India Safari - 12 Days

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and your fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not book yourself on an Urban Adventure through the city – a great introduction to the magic of Delhi! After the meeting, why not head out with your group for an optional welcome dinner and get to know each other over some delicious local cuisine.

Today, head out on a tour with your local leader through the sights and sounds of Old Delhi. Take a cycle rickshaw ride through the chaotic streets and visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest mosque and one of its most impressive buildings. Then, visit the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion. Later, maybe grab a chai, put your feet up and let it all soak in. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train to Khajuraho.

This morning, arrive at Khajuraho Station and drive to Panna National Park. Head into the 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. 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, morning safari to double your chances of ticking off bucket list wildlife.

Wake up early this morning to head out on the morning safari (if you have prebooked it), then make your way to ‘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 a free evening at your forest resort to soak up the sounds of the wilderness, rest and recharge.

Set off on a 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. The wildlife here is due to the biodiversity of the grounds – a mix of tropical forest, swamps, cliffs, Sal trees and grasslands. See the 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!).

Say goodbye to Bandhavgarh National Park after breakfast today 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.

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, settle into your new surroundings before heading out on a 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.

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 as you sail through the park, and from the waters, try to spot the nighttime jungle cats, fruit bats and flying foxes.

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 to Agra. When you arrive, you’re free to head out wherever you wish for dinner – your local leader always has great recommendations!

Start your day in the vibrant city of Agra and set off after breakfast for a morning in Keoladeo National Park. This renowned bird sanctuary is celebrated as one of the world's most essential breeding and feeding grounds for local birdlife. Upon arrival, embark on a rickshaw safari with a local naturalist guide. As you explore, you'll have the chance to observe the park's 260 bird species, as well as deer, nilgai (antelope), and wild boar that also inhabit the area. Return to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, both a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Wonders of the World! Prepare to be awed by the 17th-century structure as you learn about its history (and snap some pretty epic pics) with a local guide. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Soak in this amazing site at sunset and watch the colours hit the marble, lighting it up. Gra your photo, then consider heading out for dinner with your group.

Agra is also home to one of the finest forts in India. This morning, you’ll enter the dark red sandstone stronghold of Agra Fort – part fortress, part palace and part prison – and search through throne rooms and tiny but incredibly decorated mosques. Afterward, enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch at Sheroes Hangout. This beautiful cafe is a unique social enterprise providing employment opportunities for women who were victims of acid attacks. In the early evening, leave Agra behind and hop on a train to Delhi. Once you arrive, settle into your hotel and perhaps spend your last evening together, sharing a nightcap with your fellow travellers.

With no further activities planned after breakfast today, your adventure comes to an end. If you would like to extend your time in Delhi, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.