Overview
At the turn of the 20th century, 100,000 tigers roamed the wilds of Asia, with India home to roughly 40,000 of these magnificent striped beasts. By 1972, that number had dropped to 1,827. Enter Project Tiger, launched by India’s government in 1973 to create national parks as protected havens. Today India has about 3,000 of the big cats (70 percent of the world’s tiger population) in Project Tiger reserves. We invite you to join us for a one-of-a-kind safari that explores four unique Project Tiger reserves, where we’ll search not only for tiger, but also for leopard, sloth bear, spotted deer, dhole (Indian wild dog), and the full diversity of Indian wildlife. Three of the four lodges we stay in are operated by the legendary Sankhala family, close partners with Wilderness Travel. Kailash Sankhala founded Project Tiger and now three generations of his family have served as ambassadors for saving wildlife. As we explore, our Trip Leader and local trackers will get us to the ideal locations to spot wildlife, first in Bandhavgarh, a small national park with a thriving tiger population, then in renowned Kanha, one of the first Project Tiger reserves. We’ll move on to the lush “Kipling country” of Pench National Park, where, if we're lucky, we might catch a glimpse of its leopards and jungle cats, and finish our safari at Reni Pani, a luxury property at Satpura National Park. Satpura is a lesser-known but fascinating reserve where we’ll have the opportunity for guided game walks, village and school visits, and canoeing safaris. As we travel, we’ll get to know our local hosts and learn about the communities they are connected to. India is blessed with wondrous wildlife, dedicated naturalists, and fascinating cultures, and we’ll experience it at its best. Join us!
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-4
Delhi / Bandhavgarh National Park
After an overnight in Delhi, we head to Bandhavgarh, a Project Tiger reserve and one of India’s most beautiful national parks, with its temples and 10th century shrines. It boasts one of the highest densities of tiger anywhere in the world. From our welcoming lodge, we head out for safaris each day by open 4WD vehicle. The mixed forests and grasslands are also home to over 150 species of birds, including golden orioles and purple sunbirds.
Days 5-7
Kanha National Park
The Royal Bengal tiger is a big draw at Kanha, a famous Project Tiger reserve that protects 350 square miles of mixed forests. Kanha is also the home of endangered barasingha (swamp deer), rescued from extinction in a remarkable conservation success story. We have opportunities to visit a local school, and take a cooking lesson at the lodge. We’ll enjoy relaxed dinners, with evening talks by our guide, sharing stories by the fire pit, and stargazing.
Days 8-10
Pench National Park
The beautiful landscape at Pench is known as the fictional home of Mowgli, the main character in Kipling’s The Jungle Book. The park’s name comes from the meandering Pench River, which intersects the reserve, sprawling through a breathtaking mix of dry broadleaf teak forests and tropical deciduous forests. Our award-winning lodge features 10 safari-style en suite tented rooms overlooking the forest.
Days 11-15
Satpura National Park
Our grand finale is a luxury lodge at Satpura National Park, where we might see leopard, four-horned antelope, wild boar, and bear. We’ll have options for guided game walks and canoe safaris. Walks to the local village and primary school are a highlight. Depart on Day 15 via Delhi.
Central India: In the Realm of the Tiger
Highlights
Highlights
Details
4WD game viewing, optional guided game walks, evening game drives, some long drives from lodge to lodge
