Classic Taj Mahal, Temples and Tigers

This classic journey through India combines four different National Parks, the Taj Mahal and the amazing temples of Khajuraho to give you a fantastic taste of the diversity of India. Through this itinerary you’ll have the chance to blend your wildlife experience with seeing a little of India's magical culture and history.

1. Days 1-3: Delhi

   You will begin your journey in Delhi for two nights to kick off the itinerary. Delhi is a fantastic city where old meets new and historic colonial buildings of the past rub shoulders with the skyscrapers of the future. We will arrange a private guide for you here to bring the history of the city to life and to show you all the hidden corners and interesting sites in this sprawling metropolis.

   Accommodation: The Claridges (2 nights)

2. Days 3-4: Agra

   From Delhi you will take the high-speed train to Agra which will take just over two hours. Famous around the world, you will have one night here to enjoy the spectacular Taj Mahal. It is not hard to see why this monument is recognised in every corner of the globe and we suggest visiting at sunrise when the marble catches the light most beautifully.

   Accommodation: The Oberoi Amarvilas (1 night)

3. Days 4-6: Panna Tiger Reserve, India

   From Agra you will take the train again and head towards Jhansi, which will take just under three hours. On arrival in Jhansi you will be met by your private chauffeur and guide and taken to Panna National Park where you will have the next two nights. The drive will take just over four hours and on the way your guide will stop in Khajuraho, famous for its Chandela Temples and well worth exploring. From here you will continue to Panna National Park which is a great park to start your wildlife experience in India. Here they have recently introduced tiger, but is also great for mugger crocodile and leopard. We also love exploring the local villages around the lodge which simply take you back in time.

   Accommodation: Sarai at Toria (2 nights)

4. Days 6-9: Bandhavgarh National Park

   After two nights at Panna, it is now off to Bandhavgarh which you will reach with a four hour drive. Each park you will visit has its own distinct characteristics and mix of wildlife to keep your sighting experiences varied. Bandhavgarh however, with its open grasslands and steep rocky outcrops has the highest tiger density in the Subcontinent and therefore offers a good chance of a coveted sighting. It is also a magical park for other reasons; during your three nights here, you can drive up a steep mountain in the center of the park to visit the remote temple and deserted fort, then look down on the expanse of the park, perhaps even watching eagles catching the thermals below.

   Accommodation: Samode Safari Lodge (3 nights)

5. Days 9-11: Kanha National Park

   From Bandhavgarh you will drive south to Kanha National Park which again you will reach by car with a five-hour drive.  Kanha National Park was one of the first of nine tiger reserves to have been created with the launch of Project tiger in 1973. The park is characterized by its extensive grasslands and as well as tiger sightings, it is not unusual to catch sight of leopard or the rare hardground barasingha (swamp deer), now only endemic in Kanha.

   Accommodation: Singinawa Jungle Lodge (2 nights)

6. Days 11-13: Pench National Park

   After Kanha your wildlife journey will finish in Pench National Park where you will have two lovely nights. Driving again you will have a similar journey of around four hours. Pench was made famous as the location for the BBCs 'Spy in the Jungle' program and is the perfect park to end your safari adventure in India.

   Accommodation: Jamtara Wilderness Camp (2 nights)

7. Days 13-14: Mumbai

   To end your adventure in India you’ll drive for about two hours from Pench National Park Nagpur Airport where you will meet your flight to Mumbai. Mumbai is a fascinating city and gateway to India. This urban jungle is full of energy and if you are interested in exploring you’ll find some of the world’s most spectacular colonial architecture, buzzing bazaars and plenty of fantastic restaurants to enjoy.   

   All of our itineraries are just suggestions and can be customized to suit you. Many guests like to extend their journey, perhaps adding on a few days in Varanasi between Agra and Khajuraho. If you are short of time, we can of course take nights off, maybe dropping the final park of Pench - anything is possible!

   Accommodation: Taj Mahal Palace (1 night)

Delhi, Agra, Panna, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench National Park & Mumbai