Overview
This one-of-a-kind safari visits four of India’s Project Tiger reserves, where we’ll search not only for tiger, but also for leopard, sloth bear, dhole (Indian wild dog), and the endemic barasingha deer. We begin in Bandhavgarh, a small national park with a thriving tiger population, then head to renowned Kanha, which became part of Project Tiger in 1973. Moving to the lush “Kipling country” of Pench National Park, we might, with luck, catch a glimpse of its leopards and jungle cats, and we finish our safari at Reni Pani, a luxury property at Satpura National Park, for game walks, village and school visits, and canoe safaris. As we travel, we’ll be welcomed by our local hosts and the communities they are connected to.
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 by open 4WD vehicle. The forests and grasslands are also home to over 150 species of colorful birds, including golden orioles and purple sunbirds.
Days 5-7
Kanha National Park
The Bengal tiger is the big draw at Kanha, an iconic Project Tiger reserve, but it’s also the only place in the world to see the golden-hued barasingha. This magnificent species of deer, once near-extinct due to poaching, was rescued through remarkable conservation efforts in this park. Kanha recently celebrated the survival of the barasingha by naming it the park’s official mascot. At the lodge, we can take a cooking lesson and visit a local school. In the evenings, we’ll share stories by the fire pit, listen to talks by our guide, and stargaze.
Days 8-10
Pench National Park
The subtropical 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, sprawling through 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. Options include guided game walks and canoe safaris, and 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
