Luxury Wildlife Trails of Central India

After a leisurely breakfast at your luxury accommodation in Delhi, you’ll be transferred to the airport for a flight to Khajuraho, the gateway to your adventure in Panna National Park. Upon arrival at Khajuraho Airport, a private transfer will take you to your eco-conscious luxury lodge in Panna, which offers an unparalleled blend of comfort and wilderness. After settling in, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. Later in the afternoon, you can take a guided nature walk to familiarize yourself with the rich biodiversity of the region or simply unwind in the lodge’s luxurious amenities.

Before continuing to Panna, take a moment to appreciate the historical and cultural significance of Khajuraho. Famous for its group of **Hindu and Jain temples, Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite temple architecture and intricate stone carvings. These temples, built between the 9th and 12th centuries by the Chandela dynasty, are celebrated for their detailed sculptures that depict various aspects of life, from spirituality and mythological stories to everyday life and passion. The art and architecture of Khajuraho are a testament to India’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, offering a fascinating prelude to your journey into the wilds of Central India.

As evening approaches, indulge in a gourmet dinner that highlights locally sourced ingredients, and enjoy the breathtaking sunset views over the forest. Prepare for the thrilling safaris and wildlife encounters that await you in the coming days.

Overnight stay at the Lodge

Your adventure in Panna National Park begins early today with a thrilling morning jeep safari. After a light breakfast at your luxury lodge, you’ll set off into the wilderness, guided by an experienced naturalist. As you traverse the park’s diverse landscapes—ranging from lush forests to rocky terrains and flowing rivers—you’ll have the chance to spot majestic Bengal tigers, leopards, and a variety of herbivores, including chital and sambar deer.

Panna National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, was established in 1981 and declared a Tiger Reserve in 1994 under Project Tiger. Historically, the region was the hunting grounds of the local rulers, but today it stands as a symbol of wildlife conservation. The park is spread over 540 square kilometres and is known for its diverse ecosystems, which range from dry deciduous forests to grasslands and riverine habitats, centred around the Ken River

In the afternoon, embark on another jeep safari as the park comes alive with wildlife activity. The golden hours of dusk offer stunning photographic opportunities as the wildlife begins to move and settle.

Return to the lodge in the evening for a delicious dinner and a chance to share stories of your day’s sightings.

Start your day early with another exhilarating jeep safari into Panna National Park. This morning, you’ll venture into new areas of the park, seeking out its rich wildlife. Your expert naturalist will point out signs of wildlife activity and share insights into the complex ecosystems that make Panna a unique sanctuary.

In the afternoon, head out for your final jeep safari in Panna, soaking in the beauty of the park’s landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Panna’s conservation story is one of India’s greatest successes. After losing its entire tiger population to poaching in 2009, focused efforts led to the successful reintroduction of tigers, with the population steadily growing since. Today, Panna is a model for tiger conservation with a thriving ecosystem.

Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening and dinner.

After a leisurely breakfast at your lodge in Panna, you will embark on a scenic drive to Bandhavgarh National Park, a journey of approximately 5-6 hours. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel deeper into the wilderness of Central India. Upon arrival in Bandhavgarh, check in to your luxury wildlife lodge, where you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink and some time to relax. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to soak in the tranquil atmosphere and prepare for the thrilling safaris ahead.

Bandhavgarh National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, has a rich historical and wildlife heritage. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Rewa, Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968. The park is named after the Bandhavgarh Fort, an ancient structure perched on a hill within the park, believed to be over 2,000 years old. The fort has deep mythological and historical significance, with legends linking it to the Ramayana

Overnight stay at Bandhavgarh

Over the next two days, you will immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Bandhavgarh National Park with both morning and evening safaris. Each day starts with an early morning game drive, where you’ll explore the park’s diverse zones in search of its famed Bengal tigers, along with leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of other wildlife.

After returning to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation, you’ll head back out for an evening safari, where the soft golden light creates stunning photographic opportunities. With expert naturalists guiding your experience, you’ll gain deeper insights into the park’s unique ecosystems and the behaviour of its wildlife.

As the day ends, return to your luxury lodge for dinner and a peaceful night’s rest, surrounded by the serenity of the jungle.

Overnight stay at Bandhavgarh.

Your final morning in Bandhavgarh begins with one last exhilarating safari, offering another chance to spot tigers and other wildlife in the park’s picturesque landscapes. After returning from the safari, enjoy an early lunch at the lodge before checking out and embarking on your road journey to Kanha National Park. The scenic drive through the heart of Madhya Pradesh’s wilderness takes approximately 6 hours, offering glimpses of rural life and the natural beauty of Central India along the way.

Upon arrival at your luxury lodge in Kanha, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and have the evening to relax and unwind after your journey.

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a delicious dinner, preparing for the exciting safaris that await in one of India’s most iconic tiger reserves

Overnight stay at Kanha

Over the next two days, you’ll explore the incredible wilderness of Kanha National Park with thrilling morning and evening safaris. Kanha is renowned for its thriving population of Bengal tigers and its diverse ecosystems, which range from dense sal forests to expansive grasslands. During the morning safaris, you’ll venture deep into the park’s core zones, increasing your chances of spotting not only tigers but also barasingha (swamp deer), gaur, and a wide variety of bird species.

After a relaxing lunch back at the lodge, your afternoon safaris will take you into different zones of the park as the wildlife becomes more active in the cooler evening hours. Your expert naturalist will guide you through these breathtaking landscapes, offering insights into the unique flora and fauna of Kanha. The park’s serene beauty and the anticipation of spotting elusive wildlife make each safari a thrilling experience. Return to the lodge each evening to enjoy dinner and unwind amidst the natural surroundings.

Overnight stay at Kanha National Park

Your last morning in Kanha National Park begins with a final exciting safari, offering one more opportunity to spot the park’s iconic wildlife. After returning from the safari, enjoy a hearty early lunch at the lodge before checking out.

Post-lunch, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Pench National Park, which takes around 4-5 hours. As you travel through the picturesque landscape of Central India, you’ll pass by rural villages and lush forests, soaking in the natural beauty of the region.

Upon arriving at your luxury lodge in Pench, you’ll check in and have the evening to relax and unwind. Enjoy a delicious dinner as you prepare for the upcoming safaris in Pench, the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.

Overnight stay at Pench

Over the next two days, you’ll explore the stunning wilderness of Pench National Park. Each day will start with an early morning jeep safari, where you’ll journey deep into the forest to encounter Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and other fascinating wildlife. Pench’s landscape, featuring teak forests, open meadows, and picturesque water bodies, offers a rich diversity of habitats, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

After each morning safari, return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch and some relaxation. The afternoon safaris will give you more opportunities to explore different areas of the park.

Guided by expert naturalists, these safaris will deepen your understanding of Pench’s rich ecosystems, enhancing the overall wildlife experience.

After the evening safaris, return to the lodge for dinner, enjoying the tranquil surroundings before settling in for the night.

Overnight at Pench

Your final morning in Pench National Park begins with an exhilarating safari, allowing you one last chance to encounter the diverse wildlife of this beautiful park.

After returning to the lodge, enjoy an early lunch, savouring the flavours of the region. Following lunch, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Nagpur, which takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Upon arrival at Nagpur Airport, you’ll have time to relax before boarding your flight back to Delhi. As you reflect on your unforgettable journey through Central India’s wilderness, the memories of majestic tigers, serene landscapes, and luxury experiences will stay with you long after your adventure concludes

Arrival at Delhi and transfer to hotel for overnight stay

Post breakfast, you will be dropped off at Delhi Airport for onward travel.