Maharashtra Tiger Trail

Ten nights across Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench, three of Central India’s most celebrated reserves, with private safaris and refined jungle lodges.

The classic central India circuit, carefully paced, with two full days at each reserve and time to unwind between drives.

Private

Tailor-Made Journey

Nights in India

Daily

Breakfast Included

Private

Chauffeur Throughout

Expert

Local Guides

ATOL

Protected Holidays

Sal Forest, Meadow and River

Central India's Celebrated Reserves

This journey through the forests of Central India combines some of the country’s most celebrated wildlife reserves with immersive wilderness experiences and refined jungle lodges.

Beginning from Delhi and continuing through Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserve, the itinerary explores dense sal forests, open meadows, riverine habitats and remote woodland renowned for their biodiversity and thriving tiger population. Carefully paced with private safaris, scenic overland drives and time to unwind amidst nature, the journey offers an intimate encounter with India’s wilderness.

Journey Highlights

Experiences You Will Never Forget

Two full safari days at each of three reserves, with the same naturalist team through your whole stay.

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.

Wild Dogs at Pench

Pench Tiger Reserve is celebrated for dhole, the endangered Indian wild dog, one of the reserve’s signature species.

The Jungle Book Landscape

Kanha and Pench both inspired Kipling, and the sal forests and meadows still read exactly as described.

Central India's Other Predators

Leopard, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital, nilgai, wild boar, and jackal are regularly encountered across the three reserves.

Birding Across Three Reserves

crested serpent eagle, changeable hawk-eagle, Indian roller, racket-tailed drongo, Malabar pied hornbill, paradise flycatcher and more.

Full-Day Safaris

Extended time in the field with access to multiple tourism zones, available at all three reserves subject to permits.

Lodge Life

Wildlife presentations, photography discussions, conservation talks, spa treatments and yoga between drives.

Your Journey

Delhi to Nagpur Through Three Reserves

A north-to-south run through the sal forests of Madhya Pradesh and into the teak country of the Maharashtra border.

Delhi

Stop 1

Bandhavgarh

Stop 2

Kanha

Stop 3

Pench

Stop 4

Sample Itinerary

Your Maharashtra Tiger Trail Journey

The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.

Days 01 - 02 : Arrive Delhi - Bandhavgarh

Days 01-02

Into the Sal Forests

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport for an overnight in Delhi, then the early flight for Jabalpur and the road transfer to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Lunch at the lodge, an afternoon at leisure, and an evening introduction with the resident naturalist.

Days 03 - 04 : Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Days 03-04

Tigers and the Fort

Private jeep safaris morning and afternoon through dense forest, open grassland and historic ruins, searching for Bengal Tigers alongside Leopards, Sloth Bears, Indian Gaur, Sambar Deer, Chital, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, and Four-horned Antelope. Full-day safaris can be arranged subject to permits.

Days 05 - 07 : Bandhavgarh - Kanha Tiger Reserve

Days 05-07

Kanha's Meadows

Drive to Kanha, 220 kilometres, the landscape that inspired The Jungle Book. Two full days of private safaris across sal forest and the reserve’s celebrated meadows, searching for tiger, barasingha, leopard, dhole (Indian wild dog), sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital, barking deer, and numerous smaller mammals.

Days 08 - 10 : Kanha - Pench Tiger Reserve

Days 08-10

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 tiger, leopard and above all dhole, the endangered Indian wild dog.

Day 11 : Pench Tiger Reserve - Nagpur

Day 11

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Nagpur Airport, 130 kilometres and two to three hours, for your onward flight.

Your Holiday

Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End

Your Journey Includes

10 nights accommodation, including nine at jungle lodges across three reserves
All meals served at the lodges during the reserve stays
Private jeep safaris morning and afternoon with experienced naturalists and local trackers
Introductory naturalist sessions on arrival at each reserve
Delhi to Jabalpur flight and all road transfers between reserves
Wildlife presentations, conservation talks and photography discussions at the lodges
Airport transfers at Delhi and Nagpur

Tailor Your Holiday

Add full-day safaris at any of the three reserves, subject to permits
Add extra nights at Bandhavgarh or Kanha
Add a Delhi sightseeing day at the start
Arrange a photography-focused programme with your naturalist
Add birdwatching excursions and village visits at the lodges
Add Tadoba or Satpura for a longer central India circuit
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.

5★ Deluxe Journey

Delightful Rajasthan

From £2,500 per person

Based on two adults sharing

Luxury Rajasthan

From £3,500 per person

Based on two adults sharing

Palace Collection

Rajasthan Exceptional

Tailor-Made

For an extraordinary private journey

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

Every lodge can arrange more than the standard programme. These are the additions guests ask for most.

A Full-Day Safari

Extended time in the field with access to multiple tourism zones, subject to permit availability.

Extra Nights at Bandhavgarh

The highest tiger density in the itinerary, and the reserve most worth extra time.

Birdwatching and Village Walks

Guided birding excursions and visits to nearby villages, arranged through your lodge.

Add a Delhi Day

A full day of Old and New Delhi sightseeing before flying south to the forests.

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.

Maharashtra Tiger Trail Experiences