Combine exploring some of India’s lesser-visited national parks in search of tigers with seeing elaborate temple complexes, sacred ceremonies and exceptional architecture in historic Lucknow. This tour is ideal for those wanting to delve deeper into the complexities of Indian culture and wildlife in the central plains and northern India.

14 Days & 12 Nights

Day 1: Fly to Delhi (N)

Day 2: Delhi

Arrive and transfer to the Holiday Inn Aerocity (or similar) for 1 night. In the afternoon, explore some of the capital’s lesser-visited sights including Hauz Khas, Agrasen-ki Baoli and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. (N)

Day 3: Bandhavgarh National Park

Fly to Jabalpur before driving to Bandhavgarh National Park, home to one of the highest tiger populations in the country. Stay 2 nights at the Bandhav Vilas (or similar). (B, D)

Day 4: Bandhavgarh National Park

Early morning and afternoon 4×4 safaris. As well as tigers, the park is home to leopards, hyenas, bison and over 150 species of bird including hornbills and kingfishers. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Khajuraho

Drive to Khajuraho and transfer to the Radisson for a 2-night stay. (B)

Day 6: Panna National Park

Full-day excursion to Panna National Park with its verdant forests, cascading waterfalls and populations of tigers, leopards, sloth bears and nilgais. En route, stop at the Ken River Lodge for lunch overlooking the Ken river. (B, L)

Day 7: Varanasi

Explore Khajuraho’s majestic temples with their exquisite carvings depicting scenes from famous battles, banquets and even icons from the Kama Sutra. This afternoon, fly to Varanasi for a 2-night stay at the Radisson. This evening, observe the aarti ceremony. (B)

Day 8: Varanasi

Morning boat ride on the Ganges then visit the Brijrama Palace for breakfast overlooking the river. Afternoon tour of Sarnath. (B)

Day 9: Lucknow

Morning train to Lucknow for a 2-night stay at the Vivanta By Taj Gomti Nagar. Early evening heritage and culinary walk exploring the chowks and bustling bylanes of Lucknow. (B)

Day 10: Lucknow

Explore Lucknow’s key sites including the Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara; the Residency, which came under siege during the 1857 Indian mutiny; and La Martinière College. (B)

Day 11: Dudhwa National Park

Morning drive to Dudhwa National Park for 2 nights at the Jaagir Lodge, a grand former colonial mansion surrounded by sprawling farmland. Dudhwa is home to tigers, onehorned rhinos, leopards, Gangetic dolphins and over 400 species of birds. (B, D)

Day 12: Dudhwa National Park

Morning 4×4 safari. Afternoon at leisure for further safaris, village walks, photography classes or interactive culinary lessons. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Dudhwa National Park • Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary

This morning visit the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary for another 4×4 safari. The park has an intricate ecosystem inhabited by tigers, dolphins and swamp deer as well as an array of exotic birdlife. Return to Lucknow before flying back to Delhi for an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Aerocity. (B, L)

Day 14: Fly home (B)