Inspiration Itinerary

Wild India

Tracking India's Big Cats

Wild India Adventure

The jungles of Central India were the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’ and remain the home of leopards, elephants and the mighty Bengal tiger, amongst a plethora of other rare wildlife species and a fascinating array of birdlife. From the grasslands of Panna and Khana Reserves to the jungles of Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh you will witness a staggering array of animals and varying landscapes interspersed wiith the opportunity to savour India’s fascinating history and colourful culture with city stays in Agra, Jaipur and Mumbai. Luxury tents, treehouses perched amid the crowns of Mahua trees, jungle cottages and 5 star hotels are showcased in this itinerary, however we can tailor this extraordinary journey to suit your style, pace and price – you simply need to get in touch.

21 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAY 1 | DELHI | 1 NIGHT

On arrival in Delhi have your first evening at leisure as you adjust to the time difference and relax after your long flight. You will meet your driver who will accompany you throughout your journey, transferring you from location to location, this evening.

DAY 2 | AGRA | 1 NIGHT

After a leisurely breakfast drive Delhi to Agra (approx 4 hours) with sightseeing in Agra on arrival. Visit the impressive Agra Fort for your first glimpse of the iconic Taj Mahal before watching the sunset over the Taj from Mehtab Bagh – the gardens on the Yamuna River.

DAY 3 | RANTHAMBORE NP | 2 NIGHTS

An early start this morning tgo reach the Taj Mahal before sunrise. Watching the colours of the Taj change as the sun climbs into the sky is a sight to behold. Enjoy your guided tour of the grounds, abundant gardens and the marble tomb. Later drive to Ranthambore (approx 5 hours) visiting the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri enroute.

DAY 4 & 5 | RANTHAMBORE NP

Ranthambore National Park sits at the junction of the Aravallis and the Vindhya Hills and offers a unique juxtaposition of natural and historical richness. Join morning and afternoon jungle safaris intgo the park, accompanied by a qualified naturalist who will help you interpret the exotic flora and fauna of the region. Get up close to nature on a guided walking trail or visit the formidable Ranthambore Fort in the heart of these former hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur.

DAY 6 | JAIPUR | 2 NIGHTS

Travel from Ranthambore to Jaipur (approx 3.5 hours) today arriving in time to take an afternoon tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar. This evening is at leisure.

DAY 7 | JAIPUR

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Jaipur including visiting the imposing Amber Fort, passing by the Hawa Mahal and exploring the City Palace and Museum.

DAY 8 | JAWAI | 2 NIGHTS

Road transfer from Jaipur to Jawai (approx 6.5 hours) today, travelling through rural Rajasthan There will be plenty of rest stops and, no doubt, many photographic opportunities as you pass through picturesque farmlands and vast tracts of land studded with granite hills. Check in to your lodge on arrival with the remainder of the afternoon & evening at leisure.

DAY 9 | JAWAI

Jawai is prominently known for leopards, but the area is also home to striped hyena, sloth bear, Indian fox, Indian boar, chinkara, nilgai and migratory birds. Accompanied by a highly experienced ranger you have the opportunity to set out on morning and afternoon jungle safaris to view and photograh the impressive native flora & fauna.

DAY 10 | MUMBAI | 1 NIGHT

Depart early this morning for Udaipur (approx 3.5 hours) arriving in time to visit famous Lake Pichola before continuing to the airport in time to board your flight to Mumbai. On arrival check in to your hotel with the remainder of the evening at leisure.

DAY 11 | PENCH NP | 2 NIGHTS

If you wish to rise before dawn you have the opportunity to undertake a ‘Good Morning Mumbai’ tour of he Dada Flower Markets – a hive of activity as the sun rises and a delight for your senses with a blaze of colour, sound & aromatic smells. Later transfer to the airport for flight to Nagpur and onward drive to Pench (approx 2 hr drive). Check in and relax.

DAY 12 | PENCH NP

Pench National Park derives it name from the Pench River that flows through the park and is a wild playground harbouring a staggering density of wildlife. Enjoy morning and afternoon jungle drives in the area showcased in Sir David Attenborough’s BBC wildlife series with BBC ‘Spy in the Jungle’ .

DAY 13 | KANHA NP | 3 NIGHTS

Undertake a final morning game drive in Pench before proceeding to Kanha National Park (approx 5 hours). The largest National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha is one of the best places in India to spot the Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, sloth bears, sambhars, chitals, gaur and the Indian wild dog all reside in the sal and bamboo forests.

DAY 14 & 15 | KANHA NP

Enjoy morning and afternoon jungle drives specifically hoping to see barasingha (swamp deer).
Kanha is renowned to be the only park in India to house this species which is also why it is known as the jewel of Kanha National Park.

DAY 16 | BANDHAVGARH NP | 3 NIGHTS

A leisurely check out after breakfast for your drive to Bandhavgarh (approx 6 hours). Extremely popular as one of the best reserves for tiger spotting Bandhavgarh National Park is also the original home of ‘white tigers’. It is estimated that only one in every 10,000 tigers born in the wild is white (and spoiler alert – there are currently no white tigers in BNP – sorry).

DAY 17 & 18 | BANDHAVGARH NP

Spread across 450 sq km the hills of sandstone and rocks and the marshy terrain makes Bandhavgarh one of the most beautiful reserves to explore on your morning and afternoon drives.
Apart from the tiger you are also likely to find Indian bison, sambars, langurs and cheetals.

DAY 19 | PANNA NP | 1 NIGHT

Check out and drive to Panna (approx 5 hours).
Another hugely popular national park Panna boasts both tiger and leopard along with chital, chinkara, nilgai, sambhar and sloth bears, plus 200 species of birds. Jungle drives are on offer morning, afternoon and evening, and a popular activity in Panna is to take a boat on the mesmerizing Ken River to view crocodiles and the spectacular birdlife.

DAY 20 | DELHI | 1 NIGHT

Enjoy a morning activity in Panna before driving to Khajuraho airport (approx 1.5 hours) in time for your flight to Delhi. Pending your time of arrival, or departure tomorrow, you may be able to include a sightseeing drive through the New City or venture into the colourful and chaotic alleyways of Delhi’s Old City.

DAY 21 | END OF ITINERARY

Your Wild India Adventure ends today with a transfer to the airport to begin your return home, or to start your next adventure.

PLEASE NOTE:

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular opportunity to see India’s iconic wildlife, however it can be designed to suit your preferred pace, price and pursuits. Contact us for a tailormade journey.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

A selection of handpicked accommodation for this safari

Pullman Aerocity – New Delhi, Northern India

The Pullman New Delhi Aerocity Hotel is an upscale hotel located adjacent to both the international & domestic airport terminals. It is well connected through the Airport Express Line, which is just 5 minutes away, ensuring a relaxed stop over for travellers passing through Delhi, with or without the time to stop and explore. Read More

ITC Mughal – Agra, Northern India

ITC Mughal, a luxury hotel in Agra is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. The only Indian hotel to have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture. It comprises of 233 opulent rooms and suites, recreating a paradise for the contemporary Mogul. Read More

ITC Rajputana Hotel – Jaipur, Rajasthan

The pink ITC Rajputana is located in the pink city of Jaipur, as a symbol of the royalty of the Rajputana Empire and taking the guest on a royal journey. Guests are welcomed in a royal atmosphere to the hotel, with a Jharoka enhancing the outside view. ITC Rajputana reflects all that is special about a stay in Rajasthan. Read More

Suján Jawai Leopard Camp – Jawai, Rajasthan

A modern take on a tented camp, Jawai blends white canvas with stainless steel and leather accoutrements to create an elegant escape in Rajasthan. The camp shares the dramatic rocky environment not only with leopards, but also with the Rabari herdsmen, whose vibrant red turbans are synonymous with the landscape. Read More

Pench Tree Lodge – Pench NP, Central India

Pench Tree Lodge, located next to Pench National Park is snuggled in forty acres of wilderness and welcomes the guest to an exquisite forest experience like never before in India. A variety of activities are on offer onsite or nearby the property including day and night game drives in search of tigers and other wildlife. Read More

Singanawa Jungle Lodge – Kanha NP, Central India

Singinawa Jungle Lodge is a beautiful lodge set in Kanha National Park - home to Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Leopards & Jungle Cats. Head out into the wild with guides undertaking a range of activities including bringing local village children along with you on jungle tours! At the end of the day rest in the comfort of the shade or in the palatial pool. Read More

Ken River Lodge – Panna NP, Central India

Ken River Lodge was established in 1986. The lodge is built with natural materials sourced mostly from neighboring villages and the lodge estate. It is set in a natural forest which is home to many animals like Langur monkeys, wild boar, jungle cats and jackals. Make your stay one at Ken River Lodge one to remember. Read More

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NEED TO KNOW

20 inspiring nights that can be shortened or extended to suit

Please enquire for pricing based on your preferences

START: Delhi, India | Finish: Delhi, India

Recommended Routings to India | Singapore Airlines to Delhi | Qantas to Delhi (via Colombo, Sri Lanka) | Air India to Delhi

This itinerary provides the perfect inspiration for a spectacular journey and can be tailored to suit your style, pace, preferences and budget. Elements of this trip may vary based on your chosen season and dates of travel and, once the timing of internal flights is known, this may also present the opportunity to see & do even more!

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