A Focused, Dedicated Safari Circuit Through Central India's Two Finest Tiger Reserves
A purely wildlife-focused 5-day circuit through Central India's two most celebrated tiger reserves — Bandhavgarh, with one of the highest tiger densities anywhere in India, and Kanha, the lush Sal and bamboo forest that inspired Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book'.
Bandhavgarh's dense Sal forest and dramatic sandstone hills hold an estimated 46-52 tigers within the park, alongside leopards, chital, chinkara, and a historic hilltop fort with ancient rock-cut caves.
Kanha's meadows and grassy plains, by contrast, feel more open and cinematic — the setting Kipling drew on for Mowgli's jungle, and home not only to tigers but also to the barasingha (swamp deer), a species Kanha's conservation programme helped bring back from the edge of extinction.
With two full safari days at each reserve, this is a genuinely dedicated wildlife trip rather than a heritage tour with a safari attached — ideal for travellers whose primary goal is serious tiger-tracking time.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Welcome to Madhya Pradesh! On arrival at Jabalpur Airport or Umaria railway station, meet our representative and drive to Bandhavgarh National Park (approximately 3-4 hours from Jabalpur; approximately 45 minutes from Umaria). On arrival, check in to your wildlife lodge. In the afternoon, head out on a jeep safari into the park's dense Sal forest — Bandhavgarh holds one of the highest tiger densities anywhere in India, an estimated 46-52 tigers within the park.
An early-morning jeep safari deep into the park in search of tigers, alongside nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara, wild boar, fox, and jackal. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Time permitting, visit Bandhavgarh Fort — a hilltop ruin with ancient rock-cut caves overlooking the park, believed to date back over 2,000 years. In the afternoon, head out for a second jeep safari into a different zone of the reserve.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Kanha National Park (approximately 4.5-5 hours) — the lush Sal and bamboo forest with grassy meadows that inspired Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book'. On arrival, check in to your wildlife resort. In the afternoon, head out on a jeep safari into the park in search of tigers and the barasingha, a swamp deer species Kanha's conservation programme helped bring back from near-extinction.
An early-morning jeep safari into Kanha's open meadows and bamboo groves, renowned for its healthy tiger population alongside barasingha, chital, and a rich variety of birdlife. Return to the resort for breakfast, with the rest of the morning free to relax. In the afternoon, head out for a second jeep safari into a different zone of the park, taking in the landscape that directly inspired Kipling's Mowgli stories.
Optional early-morning jeep safari for a final chance at wildlife sightings. After breakfast, check out and drive to Jabalpur (approximately 4.5-5 hours) for your departure flight or onward journey. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 4 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis (jungle lodges)
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all road transfers
- ✓ 4 jeep safaris (2 at Bandhavgarh, 2 at Kanha) with naturalist guide
- ✓ National park entry permits
- ✓ 1 bottle of mineral water per person per day
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International/domestic airfare or train fare to/from Jabalpur
- ✗ Visa charges
- ✗ Optional 5th day morning safari at Kanha (payable locally, subject to availability)
- ✗ Still/video camera fees at park gates
- ✗ Tipping for naturalists & drivers — customary and appreciated
- ✗ Laundry, drinks, and items of a personal nature
Your questions, answered
Bandhavgarh generally has a higher tiger density (an estimated 46-52 tigers in a relatively compact park), which often translates to better sighting odds. Kanha is larger and more spread out, with excellent sightings too, but no safari can ever guarantee a tiger — this itinerary's four total safaris across two parks is specifically designed to maximise your overall chances.
Umaria railway station is much closer to Bandhavgarh (~45 minutes) and is well-connected by rail, while Jabalpur has the nearest airport (~3-4 hours from Bandhavgarh, but well-placed for the return journey after Kanha). We can arrange pickup from either, depending on how you're arriving in Madhya Pradesh.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the pace, add extra nights at any stop, or combine this with another Madhya Pradesh circuit. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
