A Jungle Journey through Central India!

Day 1 - Welcome to India! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrivals hall at the Delhi International Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. Rest of the day is free to explore the national capital with its many attractions such as monuments, museums, galleries and bazaars. You may also choose to visit Lodi Gardens, a tranquil green space where you can take a stroll and discover historic tombs and monuments.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - After an early breakfast, we discover the history of Old Delhi; crowded, bustling, and still bearing remnants of the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. First, we drive past the Red Fort–the palace of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. We then reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, built in the 17th century. We take a rickshaw ride through bustling bazaars and historical lanes of "Chandni Chowk” and Asia’s largest spice market. Our next stop is Raj Ghat–the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation. Later in the afternoon we get a transfer to the Delhi Airport and board the flight to Nagpur. On arrival we further drive 2.5 hrs to the Pench National Park, a spectacular bio-reserve set in the typical Central Indian teak jungle that offers a quiet and secluded game viewing experience. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. If time permits, we can visit one of the nearby villages to get a glimpse of local rural life.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - Explore the wilderness of Pench with morning and afternoon Jeep Safaris. We spend the day travelling in the wild, which gets more exhilarating as you move deeper into the jungle and spot animals. Since its inception as a wildlife sanctuary in 1965, the park has housed a wide range of animals that can be seen in the rocky terrain, including the jackal, wild dog, sloth bear, Royal Bengal tiger, peafowl, wild boar, Indian leopard, fox, striped hyena, monkey, gaur, barking deer, Indian wolf, four-horned antelope (chousingha), and many others. This park sees a relatively low number of visitors and has a high possibility of spotting tigers.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - Early in the morning we leave for another jungle safari to increase our chances of spotting wildlife. After the safari, we return to the hotel for breakfast and drive to the Kanha National Park, nestled in the Maikal range in Madhya Pradesh. Among the 22 species of large mammals, the Royal Bengal Tiger is one of the major attractions. One of India's best tiger reserves, the Kanha National Park is spread over 940-square kilometres and is divided into two sanctuaries: Hallon and Banjar. The sheer splendour of the deep forest and the diversity of wildlife species found in this rainforest impress the visitors. Upon arrival we check- in at hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - Today we spend the day tracking tigers in the wild on morning and afternoon jeep safaris. We explore Kanha's twisting roads and beautiful forests in search of tigers, leopards, and the elusive jungle cat. The National Park is home to a number of birds and animals including a leopard, bison, many species of deer, monkeys and the major highlight is the Royal Bengal Tiger that rules its wilderness. Kanha is also home to the uncommon and endangered swamp deer, which is one of the park's key attractions. The Park is often described as India’s best managed wildlife preserve. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - Early in the morning, we head out for a jungle jeep excursion to explore the varied terrain with diverse flora and fauna. In the afternoon, we drive to the Bandhavgarh National Park, a world-renowned tiger reserve. Known to have the highest density of Bengal Tigers in the world, the park is also home to the Indian bison, sambar, langur, and cheetal, and is considered the original home of the white tiger. There are four more Zone in the reserve — Magdhi, Kallwah, Khitauli and Panpatha. Together, these five Zones comprise the core of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, constituting a total core area of 716.90 square kilometres. The National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts given the frequent sightings of the Royal Bengal tigers. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - We make our first game drive in an open jeep (seat sharing basis – 1-6people in one jeep) early in the morning to spot the wildlife. Later we return to hotel and rejuvenate ourselves. In the afternoon we make another foray into the park. In addition to the tiger, other mammals that can be spotted include the wild boar, leopard, sambar, spotted deer, jackal, and sloth bear, among others. After finishing the safari we return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - Today we again head into the park for a morning and afternoon jungle safari to spot diverse wildlife. During the excursion we also get to explore and spot historical monuments and remains of caves in the park that are nearly 2000 years old.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - In the morning we make one more attempt to spot the tiger. About half of the Bandhavgarh National Park is covered with fine Sal (Shorea Robusta), while mixed forests like bamboo and grasslands are found in the higher reaches of the hill. After the safari, we return to hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon we drive to the Katni train station and board an overnight train to Agra.

Overnight - Train

Day 10 - Arrival at the Mughal city Agra. On arrival assisted transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, we check-in at the hotel and freshen up. In the afternoon we head for the massive Agra Fort- a fortress, palace, and prison made of red sandstone by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. It was partly transformed into a palace during the reign of Shah Jahan. Our day concludes with a visit to the stunning Taj Mahal at sunset, a magnificent structure standing on the southern bank of river Yamuna. The ivory-white mausoleum was built by 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in the 16th century. The allure of the magnificent Taj Mahal never ceases to captivate a first-time visitor. Overnight stay in Agra.

Overnight - Train

Day 11 - In the morning after a leisure breakfast, we will drive to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free to do some last-minute shopping or to explore the streets of Delhi at your own pace. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 12 - Our jungle journey through Central India comes to an end and it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. Check out of the hotel and get a transfer to Airport of Delhi for onward travel.

Tour Ends