting lodge is located on the edge of Pench National Park, a dry deciduous forest of predominantly teak trees and meandering jungle streams. A mere ten-minute drive to the park’s entrance takes our guests deep into the heart of the Indian jungle.
Baghvan has 12 standalone suites alongside a picturesque nullah (dry riverbed), surrounded by the shaded canopies of beautiful forest trees. Each spacious suite has a distinctive contemporary bungalow feel and an ambiance resembling the 1950s. Follow the stairs to the alluringly beautiful machan (a covered jungle rooftop platform) complete with mosquito net, overhead fan, and hookah pipes and discover an ideal place to enjoy the romance of the jungle either by day or by night with an unforgettable sleepout.
Breakfasts and lunches are served on a sweeping shaded deck surrounding the beautiful swimming pool and overlooking the nullah, a favored route of the Pench tigers. Sunset is celebrated with cocktails under a huge Banyan tree whilst watching an Indian flying squirrel perform breathtaking aerobatics.
Accommodation: Taj Baghvan or Similar
DAY 12: In Pench
Breakfast and lunch at the hotel. Morning and afternoon Jeep safari to the National park.
Pench welcomes you with open arms and without conditions. This park is located between four different Mountain Ranges – Aravali, Vindhyanchal, Satpura, and Maikal. The tracks are smoother, the trees are thicker with dense undergrowth, perhaps one reason why the herbivore population here is larger in size compared to Kanha and Bandhavgarh.
The skies are home to birds of prey and their distinctive calls. And then there are pauses of silence in the jungle. Don’t get consumed in this silence with your mind talking to yourself – an opportunity your mind doesn’t get often in your cities. Focus on the ground or jungle games so that you and your camera have not left anything to the imagination. Try to see with Kipling’s eye and you might see Baloo and Mowgli singing “Song of Bare Necessities”. And King Khan is there behind the tall grass to spoil their party. You will experience this and much more with the backdrop of luxurious accommodation, friendly service, and delectable cuisine in adventurous settings.
This national park received international recognition from Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, The Jungle Book.
Accommodation: Taj Baghvan or Similar
DAY 13: Pench - Tadoba (drive 100kms/02 hours drive)
Morning jeep tiger safari to Pench national park. After lunch drive to Tadoba National Park 220 km / 5-hour drive. On arrival check into the Lodge. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge in Tadoba.
DAY 14 – 15: Tadoba National Park
Breakfast and lunch at the Lodge. Morning and afternoon Jeep safaris to the National park.
Tadoba Tiger Reserve is a rare jungle jewel amongst India’s leading tiger reserves and national parks. It is affably called the Land of the Tigers, due to its high tiger density. Recent estimates indicate around 64 tigers over a rich jungle spread over 625 square kilometers. Visitors report frequent Tiger and wild dog sightings. In general, the park offers plenty of opportunities for close encounters of the wildlife kind which also include: Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur (Indian Bison), Rusty Spotted Cat, Ratel, Indian Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Wild Pig, Four Horned Antelope, Flying Squirrel, and more. Over 195 species of birds include the crested serpent eagle, honey buzzard, paradise flycatcher, grey-headed fishing eagle, the shy jungle fowl, and much more.
Accommodation: Svasara Jungle Lodge or similar
DAY 16: Tadoba - Nagpur - New Delhi (Drive 150 Kms/04-05 Hours Drive + Flight)
Our final safari of the Luxury Tiger Safari in India Tour. Morning short jeep safari to the national park. After early lunch drive to Nagpur airport board a flight 1300-hour to arrive New Delhi 1445-hour. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel in New Delhi.
Accommodation: The Roseate House, Aerocity or similar.
DAY 17: New Delhi Fly back home
Morning free for leisure activities and later transfer to international airport to board a flight back home.
What our Guests Say
India. A country that has fascinated me for years. I finally decided it was time to visit and see it for myself. My husband and I both love nature, wildlife and birds so when I came across Nature Safari India I decided to make enquires. We wanted to do the golden triangle tour ... Read more
My husband and I did a 10 day "Just Tigers" safari. We visited Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh reserves. It was not high season but yes we had wonderful tiger sightings. The level of profession of these lovely people was so refreshing. For this type of trip you do want people who know what they are doing... Read more
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