Jungle Jaunts in Madhya Pradesh: An Indian Wildlife Adventure

Gear up for a jam-packed itinerary today. On private tours of the capital, you’ll get to know the dual personalities of Old and New Delhi. This morning begins with a tour of New Delhi, a British colonial creation of the 1930s. Explore wide avenues and manicured gardens, and tick off the treasure trove of New Delhi monuments, including the impressive India Gate and Humayun’s Tomb (a building which inspired the Taj Mahal). Your knowledgeable local guide is on hand to contextualise notable sites and recommend a suitable spot for a post-tour lunch.

Chill out by the pool this afternoon with a good book (bonus points if it's from our recommended India reading list). Come evening, the second tour of the day beckons. This time, you’ll be getting acquainted with characterful Old Delhi’s narrow winding streets at night (and on foot). Beginning at one of the most sacred Sikh temples in the city, Sis ganj Gurudwara, you’ll pass the golden domes of the Sunehri Masjid mosque, the historic shops and bakeries around Ballimaran, ending the tour with Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in the country. Follow your nose to the bustling Chandni Chowk Bazaar for an assault on the senses. Anything and everything can be found here, but it's the fantastic array of street food which is guaranteed to satisfy (our Concierge can help direct you to the best eateries and sweet shops). Our favourite for a post-dinner indulgence is the city’s oldest confectionary shop, Kanwarji.

Bid the capital a fond farewell and head to the airport for a short domestic flight to Jabalpur. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a friendly private chauffeur who will be at your disposal for your time in the state of Madhya Pradesh. First up on the agenda? The mist-shrouded Dhuandhar Falls. Marvel at this feat of nature before hitting the road for around two-and-a-half hours to reach your final destination: Bandhavgarh National Park, which is famed for having the largest tiger population in India as well as an abundance of other wonderful wildlife species. You’ll spend two nights here immersed in the jungle in a magical lodge made up of characterful wooden cabins, complete with a wildlife viewing platform and a restaurant offering 360° jungle views. Enjoy local produce for dinner before settling down to nature’s soundtrack from the comfort of your cosy room.

Tuck into breakfast to the sound of birdsong this morning before setting out on the day’s adventures. You’ll be heading out on two jeep safaris with an experienced naturalist guide, so don’t forget your camera. With a mixed vegetation of savannah, forest and hills, beautiful Bandhavgarh covers 186 square miles. Originally created as a royal hunting reserve in 1968, it’s now home to over 35 different mammals. Look out for slinking tigers, tree-dwelling leopards, elusive sloth bears, elephants, jackals, and more. And keep an ear out to catch the calls of over 250 bird species and the slithering of snakes in the undergrowth (there are 16 species found here). The safari will also take you past the historic Maharaja-built clifftop fort, an impressive structure which emerges out of the vegetation.

This morning, it’s onto the next stop on your itinerary. Your trusty chauffeur will take you south to Kanha National Park, nestled in the heart of the central Indian highlands. It’ll take around four-and-a-half hours to get there, perfect for enjoying a quick catnap or taking in the shifting landscape. Upon arrival in Kanha, a luxurious jungle resort awaits. Settle into your regal tented room before checking out the rest of the resort; from the outdoor deck to the tranquil swimming pool and spa, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Enjoy the jungle soundtrack as you dine on authentic Indian cuisine this evening.

Today, you’ll be heading into the jungle to discover the local flora and fauna. Covering 584 square miles, Kanha National Park is teeming with wonderful wildlife. Thanks to the tiger conservation movement, Project Tiger, Kanha has witnessed a steady rise in the number of protected mammals, including tigers and deer. From the vantage point of a 4x4 jeep, look out for little and large animals in a landscape of dense forest, vast pastures, blooming meadows and crystal-clear streams. You’ll be in for the chance to see exotic birds, porcupines, monkeys, mongoose and wild. And if you fancy scratching that safari itch a little more, we can include another safari tomorrow. Why not see what else you can tick off your animal checklist?

When you’re not out looking for the cast of The Jungle Book, spend time cooling off in the resort’s pool or indulging at the blissful spa.

It’s time to hit the road again today, heading for the next park on the hitlist: Pench. It’s another long drive of around five hours, but don’t worry, put our destination-curated playlist on the speakers, and time will fly by. Arriving at your luxe eco-accommodation in Pench National Park, you’ll be greeted by a cluster of charming wooden buildings set among the trees. Settle into your spacious, light-filled room, where you’ll spend the next three nights, and perhaps head out to explore the lodge grounds, which include a cosy treetop lounge area and infinity pool. Dinner is an al fresco affair on the terrace, where sustainably sourced, local produce is served in style.

You know the drill by now. It’s safari time. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, head out into the emerald landscape of Pench, the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s famous tale and a protected tiger reserve, home to an estimated 65 of these majestic creatures. Over the next couple of days, traverse the jungle, streams and dry, deciduous forests, keeping an eye out for bison, sambar deer, antelope, and wild boar, as well as leopards, wild dogs and wolves. Budding bird watchers among you, listen out for migratory calls and flashes of feathers among the 285-plus rare plant species (your expert guide is on hand to identify each).

When you’re not venturing into the heart of the jungle, chill on your terrace and enjoy a refreshing plunge in the swimming pool. Then take a seat and savour the sounds of nature during your final dinner amid Pench’s pristine forest.

A new day calls for a new adventure. Hop in the car and head to Satpura National Park (don’t worry, your chauffeur knows the way). It’ll take around six hours to make the journey, but we promise it’s well worth it. The largest tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, Satpura National Park is a haven for these enchanting creatures and countless more. You’ll spend three nights in the lap of luxury, staying in a sumptuous jungle lodge complete with a swimming pool, spa and library. Dinner is served in the open dining area, and nightcaps are best enjoyed in the stylish lounge. And relax…

The next two days in Satpura are yours for the taking. Of course, we’ve arranged some must-do excursions, starting with a couple of 4x4 jeep journeys through the reserve. In the capable hands of an experienced naturalist guide, learn about the surrounding flora and fauna as you keep your eyes peeled for bison, tigers, leopards and wild boar. See how many more animals you can tick off your safari checklist (no cheating).

For the next excursion, you’ll head to the mighty Denwa River, which snakes through the park. It’s all aboard a motorboat for a leisurely cruise. Enjoy the backdrop of the beautiful Satpura Hills as you spot myriad bird species and keep an eye out for lurking Indian freshwater crocodiles. Just remember to keep your fingers out of the water…

Aside from sensational safaris, there’s plenty more to get involved with in Satpura. Fill your time with everything from anthropological expeditions to soothing nature walks.

Today, wave goodbye to India’s wonderful wildlife (for now) as you hit the road for one final journey, heading south to Nagpur airport. Here, hop on a one-and-a-half-hour domestic flight to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. Upon arrival, a private driver will take you to your hotel for the night, a stylish contemporary establishment located near the tip of Nariman Point. There’s an inviting outdoor pool as well as an indulgent spa (if you fancy ending your holiday on a high). And if you want to explore the lively local neighbourhood? Our friendly Concierge can help with recommendations.