Tigers & Temples – 9 Days

After an early breakfast, transfer to Delhi railway station to board your train to Umaria, the gateway to Bandhavgarh National Park. The train journey offers a fantastic opportunity to see rural India roll past your window. Your naturalist guide will join you on the train to share insights about the park and its inhabitants. On arrival, drive to your luxury jungle lodge set on the edge of the forest. After settling in, enjoy an evening nature walk around the lodge grounds, where you might spot various birds and deer. Over dinner, learn about Bandhavgarh's famous tiger lineages.

Wake up before dawn to the calls of jungle birds. After a quick coffee and biscuits, head out for your first game drive in Bandhavgarh National Park. This former hunting ground of maharajas has one of India's highest tiger densities. Your expert naturalist will help track tigers through signs and alarm calls while pointing out other wildlife like leopards, wild dogs, and various deer species. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation time. In the afternoon, enjoy another game drive through a different zone of the park. Evening wildlife documentary screening at the lodge followed by dinner.

One final morning game drive in Bandhavgarh before departing for Khajuraho (about 5 hours drive). Watch the forest landscape gradually give way to farmland and villages. Arrive at your heritage hotel in Khajuraho by late afternoon. In the evening, attend the spectacular sound and light show at the Western Group of Temples, which introduces you to the history and significance of these magnificent monuments. Dinner at your hotel's restaurant featuring local Bundelkhandi cuisine.

Start early to explore the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Khajuraho before the heat of the day. Your guide will explain the intricate carvings and architecture while keeping the commentary engaging and appropriate. After lunch, drive to Panna National Park (about 1 hour). Check into your riverside lodge and enjoy an afternoon boat ride on the Ken River, spotting crocodiles and waterbirds. Evening talk by a local conservationist about tiger conservation efforts in Panna.

Early morning game drive in Panna National Park, known for its successful tiger reintroduction programme. Besides tigers, look out for sloth bears, wolves, and the Indian gazelle. Return to the lodge for breakfast and a relaxing morning. After lunch, visit a nearby tribal village to learn about their traditional relationship with the forest. Evening game drive focusing on bird life - Panna is home to over 200 bird species including several types of vultures.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Satpura National Park (about 5 hours). This lesser-visited park offers a different kind of Central Indian forest experience. Check into your eco-lodge overlooking the Denwa River. In the afternoon, take a walking safari in the buffer zone - Satpura is one of the few Indian parks that allows this activity. Your naturalist will show you tracks, signs, and the smaller creatures often missed from a vehicle. Evening cooking demonstration of local tribal recipes at the lodge.

Start your day with a jeep safari in Satpura, looking for sloth bears, leopards, and the unique Indian giant squirrel. Return for breakfast and spend the late morning at the lodge's pool or natural history library. After lunch, enjoy a canoe ride on Tawa Reservoir, offering a unique perspective on the park's wildlife. Final evening game drive followed by a farewell dinner under the stars, sharing highlights from your wildlife adventure.

After breakfast, transfer to Bhopal airport (about 4 hours) for your flight to Delhi, connecting with your international flight home. Take with you incredible memories of India's wildlife and ancient temples.