India

Delhi

Feb 25

Discover the rich heritage of Delhi with a curated itinerary that highlights the city's Mughal architecture, bustling markets, and diverse cuisine.

• Visit Humayun’s Tomb – A UNESCO-listed masterpiece that inspired the Taj Mahal, showcasing stunning Mughal architecture and intricate Persian influences.
• Explore Old Delhi & Shahjahanabad – Take part in an ittar-making workshop at an 8th-generation perfumery, crafting a personalized fragrance while learning the ancient art of natural perfumery. Savor a classic Old Delhi street snack for an authentic local experience.
• Rickshaw Ride Through Chandni Chowk – Navigate the historic Chandni Chowk market, once a hub for silver and gold traders, and visit the iconic Jama Masjid, Delhi’s largest mosque, known for its breathtaking Islamic architecture.
• Taste Delhi’s Famous Cuisine – Enjoy a flavorful journey through Delhi’s street food and local delicacies at a renowned eatery.
• Discover New Delhi’s Colonial Landmarks – Witness the striking contrast between New Delhi’s British colonial architecture and the grandeur of Mughal-era structures, offering a deeper insight into Delhi’s historical evolution.
• Experience the Tranquility of Bangla Sahib Gurudwara – Immerse yourself in the soothing gurbani hymns at this sacred Sikh site, reflecting on the day's cultural encounters.
• Shop & Unwind at Khan Market – End the tour at Khan Market, a vibrant hub of boutiques, cafes, and bookstores, perfect for indulging in some retail therapy.

Bandhavgarh

Feb 26 – Mar 1

Fly from Delhi to Jabalpur, then embark on a 4-hour drive to Bandhavgarh National Park, one of India's most renowned wildlife reserves. Covering 172 square miles, this park is home to over 25 mammal species, 250 bird species, and boasts one of the highest tiger densities in India.

Stay at the Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge, owned by the Sankhala family, pioneers in Indian wildlife conservation. This eco-friendly lodge, designed like a traditional Indian village, offers a unique blend of comfort and nature immersion. On your first evening, gain insights into Central India's wilderness and the management of national parks in India. Experience the sounds of the jungle, spot spotted deer, langur monkeys, and a diverse array of birds and insects, while learning about the dedicated conservation efforts of the lodge’s team.

Spend 3.5 days in Bandhavgarh, starting each morning with a wake-up call and tea or coffee, followed by safaris in 4x4 jeeps with a resident naturalist. You'll have one full-day permit, allowing for unrestricted exploration of the park beyond usual zonal restrictions, including early morning and late afternoon access. Evenings include lectures and discussions led by expert naturalists, covering topics like tiger conservation, wildlife management comparisons with Africa, and the role of eco-tourism in India’s wildlife protection.

Kanha

Mar 2 – 5

After a morning safari, drive through rural Madhya Pradesh to Kanha National Park, a 366-square-mile reserve set in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau. Kanha’s Sal forests, grassy meadows, and deep ravines provide an ideal habitat for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, barasingha, and Indian wild dogs. The park played a crucial role in saving the barasingha, an endangered swamp deer, making it one of India’s most successful conservation stories.

Stay at the Kanha Jungle Lodge, managed by wildlife expert Tarun, his son Jai, and Dimple, a passionate self-taught naturalist. The lodge, surrounded by dense Sal forest, offers an eco-conscious stay, blending seamlessly with the jungle. Your first evening includes an orientation on Kanha’s core and buffer zones and the success of the barasingha breeding program.

Your days begin with an early wake-up call, followed by a morning safari in a 4x4 jeep, led by a naturalist and forest guide. Enjoy a picnic breakfast in the jungle before returning for lunch and an afternoon safari. A full-day permit grants you unrestricted access across all zones and routes, plus extended park entry hours. In the evening, interact with the Sankhala family and watch TIGERLAND, an award-winning documentary on Kailash Sankhala’s conservation efforts.

Pench

Mar 6 – 8

After a final morning safari at Kanha, embark on a 4 to 5-hour drive to Pench National Park, located in the Satpura-Maikal region, spanning Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. This landscape, immortalized in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, is home to tigers, leopards, wolves, Indian wild dogs, and over 300 bird species. Named after the Pench River, the park is an ecological haven with lush forests, open grasslands, and riverine ecosystems, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

Stay at Jamtara Wilderness Camp, featuring ten luxury tents with panoramic jungle views. A highlight of your stay is the sleep-out experience, where you can sleep under the stars on a machaan (raised platform), fully immersed in nature. The camp provides a deep dive into conservation efforts and the cultural heritage of the region.

Mornings begin with tea or coffee, followed by a sunrise safari, guided by expert naturalists. In addition to mid-afternoon safaris, you can opt for night safaris and guided nature walks, offering a chance to spot nocturnal species. The camp's expert guides provide in-depth knowledge of Pench’s rich biodiversity and the role of community conservation in protecting India’s wilderness.

Return to Delhi

Mar 9

After a final morning game drive, return to Delhi, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible wildlife expedition through India's premier national parks.

Depart for home or join our Taj Mahal Extension.

Mar 10

Arrive home or enjoy the Taj.

Mar 11