The Wild Chronicles: Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh

Itinerary Highlights Duration: 12 Night 13 Days

Destinations: New Delhi – Nagpur – Pench – Kanha – Bandhavgarh – Jabalpur – New Delhi - fly back

  • 1. Wildlife Adventures in Renowned National Parks o Explore Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh National Parks, each with unique ecosystems and thriving wildlife, including the elusive tiger, barasingha, and Indian wild dog.
  • 2. Immersive Safari Experiences o Morning and afternoon jeep safaris in each park offer up-close encounters with diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes.
  • 3. Natural Wonders o Witness Pench’s crisscrossing streams and waterholes, Kanha’s sal forests and grasslands, and Bandhavgarh’s dense tiger habitat.
  • 4. Cultural and Historical Insights o Discover Bandhavgarh’s ancient caves, inscriptions, and the storied Bandhavgarh Fort, blending history with nature.
  • 5. Scenic Drives and Landscapes o Travel through Madhya Pradesh’s lush countryside, connecting the national parks via scenic road journeys.
  • 6. Luxury Stays Amidst Nature o Stay in comfortable resorts nestled in nature, offering a serene retreat after a day of exploration.
  • 7. Kipling’s Jungle Book Inspiration o Experience the landscapes that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, bringing his vivid tales to life.
Day 01/Saturday: Arrive in New Delhi

Upon your arrival at New Delhi Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will guide you through a smooth transfer to your hotel. During check-in, you will be provided with all necessary travel-related documents and given a detailed explanation of your upcoming itinerary. Once settled in, you can relax and recuperate from your journey, preparing for the adventures ahead. Spend the night at the hotel, enjoying the bustling energy of India’s capital city.

Day 02/Sunday: New Delhi to Pench via Nagpur

Your day begins with an early breakfast before heading to the airport to board a flight to Nagpur, departing at 0555 hrs and arriving at 0740 hrs. Upon landing in Nagpur, embark on a scenic 100 km (approximately 2-hour) drive to Pench National Park. Upon arrival, check into your luxurious resort and savor a hearty lunch.

In the afternoon, venture into the wilderness with your first jeep safari, where you will witness Pench’s diverse flora and fauna. This park, with its lush forests and water bodies, serves as the backdrop for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Return to the resort in the evening for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay amidst nature’s serenity.

Day 03/Monday: Discovering Pench National Park

Spend the day immersed in the raw beauty of Pench National Park with thrilling morning and afternoon jeep safaris. The park covers an expansive 758 sq. km of tropical moist deciduous forests mingling with dry teak woodlands. As you traverse its rugged terrain, you may encounter tigers, leopards, jungle cats, and sambar deer along the banks of the Pench River, which acts as a lifeline for the park’s wildlife.

The Pench Reservoir, located at the heart of the park, is a hotspot for wildlife sightings, especially during summer. From packs of wild dogs to herds of gaur and occasional sloth bears, the park offers a wealth of natural encounters. After a day filled with exploration, return to the resort for meals and a restful overnight stay.

Day 04/Tuesday: Another Day in Pench

Enjoy another day of adventure in Pench National Park with morning and afternoon jeep safaris. The park’s biodiversity ensures that every safari brings new experiences. Watch for jackals scavenging in the underbrush or the elegant gait of chital deer grazing along open trails. Capture these unforgettable moments as you reconnect with the wilderness. Return to the resort for delicious meals and a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 05/Wednesday: Pench to Kanha

Start your day with an early morning safari in Pench, soaking in the last glimpses of this incredible park. After an early lunch, embark on a 210 km (approximately 4-5 hour) drive to Kanha National Park, one of India’s largest and most well-preserved wildlife reserves. Upon arrival, check into the resort, where dinner awaits, followed by a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 06/Thursday: Exploring Kanha National Park

Rise before dawn and prepare for your morning safari in Kanha National Park, renowned for its dense sal forests, bamboo groves, and sprawling grasslands. Packed breakfast will be served at a designated spot, adding a unique touch to your wilderness experience. This park is famed for its thriving population of barasingha, or swamp deer, which has been saved from the brink of extinction.

The morning safari offers opportunities to spot elusive tigers, leopards, and other charismatic wildlife, while the afternoon safari delves deeper into Kanha’s core zones. Let the beauty of this pristine landscape and its vibrant ecosystem captivate you. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 07/Friday: Another Day in Kanha

A second day in Kanha allows you to explore its western and eastern regions, known as the Banjar and Halon Valleys. These forests teem with wildlife, including sambar deer, Nilgai antelope, Indian wild dogs, and occasionally, the majestic sloth bear. Over 300 bird species, ranging from vibrant raptors to red-wattled lapwings, make this park a paradise for birdwatchers. After morning and afternoon safaris, return to the lodge for a relaxing evening. Dinner will be served at the resort, followed by an overnight stay in the tranquil wilderness.

Day 08/Saturday: Kanha to Bandhavgarh

After a final morning safari in Kanha, enjoy lunch before embarking on a 280 km (approximately 6-hour) drive to Bandhavgarh National Park. This park is celebrated for its dense tiger population and stunning landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your lodge, where dinner will be served. Spend the night amidst the captivating ambiance of Bandhavgarh.

Day 09/Sunday: Discovering Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh is famed for its rich biodiversity and royal lineage. Morning and afternoon jeep safaris offer a chance to encounter its diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, wild boar, and chausingha (four-horned antelope). With over 250 bird species and a variety of reptiles, the park offers endless opportunities for discovery. Return to the resort for meals and an overnight stay.

Day 10/Monday: Exploring Bandhavgarh’s Heritage

Today, combine your wildlife exploration with a glimpse into Bandhavgarh’s ancient history. Morning and afternoon safaris allow you to venture deeper into the park, home to caves with inscriptions dating back to the 1st century B.C. The Bandhavgarh Fort, surrounded by centuries-old legends, stands as a silent witness to the park’s storied past. As the day ends, return to the lodge for meals and an overnight stay.

Day 11/Tuesday: Final Safari in Bandhavgarh

Make the most of your last full day in Bandhavgarh with morning and afternoon jeep safaris. The park’s thriving tiger population and scenic beauty ensure a memorable experience. Relax and rejuvenate at the lodge with delicious meals and a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 12/Wednesday: Bandhavgarh to New Delhi via Jabalpur

After a final morning safari, enjoy lunch before departing for Jabalpur Airport, a 180 km (approximately 3.5-hour) drive. Board a flight to New Delhi, departing at 1750 hrs and arriving at 1945 hrs. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

Day 13/Thursday: Depart from New Delhi

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the international airport to board your flight home or to your onward destination, concluding an unforgettable journey through India’s wilderness and heritage.

End of Services

Note: The driving hours given above from one city to another are based on the normal conditions of the roads and may vary. Any break for Food / Tea / Toilets / Sightseeing on the way will take extra time than the above given hours.

The above cost includes:
  • 1. Accommodation in New Delhi on bed and breakfast basis
  • 2. Accommodation in Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh on room, all meals and safari basis
  • 3. Your entrance and guide charges in Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh
  • 4. 6 Exclusive jeep safaris will be provided in Pench
  • 5. 5 Exclusive jeep safaris will be provided in Kanha
  • 6. 7 Exclusive jeep safaris will be provided in Bandhavgarh
  • 7. Assistance at airport and hotels
  • 8. All land transfers in air-conditioned Toyota Innova car for 3 person and above 3 person 09 seater tempo traveler
  • 9. All currently applicable taxes
However, the above cost does not include:
  • 1. Still / video camera fee in the monuments and national parks. As on date still and video cameras are free in Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench.
  • 2. Expenses of personal nature like smokes, liquor, laundry and telephone calls
  • 3. International airfare and domestic
  • 4. Travel insurance
  • 5. Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
  • 6. Please note that any changes in entrance fees or government taxes will be payable extra and the same will be advised to you if applicable
Please Note:
  • 1. In case the hotel envisaged or normal category of rooms are waitlisted / sold out, alternate hotels/category will be provided & we will keep you informed on the supplement / reduction involved.
  • 2. Please note hotel check-in and check-out time is 1200 hrs.
  • 3. Safaris in Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench will be provided in a 4X4 Jeep
  • 4. Safari zone is subject to forest permissions