Premium India Safari
Premium India Safari
Premium India Safari
13 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Visiting: Delhi, Panna National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Jabalpur, Satpura National Park, Agra
Tour Overview
Take in the sights, sounds and smells of India on a unique wildlife-focused adventure. With a local leader and some fellow keen travellers by your side, this 13-day trip will take you to the local’s favourite for tiger spotting – Panna National Park – as well as the most popular national park for spotting the royal Bengal – Bandhavgarh Tiger Sanctuary. Head to Jabalpur to explore the architecture and waterfalls of this beautiufl city, then carry on to Satpura National Park for some nighttime safaris on jeep and boat (look out for jungle cats and fruit bats!). See why Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary is known as one of the world’s best spots for bird spotting, on the back of a rickshaw no less, then head to chaotic Delhi to uncover the wonders of India’s capital. If your heart is searching for birdlife, deer, flying foxes, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys and tigers – this adventure is calling your name!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel or similar
Meals Included: dinner
Namaste! Welcome to India. An airport transfer is included if you’re arriving today, so you can just focus on the excitement of taking in the energy of Delhi. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and your fellow travellers, followed by a flavourful group dinner to get to know each other. If you arrive early, why not book yourself on an Urban Adventure through the city – a great introduction to the magic of Delhi!
Day 2: Panna National Park
Location: Panna National Park
Accommodation: Tendu Leaf or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast this morning, you’ll hop on a train towards Jhansi with your group – the city sits on the banks of the Pahuj River and is home to some rich history. Listen to your leader’s stories while the walled Jhansi Fort overlooks the centre. Grab some lunch with your group before driving towards Panna National Park. This protected Tiger Reserve is home to around 35 tigers, as well as sloth bears, spotted deer, leopards and a wide array of birdlife. When you arrive, you’ll have the option to visit the nearby Temples of Khajuraho – built between 950 and 1050 during the Chandella dynasty, these gorgeous temples are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth the visit. Tonight, enjoy dinner with your group and get a good sleep, ready for your first wildlife adventure tomorrow.
Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Panna National Park
Location: Panna National Park
Accommodation: Tendu Leaf or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Arise bright and early this morning for your first safari. You’ll head into Panna National Park with a local naturalist guide and discover the beauty of the park’s waterfalls, forested areas and vast open plains. Look out for the roaming tigers that call this place home, and you might even see spotted deer up on their hind legs, eating from a tree – or a leopard or sloth bear prowling the grounds. This park really excels in local birdlife, so make sure you look to the sky and the trees, too! There are over 200 species of bird here, with many of the water birds unseen in any other national park. You will also have the option to prebook a second, afternoon safari to double your chances of ticking off bucket list wildlife.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Bandhavgarh National Park
Location: Bandhavgarh National Park
Accommodation: Bandhav Vilas or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning, after a spot of breakfast, say goodbye to Panna National Park and make your way on wheels towards the next destination – ‘The Land of Tigers’ or Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve. Bandhavgarh is known for its resident royal Bengal tigers, and their population density is the highest in India. When you arrive, you’ll have time to settle in before a group dinner. Far from bustling urban areas, the park also offers visitors the unique opportunity to enjoy unobstructed views of the clear night sky. As the sun sets, take a short drive to the Sky Gazing point, where you'll meet an expert who will guide you on a cosmic journey through a telescope for the next hour. Get a closer look at celestial bodies near the equator and marvel at the wonders of the night sky.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Bandhavgarh National Park
Location: Bandhavgarh National Park
Accommodation: Bandhav Vilas or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Set off on your morning safari through Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve this morning. With a local naturalist guide by your side, you’ll have a great chance of spotting one of the many royal Bengal tigers that prowl these lands – keep your eyes out for the other residents, too! There are also white tigers, leopards, wild boars, gaurs (buffalo), langurs, eagles and deer due to the biodiversity of the grounds – a mix of tropical forest, swamps, cliffs, Sal trees and grasslands. See the scores of birdlife soar above, the energetic langur jump from tree to tree and the wild boar sitting lazily by the water. You’ll also have the option to pre-book an afternoon safari today (if you just can’t get enough of the diverse wildlife that calls this park home).
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Bandhavgarh National Park
Location: Bandhavgarh National Park
Accommodation: Bandhav Vilas or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, you’ll have breakfast as a group, and if you fancy, you can head out on another morning safari drive through the great lands of Bandhavgarh National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a free, lazy morning of rest and relaxation – maybe reading a book in the sunshine or going for a swim in the pool. This afternoon, you’ll head out on another safari, to strengthen your chances of spotting the gorgeous Bengals in their natural habitat. Your naturalist guide will give you all the insights into how these beautiful beasts live day to day in the park and as always, give you the best chance to spot as much wildlife as possible! Tonight, enjoy a group dinner and share photos of all the day’s finds.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Jabalpur
Location: Jabalpur
Accommodation: Narmada Jackson or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to Bandhavgarh National Park this morning after breakfast and make your way towards Jabalpur. Surrounded by low hills in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, this city sits on the banks of the Holy River 'Narmada (also known as Maa Rewa). When you arrive, you’ll head out on a leader-led walking tour of the city to get your bearings. Enjoy a free afternoon, then at dusk, head out to see the Aarti ceremony at Gauri Ghat on the banks of the Narmada. This deeply spiritual experience mirrors the renowned Ganga Aarti ceremonies in Haridwar and Varanasi but on a smaller scale.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Satpura National Park
Location: Satpura National Park
Accommodation: Forsyth Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Say goodbye to Jabalpur this morning and drive to the Satpura Mountain Range. Watch the central Indian landscapes pass you by as you chat with your fellow travellers, take the opportunity to have a much-needed nap or get stuck into your favourite podcast. When you arrive at Satpura National Park, settle into your new surroundings before heading out on an exciting night safari with a naturalist guide. As you drive through the forested ranges of this national park and tiger reserve, watch out for nocturnal animals that can only be spotted once the sun goes down – leopards, flying squirrels and flying foxes are just some of the creatures that come out under the stars.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Satpura National Park
Location: Satpura National Park
Accommodation: Forsyth Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Fuel up on a good breakfast this morning and (if you’ve prebooked the optional morning safari today), head out to see Satpura National Park in the sunlight. Among the cascading waterfalls, deep canyons and natural pools of Satpura, sunlight sees a high density of sloth bears here, as well as giant squirrels, deer, a range of different monkeys and hundreds of birds! After a group lunch and some time to rest (or your free afternoon if you opted out of the morning safari), you’ll get ready for your second evening exploration, but this time, by boat! Watch the sun go down from a boat sailing through the park, and from the waters, try to spot the nighttime jungle cats, fruit bats and flying foxes.
Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Hotel (Previously Crystal Sarovar Premier) or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Continue your adventure this morning with a drive to Bhopal. This is a bit of a long travel day, so make sure you’ve got your favourite book, playlists and car games ready! Maybe grab some lunch in Bohpal and then take a train towards Agra, your destination for tonight. When you arrive, you’re free to head out wherever you wish for dinner – your local leader always has great recommendations!
Day 11: Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Hotel (Previously Crystal Sarovar Premier) or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Wake up in the beautiful city of Agra this morning and after breakfast, head out for a morning in Keoladeo National Park. This huge bird sanctuary and national park has long been recognised as one of the world's most integral breeding and feeding grounds for local birdlife. When you arrive, you’ll take a rickshaw safari ride through the sanctuary with a local naturalist guide. As well as the 260 species of bird that live here, you may also spot some of the deer, nilgai (antelope) and boar that reisde in the park. Return to Agra and get ready to tick off one of the Seven Wonders of the World off your bucket list – that's right, Agra is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Taj Mahal! Marvel at the 17th century structure as you learn about its history (and snap some pretty epic pics) and soak in the majesty of this amazing site, at sunset no less.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Leave Agra behind and travel to Delhi this morning – home to the capital of India, New Delhi. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation and then head out on a walking tour of Old Delhi with your leader. This neighbourhood dates back to the 1600s and is home to the Mughal-era Red Fort and the vibrant bazaar, Chandni Chowk. Hop on a rickshaw to see the city from a different perspective and get a taste of local life. Tour the iconic Jama Masjid Mosque, with its huge courtyard that accommodates 25,000 people. Learn the fascinating history of Delhi from your local leader and take in the sights, smells and sounds of this chaotic but marvellous place. Tonight, why not head out for a farewell dinner with your group and toast to an incredible adventure!
Included Activities:
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Day 13: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: breaksfast
With no further activities planned, your adventure ends this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Delhi, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Lodge (5 nights), Satpura Feature Stay (2 nights) -
Meals
12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 9 dinners -
Panna National Park - Morning Safari with a Naturalist Guide
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Bandhavgarh National Park - Morning Safari with a Naturalist Guide
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Bandhavgarh National Park - Evening Safari with a Naturalist Guide
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Satpura National Park - Night Safari with a Naturalist Guide
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Agra -Taj Mahal
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Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - Rickshaw Safari with a Naturalist Guide
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Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
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Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
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Bandhavgarh National Park - Stargazing Tour
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Jabalpur - River Narmada Aarti Ceremony
Transport
- TRANSPORT IN INDIA
- Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. If you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.
- TRAVEL TIMES
- Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
- TRAINS:
- India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes.
- From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip may need to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
- FLIGHTS
- Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
- AUTO RICKSHAWS
- On this trip we may travel in a local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- ACCOMMODATION
- The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
- SHOWERS:
- Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
- WIFI:
- Generally, WiFi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it's free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for WiFi access. Your group leader or local representative can assist locally in accessing the internet.
- ISSUES:
- If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representative right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
Important Information
- 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room?on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip?and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3. To obtain permits for the game drives included on this tour, we require your correct passport details at the time of booking. If you renew your passport or use a different passport from the one you originally provided, please bring your old passport or a photocopy of it with you.
- 4. The safaris in Panna National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park must be pre-booked to guarantee your spot. Due to high demand and limited availability, we recommend booking this tour and any optional safaris at least four months in advance. Please inquire about booking optional safaris when you book your tour.
- 5. If you are travelling with others, please let us know in advance so we can do our best to arrange for you to be in the same safari vehicles.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
In general, the best time to spot wildlife is at dawn and dusk. There will be many early starts on this tour to capitalize on optimum safari times or to avoid morning traffic on travel days.
In the winter months of November, December, and January, early mornings and late evenings tend to be cold, while the rest of the months offer hot and sunny conditions during safaris. Remember to stay hydrated, use sufficient skin protection, and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable experience.
While this trip doesn't include strenuous physical activity, the jeeps used in national parks are simple, typically with a high step to get in and out of them, and the roads can be quite bumpy. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Dec 18, 2024 - Dec 30, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions