Simply Tigers

Your adventure begins at Delhi airport, where you’ll catch a morning flight to Jabalpur, the gateway to Bandhavgarh tiger reserve. Upon arrival, a 4-hour drive through rural India awaits, offering glimpses of village life and great photo opportunities. At the forest lodge, immerse yourself in modern comforts blended with a deep commitment to conservation. Relax with refreshing drinks and explore the nearby village. The evening is yours to unwind and soak in the serene atmosphere of the camp.

The day in Bandhavgarh begins early with a wake-up call accompanied by tea/coffee and biscuits. Venture into the jungle aboard an open 4×4 jeep with a with a guide, on the lookout for the elusive tiger and other wildlife. Breakfast will be carried along to enjoy in the designated spots in Reserve.

Named after its highest hill, Bandhavgarh Reserve is home to diverse wildlife including spotted deer, wild boar, sambhar, and various species of birds. Tigers, Bandhavgarh’s main attraction, offer unparalleled opportunities for observation and photography, thanks to skilled guides tracking their movements.

After the morning safari, relax at the lodge until the late afternoon safari.

Alternatively, explore the park’s periphery on foot or by bicycle, engaging with local villagers and observing diverse bird species. Spend two more nights indulging in morning and afternoon jeep safaris, in search of tigers and other wildlife.

After breakfast, depart from Bandhavgarh for Kanha Tiger Reserve, enjoying a scenic drive through Central India’s rural landscapes lasting five and a half hours. Optionally, stop midway at Ghughua fossil park to explore plant and dinosaur egg fossils, with notable palm and eucalyptus specimens.

Arrive Kanha in time for lunch and settle into the serene tented camp located on the quieter Mukki side of the park. the eco-lodge boasts canvas-walled tents with ensuite bathrooms and employs local staff and experienced naturalist.

Unwind at the camp or venture into the forest for a leisurely walk, seeking out resident wildlife such as butterflies and birds amidst the tranquil surroundings. If you are lucky you may also come across leopards, and Indian gaurs.

In most reserves, days typically begin with an early start, accompanied by tea/coffee, followed by a morning safari to explore the jungle. A picnic breakfast is enjoyed under the forest canopy before returning by late morning for a rest.

Kanha National Park, nestled in the Maikal Hills of the Satpura mountain ranges, boasts picturesque meadows and diverse wildlife. Home to 22 species of large mammals and over 250 bird species, Kanha is renowned for its tiger population and the endangered barasingha deer.

The park’s habitat includes grasslands, Sal and bamboo forests, and wetlands, supporting a variety of birds such as the racket-tailed drongo and crested serpent eagle. Water sources attract wildlife, making sightings frequent during safaris.

Head out again for afternoon safaris which offers further opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Kanha’s rich cultural heritage includes forest-dwelling tribes like the Baiga, whose villages can be visited to gain insight into their harmonious relationship with nature. Weekly markets offer a glimpse into local life and traditions, where items like river fish, vegetables, clothing, and crafts are traded.

After easy morning travel west to Pench Tiger Reserve (150 km/3 hours), the forest inspired Rudyard Kipling. On route, you will see some Indian birds, typically black kites, laughing and spotted doves, rose-ringed parakeets, little swifts, little green bee-eaters, black drongos, and a variety of shrikes, mynas, bulbuls and babblers. You are also likely to see cheeky roadside rhesus macaques.

Arrive at Pench in the evening and check into your camp to relax amidst its natural setting. It is well placed in the buffer zone of the park. Ethnically designed in keeping with the native culture, the camp showcases a rustic jungle theme making it a unique holiday getaway.

Named after the Pench river, the reserve spans over 700 sq. km of tropical dry deciduous forest dominated by teak trees. The Pench Reservoir serves as the primary water source, attracting diverse birdlife, especially during winter.

Renowned for its high herbivore density, Pench hosts a variety of ungulates such as spotted deer, sambar, blue bull and the majestic Indian bison, along with apex predators like tigers, leopards and wild dogs. With 39 mammal species, 13 reptile species, and over 200 bird varieties, Pench is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Celebrated in wildlife literature since the 17th century, Pench’s natural beauty has been immortalized in works like Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book” and documentaries like the BBC’s “Tiger – Spy in the Jungle.” Visitors can enjoy thrilling game drives in search of wildlife, including the elusive tiger, or simply unwind and observe the local wildlife around their lodge.

Spend an adventure-filled day here with morning and evening game drives searching for birds and the elusive tiger or just relaxing and watching your lodge’s local wildlife.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Nagpur airport (2.5 hrs) ) to catch the flight to New Delhi to continue your onward journey.