Safaris in Central India
You will discover five of India’s most remarkable tiger reserves and national parks on this thrilling wildlife journey through the heart of Central India. The renowned national parks of Panna, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench and Satpura each offer a unique landscape and an extraordinary opportunity to experience India’s wildlife in its natural habitat. With thrilling game drives, varied habitats ranging from dense forests to open grasslands, and the possibility of encountering the magnificent Bengal tiger, this unforgettable journey offers an immersive and rewarding introduction to the wild heart of India.
Journey Highlights
Walk through the vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk Bazaar in Old Delhi
Experience Panna National Park, renowned for its thriving tiger population, dramatic gorges and rich wildlife.
Embark on thrilling jeep safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park in search of Bengal tigers and other wildlife.
Explore the sal forests and open meadows of Kanha National Park, looking out for tigers, barasingha and other wildlife.
Enjoy exciting jeep safaris through Pench National Park, the forest that inspired The Jungle Book, in search of tigers, leopards, wild dogs and diverse birdlife.
Discover the rugged wilderness of Satpura National Park, renowned for its rich wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Itinerary
DAY 01
Arrive Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met by your Indus Bound Representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for two nights. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey, and perhaps a stroll around the local neighborhood later.
DAY 02
In Delhi
Explore the contrasts of Delhi, beginning in Old Delhi with a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and a visit to Jama Masjid. Continue to New Delhi to see Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar and Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple, where you can experience the community kitchen.
DAY 03
Fly to Khajuraho & Drive to Panna
Fly to Khajuraho and transfer to Panna National Park (1 hour), set along the scenic Ken River and renowned for its rich biodiversity and Project Tiger Reserve status. This afternoon, embark on your first exciting safari with an experienced naturalist.
DAY 04
In Panna
Today, enter Panna National Park with our experienced naturalist. The park is renowned for its gharial crocodiles and rich birdlife, with more than 200 species recorded. Its forests and meadows are also home to chinkara, sambar, chital, nilgai, sloth bear and the elusive tiger.
DAY 05
Drive to Bandhavgarh
After breakfast, drive to Bandhavgarh (5-6 hours). Bandhavgarh is a picturesque reserve situated in the heart of the Vindhyachal mountain range. Predominately sal and mixed forest, there are also areas of grassland as well as numerous small streams that flow through the park.
DAY 06 - 07
In Bandhavgarh
Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris on both days in Bandhavgarh National Park, renowned for its Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, gaur, nilgai and rich birdlife.
DAY 08
Drive to Kanha
Leave Bandhavgarh and drive to Kanha National Park (5–6 hours), the enchanting landscape that inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. Explore its picturesque bamboo groves, dense forests and open meadows, home to diverse wildlife and birdlife.
DAY 09 - 10
In Kanha
Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris on both days in Kanha National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife, including Bengal tigers, leopards, gaur, jackals, wild boar, sambar and the rare barasingha (swamp deer). The park is also home to an impressive variety of birdlife, with more than 230 species recorded.
DAY 11
Drive to Pench
Drive to Pench National Park (4–5 hours) and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Set against the undulating foothills of the Satpura Range, Pench is characterised by beautiful teak forests, meandering rivers and open grasslands, creating a picturesque habitat rich in wildlife.
DAY 12 - 13
In Pench
Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris on both days in Pench National Park, home to tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, gaur, sambar, chital and nilgai, along with more than 250 species of birds.
DAY 14
Drive to Satpura
After breakfast, drive to Satpura National Park (05–06 Hrs). Nestled within the Satpura Range, this tranquil wilderness is renowned for its diverse habitats, rich biodiversity and peaceful setting. The Satpura Tiger Reserve covers 1,427 square kilometres and offers an immersive wildlife experience.
DAY 15
In Satpura
Today is a special treat for nature lovers, with two safari drives into Satpura National Park. Journey through rugged terrain of deep valleys, sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, waterfalls and forests, offering excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities. You may also enjoy a walking safari with a naturalist, a unique experience.
DAY 16
Drive to Bhopal & Fly to Delhi
After breakfast, drive to Bhopal Airport (3–4 hours) for your flight to Delhi. On arrival, spend the rest of the day at leisure, with time for any last-minute visits or shopping.
DAY 17
Departure
At the appropriate time, transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight back home, or continue your onward journey with us.
Enquiry
Starting from USD 1970 Per Person*
* lean season and based on comfortable hotels
Price is based on double occupancy and is subject to change depending on the hotels selected and travel dates.
Your tour includes daily breakfast, all monument entrance fees, expert local guides, domestic flights, Jeep safaris, airport transfers, a private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned SUV, and all applicable taxes.
“India’s wilderness is not merely a place to see wildlife; it is a world where every forest, river and creature tells a story of nature in its purest form.”
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour
The Imperial
New Delhi
OPULENT, HERITAGE
The Claridges
New Delhi
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Colonels Retreat
New Delhi
BASIC, B&B
Taj Mahua Kothi
Bandhavgarh
OPULENT
Samode Safari Lodge
Bandhavgarh
FIRST CLASS
Kings Lodge
Bandhavgarh
MID RANGE
Taj Banjaar Tola
Kanha
OPULENT
The Shergarh
Kanha
MID RANGE
Taj Baghvan
Pench
OPULENT
The Oberoi
New Delhi
OPULENT
Sarai at Toria
Panna
FIRST CLASS
"An incredible trip to India"
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we had been missing during our last six trips to India—a truly authentic Indian experience! Every part of the journey felt thoughtfully planned, allowing us to connect with the culture, people, and destinations in a much more meaningful way. A piece of advice for anyone hesitating to work with you: If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and are looking for an authentic, personalised travel experience in India, you are absolutely in the right place. Thank you for creating memories that we will cherish for years to come.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
"Nothing Short of Extraordinary"
We have had the most amazing time, great hotels and great experiences. Our drivers and guides have been excellent, in particular Govinder Raj who has been our driver and companion for the last ten days. Govinder has been extremely obliging and has made sure we have been safe and where we should be, on time, with all our belongings and with a stack of goodies and water. He has kept the car immaculate both inside and out, and has driven us with care and skill on all our journeys. Your planning of all the inclusions such are the ceremonies at temples, boat rides and the Everest Flight made the whole trip one never to forget.
Mr & Mrs Davies-Webb, UK
"Highly Recommended"
I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you put in to arrange a magical honeymoon for us. We had a ball. All the transfers worked like clockwork, the hotels were great and the route planning excellent. We really felt we were spoon-fed all the way through.
Ms Gayle Rawes & Mr Andrew Slatford, UK
"Superb Service"
The outcome of this trip far exceeded our expectations and we would recommend your agency without any reservation. Our sincerest thanks for a well planned and executed tour.
Mr Eugene & Ms Mirasol Johnson, USA
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