Classical Central Wildlife
09 nights blending Delhi’s layered history with the wilderness of Panna, Bandhavgarh and Kanha.
Delhi, Orchha and Khajuraho lead into stays at Ramada by Wyndham or Clarks Khajuraho Hotel, Lemon Tree Wildlife Resort or Atulya Kanchi Camp Bandhavgarh, and Tuli Tiger resort or Soulacia Kanha.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
9
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Culture Meets Wilderness
A Journey Through Central India's Wild Heart
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of India, where rich cultural heritage blends seamlessly with some of the country’s finest wildlife experiences.
Begin in Delhi before travelling by train to Jhansi and onward to historic Orchha and Khajuraho. Continue to Panna National Park, then into Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and Kanha Tiger Reserve, with guided safaris in search of Bengal Tiger, Leopards, Sloth Bears and Barasingha. The route combines heritage, forests, grasslands, river valleys, jungle lodges and nature experiences.
Journey Highlights
Six Signature Moments
A carefully paced journey linking India’s historic cities with three important wildlife landscapes.
Delhi Heritage
Discover Old and New Delhi, from Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and Qutub Minar to Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Raj Ghat.
Orchha Fort
Explore the Bundela-era heritage of Orchha, including Jahangir Mahal and the richly painted Raj Mahal Palace.
Khajuraho Temples
Visit the Western group of temples and admire intricate sculptures across Lakshmana, Kandariya Mahadev, Vishwanatha and Nandi.
Panna Safari
Venture to Panna National Park for a wildlife safari amid scenic landscapes along the Ken River.
Bandhavgarh Wildlife
Explore dense sal forests, open meadows and rugged hills while searching for tigers and diverse Central Indian wildlife.
Kanha Wilderness
Experience vast sal forests, bamboo thickets and celebrated meadows, home to tiger, barasingha, leopard and abundant birdlife.
The Route
From Delhi into the Forest Heartland
A route that leaves the cities behind quickly, trading monuments for sal forest, meadow and river valley.
Delhi
Stop 1
Khajuraho
Stop 2
Bandhavgarh
Stop 3
Kanha Tiger Reserve
Stop 4
Sample Itinerary
Your Classical Central Wildlife Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Day 01 : Delhi
Day 01
Arrive in Delhi
Arrive at Delhi Airport to a warm welcome with fresh floral garlands, followed by a private transfer and hotel check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure in India’s capital, with its historic monuments, markets, and contrasting Old and New Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi
Day 02
Explore Old and New Delhi
Sightseeing includes Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Raj Ghat and Jama Masjid, followed by a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk, with time to explore the aromatic spice market and view the Red Fort.
Day 03 : Delhi - Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho
Day 03
Train to Jhansi and Orchha
Take the suggested Gatimaan Express from Delhi to Jhansi, then drive to Orchha for sightseeing. Explore Orchha Fort, including Jahangir Mahal and Raj Mahal, before continuing 180km to Khajuraho for your overnight stay.
Day 04 : Khajuraho - Panna National Park
Day 04
Panna Safari and Khajuraho
Travel to Panna National Park for a morning wildlife safari, then return to Khajuraho for sightseeing. Visit the Western group of temples, including Lakshmana, Matangeshwara, Varaha, Kandariya Mahadev, Chitragupta, Parvati, Vishwanatha and Nandi.
Day 05 : Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh
Day 05
Into Bandhavgarh Tiger Country
Drive 230km to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, where dense sal forests, open meadows and rugged hills surround the historic Bandhavgarh Fort. Settle into your jungle lodge, meet the resident naturalist and prepare for the safari days ahead.
Day 06 : Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Day 06
Full Day in Bandhavgarh
Spend the day exploring Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve with private jeep safaris and expert naturalists. Morning and afternoon game drives can reveal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, Indian gaur, sambar, chital and rich birdlife, subject to permits and park conditions.
Day 07 : Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve - Kanha Tiger Reserve
Day 07
From Bandhavgarh to Kanha
Drive 220km to Kanha Tiger Reserve, a landscape of sal forest, bamboo thickets, rolling plateaus and open meadows. Check into your jungle lodge, enjoy lunch and meet the resident naturalist for an introduction to Kanha’s ecosystems and conservation history.
Day 08 : Kanha Tiger Reserve
Day 08
Safari in Kanha
Explore Kanha Tiger Reserve by private jeep with experienced naturalists and local trackers. Search diverse habitats for tiger, barasingha, leopard, gaur and dhole, with opportunities for photography, birding, conservation discussions and time around the lodge.
Day 09 : Kanha - Jabalpur - Delhi
Day 09
Return via Jabalpur
Enjoy a leisurely morning before driving 140km to Jabalpur Airport. Take the suggested IndiGo 6E-6270 flight to Delhi, then transfer to your Delhi hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 10 : Delhi Departure
Day 10
Depart from Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi and onward international departure. Leave Central India with memories of tiger reserves, royal heritage, vibrant tribal cultures and the landscapes of the forest heartlands.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 05-nights accommodation on sharing double/twin room basis with breakfast
- 04-nights accommodation on sharing double/twin room on Full Board basis in Bandhavgarh & Kanha
- Complete transport in AC vehicle with driver
- English speaking tour guide for sightseeing as per program
- Rickshaw ride in Delhi
- AC Chair Car train ticket for Delhi to Jhansi
- Jungle Safaris with expert naturalist in an exclusive open jeep (4x4)
- 01 Safari in Panna National Park
- 02 Safaris in Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve
- 02 Safaris in Kanha Tiger reserve
- One-time entrances to all monuments as per program
- National Park entry & all related fees
- Presently applicable taxes
- Warm welcome with fresh flower garlands at New Delhi International Airport
- Water bottles in vehicle during the tour
Tailor Your Holiday
- Upgrade hotel categories using the three hotel options provided
- Add a single room supplement
- Add the half board supplement for 05 dinners
- Add an additional normal morning or evening safari
- Upgrade accommodation where a higher hotel option is available
- Add domestic or international flights, subject to quotation and booking conditions
- Arrange early check-in or late check-out, subject to availability and hotel policy
Your Holiday Options
Choose Your Preferred Stay
Three accommodation levels are available, with the final hotel allocation subject to availability at the time of reservation.
Classical Central Wildlife
02 passengers travelling together; net and non-commissionable
- Zone Connect by The Park Saket New Delhi or Deventure Sarovar Portico Kapashera
- Ramada by Wyndham or Clarks Khajuraho
- Lemon Tree Wildlife Resort or Atulya Kanchi Camp Bandhavgarh
- Tuli Tiger resort or Soulacia
- 05-nights accommodation with breakfast
- 04-nights Full Board accommodation in Bandhavgarh & Kanha
- Private AC vehicle, English speaking guide, train ticket and specified safaris
Classical Central Wildlife
02 passengers travelling together; net and non-commissionable
- Radisson Blu Dwarka or Welcom hotel ITC Dwarka
- Hotel Chandela or Radisson
- Syna Tiger resort or Bandhav Vilas
- Earth Lodge or similar
- 05-nights accommodation with breakfast
- 04-nights Full Board accommodation in Bandhavgarh & Kanha
- Private AC vehicle, English speaking guide, train ticket and specified safaris
Classical Central Wildlife
02 passengers travelling together; net and non-commissionable
- Maidens Hotel or Vivanta by Taj
- Hotel Jass
- Kings Lodge or similar
- Kanha Jungle Camp or similar
- 05-nights accommodation with breakfast
- 04-nights Full Board accommodation in Bandhavgarh & Kanha
- Private AC vehicle, English speaking guide, train ticket and specified safaris
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and vary according to travel dates, availability and final lodge selection. Safari permits are subject to Forest Department allocation and advance booking is strongly recommended. International flights are not included in the guide prices above but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Looking for something even more exceptional?
We can build a longer central India journey, adding Pench, Satpura or Tadoba, or combining the forests with the Golden Triangle.
Enhance Your Journey
Add More Time in the Wild
Use the source itinerary’s supplements and lodge options to shape the pace and depth of your stay.
Additional Safari
Add an additional normal morning or evening safari, subject to availability and applicable safari arrangements.
Half Board
Add the half board supplement covering five dinners during the journey.
Hotel Upgrade
Choose from the higher accommodation options listed for Delhi, Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh and Kanha.
Bespoke Flight Arrangements
Add domestic or international flights to the itinerary, confirmed after receipt of advance or full payment as advised.
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.