Kanha, Pench and Tadoba Tiger Safari Tour
11 Nights / 12 Days
Trip Highlights & Overview
Central India Tiger Safari Tour
This immersive journey through India’s most iconic tiger landscapes is designed as a deep, sensory wildlife experience rather than just a safari holiday. From the moment you step into the forests of central India, the rhythm of the wilderness begins to shape each day—early mornings filled with birdsong, mist rising from grasslands, and the anticipation of encounters with elusive big cats.
Across legendary reserves like Tadoba, Pench, and Kanha, you experience the raw drama of the jungle at dawn and dusk, when predators and prey are most active. Each safari unfolds differently—sometimes driven by alarm calls echoing through sal forests, sometimes by quiet patience near waterholes where life gathers in the heat of the day. Tigers remain the undeniable stars, but the forests reveal far more: leopards slipping through shadows, wild dogs on coordinated hunts, massive gaurs grazing in clearings, and sloth bears ambling through undergrowth.
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Detailed Itinerary
Central India Tiger Safari Tour
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
Day 2: New Delhi – Nagpur – Tadoba (flight + 110 kms/2 hrs. drive)
Post breakfast, transferred to airport to board a flight to Nagpur. Upon arrival at Nagpur Inter-national Airport, our representative will drive you to Tadoba National Park (110 kms / 2-hour).
Once you reach your destination, the lodge team will warmly welcome you and assist with the check-in process. A team member will provide an orientation about both the lodge and the Tiger Reserve. After a quick lunch, head for your first afternoon safari in the park. Overnight in Tadoba.
Day 3: In Tadoba National Park
Awaken early and relish a cup of tea or coffee accompanied by biscuits before embarking on the morning safari in the reserve.
The morning safari provides ample time to explore a substantial area, increasing the chances of encountering tigers. Even if tiger sightings are not immediate in the morning, your guide and drivers gain insights into the whereabouts of the tigers, aiding in tracking them during the evening safari.
Enjoy a breakfast served at designated spots, surrounded by the beauty of the natural landscape during the safari. The name Tadoba has its roots in a king named Taru, who, as per local beliefs, met his demise at the hands of a tiger and was subsequently deified by the tribals. In his honor, the tribals established a shrine, which remains a pilgrimage site for the local community.
The habitat of these two protected areas is marked by Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest interspersed with numerous expansive meadows. This habitat fosters a rich herbivore prey density, creating an optimal environment for the presence of large cats. Return to the lodge after the safari, take some time to relax, have lunch, and then prepare for another safari in the land of the tiger.
After an evening safari, upon your return to the lodge, you may have a long checklist of sightings that you wish to cross-check and discuss with other naturalists and fellow guests. Engage in discussions about the various birds and animals you encountered during the safari and listen to the experiences and observations shared by others. This post-safari discussion can be an enriching and enjoyable way to reflect on the diverse wildlife encountered in the reserve. All meals and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: In Tadoba National Park
Another day unfolds with both morning and afternoon safaris. Tadoba showcases extensive biodiversity, featuring a diverse range of species. The reserve is home to 28 mammal species, 255 bird species, 30 reptile species, 5 amphibian species, 26 spider species, and 70 insect species. In the realm of flora, Tadoba supports 705 plant species, including 333 herbs, 112 trees, and 76 grass species.
Prominent mammalian species dwelling in Tadoba include the Tiger, Leopard, Indian Wild Dog, Leopard Cat, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Four-horned Antelope, Indian Giant Squirrel, and Common Langur. The reserve’s diverse biodiversity transforms it into a sanctuary not only for tigers but also for a myriad of wildlife, offering a gratifying experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife aficionados.
Day 5: Tadoba – Pench (220 km 5 hrs. drive)
Prepare for your final morning safari in this reserve and make the most of it, concluding with a relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Aim to deepen your understanding of the intricate web of life within the forest ecosystem. Seek further insight into the jungle experience and enhance your knowledge about the diverse flora and fauna that characterize this forest in central India.
Post lunch, transfer to Pench National Park 220 kms/ 5-hour drive. Upon your arrival at the lodge, the staff will assist you with the check-in process, and by that time, your luggage will have already been transferred to your room. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure. Overnight at lodge in Pench.
Day 6 - 7: In Pench National Park
Rise and prepare for your morning safari, tea and coffee will be served at the lodge. Your safari vehicle will carry breakfast, which will be provided within the reserve. The crisp morning breeze in the reserve brings a sense of freshness. Be on the lookout for the king of the jungle, who becomes more active at both dusk and dawn. However, don’t forget to spot the other inhabitants of the forest, as the jungle is particularly active in the morning. Birds and other animals become lively with the first rays of the sun.
In the Pench Tiger Reserve, a network of seasonal streams and nullahs intricately traverses the region. By the end of April, the Pench River typically dries up, leaving behind several pools, locally referred to as dohs, which serve as crucial waterholes for wildlife.
While most water sources cease during the summer, a few perennial springs persist in the area. Notably, the Pench Reservoir, located at the heart of the reserve, serves as the primary water source during the scorching summer months. The primary forest type within the Pench Tiger Reserve is the Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, predominantly characterized by Teak as the major tree species, accompanied by various other flora.
Return to the lodge, and after lunch, take some time to relax before gearing up for your next adventure. Dinner and overnight in the lodge in Pench
Day 8: Pench – Kanha (210 kms/4 – 5 hrs. drive)
Morning jeep safari to the national park. After lunch drive to Kanha National Park 210 kms/ 4-5-hour drive. On arrival check into the lodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Kanha.
Day 9: In Kanha National Park
Begin your day with an early start, sipping on coffee or tea accompanied by cookies or fruits, and venture out for a morning safari before the sun graces the horizon. At the reserve gate, your naturalist will recommend an early departure from the lodge, ensuring you are among the first few vehicles to enter the reserve, maximizing your chances of encountering Tigers and other wildlife.
During the safari, if there is limited movement on the trail, the vehicle will pause, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sounds of the forest. This is when the forest reveals its story, with birds such as jungle babblers, parakeets, racket tailed drongo, grey francolin, and peacocks calling from various directions. Alarm calls from herbivores like spotted deer, sambar, and barasingha (Swamp Deer) may lead you to predators in the vicinity. Your naturalist will skillfully help you identify different animal calls.
After nearly 4 hours of safari, return to the lodge, where the team awaits with wet towels and refreshing drinks to welcome you back. Reflect on your moments within the reserve. Following lunch, prepare for the afternoon safari. As you enter the reserve, keep an eye out for signs and tracks, and visit waterholes where animals gather due to the ease of water access in the heat of the day.
Return from the safari by sunset. In the evening, gather to relish the moments spent within the reserve. Your naturalist will share insights into animal behavior and recount stories that may not have been conveyed earlier. Cherish the magic of the wilderness as you conclude your day. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge in Kanha.
Day 10: In Kanha National Park
Embark on your day with an early start before sunrise, setting out for a morning safari within the Tiger Reserve. As you navigate through the heart of the forest, the naturalist will provide a packed breakfast at a scenic point in the open, atop a jeep bonnet. After enjoying your breakfast, continue the exploration, searching for wildlife amidst the lush surroundings.
Kanha boasts a rich diversity of approximately 35 mammal species, including key inhabitants like the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, dhole, sloth bear, Bengal fox, Indian jackal, and more. The hardground Barasingha, a subspecies found only in this reserve is adapted to marshy habitats, thrives in the reserve’s grasslands, while the gaur finds refuge around waterholes. In the Kanha Meadows zone, blackbucks are concentrated, adding to the reserve’s diverse mammalian population.
The avian residents of Kanha add to its allure, with more than 300 different bird species gracing the reserve. Notable sightings include the black ibis, Asian green bee-eater, cattle egret, blossom-headed parakeet, Indian pond heron, drongo, common teal, crested serpent eagle, Indian roller, lesser adjutant, little grebe, lesser whistling teal, minivet, Malabar pied hornbill, woodpeckers, pigeons, paradise flycatcher, and many more. Immerse yourself in the vibrant birdlife that paints the skies of Kanha. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Post a quick lunch, head for your afternoon safari in the park. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Kanha.
Day 11: Kanha – Raipur – New Delhi (240 kms, 4-hour drive + Flight)
Prepare for your final safari in this reserve and make the most of it, concluding with a relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Aim to deepen your understanding of the intricate web of life within the forest ecosystem. Seek further insight into the jungle experience and enhance your knowledge about the diverse flora and fauna that characterize this forest in central India.
After the safari and a relaxed lunch, proceed to check-out from the lodge, where the entire team will bid you a fond farewell. Transfer to New Delhi. Met on arrival and transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 12: New Delhi Fly Home (Flight)
Trip Inclusions
- Accommodation in New Delhi on room and breakfast basis
- Accommodation in Tadoba, Pench, Kanha on room, all meals and safari basis
- Your entrance and guide charges in Tadoba, Pench, Kanha.
- 06 exclusive jeep safaris in Tadoba with 3 other guests.
- 05 exclusive jeep safaris in Pench with 3 other guests.
- 05 exclusive jeep safaris in Kanha with 3 other guests.
- All individual transfers to and from the airport in an Air Conditioned Toyota Crysta (SUV) and the group land transfers for the common tour in air-conditioned Traveler.
- All currently applicable taxes
Trip Exclusions
- Still / video camera fee in the monuments and national parks. As on date, there is no camera fee in either of the parks in the program.
- Expenses of personal nature like smokes, liquor, laundry, and telephone calls
- International airfare and domestic
- Travel insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Please note that any changes in entrance fees or government taxes will be payable extra and the same will be advised to you if applicable.
Extend your stay
Extend your stay in India by choosing any one of the tours below. It could be a mix of wildlife and culture or focused on special interest activities such as food tours in Old Delhi, cycling through the historic remnants of the capital city or even beach holidays toward the end of the tour.
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Central India Tiger Safari Tour
