NATURE & WILDLIFE INDIA

Discover India’s Untamed Wilderness

From the tiger – rich forests of Central India, to the grasslands of Assam, the lion country of Gujarat, India’s wildlife experiences are as diverse as its landscapes. Stay in exceptional wilderness lodges, venture into national parks with expert naturalists and experience a side of India that few travelers truly discover.

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

A curated seven-day luxury wildlife journey from Jabalpur to Nagpur, linking Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench with comfortable drives and immersive safaris in India’s most iconic tiger reserves.

Day 1 – Jabalpur Arrival → Bandhavgarh

Arrive in Jabalpur, where you’re met and driven by private vehicle through rural Madhya Pradesh to Bandhavgarh National Park. Check in to your luxury lodge near the Tala gate, unwind after your journey and enjoy a relaxed evening with a curated dinner and an informal briefing with your naturalist about the days ahead.

Day 2 – Bandhavgarh: Prime Tiger Country

Wake before dawn for your first jeep safari in Bandhavgarh, exploring its valleys, plateaus and grasslands in search of tigers, leopards and rich birdlife. Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast and time by the pool or spa. In the afternoon, head back into a different zone of the park for a second drive, followed by cocktails around a bonfire and dinner under the stars.

Day 3 – Bandhavgarh Morning Safari → Kanha

Approx. drive: Bandhavgarh → Kanha ~250–300 km / ~6–7 hours by road.

Enjoy one last early-morning safari in Bandhavgarh to maximise your chances of sightings. After a late breakfast, depart by private vehicle for Kanha National Park, travelling through classic central Indian countryside. Arrive at your luxury lodge by evening, settle into your suite and dine on regional specialities in a serene forest setting.

Day 4 – Kanha: Meadows, Sal Forests & Big Cats

Head out at dawn on a jeep safari through Kanha’s iconic meadows and sal forests, home to tigers, barasingha (swamp deer), gaur, wild dogs and an impressive variety of birds. Return for brunch and downtime at the lodge – perhaps a massage or a quiet afternoon by the pool. In the late afternoon, take a second drive into a different zone of the park, ending with sundowners in a scenic spot.

Day 5 – Kanha Morning Safari → Pench

• Kanha → Pench ~200–250 km / ~5–6 hours by road. Enjoy a final morning safari in Kanha, focusing on different habitats or species with your naturalist. After an early lunch, depart by road for Pench National Park, whose teak forests and rivers inspired Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Arrive at your elegant lodge near the Turia gate in the evening, with time to freshen up before a relaxed dinner.

Day 6 – Pench: The Jungle Book Landscape

Set out at first light for a jeep safari in Pench, watching for tigers, leopards, wild dogs, deer and a wealth of birdlife. Return for breakfast and a leisurely afternoon at the lodge, perhaps including a nature walk, pool time or a visit to a nearby village. In the late afternoon, head back into the park for a second drive, finishing with a gentle evening and chef-curated dinner back at your lodge.

Day 7 – Pench → Nagpur Departure

After a relaxed breakfast at your lodge, check out and drive directly to Nagpur Airport for your onward flight. Today is dedicated purely to your transfer, with no sightseeing or safari activities scheduled, ensuring an unhurried and comfortable end to your journey.

Note: Driving distances and times are approximate and can vary with road and traffic conditions.

explore more journeys

• Wildlife of South India – Kabini, Nagarhole & Bandipur: Misty forests, river safaris and big-cat-rich reserves.
• Kerala Nature & Wildlife – Periyar, Kumarakom & Marari: Lake safaris, tranquil backwaters and relaxed beach time.
• Rajasthan & Tigers – Jaipur, Ranthambore & Udaipur: Palaces, bazaars and tiger-filled jungles.
• Kaziranga & Meghalaya – Rhinos, Hills & Clouds: One-horned rhinos, green hills and waterfalls.
• Lions & Landscapes of Gujarat – Ahmedabad, Little Rann & Gir: Heritage city, salt desert drives and Asiatic lions.
• Nainital & Corbett – Journey through emerald lakes of Nainital & the rich forested landscapes of Corbett National Park

best time to visit

• October – June : Central India : Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench
• October – April : Ranthambore
• November – April : Kaziranga
• October – May : South India
• September – March : Periyar & Kerala
• December – March : Gir and Gujarat

Beyond the guidebook

Each of these experiences can be tailored to your interests and pace – whether you’re drawn to culture, conservation, photography or simply quiet time in nature. We’ll weave them gently into your days so they feel like unhurried discoveries rather than scheduled activities.

• Night skies & campfire storiesEnd a safari day with stargazing around a private campfire, as your naturalist shares tiger stories, forest myths and conservation wins.
• Village walks with Baiga & Gond communities
  Step beyond the park gates to meet indigenous communities, learning about traditional forest knowledge, crafts and everyday life.
• Behind‑the‑scenes conservation talks Arrange an informal session with a naturalist or conservationist to understand tracking techniques, camera traps and how the parks are protected.
• Slow nature trails in the buffer zones Swap the jeep for a guided walk through buffer forests, focusing on birds, trees, tracks and the quieter details of the landscape.
• Forest-flavoured, lodge‑side dinners Enjoy curated tasting menus using local ingredients — think mahua, forest greens and regional recipes — served in intimate outdoor settings.