Birding in the Highlands of Central India – Land of the Tiger, Wild Dog, Leopard and Swamp Deer
Tour Duration: 10Nights /11 Days
Tour Destinations: New Delhi – Bhopal – Satpura –Pench – Kanha – RaipuràNew Delhi
Explore the pristine tropical and deciduous forests of the Satpura mountain range, where ancient landscapes cradle rich biodiversity. This immersive journey through Satpura, Pench, and Kanha National Parks takes you across rugged highlands at altitudes of around 600 meters – a haven for over 40 mammal species, 350+ bird species, and countless other forms of wildlife.
These ancient forests, dominated by Sal and Teak trees, interspersed with grasslands and scrub, are believed to be the cradle of terrestrial life on Earth. The region is especially known for its thriving predator-prey ecosystem and charismatic megafauna.
Wildlife Highlights
• Royal Bengal Tiger
• Indian Wild Dog (Dhole)
• Leopard
• Sloth Bear
• Indian Gaur
• Hard Ground Swamp Deer (Barasingha) – Critically Endangered
Birding Highlights
• Indian Skimmer
• Malabar Pied Hornbill
• Indian Paradise Flycatcher
• Grey Junglefowl
• Indian Scimitar Babbler
• Emerald Dove
• Racquet-tailed Drongo
• Scarlet Minivet
• Rosy Minivet
• Rufous Woodpecker
• White-naped Woodpecker
• Velvet-fronted Nuthatch
• Golden-fronted Leafbird
• Crested Hawk-Eagle
• Grey-headed Fish Eagle
• Mottled Wood Owl
• Indian Scops Owl
• Red-headed Vulture
• White-rumped Vulture
• Woolly-necked Stork
• Plum-headed Parakeet
• Crimson Sunbird
• Stork-billed Kingfisher
• White-rumped Shama
Whether you’re a passionate birdwatcher, wildlife enthusiast, or nature photographer, this Central Indian expedition offers a rare chance to witness India’s iconic mammals and rare birdlife in their natural habitat.
Day 1: Arrival in New Delhi – Welcome to India
Upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport, meet our friendly representative who will assist with your hotel transfer, check-in, and hand over your travel documents.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 2: New Delhi ➝ Bhopal ➝ Satpura (Flight + 180 km / 3 hrs drive)
Catch a morning flight to Bhopal. Upon arrival, drive to Satpura National Park, one of Central India’s most serene and biodiverse reserves.
After lunch at the jungle lodge, enjoy your first Jeep Safari into the park.
Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 3: Explore Satpura – Walking Safari & Jeep Game Drive
Begin your morning with a guided walking safari, perfect for spotting forest birds like:
• Indian Paradise Flycatcher
• Jungle Owlet
• Lesser Goldenback Woodpecker
• White-eyed Buzzard
Afternoon Jeep Safari offers a chance to see:
• Indian Giant Squirrel
• Wild Dogs (Dhole)
• Sloth Bear
• Leopard
• Spotted Deer & Sambar
Note: While tiger sightings are rare here, Satpura’s biodiversity makes it a birdwatcher and naturalist’s paradise.
Overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Satpura – Nature Walk & Canoe Safari
Morning: Guided nature trail in the forest.
Afternoon: Canoe ride on the Denwa River – ideal for water birds like:
• Indian Skimmer
• Grey-headed Fish Eagle
• Eurasian Spoonbill
• Woolly-necked Stork
• Lesser Adjutant Stork
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 5: Satpura ➝ Pench National Park (260 km / ~6.5 hrs drive)
After early breakfast, drive to Pench National Park.
Check into the lodge and enjoy lunch.
Afternoon Jeep Safari in Pench. Look out for:
• Indian Bison (Gaur)
• Wild Dogs in packs
• Sloth Bear
• Spotted Deer, Sambar, and Blue Bull (Nilgai)
Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 6: Full Day Safari Experience in Pench
Morning and afternoon Jeep Safaris. Pench is known for its raptor diversity:
• Crested Serpent & Hawk Eagles
• Bonelli’s & Steppe Eagles (Winter)
• Indian & White-rumped Vultures
• Jungle & Spotted Owlets
• Mottled Wood Owl
• Indian Scops Owl
Overnight at the lodge.
Day 7: Pench ➝ Kanha National Park (210 km / 4–5 hrs drive)
After a morning safari and lunch, drive to Kanha National Park.
On arrival, check into the lodge and enjoy an evening birding walk along the Banjaar River. Spot birds like:
• Crimson Sunbird
• Verditer Flycatcher
• Rosy Minivet
Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 8: Explore Kanha – Jeep Safaris in the Jungle
Early morning Jeep Safari in Kanha’s sal and bamboo forests. Look for:
• Royal Bengal Tiger
• Hardground Swamp Deer (Barasingha)
• Jungle Cat, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Dhole
• Racquet-tailed Drongo
• Golden-fronted Leafbird
• Scarlet Minivet
• Orange-headed Thrush
Packed breakfast will be enjoyed in the wild.
Afternoon safari follows.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 9: Nature Walk + Jeep Safari in Kanha
Start the day with a guided nature trail near the Banjar River. Target bird species:
• Ultramarine & Verditer Flycatchers
• Rosy Minivet
• Crimson Sunbird
Afternoon Jeep Safari continues the search for tigers and other mammals.
Overnight at the lodge.
Day 10: Kanha ➝ Raipur ➝ New Delhi (4.5 hrs drive + flight)
Morning Jeep Safari at Kanha followed by early lunch.
Drive to Raipur Airport and board your flight back to New Delhi.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 11: Departure from New Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to New Delhi Airport for your flight back home or onward destination.
Your wildlife adventure ends with unforgettable memories of India’s wilderness.
Important Travel Advisory
Driving times mentioned above are based on normal road and traffic conditions. Actual durations may vary due to breaks for meals, tea, rest stops, or sightseeing along the route.
Inclusions – What’s Covered in Your Central India Wildlife Tour
• Accommodation in New Delhi on a bed and breakfast basis
• Accommodation in Satpura, Pench, and Kanha on a full-board basis (including room, meals, and safari activities)
• Entry fees and guide charges for all safaris in Satpura, Pench, and Kanha National Parks
• Two exclusive Jeep Safaris in Satpura National Park
• Two guided Jungle Walks in Satpura
• One Canoe Ride in Satpura, subject to river conditions
• Four exclusive Jeep Safaris in Pench National Park
• Five exclusive Jeep Safaris in Kanha National Park
• One guided Nature Walk in Kanha
• Personalized assistance at airports and hotels
• All land transfers in a private air-conditioned Toyota Innova
• All currently applicable government taxes
Exclusions – What’s Not Included
• Still or video camera fees inside national parks and at monuments
• Personal expenses such as tips, bottled water, soft drinks, liquor, cigarettes, laundry, and phone calls
• Optional Elephant Safari at Kanha or Pench (INR 5,000 per person for 30 minutes, subject to availability — not encouraged due to ethical concerns over elephant training)
• International and domestic airfare
• Travel insurance
• Any services not specifically listed under “Inclusions”
• Any increase in park entrance fees or government taxes — these will be communicated in advance and charged additionally if applicable
Additional Information & Terms
• If the suggested hotels or room categories are unavailable, alternative accommodations will be offered. Any applicable price difference will be conveyed before confirmation.
• Standard hotel check-in and check-out time is 12:00 PM
• All safaris are subject to approval by forest authorities and permit availability
• Afternoon jeep safaris are not available on Wednesdays in all national parks across Madhya Pradesh