Central India's Wild Heart
Nine nights across three tiger landscapes, from the quiet forests of Tipeshwar to Tadoba’s consistent sightings and the wild dogs of Pench.
Built for dedicated wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, with private safaris, expert naturalists and no cultural filler.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
09
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Three Reserves, No Filler
The Tiger Forests of Central India
This journey through the forests of Maharashtra and Central India explores three of the country’s most rewarding tiger landscapes: Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve.
Beginning in the emerging wilderness of Tipeshwar, renowned for intimate safari experiences and a growing tiger population, the itinerary continues to Tadoba, Maharashtra’s premier tiger reserve, before concluding in the diverse forests of Pench. Combining private safaris, expert naturalists and carefully selected jungle lodges, the journey traverses teak forests, bamboo thickets, grasslands, lakes and riverine habitats, with opportunities to observe Tiger, Leopard, Dhole, Sloth Bear and Gaur.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Nine nights, three reserves, and two full safari days at each. This is a serious wildlife itinerary.
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.
Wild Dogs at Pench
Pench Tiger Reserve is celebrated for dhole, the endangered Indian wild dog, making it one of India’s finest places to observe them.
Tipeshwar's Quiet Forests
Low visitor density and a compact geography give **Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary** an intimacy the busier reserves cannot match.
Central India's Predators
Leopard, Sloth Bear, Dhole (Indian Wild Dog) and Gaur alongside tiger across all three reserves.
Birding Across Three Habitats
Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Indian Pitta, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and Paradise Flycatcher.
Time With the Naturalists
Informal discussions on tiger behaviour, conservation initiatives and the ecology of Central India’s dry forests.
Tadoba's Lakes
Lakes and water bodies throughout Tadoba support mugger crocodile and lesser adjutant alongside the reserve’s mammals.
Full-Day Safaris
Extended time in the field with access to multiple tourism zones, available at Tadoba and Pench subject to permits.
Your Journey
Hyderabad to Nagpur Through Three Reserves
A straight run through the Deccan tiger landscape, with no cities and no monuments between the forests.
Tipeshwar
Stop 1
Tadoba
Stop 2
Pench
Stop 3
Sample Itinerary
Your Central India's Wild Heart Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Days 01 - 03 : Arrive Hyderabad - Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Days 01-03
The Quiet Sanctuary
Arrive at Hyderabad and transfer by road to Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Two full days of morning and afternoon jeep safaris with naturalists and trackers, searching for Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Dhole and Gaur across teak woodland, bamboo and open grassland.
Days 04 - 06 : Tipeshwar - Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
Days 04-06
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 water bodies, searching for Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, dhole, gaur, sambar and chital.
Days 07 - 09 : Tadoba - Pench Tiger Reserve
Days 07-09
The Jungle Book Forests
Drive to Pench Tiger Reserve, straddling the Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra border. Two full days searching for tiger, leopard and above all dhole, the endangered Indian wild dog, across teak forest, grassland and riverine habitat.
Day 10 : Pench Tiger Reserve - Nagpur
Day 10
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Nagpur Airport, 90 kilometres and two to three hours, for your onward flight.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 09 nights at jungle lodges across three reserves
- All meals served at the lodges throughout
- Morning and afternoon private jeep safaris with experienced naturalists and local trackers
- Introductory naturalist sessions on arrival at each reserve
- Informal conservation discussions and photography reviews between safaris
- Complete road transport with driver throughout
- Airport transfers at Hyderabad and Nagpur
Tailor Your Holiday
- Add full-day safaris at Tadoba or Pench, subject to permit availability
- Add extra nights at any of the three reserves
- Arrange a photography-focused programme with your naturalist
- Add Kanha or Bandhavgarh for a longer central India circuit
- Add a dedicated bird guide for the woodland specialists
- Adjust the number of safaris per day at each reserve
- Travel March to June for peak sightings, or October to February for comfort
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.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
This itinerary is already safari-heavy. These are the additions dedicated wildlife travellers ask for.
A Full-Day Safari
Extended time in the field with access to multiple zones, at Tadoba or Pench, subject to permits.
Extra Nights at Tadoba
The most consistent sightings in the itinerary, and the reserve most worth extra time.
Add Kanha or Bandhavgarh
Extend north into Madhya Pradesh for two more of India's finest tiger reserves.
A Photography Programme
Shaped around light, hides and vehicle positioning rather than a fixed drive schedule.
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.