Central India Tiger Trail
Fourteen nights across four reserves, from Kanha’s meadows through Pench and the quiet forests of Nagzira to Tadoba, where sightings are among the most consistent in India.
Eight full safari days and no cultural filler, beginning and ending in Mumbai.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
14
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Four Reserves, Eight Safari Days
India's Tiger Heartland s
This carefully curated safari journey explores the diverse wilderness landscapes of Central India, combining some of the country’s most rewarding wildlife destinations into a seamless exploration of India’s tiger heartland.
Beginning and ending in Mumbai, the itinerary travels through the celebrated forests of Kanha Tiger Reserve, the teak woodlands of Pench Tiger Reserve, the lesser-visited wilderness of Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, and finally Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, widely regarded as one of India’s premier locations for observing the Bengal Tiger. Along the way, guests may encounter Leopard, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Gaur and the rare Hard-ground Barasingha.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Two full days at each of four reserves, with the same naturalist team through each stay.
Tadoba's Consistent Sightings
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is renowned for a thriving population of Bengal tigers, with sightings among the most consistent in India.
Kanha and the Barasingha
Kanha is the last stronghold of the Hard-ground Barasingha, whose recovery from near extinction is one of India’s great conservation achievements.
Wild Dogs at Pench
Pench Tiger Reserve is celebrated for dhole, the endangered Indian wild dog, one of the reserve’s signature species.
The Quiet of Nagzira
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary offers a quieter, more intimate safari, with fewer visitors and lakes that draw wildlife in the dry season.
Four-Horned Antelope
Nagzira shelters the elusive four-horned antelope alongside Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bear and gaur.
Birding Across Four Habitats
grey-headed fish eagle, crested serpent eagle, Indian pitta, golden oriole, green bee-eater and Asian paradise flycatcher.
Full-Day Safaris
Extended time in the field with access to multiple tourism zones, available at all four reserves subject to permits.
Tadoba's Lakes
Lakes and water bodies throughout Tadoba support mugger crocodile and lesser adjutant alongside the reserve’s mammals.
Your Journey
Mumbai and the Four Reserves
A loop through the Central Indian Highlands, from Madhya Pradesh’s sal forests into the teak country of eastern Maharashtra.
Mumbai
Stop 1
Kanha
Stop 2
Pench
Stop 3
Nagzira
Stop 4
Tadoba
Stop 5
Sample Itinerary
Your Central India Tiger Trail Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Days 01 - 02 : Arrive Mumbai - Kanha Tiger Reserve
Days 01-02
Into the Sal Forests
Arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for an overnight in Mumbai, then the flight for Jabalpur and the road transfer to Kanha. Lunch at the lodge, an afternoon to settle in, and an evening introduction with the resident naturalist.
Days 03 - 04 : Kanha Tiger Reserve
Days 03-04
Kanha's Meadows
Private jeep safaris across sal forest and the expansive meadows for which the reserve is renowned, searching for tiger, barasingha, leopard, dhole (Indian wild dog), sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital, barking deer, and numerous smaller mammals. All meals at the lodge.
Days 05 - 07 : Kanha - Pench Tiger Reserve
Days 05-07
The Wild Dogs of Pench
Drive to Pench Tiger Reserve on the Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra border. Two full days across teak forest, grassland and riverine habitat, searching for Bengal tigers, Leopard, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital, nilgai, wild boar, and jackal, and above all dhole, the endangered Indian wild dog,.
Days 08 - 10 : Pench - Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
Days 08-10
A Quieter Corridor
Drive to Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, part of an important corridor connecting the Central Indian Highlands. Two full days across mixed forest, bamboo, rolling hills and lakes, searching for Bengal tiger, leopard, dhole, sloth bear, gaur and the four-horned antelope.
Days 11 - 13 : Nagzira - Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
Days 11-13
Maharashtra's Premier Reserve
Drive to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, the state’s oldest and largest. Two full days of private jeep safaris across dry deciduous forest, bamboo groves, meadows and lakes, with Bengal tiger sightings among the most consistent anywhere in India.
Days 14 - 15 : Tadoba - Nagpur - Mumbai
Days 14-15
Return and Departure
Transfer to Nagpur Airport for the flight to Mumbai and a final night, with the afternoon free, then a transfer to the airport the following morning for your onward flight.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 14 nights accommodation, including ten at jungle lodges across four reserves
- All meals served at the lodges during the reserve stays
- One or two private jeep safaris daily with experienced naturalists and local trackers
- Introductory naturalist sessions on arrival at each reserve
- Mumbai to Jabalpur and Nagpur to Mumbai flights, plus all road transfers
- Conservation discussions, photography reviews and birdwatching at the lodges
- Airport transfers at Mumbai, Jabalpur and Nagpur
Tailor Your Holiday
- Add full-day safaris at any of the four reserves, subject to permits
- Add extra nights at Tadoba or Kanha
- Add a Mumbai sightseeing day at the start or end
- Arrange a photography-focused programme with your naturalist
- Swap Nagzira for Bandhavgarh if you want a fourth headline reserve
- Add a dedicated bird guide for the woodland specialists
- Travel March to June for peak sightings, or October to February for comfort
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
This is already a safari-heavy itinerary. These are the additions dedicated wildlife travellers ask for.
A Full-Day Safari
Extended time in the field with access to multiple zones, subject to permit availability.
Extra Nights at Tadoba
The most consistent sightings in the itinerary, and the reserve most worth extra time.
A Mumbai Day
Colaba, the Gateway of India and the Dhobi Ghat, easily added at either end.
A Photography Programme
Shaped around light, hides and vehicle positioning rather than a fixed drive schedule.
Choose Your Rajasthan Experience
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.
Delightful Rajasthan
Based on two adults sharing
- Hand-picked 5★ hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Private chauffeur & air-conditioned vehicle
- Private airport transfers in India
- Expert local guides
- Included sightseeing & touring
- India Vacations assistance throughout
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.
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.