WHISPERS OF THE WILD - Luxury Safari Through Central India

In the morning, we embark on an exciting city sightseeing tour of Mumbai, visiting some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Gateway of India, the lush Hanging Gardens, and the renowned Dhobi Ghat. In the afternoon, we explore Dharavi, a vibrant and remarkable neighbourhood that lies at the heart of Mumbai’s thriving small-scale industries. While Dharavi is often described as the “largest slum in Asia,” this historic area offers a much richer and more inspiring story - one of enterprise, community, culture, and resilience. Dharavi is a wonderful example of Mumbai’s multicultural and multireligious spirit, where temples, mosques, and churches stand side by side, reflecting the harmonious diversity of its people. The visit provides a fascinating glimpse into the everyday. Stay overnight in Mumbai.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Jabalpur. Upon arrival, we receive assistance and continue our journey by road to Bandhavgarh National Park, one of India’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, renowned for its rich biodiversity and excellent opportunities for tiger sightings. Spread across the picturesque Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is characterized by dense forests, rolling hills, grassy meadows, and ancient ruins. The park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, deer, and numerous species of birds, making it a wonderful destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. We enjoy a three-night stay at Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh, a luxurious Taj Safaris lodge nestled amidst the tranquil wilderness. Surrounded by nature and designed to blend beautifully with its environment, Mahua Kothi offers an intimate and immersive experience of the forest, providing the perfect base from which to discover the captivating wildlife of Bandhavgarh. Stay overnight in Bandhavgarh.

Enjoy the morning and afternoon Jeep safari at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. This National Park is spread at Vindhya hills in Madhya Pradesh and consists of 105 sq km core area and approximately 400 sq km buffer area. Topography varies between steep ridges, undulating forests and open meadows. After the game drive, you are free to explore the local village. Stay overnight at Bandhavgarh.

Enjoy morning and afternoon Jeep safari at the reserve to spot tigers amongst many other wild animals, reptiles and birds.

Today, we travel to Kanha National Park, one of the most spectacular wildlife reserves in Central India and one of India’s finest destinations for experiencing the wilderness. Spanning approximately 940 square kilometres, the park is renowned for its diverse landscapes of lush sal forests, open meadows, bamboo groves, and picturesque streams. Kanha is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including the majestic Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, barasingha (swamp deer), antelope, and Indian wild dog, along with an abundance of birdlife. The park’s rich biodiversity and tranquil landscapes make it a true haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. On arrival, the remainder of the day is at leisure, offering an opportunity to explore the surrounding village, experience the local way of life, or simply relax amidst the peaceful wilderness. We spend two nights at Banjaar Tola, Kanha, a stylish Taj Safaris lodge set beside the Banjaar River. With its intimate setting and immersive connection with nature, the lodge provides an ideal retreat after a day of exploration, combining thrilling guided wildlife safaris with moments of relaxation and rejuvenation in the serene surroundings of Kanha. Stay overnight in Kanha.

Enjoy morning and afternoon Jeep safari at the reserve to spot tigers amongst many other wild animals, reptiles and birds. The Jungle Book is said to be based on the jungles of this reserve. Stay overnight in Kanha.

After breakfast, we travel to Pench National Park, a captivating wilderness sanctuary spread across approximately 758 square kilometres. The park takes its name from the Pench River, which flows gracefully through the reserve from north to south, creating a lifeline for its rich flora and fauna. Set amidst a beautiful landscape of dense forests, open meadows, and tranquil waterways, Pench is renowned for its diverse wildlife and is particularly associated with the Bengal tiger, leopard, wild dog, sloth bear, gaur, and several species of deer and birds. The park’s evocative landscapes are also believed to have inspired the setting of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. The afternoon is at leisure, with an opportunity to explore the nearby villages and experience the traditional lifestyle of the local communities, or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings. We spend two nights at Baghvan, Pench, a charming Taj Safaris wilderness retreat surrounded by lush greenery and the sights and sounds of the jungle. Combining elegant accommodation with an authentic connection to nature, Baghvan offers an immersive safari experience, complemented by exceptional cuisine and expert-guided jungle safaris - the perfect setting to discover the captivating wildlife and untamed beauty of Pench. Stay overnight in Pench.

Enjoy morning and afternoon Jeep safari at the reserve to spot tigers amongst many other wild animals, reptiles and birds.

After a leisurely breakfast, the tour finishes with a direct transfer to Nagpur airport where you board your onward flight.