Tiger Itineraries
Best Time to see Tigers | Best Places To See Tigers | Tiger Holiday Trail | Taj And Tiger Tour
On your tiger safari your first glimpse might be a flash of bright, orange and black, stripes, or just the white flecks of hair on the tiger’s ears as he stalks through long grass.
The atmosphere of the jungle changes when a tiger is close. The air fills with the sound of animal warnings, and you can feel the tension as a majestic tiger enters their territory.
On your safari your local guides, with intimate knowledge of the tiger’s natural habitats, will track down and maximise your chances of watching one of these remarkable, endangered big cats in their natural habitat.
Tiger Holiday Schedule
This schedule is an itinerary that we have arranged for many of our clients, that we feel will give you the very best wildlife experience. We have also included other highlights of the country, to make the most of your holiday, and to make the most of your time off work. However, please note that nothing is cast in stone, as we can tailor make the itinerary to suit your interests, the time you have available, and of course your budget. No two people are the same, so we will do what we can to get the right accommodation, at the right cost, that you are comfortable with.
Following the Tiger TrailSuggested Itinerary |
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|---|---|---|---|
| DESTINATION | ACCOMMODATION | DURATION | BASIS |
| Overnight Travel | Flight | 1 night | |
| Overnight Travel | Train | 1 night | B&B |
| Bandhavgarah | Tiger Den Resort | 2 nights | FB |
| Kanha | Tuli Tiger Resort | 3 nights | FB |
| Pench | Pench Jungle Camp | 2 nights | FB |
| Satpura | Denwa Backwater Escape | 3 night | FB |
| Delhi | Royal Plaza | 1 nights | B&B |
| Alternative Lodges | |||
| Mela Kothi | Chambal Safari Lodge | 2/3 nights | HB |
| Kaziranga National Park | Diphlu River Lodge | 2/3 nights | HB |
| Dudwa National Park | Jagir Lodge | 2/3 nights | HB |
Following the Tiger Trail
Delhi • Bandhavgarh • Kanha • Pench • Satpura • Delhi
Day 1 To Delhi
Overnight flight to Delhi.
Day 2 On Board Train
Arrive Delhi in the morning. Relax in Colonel’s Retreat Boutique Homestay for a few hours, before boarding a train to Katni. Overnight 1st class train compartment.
Day 3 To Bandhavgarh National Park
Arrive Katni in the morning. Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park. The Park has 30 species of mammals and about 240 species of birds. Afternoon game drive to get an initial flavour of the park. The park was a former hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Rewa, today, a sanctuary, with more than 40 tigers roaming the jungle. Two nights Tiger Den Resort.
Day 4 Bandhvgarh
Enjoy morning & afternoon game drives. Bandhavgarh is considered to be the finest Park for tiger sightings. The broken hilly terrain, grassy swamps and forested valleys provide ideal concealment for this most predatory of beasts.
Day 5 To Kanha National Park
After an early breakfast drive to Kanha National Park – a dedicated Tiger reserve, Kanha and the nearby forests provided inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s delightful Jungle Book. Imagine the mighty Sher Khan prowling close by as you watch and wait, secreted in your ‘hide’! Kanha is an outstanding National Park with about 30 species of mammals and 225 species of birds. Afternoon game drive. Three nights at Tuli Tiger Resort.
Day 6 Kanha
Morning and afternoon game drives. The variety of habitat gives rise to a wonderful mix of animals to spot – the grassland plateau is home to the Gaur (Indian bison) and four-horned Antelope, whilst in dense clumps of forest shy jungle cat and civet roam. Here Project Tiger is actively pursuing conservation projects in the Park, increasing the chance to see Tiger.
Day 7 Kanha
Another day of morning and afternoon game safaris looking sloth bear, swamp deer, bison and the elusive leopard. Feel the echoes of Kipling’s books as you wander through the lightly wooded grassland where wolf and dhole lie in wait.
Day 8 To Pench National Park
Morning drive to Pench National Park to seek out the wary tiger. Other animals include leopard, porcupine, hyena and barking deer. There are over 210 species of birds – including peafowl, magpie robin and crimson breasted barbet. Afternoon game drive. Two nights at Pench Jungle Camp.
Day 9 Pench
Morning and afternoon game drives. Pench lies at the foot of the Satpura range with undulating terrain – small hills, open grass meadows and dense forests. Other wildlife found in the park includes sloth bear, gaur, nilgai, wild dog, chausingha, jackals, rhesus macaque and flying squirrels.
Day 10 To Satpura National Park
After an early breakfast drive to Satpura National Park. Evening boat safari on River Denwa listening to the cries of the creatures of the night. Three nights at Denwa Backwater Escape.
Day 11 Satpura
Morning and afternoon game drives by jeep. Satpura is one of the least visited of India’s Parks, yet offers some of the best safari experiences – including kayaking and walking. The landscape is rugged with narrow gorges, deep ravines, dense forests and supports a vast number of mammals including the tiger, leopard, bison and wild dog.
Day 12 Satpura
Another full day with morning and afternoon game drives. For Birders November to March is an exciting time with a plethora of migratory birds visiting the Tawa reservoir. Look out for sloth, wild boar, nilgai and sambar.
Day 13 To Delhi
Morning drive to Bhopal. Board afternoon Shatabdi Express train to Delhi. Overnight at The Royal Plaza Hotel.
Day 14 To Heathrow
Daytime flight to home
Prices from £2780 per person based on two adults sharing a lead in room for various dates in 2022. Cost excludes all flights, permits & accommodation alternatives.
Please note that we have not included international flights as there is a choice of airlines and class of travel to suit your specific requirements. We will, of course, include international flight information and price these as part of any quote we provide to you.
Taj and Tiger TourSuggested Itinerary with the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra & Jaipur) |
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|---|---|---|---|
| DESTINATION | ACCOMMODATION | DURATION | BASIS |
| Overnight Travel | Flight | 1 night | |
| Delhi | The Claridge’s | 2 nights | B&B |
| Train | Gatimaan Express | 0 nights | N/A |
| Agra | Trident Hotel | 1 night | B&B |
| Ranthambore | The Sher Bagh | 3 nights | FB |
| Jaipur | The Samode Haveli | 2 nights | FB |
| Delhi | Pullman | 1 night | B&B |
| Day flight | Flight | ||
| Alternative Lodges | |||
| Ranthambore | Tree of Life Kipling Lodge | 3 nights | HB |
| Ranthambore | Oberoi Vanya Vilas | 3 nights | HB |
| Beach Extension Available | |||
| Leela Hotel Goa | 7 nights | BB | |
Taj and Tiger Tour
Delhi • Agra • Ranthambore • Jaipur • Delhi
Day 01 Fly to Delhi
Overnight flight to Delhi.
Day 02 Old Delhi Sightseeing
Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel by a private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned car (Toyota Innova). Check-in at The Claridge’s for 2 nights (Deluxe Room).
Afternoon enjoy sightseeing tour of old Delhi including an exhilarating cycle rickshaw ride to the Jama Masjid through the bustling Chandni Chowk and it’s back roads, which were the centre of the city Shah Jehanabad in the Mughal times. Finally continue onto the Raj Ghat- Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site.
Day 03. New Delhi Sightseeing
Morning enjoy sightseeing of dynamic New Delhi including the impressive Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and the India Gate. Also drive past the Parliament Buildings & President’s House. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 04 Train to Agra & Agra Sightseeing
Morning transfer to the Nizamuddin railway station to board your train to Agra on the Gaitmaan Express.
Met on arrival and proceed for sightseeing tour of Agra, visiting the Agra Fort- seeing the many varied architectural styles of the complex, built by successive Mughal rulers & the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula.
Afternoon check-in at The Trident for 2 night (Deluxe Pool View Room).
Day 05 Visit Fatehpur Sikri & Train to Sawai Madhopur (for Ranthambore Tiger Reserve)
Early morning enjoy a breath-taking sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal to watch the sun slowly caress the white marble, awakening the day and distant memories.
Late morning drive to Bharatpur (approximately 3 hrs driving time), en-route visiting the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.
At Bharatpur railway station, board your train to Sawai Madhopur on the Kota Jan Shatabdi Express.
Meeting, assistance on arrival & transfer to your hotel. Check-in at The Sher Bagh for 3 nights (Luxury Tented Accommodation).
Day 06 & Day 07 Early Morning & Afternoon Game Drives
Enjoy early morning & afternoon game drives in a shared jeep. Ranthambore is considered to be the finest Park for tiger sightings. The broken hilly terrain, grassy swamps and forested valleys provide ideal concealment for this most predatory of beasts.
Day 08 Drive to Jaipur
Enjoy another early morning game drive in a shared jeep. After an early lunch drive to Jaipur (approximately 4 hrs driving time). Check-in at The Samode Haveli for 2 nights (Deluxe Room).
Day 09 Jaipur Sightseeing
Morning excursion to Amber Fort where you will ascend this hilltop Fort in a jeep. Afternoon at leisure.
Enjoy afternoon sightseeing of Jaipur visiting the Palace of Winds, City Palace Complex and the Jantar Mantar Observatory.
Day 10 Fly to Delhi
Later morning transfer to Jaipur airport to fly to Delhi.
Meeting, assistance on arrival and drive to The Pullman Aerocity for 01 night stay (Deluxe Room). Rest of the day free to relax.
Day 11
Fly to London
Daytime flight to home
(Alternatively add a beach extension by Flying to Goa)
Prices from £3355 per person based on two adults sharing a lead in room for various dates in 2022. Cost excludes all flights, permits & Goa extension
Please note that we have not included international flights as there is a choice of airlines and class of travel to suit your specific requirements. We will, of course, include international flight information and price these as part of any quote we provide to you.
Why We Love India
You will be overwhelmed by colour, sound, taste, and the sheer scale of the seventh largest country in the world. India is a true riot for the senses, and contains some of the world’s richest people, as well as some of her poorest. This very contrast is fascinating, and really does make India one of the purest, and enthralling, holiday experiences.
India is a magical destination that combines vibrant culture, bustling cities, tropical jungles, and amazing beaches, as well as thrilling wildlife encounters. The country offers irresistible charm, and the only problem is you’ll want to come back again, and again, as it’s impossible to see everything on one holiday!
Top Tips
Standards can vary greatly in India. The service is always high throughout the country, but conditions can vary considerably. It is always good to expect the unexpected.
If you use your common sense and avoid street food, make sure you wash your hands regularly, and only drink bottled water, you will certainly avoid getting un upset tummy.
Whilst the locals are very friendly and curious, it is always wise to make sure your valuables are in a safe place, especially in big cities and on train journeys.
About The Tiger
The tiger is the largest of the cat species. It is most recognisable for its dark, vertical stripes on orange-brown fur, with a lighter underside. It primarily preys on deer and wild boar, it is territorial and generally a solitary predator. The tiger requires large areas of habitat to live, which support its requirements for prey and the rearing of its offspring. Tiger cubs stay with their mother for about two years, before they become independent and leave their mother to establish their own home.
Facts about the Tiger
The Tiger is an endangered species
COMMON NAME: Bengal Tiger
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Panthera tigris tigris
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Carnivore
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN CAPTIVITY: 8 to 10 years.
SIZE: Head and body: 5 to 6 feet. Tail: 2 to 3 feet
WEIGHT: 240 to 500 pounds
Best Places To See Tigers
Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, and Ranthambore National park are three fantastic locations to see the Tigers in India.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Bandhavgarh Reserve is famed for the highest density of Bengal tigers in the world.
Cradled between the picturesque Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges, Bandhavgarh National park was a Shikargah, or game preserve, for the Maharajas of Rewa and their guests. Bandhavgarh boasts a breath-taking mixture of dense, green, valleys and rocky hills. Mixed deciduous forests and woodlands are interspersed with flat grasslands and serene waterholes.
Bandhavgarh Reserve is an essential stop on any serious tiger safari, as it is renowned for one of India’s highest concentrations of this magnificent animal.
With its thriving tiger population, it offers guests a good chance of encountering the king of the jungle, as well as a selection of other exotic wildlife.
Kanha National Park/Tiger Reserve
Kanha reserve is a vast expanse of grassland and forest in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, nestled in the Indian highlands of the Maikala mountain range and Satpuras hills. The Kanha Tiger reserve is one of the finest wildlife areas and sanctuary’s in the world.
As well as mighty Tigers, jackals and wild pigs can be spotted in the Kanha Meadows, along with countless species of plants, birds, reptiles, and insects. The Bamhnidadar plateau is home to many birds of prey and animals often gather at the watering holes of Sondar Tank and Babathenga Tank.
The crystal-clear streams, amidst the dense jungle, cleanses the surroundings and makes the wildlife unrivalled for all nature lovers, offering one of the very best tiger sightseeing experiences. Kanha reserve was the source of inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”.
Ranthambore National park
Ranthambore reserve has a growing population of tigers and is a great place to spot these big cats. It is a small reserve that provides a sanctuary for tigers and a host of other wildlife, in Rajasthan.
Ranthambore sits at the junction of the Aravalis and Vindhya ranges, and is a captivating mix of rocky crags, rolling hills, meadows, waterfalls, and forests, where dhok, fig, and banyan trees grow. The landscape has plenty of good, open, areas, and a relatively high density of tigers, which all increases the chances of sightings.
Ranthambore is the ideal place to combine a taste of Tiger viewing with visiting other iconic sites of India.
Best Time to see the Tigers
The best time to see tigers in India is between October and June, when temperatures are cooler, and the weather drier. April/May is probably the optimum time, when it is hotter and the tigers are searching for water. During the monsoon months, between June and October, many of India’s national parks are closed, and tiger safaris are not available. It can get cold in the National Parks between November and January, so make sure you are dressed for temperatures in the range of 4-6 degrees, both at night and in the morning. Layers are best so you can remove/add items as it gets warmer/colder – your hotel/lodge usually provides blankets if required.
Tiger Tips
Seeing a tiger in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make sure you take as many safaris as possible. The thrill and excitement of watching a Tiger also lies in the chase and the build-up. The expert guides are fully trained in tracking these magnificent big cats through all of India’s national parks. They know the favourite haunts of our feline friends, and have intimate knowledge of the tiger’s natural habitats, to maximise your chances of watching one of these remarkable, endangered, big cats in their natural habitat. Whilst tracking these amazing animals is exciting, it can often be challenging finding them, but your patience will be rewarded when you do.
A glimpse of these exquisite creatures is an utterly captivating, and quite a breath-taking, moment, but these magnificent felines are not the only animals on display. There is an abundance of other mammals, including gaur (Indian Bison), chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, dhole, nilgai, wild boar, chinkara, sloth bear, rhesus macaque, black faced langur, jungle cat, hyena, porcupine, jackal, fox, and wild dog. There are elusive leopards, but due to the tiger presence, they keep to the fringes of the park.
Suggested Itineraries
India's Golden Triangle & Tigers
11 Day Tour
Walk the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi. Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park. Take a guided tour of the 'Pink City' of Jaipur.
India's wildlife treasures
13 Day Tour
Undertake jeep safaris in search of tigers and other wildlife. As well as the key mammals, learn about the incredibly varied birds, insects, flora and fauna. Visit the central fort in Bandhavgarh National...
