Wild India

Day 1 - Mumbai

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Day 2 - Elephanta Island

Spend the morning on the island of Elephanta, an hour’s boat ride from Mumbai. Elephanta is famous for its UNESCO-listed cave temples, carved out of the rock between the 5th and 8th centuries. A walk through this maze of temples reveals pillars, courtyards and sculptural reliefs, including an impressive 7m-high shrine to Shiva. This afternoon is at leisure, or there's an optional excursion to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) – a Victorian Gothic masterpiece boasting turrets, painted arches and a huge central dome.

Days 3-4 - Pench National Park

After a short flight, drive to Pench National Park in the lower southern reaches of the Satpura hills. The lodge, located a kilometre from the park, provides an ideal base to explore this wildlife-rich reserve – the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. A guided nature walk introduces the local flora and fauna, while early morning and late afternoon safaris venture deeper into the park in search of its inhabitants. Sloth bears doze on rocky outcrops, flying squirrels leap between trees, and crocodiles wallow in the network of lakes. Eyes remain alert for elusive leopards and tigers.

Day 5 - Pench National Park - Kanha National Park

After a final jungle tour in Pench this morning, drive to Kanha National Park, a 940-square-kilometre park famous for its population of tigers and deer.

Days 6-7 - Kanha National Park

Rise early for jungle excursions, accompanied by an experienced ranger. Enter the park at sunrise to observe wildlife waking and patrolling in the cool morning temperatures. An afternoon safari explores a different park zone, offering further opportunities to spot wildlife along riverbanks, across open savannahs, or within ancient woods. Birdwatchers should keep binoculars handy – more than 200 species inhabit the park, including black ibis, hawk eagle, and red-wattled lapwing. Visit a nearby Gond tribal village to enjoy a cup of chai with the locals, admire traditional tribal paintings, and potentially learn skills directly from the artists.

Day 8 - Bandhavgarh National Park

The final national park awaits with a journey north to Bandhavgarh. The drive takes approximately five hours, arriving in time to unwind at the lodge and enjoy the lush surroundings. Relax beside the tree-shaded pool or on a private terrace with a book and a coffee.

Days 9-10 - Bandhavgarh National Park

Three jungle safaris shape the stay at Bandhavgarh. Once a hunting ground for maharajahs, the park now serves as a protected reserve home to white and Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and many other creatures. More than 250 bird species can be spotted here as well.

Day 11 - Khajuraho

Today head for Khajuraho to tour a selection of the UNESCO-protected temples. It’s another long drive (six hours), but worth it. Built around 1,000 years ago by the ruling Chandella dynasty, they perfectly marry architecture and sculpture. See Mahadev, the largest and most ornate temple, wander through the circular Chaunsath Yogini temple, and admire the 11-headed sculpture of Lord Vishnu at Chitragupta Temple.

Day 12 - Orchha - Delhi

The little village of Orchha is a bit of an underrated gem. Overlooked by many tourists, it’s home to an incredible array of palaces and temples - a reminder of this unassuming village’s past as the capital of a powerful kingdom. After lunch in Orchha, we’ll make our way to the train station at Jhansi, ready for our express service into Delhi. Rail travel is a huge part of life here and experiencing a train ride is a must on any trip to India. Enjoy city and countryside views as we speed through Uttar Pradesh, arriving into Delhi in the early evening.

Day 13 - Delhi

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.