India’s Wild Heart

Embark on an early morning departure to Mumbai airport for your flight to Nagpur. Here, our driver will welcome you for a scenic 2-hour drive to Pench National Park, dotted with sightings of India’s avian wonders and cheeky Rhesus Macaques. Upon arrival at Pench, settle into your hotel for a two-night stay. Post-lunch, we venture into the park for an afternoon safari, possibly greeting our first tiger. Pench, celebrated for its tiger conservation efforts, offers a rich biodiverse experience, mirroring the enchanting realms of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’.

Delve into the heart of Pench National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Begin your day with an early safari, seeking out the majestic tiger and other wildlife, followed by a restful period at the lodge before re-entering the park for your evening exploration.

After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and drive to Kanha National Park. Upon your arrival at Kanha, settle into your accommodation which harmonizes luxury with the rustic charm of the wilderness. As you acclimatize to the serene landscape, prepare for your first foray into the park with an afternoon game drive. This initial excursion introduces you to Kanha’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from dense Sal forests to vast meadows (maidans), each hosting its unique assemblage of flora and fauna. The day concludes with a serene sunset over the park, offering a tranquil backdrop to reflect on your first encounters with Kanha’s wildlife.

Dedicate your second day to delving deeper into the heart of Kanha. Two game drives in morning and evening maximize your chances of wildlife sightings, including the elusive Bengal Tiger, Leopards, Sloth Bears, and the endangered Bara Singha, or Swamp Deer, unique to this region.

On your last day in Kanha, embark on a morning game drive to soak in the park’s natural beauty one last time. This final outing is an opportunity to complete your wildlife checklist and capture memories of the majestic landscapes that have framed your encounters. 

In the afternoon, you have the option to immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to a nearby village, where you’ll gain insights into the lives of the indigenous communities coexisting with the surrounding wilderness. Their stories and traditions add a profound layer of understanding to the conservation efforts and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature in Kanha.

Following an early game drive, we proceed to Bandhavgarh National Park, renowned for its dense sal forests and vibrant wildlife. Settle in for an overnight stay, preparing for the thrilling safaris ahead.

Embark on an immersive two-day exploration of Bandhavgarh National Park, celebrated for having one of the highest densities of tiger populations in India. Over these two days, indulge in five meticulously planned game drives that promise to heighten your chances of witnessing the majestic Bengal tiger in its natural habitat. These drives are not just about the tigers; they offer a kaleidoscope of wildlife sightings including a variety of deer, monkeys, and if fortune favors, the elusive leopard.

Bandhavgarh’s terrain is diverse, featuring rocky hills, lush Sal forests, and sprawling grasslands, which together create a sanctuary for an array of species. Each game drive, conducted in the cool hours of dawn and the soft, golden light of dusk, is led by experienced guides who are adept at tracking these magnificent creatures and interpreting the subtle languages of the forest.

In addition to the thrilling wildlife safaris, take the time to explore the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, perched atop the park’s highest hill. Though its origins are shrouded in legend, the fort’s historical significance and the panoramic views it offers of the park are undeniable. The area around the fort is interwoven with myths and provides a unique vantage point for birdwatching and encountering smaller wildlife species, adding a rich cultural layer to your natural adventure.

Nestled within this biodiverse haven, your accommodation offers a serene retreat after the day’s excursions. Here, you can reflect on the day’s sightings, share stories with fellow travelers, or simply relax in the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness.

These two days at Bandhavgarh National Park serve as a highlight of your wildlife journey, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature and witness the raw beauty of India’s heartland.

After a final safari in Bandhavgarh, we embark on a journey to Panna Tiger Reserve, checking into the hotel. Panna, with its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, offers exceptional game viewing and birdwatching opportunities.

Covering 543 square kilometers along the Ken River, Panna Tiger Reserve boasts a rich tapestry of habitats, famous not only for its historical diamond mines but also for its diverse wildlife. Originally a hunting domain of the Panna royalty, the reserve now serves as a crucial sanctuary for a wide range of animals, including elusive leopards and wolves, alongside herds of spotted deer, nilgai, chinkara, sambar, and the rare chousingha, which collectively form the primary prey base for the resident tigers.

The reserve is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species recorded. Visitors can expect to see a remarkable variety of over 100 species during their stay, enriching the mammal-watching experience. Noteworthy avian inhabitants include the majestic black-shouldered kite, crested serpent eagle, and various vultures, while the forests are alive with the calls of the Malabar pied hornbill, black-headed oriole, and an array of flycatchers, babblers, and warblers, offering a vibrant spectacle for enthusiasts.

Dedicate the day to exploring Panna with morning and afternoon game drives, perhaps complemented by a tranquil boat ride. Panna’s landscapes, teeming with wildlife and avian species, promise a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts.

Begin the day with an orientation tour of Khajuraho, admiring its world-renowned architectural marvels and sculptures. Later, take flight to Delhi, marking the beginning of your journey’s conclusion.

Transfer to Delhi airport for your homeward flight, carrying with you the memories of an unforgettable adventure through India’s natural and cultural heritage.