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Saw 9 tigers and heard 2 growls! Hatsy was an excellent, kind and caring tour guide. He was at his best at Bandhavgarh obviously as he developed it! The extension worked beautifully, we were met and dispatched very efficiently. Thank you, Mr Jolly!
F.M. Lancashire
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Wild India in Style
Tour Code: IND36A 12-day appreciation of the mammals and birds of Kanha and Bandhavgarh, India's most rewarding Tiger Reserves, based in luxury accommodation. We also offer an optional extension to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
12 days
from
£4,495 (Inc flights)
£4,495 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£3,995
£3,995
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
On this deluxe tour we travel through the heartland of wild India. After a flight to Delhi we head to Kanha Tiger Reserve, where we’ll stay in a luxury lodge for three nights. By day we’ll go in search of Tigers as well as the park’s wealth of other large mammals and abundant birdlife such as Malabar Pied Hornbill and Crested Serpent Eagle. Next we drive through the Vindhyan Hills to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve where we’ll settle into our luxury chalets at King’s Lodge for a 3-night stay. We’ll follow a routine of twice-daily game drives into the reserve in search of Tigers, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear and a wealth of birdlife.
- Sambar, Spotted & Swamp Deer, Gaur & Asiatic Jackal, Kanha
- A chance of seeing elusive mammals such as Dhole & Leopard
- 120 species of bird at Kanha, including raptors, francolins, rollers & babblers
- Luxury chalets with swimming pool set in 12 acres of forest, Bandhavgarh
- 250+ species of birds in Bandhavgarh National Park
- Plum-headed Parakeet, Asian Paradise Flycatcher & Grey-headed Fishing-eagle
- Chousingha, Striped Hyena, Palm Squirrel & Indian Fox, Bandhavgarh
- Led by expert local naturalist guides
Grading
This is a luxury wildlife tour/safari, with no great level of fitness required.This deluxe tour, through the heartland of wild India, combines the opportunity to enjoy wildlife-viewing in two of India’s finest Tiger Reserves with visits also to some of the great monuments of Moghul India, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Above all, this tour offers you the opportunity to enjoy it all from the comfort of some of India’s very best hotels and luxury tented camps, and we spare no expense in ensuring the utmost quality of all aspects of this holiday whilst maintaining a competitive price.
We begin in the capital, where we stay at the tranquil 5-star Pullman hotel. This splendid hotel is located near the airport and boasts a large swimming pool as well as a spa and health centre. Whilst here, we offer keen birdwatchers a visit to Sultanpur National Park and the more culturally minded an optional tour of some of the monuments of Old Delhi.
Next we travel to Kanha, taking a comfortable flight to Jabalpur or Nagpur followed by a scenic drive into the heart of rural Madhya Pradesh where Kanha National Park is situated. Our delightful base for a 3-night stay here is Kanha Earth Lodge, a world class lodge in the Tiger heartland, or Tiger Corridors, a luxury tented camp hosting a maximum of just 16 guests in eight air-conditioned tents, each with its own bathroom and verandah and each occupying a private setting within wooded grounds which also hold a lovely swimming pool. Tiger Corridors is located near the Kisli entrance to the park, giving us access to the best area in Kanha for sightings of Tigers, the park’s wealth of other large mammals, and abundant birdlife.
It will take us all day to drive, on rough roads, through the Vindhyan Hills and the farmlands and villages of Madhya Pradesh, to Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve. Once there we will settle in for a 3-night stay at Kings Lodge, a group of luxury chalets with their own private swimming pool set in 12 acres of forest. Each spacious chalet has a luxurious attached bathroom whilst, in the dining room and lounge area, delicious Indian cuisine and a good library may be enjoyed.
During our time at Kanha and Bandhavgarh we will strike out twice daily on morning and evening game drives into the parks, rising at dawn and returning at dusk, though enjoying a lengthy midday siesta. Whilst Tigers can never be guaranteed, the combination of these two top Tiger Reserves within a week gives you the best chance you could have in that period.
Although a Tiger sighting will be at the top of our list, we will not ignore the wealth of other wildlife that lives in these wonderful reserves. We will explore the parks at a relaxed pace allowing plenty of time to observe, enjoy and photograph all the many species of mammals — amongst them Sambar (a favourite prey of the Tiger), Spotted and Swamp Deer, Common Langur and Rhesus Macaque. Gaur (the huge Asiatic Bison), Wild Boar, Asiatic Jackal, Jungle Cat and, with luck, perhaps even a Leopard, Wolf, Dhole (Asian Wild Dog) or Sloth Bear — as well as a wealth of birdlife.
Journeying onwards, the overnight sleeper train from Katni to Agra may not quite offer the high standard of accommodation to which we have become accustomed, but it is, nonetheless, an experience, and one that is rewarded with a day to relax, and a night in one of the world’s finest hotels, the Trident. Located close to India’s most beautiful monument — the Taj Mahal — there is no better base from which to enjoy the Moghul splendour of the Taj itself, nearby Agra Fort and the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, and no better way to complete our holiday (unless, of course, you choose to extend it with a visit to Ranthambore, in Rajasthan, one of the most picturesque of the Tiger Reserves).
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London
Day 2
Delhi
Day 3/5
Kanha National Park
Day 6/8
Bandhavgarh National Park
Day 9
Final day in Bandhavgarh; overnight train to Agra
Day 10
Agra
Day 11
Full day's sightseeing in Agra; evening train to Delhi
Day 12
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: A range of India's finest deluxe hotels and luxury camps, all with private facilities.
- Food: All included in the price, except for any meals taken in Delhi and Agra. Allow ?40.
Reviews
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This was our second Naturetrek holiday and we have been blessed with two leaders (Suchit Basnett – Nepal and Hatsy Singh – India) who must be the most knowledgeable leaders you employ. Hatsy was tremendous. What he didn’t know about tigers wasn’t worth knowing. He was very courteous at all times and couldn’t do enough for us. During the trip he injured his knee and was clearly in pain but his professionalism didn’t waver at all. He gave 100% of himself 100% of the time. A true first class leader. A great asset to your company. Thank you Hatsy. Thank you Naturetrek.
I. & D.F. Lancashire -
Our guide Harsha Jayaramaiah was outstanding - very knowledgeable about the wildlife and general history of the reserves we visited. He had great organisation and communication skills and adapted the game drives to accommodate the wishes of our group.
Mr & Mrs H. Wales -
The staff at Singhinawa Jungle Lodge were exceptional hosts. The Oberoi Amarvilas at Agra was an experience not to be missed, with stunning views of the Taj Mahal from every room. Thanks again for a wonderful holiday.
G. & L.K. Leicestershire
Extensions
Ranthambore extension
After a morning's birding at Bharaptur we head to Ranthambore, one of India's most beautiful Tiger Reserves. Based for three nights at the luxury Oberoi Vanyavilas jungle resort, we'll make morning and evening game drives to enjoy Ranthambore's superb diversity of birds such as Brown Fish Owl, jacanas, quails and minivets, plus mammals including Sambar Deer, Nilgai, Sloth Bear, langurs and Tiger.
4 days from £1,995
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Fri 31st Jan – Tue 11th Feb
2
£5,995
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.
£5,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£1,295
Fri 31st Oct – Tue 11th Nov
SPACES
£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.
£1,295
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Fri 30th Jan – Tue 10th Feb
SPACES
£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.
£1,295
Fri 23rd Oct – Tue 3rd Nov
SPACES
£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.
£1,295
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[description] => 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
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:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
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
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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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:
- India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
- A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears
- A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
- Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
- Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
- Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
- Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert
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
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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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
Tom Mabbett - Operations Manager
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!
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