overview
Bandhavgarh National Park
The name Bandhavgarh literally translates into the fort of the brother. (Bandhav = brother | garh = fort). Legend has it that the Bandhavgarh fort was gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep a watch on Lanka. Reference to this region can also be found in ancient texts of Shiva Sahita Puran and Narad Panch Ratna. This area dates back to over 2000 years ago and deep into the forests there are several manmade caves that carry rock paintings and inscriptions. In a more recent history, these forests were once a hunting ground for Maharaja of Rewa but under the project Tiger it was included in the Project Tiger in the year 1993. With the highest density of Bengal tigers in the world and a rich and diverse flora and fauna, it makes for one of the best parks to sight the tigers.
Your stay at Bandhavgarh will be organised in one of the deluxe lodges known for its incredible accommodation. Based on your requirements, the sightings and the proximity to the park gates, we suggest a couple of options for you to choose from.
Kanha National Park And Kanha Jungle Camp
One of the finest parks to view the tiger in the wild, Kanha and Pench national park, were the regions that inspired Kipling’s Jungle Book. The tall and evergreen Sal and bamboos interspersed with expanses of lush grassy meadows and the ravines form the perfect backdrop to witness the rich fauna of these forests. One of the greatest achievements have been the conservation of hard ground Barasingha which was near extinction. With over 300 species of birds, Kanha is also a delight for avid birders. Aside from its diverse and rich fauna, it is the frequent sightings of the tigers that makes this park so popular.
Your stay at Kanha is arranged at Kanha Jungle Camp. Nestled in an area of forty acres of reforested estate, adjoining the buffer zones of Kanha Tiger Reserve, Kanha Jungle Camp invites dialogue with the surrounding nature. With only 16 elegant cottages, each spacious and encompassing a private deck, merging with the outside offers a sense of serenity. Savour the delicious food with alfresco dining experiences to make the most of the vast lodge estate. Beyond safaris, there is a range of experiences to choose from including village visits to see the life of indigenous tribes living on the fringes of the forests, bird watching trails, star gazing, sundowners and so much more.
Pench National Park And Pench Jungle Camp
With tall teaks, fascinating valleys, meandering rivers and an opportunity to see all the animals of The Jungle Book in live, Pench Tiger Reserve is a must visit. With over 58 species of mammals, Pench is teeming with wildlife. Some of the carnivores commonly sighted are Tigers, Indian Leopards, Wild Dogs (Dholes), Wolves, Sloth Bears, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyenas, Small Indian Civets and Common Palm Civets. Wild ungulates like Sambhar, Chital, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Gaur, Wild Pigs and Chowsingha can also be found in the park. The Pench river is the best spot for bird watchers as Vultures, Ibises, Eagles and Cormorants are found there.
Nestled amidst fifty acres of natural forested estate with an in-house eco park, our founding lodge has been designed with deep love and respect for the surroundings. Inspired by the old world charm of living under the canvas, Pench Jungle Camp offers an option to camp but with luxury and all the modern amenities. If glamping isn’t your style, then you can opt to stay in Deluxe Safari cottages. The interiors done with painstaking details take cues from the local culture. Choose from an array of experiences like twice a day jeep safaris, night safaris, nature trails , village visits or immersive experiences like overnight stays in the machaans in Rukhad – the buffer zone of Pench Tiger Reserve.
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve And Tadoba Jungle Camp
A high density of tigers along with best forest tracks and a high prey base makes Tadoba National Park one of the best places to see the tigers in the wild. Once a lesser known park, Tadoba has slowly become a favourite of the wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike due to its spectacular sightings. Covering a vast expanse of over 1700 sq. km., it’s diverse habitat ranges from dense woodlands to rivers and water-bodies, interspersed with riparian forests, marshes and towering hills. The park is also home to other mammals like Indian Leopards, Dhole, Striped Hyenas, Jackals, Sloth Bears, Gaur, Nilgai, Sambhar Deer, Barking Deer, Chausingha, Spotted Deer and Honey Badgers. This park is also a delight for bird watchers with over 280 species of avian population including some of the endangered ones too.
Your stay in Tadoba will be arranged at Tadoba Jungle Camp. Our well appointed 12 eco-luxury cottages are a seamless extension of the undulating landscapes. Surrounded by lush green forests on three sides and overlooking the banks of Lake Irai on the fourth, the lodge offers an ideal secluded experience to relax and rewind. The cottages has been designed with roof to floor glass and a private deck, to give a vantage view of the lake and to be able to sight the wildlife who often come to quench their thirst.
Additionally, Tadoba Jungle Camp is located near the Moharli gate of the park. This deserves a special mention as Moharli and Tadoba zones are the most sought after zones due to a higher probability of sightings, both of which are accessible from our lodge. Since Tadoba is quite a large park, the gates are at quite a distance from each other therefore one must stay in the lodges near the desired park gate. Choose from our bevy of cultural and wildlife experiences which can be customised based on your interests.
This is a suggested itinerary. Our travel and safari experts can tailor the holidays based on your individual requirements e.g. sight seeing in Delhi and other national parks too can be added. Reach out to us to modify this based on your requirements for an unforgettable Indian vacation.
highlights
Visiting India’s most beautiful and celebrated tiger reserves, two of which inspired the most acclaimed work of Rudyard Kipling – The Jungle Book.
Best possible zones for safaris based on sighting trends and a chance to see the mighty Royal Bengal in the wild.
While spotting a tiger and other carnivores is always a matter of luck, however with such diverse parks with healthy tiger population, best trackers and the best safari zones, the odds are tilted in your favour.
Stay at award winning, eco- sensitive, luxury lodges with intuitive service and delectable food.
Experienced bi-lingual English & Hindi speaking naturalists who understand the parks can be pre-booked to accompany you on game drives.
Hassle-free and professional handling of permits and park tickets.
Assistance in renting photography equipment if needed. This needs to be notified in advance.
If required, we can provide end to end assistance in complete bookings which includes domestic flights, city hotel bookings along with assistance during transfers to and from the airport.
Options of adding wildlife, culinary and cultural experiences based on individual interests.
itinerary
detailsOn your arrival at Jabalpur, you will be received by the designated driver of Jungle Camps who will drive you to pre-booked Bandhav Vilas/ Syna Tiger Resort/ Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge, your place of accommodation for your duration at Bandhavgarh. It will take appx. 4 hours to reach the lodge. Relax and unwind at the lodge as you spend the night here.
Wake up early in the morning for your safari inside the core zone of the Bandhavgarh National Park. The breakfast is a packed one, eaten inside the park itself. Return back to the lodge to freshen up and in time for lunch. After lunch, we once again depart for the evening safari inside the park. Stay overnight at the lodge.
After a leisurely breakfast in the morning, you check out and drive to Kanha Jungle Camp. The drive takes a duration of appx. 5.5 hours. This is a serene drive for most part as you cross charming villages giving way to the dense forests and lush greenery. Look out for deer grazing in the peripheries.
On day 4, we have organised the morning and afternoon safari into the Kanha National Park. Journeying into the forests that inspired Kipling’s Jungle Book, the twice- daily jeep drives present a perfect opportunity to witness these forests intimately. Kanha Tiger Reserve is considered to be on of the most picturesque national parks in India. The evergreen Sal trees, the dramatic dichotomy of lush green meadows followed by dense wilderness acts as a beautiful backdrop for sighting tiger and other animals in the wild.
At the dusk, return back from the park for a scrumptious dinner and to spend a night at the lodge as you contemplate about the safari moments for the day.
In the morning of day 5, leave for Pench Jungle Camp after a leisurely breakfast. On the way you cross through buffer forests and quaint villages on the sides. Did you know that both of these parks are connected through their buffer forests which allow tigers and other wildlife to move freely from one reserve to another. This is good for the overall conservation as it ensures gene flow variation. The drive takes almost 4.5 hours.
Once in Pench Jungle Camp, relax and explore the lodge estate and enjoy an evening sundowner near Khokha Lake. Witness the calmness with the birds returning to their nests to roost, as you leave the drudgery of the city-life behind. A time for leisurely conversations and shared moments with your loved ones as you relish the delicious snacks and drinks especially prepared for you by our in-house chef. Dinner and stay overnight at the lodge.
The morning and the evening of this day are fixed for your jeep safaris inside the core zone of the jungle. As you head inside the park, you spot a large variety of flora and fauna. The park houses a healthy population of tigers, leopards, sloth bear and a host of other mammals and avians. Return back from the park to spend a night at the lodge.
After breakfast in the morning, drive towards pre-booked Tadoba Jungle Camp and check-in to the lodge. The distance between both the lodges is appx. 5 hours. For the other half, you have an option to detox and rest or choose from a range of activities to experience including visiting villages in the vicinity to see the artisans, guided cycling and walking jungle trails.
During your morning safari, drive deep into the wilderness of the tiger reserve, so you can witness the animals in their natural habitat. Most guests visit the parks in a chance to sight the tigers, the chances in Tadoba are even higher as they have a high concentration of tigers.
Come back to the lodge for lunch and head out once again for an afternoon safari that ends with the sunset. Enjoy the alfresco dinner, planned for you.
Morning after breakfast drive to Nagpur airport/ railway station for further transfers. The duration of this drive is appx. 3 hours. Return back home with fond memories of your time spent in the jungles. The tour culminates here.
Gallery
Inclusions
+ Hotel Accommodation.
+ Meals – All Meals ( B,L,D) in wildlife lodge in Kanha, Pench and Tadoba.
+ 2 Jeep Safaris in zone of Kanha National Park.
+ 2 Jeep Safaris in zone of Bandhavgarh National Park.
+ 2 Jeep Safaris in zone of Pench National Park.
+ 2 Jeep Safaris in zone of Tadoba National Park.
+ All transfer by AC Innova Car (as per itinerary).
+ All applicable taxes such driver allowance, toll charges, parking charges etc.
Exclusions
- Airline/Railway tickets.
- Additional expenses like laundry, telephone, bottled water (we offer filtered water at our lodges), soft and alcoholic beverages, tips, etc.
- Unspecified meals and services.
- Incase hotel naturalist required, one needs to book in advance with the additional cost.
- Tips, porterage and gratuities.
- Anything that is not included in the inclusions list (refer above)
Booking Terms
50% payment payable at the time of booking to hold the booking on confirmed basis.
Balance 50% payment will be payable 15 days before check-in date to mark final confirmation.
Incase booking done within 15 days before arrival date 100% payment will be payable.
Incase balance payment not paid on time the booking will be marked as a cancelled booking.
Cancellation Policy
45 days before check-in: 10% on total invoice amount as banking and administration fee
Between 45-30 days before check-in: 30% of total invoice amount
Between 30-15 days before check-in: 50% of total the invoice amount
Bookings cancelled under 15 days before check-in or No Show: 100% of the advance paid.
- Safaris are done in gypsies and each gypsy can carry maximum of 6 people. These are pre-approved vehicles from the forest department.
- Safaris are completely controlled by the MP Government and are subject to government regulations & weather conditions.
- Once the safari is booked it cannot be canceled or refunded or no changes allowed in confirmed safari permit.
- Please note that parks in central India have limited entry in to the forest and safaris are subject to availability as its open 120 days in advance and finished very fast.
- We do not guarantee safaris in specific zones; same will be booked as per availability at the time of booking.
- Safaris may also be cancelled due to sudden rainfall in which case refund of safaris will be as per park regulations.
- Every person has to submit his or her id proof for the booking of the safari and it is mandatory to carry the same id during the safari (passport/aadhar card/ pan card/driving license /school id)
- Services of resident naturalist has to be pre-booked if required, the cost for the same is INR 1,500/- per safari on exclusive basis for Kanha and Pench.
- Lodges have a limited selection at the bars. In case of own liquor, corkage charges apply.
- We do not have driver's accommodation at the lodge. If needed, the lodge team would help to arrange it outside.
- Accompanying house help can be accommodated in guests’ room at an additional cost of INR 2500 per night including meals and taxes.
- We do not have separate accommodation for tour leaders. Naturalist room can be booked at INR 4,000 per night including meals and taxes and is subject to availability.
- Spa & pool operations are subject to directives from local authorities.
- Eatables are not allowed in the room. We suggest guests not to carry food in their bags as it may attract tree shrews / insects.
- Do update your company GST number in advance if you need the same to be mentioned on the invoice to avail tax benefit.
- Mandatory 2-nights’ stay over New Year Eve and check-out not permissible on 31st Dec.
- Mandatory New Year Supplement is INR 2,000/- per person.
- Our check in time is 02 pm and check out is 12 pm.