An Indian Wildlife Odyssey

Itinerary

Days 1-2: Fly to Mumbai

Depart on the overnight British Airways flight
from London (regional connections available)
to Mumbai (Bombay). On arrival, transfer to
the Trident Nariman Point (or similar) for a
2-night stay. Afternoon at leisure. (N)

Day 3: Mumbai

Today you will see some of the citys landmarks
including the Gateway of India and the High
Court. Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly the Prince
of Wales Museum. Drive past the Hanging
Gardens and Parsi Tower of Silence, including a
photo-stop at the Dhobi Ghat. (B)

Day 4: Fly to Nagpur Pench National Park

Take the morning flight to Nagpur and transfer to Pench National Park where you will begin your exploration of India’s national parks. The park is named after the Pench River which meanders through the park from north to south over the hilly terrain and through beautiful teak forests. Stay 2 nights at the Pench Jungle Camp, set in 20 hectares of lush foliage and only 1km from the entrance of the park. After lunch visit a local village before returning to the camp for an evening talk by an expert naturalist, followed by a night walk. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Pench National Park

Today explore the park in depth with morning and afternoon wildlife drives in the company of resident naturalists. The fauna of Pench is hugely diverse and contains the highest density of herbivores in India. Tigers are not commonly seen here, but jackals, wild dogs and sloth bears are frequently spotted. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Kanha National Park

This morning drive to Kanha National Park
for 3 nights at Chitvan Jungle Lodge, a luxury
resort situated 3.5km from the Mukki Gate.
The park was created in 1955 and today is
among the most scenic wildlife reserves in
Asia. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Kanha National Park

Early morning wildlife drive. There are 175
varieties of birds in Kanha, although most
visitors are looking out for Kanha’s major
attraction the tiger. Return to the hotel for
breakfast. In the afternoon take a further
wildlife drive in the park. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Kanha National Park

Spend 2 full days exploring the park on jeep safaris to observe the 22 animal species and 175 varieties of birds that call the park home. Whilst there is a healthy tiger population in the park, other wildlife to look out for include the Indian elephant, peacocks, wild boars and barasinghas, also known locally as ‘swamp deer’. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Satpura National Park

This morning drive to Satpura National Park
and stay 3 nights at Forsyth Lodge, a stylish
lodge set in 18 hectares of wildlife-filled jungle.
The park’s limited exposure to humans, and
optional walking safaris, means Satpura is
the only place in India that offers an intimate wilderness experience. The park is home to
tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, wild
boars, langurs and Indian gaurs. Birding here
is also excellent and many raptors, as well as
kingfishers and terns, can be spotted. Evening
stargazing session. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Satpura National Park

Accompanied by a naturalist and a tracker, go on a morning 4×4 safari. After lunch enjoy an afternoon walking safari. The park is home to tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, wild boars, langurs and Indian gaurs. Birding here is also excellent and many raptors, as well as kingfishers and terns, can be spotted. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Satpura National Park

Take another morning 4×4 safari before enjoying an afternoon safari by boat to observe the wildlife along the banks of the river. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Bhopal

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning drive to
Bhopal, for the flight to Delhi. Overnight at the
Leela Ambience Gurgaon. (B)

Day 13: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport and fly back to London
with British Airways. (B)