Wild Central India in Style
Example Itinerary
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Overview
If its tigers you're looking for, in Kanha, Pench, Satpura and Bandhavgarh you'll find some of the best parks in the country, as well as the best accommodations. Stay within the renowned Pugdundee safari lodges for an Indian safari experience driven by conservation and community development. Beginning in Delhi, you’ll have an opportunity to ride on India’s famous railways to Katni. It is then onto your first tiger reserve, Bandhavgarh National Park. Shared morning and afternoon game ...
If its tigers you're looking for, in Kanha, Pench, Satpura and Bandhavgarh you'll find some of the best parks in the country, as well as the best accommodations. Stay within the renowned Pugdundee safari lodges for an Indian safari experience driven by conservation and community development. Beginning in Delhi, you’ll have an opportunity to ride on India’s famous railways to Katni. It is then onto your first tiger reserve, Bandhavgarh National Park. Shared morning and afternoon game drives provide an ideal opportunity to search for tigers, leopards and a myriad of other wildlife. Enjoy more game drives at Kanha National Park and Pench National Park, where you will stay within a tree house hideaway, fully connected with your natural surroundings, before arriving at the unique Satpura National Park for an evening boat cruise across River Denwa. The jungles and hills of Central India provide a stunning backdrop to this journey back to childhood. These rich landscapes provided the inspiration for the stories of the ‘man cub’, Mowgli and the fearsome Sher Khan, Rikki Tikki Tavi and Toomai of the Elephants. Here, amongst some of the largest and most pristine national parks in India, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling and Baloo, as you search out the elusive and majestic Bengal tiger, including other species like leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, bison, rhesus macaque, golden jackal, stripped hyena, smooth- coated otter, Bengal fox, honey badger, small Indian civet, Indian grey mongoose, spotted chevrotain, pangolin porcupine, numerous species of deer including barasingha, flying squirrel and numerous species of birds
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE DELHI - KATNI
Arrive Delhi in the morning, where you can relax in an airport hotel for a few hours, before boarding a train to Katni.
Day 2 KATNI - BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
Upon arrival in Katni you will be met by a representative and driven to Bandhavgarh National Park. After settling into your lodge, embark on a shared afternoon game drive in Bandhavgarh, the finest park for tiger sightings. The broken hilly terrain, grassy swamps and forested valleys provide ideal concealment for this most predatory of beasts.
Day 3 BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
Spend the morning and afternoon on a game drive in the park, each time of the day provides a different perspective as the numerous prey species - Sambar deer, langur, wild boar and barking deer - come out of hiding, luring the mighty Bengal tiger and the elusive Indian leopard.
Day 4 BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK - KANHA NATIONAL PARK
After an early breakfast, drive to Kanha National Park. Kanha and the nearby forests provided inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's delightful Jungle Book. Imagine the mighty Sher Khan prowling close by as you watch and wait, secreted in your 'hide'! Kanha is an outstanding National Park with about 30 species of mammals and 225 species of birds and you will explore it this afternoon on a game drive.
Day 5 KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Today you will enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive in Kanha National Park. The variety of habitat gives rise to a wonderful mix of animals to spot - the grassland plateau is home to the Gaur (Indian bison) and four-horned Antelope, whilst in dense clumps of forest shy jungle cat and civet roam. Here Project Tiger is actively pursuing conservation projects in the park, increasing the chance of seeing a tiger.
Day 6 KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Another day of morning and afternoon shared game safaris looking for sloth bear, swamp deer, bison and the elusive leopard. Feel the echoes of Kipling's books as you wander through the lightly wooded grassland where wolf and dhole lie in wait.
Day 7 KANHA NATIONAL PARK - PENCH NATIONAL PARK
Begin the day driving to Pench National Park for another chance to spot wildlife in another one of India's superb tiger parks. Species who call the park home include leopard, porcupine, hyena, and barking deer. There are over 210 species of birds - including peafowl, magpie robin and crimson breasted barbet.
Day 8 PENCH NATIONAL PARK
Pench lies at the foot of the Satpura range with undulating terrain - small hills, open grass meadows and dense forests. Spend the morning and afternoon exploring the park in search of sloth bear, gaur, nilgai, wild dog, chausingha, jackals, rhesus macaque and flying squirrels.
Day 9 PENCH NATIONAL PARK - SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
After an early breakfast, drive to Satpura National Park (6-7 hrs) where you will be able to rest and enjoy one of India's more unique parks. Satpura is one of the least visited of India's Parks, yet offers some of the best safari experiences - including kayaking and walking, allowing you to get closer to nature than ever. This evening relax on a boat safari on the River Denwa, listening out for the sounds of the creatures of the night.
Day 10 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
Spend the morning and afternoon on a game drive of Satpura, or you can go for a jungle walk. The landscape is rugged with narrow gorges, deep ravines, dense forests and supports a vast number of mammals including the tiger, leopard, bison and wild dog.
Day 11 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
Another full day with morning and afternoon game drives. Alternatively, there are other activities you can choose from in the area, like a night safari in the buffer zone, owl watching, a village walk, open country bird watching or just driving out to enjoy sundowners in a scenic spot.
Day 12 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK - BHOPAL - DELHI
In the morning drive to Bhopal, the journey will take approximately 3.5 hrs. Board the afternoon Shatabdi Express train to Delhi before checking into your airport hotel.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, Delhi
Located at just a 7-minute drive from the Delhi International Airport - Pullman New Delhi Aerocity offers 6 restaurants and bars, a full service spa and salon, and an outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The air-conditioned rooms feature Bose sound link II, flat-screen satellite TV and Espresso Coffee Machines. It also has a minibar and tea/coffee maker. The private four-fixture bathroom comes with shower. Dining options include Pluck, a modern day eatery with an in-house farm. It has a unique Tea Deli concept that showcases a selection of Indian and International teas. Honk serves Pan Asian delicacies while Pling is a lounge bar. Refreshing beverages can be enjoyed at the all-day Café Pluck. Food Exchange is a multi-cuisine restaurant and Quoin, a modern bar that offers exquisite wines and cocktails.
Kanha Earth Lodge, Kanha National Park
Using locally sourced materials, the award winning Kanha Earth Lodge provides the perfect balance between a lodge that blends into the beautiful surrounding natural landscape, yet is still equipped with amenities and furnishings to provide a comfortable stay. Contributing 25% of all proceeds to conservation activities and using eco-friendly practises and construction, has allowed the lodge to receive several environmental standards awards. The lodge offers 12 open-fronted luxury cottages, each designed with traditional Gond architecture, using only natural and locally obtained materials. The bedrooms have dressing rooms, writing tables and chairs, are air conditioned and have a large balcony with uninterrupted forest views. The main building is rustic, yet infused with modern touches that make it a lovely and comfortable place to relax. The lodge also has a library, an eco-shop and an infinity edge swimming pool. The very best of local, fresh produce is used at Kanha Earth Lodge to create a delectable array of local and international cuisine which can be enjoyed in the dining hall or in designated bush dinner areas. Activities including bird walking, nature trails, cycling tours, market visits, jeep safaris and village visits and craft workshops.
Pench Tree Lodge, Pench Tiger Reserve
Pench Tree Lodge offers a unique boutique experience, set in one of the least explored areas of the Pench National Park. Located in the picturesque village of Sarahiri, the lodge offer it's guests proximity to the Karamajhiri Gate, and closer home, access to 16 hectares of private forested land to explore and observe the occasional wildlife at close quarters. While at the lodge, the Tree Houses offer a serene slice of wildlife heaven, perched 18 feet high up on a tree, surrounded by undisturbed rolling acres of jungle shrub and trees. Made of Sal wood, the treehouses feature a private verandah, a large four poster bed, mosquito netting, air conditioning, an en suite bathroom and a tea/coffee pantry. The six tree houses are private cocoons yet are an easy distance from the dining and the recreational spaces. The lodge is passionate about sustainability and conservation. The team at the lodge is exceptionally well trained in the local flora/fauna and are happy to share personal wilderness experiences and facts to enrich your stay. Activities from the lodge include nature walking and cycling, jeep safaris, village walks and bush dinners.
Kings Lodge, Bandhavgarh National Park
Situated in a small tribal village, in a large natural forest estate on the edge of Bandhavgarh National Park, is the Kings Lodge. Only a ten-minute drive from the National Park gate, tiger country has never been more accessible. The lodge is committed to local conservation and community projects through village visits, village bamboo weaving workshops, eco-friendly construction and eco sensitive waste disposal systems. The lodge itself is designed to blend into the natural surroundings of the forest and features 10 cottage rooms and 8 stilt cottage rooms with a modern en-suite bathroom, air conditioning and large verandahs overlooking the forests. Communal areas include a well-stocked natural history library, an inviting swimming pool with sun deck, a charming restaurant, an outdoor grill and barbeque, a watch tower and an in-house spa offering basic Ayurvedic treatments. Please note, Bandhavgarh National Park is closed every Wednesday afternoon. The lodge will arrange birdwatching walks or village visits outside the park.
Denwa Backwater Escape, Satpura National Park
Denwa Backwater Escape overlooks the backwaters of the Denwa River dam, on the edge of Satpura National Park. Surrounded by 10 acres of forest and grassland, the lodge melts into the landscape due to its construction using local and recycled materials. The epicentre is the main building and eco-friendly pool and guests stay in eight deluxe cottages and two tree houses, all with fantastic views of the river. All accommodation features air conditioning, 24 hour hot and cold water and a power back up system. Cottages have a terrace that can also be used to sleep on upon request. The dining hall on the riverside serves a variety of Indian, continental and local cuisines. An experienced team of in house English speaking naturalists lead safaris into Satpura, as well as cycling, boating, nature walks, kayaking and night safaris.
Hotel Rating
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Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN INDIA
Check out our group tours in India
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to India. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in India