India Wildlife Safari

Travel through India, a land of contrasts, experiencing its unique wildlife and culture. Explore National Parks where Tigers roam wild through jungle straight from Rudyard Kiplings “Jungle Book”. Our expedition encompasses the very best of India’s National Parks providing unrivalled opportunities to see wild and rare animals such as Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Rhino, Bison and Buffalo. We travel by luxury sleeper train, visit the Taj Mahal and take elephant back safaris to see Tigers and Rhinos up close and personal inside the National Parks. India is a land rich in cultural and natural heritage not to be missed.

Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in the historic city and capital of India, Delhi. Upon arrival at Indira Ghandi International Airport you will be met by local representative and assisted to your hotel. Delhi is a profoundly Indian city and offers the visitor an insight into India through the ages from turbaned shepherds and their goats to Mughal monuments and a modern capital city.

Day 2
We take a morning flight from Delhi to Nagpur. From Nagpur drive to Kanha National Park a scenic drive into the heart of Madhya Pradesh where Mowgli and Shere Khan roamed through Rudyard Kiplings “Jungle Book”.

Days 3-5
From our base at the Kangha Jungle Lodge we will make excursions into the park morning and afternoon using specially designed safari vehicles. The extensive rolling terrain of Kanha NP with it Sal forests and open grasslands is home to a wide variety of animals including Gaur or Indian Bison, critically endangered Western Swamp Deer, Indian Wild Dogs, Leopards and a very healthy population of Tigers which we will search for both by jeep and Elephant.

Day 6
Depart from Kangha Jungle Lodge and after a morning safari within Kanha depart for Bandhavgarh National Park. This drive takes in a land little changed for millennia, bullocks and goats rule the roads and people still live a subsistence lifestyle. While exploring Bandhavgarh we stay at Kings Lodge, a modern luxurious lodge built in association with the local village.

Days 7-9
Bandhavgarh National Park is dominated by the spectacular fort which was the home to the ruling Maharaja until the 18th Century. Issuing from beneath the fort a number of natural springs emerge to meander through the parks Sal and bamboo forest. With morning and afternoon safari drives each day there is ample opportunity to see not only Tigers but also appreciate the parks other residents. There is also the chance to visit the summit of the fort, offering spectacular views over Bandhavgarh and the remains of an abandoned royal city.
 

Day 10
Driving northwards the landscape becomes increasingly dry as we get closer to Panna National Park. Stay at Ken River Lodge on the banks of the biologically rich and important Ken River

Day 11
From the Ken River Lodge safari drives through the park offer the opportunity to see the majestic Blue Bull and the secretive Fourhorned Antelope. During the day take a walk through a nearby village to see and experience life in rural India. Tonight we also have the unique opportunity to go on a night drive in search of the many nocturnal birds and mammals.

Day 12
Today we visit the Chandela Temples at Khajuaro. This evening we board the train to Agra and on arrival transfer to the Taj View Hotel, situated within the gardens adjacent to the Taj Mahal.

Day 13
An early morning visit to the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Drive to Delhi and overnight at Ashok Country Resort.

Day 14
This morning fly to Guawhati in the heart of Assam, another world greets us, everything is lush and green. Here in India’s eastern extremity we are in a world more reminiscent of SE Asia. Driving through a landscape dominated by rice and then tea we reach Kaziranga National Park. Initially protected to ensure the survival of Indian One-horned Rhino the park is today a shinning example of the benefits of active protection. We stay at Wildgrass Lodge, with grounds that are home to more that 200 species of trees and shrubs.

Day 15-17
Safari drives morning and afternoon take us deep into the fertile flood plains that are Kaziranga National Park. Here wild Asian Elephants, Indian Buffalo and One-horned Rhino graze unconcerned by our presence. Elephant back safaris give the opportunity to get even closer to wildlife without causing disturbance. The fertile plains and abundant water attracts many waterfowl and migratory birds to the area. We will also make an early morning excursion in search of the very rare Hoolock’s Gibbon and take the opportunity to visit a working tea estate.

Day 18
Depart Wildgrass lodge and drive to Gauwhati for the flight to Delhi. We enjoy a farewell dinner in Delhi before either connecting with international flights or continuing your India explorations.