Winter (October–February)
This is the most popular time for wildlife tourism in India. The weather is cool and comfortable, making long safari hours enjoyable, and it's a great season for both wildlife viewing and photography.
Nine remarkable destinations. One unforgettable royal journey.
India's best wildlife tours combine tiger reserves like Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, and Kanha with bird watching tours at Bharatpur, all on a single circuit through Central and North India.
For anyone drawn to safari adventures, Ranthambore National Park is famous for its tiger sightings amid ancient forts and lakes, while Bandhavgarh has one of the highest tiger densities of any park in India. Kanha's sal forests and grasslands, the same landscape that inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, round out the jungle safaris with sightings of leopards, wild dogs, and barasingha, and Pench adds thriving populations of sloth bears and striped hyenas across its teak forests.
Bharatpur's Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the standout wildlife sanctuaries on the itinerary, home to over 360 species of birds, making it a must for anyone planning bird watching tours as part of their trip.
This region's national parks are known for being well managed, with trained naturalist guides who prioritize both guest safety and close, respectful wildlife encounters, a core part of responsible eco-tourism in India. Canter safaris across Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench give travelers multiple chances each day to spot tigers, leopards, and other species in their natural habitat.
Whether you're planning your first trip or you're a serious wildlife photographer, this itinerary is built for it. The light, terrain, and animal density across these four parks make it one of India's strongest routes for adventure travel focused on the wild.
Delhi, India
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Guided tour of Delhi including India Gate, Raj Ghat, Govt. Buildings
Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, Jama Masjid, Humayun Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar
Visit Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and enjoy Tonga Ride
Rikshaw Ride in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Canter Safaris in Ranthambore National Parks
Canter Safaris in Bandhavgarh National Parks
Canter safaris in Kanha National Parks
Canter safaris in Pench National Parks
This is the most popular time for wildlife tourism in India. The weather is cool and comfortable, making long safari hours enjoyable, and it's a great season for both wildlife viewing and photography.
While the days get hot, this is actually the best time for tiger safari sightings. As water sources dry up, animals, especially tigers tend to gather more visibly around the remaining waterholes, increasing your chances of a sighting.
Most national parks and tiger reserves close during these months to allow the forest and wildlife to rest and breathe, and also for visitor safety due to heavy rainfall. A few parks and buffer zones do stay partially open, offering a quieter, greener side of the jungle for those who prefer fewer crowds.
Experience India’s royal heritage and thrilling wildlife on an unforgettable 15-day, 14-night journey, starting from Delhi. Admire the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, explore Jaipur’s magnificent forts and palaces, and enjoy exciting safaris in Ranthambore National Park in search of the majestic Bengal tiger. Discover vibrant markets, colourful traditions, and architectural wonders on a journey that brings together history, culture, and nature.
Arrive Delhi. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel.
DELHI - It is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling Havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, several of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.
After breakfast, visit Red Fort (from Outside) – the 17th century imposing fortress, the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), India’s largest mosque where more than 20,000 people can kneel in prayer and Raj Ghat –Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial. In the afternoon, explore New Delhi. You will drive past President’s Palace and India Gate (42m high), built to commemorate the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. Later, visit Humayun’s Tomb, and the Qutub Minar, the highest sands stone minaret in the world (73 meters).
After breakfast, drive to Ranthambhore.
RANTHAMBORE - One of the largest and most popular national parks in North India, Ranthambore National Park is named after the historic Ranthambore fortress that is located within the park’s premises. With the Banas River to its north and Chambal River to its south, Ranthambore lies at the edge of a plateau and covers an area of 392 square kilometers.
On arrival in Ranthambore, transfer to hotel.
Early morning, enjoy a shared safari in the Ranthambore national park.
Game ride in Ranthambore National Park is a rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts and also for the nature lovers. The national park is surrounded by Aravali hills and is home to several fascinating wildlife species. One can spot leopards, striped hyenas, chitals, chinkaras, sambars, langurs, civets, and sloth bears in the park. The park’s pride, however, lies in the number of tigers that can be found prowling in their natural habitat.
After safari return to hotel for breakfast.
Later in the afternoon enjoy another Shared Safari in the park.
After breakfast visit an NGO Dastkar Project - Ranthambore is an initiative of Dastkar and Ranthambore Foundation to resettle communities in the Sawai Madhopur area of Rajasthan who had lost access to wood, water, and farming lands due to the creation of Ranthambore National Park. The Ranthambore Foundation approached Dastkar in the late 1980s to initiate income generation activities particularly among women in the area.
Later drive to Bharatpur
Bharatpur is home to one of the world's best-known bird watching destinations, Keoladeo Ghana National Park. 250 years ago, the then ruler built embankments that allowed flooding of this land, turning it into a marsh.Set up in 1956, the 29-kilometer marshland, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site sheltering over 360 species of birds, of which 117 are native to the land. Once a part of the private shooting reserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur, today the sanctuary boast of 80 species of ducks and several other species such as storks, Chinese coots, kingfishers, spoonbills, sarus cranes and several birds of prey, including the falcon, marsh harrier, and eagle. The site is popular among avid birders and ornithologists, who flock to the park to observe and study the feathered beauties.
On arrival in Bharatpur, transfer to hotel.
Today enjoy the visit of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary by Rickshaw
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - also known as Keoladeo National Park, was established in 1956. This 29 sq km marshland is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. It has over 360 species of birds, out of which 117 are local birds. Now, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it used to be the part of private shooting reserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur.Among many bird species to be seen here are storks, ducks, Chinese coots, kingfishers, spoonbills, sarus cranes and several birds of prey, including a falcon, marsh harrier, and eagle. Around 80 species of ducks alone can be spotted here.Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the Bird Sanctuary, where you can watch birds in their nests.
Later drive to Agra
Arrive Agra and transfer to the Hotel.
Taj Mahal - Muted but Soulful, Taj Mahal popularly known as Crown of Palaces is a white marble mausoleum and a UNESCO world heritage site. As a testament to his love, the magnificent structure was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Situated in the Mughal city of Agra, Taj Mahal looks exactly the same from all the four sides and endorsed as "The Jewel of Muslim art in India". Commissioned in 1632, it took approximately 22 years in the making of this marvellous structure and an estimated 20,000 workers to build this masterpiece that reflects different colours under the canopy of sun. Purely ecstatic and iconic, it attracts (7 to 8) million annual visitors every year. (It remains closed on Fridays). Note: Taj Mahal is a World Heritage Site and hence requires some maintenance and restoration work routinely.
Agra Fort - A UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, before the capital was shifted to Delhi from Agra. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise as it comprises of a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas – the audience halls, Musamman Burj - where Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D., Jahangir's Palace; Khas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. The massive Agra fort is considered as the predecessor of the Red fort in Delhi.
After breakfast morning is at leisure.
Enjoy the sightseeing of Agra.
Taj Mahal - Muted but Soulful, Taj Mahal popularly known as Crown of Palaces is a white marble mausoleum and a UNESCO world heritage site. As a testament to his love, the magnificent structure was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Situated in the Mughal city of Agra, Taj Mahal looks exactly the same from all the four sides and endorsed as "The Jewel of Muslim art in India". Commissioned in 1632, it took approximately 22 years in the making of this marvellous structure and an estimated 20,000 workers to build this masterpiece that reflects different colours under the canopy of sun. Purely ecstatic and iconic, it attracts (7 to 8) million annual visitors every year. (It remains closed on Fridays). Note: Taj Mahal is a World Heritage Site and hence requires some maintenance and restoration work routinely.
Agra Fort - A UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, before the capital was shifted to Delhi from Agra. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise as it comprises of a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas – the audience halls, Musamman Burj - where Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D., Jahangir's Palace; Khas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. The massive Agra fort is considered as the predecessor of the Red fort in Delhi.
Evening transfer to railway station to board train to Katni. (Train:22182 Jabalpur Gondwana Superfast Exp.- 2155 Hrs-0525 Hrs)
Morning arrival in Katni railway station, meet & greet with our representative and drive to Bandhavgarh.
BANDHAVGARH - Declared as national park in 1968 and included in the famous Project Tiger in 1993, Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of the most scenic tiger reserves in India. It is in the lush surroundings of the Vindhya and Satpura hill ranges, in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Known for its tiger population whose numbers are now between 45 and 50, the sanctuary also shelters other wildlife species such as leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, rhesus macaques, and four-horned antelopes besides a sizeable population of birds and reptiles.
On arrival in Bandhavgarh, Enjoy Breakfast in local restaurant on direct payment basis.
Transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon Enjoy Canter Safari in the National Park. One of the most enthralling experiences is Jungle safari at Bandhavgarh National Park, to spot various wildlife in their natural habitat. Catching sight of the various exotic species of birds also lends a charm to the ride on the wheels. Dinner & Overnight at the Lodge.
Early morning, enjoy a jeep safari in the Bandhavgarh national park.
Return to the lodge for a late breakfast.
Afternoon Enjoy jeep safari in the National Park. One of the most enthralling experiences is Jungle safari at Bandhavgarh National Park, to spot various wildlife in their natural habitat. Catching sight of the various exotic species of birds also lends a charm to the ride on the wheels.
Note: Park remains closed for Afternoon Safari on Wednesday
After breakfast visit a Local school (subject to open). This experience offers a unique insight into our educational system and the daily lives of students in our community.
Later drive to Kanha.
KANHA NATIONAL PARK - Stretching 940 square kilometers across two districts—Mandla and Balaghat—in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is one of the finest tiger reserves of the country. Exceptionally beautiful with a diverse range of flora and fauna, This place inspired author Rudyard Kipling to pen his classic, The Jungle Book. The park has a significant population of the Royal Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, the sloth bear, barasinghas or swamp deer and Indian wild dog.
Early morning, enjoy jeep safari in the Kanha national park.
Tailor-made jeep safari, breathtaking landscapes, and the best wildlife experience can be found in Kanha National Park. The conservation efforts not only to protect the tigers but also to manage the habitat and maintain the delicate balance between flora and fauna is what Kanha is known for.
Return to the lodge for a late breakfast. After breakfast rest of the morning is at leisure. Afternoon enjoy another Jeep Safari in the Tiger Reserve
Note: Park remains closed for Afternoon Safari on Wednesday
After breakfast drive to Pench.
Pench National Park - Pench Located on the southern boundary of the state of Madhya Pradesh in India, Pench National Park spreads 758 square kilometers across the densely-forested districts of Seoni and Chhindwara. The park derives its name from the Pench River that flows through it from the north to the south and is nestled in the lower southern reaches of the Satpura range. Set up in 1965 and declared a tiger reserve in 1992, Pench National Park is home to the Royal Bengal tiger and other species of wild animals such as jackals, wild dogs, wild boars, sloth bears, Indian leopards, and striped hyenas. The forest area in the park has a mixed vegetation of teak, saja, amaltas, dhaora, bijiayasal, and salai trees that provide cover to the thriving bird life here.
On arrival in Pench, transfer to hotel.
Early morning, enjoy a jeep safari in the Pench national park.
Return to the lodge for a late breakfast. After breakfast rest of the morning is at leisure. Afternoon enjoy another Jeep Safari in the Tiger Reserve
Note: Park remains closed for Afternoon Safari on Wednesday
After breakfast, drive to Nagpur Airport to board the flight to Delhi.
On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
In time transfer to Airport to board the flight for back home / onward destination.
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Customize This Tour →Find helpful answers about planning your India Wildlife tour, including the best travel time, destinations, accommodation, transportation, wildlife safaris and iconic highlights along the route.
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Ask Our Travel Expert →Kaziranga National Park is a favorite with its scenic grasslands, wetlands, and views of the Brahmaputra River. It is also famous for its sightings of the one-horned rhinoceros. Ranthambore National Park is also famous for its ancient forts and lakes.
The most famous wildlife tour depends on the attractions. Tiger lovers pick Ranthambore or Bandhavgarh, rhinos are Kaziranga, lions are in Gir National Park, and tigers in a well organized trip, all parks can be covered.
Ranthambore National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park, have the most favorable tiger sighting conditions combined with a good population of tigers and open grounds to help with the spotting.
The best time to go on a wildlife safari is typically November to April in the dry season. This is the best time because the forests are not as dense, making the animals easier to spot. They tend to congregate near the few remaining water sources. Most parks are closed during the rainy season, which occurs in July to September.
Yes, going on wildlife safari tours in India is safe, especially when going through the authorized parks that have trained guides/drivers. Park rules and guidelines encourage people to stay in the vehicle and preserve a safe distance from the wildlife.
Yes, most wildlife tours are family-friendly. However, some parks have age restrictions when going on a safari, typically being five years and older. Make sure to look at specific guidelines for the parks you are planning to visit.
An optimal number of safaris usually range from about two to three. It is best for safaris to be scheduled at both the morning and evening time sessions, since the amount of visibility for wildlife varies throughout the day.
Earth tone clothing, a hat, a good pair of binoculars and a camera, as well as sturdy shoes and extra layers (especially for winter early morning safaris), are a good start to a packing list for a safari.
This depends on which package you have. Several tour operators do assist with and/or include permits as part of the booking process, like India Holiday Mall. Make sure to confirm the permits when you are finalizing your itinerary.
Discover India’s heritage and wildlife on an unforgettable 15-day, 14-night India Wildlife tour through Delhi, Ranthambore, Bharatpur, Agra, Katni, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench and Nagpur. Admire the iconic Taj Mahal, explore exquisite temples, enjoy birdwatching and thrilling jungle safaris, and experience India’s rich culture and remarkable natural beauty.