Two Tiger Reserves, a UNESCO Temple Complex & the Taj Mahal — Central India in Full
Nine days that bring together Central India's finest wildlife and heritage in a single continuous circuit — starting with back-to-back safaris at Kanha and Bandhavgarh, continuing through Panna's riverside tiger reserve, the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temples, and Orchha's remarkably preserved Bundela ruins, before concluding at the Taj Mahal in Agra.
The wildlife opening covers two full days each at Kanha — the Sal and bamboo forest that inspired Kipling's 'Jungle Book' — and Bandhavgarh, with one of India's highest tiger densities, giving genuine, unhurried safari time rather than a token single-day visit.
From Bandhavgarh, the route turns toward Madhya Pradesh's temple heartland: Panna National Park, set along the Ken River, followed by Khajuraho's 10th-12th century Chandela temples, renowned worldwide for their extraordinarily intricate carving, and Orchha's quietly extraordinary 16th-century riverside capital.
The circuit's final chapter brings the journey to Agra for the Taj Mahal — Shah Jahan's marble monument to love and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — before concluding with departure from Delhi, a genuinely comprehensive introduction to Central India's wildlife, temple architecture, and Mughal heritage in a single trip.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Welcome to Madhya Pradesh! On arrival at Jabalpur Airport, meet our representative and drive to Kanha National Park (approximately 4.5-5 hours) — the lush Sal and bamboo forest 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's meadows and bamboo groves.
An early-morning jeep safari into Kanha's open meadows and bamboo groves, in search of tigers and the barasingha (swamp deer), a species saved from near-extinction by the park's conservation programme. Return to the resort for breakfast, then head out for a second, afternoon safari into a different zone of the park.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Bandhavgarh National Park (approximately 4.5-5 hours), home to one of the highest tiger densities anywhere in India. On arrival, check in to your wildlife lodge. In the afternoon, head out on a jeep safari into the park's dense Sal forest and dramatic sandstone hills.
An early-morning jeep safari deep into the park in search of tigers, leopards, chital, and chinkara. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Time permitting, visit Bandhavgarh Fort, a hilltop ruin with ancient rock-cut caves overlooking the park. In the afternoon, head out for a second jeep safari into a different zone of the reserve.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Panna (approximately 4-4.5 hours) — a tiger reserve set along the scenic Ken River, known for its dramatic gorge landscape and successful tiger reintroduction programme. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Time permitting, an afternoon jeep safari or a boat ride on the Ken River.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Khajuraho (approximately 45 km, ~1.5 hours). On arrival, visit the Western and Eastern Groups of Temples — UNESCO World Heritage monuments renowned for their extraordinarily intricate medieval carving, built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 CE. Check in to your hotel, with the evening free to enjoy the sound and light show at the temple complex.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Orchha (approximately 180 km, ~4 hours) — a quietly extraordinary 16th-century Bundela capital on the Betwa River. On arrival, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Jahangir Mahal, the riverside chhatris (cenotaphs), and Raja Ram Temple, remarkably preserved and refreshingly untouched by mass tourism.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Agra (approximately 250 km, ~5 hours). On arrival, check in to your hotel, with the evening free to rest ahead of tomorrow's visit to the Taj Mahal.
Early morning, visit the Taj Mahal — the most beautiful time to capture the monument of love with the changing shades of sunrise. After breakfast, visit Agra Fort and Sikandra's Akbar's Tomb. In the afternoon, drive to Delhi (approximately 230 km, ~4.5 hours) and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 8 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis (jungle lodges & hotels)
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all road transfers
- ✓ 4 jeep safaris (2 at Kanha, 2 at Bandhavgarh)
- ✓ 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 or Delhi
- ✗ Visa charges
- ✗ Panna jeep safari / boat ride (optional, payable locally)
- ✗ Entrance fees / camera charges at temples and monuments
- ✗ Tipping for naturalists, guides & drivers
- ✗ Laundry, drinks, and items of a personal nature
Your questions, answered
Yes — if 9 days isn't feasible, we can remove either Kanha or Bandhavgarh (keeping the other for wildlife), or drop Panna, while retaining the Khajuraho-Orchha-Agra heritage core. Let us know your available time and priorities when enquiring.
Agra sits much closer to Delhi than to Jabalpur, making a Delhi departure far more time-efficient than backtracking the entire route. We can also arrange an Agra-based departure if you have onward plans within Uttar 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.
