Inspiration
Tigers of India
Famed for its elusiveness and regal beauty, the Bengal tiger remains one of the world’s most iconic and awe-inspiring creatures.
Sacred forests, striped shadows and the thrill of the wild
This itinerary takes you deep into the jungles of central India, through tall sal forests, golden grasslands and quiet watering holes, in search of this magnificent big cat. Along the way, you’ll explore two of the country’s premier wildlife reserves, Kanha and Bandhavgarh, each offering extraordinary opportunities to witness tigers in their natural habitat.
Before heading into the wild, you’ll ease into India with a stay in Delhi, a city steeped in history and full of contrasts, from centuries-old Mughal monuments to colonial boulevards and colourful spice markets. Throughout your journey, private guides and expert naturalists are on hand to offer meaningful insight, while handpicked accommodation ensures you travel in comfort and style. With seamless logistics, scenic flights and immersive experiences, this journey offers the perfect balance of culture, wildlife and adventure – ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned safari-goers alike.
- Delhi
- Kanha National Park
- Bandhavgarh National Park
Pauline Duffin
Pauline specialises in designing highly-personalised adventures, guided by her decades of travel expertise. With a focus on India, South East Asia and South America and a deep love of African safaris, she's renowned for her finely-tuned ability to create experiences that reflect your unique interests.
Delhi
Your journey begins in India’s vibrant capital, where centuries of history sit shoulder to shoulder with modern-day life. After touching down in Delhi, you’ll be met on arrival and transferred to a heritage hotel for two nights. With time to rest and adjust to the pace of the city, your first evening is yours to spend at leisure, whether that’s relaxing in the hotel gardens or dipping into the world-famous Indian cuisine at one of Delhi’s celebrated restaurants.
The following day, discover the city with a private guide, exploring both its Mughal-era heart and colonial grandeur. In Old Delhi, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, visit the striking Jama Masjid and wander through Khari Baoli – the largest spice market in Asia. Stop at the stepwell Agrasen ki Baoli, a hauntingly beautiful relic hidden among modern buildings.
In New Delhi, admire the broad, leafy avenues of Lutyens’ city. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Presidential Palace and pause at India Gate for a photo. Then delve into Delhi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the elegant symmetry of Humayun’s Tomb to the towering sandstone Qutub Minar, which dates back to the 12th century. It’s a full but fascinating day – and a gentle cultural immersion before heading into the wild.
Kanha National Park
This morning, fly south to Raipur and travel onwards by road to Kanha National Park, one of India’s most scenic and biodiverse wildlife reserves. Spread across rolling hills, bamboo groves and grassy meadows, Kanha is a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife – including leopard, barasingha (swamp deer), sloth bear, and of course, the elusive Bengal tiger.
You’ll spend three nights in a luxury tented lodge nestled on the park’s edge. Each day begins with the soft light of dawn and a fresh cup of masala chai before heading out on morning jeep safaris accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist. These early hours offer the best chance of spotting predators on the move and witnessing the jungle come alive with birdsong and activity.
Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast and time to relax. Perhaps take a dip in the pool, enjoy a spa treatment or just sit out on your private deck and listen to the sounds of the forest. Afternoon game drives take you deeper into Kanha’s diverse zones, tracking footprints in the dust and tuning in to the jungle’s warning calls – clues that a tiger may be near. Sundowners and stories by the campfire round off each memorable day in the wild.
Track Bengal tigers through the sal forests of Bandhavgarh
There’s a moment, deep in the heart of the jungle, when everything falls still. Your guide pauses the jeep, eyes scanning the undergrowth. A faint rustle, a low warning call, and then – emerging from the tall grass – a Bengal tiger moves into view. Powerful, silent, unmistakably regal. In Bandhavgarh, where the forest clings to rocky cliffs and ancient ruins, sightings like this feel intimate and almost unreal. With expert naturalists leading the way, each drive offers the chance to witness raw beauty in its purest form. Whether it’s a tiger’s amber gaze or the echo of its call at dawn, this is an experience that leaves a mark long after you’ve left the jungle behind.
Bandhavgarh National Park
After a final breakfast in Kanha, travel overland to Bandhavgarh, a smaller yet equally impressive park set in the Vindhya Hills. This journey takes you through rural heartlands and lesser-seen corners of Madhya Pradesh, arriving at your next jungle lodge by late afternoon. Surrounded by forest and designed in harmony with its natural surroundings, your base here offers a serene setting to recharge before your next set of safaris.
Bandhavgarh is famed for having one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers in the world, making it a top spot for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Over the next three days, you’ll explore the park on morning and afternoon jeep safaris with expert guides who understand the nuances of tiger behaviour and movement. The terrain here is varied: rocky outcrops, dense sal forests and open grasslands offering diverse habitats and an increased chance of dramatic sightings.
While tigers are the star attraction, Bandhavgarh is also home to leopards, langurs, wild boar, Indian bison, and over 250 species of birds.
Delhi
After a last sunrise safari and a relaxed breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Jabalpur Airport for your flight back to Delhi. On arrival, check in to a comfortable hotel close to the airport for a final overnight stay. This short stop offers time to rest, repack or enjoy a final Indian dinner before your international departure the next day.
Today, you’ll transfer to the international terminal in time for your flight home. As you leave behind India’s wild heartlands, you’ll carry memories of misty morning safaris, striped shadows in tall grasses, and the thrill of seeing the elusive tiger in its natural realm.
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