Wild Central India
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
The jungles and hills of Central India provide a stunning backdrop to this journey. 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 in luxury and style – with nearly ...
The jungles and hills of Central India provide a stunning backdrop to this journey. 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 in luxury and style – with nearly all meals included. Beginning in Mumbai, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy the cultural and historic highlights of old Bombay, before flying on to Nagpur, your gateway into Tadoba and Kanha National Parks, two of India’s most famous tiger reserves. Morning and afternoon game drives provide an ideal opportunity to search for tigers, leopards and a myriad of other wildlife, before a drive journey on to the remote Satpura National Park. Here you’ll have a chance to enjoy walking safaris and river trips, before continuing on to Bhopal, where the magnificent UNESCO treasures of the Bhimbetka cave paintings and the stunning Buddhist stupas at Sanchi await. A final stop at the stunning Ahilya Fort on the banks of the Narmada River offers a suitably atmospheric finale to this wonderful Central Indian odyssey.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE MUMBAI
Day 1 ARRIVE MUMBAI
Arriving in Mumbai today you'll transfer to your hotel for a chance to freshen up, before taking a short, guided tour of the city this afternoon. The tour will take in some of Mumbai's cultural highlights including one of the city's historic landmarks, the Gateway of India. Time allowing you'll also take in Mumbai's impressive High Court buildings and its scenic Marine Drive, visit the Hanging Gardens and the Dhobi Ghat and have some time to explore its vibrant markets and bazaars.
Day 2 MUMBAI - NAGPUR - TADOBA ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE
Day 2 MUMBAI - NAGPUR - TADOBA ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE
Fly to Nagpur this morning, from where you'll continue the journey to Tadoba by road.
Day 3 TADOBA ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE
Day 3 TADOBA ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE
Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park, the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve covers over 625 square kilometres. One of India's renowned 'Project Tiger' reserves, the park is home to a rich array of wildlife including wild dogs, marsh crocodiles, leopards, sloth bears, nearly 200 species of birds and one of the largest populations of tigers in India. Today you'll enjoy both morning and afternoon jeep safaris in the park.
Day 4 TADOBA ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE
Day 4 TADOBA ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE
Another early morning game drive will be followed by breakfast and a chance to relax back at the resort. After a leisurely lunch, you'll then be taken back into the park for your second game drive of the day, providing another chance hopefully to catch sight of some of Tadoba's magnificent Bengal tigers.
Day 5 TADOBA ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE - KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Day 5 TADOBA ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE - KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Transferring by private vehicle, you will spend the day enjoying a scenic drive on to Kanha today, traversing a mix of forested roads and lush hill country as you make your way into landscapes that provided the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's “Jungle Book” stories. Breaking the journey for tea and refreshments in Rookhad and Mandla en route, you'll arrive at your lodge later this afternoon.
Day 6 KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Day 6 KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Another of India's famed tiger reserves, Kanha National Park is home to a significant population of Bengal tigers, as well as leopards, wild dogs, swamp deer and Indian guar, which are the largest of the park's wild animals. Today you will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through the lush sal and bamboo forests of what is the largest national park in Central India.
Day 7 KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Day 7 KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy another day of morning and afternoon game drives on shared basis in the park. Aside from its more famous residents, the park is also home to hyenas, sloth bears, jungle cats and even Indian wolves, although these are an increasingly rare sight amongst the grasslands and ravines these days.
Day 8 KANHA - SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
Day 8 KANHA - SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
After being picked up from your lodge this morning, you will be transferred on to Satpura by road, a journey of some six to seven hours. On arrival you will then be driven on to the Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, where you will spend the next three nights.
Day 9 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
Day 9 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
A rugged mix of sandstone peaks, narrow gorges and dense forest, the Satpura National Park is incredibly rich in bio-diversity. Home to over 1300 species of plants and healthy populations of tigers, leopards, wild dogs and sloth bears, the park is also a haven for the rare Indian giant squirrel. This morning you'll take a jeep safari through the park, before spending the afternoon enjoying a chance to experience a canoeing trip or a boat safari along the Denwa River.
Day 10 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
Day 10 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
A morning's walking safari provides a chance to really get a flavour of this stunning national reserve, before you set off in the jeeps again this afternoon to explore a little farther afield. One of the park's more unusual attractions are the black bucks, which have all but disappeared from many of the other parks around the country. You may also spot the odd pangolin and marsh crocodile as you drive through, so keep your eyes open.
Day 11 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK - BHIMBETKA - BHOPAL
Day 11 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK - BHIMBETKA - BHOPAL
After a chance to experience an early morning safari, you'll return to the lodge for breakfast before departing for Bhopal. The journey takes you by way of the World Heritage cave paintings at Bhimbetka, the second oldest in the world. Set amongst the forests of the Satpura Mountains, these remarkable caves represent the earliest record of life in India. You'll also stop in Bhojpur, on the banks of the River Betwa, to visit the famous remains of its magnificent Shiva temple, before completing the journey to Bhopal.
Day 12 BHOPAL
Day 12 BHOPAL
This morning set off north to Sanchi to visit this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sanchi is one of the most iconic Buddhist sites in the country and even features on the currency. From here you will then continue on to the stunning Udayagiri Caves ("Risen Mountain"), one of India's most important archaeological sites and yet far less visited. Return to Bhopal where you can enjoy some lunch, before setting off to explore the old city. Here you will visit the crumbing Taj Mahal and Taj-ul-Masajid, the largest mosque in India. This mosque is said to accommodate 10,000 devotees at prayer time and is similar in design and architecture to the Jama Masjid in Delhi. It was commissioned by one of the female rulers of Bhopal, Begum Shah Jahan. After visiting the mosques, continue to discover the surrounding bazaars which are full of colour, history and character.
Day 13 BHOPAL - MAHESHWAR
Day 13 BHOPAL - MAHESHWAR
Today is a long drive as you make your way to Maheshwar, a journey of some 300 kilometres. You will pass by numerous interesting towns and villages along the way.
Day 14 MAHESHWAR
Day 14 MAHESHWAR
Lying on the northern banks of the Narmada River, Maheshwar was once the capital of the Malwa region during the Maratha Holkar reign. Today provides a chance to soak up a little of its cultural charm, with some local sightseeing. You'll take a boat trip on the Narmada River, pay a visit to the Rehwa Society and the Ahilya School and spend some time exploring the local markets and temples.
Day 15 MAHESHWAR
Day 15 MAHESHWAR
This morning you will explore the deserted citadel of Mandu, a great historical site, rich in fascinating history and medieval buildings set amidst stunning landscape. The site is set inside an enormous fortified hilltop, surrounded by deep ravines at the edge of the Malwa plateau. This afternoon, after exploring Mandu, you will return to Ahilya Fort where you can enjoy some time at leisure.
Day 16 MAHESHWAR - INDORE - MUMBAI
Day 16 MAHESHWAR - INDORE - MUMBAI
Drive to Indore and fly on to Mumbai to connect with your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar
A gorgeous property - this boutique, heritage hotel makes for a charming escape. Dining is a movable feast, either outside under the grand neem trees, on one of the terraces overlooking the river, or in the Chamber of Winds, overlooking the Narmada River. Your comfort is assured with modern baths and comfortable beds with mosquito nets, yet the traditional simplicity of this 18th century royal dwelling is preserved. For those wishing a quiet sit out, the battlements offer many spots overlooking the broad Narmada River. Each room is quite different, retaining its 18th century ornamentation with concessions made to comfortable beds and luxurious baths.
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Satpura National Park
This is a wonderful property, situated in a picturesque location among deep forest on the fringes of the park, is owned and run by two royal princes of Bhopal and benefits greatly from their presence. Each of the 12 cottages are spaced well apart with high roofs and attractive balconies, indoor and outdoor showers, twin basins and separate loos. The rooms themselves are stylish and spacious, fitted with inverter systems (so when the power fails, your A/C and fan won't stop) and with a pre-order, drinks ice box. And most importantly each room has an assigned butler! The property also has a lovely swimming pool and sun deck, a library and small shop, the proceeds of which go to the local community. There is a large central lodge with lounge and dining areas although dinner is usually served outside. As well as the usual jeep safaris, boat trips and canoe excursions, from here you are also able to enjoy horse rides - on the family's lovely thoroughbreds - day treks through the jungle to ancient temples and cave paintings, mountain biking and village walks. Reni Pani operates predominantly on a jungle plan basis, meaning all meals and activities are included. And here they throw in your alcoholic beverages as well.
Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal
Built in 1890 by the Nawab's second son, Obaidullah Khan, commander-in-chief of the Bhopal state forces, this former royal palace is pretty much what you would expect of a converted heritage hotel. Elegant architecture and character with pretty gardens and walkways. There is even a rather surreal horse track running around an extension of the complex. There are 100 well equipped rooms, split into various categories, and it's probably worth going for one of the higher levels, such as the regal and imperial rooms or suites which are only slightly more expensive but much nicer. There is a nice swimming pool, a modern gym, small spa, charming coffee shop and three restaurants, one of which, the Indian restaurant ‘Under The Mango Tree’, is actually rather good.
Svasara Jungle Resort, Tadoba National Park
At just a stone’s throw away from the Tadoba National Park where the highest density of India’s tigers can be found, the comfortable Svasara Jungle Resort lies on 10 acres of land and is an ideal base for tiger spotting and exploring the wildlife in Tadoba. The 12 spacious suites are clean and comfortable with en suite bathrooms with eco-friendly toiletries, air conditioning, a safe and a private veranda. The restaurant serves local Varadi cuisine as well as traditional Indian and international dishes, and guests can either eat indoors in the dining room or outdoors in the shade of the gazebo. Tadoba is in the dry zone of Maharashtra state and no alcohol is served here.
Abode Boutique Hotel, Mumbai
The Abode is a fantastic option in the heart of Colaba which offers character and quality in the form of a friendly boutique hotel. The property aims to offer its guests a more personal, authentic experience during their stay, providing all the creature comforts and levels of service you can expect from a 5* property but within a beautiful colonial building that celebrates the heritage and bohemia of a bygone era. The 20 elegant rooms are each decorated with vintage furniture and unique works of art which set the property apart from others in the area.
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.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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.
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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.
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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.
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Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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