India11 days
Central India Wildlife Tour — 11 Days
Tiger safaris across Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh National Parks, plus Delhi and Agra
This 11-day itinerary moves through three of Central India's primary tiger reserves—Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh—via jeep safari and forest walk, bookended by cultural stops in Delhi, Khajuraho, and Agra. The route is designed around morning and evening game drives, the hours when forest activity peaks. The parks themselves cover different terrain: Pench holds dry deciduous forest and open grassland; Kanha is known for its Barasingha population and more varied canopy; Bandhavgarh sits on rocky plateaus with a higher density of tiger sightings than either. Between safaris, the itinerary includes a tribal village visit and guided birdwatching. Wildlife commonly sighted includes Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, gaur, and over 250 bird species. A professional naturalist guide accompanies all drives. The trip accommodates both first-time wildlife watchers and experienced safari travellers.
Highlights
- Morning and evening jeep safaris in Pench National Park for tiger, leopard, and wild dog sightings
- Kanha National Park, home to the Barasingha and diverse birdlife
- Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, known for high tiger density and rocky plateau terrain
- Over 250 bird species recorded across all three parks, visible during guided birdwatching sessions
- Tribal village visit to understand forest-edge settlement and local livelihoods
- Delhi sightseeing: Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate
- Khajuraho temples, UNESCO World Heritage site known for medieval temple architecture
- Taj Mahal sunrise visit from Agra, with Agra Fort exploration
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi airport · the hotel
Arrival at Delhi airport. A representative meets and transfers the traveller to the hotel. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to settle and rest after travel.
2Delhi SightseeingRaj Ghat · Jama Masjid · Red Fort · Humayun's Tomb · Qutub Minar · India Gate · Parliament House · Rashtrapati Bhavan · Diplomatic Enclave
A full-day guided tour of Old and New Delhi covers Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Diplomatic Enclave. Return to the hotel for the night.
3Flight to Nagpur and Pench Tiger ReserveNagpur · Pench Tiger Reserve · Pench · Delhi airport
Transfer to Delhi airport for a flight to Nagpur. Upon arrival, drive to Pench Tiger Reserve. An evening jeep safari follows, exploring the park's dry deciduous forest and grassland for tiger, leopard, and bird sightings. Overnight in Pench.
4Pench National Park SafarisPench National Park
Morning and evening jeep safaris in Pench cover the reserve's varied terrain. Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs inhabit the park; over 250 bird species also call it home. Overnight in Pench.
5Pench to Kanha National ParkPench · Pench to Kanha National Park · Kanha National Park
A final morning safari in Pench takes place before departure. The drive to Kanha National Park (approximately 250 kilometres) follows, passing through rural Central India. Check-in and evening at leisure in Kanha.
6Kanha National Park SafarisKanha National Park · Kanha
Morning and evening jeep safaris visit Kanha's mixed forests and grasslands. Watch for Barasingha, tigers, leopards, and abundant birdlife. Overnight in Kanha.
7Kanha to Bandhavgarh Tiger ReserveKanha · Kanha to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve · Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
A morning safari concludes the Kanha experience. Drive to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Check-in and overnight in Bandhavgarh.
8Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve SafarisBandhavgarh · Bandhavgarh's rocky plateaus and forest clearings
Morning and evening jeep safaris navigate Bandhavgarh's rocky plateaus and forest clearings, renowned for high tiger density. Overnight in Bandhavgarh.
9Drive to Khajuraho's Medieval TemplesKhajuraho · Khajuraho's Medieval Temples
Travel to Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its temple sculptures. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Khajuraho.
10Khajuraho Temples and Train to AgraAgra · Kandariya Mahadev Temple · Lakshmana Temple · Jhansi railway station
Morning guided tour of Khajuraho's temple complex, including Kandariya Mahadev Temple and Lakshmana Temple. Travel to Jhansi railway station, board a train to Agra, and arrive by evening. Overnight in Agra.
11Taj Mahal at Sunrise, Agra Fort, and Return to DelhiTaj Mahal · Agra Fort · Agra to Delhi
View the Taj Mahal at sunrise, then visit Agra Fort. Transfer to Delhi for your departure.
Where you go
- 1Red Fort
- 2Khajuraho
- 3Agra
- 4Taj Mahal
- 5Agra Fort
Included
- Preferred Accommodations as Per Package.
- Air Condition Vehicle for All Airport Transfers, Tours and Intercity Travel as Per Itinerary.
- Private English-Speaking Guide,Approved by Ministry of Tourism (Other language guides also available upon request).
- Daily Breakfast at hotel.
- Toll Taxes, Parking, Driver Allowance, Fuel and all applicable taxes.
- Assistance by a dedicated tour manager and associates throughout the tour.