India Safari

12 Days | Spot tigers, leopards and bears on a safari adventure through India’s national parks

Wildlife
From
USD $2,785

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!

Trip overview

Map of India Safari including India
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Delhi, India
Theme
Wildlife
Destinations
India
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
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HHSW
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

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/

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 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.

Itinerary

Map of India Safari including India

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Train, Auto Rickshaw, Boat, Cycle Rickshaw, Private Vehicle, Jeep, Overnight Train

Accommodation

Overnight Train (1 night), Hotel (10 nights)

Activities
  • 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 (Prebook)
  • 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
Optional activities
  • 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

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

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 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.
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.

Essential Trip Information

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Looks like this trip is a best-kept secret... for now!

Check back later or explore reviews for similar trips.

India Safari
From
USD $2,785