15 Nights & 16 Days
Venture into the untamed heart of Central India on a 15-night, 16-day wildlife and photography expedition that takes you through five of the country’s most iconic big cat landscapes — Tadoba, Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Panna. This immersive circuit is crafted for those who dream of witnessing the Bengal tiger in all its glory while capturing the essence of India’s wild heritage through their lens.
Your journey begins in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, a park famed for its consistent tiger sightings and dramatic bamboo-and-teak forests. From there, travel to Pench National Park, the real-life inspiration for The Jungle Book, where leopards and wild dogs share the stage with tigers. Continue to Kanha, a vast expanse of meadows and sal forests offering a chance to photograph barasingha (swamp deer) alongside apex predators. In Bandhavgarh, with one of the highest tiger densities in the world, you’ll have exceptional opportunities to create intimate portraits of these magnificent cats. The journey concludes in Panna, where tigers roam alongside leopards, gharials, and the stunning Ken River gorge.
Across these parks, you’ll enjoy exclusive safari experiences — from golden-hour jeep drives to quiet moments at hidden waterholes — guided by seasoned naturalists and photography mentors. Learn the art of tracking, sharpen your composition skills, and experiment with low-light and action photography.
Handpicked lodges and camps keep you close to the wilderness while offering warm hospitality and regional flavours. Evenings are for reviewing images, sharing stories under star-filled skies, and preparing for the next day’s adventures. By journey’s end, you’ll return home not only with a rich portfolio of wildlife images, but also with a deeper connection to India’s landscapes, people, and the majestic big cats that define them.
Touch down in the vibrant city of Nagpur, where your journey through India’s great tiger country begins. A warm welcome awaits as you’re transferred to your hotel. The evening is yours — relax after your travels, perhaps take a gentle stroll to soak in the local buzz, and get ready for the adventure ahead. Overnight in Nagpur.
After breakfast, set off for Tadoba National Park — a land where teak forests, tranquil lakes, and golden meadows hide some of India’s most celebrated wildlife. Arrive at your lodge in time for your first afternoon safari, where the warm light of late day casts a golden glow across the jungle. As the forest begins to stir, watch for deer stepping delicately into clearings, birds flitting between branches, and perhaps the fleeting presence of a predator on the prowl. Return to the lodge for a hearty dinner and the soft lull of the forest at night. Overnight in Tadoba.
Spend the next two days fully immersed in Tadoba’s untamed beauty with morning and afternoon safaris. Dawn brings a cool, golden hush, perfect for spotting tigers on silent patrol, herds of chital grazing in the mist, or a crested serpent eagle scanning the grasslands from above. Afternoons are filled with the rich colours of sunset, when the jungle hums with life — from the alarm calls of langurs to the sudden splash of a kingfisher diving for its catch. Between safaris, unwind at your lodge, enjoying delicious meals, the comfort of your veranda, and the ever-present soundtrack of birdsong and rustling leaves. Evenings invite fireside conversations beneath a sky bright with stars. Overnight in Tadoba.
Rise early and bid farewell to Tadoba as you set out for Pench National Park, a landscape of gently rolling hills, meandering rivers, and timeless forests that inspired The Jungle Book. Arrive in time for an afternoon safari, when the golden light paints the sal and teak groves in warm tones. Keep an eye out for Pench’s elusive residents — from leopards melting into the undergrowth to the graceful chital grazing along the riverbanks. Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening surrounded by the calls of the forest. Overnight in Pench.
A full day to immerse yourself in Pench’s wild charm with morning and afternoon safaris. Mornings here are hushed and cool, perfect for catching the stirrings of nocturnal animals returning to rest, while afternoons bring shafts of sunlight dancing across the forest floor. You might hear the alarm calls of langurs, glimpse a civet slipping between shadows, or watch kingfishers flash bright blue above the water. Overnight in Pench.
Begin the day with one last safari in Pench, making the most of the park’s early morning magic. After breakfast, journey to Kanha National Park — a vast, lush wonderland often described as one of India’s most beautiful reserves. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and soak in the sweeping views. As night falls, relax under a canopy of stars, the forest whispering its secrets around you. Overnight in Kanha.
Kanha’s landscapes are a living painting — meadows shimmering in the morning light, sal forests standing tall, and streams winding lazily through green valleys. Spend the day on both morning and afternoon safaris, seeking out its rich wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might photograph the rare barasingha grazing or catch a glimpse of a tiger slipping through the tall grass. Overnight in Kanha.
A second day in Kanha means another pair of safaris, each offering its own surprises. The early hours might bring the calls of langurs and the sight of wild dogs on the move, while the afternoon’s golden light sets the forest aglow. Between drives, take time to simply absorb the beauty from your lodge’s veranda. Overnight in Kanha.
Begin the day with a final morning safari in Kanha, soaking in its magic one last time. After breakfast, travel to Bandhavgarh National Park — where rugged cliffs, ancient fort ruins, and grassy plateaus create a dramatic stage for wildlife. Arrive at your lodge, where warm hospitality and a restful evening await. Overnight in Bandhavgarh.
Spend the day delving into Bandhavgarh’s enchanting wilderness with morning and afternoon safaris. The park’s dense sal forests and open meadows create the perfect stage for wildlife encounters — from a peacock’s shimmering display to the deep bark of a sambar alerting to a predator’s presence. As the sun dips behind the hills, return to the lodge for an evening of comfort and good food. Overnight in Bandhavgarh.
A second full day in Bandhavgarh means another chance to witness its magic on both morning and afternoon drives. Each safari offers something new — perhaps a leopard draped across a rocky ledge or the fleeting shadow of a tiger moving through tall grass. Overnight in Bandhavgarh.
Start the day with a morning safari in Bandhavgarh, savouring your final moments in its wild embrace. After breakfast, journey to Panna National Park, a serene gem of the Vindhya ranges where deep gorges, teak forests, and the sparkling Ken River create a tranquil sanctuary. Settle into your lodge and let the peaceful surroundings wash over you. Overnight in Panna.
The day begins with a morning safari through Panna’s teak forests and along the shimmering Ken River, where the flash of a kingfisher’s wings or the elegant stride of an antelope might catch your eye. After lunch, head out again for an afternoon drive, when the setting sun casts a warm glow over the park’s rugged cliffs and grassy plateaus. Overnight in Panna.
Your second day in Panna brings another chance to experience its wild magic. Set out on a morning safari, listening to the forest awaken, then return in the afternoon for one last adventure — whether it’s tracking fresh paw prints in the sand or watching the river sparkle in the fading light. Overnight in Panna.
After a relaxed breakfast, make your way to Khajuraho. Before heading to the airport, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khajuraho Temples — a breathtaking gallery of intricately carved stone, telling timeless tales of devotion, mythology, and love. Later, fly to Delhi for your overnight stay or connect with your onward journey home.
Reach out to our team of wildlife experts and get a free quote for your upcoming tiger safari holiday! You can also use this channel to request a custom wildlife holiday package in India!
