A Wild India Safari
India
February 14 to March 4, 2027
Private Trip Available Cost: $11,900
Leader: Scott Davis, Sunil Gaur, and Mohan Singh Solanki
Group Size: 10
Days: 20
Safari Overview
Embark on a journey into the wild heart of India, where your passion for nature and exploration takes center stage. Venture through some of the country’s most renowned wildlife reserves and national parks as you come face-to-face with vibrant birdlife, magnificent tigers, and a rich array of mammals. Your adventure unfolds across multiple jeep safaris in five iconic parks—Panna, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench—each offering a unique window into India’s untamed beauty. Feel the thrill of tracking wildlife through dense sal forests and sun-drenched meadows as you search for tiger, leopard, bison, jackal, fox, sloth bear, blackbuck, and more. While the tiger may be your ultimate goal, every moment in the field offers something unforgettable—from the sudden appearance of mythical big cats to the calls of endemic birds that fill the air with sound.
Beyond the wild, your journey deepens with visits to India’s cultural landmarks, including the iconic Taj Mahal and the ancient Khajuraho Monuments. This expedition is a blend of natural wonder and timeless heritage—an unforgettable journey shaped by your curiosity and sense of adventure.
WHY CHOOSE THIS TRIP?
- Intimate Safari Experience: Just two guests per jeep for unobstructed views and personalized guiding.
- Exclusive All-Day Access: All-day permits in three parks offer more time when wildlife is most active.
- Top-Tier Guiding Team: Expert leaders and naturalists deepen your connection to India’s wild places.
- Diverse Wildlife Encounters: Spot tiger, leopard, sloth bear, blackbuck, and a variety of rare birds.
- Rich Cultural Immersion: Visit the Taj Mahal and Khajuraho, blending nature with heritage.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Itinerary worked well – two different tiger reserves with a few days break between; excellent local guides who stayed with us the entire time” – Georgia Struhsaker |
ENHANCE YOUR TRIP
- Continue your journey on our Nepal trip from March 2 to 19, 2027. Explore the culturally rich cities, experiencing great wildlife viewing and the conservation success stories of its parks, along with the grandeur of the Himalayas.
SEE WHAT AWAITS YOU
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: September 2025
Print Trip Safari Options
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 14–15 | Travel from home. Travel to Delhi, India. | ||
| Feb 16 | Arrive in Delhi. Arrive in Delhi from home. | Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport, Delhi | |
| Feb 17 | Cultural exploration. Drive to Agra (4 hrs). En route visit Agra Fort. After check-in and lunch, sunset view of the Taj Mahal. | Clarks Shiraz, Agra | B, L, D |
| Feb 18 | Khajuraho temples. Morning train from Agra to Khajuraho. Afternoon visit to the temples. | The Lalit Temple View, Khajuraho | B, L, D |
| Feb 19 | Drive to Bandhavgarh. Visit Panna National Park in the morning. After lunch, drive to Bandhavgarh. | Kings Lodge, Bandhavgarh | B, L, D |
| Feb 20-23 | Bandhavgarh game drives. Four days of game drives in Bandhavgarh. One of those days being a full day game drive. | Kings Lodge, Bandhavgarh | B, L, D |
| Feb 24 | Drive to Kanha National Park. Afternoon at leisure. | The Bagh, Kanha | B, L, D |
| Feb 25-27 | Kanha game drives. Three days of game drives in Kanha. One of those days being a full day game drive. | The Bagh, Kanha | B, L, D |
| Feb 28 | Drive to Pench. Afternoon at leisure. | Pench Tree Lodge | B, L, D |
| Mar 1-2 | Pench game drives. Morning and afternoon game drives in Pench. One of those days being a full day game drive. | Pench Tree Lodge | B, L, D |
| Mar 3 | Fly back to Delhi. Drive to Nagpur after breakfast. Fly back to Delhi. Relax before your flights homeward. | Radisson Blu Plaza, Delhi (Dayroom) | B |
| Mar 4 | Flights home. Take your flights home or join Nepal group. | ||
| Mar 5 | Arrive home. |
Our Trip Leaders
Sunil Gunathilake
Sunil Gunathilake, a top-ranked National Tour Guide Lecturer, specializes in wildlife tours and has decades of experience in Sri Lanka's biodiversity. Active in research and conservation since 1986, he has contributed to over 25 films and documentaries, including work with Disney's Monkey Kingdom and Sir David Attenborough's The Life of Mammals. As a conservationist, Sunil has published research on wildlife and led over 500 conservation programs, promoting environmental education and the preservation of Sri Lanka's natural heritage.
Scott Davis
Scott, co-owner and co-CEO of Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, is an expert wildlife, nature, and travel photographer. Trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, he's explored all seven continents for research and photography. National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet, NY Times, and other prestigious publications have featured his inspiring work. Scott's passion for teaching and talent for capturing the essence of his subjects make him a highly sought-after tour leader.
Mohan Singh Solanki
Mohan turned his childhood passion into a flourishing profession. He graduated from University of Rajasthan in India and was awarded Naturalist Guide's title from the Government of Rajasthan’s Department of Forest and is an approved tourist guide from Government of Rajasthan Department of Tourism Art and Culture. Using his vast knowledge of flora and fauna he has birded and guided all over India for more than 15 years, including Keoladeo National Park.
Detailed Itinerary
A glimpse into our journey
Arrive in Delhi from home
Feb 16
Our local agent will transfer you from the airport to the hotel. If you would like to arrive earlier, we can arrange divergent airport transfer and extra nights.
Agra Fort and Taj Mahal
Feb 17
After breakfast, depart by road for Agra (approx. 4 hours). Along the way, stop for a guided visit to Agra Fort,
one of the most important and well-preserved monuments of the Mughal Empire.
Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar and expanded by his grandson Shah Jehan, Agra Fort served as both a military stronghold and royal residence. Inside, you’ll explore a network of courtyards, audience halls, and private chambers, offering insight into the power and daily life of the Mughal rulers.
Railway Journey to Khajuraho
Feb 18
After an early breakfast, transfer to Agra Cantt. Station to board the Vande Bharat Express at 07:30 hrs, arriving in Khajuraho at 14:20 hrs. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a late lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the Western Group of Temples, considered among the most creative and refined examples of Indian architecture. Built between 950 and 1050 CE by the Chandela Rajputs, only 22 of the original 85 temples remain. Their walls are covered in intricate carvings that depict everything from gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures to vivid scenes of love, devotion, and daily life. Many are dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, with the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, standing as the most magnificent of them all.
Panna to Bandhavgarh
Feb 19
Depart Khajuraho with a packed breakfast to journey by road for the short drive to Panna National Park—a scenic journey through rural Madhya Pradesh. Upon arrival, head out on a jeep safari through Panna’s rugged teak forests and river-fed canyons, home to a growing population of reintroduced tigers. With a bit of luck, you may also encounter leopard, sloth bear, jackal, or gharial, along with a variety of birdlife and smaller mammals.
After the safari return to the lodge for lunch then continue by road to Bandhavgarh National Park, arriving in the evening. Settle into your lodge and prepare for your first glimpse into one of India’s most celebrated tiger reserves.
Safaris in Bandhavgarh
Feb 20-23
Spend the next three days exploring Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve on morning and afternoon jeep safaris, with one day offering an exclusive all-day permit—giving you extended access to the park when wildlife activity is at its peak.
Bandhavgarh is one of India’s most iconic tiger habitats, known for its high density of tigers and striking landscape of hills, river valleys, grasslands, and forested ridges. The park supports a rich diversity of life, with over 34 species of mammals, nearly 260 species of birds, and 70 types of butterflies recorded. While tracking tigers is the focus, sightings may also include leopards, jackals, sambar deer, and langurs, along with a vibrant variety of birdlife.
Every game drive here is a chance to witness India’s wilderness at its most raw and beautiful—where each bend in the trail holds the promise of discovery.
Drive to Kanha
Feb 24
After breakfast, set out on a scenic 5-hour drive to Kanha National Park. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure—a chance to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings before your next adventure begins.
Kanha Wildlife
Feb 25-27
Spend the next three days on morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Kanha National Park, with one day offering an exclusive all-day permit—giving you extended time in the park to explore deeper zones and maximize wildlife viewing.
Located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha is one of India’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries and is often cited as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. The landscape here is a stunning mix of sal forests, meadows, and bamboo thickets, supporting a wide range of biodiversity.
Kanha is known for its healthy population of tiger and leopard, as well as barasingha (swamp deer)—a conservation success story for the park. Other notable species include gaur (Indian bison), sloth bear, wild boar, jackal, hyena, fox, jungle cat, and a variety of deer, along with a vibrant array of birdlife.
Each drive brings a new opportunity to experience the rich, untamed beauty of central India—a place where nature still writes its own story, just as it did in Kipling’s timeless tale.
Journey to Pench
Feb 28
After breakfast, take a drive to Pench National Park. Check in to your charming lodge and explore the area or rest in the afternoon.
Delight in Pench
Mar 1-2
Continue your journey into the wild with morning and afternoon game drives in Pench National Park, a landscape of teak forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers that exudes quiet wilderness charm.
Pench is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, wolf, gaur, and multiple deer species such as sambar, chinkara, and nilgai. It’s also a paradise for bird lovers, with over 250 recorded bird species flitting through the forest canopy and along the water’s edge.
In recent years, Pench has gained attention for its occasional sightings of the elusive black leopard, adding an extra layer of anticipation to every game drive. Rich in biodiversity and brimming with atmosphere, Pench offers a fitting final chapter to your safari—a place where quiet moments and rare encounters go hand in hand.
Return to Delhi
Mar 3
Depart for Nagpur Airport with a packed breakfast to catch our flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel for day use and rest. Reflect on your extraordinary journey through India’s wild and cultural heart.
Arrive home or join Nepal group
Mar 5
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Accommodations
- Transportation
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $11,900 |
| Single supplement | $1,800 |
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare (except for one-way flight from Nagpur to Delhi), singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $1,500 |
| Final | September 7, 2026 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $1,500 per person ($1,500 per person is for the pre-purchased, non-refundable and non-transferable game drives in Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench and the Nagpur to Delhi flight); $150 per person of the cancellation fee can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Transfers between the Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport hotel and the Delhi Airport on February 16 and March 3 or 4.
- Accommodations for the nights of February 16 through March 2.
- Meals from breakfast on February 17 through breakfast on March 3.
- One-way flight from Nagpur to Delhi; non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Transportation by private bus in Delhi and Agra.
- Game drives by 4×4 jeep in Bandhavgarh, Pench, Kanha, and Panna; all-day safari tickets non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Train tickets to Agra.
- Refillable water stations at hotels.
- Trip Materials – information about flights, packing, entry and departure requirements, airport transfers, etc.
Not Included
- All airfare (except flights listed as included), airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Divergent airport transfers and extra hotel nights for an extra cost.
- Gratuities – tipping is always discretionary. However, we suggest budgeting about $15 to $20 per participant per day for 16 days with our resident guides (about $240 to $320 total per participant).
- Emergency medical and evacuation insurance and trip cancellation insurance. For more information see www.cheesemans.com/travel-insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Reservation Form.
Climate
Temperatures generally range from the 50’s°F at night to the 80’s°F during the day. Although most days will be hot, it can be cool and breezy in the early morning. It is the dry season, but rain is possible.
Fitness Level
Most days consist of early mornings, game drives on uneven roads, and full days in nature that require good energy levels. Most walking is optional around lodge grounds between game drives. Transportation between locations ranges between two and seven hours. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Please wait to book your flights until you receive confirmation from your Coordinator that the minimum number of participants has been met to operate the trip. If you choose to book flights before receiving this confirmation, we strongly recommend purchasing flight cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Delhi, India (DEL) by 11:59pm on February 16.
- Depart from Delhi, India (DEL) after 8:00pm on March 3. If you are continuing on our Nepal trip, see the Flights section in its itinerary for departure information.
Flights we book for you
- The one-way flight from Nagpur to Delhi included in the trip cost.
FAQ
Accommodations
All lodges have air conditioning.
Motion Sickness
Transportation
On game drives in the parks, you travel in open, six-passenger 4×4 jeeps that provide 360° viewing and excellent photography opportunities; we’ll have three participants in each vehicle sharing with one of our resident guides, a park ranger, and a park driver. Between parks and cities travel by private bus, train, plane, or 4×4 vehicles.
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Ecotourism & Conservation in India
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.