India Tiger Safari

16 Days Starting and ending in Delhi

Visiting: Delhi, Pench National Park, Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Agra

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

WIW

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $4800 $4572 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$228

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Bengal tigers are a highly seductive class-A predator; they are also desperately endangered. Seeing one in the wild is intoxicating, which is why this comprehensive safari visits three of the best tiger parks in India. Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh national parks are all ideal for viewing both predator and prey, and with 15 game drives included the chances of seeing the magnificent Bengal tiger are greatly increased. There are many other animals to see, too, but tigers remain top of the agenda throughout.

Highlights

  • Immersive yourself in the wilds of India on an in-depth tiger-watching adventure

  • Maximise your chances of seeing a Bengal tiger with 15 game drives across three national parks

  • Search for other wildlife: leopards, sloth bears, monkeys and more

  • Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, a New Wonder of the World

  • Support the TOFTigers campaign to protect biodiversity and restore habitats

Places You'll See

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, India

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Hotel Amrapali Grand (or similar) – Changing to Hotel Deventure for all 2024 departures

The group flight arrives at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and we transfer to our hotel approximately 30 minutes away. You can normally check in around midday. Those not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your airport transfer.



There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, your Leader will advise the time and location on your arrival (the information will also be posted in the hotel lobby).



Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)

Day 2 : Fly To Nagpur; Transfer To Pench National Park

Location: Pench National Park

Accommodation Name: Pench Jungle Camp (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

The group will transfer to Delhi Domestic Airport for a flight (around 1hr 40min) to Nagpur. The drive to Pench National Park, where your safari adventures begin, will take approximately three hours.



Accommodation: Pench Jungle Camp (or similar)

Day 3 - 4 : Four Game Drives Over Two Days In Pench National Park

Location: Pench National Park

Accommodation Name: Pench Jungle Camp (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend two days exploring Pench National Park in the lower southern reaches of the Satpuda hills. It provided inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book and marks our first chance to see our very own Shere Khan.



This designated tiger reserve is home to around 45 Bengal tigers, plus leopards, wolves, monkeys, deer, and nilgai (the largest antelope in Asia). Our two days include four game drives, in which we’ll keep our eyes peeled for the incredible creatures that live here.



Accommodation: Pench Jungle Camp (or similar)

Day 5 : Transfer To Kanha National Park

Location: Kanha National Park

Accommodation Name: Celebration Van Vilas (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We depart in the morning and drive to Kanha National Park. Although the distance is not far, the journey usually takes approximately four hours. On arrival, there is time to relax by the pool and share wildlife stories with your fellow travellers.



Accommodation: Celebration Van Vilas (or similar)

Day 6 - 8 : Five Game Drives Over Three Days In Kanha National Park

Location: Kanha National Park

Accommodation Name: Celebration Van Vilas (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Created in 1974, Kanha National Park is often described as the greatest wildlife reserve in India – during our time here, we go on five game drives to explore it.



The park is vast, encompassing expansive grasslands, plateaus and dramatic rocky escarpments that house hundreds of wildlife species. The tiger population – which currently numbers around 500 – has been affected by poaching in recent years but the huge abundance of animals makes the game drives a memorable experience.



Accommodation: Celebration Van Vilas (or similar)

Day 9 : Transfer To Bandhavgarh National Park

Location: Bandhavgarh National Park

Accommodation Name: Nature Heritage Resort (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Kanha National Park after breakfast and drive to Bandhavgarh, stopping en route for refreshments. This journey will take approximately six to seven hours. On arrival there is free time to settle in.



Accommodation: Nature Heritage Resort (or similar)

Day 10 - 12 : Six Game Drives Over Three Days In Bandhavgarh National Park

Location: Bandhavgarh National Park

Accommodation Name: Nature Heritage Resort (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Bandhavgarh is one of the smaller national parks and enjoys an impressive setting with a cliff-top fort overlooking grasslands, birch forests and bamboo.



It is home to a wide variety of game, including leopards, sloth bears, jungle cats, wild pigs and, of course, tigers. The healthy tiger population of approximately 60-70 means this park has the highest tiger density of any reserve in India. The park also hosts up to 150 bird species including many on the migratory trail, such as the steppe eagle. During our stay, we embark on six games drives.



Accommodation: Nature Heritage Resort (or similar)

Day 13 : Drive To Katni; Overnight Train To Agra

Location: Agra

Accommodation Name: Overnight sleeper train

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we drive for approximately three hours to Katni Railway Station. We stop for refreshments, conveniences and photo opportunities along the way. In the evening, we catch the overnight train to Agra.



Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train

Day 14 : Arrive Agra; Visit Agra Fort; Sunset At The Taj Mahal

Location: Agra

Accommodation Name: Royal Regent Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arriving in Agra in the morning, we transfer to our hotel. No stay in Agra would be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor – the white marble exterior changing colour according to the position of the sun. Nearby is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque, palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains.



Please note: In December and January, our Taj Mahal visit is earlier in the afternoon to avoid fog that can limit visibility during sunset.



Accommodation: Royal Regent Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 : Drive To Delhi, Visiting Elephant Conservation Centre En Route

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Hotel Amrapali Grand (or similar) – Changing to Hotel Deventure for all 2024 departures

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we begin our journey (approximately four to five hours) back to Delhi, stopping on the outskirts of Agra to visit and support Wildlife SOS. Their work is dedicated to rescuing and caring for sloth bears and elephants. At the Agra Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, we meet an education officer to learn about their vital work and commitment to rehabilitating abused elephants and advocating for their conservation through public awareness campaigns. We take a tour and see some of the rescued elephants and hear their stories.After this informative visit, we resume our drive to Delhi and check into our hotel. It’s your last night together so the tour leader can help to arrange a group dinnerAccommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)

Day 16 : End Delhi

Location: Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our adventure draws to a close after breakfast.



Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport. If you are not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your return airport transfer. Alternatively, if you’d like a little more time in Delhi, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts and 11 dinners included

  • All accommodation

  • All transport as per itinerary

  • All entrance fees and activities as per itinerary

  • 15 Game Drives, including park fees

  • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Single supplement

Food

Breakfast and 11 dinners are included.



Allow around 1,400 - 2,400 rupees (US$20-US$35) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In Agra and Delhi, there is a good choice of restaurants and a selection of Indian and Western food. If you are a vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations to travel to with a wide range of dishes on offer. Please note, there are usually some non-spicy curries while we’re at the national parks, but these are in limited supply. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large) bottle of beer is approximately 600 rupees (US$7). Mineral water is widely available. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow.

Accommodation

On our search for tigers, we spend 14 nights in hotels and lodges and one night on an air-conditioned sleeper train. The accommodation typically used is on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable places we stay on this trip.



Kanha National Park: Celebration Van Vilas (nights 5-8)







Just moments from the park entrance, Celebration Van Vilas is ideally placed for our exploration of Kanha. When you’re not out wildlife watching, take a refreshing dip in the pool or treat yourself to an Ayurvedic treatment in the spa. There’s also an outdoor yoga-meditation space, plus a gym and hot tub.



Bandhavgarh National Park: Nature Heritage Resort (nights 9-12)







Immerse yourself in the wilds of India at Nature Heritage Resort, which is just moments from Bandhavgarh National Park. We stay in air-conditioned cottages with views from the balcony over the Vindhyachal hills. There are also two multi-cuisine restaurants serving produce from local farms, plus a swimming pool with loungers. At night, our groups often gather around the campfire, swapping stories about the day’s wildlife sightings.



Katni to Agra: Overnight train (night 13)



Experience an icon of travel: the Indian sleeper train! Our journey takes us from Katni to Agra, skipping the long drive, while also allowing us to interact with the local people and sample the snacks often sold on board. The accommodation is basic: we normally stay in two-tier sleepers, the compartments sectioned off from the aisle by privacy curtains. Seats are allocated at the time the tickets are issued, so the whole group isn’t always together; however, our tour leader is an expert at making the journey as hassle-free as possible and will regularly check in with you.



Worth knowing



Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.

On the rare occasion a lodge/hotel is overbooked, the accommodation in national parks will be in fixed safari tents, which are fitted with electric lights and an attached toilet with shower with hot and cold water readily available.

It’s common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.

Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated.

Single accommodation excludes sleeper trains.

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Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Land of the Tigers

A trip that I would recommend to anyone that enjoys wildlife unless they have back problems (it is impossible to avoid the pot holes in the Indian roads)

LAND OF THE TIGER

Land of the Tiger  Tourists expect, travellers experience. Of nowhere is this more true than India.Unpack preconceptions and expectations, replace them with a sense of adventure and a sense of humour!The busy streets teem with life and colour. Ox carts brush flank to wing with limousines, brightly painted trucks play chicken with cycle rickshaws.The flaming flash of tigers moving proudly through the jungle, confident in their own superiority.  Langours lazing languorously in the sun, bemused by four wheeled creatures with clicking cameras. Leopards, deer, jungle cats, wild dogs and jackals. Beautiful birds in blues and greens decorate the trees.All this and the Taj Mahal. A timely reminder of the amazing skills of the Indian artisans. Forts and temples beautifully preserved.Accommodation from 5 star luxury, through to simple lodges, in stunning surroundings, to a basic couple of nights on a train!Throw in the colour and fun (?) of Holi Festival. A warning here for ladies with blonde locks, they will end up pink!A truly wonderful and memorable trip.

LAND OF THE TIGER

Brilliant trip, everything we wanted and more. Lots of tigers and other wildlife, an enthusiastic and knowledgable guide, great accomodation and great food. And despite being wildelife focused we felt we got a taste of life in India too.

LAND OF THE TIGER

This trip is well worth doing if you want to try and see tigers in the wild where they belong. We didn't see any tigers for the first few game drives, but keep looking.....there is no guarantee but I saw a tiger cub 4 months old, an adult male asleep in the grass, a female adult in another park, then the last drive was the absolute best, 3 tigers cubs 15 to 18 months old about 10 metres from our jeep the most awe inspiring part of my trip and made it all worthwhile. But the trip as a whole is wonderful. Sightseeing tour in Delhi was great and so interesting.

LAND OF THE TIGER

Tremendous. Abundant wildlife with highlight of Tigers, Taj Mahal and lots of memories

LAND OF THE TIGER

This was a last minute booking, which absolutely came up to my expectations.

LAND OF THE TIGER

This was a great trip for seeing Tigers in the wild a very enjoyable couple of weeks , a good mix of adventure , relaxation and culture , for the first time visitor to India it certainly gives a good insight to local life but at the same time mainly focusing on the safari's , the Tigers and wildlife !! Our group had some great sightings we saw 17 Tigers including cubs ...An amazing time ....

Wonderful variety of wildlife in stunning scenery

We went on the 15 prearranged game drives plus two extra ones at end January/start of February. We saw leopard at Pench on two drives, but not elsewhere. Saw tiger(s) at each of the three NPs on 7 of our 17 game drives, which is maybe fewer sightings than some other reports in April. What made this trip special for me was the overall variety of stunning wildlife & scenery. 18 different mammals seen & 81 different bird species. The variety of habitats with open grassland & wetland/freshwater greatly added to the interest. The standard of accommodation was very good (except for the first night at the Bloom Hotel) even at the NP lodges, despite the terrible air pollution (see below).

LAND OF THE TIGER

Beautiful game parks, fantastic wildlife, good accommodation. Altogether a great experience.

LAND OF THE TIGER

This is not a trip for cissies! Early starts, long bus and train journeys, heat, dust, cold, and sometimes days without sight of a tiger (plus the dreaded Delhi belly) – this is a trip that involves hard graft. But the rewards, if you see tigers, are beyond compare. We were fortunate enough to see 11 tigers and those moments will live in my memory bank forever. Equally, we endured the disappointment of four back-to-back drives in Bandhavgarh without seeing a single stripe. You have to be prepared for both eventualities. However, one of my favourite drives in Kanha was when we saw no tigers but witnessed a whole range of wildlife including Barasingha, jackals, jungle cats, Gaur, deer, wild boar, wild dogs, monkeys and a spectacular array of birds

Read all 101 reviews

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