The remote heart of central India hides a patchwork of national parks. For centuries, they have allowed the country’s wildlife to thrive. So this private tour combines two of the greatest, Bandhavgarh and Kanha. By pairing them, you give yourself an excellent chance of seeing tiger. Just as importantly, you meet the rich variety of other species that share these forests. These are also the woods said to have inspired Kipling’s Jungle Book. As ever, the journey is entirely private and tailored to you.
Central India is, quite simply, the best place to see tiger in the wild. So we devote six nights to it. That gives real time for a sighting, rather than a single rushed chance. Meanwhile, the diversity of other wildlife comes to the fore. Above all, two parks beat one. Each has its own landscape, its own character and its own cast of animals.
From Delhi, you fly to Jabalpur, then drive about three hours to Bandhavgarh. It is a beautiful park, with an old fort at its centre. From up there, you watch birds of prey swirling below you. Over three days, you set out on morning and afternoon game drives. Indeed, Bandhavgarh is one of India’s finest places to spot tiger. So we start here, then let the other wildlife surprise you.
Next, drive about four hours to Kanha. You can stay near the busier Kisli Gate, or the quieter Mukki Gate. Again, mornings and afternoons are spent on game drives. Kanha is known for its tigers, of course. Yet it also shelters gaur, wild dog, leopard and the rare barasingha deer. What makes it unique is its great grasslands. There, flocks of deer gather in the open, far safer than among the trees.
The tiger may be the headline, but it is far from the whole story. In Bandhavgarh alone, you might see leopard, muntjac, wild boar, sloth bear and rhesus monkeys. Meanwhile, more than 240 bird species have been recorded here. So a visit to the fort, with raptors riding the currents below, is well worth it. In short, every drive brings something new.
We also like to blend the safaris with a little culture. So you can visit the villages around the parks. There you meet the people who live and work alongside the wildlife. In this part of India, time has stood still for centuries. As a result, these gentle encounters add real depth to the trip.
The lodges are a pleasure in themselves. For example, you might choose grand, African-style tented lodges. Alternatively, opt for charming, simpler boutique wildlife camps. Better still, mix and match the two across the trip. One verified favourite at Kanha is Flame of the Forest. Of course, we match every choice to your taste and budget.
Throughout, the little details are taken care of. So you have the best naturalists guiding each drive. Meanwhile, private transfers link the parks by road. Internal flights, too, cover the longer hops via Jabalpur. As a result, the logistics of a remote region feel effortless.
Generally, the parks are open from around October to June. By contrast, they close during the monsoon. The cooler winter months are comfortable and green. Meanwhile, the hotter pre-monsoon months often bring the best sightings, as animals gather at water. Either way, we advise on timing for your dates.
Above all, this trip suits wildlife lovers and photographers. For example, it is ideal for anyone dreaming of a wild tiger. Equally, it rewards families with older children who love animals. The pace is flexible, too. So you can add Panna or Pench, or pair the safari with the cultural highlights of the north.
Wildlife watching rewards patience above all. So we never rush the drives. Instead, you spend unhurried mornings and afternoons in the forest. Meanwhile, your naturalist reads the alarm calls and tracks. As a result, a sighting feels truly earned. Even without a tiger, every drive brings deer, birds and atmosphere.
This circuit also combines beautifully with the rest of India. For example, add the Taj Mahal and the cities of the north. Equally, finish on a beach in Goa to unwind. Some guests even pair it with Rajasthan’s forts. Either way, we weave the safari into a longer, seamless trip.
In the end, the magic lies in the whole forest. So you come for the tiger, but you remember much more. Above all, it is the atmosphere of wild India that stays with you.
Sightings are never guaranteed in the wild. Even so, six nights across two top parks give you an excellent chance. Meanwhile, expert naturalists maximise every opportunity.
Yes. For example, Panna or Pench can easily be added. Naturally, we tailor the circuit to your interests and time.
Broadly, the parks run from October to June and close for the monsoon. The pre-monsoon heat often brings the best sightings. We will advise on the ideal window.
Very much so, especially with older children who enjoy wildlife. The village visits and varied lodges keep everyone engaged. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.
| £4780P.P | - | £5770P.P |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | Gold |
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Delhi | The Manor The Imperial Hotel |
| Day 2-4 | Bandhavgarh | Samode Safari Lodge Mahua Kothi |
| Day 5-7 | Kanha | Flame of the Forest Banjaar Tola |
| Day 8 | Mumbai | Leela Mumbai |
| Day 9 | Mumbai Airport | Fly Home |
Fly to Delhi for a night, or longer if you wish. Since this is a wildlife journey, most guests like to move on quickly. Of course, we can easily add a few more days in the city.
Fly to Jabalpur, then drive three hours to Bandhavgarh National Park. Over three days, you set out on morning and afternoon game drives. We can also weave in cultural visits to local villages. Here, Bandhavgarh offers one of India’s best chances of a wild tiger. Alongside it live leopard, muntjac, wild boar, sloth bear and rhesus monkeys. With over 240 bird species, the birding is superb too. Finally, a climb to the central fort gives wonderful views, with raptors riding the currents below.
Drive about four hours to Kanha National Park. You can stay near the busier Kisli Gate, or the quieter Mukki Gate. Again, mornings and afternoons are spent on game drives. Kanha is known for its tigers, but also gaur, spotted deer, barasingha, wild dog and leopard. What makes it special are its great grasslands. There, flocks of deer gather in the open, far safer than among the trees.
Finally, drive about four hours back to Jabalpur. Then fly to Mumbai for a last night before flying home.
We can tweak and change any element of this itinerary and you can depart on any day you want, add nights here and there, and we can fully customise your day-to-day experiences depending on your interests. Here are just a few ideas of many that we can look at and discuss when we come to plan your tailor-made itinerary.
Before you start your wildlife element, you can add in a visit to Agra to see the Taj Mahal before continuing down to Khajuraho (famous for the Chandela Temples) and staying close to Panna National Park. It is then just a five hour drive down to Bandhvagarh.
You can fly from Delhi to Varanasi and spend a couple of nights visiting the city. From there, fly to Khajuraho to see the Chandela Temples and staying in Panna National Park before continuing to Bandhvagarh.
After visiting Kanha, you can extend your stay by visiting Pench National Park, just four hours away and then just two hours to the nearest airport at Nagpur.
A whole host of beach elements are available to extend, from Goa to the Maldives. If you want a cultural extension, then flying to Indore and staying at the incredible Ahilya Fort is worth considering. There are also flights to Hyderabad (do look at the Falaknuma Palace to see why).
This wonderful private wildlife safari in India combines Satpura, Pench and Todaba National Parks; all offering an amazing experience not just for seeing tiger, but India’s magical diversity of wildlife.
We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.