Taj, Tigers & Time Out

On arrival in Delhi, the hub of India's vast plains, there is a little time to see some of its highlights such as the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid and perhaps main avenues such as the Raj Path. The next day an early express train takes you down to Agra in a couple of hours. Here you will have a guided tour to the beautiful Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. There is also some time to explore the city if you wish. That evening you will board the overnight train to Katni in Central India. As an alternative to the train you could return to Delhi to overnight before flying to Jabalpur for the 3h drive to Bandhavgarh.

After experiencing a night on board the train you arrive in rural India and a short transfer takes you to your lodge at Bandhavgarh National Park. Safaris in search of tigers and other wildlife start that evening having given you some time to rest during the day from your journey. Safaris here, like at Kanha may be taken on elephant back as well as by 4x4 vehicle. Tigers, leopards, wolf and dhole or wild dog are the key predator species.

The next days are spent in Bandhavgarh with morning and evening safari activities and some relaxation time during the hottest part of the day. You will continue in a similar pattern after a lovely countryside meander to reach Kanha National Park. Kanha is perhaps the best of the tiger reserves and safaris in India do not get much better than the experiences in this vast park of forest, hills and plains; considered by many to be amongst the most spectacular protected wildlife reserves in the world. Kipling's 'Jungle Book' tales come alive here and you should almost certainly see tigers and there are possibilities to see swamp deer or barasingha, sloth bear, leopard, many chital deer and birds such as the beautiful paradise flycatcher.

Another journey through the village and forests brings you to Pench National Park. This scenic reserve covered in prime teak forest and grassland nestles in the undulating terrain of the Satpura Range and is drained by the Pench and Wainganga rivers. The density of prey including gaur, ensures this small tiger reserve has a good population of tigers and other predators and over 250 species of birds that include Malabar pied hornbills, painted storks, crested serpent eagles, oriental honey and white-eyed buzzards to name just a few.

Leaving central India behind you fly down to the coconut palm-backed beaches of Kerala. After an easy transfer to your hotel you are free to relax for a few days to enjoy the vast expanses of tropical beach and the delicious Keralan cuisine. A fine and fitting way to end a diverse and contrasting tour of India.

October - May

Highlight species

	Leopard
	Sloth Bear
	Elephant
	Buffalo

Key species

Cost from £

Please contact us for a cost for when you wish to travel.

Our trips are almost always tailored to your requirements, we'll make small changes or alter the itinerary completely for you. For instance we get many requests to slow down the pace of a trip.

Departure Dates

Any day to your requirements.

Difficulty

An easy safari with game drives each day.

Flights

Direct flights on British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and other carriers, or via Middle Eastern and European hubs on airlines, some with regional departures possible.

Time

GMT +5.5 hours

Ending the safari you could alternatively head to the beaches of Goa or the Maldives.

Alternatively continue your safari in Sri Lanka and end with some relaxation there too.