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Tigers and Temples in Central India offers a deeply immersive journey that blends the wild with the sacred. Begin in Delhi’s vibrant chaos and delve into the grandeur of the Mughal Empire in Agra before experiencing India’s extraordinary wildlife. Explore the serene wilderness of Satpura on foot and by jeep, then continue to Kanha and Bandhavgarh, two of India’s most renowned tiger reserves, where early morning safaris and tribal encounters await.
The journey isn’t all wild. You’ll be captivated by the stunning temples of Khajuraho, famed for their intricate carvings and spiritual symbolism, before flying to Varanasi—the oldest living city in the world. Witness life and death along the Ganges, where rituals, temple bells, and flickering oil lamps create moments of profound beauty. Throughout the journey, stay in handpicked boutique hotels and lodges that offer comfort, charm, and authenticity. Guided by experienced naturalists and local experts, this trip is more than a holiday—it’s a soulful exploration of India’s sacred landscapes and elusive wildlife.
Whether it’s watching tigers roam in the early dawn light or soaking in the spiritual energy of Varanasi at sunset, this is a journey that leaves an imprint. Perfect for culturally curious travellers and wildlife lovers alike.
Upon arrival in Delhi, guests are warmly welcomed by a local representative and transferred to their hotel where rooms are available for immediate occupancy. The journey begins with a full-day exploration of both Old and New Delhi—a captivating introduction to India’s rich heritage and contrasts. Start at Raj Ghat, the peaceful memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, before heading to the vibrant streets of Old Delhi. A tricycle rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes near Jama Masjid offers an exhilarating glimpse into everyday life, steeped in centuries of tradition.
Crossing into New Delhi is like stepping into another world. The colonial grandeur of the British Raj comes alive as you drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Residence), the Parliament building, and pause at India Gate. In between, there’s time to marvel at Humayun’s Tomb and the soaring Qutub Minar—two UNESCO-listed gems. The final stop is the colourful Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, a modern Hindu temple where devotion hums quietly in every corner.
This day sets the stage for what’s to come—an eclectic blend of history, culture, and soul. Return to your hotel and unwind after your first sensory-filled day in India’s dynamic capital.
Accommodation: The Park Hotel, Delhi (Deluxe Room)
After breakfast, journey overland to Agra, stopping en route at two incredibly moving wildlife sanctuaries run by Wildlife SOS. At the Elephant Rescue Camp, learn about the remarkable rehabilitation of elephants once subjected to harsh urban environments. These gentle giants now roam chain-free, enjoying care, space, and dignity. At the Sloth Bear Rescue Centre, hear stories of survival and second chances as you meet bears rescued from a dark history of forced performances. These intimate visits offer a powerful start to the adventure, rooted in compassion and conservation.
On arrival in Agra, explore the formidable Agra Fort—an architectural marvel that echoes the might of the Mughal Empire. Walk through palatial halls and marble pavilions where emperors once ruled, and trace the rise and fall of dynasties. As the sun dips low, witness the Taj Mahal bathed in golden light. Nothing prepares you for the beauty of this white-marble monument to love, built by Shah Jahan for his beloved Mumtaz. Whether viewed from afar or admired up close its symmetry, detail, and sheer presence leave an unforgettable impression.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Trident Agra (Garden Facing Room)
Begin the day with a scenic train ride to Bhopal, offering a window into daily life across Central India’s heartland. From Bhopal, continue by road to Satpura, a tranquil forested region that feels a world away from the cities. The drive weaves through small towns, dusty roads, and rural villages before reaching the peaceful wilderness of Satpura Tiger Reserve.
Satpura is less travelled and deeply rewarding. This protected region is part of a vast biosphere reserve where ancient hills, thick sal forests, and meandering rivers host everything from tiny insectivorous plants to majestic tigers. Arrival at the lodge is relaxed, with time to settle into your cottage and breathe in the fresh jungle air. The sound of birdsong, rustling leaves, and distant animal calls will become the ambient soundtrack of your next few days.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Forsyth Lodge (Cottage)
Today brings one of the most intimate wildlife experiences in India—a walking safari through the heart of Satpura. Accompanied by expert naturalists and forest guides, explore the reserve on foot, focusing on the smaller, often-overlooked inhabitants of the forest: butterflies, amphibians, birds, and medicinal plants. It’s a slower, quieter way to truly connect with nature.
Later in the day, a jeep safari takes you deeper into the park in search of larger wildlife. Satpura is known for sightings of Indian gaur, sloth bear, leopards, and tigers, though every drive reveals something unexpected—be it a mongoose darting across the track or a hornbill calling from above. The landscape itself is breathtaking, with sandstone escarpments, teak forests, and serene river views.
Optional Activity: Visit a local Gond village and school (subject to availability). This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about traditional lifestyles and how indigenous communities coexist with the forest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Forsyth Lodge (Cottage)
Depart Satpura after breakfast and begin the next leg of your journey. The route takes you by road to Pipariya and onwards by train to Jabalpur, a lively city that serves as a gateway to some of India’s finest wildlife reserves. From Jabalpur, continue to Kanha National Park, one of the most iconic and well-managed tiger reserves in Asia.
Kanha is lush and cinematic—rolling meadows, dense sal forests, and meandering rivers create a pristine environment teeming with wildlife. On arrival, settle into your jungle lodge and prepare for the days ahead, which promise thrilling safaris and close encounters with India’s incredible biodiversity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tuli Tiger Resort (Cottage)
Rise early for your first jungle safari in Kanha. The park is a patchwork of grassy meadows, ancient trees, and rippling waterholes, all set against a misty morning backdrop. With a bit of luck and patience, there’s a good chance of spotting a tiger in its natural habitat. Also look out for leopards, wild dogs, and the endangered hardground barasingha—a swamp deer once on the brink of extinction, now thriving thanks to conservation efforts.
Breakfast is served in the park, picnic-style. Later, return to the lodge for a relaxed lunch and some rest before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Every safari here offers new possibilities and perspectives, from the haunting call of a langur warning of a predator to the quiet beauty of a spotted deer grazing in golden light.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tuli Tiger Resort (Cottage)
After a slightly later start, enjoy a peaceful morning with a special visit to meet Tara, a gentle elephant made famous by the book Travels on My Elephant. Help bathe her in the river and learn about her remarkable journey—a highlight for many guests, particularly families.
Following breakfast, explore a nearby village inhabited by the Baiga tribe, one of India’s oldest and most traditional indigenous communities. The Baiga are known for their deep connection with the land, practising ancient farming methods and rituals passed down through generations. It’s a rare chance to witness a way of life that remains largely untouched by modernity.
In the afternoon, embark on another game drive through Kanha’s varied landscapes. The more time spent in the park, the more the forest opens up its secrets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tuli Tiger Resort (Cottage)
Wake early for a final safari drive in Kanha before continuing on to Bandhavgarh, around five hours away by road. Smaller than Kanha but no less thrilling, Bandhavgarh is famed for having one of the highest densities of tigers in the world. Formerly a royal hunting reserve, the park now thrives as a conservation success story.
After checking into your lodge, enjoy an orientation tour of the grounds and surroundings. The setting is rich with sal trees, bamboo groves, open meadows, and ancient ruins tucked into the hills—an enchanting introduction to Bandhavgarh’s wild beauty.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tiger Den Resort (Standard Room)
Start the day with a sunrise game drive. Early morning is the best time for tiger activity, and sightings here are frequent. Beyond the big cats, the park also supports an impressive array of wildlife—leopards, wild boars, langurs, and over 240 bird species, including the endangered Indian vulture and sarus crane.
Return to the lodge for a relaxed midday break before heading out again for an afternoon safari. The diversity of the park’s terrain—ridges, grasslands, and waterholes—means no two drives are alike. In the evening, enjoy a fun and flavourful cooking demonstration by the lodge’s chef. Learn a few Indian dishes and spices that you might want to recreate at home.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tiger Den Resort (Standard Room)
After one final morning safari and a late breakfast, depart for Khajuraho, a drive of approximately six hours. The mood shifts from wild to architectural wonder, as you arrive in a city renowned for its beautifully carved medieval temples.
In the evening, attend the sound and light show at the Western Group of Temples—a mesmerising way to understand the stories, art, and mythology behind these UNESCO World Heritage structures.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ramada Khajuraho (Deluxe Room)
Spend the morning exploring Khajuraho’s intricate temple complexes. Built between the 10th and 12th centuries, these temples are famous for their exquisite stone carvings that reflect life, spirituality, and sensuality in equal measure. The detail and symbolism offer endless fascination.
In the afternoon, fly to Varanasi—India’s spiritual capital. On arrival, transfer to a riverside hotel and relax before heading out in the evening to witness the sacred Ganga Aarti. Performed nightly on the banks of the Ganges, this captivating ritual with fire, chants, and music is deeply spiritual and moving.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Jukaso Ganges (Deluxe Room)
Rise before dawn for a serene boat ride along the Ganges, watching life unfold as pilgrims bathe, pray, and cremate their loved ones along the ghats. This timeless scene is both humbling and unforgettable. After the boat ride, visit a few of Varanasi’s iconic temples and return to the hotel for breakfast.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, check into a comfortable airport hotel for your final night. Time permitting, a vehicle is available for last-minute shopping or a casual stroll nearby.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn, Delhi (Superior Room)
After breakfast, transfer to the international airport for your onward journey. As you leave with a heart full of memories—from ancient temples to prowling tigers—this trip will linger as one of India’s most transformative experiences.
Meals: Breakfast
Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.
Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.
Accommodation Flexibility
Accommodation options are handpicked 4-star hotels and lodges. If a selected hotel is unavailable at the time of booking, we will provide an alternative of a similar standard and location.
Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.
Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.
Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).
Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 45 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 45 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.
Additional Information
•Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.