Bengal Tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park, India

Tiger Safari in Central India

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

10 Days

Prices Start from

$7,734pp(ex. flights)

This holiday suggestion is perfect for anyone keen to see tigers in the wild. Experience 10 game drives over eight days, accompanied by best-in-field naturalists, in three of the top tiger parks in India; Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna.

We have chosen the combination of Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna in order to offer the most exclusive wildlife safari experiences possible. Although spotting a tiger in the wild isn’t guaranteed, this journey gives the best possible chance of finding yourself in the presence of this majestic creature. Carefully selected lodges are well located with outstanding in-house naturalists and a positive impact ethos.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Lounge, Kanha Earth Lodge, Kanha National Park, India 1

Stay in Comfortable Eco-Lodges

Luxury accommodation in small, private safari camps with exemplary eco-credentials.

Tiger, India 2

Meet with Key Conservationists

Spend time with conservationist, Ragu Chundawat at his home in Panna National Park.

Sunrise, Kanha National Park, India 3

Visit the Best Hunting Grounds

The dense forests and a plentiful prey make Kanha the perfect hunting ground for big cats.

Hanuman Langur, Pench National Park, India 4

Set Camera Traps and Learn to Track

Get personally involved in conservation activities during your trip.

Explore our suggested itinerary

India on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1

    Mumbai

  • Day 2

    Mumbai - Raipur - Kanha National Park

  • Days 3 - 4

    Kanha National Park

  • Day 5

    Kanha National Park - Bandhavgarh National Park

  • Day 6

    Bandhavgarh National Park

  • Day 7

    Bandhavgarh National Park - Panna National Park

  • Day 8 - 9

    Panna National Park

  • Day 10

    Panna National Park - Khajuraho - Delhi

Day 1

Mumbai

Arrive into Mumbai and transfer to your accommodation. Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a city teeming with culture, architecture and people.

Day 2

Mumbai - Raipur - Kanha National Park

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Raipur followed by a journey of around four and a half hours to Kanha National Park.

Days 3 - 4

Kanha National Park

Over the next two days, journey into the park in search of tiger and other wildlife. Morning and afternoon safaris are undertaken by jeep with an English speaking naturalist from your lodge as well as an official park guide who have the sharpest eyes and excellent hearing.

Day 5

Kanha National Park - Bandhavgarh National Park

Transfer to Bandhavgarh, a journey of around six hours, and check into your accommodation.

Day 6

Bandhavgarh National Park

Explore the park in search of tiger as well as leopards, monkey and many bird species. The setting of the park is impressive with the ruins of the ancient fort, the archaeological remains of the Kachin period and numerous prehistoric caves providing a stunning backdrop.

Day 7

Bandhavgarh National Park - Panna National Park

Transfer to Panna National Park, a journey of around four hours and check into your accommodation.

Day 8 - 9

Panna National Park

Spend two days spotting spectacular birdlife, seeking out tigers and sloth bears via jeep safari and boat trips – Panna offers many exciting wildlife opportunities.

Day 10

Panna National Park - Khajuraho - Delhi

Transfer approximately one hour to Khajuraho for your flight back to Delhi and onward travel.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Bengal Tigers, India
Tigers

Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT)

Steppes Travel is a founding member of TOFT, a campaign group which supports a sustainable approach to tourism in India’s wildlife reserves. TOFT brings together the stakeholders that make up the tourism industry – from government bodies and park directorates to local communities, lodge owners and tour operators such as Steppes Travel – to plan and support tourism to save tigers and their habitat.
As a TOFT member, Steppes Travel commits to working with partners in India who operate in a manner that prioritises benefits to conservation, community and commerce.

Kanha track, Kanha National Park, India
Kanha National Park
Spotted Owls, Kanha National Park, India
Spotted Owls

The King of Tiger Parks

Kanha is considered by some as India’s greatest park and provides a diverse habitat to support many mammal and bird species. The sheer size and remoteness mean that Kanha is often less busy than other parks. As well as tiger, Kanha is home to barasingha, chital, wild boar, sloth bear, jungle cat, wild dog and leopard.

Blue Jay, India
Blue Jay

Location, Location, Location

When designing our tiger safari itineraries, we consider not only current tiger populations and the quality of the safari experience, but also where you put your head at the of the day. Safaris start early in the morning so we want you to be as well-rested and cared for as possible, in order to get you through the park gates quickly and comfortably so you can enjoy your safari. The lodges we use have excellent eco-credentials, with sustainability and community investment at their heart. They also offer a superb standard of personal service, attention to detail and delicious cuisine.

Panna National Park, India
Panna National Park
Fishing Owl, Panna National Park, Madhya, Pradesh, India
Fishing Owl

India's Secret Tiger Reserve

We include Panna within our tiger circuit itineraries as it has a growing reputation for tiger sightings and is less crowded, so the overall safari experience is more personal. Panna is also home to the Asiatic leopard and is one of the best places to spot this creature. The Ken River flowing through the reserve is home to gharial and mugger crocodile, and is a favourite spot for bird watching. Other wildlife spotted here are chinkara, wild dog, sloth bear and jackal.

 

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Shergarh Tented Camp £££££

  • India
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Shergarh is a peaceful jungle camp nestled around a spring-fed lake on the edge of Kanha Tiger Reserve in Central India. The camp is intimate with just six cosy ensuite tents, delicious home-cooked food, excellent naturalists and a fabulous local team headed up by Katie and Jehan who are running the show. Shergarh is the perfect place to base yourself while on a tiger safari. A home from home in an area of outstanding beauty.

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Sarai at Toria £££££

  • India
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Sarai at Toria’s offers a home-from-home environment, situated on a beautiful riverside site, close to the UNESCO heritage site of Khajuraho and Panna National Park. This comfortable, riverside retreat has impeccable sustainability credentials and is owned and run by passionate conservationists, Dr Raghu Chundawat and Joanna Van Gruisen. The eight independent cottages are set in a lovely garden bordered by the Ken River. In a country renowned for delicious food, Sarai at Toria offers some of the best home-cooked food you will find in India, with many of the ingredients grown on the property’s farm.

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Tree House Hideaway £££££

  • India
  • Safari Lodge

Tree House Hideaway has five uniquely constructed tree-house rooms, hidden among the tree-tops along the border of Bandhavgarh National Park. They are beautifully designed with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies overlooking the parkland.

View Property

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From $7,734 Per person

When to travel

India in January

January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.

India in February

During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.

India in March

Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.

India in April

With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.

India in May

From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.

India in June

Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.

India in July

At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.

India in August

As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.

India in September

As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.

India in October

As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.

India in November

As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.

India in December

In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.

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