India Safari





Spot tigers, leopards and bears on a safari adventure through India’s national parks
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 12-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, then carry on to Satpura National Park for some night safaris on 4WDs and boats (look out for jungle cats and fruit bats!). See why Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary is one of the world’s best spots for birdwatching, then head to 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 you!
5.0
8 reviewsStart: Delhi, India
End: Delhi, India
- Duration
- 12 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Wildlife
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Visit two of the best and most popular national parks in India – Panna National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park – and try to spot the elusive royal Bengal tiger.
- Search for nocturnal animals such as leopards, jungle cats, fruit bats, flying squirrels and flying foxes under the stars during your night safari in Satpura National Park with a local naturalist guide.
- Discover the many ways to safari! Hop on a rickshaw safari through the bird sanctuaries of Keoladeo, take an evening boat and nighttime safari in Satpura National Park and cruise on jeep safaris through Bandhavgarh and Panna National Parks.
- Immerse yourself in a deeply spiritual experience as you witness the Aarti ceremony at Gauri Ghat, nestled on the banks of the Narmada, the Holy River in Jabalpur. This intimate ceremony, echoing the grandeur of Haridwar and Varanasi, unfolds at dusk, offering a unique spiritual connection.
- Soak up all the highlights of India with a local leader by your side with all the local secrets! Travel like a local in rickshaw, visit Agra Fort, Old Delhi, and marvel at the Taj Mahal – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Here's what you need to know about your visit: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/taj-mahal-travel-guide/
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
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.
- (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
- Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4100
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
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.
- (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi - Rickshaw ride
Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 14 hours.
Sleeper trains are usually comfortable and air-conditioned (sometimes fan-cooled) and are a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Sheets, pillow, and blanket are provided but some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Please note you may be sharing with locals in a same/mixed gender situation.
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.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Panna National Park - Evening Safari
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
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.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Panna National Park - Morning Safari with a Naturalist Guide - INR15000
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
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!).
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bandhavgarh National Park - Morning Safari with a Naturalist Guide
- Bandhavgarh National Park - Evening Safari (Prebook) - INR15000
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.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Jabalpur - River Narmada Aarti Ceremony
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
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.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Satpura National Park - Night Safari with a Naturalist Guide
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
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.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Satpura National Park - Boat Safari
- Satpura National Park - Optional Morning Safari - INR15000
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!
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
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.
- (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - Rickshaw Safari with a Naturalist Guide
- Agra -Taj Mahal
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
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.
- (1 night)
- Lunch
- Agra - Agra Fort
- Agra - Sheroes Cafe Visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
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.
There are no meals included on this day.
- Old Red Fort - INR600
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
Inclusions and activities
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Train, Auto Rickshaw, Boat, Cycle Rickshaw, Private Vehicle, Jeep, Overnight Train
Overnight Train (1 night), Hotel (10 nights)
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi - Rickshaw ride
- Panna National Park - Evening Safari
- Bandhavgarh National Park - Morning Safari with a Naturalist Guide
- Jabalpur - River Narmada Aarti Ceremony
- Satpura National Park - Night Safari with a Naturalist Guide
- Satpura National Park - Boat Safari
- Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - Rickshaw Safari with a Naturalist Guide
- Agra -Taj Mahal
- Agra - Agra Fort
- Agra - Sheroes Cafe Visit
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
- Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4100
- Panna National Park - Morning Safari with a Naturalist Guide - INR15000
- Bandhavgarh National Park - Evening Safari (Prebook) - INR15000
- Satpura National Park - Optional Morning Safari - INR15000
- Old Red Fort - INR600
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
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Before you book you should know
- In general, the best time to spot wildlife is at dawn and dusk. There will be many early starts on this trip to capitalise on optimum safari times or to avoid morning traffic on travel days.
- In the winter months of November to 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.
- From May to September, it can be incredibly hot, but the wildlife can be easier to spot as they tend to gather at watering holes.
- While this trip doesn't include strenuous physical activity, the 4WDs 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.
- While there is no guarantee you will see a tiger, you may have a chance to see a variety of other wildlife, including jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars, and birdlife.
- Make sure your luggage is light and compact enough to be able to carry it up and down multiple flights of stairs (ie. in train stations, hotels without elevators).
- Some journeys take between six to eight hours, but are a great opportunity to get to know locals, fellow travellers, and the diverse scenery.
- It’s important to prepare for hot sticky temperatures during the day and cooler climates at night. Layers are one of the best ways to tackle this disparity in weather. We visit a variety of places on this trip, some of which require a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
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:
Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, staying in local guesthouses and homestays. Some may have shared bathroom facilities with cold water only. We use a mixture of air-conditioned and non-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.
ROOM ISSUES:
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
SLEEPER TRAINS IN INDIA:
Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned (fan-cooled at times), a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Depending on the route, we travel 2AC or 3AC class as not all classes are available on all routes. Due to the complexity of the ticket purchasing system and high demand for tickets, we are unable to offer upgrades to other classes.
Second Class or 2 Tier AC (2AC) carriages have 4 berths in the compartment section and 2 berths in the aisle bay and individual reading lights. Third Class or 3 Tier AC (3AC) has 6 berths in the compartment and 2 in the aisle bay. There are a limited amount of sinks and charging points in these classes. During the day, bunks are folded away and serve as seats. Toilet facilities are located at either end of the carriage. There is usually an Indian style squat toilet at one end and a western-style toilet at the other. You will need your own toilet paper or tissues and cleanliness will depend on the number of people using them.
Beds are padded bunks, with sheets, pillow and blanket provided. Some people prefer to bring and use their own sleeping sheet. Your luggage travels with you on the train, so packing light will make your journey more comfortable.
Many trains have a dining carriage or a food/snack cart that is brought through the carriages. There are also plenty of vendors selling tea, coffee, water and snacks during the journey, although the hygiene may not be up to standards you are used to at home.
Please note you may be sharing with other members of your group or locals on a mixed gender basis. Tickets are booked on a real-name basis using your passport details. We book for all members of the group at the same time, but unfortunately, this is no guarantee that we will be accommodated all together on the train. Your leader will do their best to swap with other travellers to allow people who booked together to travel together, but please be aware that this is not always possible. We may at times ask male travellers to swap with solo female travellers for safety considerations.
Hotel Taj Princess
15A/25 W.E.A Ajmal Khan Road Karol Bagh New Delhi Opposite Jesa Ram Hospital
Karol Bagh
Delhi
110005
INDIA
Phone: +91 1145621110
Description
Taj Princess Hotel is conveniently located close to some of New Delhi's most popular landmarks, such as Jhandewalan Temple and Hanuman Temple. The hotel facilities include a rooftop terrace, a concierge, and room service. Each guest room features Each guest room features air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, an ensuite, and free WiFi.
Instructions
Delhi's Indira Gandhi's International Airport is approximately 25km from Karol Bagh. One of the biggest airports in the world, it can be quite chaotic and can take some time to process your visa and collect your luggage.
Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have purchased an arrival transfer you will be met in the arrivals hall after clearing customs, your representative with sign board will be standing near the Costa Coffee next to gate no 5. Please ask them to confirm your name.
Please do not exit the gates, Costa coffee is just before the exit gate no.5.
If you have any problems and cannot locate our representative, or if your flight is delayed please call the following 24 hour number:
+91-9911 97 2636
If you do not have a mobile phone, there are public phones next to Costa Coffee. Calls cost 1 rupee per minute
Failing the above please take a taxi to the hotel (using the instructions below) and advise your group leader. When you walk out of the exit door, you will easily be able to spot popular metered taxi counters such as Meru Cabs/Mega Cabs or Easy Cabs, show them your drop location and pay them as per the meter once you get to your hotel.
Taxi's from the airport to our starting point hotel take approx 1 hour and costs between INR 500 - 600 (prepaid traffic police booths).
IMPORTANT: Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport. Previous passengers have complained that they have been charged hefty amount for the transfers.
The Delhi metro is another option from the airport. Trains depart between approx 5am and 11:30pm, the trip takes approx. 45 mins and costs around INR100. Please refer to the metro map for lines, changes and directions to Karol Bagh where most of our hotels are located. http://delhimetrorail.info/delhi-metro-map
Check in time at hotel is 12 midday.
Alternate joining point
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
11 Nov 2025 (HHSW251111)
Almondz Hotel
4/3, Block-4, Near Metro Pillar No- 171 East Patel Nagar
Delhi
110008
INDIA
Phone: +91 9311219000
Description
Almondz Hotel is conveniently located 12 km from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and just a short walk from the local metro station, shops, and restaurants. The hotel facilities include a gym, restaurant, and bar. Each guest room features air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, an ensuite, and free WiFi.
Instructions
Delhi's Indira Gandhi's International Airport is approximately 15km from Karol Bagh Delhi. One of the biggest airports in the world, it can be quite chaotic and can take some time to process your visa and collect your luggage.
Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have purchased an arrival transfer you will be met in the arrivals hall after clearing customs, your representative with sign board will be standing near the Costa Coffee next to gate no 5. Please ask them to confirm your name.
Please do not exit the gates, Costa coffee is just before the exit gate no.5.
If you have any problems and cannot locate our representative, or if your flight is delayed please call the following 24 hour number:
+91-9911 97 2636
If you do not have a mobile phone, there are public phones next to Costa Coffee. Calls cost 1 rupee per minute
Failing the above please take a taxi to the hotel (using the instructions below) and advise your group leader. When you walk out of the exit door, you will easily be able to spot popular metered taxi counters such as Meru Cabs/Mega Cabs or Easy Cabs, show them your drop location and pay them as per the meter once you get to your hotel.
Taxi's from the airport to our starting point hotel take approx 1 hour and costs between INR 500 - 600 (prepaid traffic police booths).
IMPORTANT: Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport. Previous passengers have complained that they have been charged hefty amount for the transfers.
The Delhi metro is another option from the airport. Trains depart between approx 5am and 11:30pm, the trip takes approx. 45 mins and costs around INR100. Please refer to the metro map for lines, changes and directions to Karol Bagh where most of our hotels are located. http://delhimetrorail.info/delhi-metro-map
Check in time at hotel is 12 midday.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. 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.
2. To obtain permits for the safaris included on this tour, we require a scanned copy of your passport bio page at the time of booking to secure permits for entry into the National Parks. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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