Wildlife & Tribal Heartlands of Central India
Thirteen nights pairing the tiger forests of Bandhavgarh and Kanha with the tribal heartlands of Chhattisgarh, one of the least visited regions in India.
Safaris, Khajuraho’s temples and then five nights among the Maria, Muria, Dhurwa, Bhatra and Halba communities of Bastar.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
11
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Tigers, Temples and Living Traditions
From Tiger Forest to Tribal Heartland
This journey begins amidst the celebrated monuments of Delhi before venturing into the tiger-rich forests of Bandhavgarh and Kanha, two of India’s most iconic wildlife reserves.
From the teak forests and grasslands of Madhya Pradesh, the itinerary continues south into the lesser-explored state of Chhattisgarh, where former royal residences, forested landscapes and vibrant tribal communities provide a fascinating contrast to the wildlife experiences of the earlier part of the journey. Few itineraries in India combine the two so directly.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Two of India’s finest tiger reserves, then five nights in a region most travellers never reach.
Bandhavgarh's Tiger Density
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is renowned for its healthy population of Bengal Tigers and some of India’s finest game viewing.
Kanha and the Barasingha
Kanha is the last stronghold of the hard-ground barasingha, whose recovery is one of India’s great conservation successes.
The Tribes of Bastar
Experiences Bastar Tribal Villages of the Maria, Muria, Dhurwa, Bhatra and Halba communities, with local guides.
Bastar's Craft Traditions
Bell metal casting, wrought iron craft, wood carving, terracotta and bamboo work, watched in the artisans’ own workshops.
The Temples of Khajuraho
The Western group of temples, carved with roughly 870 sculptures across their interior and exterior walls.
Safari at Panna
A wildlife safari in Panna National Park, known for its tiger population and the scenery along the Ken River.
Your Journey
Madhya Pradesh into Chhattisgarh
South and east from Delhi, from temple town to tiger reserve and on into a region most itineraries never reach.
Delhi
Stop 1
Khajuraho
Stop 2
Bandhavgarh
Stop 3
Kanha
Stop 4
Kawardha
Stop 5
Kanker
Stop 6
Bastar
Stop 7
Sample Itinerary
Your Wildlife & Tribal Heartlands of Central India Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Days 01 - 02 : Arrive Delhi
Days 1–2
Old and New Delhi
A warm airport reception with fresh floral garlands. A full day covering Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Raj Ghat and Jama Masjid, then a Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and the aromatic spice market, with a photo stop at the Red Fort.
Days 03 - 04 : Delhi - Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho
Day 3-4
Orchha, Panna and the Temples
The train to Jhansi, then Orchha Fort and Jahangir Mahal en route to Khajuraho. Next morning, a wildlife safari in Panna National Park, and in the afternoon the Western group of temples, with roughly 870 sculptures carved into their walls.
Days 05 - 06 : Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh
Day 5-6
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Drive to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, where sal forest and open meadows sit beneath the historic Bandhavgarh Fort. Private jeep safaris morning and afternoon, searching for Bengal Tigers alongside Leopards, Sloth Bears, Indian Gaur, Sambar Deer, Chital, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, and Four-horned Antelope.
Days 07 - 08 : Bandhavgarh - Kanha Tiger Reserve
Days 7-8
Kanha's Meadows
Drive to Kanha, the landscape that inspired The Jungle Book. Private jeep safaris across sal forest and meadow, searching for tiger, barasingha, and leopard, dhole (Indian wild dog), sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital, barking deer, and numerous smaller mammals.
Days 09 - 10 : Kanha - Kawardha - Kanker
Days 9-10
Into Chhattisgarh
Drive to Kawardha at the foot of the Maikal Range, gateway to the tribal heartlands, and visit nearby tribal villages. The following day, continue to Kanker, once a princely state, and explore villages and meet local communities.
Days 11 - 12 : Kanker - Bastar
Days 11-12
The Bastar Region
Drive to the Bastar region, home to the Maria, Muria, Dhurwa, Bhatra and Halba communities. Start at the Anthropological Museum, then a full day of Experiences Bastar Tribal Villages, Bastar Arts & Crafts workshops and Bastar Forests & Rural Landscapes.
Days 13 - 14 : Bastar - Raipur - Delhi
Days 13-14
Rajim and Departure
Drive to Raipur, stopping at Rajim at the confluence of the Mahanadi, Pairi and Sondur rivers, known as the Prayag of Chhattisgarh. The following morning, fly to Delhi for your onward international departure.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 13 nights accommodation, including four at jungle lodges and heritage hotels in Chhattisgarh
- All meals served at the lodges during the reserve stays
- Private jeep safaris at Bandhavgarh and Kanha with experienced naturalists
- One wildlife safari in Panna National Park
- Guided sightseeing at Delhi, Orchha and Khajuraho
- Tribal village visits with knowledgeable local guides in Kawardha, Kanker and Bastar
- Artisan workshop visits and the Anthropological Museum at Bastar
Tailor Your Holiday
- Add extra safaris at Bandhavgarh or Kanh
- Time your visit for one of Bastar's weekly tribal markets
- Add nights in Bastar for deeper time with the communities
- Add Pench or Tadoba for a third tiger reserve
- Arrange a craft-focused programme around the artisan workshops
- Add a dedicated bird guide for the central Indian forests
- Travel October to February for comfort, March to June for sightings
Plan Your Journey
Travel Central India Your Way
Every journey is privately arranged and priced around your travel dates, chosen lodges, number of safaris and pace. Because lodge availability and safari permits vary considerably by season, we quote each itinerary individually rather than publishing a fixed price.
What we will need from you
Based on two adults sharing
- Your preferred travel dates, or the month you have in mind
- How many are travelling, and whether you need single rooms
- Your preferred level of lodge, from comfortable to premium
- How many safaris you would like at each reserve
- Anything you particularly hope to see, so we can advise on timing
Luxury Rajasthan
Based on two adults sharing
- Luxury 5★ hotels throughout
- Palace & heritage hotel options
- Daily breakfast
- Private chauffeur & premium vehicle
- Private airport transfers
- Expert private local guides
- Enhanced touring & experiences
Rajasthan Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- Iconic palace & heritage properties
- Oberoi, Taj, RAAS, Raffles & more
- Suite & premium room options
- Private chauffeur throughout
- Bespoke private touring
- Exclusive dining & cultural experiences
- Completely personalised itinerary
Prices depend on travel dates, lodge selection and safari permit availability. Safari permits are allocated by the Forest Department and advance booking is strongly recommended. International flights are not included but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Not sure when to travel? Season makes more difference to a wildlife journey than to any other kind. Tell us what you hope to see and we will advise on the best months, and on which reserves are open when.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
The tribal half of this journey rewards more time than the standard itinerary allows.
A Bastar Weekly Market
Villagers gather to trade produce, forest products, livestock and handicrafts. Worth timing the trip around.
Extra Nights in Bastar
Five nights in Chhattisgarh is already unusual. More turns a visit into something closer to understanding.
An Extra Safari
Add a morning or afternoon drive at Bandhavgarh or Kanha for a better chance of a sighting.
A Craft Programme
Extended time with the bell metal, wrought iron and wood carving artisans of Bastar.
Travel With Confidence
Why Book With India Vacations?
Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.
India Specialists
Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.
ATOL Protection
Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.
Tailor-Made Travel
Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.
Personal Assistance
Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.
Your Central India Story Starts Here
Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India
Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.
All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.