Essence of Central India

(15 nights)

The Essence of Central India tour is the perfect way to experience the beguiling charm of rural central India. Taking in four very different, yet equally beautiful parks, you will encounter an array of wild life amid contrasting habitats and landscapes.

On arrival at Nagpur you will be met and escorted to the lavish Tuli Tiger Corridor Lodge for an evening’s relaxation prior to the adventure that awaits you. We will have four game drives in this beautiful park, Pench is famous for leopard as well as tiger sightings. Pench also has the highest density of herbivores in central India and there will be opportunities to photograph deer and monkey as well as enjoying quality bird watching.

After two days at Pench we move on to Mukki where you stay at the beautiful Kanha Jungle Lodge run by friendly hosts Tarun and Dimple Bhati. Kanha is a large and truly magnificent national park where over the course of eight drives you will get to see the best of the park in the Kanha, Kisli and Mukki zones and where we will have a very good chance to find tiger, leopard, sloth bear and many bird species. While at Kanha you have the opportunity to go on a bird walk or have a lesson on Indian cooking.

From Kanha we travel to Bandhavgarh where we stay at the very welcoming and comfortable Monsoon Forest Lodge. Bandhavgarh National Park has a very intimate feel and seven drives will take you through the Tala, Magdhi and Khitauli zones which are all of very different character and topography. In addition to a variety of wildlife species, amid the stunning landscapes of Bandhavgarh, which include tiger, leopard and sloth bear, there are some interesting archaeological sites including a spectacular reclining statue of the Lord Vishnu, which is one of only two known to exist throughout the world.

After a final morning drive at Bandhavgarh we set off for Panna where we hope to arrive in time for an evening boat safari at the lovely Ken River Lodge. The lodge has a beautiful location with the Ken River flowing just below the dining area. Panna National Park is famed for the bird life and some rare mammals such as chinkara gazelle and leopard. There is also an opportunity to take a boat safari inside the park with the chance to see crocodiles. From Panna an early morning one hour drive to Khajuraho provides the optional opportunity to visit the famous erotic temples before your flight to Delhi.

Once in Delhi you will be able to relax and prepare for your homeward journey at the luxurious Radisson Hotel Dwarka, which is just 20 minutes from the airport.

*The price per person is on the basis of two persons, or multiples of two, sharing accommodation. Supplement for single occupancy applies. All prices exclude travel to and from India.

Essence of Central India

Number of Nights: 15 Nights
Summary:
Venue	No. of Nights	No. of Drives	Hotels
Nagpur	-	-	-
Pench	3	4	Tuli Tiger Corridor
Kanha	4	8	Kanha Jungle Lodge
Bandhavgarh	4	7	Monsoon Forest Lodge
Panna	3	4 plus 1 by boat	Ken River Lodge
Khajuraho – Delhi	1	-	Radisson Dwarka Delhi

PRICE:

15 nights on the basis of two people sharing accommodation* and includes:

- Full board at Tuli Tiger Corridor, Kanha Jungle Lodge, Monsoon Forest Lodge and Ken River Lodge;
- Accommodation at the Radisson Dwarka in Delhi includes room and breakfast only;
- Jeep safaris in Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna and boat safari at Panna;
- Meet & assist at all airport and hotels;
- Airfare between Mumbai and Nagpur and Khajuraho and Delhi in economy class, including all taxes;
- All transfers by road by air-conditioned car;
- Guide’s tour fees;
- All applicable taxes levied by the Government of India.

Quote does not include:

- Flights to and from India;
- Personal travel insurance;
- Personal expenses such as bar bills, laundry, gratuities, telephone calls, camera fees (where applicable) etc.

Itinerary

Day 1	Mumbai – Nagpur - Pench Arrive Mumbai and catch mid-afternoon connecting flight to Nagpur. Arrive Nagpur late afternoon. Depart Nagpur by car for Pench. Arrive Tuli Tiger Corridor lodge. Evening at leisure.
Day 2	Pench National Park Early morning start (0600 hrs). Game drives in morning and afternoon, all meals served at the lodge.
Day 3	Pench National Park Early morning start (0600 hrs). Game drives in morning and afternoon, all meals served at the lodge.
Day 4	Pench to Kanha Early breakfast. Depart Pench by car for five hour journey to Kanha Jungle Lodge at Mukki. Afternoon game drive in Kanha National Park.
Day 5	Kanha National Park Early morning start (0600hrs). Morning & afternoon game drives. All meals served at lodge.
Day 6	Kanha National Park Early morning start (0600hrs). Morning & afternoon game drives. All meals served at lodge.
Day 7	Kanha National Park Early morning start (0600hrs). Morning & afternoon game drives. All meals served at lodge.
Day 8	Kanha – Bandhavgarh Morning game drive in Kanha National Park. Brunch followed by check-out and depart for 6 hour drive to Bandhavgarh. Evening arrival at Monsoon Forest Lodge.
Day 9	Bandhavgarh National Park Early morning start (0600hrs). Morning & afternoon game drives. All meals served at lodge.
Day 10	Bandhavgarh National Park Early morning start (0600hrs). Morning & afternoon game drives. All meals served at lodge.
Day 11	Bandhavgarh National Park Early morning start (0600hrs). Morning & afternoon game drives. All meals served at lodge.
Day 12	Bandhavgarh - Panna Morning game drive at Bandhavgarh National Park. Brunch followed by check out and depart for 6 hour journey by car to Panna. Evening arrival at Ken River Lodge. Evening boat safari (subject to arrival time).
Day 13	Panna National Park Early morning start (0600hrs). Morning & afternoon game drives. All meals served at lodge.
Day 14	Panna National Park Morning game drive. Afternoon boat safari into the park. All meals served at lodge.
Day 15	Panna – Khajuraho – New Delhi After breakfast depart for one hour journey by car to Khajuraho. Optional sightseeing. Midday flight to Delhi arriving late afternoon. Check in at the Radisson Hotel Dwarka
Day 16	New Delhi Breakfast. Depart for 20 minute drive to airport.