This tour visits two outstanding sanctuaries of Bandhavgarh and Kanha in central India. Bandhavgarh is famous for its tigers but it also has a wide range of other game including nilgai (blue bull), jungle cats, wild boar and hyenas. Kanha also offers good chances of spotting the majestic Indian tiger. Other wildlife includes leopards, Indian bison, deer and blackbuck.
Day 1 - Bandhavgarh
Getting to Bandhavgarh is not difficult. There are convenient overnight trains from Delhi and Agra to Umaria which is close to Bandhavgarh (1 hour drive). There are also trains linking Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) and Varanasi to Jabalpur (3 hours drive away). The closest airport is at Jabalpur.
The first day you arrive in Umaria or Jabalpur and transfer to Nature Heritage Resort near Bandhavgarh National Park. The compact park with a core area of 105 sq km was originally the private game reserve of the Maharajas of Rewa and it is here that the first white (albino) tiger was found. If time permits you'll do a game ride in the afternoon of Day 1.
Day 2 - Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh is justifiably famous for its tigers but it also has a wide range of other game such as nilgai, jungle cat, wild boar, hyenas and many species of birdlife. The viewing is excellent due to the sparse undergrowth. The park area is hilly and is dominated by the majestic Bandhavgarh Fort. The adjacent hills have a large number of old caves with inscriptions dating back to the first century B.C. All in all its scenic surroundings and the presence of the many wildlife species make this park a must on any serious wildlife enthusiast' itinerary. You will do both morning and afternoon game rides thereby increasing your chances of spotting a tiger.
Day 3 - Kanha
You drive from Bandhavgarh to Kanha (6 hrs). This is original Kipling country, of which he wrote so vividly in his Jungle Books. The same abundance of wildlife species exists today in Kanha National Park which is one of the largest sanctuaries in India covering an area of over 2,000 sq km. With its extensive grasslands and sal and bamboo forests,. Kanha is often compared to Ngorongoro park in Tanzania. Ravines and hills make for interesting features and undoubtedly Kanha's beauty is thrilling.
Day 4 - Kanha
Kanha offers unparalleled opportunities to photograph wildlife and it is considered to be one of the best places in the world to see tigers. Amongst the other wildlife you can see leopards, Indian bison, sambhar, blackbuck and wild dogs. Kanha has also a rich variety of birdlife with 230 species recorded. You need therefore at least to allow two full days to explore this fabulous sanctuary with morning and evening game rides on each day.
Day 5 - Kanha
Morning and evening game rides in Kanha National Park.
Day 6 - Jabalpur
Drive from Kanha to Jabalpur (3 hrs) to connect with your onward travel. If you wish, you can fly back to Delhi - just let us know and we'll advise you of the additional costs. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to take the overnight train back to Delhi. Feel free to add any special requirements to your enquiry form.
