Day 01 : Arrive in New Delhi (By Flight)
On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, you will be greeted by our representative who will transfer you to the hotel, explain and handover all the travel related documents, and further assist you in check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the luxurious Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi.
Accommodation: The Taj Palace Hotel
Day 02 : New Delhi – Khajuraho – Panna (flight + 40 kms/1 hr drive)
Morning after breakfast, transfer to airport to board a flight at 1045 hrs, which arrives in Khajuraho at 1335 hrs. Meet our driver at the Khajuraho airport and drive to Panna national park (40 kms/45 minutes). On arrival, check into the Taj Pashan Garh, scenically situated along the Ken River with vast stretches of unspoiled forest and within easy reach of Panna National Park, guests will stay in stilted tree houses suspended high above the forest floor, affording dramatic views over the river, and perfect for romantic eat outs.
Lunch and afternoon free for leisure activists. Dinner and overnight at Taj Pashan Garh.
Accommodation: Taj Pashan Garh
Day 03 : In Panna National Park
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning & Evening Jeep tiger safari in the park.
Panna is situated in the Vindhyan Hill range and spreads over the Panna and Chhatarpur districts in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh. Panna National Park is the most important protected area in the north-central highlands of India, as it links the eastern and western populations of wild animals through the Vindhyan ranges.
Situated just 31 km from the world famous temples at Khajuraho, Panna National Park is located along the banks of the Ken River. The Park, is endowed with deep ravines, cascading waterfalls and thick teak forests, with many plateaus, and sprawling flatlands punctuated by hills, deep valleys and gorges. The terrain is largely rocky and uneven. It encompasses mixed dry deciduous forests with short grasses and open woods. Lower altitudes are characterised by taller grasses and closed woodlands. Common bamboo also occurs on hilly slopes and gorges.
Home to the majestic tiger, guests also have a good chance to see leopard, wolf, hyena, jackal and sloth bear. The reserve is also well known for sightings of nilgai, sambar, chital, wild boar and Indian crocodile.
Overnight at Taj Pashan Garh. One of the most luxurious wildlife lodge by TAJ.
Accommodation: Taj Pashan Garh
Day 04 : In Panna National Park
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning boat ride at Ken river in search of Gharials and Crocodiles. The gharial (Gavialisgangeticus) is a unique crocodilian species, endemic to the northern part of south Asia, characterized by its long and thin snout. Mature males have a bulbous growth at tip of their snouts. The gharial is the only surviving species of the family Gavialidae.
Panna National Park is one of the most successful conservation stories. This national park lost all it’s Tigers by systematic poaching in the year 2006-08. First time in the history of Tiger conservation, 3 Tigers were relocated from other reserves into Panna. These Tigers made Panna their home, and today with the dedicated efforts of the Forest Department the Tiger population has bounced back to close to over 50 Tigers (cubs included).
Taj Safaris’ jungle safari lodge comprises a cluster of stone cottages huddled atop a small hill, with magnificent views over the forest and a large nearby waterhole, which has been host to numerous tiger and resident antelope sightings.
This lodge draws inspiration from the dry-packed stone houses of the Panna region. These houses differ from other Madhya Pradesh styles, with dramatic roofs constructed from massive slabs of irregularly shaped slate. The guest areas celebrate Haveli design, with a spacious central courtyard. A strong motif throughout the lodge is the motif of the crocodile, which inhabits the nearby Ken River. Although the structures are rough, chunky and stony, the interiors are sleek and elegant.
The lodge features 12 stone cottages, with a central guest area showcasing fabulous leather furniture made in Delhi, with massive black and white photo canvasses of the dramatic Panna landscapes. There are subtle references to the erotic stonework at the nearby temples of Khajuraho.
Afternoon jeep tiger safari in Panna national park. Dinner and overnight at Taj Pashan Garh.
Accommodation: Taj Pashan Garh
Day 05 : Panna – Bandhavgarh (250 kms/5 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Bandhavgarh National Park (240 kms /5 hrs). On arrival, check into the Taj Mahua Kothi. Neighbouring Bandhavgarh National Park, one of India’s most scenic national parks, this intimate lodge features twelve enchanting guest suites, constructed in the charming local Madhya Pradesh style. The name Mahua Kothi draws its inspiration from one of India’s most beautiful trees, the Madhuca indica, or as it is commonly known, the Mahua or butter tree.
Pronounced ‘ma-hoo-aa’, this tree with its fleshy off–white flowers play a central role in festivals and rituals. The Lodge sprawls over the 40-acre land, just 20 minutes from the park entrance. The original kothi (homestead) comprises the guest areas and has been beautifully renovated, and the guest accommodation is all brand new.
Guests delight in the yoga amenities provided in a basket (complete with instructions), as well as traditional Indian games of marbles and Chaupad. Kettles of boiling water on chulhas (charcoal burners) are brought out with early morning tea to the kutiyas. Bicycles, parked in the kutiya courtyards, are an invitation to explore.
Lunch at resort and around 1430hrs proceed for the afternoon game drive to the national park. The safari starting time varies depending on the month of the year. Bandhavgarh is a forest with a great reputation for its Tiger sightings. Tracking the majestic and elusive Tiger will be an experience you will not forget. Unlike Africa, where the habitat, wildlife and technology assists you in tracking wildlife, the encounters in India are quite contrasting, learning, and thrilling to say the least. The time well spent in the national park during the safari with the skilled drivers and experienced guides will remain etched in your memory. Afternoon tiger safaris are usually 3-4 hours, which ends just before sunset.
Dinner and overnight at Taj Mahua Kothi.
Accommodation: Taj Mahua Kothi
Day 06 – 07 : In Bandhavgarh National Park
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning & Evening Jeep drive in the park.
Bandhavgarh national park situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is a 448 km2 renowned tiger reserve nestled among the picturesque Vindhya and Satpura ranges. This is one of India’s most beautiful national parks. The dramatic landscape features tropical forests and woodlands, and steep rocky hills with flat grasslands in the valleys below. An ancient 2000-year-old fort, 10th century statue of Lord Vishnu, and the dense Sal jungle combined with the grasslands make Bandhavgarh one of the most extraordinary parks in India.
Bandhavgarh supports one of the highest densities of tigers on the Subcontinent. Its hilly open terrain includes many large grassland meadows that offer good chances of sightings. The density of its big cat population has made Bandhavgarh world famous. The Park is also home to a large variety of mammals: leopard, chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, nilgai, wild boar, chinkara, sloth bear, rhesus macaque, grey langur, jungle cat, hyena, porcupine, jackal, fox, and wild dog.
Accommodation: The luxurious Taj Mahua Kothi wildlife resort in Bandhavgarh
Day 08 : Bandhavgarh – Kanha (by surface 280 kms/6 hrs drive)
Morning game drive to the national park. Later, depart for Kanha, (280kms, 6 hours). On arrival, check into Taj Banjaar Tola Kanha. Taj Safaris’ third jungle safari lodge is situated along the banks of the Banjaar River, directly overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park. Nine dramatic tented suites, designed with masculine canvas and aged timber to embody classic jungle atmosphere will spread out along the Banjaar River’s edge bordering the rich riverine forests of Kanha National Park, one of the first nine tiger reserves established. The luxurious, yet lightweight, en suite tents have been designed in a contemporary style, with pressed bamboo wall panels, gorgeous bamboo floors and locally crafted furniture hewn from the timber of exotic Indian trees. The textiles have been designed in tones of delicate saffron and acid-washed green, with rich block-printed Madhya Pradesh cottons and silks. The atmosphere is light, ethereal and organic.
The lodge boasts two elegant camps of nine suites, each with its own intimate tented sitting area. Banjaar Tola has its own unique identity, celebrating the Bastar and Dogra art that hails from nearby Chattisgarh.
Dinner and overnight at Taj Banjaar Tola.
Accommodation: Taj Banjaar Tola luxurious wildlife resort in Kanha
Day 09 – 10 : In Kanha National Park
Wake up at 0500hrs with tea/coffee and biscuits and proceed for the morning tiger safari tour to the National park.
Kanha’s sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendor, which form the core of the reserve. Created in 1974 under Project Tiger, the park is one of the few habitats of the rare hardground Barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi).
This is the original Kipling country of which Rudyard wrote so vividly in his Jungle Book. Packed breakfast from the Lodge is served at a designated spot and spread on the bonnet of the Safari vehicle. Enjoy your breakfast in the wilderness of Kanha.
After witnessing Kanha, you would be extremely elated that the forest was included in this itinerary. The sheer beauty of this park along with the rich bio-diversity make this a must visit in your India program. Kanha features approximately 70 tree species and is a bird watcher’s paradise, with over 300 recorded bird species.
Continue your search for the elusive Tiger if you have not yet seen the same, and soak in the fresh energizing environment. Return from tiger safari tour around 1130hrs. Freshen up, while Lunch is prepared.
Post Lunch, depart for the afternoon jeep safari in Kanha National Park. Return at 6pm from wildlife safari. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Dinner and overnight at Taj Banjaar Tola.
Accommodation: Taj Banjaar Tola
Day 11 : Kanha – Pench (210 kms/4-5 hrs drive)
Morning game drive in the national park. After an early lunch, depart for Pench national park (210 kms/5 hrs). On arrival, check into Taj Baghvan. This charming lodge is located on the edge of Pench National Park, which is dominated by hills, forests and valleys. The lodge comprises twelve standalone suites with beautiful rooftop terraces or ‘machans’. Set deep in the wilderness grounds and perfect for sleep outs under starry Indian skies, Baghvan will enchant and enthrall.
Baghvan is aptly named after one of India’s iconic symbols, the Bengal tiger
(bagh – tiger and van – forest). Pronounced ‘baagh-vun’, this enchanting lodge is located on the edge of Pench National Park, a dry deciduous forest of predominantly teak trees and meandering jungle streams. A mere ten-minute drive to the park’s entrance takes our guests deep into the heart of the Indian jungle.
Baghvan has 12 standalone suites alongside a picturesque nullah (dry riverbed), surrounded by the shaded canopies of beautiful forest trees. Each spacious suite has a distinctive contemporary bungalow feel and an ambience resembling the 1950s. Follow the stairs to the alluringly beautiful machan (a covered jungle rooftop platform) complete with mosquito net, overhead fan and hookah pipes and discover an ideal place to enjoy the romance of the jungle either by day or by night with an unforgettable sleep out.
Breakfasts and lunches are served on a sweeping shaded deck surrounding the beautiful swimming pool and overlooking the nullah, a favoured route of the Pench tigers. Sunset is celebrated with cocktails under a huge Banyan tree whilst watching a Indian flying squirrel perform breathtaking aerobatics.
Dinner and overnight at the TajBaghvan.
Accommodation: Taj Baghvan luxurious wildlife resort in Pench
Day 12 : In Pench National Park
Breakfast and lunch at the hotel. Morning and afternoon tiger safari tour to the National park.
Pench welcomes you with open arms and without conditions. This park is located between four different Mountain Ranges – Aravali, Vindhyanchal, Satpura and Maikal. The tracks are smoother, the trees are thicker with dense undergrowth, perhaps one reason why the herbivore population here is larger in size compared to Kanha and Bandhavgarh.
The skies are home to birds of prey and their distinctive calls. And then there are pauses of silence in the jungle. Don’t get consumed in this silence with your mind talking to yourself – an opportunity your mind doesn’t get often in your cities. Focus on the ground or jungle games so that you and your camera have not left anything to imagination. Try to see with Kipling’s eye and you might see Baloo and Mowgli singing “Song of Bare Neccessities”. And King khan is there behind the tall grass to spoil their party. You will experience this and much more with the backdrop of luxurious accommodation, friendly service and delectable cuisine in adventurous settings
This national park received international recognition from Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, the Jungle Book.
Dinner and overnight at the Taj Baghvan.
Accommodation: Taj Baghvan
Day 13 : In Pench National Park
Breakfast and lunch at the lodge. Morning and afternoon Jeep tiger safari tour in Pench National park.
Pench National Park, nestling in the lower southern reaches of the Satpura hills is named after Pench River which flows from north to south through the Pench National Park. It is located on the southern boundary of Madhya Pradesh.
A total of 758 Sq. kms of this Southern Indian tropical moist deciduous forest has its extent weaving into the tropical dry deciduous teak. The area is blessed with a number of intertwining streams and ‘nallahs’ most of which are seasonal. Though the Pench River dries up in April end, a number of water pools locally known as ‘dohs’ are found which serve as water holes for the wild animals. The Pench Reservoir at the center of the park is the only major water source during the pinch period.
As a prey concentration is high along the Pench River, tigers usually inhabit and frequent this belt. Leopards are known to operate in the peripheral areas but are occasionally seen in the deep forest as well. Jungle cats are commonly seen. Leopard cats, small Indian civets and palm civets are there but rarely seen due to their nocturnal activity.
In Pench, Cheetal, Sambar, are commonly seen grazing on the open sites on roadsides and banks of river & reservoir. Jackals can be seen scouring for food anywhere in the Park. Packs of upto 15 or more wild dog can be seen near Chhedia, Jamtara, Bodanala and Pyorthadi areas of the Reserve. Herds of gaur can be spotted near streams and bamboo patches commonly in summer months. Sloth beer occupy the rocky areas and favour mahua and bel dominated forest. Chinkara is present in very small numbers and is found in open areas around Turia, Telia and Dudhgaon villages.
Dinner and overnight at the Taj Baghvan.
Accommodation: Taj Baghvan
Day 14 : Pench – Nagpur – New Delhi (100 kms/2 hrs drive + flight)
Morning game drive in the national park and after lunch, drive to Nagpur (100 kms 2 hrs) to board a flight to New Delhi at 1945 hrs which arrives at at 2130 hrs. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi.
Accommodation: Taj Palace Hotel
Day 15 : New Delhi Fly Back
Morning free for leisure activities and later transfer to international airport to board a flight back home.
