Skip to content

Central India Safari Tour in Kanha, Pench & Tadoba

11 Nights / 12 Days

Get a quote for your dream wildlife journey in India

A senior naturalist reviews every enquiry and responds within 6 hours. You’ll receive a tailored itinerary, not a generic brochure.

4.9

78 reviews

5.0

170 reviews

4.8

53 reviews

Trip Highlights & Overview

Tigers and Leopards Safari Tour

Availabile dates & slots

Experience the untamed wilderness of India in three of its finest wildlife destinations – Kanha, Pench and Tadoba National Parks. Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, professional photographers, and nature lovers, this tour offers a front-row seat to the mesmerizing beauty of Indian wildlife.

As the sun rises, Kanha’s misty meadows come alive with an array of animals. Witness the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger prowling through the grasslands, while elusive leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs make their presence felt. The iconic hardground Barasingha, found only here, thrives in Kanha’s marshy habitats, alongside blackbucks and gaurs.

Pench, a land of Teak forests and tranquil waterholes, offers a contrasting yet equally vibrant experience. Seasonal streams, dohs, and the central Pench Reservoir become lifelines for wildlife, especially during the summer. Dawn and dusk safaris here often reveal leopards, tigers, and a variety of birdlife against breathtaking landscapes.

With its rich biodiversity and immersive natural beauty, this tour promises unforgettable moments for all who seek the thrill of the wild and the magic of Indian forests.

Nature Safari India Logo 6 - White

Most trusted name in Indian Wildlife for the last 30 Years

We specialize in bespoke Tiger safaris in India and wildlife tours in various national parks. We have been doing safaris over the last 3 decades in various national parks.
25th years

Experience of Excellence in Indian Wildlife Tourism

Celebrated 25 years in Jan 2025, marking decades of happy guests, 13,000+ trees planted, and impactful conservation efforts. We thank our expert Naturalists, trackers, hotel, and transport partners for their dedication. Committed to sustainable tourism, we will continue delivering exceptional wildlife experiences with the highest service standards.

Sneak a Peak into the trail

Tigers and Leopards Safari Tour

Detailed Itinerary

Tigers and Leopards Safari Tour

Day 01: Arrive New Delhi (by flight)
Meet and greet on arrival at New Delhi airport by our representative. He will transfer you to the Hotel, assist you in check-in at the hotel, handover and explain all the travel related documents. Overnight stay at the hotel in New Delhi.

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 1st afternoon safari in the park. Overnight in Tadoba.

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.

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.

Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

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.

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.

Morning jeep safari to Pench 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.

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.

Start 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.

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.

Checkout post breakfast and transferred to the international terminal for your onward journey. Carry with you the memories of the majestic tigers and diverse wildlife, the stories shared by the naturalists, and the serene beauty of these natural habitats. Safe travels on your onward journey!

Trip Inclusions

Trip Exclusions

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.

Enquire this Central India Safari Tour

A senior naturalist reviews every enquiry and responds within 6 hours. Unlike automated booking platforms, every itinerary we send is handcrafted around your dates, parks and interests.

4.9

78 reviews

5.0

170 reviews

4.8

53 reviews

Send your query

Guest Testimonials​

Our guests have been valuable in aiding our growth as a company. Their true testimonies of travel with our team, along with consistent trust in our planning process helped us come a long way. Our in house team thrives on receiving such feedback and improving their services with each passing day. You can read what our guests have to say about us below or even on our TripAdvisor page.

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Manique G
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Seamless Experience Nature Safari India arranged our safari to Kanha and Pench Tiger Parks in April 2026. My husband and I did not have to worry about anything everything was seamless and professional. Abishek was contactable and responded to queries promplty. Choice of accommodation was very good. Special mention of our naturalist in Kanha Mahesh who ensured that we had the best views of the sightings but equally considerate of others which we liked. His knowledge of the wildlife made the safaris interesting. Nature Safari was also able to arrange an additional safari for me at short notice. I have used Nature Safari before and will certainly use them again.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Erin K
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing experience! We were amazed how many puzzle pieces it takes for this adventure to come together. Everyone we interacted with from Nature Safari helped make our trip memorable. From Pritam who greeted us to Alam, one of our guides, to Gulab who helped complete our journey. Everyone was friendly and super knowledgeable. The travel from one park to another is an experience unto itself and we felt completely safe with every driver! They even handled a flight change that happened while we were travelling and it did not affect our vacation at all!!! This is vacation for anyone; from children to grandparents, I guarantee everyone will be impressed!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Toh JC
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
The leader in tiger Safari Did the Just tigers and Golden Triangle tour with Nature Safari India (NSI) in april What a wonderful experience this had been. Pre trip, booking & communication with Ishana was excellent. All my queries were answered fast. The itinerary she put together for me was perfect. Airport transfer were seamless. Thank you pratim. For the golden triangle tour, the 3 stars accomodation option totally exceeded my expectations. The heritage hotel in Delhi and Jaipur add to the cultural experience. The Guides were great. Mr Ram, my private driver is hard working and diligent. Always on time, he navigate the insane traffic of India with ease, getting me from point to point safely. Thank you Mr Ram. Did 4 national parks (Corbett, Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh) and in total I got 30 tiger sightings over 22 Safari drives!!! A job well done to all the Naturalists and guides. The vehicles are kept clean, they know the forest inside out, and all have keen eyes to spot tigers hidden in the thick vegetation. Their professionalism and ethics are exemplified by the fact that they follow parks rules (No phones/no speeding) while others are not. You can tell that they enjoy working with NSI. Special mention to Ajwet and JP from Bandhavgarh. Their teamwork, chemistry and experience together got me 17 sightings in 2 days. Their ability to predict the tigers movement and behaviour ( close to 99% accuracy) astounded me. Got many exclusive quality sightings of tiger crossing my path. In a particular incident where we were enjoying a quiet moment with a lone male tigers on a narrow path in tala zone with 2 other vehicles, words got out and soon, things turned pretty ugly. 20 vehicles came speeding, front and back, surrounding us and the tiger. Drivers behind were shouting at us to get out of the way. Guides were cat calling to get the tiger attention to look in their direction. Other tourists were using their phones for photography. The tiger was just metres away and started growling. I felt uncomfortable with the situation. I requested Ajwet to forgo the sighting and get me out asap. We managed to get out safely and fast amidst the chaos. Other than the safari drive in Bandhavgarh, we visited other point of interest in the park like the fort. One particular site call "charger point" stood out. Ajwet shared stories of the tigers who had roam the park at "charger point" and it was a joy listening to them. It adds depth to the safari experience. Thank you Ajwet and JP In Corbett, I stayed in Gairal rest house. Facilities are basic and all amenities are provided by NSI. For the other safaris, 3 stars accomodation are good (jungle camp pench, jungle camp Kanha, tiger dens) and I could not find any fault with them. For any future safari trip in India, I will definitely use NSI services again. NSI is without the doubt the leader in tiger safari in India. I hope the safari ethics in India will improve with time, benefitting both animals and tourism.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Phil and Janet O
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Excellent and memorable safaris across 3 National Parks. Love those tigers! My wife and I booked with Nature Safari India on the recommendation of friends. Over a couple of weeks we had 9 days (18 safaris) 3 days each at Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh National Parks. The tigers (our main focus) are wild animals, free to roam; they do not turn up to order. Nevertheless, we had some amazing encounters / sightings across all three National Parks. We saw tigers crossing and walking along the road, a tigress lounging in the middle of the road, and a tiger sleeping off a meal, the remains of the kill nearby. One tigress passed within 5 metres of our car, untroubled by us and intent on walking her territory. In addition to tigers, we lucky enough to have two leopard sightings in Pench where we also saw wild dogs. There were numerous deer and antelope, monkeys, and a myriad assortment of birds. We had knowledgeable guides and brilliant drivers at each park who helped us identify different species. Our accommodation was always of a high quality. Our whole trip was expertly planned and put together by Ishana. Ishana is an excellent communicator. We had an amazing experience and thoroughly recommend the services of this long established business.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
894elked
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Wonderfull It was a pleasure traveling with Nature Safari. There were no worries throughout the entire trip, and you truly feel welcome—they listen to your wishes and do everything to ensure you have a pleasant journey. Before the trip, there was a lot of communication via WhatsApp to tailor everything to our preferences, and they were always available to answer any questions. During the trip, we also had the pleasure of having a fantastic driver who told us so much about the country, its culture, its customs, and even things you won’t find in a travel guide. The local guides also did their best to provide as much information as possible about the culture. We did find some to be better than others, but that’s not something Nature Safari can control. We were also lucky—thanks in part to their efforts—to spot two tigers, which made the experience even more special. If you’re planning a trip to India, I can truly recommend traveling with them.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
SydneyAdi
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Another great wildlife safari Three years after our last trip we ventured to India once more to indulge in Wildlife - this time Lions of Gir, tigers of Corbett, Rhino’s etc of Kaziranga. We saw focus animals on each drive and none of them disappointed. Excellent naturalist guides in all three parks. The lions were fabulous, even saw young cubs, and thanks to a sharp eyed guide, a leopard (our first and only over two trips to India) in first half hour whilst it was still dark! Corbett was to also include some focus on Jim Corbett (his houses, Nainital) as well as tigers. We had the same guide as in 2023, who again was excellent. One hiccup was missing out on one safari because of a mismatch for the opening hours for the Jim Corbett museum and Nainital. Instead we were taken down to river for a birding walk, with an amount refunded. Nainital is a beautiful hill town, and very glad to have done that as we had not included any additional sightseeing to our itinerary. The Corbett museum was good though tired but could be a whole lot better - think museum studies uni students etc becoming involved. Jim Corbett national park and Dhikala lodge were excellent. Tiger sightings on each drive- including a tiger swimming/walking across the river and also a tiger drinking from a water source on the road in front of us. Those guides just know where the tigers will come out of the forest or grassland. In Kaziranga we saw sooo many rhino’s, and maybe 2 days would be sufficient, but we went to different locations and over the three days saw rhinos elephants, deer, monkeys, many birds, and even lucky to see “the golden tiger”. Our hotel was wonderful, food was delicious and we even organised a couple of massages in our room. All in all another successful trip organised by Nature Safari India.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Gary B
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Tiger safari and tours of major cities. Absolutely perfect. Everything was planned and arranged with precision and care. We first toured Kanha National Park and saw tigers - lots and lots of tiger sightings - while never guaranteed, our success rate was high. We then explored Bandhavgarh National Park with our guide Ragu (32 years of experience in the Park) and our tiger sightings and wildlife viewing was even better. Finally, we toured Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. All accommodations were incredible as were the transfers between all locations. If you are considering a wildlife/tiger safari to India or touring the major cities/attractions, you should use Nature Safari of India, without a doubt.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Navigate34004106819
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Trip of a lifetime Our trip to India was amazing, truly unforgettable. Nature Safari India took care of everything, and Ishana made the whole process smooth and stress-free. We loved the mix of city life, culture, and wildlife: Mumbai with its stunning views, safaris in Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh (saw incredible wildlife), and the Golden Triangle with Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Every hotel was comfortable and welcoming, and the guides and drivers were not only professional but genuinely kind. India itself completely stole our hearts, the energy, the chaos, the colors, and especially the warmth of the people. We came home with memories we’ll treasure forever. Big thanks to Ishana and the team. We’ll definitely be back!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
MElliott_51
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Memorable time in India. This compnay did an amazing job of making our trip memorable. The organised everything to suit our requests. We had exceptional accommodation and service. Our safaris were successful with wildlife sightings. I would recommend them with our hesitation.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Alessandro Paolucci
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Fantastic Tiger Safari We had a great time in India across three different National Parks (Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh). Ishana at Nature Safari India organised a great trip, was very responsive and helpful throughout the booking process as well as when we were in India, and went above and beyond in helping us deal with some last minute changes after everything was already booked. Truly a great service. In every National Park we had an experience guide and a driver who knew a lot about the local wildlife and helped us see and identify a lot of animals and birds. Overall we saw nine different tigers, including some very close encounters. The hotels recommended were incredible: the Pench Jungle Camp had a great jungle vibes, the Meru Vann in Kanha is run directly by Nature India Safari and has the most amazing staff (shout outs to the manager Okmar and our guide Mahesh), and Untamed Bandhavgarh is truly an immersive experience being really at the border of the safari area. All staff was super helpful and the food was great. Would definitely go back and book again with Nature India Safari.

Why Travel with us?

Tigers and Leopards Safari Tour

1. Tours planned by experts
Once you send in a query, our team of experts carefully curate a bespoke itinerary based on your exact travel requirements. Your tour planner has extensive knowledge on not only Indian Wildlife but also the finer details like travel time, best months to take the safari in, guidance on what more you can indulge in while you’re in India, and a lot more. This will help you plan your trip to the minutest of detail.
Our itineraries are not set in stone. We thrive on giving our guests perfectly customized itineraries inclusive of what they are truly looking for. So our team tailores your journey till you are happy with it, at no extra cost! If you want to add a little bit of culture to our wildlife itineraries – it is possible. If you want to add a beach destination toward the end of the tour – it is possible. If you want cooking demonstrations on your trip – it is possible. If you want historic walks in India – it is possible. Basically, sky is the limit when you travel with us.
Our team of in-house and on ground naturalists have extensive knowledge on wildlife movement in each national park. Some have been working in these parks for over a decade, while the others were born and raised in the jungle! Their expert guidance aids our tour planners in booking the right safari zones for you before season commences.
We are committed to responsible and ethical tourism practices. Prioritizing and minimizing travel impact on the environment and local communities has been our main motto. Our tours emphasize eco-friendly accommodations, support local conservation efforts, and engage with indigenous communities in a respectful manner, contributing to the overall well-being of the destinations they visit. You can read more about our CSR initiatives here.
We thrive on excellent customer service aided by 100% guest satisfaction. Our team offers support and guidance throughout the travel process. They are responsive to individual needs and requests, ensuring that your trip is seamless and enjoyable. Their flexibility allows for adjustments and customization during the journey to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or personal preferences.
Your safety and comfort are a top priority for everyone at Nature Safari India. We ensure that all necessary precautions are taken, including experienced guides, reliable transportation, and comfortable accommodations. Our team is equipped to handle any unexpected situations and provide assistance throughout your journey.
enquiry-button