India's Great Tiger Safari Tour - 15 Nights / 16 Days

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
Train
Sightseeing
Transfers
Wi-Fi

Overview

India's Great Wildlife Journey is a meticulously crafted 16-day expedition through five of India's most biodiverse national parks, designed for travellers who seek authentic wildlife encounters in the heart of tiger country.

The journey begins in Delhi, India's dynamic capital, where a guided heritage tour covers Mughal monuments, colonial landmarks, and bustling bazaars, offering a rich cultural prelude to the wilderness ahead. A scenic train journey then brings you to Ranthambore, one of India's most storied tiger reserves, set among dramatic rocky gorges and ancient fortress ruins in Rajasthan.

From there, the tour ventures deep into Madhya Pradesh, the heartland of India's wild tigers. Bandhavgarh National Park, famed for having the highest density of tigers in India, offers extraordinary big cat sightings alongside leopards, sloth bears, and gaur. Kanha National Park, the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, immerses you in sweeping meadows and dense forest. Pench, straddling Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, completes the Kipling Country circuit with diverse birdlife and rich biodiversity.

The finale unfolds at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, a rising star among India's reserves and one of the best places to spot tigers in the wild. A short drive to Nagpur and a flight back to Delhi concludes this extraordinary journey. Throughout, expert naturalists, comfortable lodge accommodations, and curated jeep safaris ensure every sunrise in the jungle is an experience you will never forget.

Itinerary

Beginning with a heritage tour of Delhi's iconic monuments, the journey winds through the tiger-rich landscapes of Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, and Kanha in Madhya Pradesh, continues into the Pench forests of the Satpura region, and culminates in the dramatic jungles of Tadoba in Maharashtra before departing from Nagpur.

Day 1: Arrive Delhi−

Arrive in Delhi and our assistance staff will meet you at the aerobridge to help with immigration and luggage. Upon exiting the airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your Delhi hotel. Post breakfast, embark on a guided city tour exploring the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Old and New Delhi. Highlights include Qutab Minar, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House), and the vibrant Haus Khas Market.

Overnight at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi - Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore (Train Journey)+

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out and boarding the train to Sawai Madhopur. On arrival, our representative will transfer you to the Ranthambore lodge. Check in and rest after your journey. Evening at leisure.

Overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Ranthambore National Park+

Wake up before sunrise and proceed to the assembly point. Then proceed for the departure for a morning jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park with an expert naturalist. Post lunch, head out again for an exhilarating afternoon safari through the park's forested ravines and scenic lakes. Evening at leisure.

Overnight at the lodge.

Day 4: Ranthambore - Full Safari Day+

A full day of tiger tracking, morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Ranthambore National Park with your lodge naturalist. Ranthambore is celebrated for bold tiger sightings against a dramatic backdrop of rocky cliffs and ancient ruins.

Overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Ranthambore - Sawai Madhopur - Katni (Overnight Train)+

Begin with a final morning safari in Ranthambore with your nature expert. Post lunch, enjoy a guided nature walk in the lodge surrounds with the resident naturalist. Late checkout and transfer to Sawai Madhopur station to board the overnight train to Katni.

Overnight onboard train.

Day 6: Katni - Bandhavgarh+

Arrive Katni early morning where our representative will guide you to your waiting vehicle. Drive to Bandhavgarh Lodge (approx. 100 km, 2.5 hrs). Check in and enjoy breakfast followed by rest. Post lunch, proceed for your first afternoon jeep safari in Bandhavgarh with a local safari expert. Evening at leisure.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 7: Bandhavgarh National Park+

Wake up with the birds and prepare for an immersive morning safari, sunrise departure with packed breakfast, followed by 3 hours of expert-guided exploration through Bandhavgarh's dense sal forests, famed for the highest tiger density in India. Post lunch, head back into the jungle for an afternoon safari.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 8: Bandhavgarh - Full Safari Day+

Another rewarding full day with morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park. Keep your cameras ready, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs are among the highlights of this remarkable reserve.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 9: Bandhavgarh - Kanha+

Post breakfast, bid farewell to Bandhavgarh and set off on a scenic drive to Kanha National Park (approx. 250 km, 6 hrs) with a packed lunch en route. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in to your lodge, and spend the evening at leisure, breathing in the fresh forest air and unwinding after the journey.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 10: Kanha National Park+

Immerse yourself in the world that inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. Morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Kanha, famed for its sweeping meadows, barasingha (swamp deer), and thriving tiger population.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 11: Kanha National Park - Full Safari Day+

A second full day of safaris in Kanha, morning and afternoon excursions with your local guide through the park's diverse zones. A paradise for wildlife photographers and nature lovers alike.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 12: Kanha - Pench+

Morning safari in Kanha, then onward journey to Pench National Park (approx. 200 km, 5 hrs) with a packed lunch. Arrive at your Pench lodge and check in; evening tea/coffee served in the common dining area. Settle in and enjoy the jungle ambiance. Evening at leisure.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 13: Pench National Park+

Morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Pench, a beautiful biosphere reserve straddling Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, rich in birdlife, wild dogs, leopards, and tigers.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 14: Pench National Park - Full Safari Day+

Another full day exploring Pench's diverse terrain, morning and afternoon safaris with your naturalist guide through the park's varied landscapes and wildlife corridors.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 15: Pench - Tadoba+

Post morning safari in Pench, enjoy an early lunch before driving to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra (approx. 200 km, 4 hrs). Check in to your Tadoba lodge and spend the evening at leisure, soaking in the anticipation of this spectacular reserve.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 16: Tadoba - Nagpur - Delhi - Departure+

A final thrilling morning jeep safari in Tadoba, one of Maharashtra's premier tiger reserves. Post safari, check out and drive to Nagpur Airport (approx. 110 km, 2.5 hrs) for your onward flight to Delhi. Our assistance team will facilitate your transfer from the Delhi domestic terminal to the international terminal for your connecting flight home.

Tour and services end here.

FAQs on India's Great Tiger Safari Tour

What is the best time to visit for tiger sightings?

The ideal time for wildlife safaris in Central India is October to June, with February to May offering the highest tiger sighting probability as animals congregate around water sources. All five parks on this itinerary are closed during the monsoon months (July-September).

What type of vehicles are used for safaris?

All safaris are conducted in open 4WD jeeps (Gypsies) as mandated by the Forest Department, accommodating up to 6 guests. Each jeep is accompanied by a licensed, government-approved naturalist/guide who enriches the experience with expert knowledge of flora and fauna.

Are the lodges inside or near the national parks?

All lodges are situated in the buffer zones or immediately adjacent to the national parks' entry gates, ensuring minimal travel time to safari points and maximum time inside the reserves. Lodge options can be tailored to your preferred comfort level and budget.

Is a tiger sighting guaranteed?

While we cannot guarantee sightings of any specific wildlife, this itinerary has been designed to maximise your chances, combining India's five most tiger-rich reserves with multiple safaris per park. Our expert naturalists know the terrain and behaviour of resident animals well, significantly improving the likelihood of memorable encounters.

What does the package include?

The package typically includes airport transfers, hotel and lodge accommodations (twin-sharing basis), daily breakfast, all scheduled jeep safaris with a naturalist, train tickets as per itinerary, all inter-park road transfers, and departure assistance. International flights, visa fees, personal insurance, meals outside those specified, and safari permit fees are generally excluded. Please contact us for a full inclusions/exclusions breakdown tailored to your booking.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Absolutely. This itinerary can be tailored to suit your travel dates, group size, accommodation preferences, and budget. Additional parks, heritage destinations, or extensions to Rajasthan or the Golden Triangle can be incorporated. Private group departures are available throughout the season.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, this tour is well-suited for families; wildlife safaris are a deeply engaging experience for children of all ages. Most lodges offer family-friendly facilities. The October-February window is recommended for families as the weather is cooler and more comfortable. Please inform us of the children's ages at the time of booking so we can make appropriate arrangements.