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India Safari

India Safari

From $ 3,695 AUD

Description

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 Name
India Safari
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • 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/

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Delhi
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.
Day 2 - Delhi
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.
Day 3 - Panna National Park
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.
Day 4 - Bandhavgarh National Park
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.
Day 5 - Bandhavgarh National Park
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!).
Day 6 - Jabalpur
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.
Day 7 - Satpura National Park
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.
Day 8 - Satpura National Park
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.
Day 9 - Agra
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!
Day 10 - Agra
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.
Day 11 - Delhi
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.
Day 12 - Delhi
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-03-202515-03-2025AUD $ 3,840-
11-03-202522-03-2025AUD $ 3,840-
25-03-202505-04-2025AUD $ 3,695-
08-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 3,695-
22-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 3,695-
06-05-202517-05-2025AUD $ 3,695-
07-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 3,990-
21-10-202501-11-2025AUD $ 3,990-
04-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 3,990-
11-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 3,990-
25-11-202506-12-2025AUD $ 3,840-
09-12-202520-12-2025AUD $ 3,840-
03-03-202614-03-2026AUD $ 3,880-
10-03-202621-03-2026AUD $ 3,880-
24-03-202604-04-2026AUD $ 3,880-
07-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 3,880-
21-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 3,880-
05-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 3,880-
06-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 3,880-
20-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 3,880-
03-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 3,880-
10-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 3,880-
24-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 3,880-
08-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 3,880-

Accommodation

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

Transport

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

Map