Unknown India - Tadoba & Satpura

Tour Code: IND41

A 12-day holiday in search of the birds and mammals of central India's lesser-known national parks and Tiger Reserves – Tadoba, Pench and Satpura – plus an optional extension to Kanha National Park.

12 days from
£3,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£3,495
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Tadoba-Andhari and Satpura Tiger Reserves attract few overseas visitors and yet are wildlife-rich, which qualifies them as true ‘little-known gems’! After a flight to Nagpur, our first destination on this holiday is Tadoba, home to as many as 60 Tigers, Sloth Bear and a wealth of other mammals and birds. After a 3-night stay at Tadoba we’ll drive to Pench National Park, one of the most reliable parks to see Tiger and in the region of India that inspired Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’. Next we travel to Satpura Tiger Reserve, which we’ll explore by boat, Jeep and on foot hoping to encounter Rufous-bellied Hawk Eagle, Malabar Hornbill and mammals such as Malabar Giant Squirrel, among many other species, before concluding our tour at Bhopal.

  • Avoid sprawling cities, crowds, long train journeys & domestic flights on this tour
  • Visit superb, yet little-known, wildlife parks where we may be the only tourists
  • A holiday designed to minimise travel times & maximise time within reserves
  • Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Dhole, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat & Chousingha at Tadoba
  • Visit Pench National Park, location for the BBC’s ‘Spy in the Jungle’ Tiger documentary
  • Barking Deer, Grey Langur, Asiatic Jackal, Nilgai & Dhole possible at Pench
  • Walking safari in Satpura to look for a wealth of birdlife, Sloth Bear & other wildlife
  • Visit the 10,000-year-old rock shelters at Bhopal
  • Led by expert local naturalist guides

Grading

This is a wildlife tour that includes walking safaris in the hilly terrain of Satpura.

These days, Tiger tourism in India is big business, and the numbers of overseas tourists visiting such well-known reserves as Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore and Kanha are unavoidably high. This exciting wildlife tour to central India, however, focuses on the lesser-known national parks and Project Tiger ‘Tiger reserves’, notably Satpura. On this tour you will also benefit from the ease and convenience of flying right into the heart of central India’s ‘Tiger country’, as we use the scheduled service of Qatar Airways from London to Nagpur, the capital of Maharashtra, via Doha. In so doing, we not only offer the wildlife enthusiast the ultimate luxury — a holiday to India that largely avoids sprawling cities, huge crowds, long train journeys, domestic flights, etc! — but we also minimise travelling times and maximise the time we may spend in these little-known reserves.

On our arrival in Nagpur we overnight in the city before taking a 3-hour drive to the relatively little-known Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, situated in the Chandrapur District of Maharashtra. The reserve, spanning over 625 square kilometres, incorporates both Tadoba National Park (which became Maharashtra’s first national park in 1955) and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, and became one of India’s 28 Project Tiger reserves as recently as 1993. Its hills support a dense tropical dry deciduous forest, largely made up of Teak and bamboo, carved by the Andhari River. As many as 60 Tigers are reputed to survive here, plus a great many other mammals such as Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Dhole (Asian Wild Dog), Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat and Chousingha (the Four-horned Antelope), not to mention a rich birdlife. 

After three nights in Tadoba, a 5-hour drive brings us to Pench National Park. This previously little-known reserve was the setting for the popular BBC TV series ‘Tiger — Spy in the Jungle’, narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Designated as Project Tiger’s 19th Tiger Reserve in 1992, Pench today protects 758 square kilometres of prime Tiger habitat in the southern reaches of the Satpura Hills which lie in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts, the region which inspired Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’.  The pools along the seasonal Pench River and a large dam provide the primary watering holes for Tigers and all other wildlife. Elsewhere the terrain is rugged and the region’s hills are cloaked in both southern moist deciduous forest and extensive dry, deciduous forest, dominated by Teak. Gaur, Wild Boar and Grey Langurs are common here, as are Sambar, Spotted and Barking Deer. With luck we might also see Asiatic Jackal, Nilgai and Dhole, or even a Leopard which are generally seen in the peripheral areas of the park where they are able more easily to avoid Tigers.

Next we travel to Satpura Tiger Reserve, which we will not only explore by Jeep and boat, but also, most significantly, on foot — the walking safaris that we are able to do in Satpura not being possible in most of India’s other Tiger Reserves. Only on foot is it possible to observe, appreciate, learn about and interpret the finest details of the jungle and its natural history — the smells, sounds, signs and tracks of so thrilling an environment as the home of the Tiger and so many other species, where wildlife encounters on foot are among the most memorable. This is by far the best way to enjoy a wealth of birdlife (perhaps a Rufous-bellied Hawk Eagle or Malabar Pied Hornbill) and offers a chance of such smaller mammals such as Malabar Giant Squirrel, as well as many of the larger mammals that we will have seen in Tadoba and Pench.

After spending four memorable nights in Satpura we drive to Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, visiting the 10,000-yearold rock shelters of Bhimbetka en route. We overnight in Bhopal before our return flight to London, via Mumbai. For those wishing to extend their stay in India, or wishing also to visit one of the mainstream Tiger Reserves, we recommend taking advantage of our optional extension to Kanha National Park, perhaps the best place in the world in which to see a Tiger, plus a wide range of other mammals and birds.

 

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Depart London
Day 2/4
Arrive Nagpur; Tadoba National Park
Day 5/6
Pench National Park
Day 7/10
Satpura National Park
Day 11
Transfer Bhopal; fly Mumbai
Day 12
Fly London
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation: Tourist hotels, Nagpur and Bhopal; comfortable lodges elsewhere. All rooms have private facilities.
  • Food: All included in the price.
Reviews
Extensions

Extensions

Kanha

5 days from £1,495
View Details
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 19th Mar – Sun 30th Mar FULL £4,495
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£995
Wed 12th Nov – Sun 23rd Nov SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£995

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 4th Feb – Sun 15th Feb SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£995
Wed 18th Mar – Sun 29th Mar SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£995
Wed 11th Nov – Sun 22nd Nov SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£995 
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Tiger Safaris – Unparalleled 100% Record of Success


Naturetrek has nearly 30 years of experience leading Tiger watching holidays to the Indian subcontinent. With a 100% record of success on our top tours, we’ve shown Tigers to more people than any other wildlife specialists.


Arguably the most iconic and charismatic species on the planet, this enigmatic big cat is a vision of natural perfection. The opportunity to observe the animal in its natural habitat on a dedicated Tiger watching tour is at the top of many people's wildlife wish lists. With almost three decades of expertise leading in India, and the widest range of itineraries available, we have a Tiger tour to suit all interests.


We visit some of the most wildlife-rich reserves in this astonishingly diverse country. Accompanied by the best local naturalist guides and enjoying the security and intimate experiences that come with small group travel, participants enjoy the ultimate thrill of encountering these magnificent wild animals in their own environment.


Superb Tiger Watching with Naturetrek


As the leading operator of natural history tours in India, Naturetrek has a long and proud tradition of enabling clients to experience the very best wildlife viewing opportunities in the subcontinent. Over the past three decades, many hundreds of nature lovers have enjoyed the benefits of our renowned small group itineraries to gain multiple sightings of this beautiful animal in the wild.


Our professionally organised tours take in some of the most famous and wildlife-rich reserves in India, including Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Panna National Parks. Our expert naturalist guides provide the best opportunities for sightings of a wide range of species in these spectacular natural environments.


Two other fantastic national parks – Tadoba and Satpura – can be visited on optional extensions to several of our top Tiger tours. Tadoba is an excellent Tiger watching destination, while Satpura is renowned for intimate encounters with Sloth Bear, Leopard and Dhole (Indian Wild Dog); the park also offers walking safaris and night game drives.


Some of the reasons our tours are so successful:


    

  • 100% sightings on our four top safaris in the last five years
    • 

  • Small groups escorted by India’s best naturalist guides
    • 

  • Up-to-date information from wildlife reserves
    • 

  • Scrupulous attention to detail in choosing a high standard of accommodation
    • 

  • Excellent local guides monitor the animals’ movement daily to ensure the best sightings
    • 



What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek Tiger holiday?


    

  • A comfortable lodge within a convenient distance from the reserve
    • 

  • Twice-daily excursions by vehicle (or by foot in Satpura) into the reserves
    • 

  • A focus on sightings of this wonderful big cat, while also enjoying culture and other wildlife
    • 

  • The enjoyment of like-minded travelling companions in a small group
    • 



Further information on when, where, and how to see Tigers can be found here.




Our specialist recommends...







"I’d recommend our Tiger Marathon tour, which takes you straight into the heart of the jungle on a 13-day safari that combines Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna National Parks, four of India's finest reserves. Since we began the tour we've had 100% sightings! Alternatively, our Tiger Direct itinerary encompasses less travel and also has 100% success rate.” 

Rajan Jolly - Operations Manager




  


All Tiger Tours

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Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists


The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.


Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours


We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.


The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:



Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection


Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.


 




Our specialist recommends...






"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader




  


 


All Birdwatching Tours

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Mammal Watching Holidays


Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.


Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours


Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.


Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:



Bargain mammal selection


We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.




Our specialist recommends...







"Africa is perhaps the greatest continent for mammal-watching. I would recommend 'Botswana’s Desert & Delta (Mammals)' for combining stunning scenery and wildlife. We also offer a tour to Uganda which includes a chance to see Mountain Gorillas. And India, along with Tigers, has a superb variety of mammals. Closer to home, short breaks to Spain in search of Wolves and Iberian Lynx are hard to beat.”

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager




  


All Mammal Watching Tours

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Big Cat Safari Holidays


Big cats are among the most admired and sought-after mammals on the planet, and we are proud to offer a broad and comprehensive range of big cat safari holidays. We offer inspiring and truly memorable wildlife tours to enjoy sightings of all of the world’s iconic species in their natural habitats, including Tigers in India and Nepal, Jaguars in the Pantanal, Pumas in Chile and Snow Leopards in India and Mongolia and we certainly do not neglect the smaller cats either.


We offer a range of itineraries around Africa and encounter the continent’s high-profile species like Lions, Cheetahs and Leopards and also the lesser known species such as Caracal, Sand Cat, Black-footed Cat, Serval and African Wild Cat. We also have wildlife holidays that catch sightings of the Asiatic Lion in India and the elusive Leopard in Sri Lanka.


We also offer a pioneering tour to try to see the most difficult of all big cats the Sunda Clouded Leopard in Borneo with Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat and Flat-headed Cat all having being seen on our Borneo holidays. Closer to home, we offer holidays in Europe to go in search of Wildcat and both Eurasian and Iberian Lynx.


We have run these holidays for many years with great success, working with the best local contacts and guides and staying at the very best locations with carefully crafted itineraries which allow the optimum amount of time to achieve sightings.  




Our specialist recommends...






"Naturetrek has been instrumental in designing, researching and pioneering many of the big cat safari tours on the market. Our dedicated Tiger-watching trips have an unparalleled 100% success record with sightings, while if you want an experience dedicated to looking for Jaguars (also with a 100% success rate), you can’t do any better than our 'Brazil – Just Jaguars!' holiday. Additionally, our 'South Africa – Just Cats!' holiday offers a chance to see a wide variety of species in stunning scenery and for a real adventure, well off the beaten track, our 'Borneo's Mammals - Deramakot Forest Reserve' holiday is hard to beat for sheer excitement as we go in search of Sunda Clouded Leopard with extensive night time spotlighting outings encountering a wonderful number of mammals as we search for this elusive cat. Finally, if you wish to combine two holidays in one, our 'South America's Big Cats' holiday, first goes in search of Pumas in Chile followed by Jaguars in Brazil with a wonderful chance now for Ocelot in the Pantanal. "

Tom Mabbett - Operations Manager


 




ALL BIG CAT TOURS

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!