The erotic temple carvings of Khajuraho paired with two of India's finest tiger reserves and a stay at Mahua Kothi, A Taj Safari.
Tour Highlights
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Day by Day Itinerary
Fly to Khajuraho (or drive via Agra). Afternoon arrival at the UNESCO Heritage temple complex.
Full day at Khajuraho's remarkable Chandela temple complexes — Western Group, Eastern Jain temples, museum.
Transfer from Tadoba to Kanha National Park through the agricultural interior of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh — a genuinely scenic drive that demonstrates the transition from the Maharashtra Deccan landscape into the sal-forested hills of Central India. Arrive Kanha in the afternoon and check into your lodge; the evening briefing concentrates on Kanha's unique barasingha conservation story.
Two game drives through Kanha's extraordinary sal meadows and forests — tigers, wild dogs, barasingha.
Drive from Kanha to Bandhavgarh — finest tiger density in India.
Two full game drives through Bandhavgarh's ancient fort ruins and forests.
Drive or fly to Varanasi. Evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Dawn boat ride on the sacred Ganges. Afternoon old city and Sarnath.
Transfer to Varanasi Airport for onward flights.
About This Journey
Central India’s extraordinary wildlife combined with UNESCO heritage — Bengal tigers at Kanha and Bandhavgarh, the erotic carved temples of Khajuraho, and the sacred ghats of Varanasi. This journey connects the cultural heartland of India with its finest tiger country, demonstrating the extraordinary diversity available within a single 9-day circuit of central and eastern India.
Highlights
Khajuraho’s remarkable Chandela temple complexes — UNESCO World Heritage. Kanha National Park — the Jungle Book landscape. Bandhavgarh — highest tiger density in India. Varanasi at dawn — boat ride on the sacred Ganges. Sarnath — where the Buddha gave his first sermon.
Accommodation Used On This Tour
Mahua Kothi Taj Safari
The first of the Taj Safari lodges, Mahua Kothi sits in 40 acres of forest at Bandhavgarh. Its twelve kutiyas (jungle village huts) are built in traditional Central Indian style with mud walls and thatched roofs, and its naturalists are among the finest in India.
BrijRama Palace
One of the oldest landmarks of Varanasi, the BrijRama Palace was built in 1812 on the Darbhanga Ghat directly above the sacred Ganges. Its rooms overlook the river and ghats, the morning boat ride begins from its own steps, and the palace's stone corridors and courtyard host evening classical music performances.
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. Please refer to the detailed itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
Where You Stay
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
No reputable operator can guarantee tiger sightings — these are wild animals in natural habitat. However, the parks on this itinerary have among the best sighting records in India, and multiple game drives significantly increase your chances. Even without a tiger, the wildlife and birdlife encountered on every drive make the experience richly rewarding.
October to April is the main season, with March to May offering the highest sighting probability as animals concentrate around water sources — at the cost of higher temperatures. Most parks close entirely from July to September for the monsoon.
Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown), a warm layer for cold dawn drives in winter, sun protection, and binoculars. Camera equipment with zoom lenses is worthwhile; most lodges can arrange charging between drives.
Yes — extra safari days, different lodges, private vehicles and additional destinations can all be arranged. Contact us to tailor the journey to your interests.
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