This small group tour explores central India’s national parks in search of tigers. Kanha is known for its wild dogs, leopards and sloth bears, Satpura offers walking safaris and nights under canvas, while Pench inspired Rudyard Kipling’s celebrated novel The Jungle Book.

13 Days & 12 Nights

Day 1: Fly to Mumbai

Depart on the Jet Airways flight from London (regional connections available) to Mumbai (Bombay). On arrival, transfer to the Trident Nariman Point (or similar) for a 2-night stay. (N)

Day 2: Mumbai

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon you will see some of the city’s landmarks including the Gateway of India and the High Court. Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly the Prince of Wales Museum. Drive past the Hanging Gardens and Parsi Tower of Silence, including a photo-stop at the Dhobi Ghat. (B)

Day 3: Fly to Nagpur • Pench National Park

Take the morning flight to Nagpur and transfer to Pench National Park for 2 nights at Pench Jungle Camp (or similar). Pench National Park is named after Pench river, meandering through the park from north to south. After lunch, visit a local village. Evening talk by an expert naturalist followed by a night walk. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Pench National Park

Morning and afternoon wildlife drive in the company of resident naturalists. Pench tiger reserve has the highest density of herbivores in India. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Kanha National Park

This morning drive to Kanha National Park for 3 nights at Chitvan Jungle Lodge (or similar). The park was created in 1955 and today is among the most scenic wildlife reserves in Asia. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Kanha National Park

Early morning wildlife drive. There are 175 varieties of birds in Kanha, although most visitors are looking out for Kanha’s major attraction – the tiger. Return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon take a further wildlife drive in the park. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Kanha National Park

Early morning wildlife drive. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Further wildlife drive in the afternoon. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Satpura National Park

This morning drive to Satpura National Park and stay 3 nights at Forsyth Lodge (or similar). The park’s limited exposure to humans, and optional walking safaris, means Satpura is the only place in India that offers an intimate wilderness experience. The park is home to tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, wild boars, langurs and Indian gaurs. Birding here is also excellent and many raptors, as well as kingfishers and terns, can be spotted. Evening stargazing session. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Satpura National Park

Accompanied by a naturalist and a tracker, go on a morning 4×4 safari. After lunch enjoy an afternoon walking safari. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Satpura National Park

Morning 4×4 safari. Afternoon safari by boat. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Bhimbetka caves • Bhopal

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning drive to Bhopal, visiting the Bhimbetka caves, known for their prehistoric paintings, en route. Overnight at the Jehan Numa Palace (or similar). (B)

Day 12: Fly to Delhi

Morning at leisure or optional visit to the worldfamous stupas at Sanchi. Fly to Delhi for an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Aerocity (or similar). (B)

Day 13: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport and fly back to London with Jet Airways. (B)