Trip Overview
Welcome to the absolute premier tiger tracking destination in the world. This 8-day expedition traverses the lush eastern corridor of Madhya Pradesh. You will begin in the high-density tiger territory of Bandhavgarh, move to the massive, classic sal forests of Kanha National Park, and conclude in the very jungles that inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book at Pench National Park.
Day 1 Arrival in Jabalpur & Drive to Bandhavgarh
Arrive at Jabalpur Airport or Railway Station. Your chauffeur will greet you and immediately commence the drive toward the dense forests of Bandhavgarh National Park (approx. 3.5 hours). Check into your premium wilderness lodge. Spend the evening relaxing by the campfire, briefing with your naturalist about the thrilling days ahead.
Day 2 The Land of the Tiger: Bandhavgarh Safaris
Wake up before dawn for your first open 4x4 Gypsy safari in Bandhavgarh, historically known for having one of the highest densities of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world. Traverse the Tala, Magdhi, or Khitauli zones. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and rest. In the late afternoon, embark on your second safari to maximize your tracking chances.
Day 3 Bandhavgarh to the Vastness of Kanha
After a leisurely breakfast, check out and drive south toward Kanha National Park (approx. 5 hours). Kanha is one of India's largest and most beautifully maintained national parks, characterized by massive sal trees and sprawling meadows. Arrive, check into your eco-resort, and enjoy an evening nature walk or tribal village visit.
Day 4 Safaris in Kanha National Park
Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris deep into the Kanha tiger reserve. Beyond tigers, Kanha is globally famous for successfully saving the Hard-ground Barasingha (Swamp Deer) from the brink of extinction. Keep your cameras ready for leopards, wild dogs (Dholes), and magnificent Indian Gaurs.
Day 5 Kanha to The Jungle Book (Pench)
Embark on one final, optional early morning safari in Kanha. After breakfast, drive toward the Maharashtra border to Pench National Park (approx. 4 hours). Pench features a drier, teak-dominated forest and is famous as the original setting for Kipling's The Jungle Book. Check into your safari camp and relax.
Day 6 Tracking 'Sher Khan' in Pench
Venture out on morning and afternoon safaris in the Turia or Karmajhiri zones of Pench. The park is renowned for excellent leopard sightings, alongside tigers, massive herds of spotted deer, and the elusive Indian wolf. Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Pench River, which cuts directly through the reserve.
Day 7 Tribal Culture & Wilderness Leisure
Take a break from the intense early morning safari schedule. Enjoy a late breakfast and spend the day immersing yourself in the local Gond tribal culture. Visit a nearby pottery village, take an extended guided bird-watching walk around the lodge, or simply relax by the pool. Enjoy a final, grand bush dinner under the stars.
Day 8 Departure from Nagpur
Enjoy a final jungle breakfast before checking out. Your chauffeur will drive you down the excellent highway to Nagpur Airport or Railway Station (approx. 2.5 hours), providing a seamless end to your ultimate central Indian wildlife expedition.