Tigers, Taj & Temple Tour
17 Nights / 18 Days
Trip Highlights & Overview
Tigers, Taj & Temple Tour
- Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrive New Delhi (by flight)
- Day 02: New Delhi – Corbett (275 kms. /5-6 hrs. drive)
- Day 03 & 04: In Corbett National Park
- Day 05: Corbett – Agra (435 kms, 7-hour drive)
- Day 06: In Agra
- Day 07: Agra – Varanasi
- Day 08: In Varanasi
- Day 09: Khajuraho – Varanasi (400 kms, 7-hour drive)
- Day 10: In Khajuraho
- Day 11: Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh (228 kms, 6-hour drive)
- Day 12 & 13: In Bandhavgarh National Park
- Day 14: Bandhavgarh – Kanha (280 kms/6 hrs. drive)
- Day 15 & 16: In Kanha National Park
- Day 17: Kanha – Raipur – New Delhi (240 kms, 4-hour drive + Flight)
- Day 18: New Delhi Fly Home (flight)
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Detailed Itinerary
Tigers, Taj & Temple Tour
Day 01 : Arrive New Delhi (by flight)
Day 02 : New Delhi – Corbett (275 kms. /5-6 hrs. drive)
Early breakfast and transfer to Corbett National Park 275 kms/ 5-6 hrs. drive. Arrive at the park gate and change into the safari vehicle with your baggage. Take out your camera equipment and enter the park. The next 32kms drive to the Forest Rest House is a safari. Reach the Forest Rest House, and check in.
Depending on the time left for the safari, proceed for an afternoon safari in the most scenic national park of India. Return from the afternoon safari at sunset. Dinner and overnight at the Forest Rest house.
Day 03 : In Corbett National Park
Morning and afternoon safari at the park. Corbett has aptly been described as the land of the Roar, Trumpet and Song. It represents a scene of remarkable beauty.
Corbett had the proud distinction of being the chosen venue for the inauguration of Project Tiger in India. The rich biodiversity of the Reserve is partly attributed to the variety of habitat found here. Due to the location of the Reserve in the foothills of the central Himalayas, both Himalayan and peninsular flora and fauna is found in the Reserve. Dinner and overnight in Corbett.
Day 04 : In Corbett National Park
Morning and afternoon safaris in Corbett. The variety of wildlife, and landscapes in Corbett is unparalleled not only in India, but it can be easily said to be amongst the top 3 national parks in the world. Trip Advisor chose Corbett to be the 2nd most popular park in the world.
Tigers of Corbett have a dark orange coat that make them very attractive. Male tigers in Corbett are rarely seen and would occasionally snarl on seeing a tourist vehicle. Tigresses of Corbett are the prettiest in the entire country. Some of them have become bold and do not hesitate to come out with their young cubs.
The terrain of Corbett is a mix of dense woodlands, open grasslands, riverbeds. While moving from one forest type to another one needs to change the camera settings often so as not to overexpose images. The light in different backdrops is quite different and dramatic. Seeing tigers in these different backdrops in one jungle is unique.
Corbett is also a great place to photograph birds. It is common to see some raptors perched on trees next to the Ramganga river waiting for their food. One can commonly see Pallas’s Fishing Eagle, Lesser Fishing Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Crested Kingfishers on the tress next to the riverbed.
Day 05 : Corbett – Agra (435 kms, 7-hour drive)
Day 06 : In Agra
Sunrise visit to see the Taj Mahal, which was built in the middle of the 17th century by the Moghul emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France, and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked extensively for 17 years to build this edifice. Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise will transcend you into another era.
This is the time you see the Taj Mahal in its full glory. Every step towards this monument will bathe your soul with tender love. As our guide shares the intricate stories of this monument you will run out of adjectives, and you will experience indescribable moments. The passion with which Taj Mahal was conceived more than 5 centuries back has been summed up beautifully by our great poet Rabindranath Tagore, “The Taj Mahal rises above the banks of the river like a solitary tear suspended on the cheek of time.”
Post sightseeing, come back to the hotel for breakfast. Later, proceed to visit the red sandstone Agra Fort which stands like a crescent on the banks of Yamuna River, enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls with a 12- meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors – Akbar, Jehangir, and Shah Jehan – helped create this architectural feat which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture. After all the sightseeing, come back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 07: Agra – Varanasi
Catch an early morning train to Varanasi. On arrival, check-in to your hotel and catch some rest after a hearty lunch.
In the evening, visit the “Ghats” or bank of the Ganga River. This is a fascinating walk as you can experience the cultural ethos that guides the life of the pious. See the rituals that take place to the setting sun and the ablutions that are performed in the river. As boats float down-stream, some carrying goods, fruits and vegetables, you will see others carrying the pious who perform ceremonies along the river. On the banks or “ghats”, you can see some absorbed in prayer and the chanting of hymns, and others engaged in commerce and yet others performing functions like hair-cutting, massaging and even cleaning ears!
Walk across to the Manikarnika Ghat, where you can see cremation, performed with intense ritual – the process of sending the departed soul to the heavens. Hindus believe that the gateway to the Heavens and for the Re-incarnation of the Soul `in a better state’, is possible when life’s last journey is from Varanasi. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 08 : In Varanasi
Early morning: Take a boat ride at dawn down India’s most sacred river, The Ganges. Sun rise at the holy river is a truly tranquil and breath-taking sight with pilgrims standing waist-deep in water, praying to the rising Sun. See the famous Vishwanath temple with its spires covered with gold, dedicated to Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Return to the hotel for Breakfast.
Visit Sarnath a city located 13 kilometers north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Gomati rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Singhpur, a village approximately one km away from the site, was the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism, and a temple dedicated to him.
Next, immerse yourself in Varanasi’s famed textile tradition with a Banarasi silk weaving workshop, where skilled artisans create some of the most exquisite sarees in India, each piece taking days—or even months—to complete. You’ll gain insight into the artistry and heritage behind this world renowned craft.
In the late afternoon, set out on a guided walk along the ghats. Meander through narrow lanes filled with temples, spice shops, and street vendors, pausing to watch daily life unfold along the river— children flying kites, sadhus in meditation, and pilgrims lighting lamps. The walk offers an intimate, ground-level connection to Varanasi’s unique rhythm, a fitting conclusion to your two days in India’s oldest living city.
Day 09 : Khajuraho – Varanasi (400 kms, 7-hour drive)
Day 10 : In Khajuraho
Breakfast and proceed for a full day tour in Khajuraho.
The set of temples at Khajuraho celebrating Hindu religious thought in its mystifying variety of scope and inclusion stands distinguished from rest of the Hindu temples. The temples highlight the existential ethos in religion that venerates ‘Yoga’ and ‘Bhoga’. ‘Yoga’ is union of the self with the Almighty, while ‘Bhoga’ is the path to God through physical pleasure.
The temples at Khajuraho, dedicated to physical love and pleasure, are a testimony to this philosophy. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1986, Khajuraho is a prominent, must-see destination and its temples are India’s unique gift to the world as they capture life in every form and mood in stone.In the evening, proceed for the evening sound and light show. Overnight at a hotel in Khajuraho.
Day 11 : Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh (228 kms, 6-hour drive)
Day 12 : In Bandhavgarh National Park
Commence your day early, gearing up for the morning safari to secure a position among the first few vehicles in the queue. Bandhavgarh is renowned for its highest number of Tiger sightings, and your experienced naturalist, armed with extensive knowledge, will guide you through the reserve. Expect to gain valuable insights into animal behavior and be regaled with captivating stories about the diverse creatures encountered during your journey.
Nestled in the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve spans a core area of 716 square kilometers and a buffer area of approximately 820 square kilometers. The reserve’s diverse topography encompasses high ridges, undulating terrain, lush forests, and open meadows. Explore the renowned Chakradhara and Rajhbhera meadows in the Tala Zone, where herds of deer
peacefully graze. Upon completing the morning jeep safari, return to the lodge, where the team will welcome you back with wet towels and refreshing drinks.
After a satisfying lunch, embark on another jeep safari within the buffer zone of the Tiger Reserve. Once serving as the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Rewa, the reserve features irregular topography, with rocky hill ranges running roughly east to west, interspersed with green wetlands and woodland valleys. Bandhavgarh’s varied vegetation, ranging from tall grasslands to dense Sal forests and bamboo thickets, provides an ideal habitat for a diverse array of animals and birds. The reserve offers ample opportunities to witness the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as elusive creatures like the Leopard and Sloth Bear, thanks to its varied topography.
As the day comes to a close, return to the lodge at sunset. Dinner will be served in a different venue, enhancing your experience of being immersed in the ambiance of Jungle lodges. Enjoy a delightful dinner and spend the night at the lodge in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, ready for more thrilling adventures in the heart of tiger country.
Day 13 : In Bandhavgarh National Park
Awaken to the morning serenity and gather in the common area to meet your naturalist. Enjoy a cup of morning coffee or tea with cookies, engaging in discussions about the plan for the upcoming safari. Head out for the morning safari with a packed breakfast, ready to explore the three distinct core zones of Bandhavgarh: Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. Since 2019, a herd of elephants has made Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve their home, adding to the allure of this wildlife haven.
The Tala zone, the oldest in Bandhavgarh, houses the iconic fort and the revered figure of Vishnu, Shesh Shaiya, dating back to the 10th century. The Charan Ganga River, a lifeline for the reserve, originates in Shesh Shaiya, and the area features additional caves known as Bari Gufa from the tenth century. Magadhi, distinguished by its grasslands and mixed dense forest cover, boasts various watering holes like Sukhi Patiha, Dabhadhole, Charkpwaha, and Murdhawa. It has become a prime location for tiger sightings in recent years. The Khitauli zone, characterized by a dry-deciduous forest, has gained prominence as a hotspot for Tiger sightings. Elephants are frequently spotted here, drawn by the abundant bamboo cover providing ample food.
In the afternoon, embark on another jeep safari in the Tiger Reserve. If you’ve already witnessed Tigers, you can choose to revel in the picturesque landscape of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Alternatively, if your desire is to see more Tigers, your naturalist will tailor the safari accordingly. Return to the lodge after the safari, arriving by sunset.
Spend the evening sharing and reliving safari experiences and highlights with the naturalist. The lodge staff, with their close proximity to wildlife, also have captivating stories to share about their encounters with the wild. Engage in the camaraderie of tales, making your stay in the heart of nature even more memorable. Enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the captivating ambiance of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
Day 14 : Bandhavgarh – Kanha (280 kms/6 hrs. drive)
Embark on a final morning jeep safari within the Tiger Reserve, savoring the best moments both in the wilderness and at the lodge.
After the safari and a relaxed lunch, proceed to check-out from the lodge, where the entire team will bid you a fond farewell. Your driver will be ready to transport you to Kanha National Park. 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. Dinner will be served at a distinctive venue, offering you a diverse dining experience in the wild. Spend the night at the lodge in Kanha Tiger Reserve, surrounded by the enchanting sounds of the wilderness.
Day 15 & 16 : 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 17 : Kanha – Raipur – New Delhi (240 kms, 4-hour drive + Flight)
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.
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. Overnight at the hotel in New Delhi.
Day 18 : New Delhi Fly Home (flight)
Post breakfast, your driver will be ready to transport you to IGI Airport, marking the end of your incredible journey through the wildlife-rich landscapes of India.
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!
Tour Costing (valid till 30th June 2026)
Land cost for the above itinerary based on 1 or 2 paying persons:
01 PAX
02 PAX
Trip Inclusions
- Accommodation in New Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Khajuraho on bed and breakfast basis
- Accommodation in Corbett, Bandhavgarh and Kanha on room, all meals and safari basis
- Your park entrance fee and guide charges in Corbett, Bandhavgarh and Kanha
- 06 exclusive jeep safaris will be provided in Corbett National Park
- 05 exclusive jeep safaris will be provided in Bandhavgarh National
- 05 exclusive jeep safaris will be provided in Kanha National Park
- Assistance at airport and hotels
- Your monuments and guide charges in Agra, Varanasi and Khajuraho
- English-speaking guide in Agra, Varanasi and Khajuraho
- All land transfers in air-conditioned Toyota Innova SUV for 2 pax
- 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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Tigers, Taj & Temple Tour
