Big Cats of India

India

Wildlife

Track India's tigers, leopards & lions

13 days £3,995 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Embark on an unforgettable wildlife tour through India, exploring the untamed habitats of some of the world's most majestic big cats: tigers, lions, and leopards. India’s national parks and wildlife reserves offer an extraordinary opportunity to witness these iconic predators in their natural environments. As you venture through dense jungles, open savannahs, and rugged terrains, you’ll gain insights from expert guides who share their knowledge of local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.

With 15 game drives you have every chance of spotting India's big cats. Head down to Central India`s prime tiger territory - Kanha National Park, known for its tigers and other mammals. Proceed to Satpura, one of India`s best-kept wildlife secrets where leopards and sloth bears roam freely. Finally, we head west to Gujarat`s Gir National Park, home to the last of the Asiatic lions. With excellent jungle lodges throughout, this is a wildlife adventure like no other.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Track tigers in Kanha
  • Spot leopards & sloth bears in Satpura
  • Stay in rustic jungle lodges
  • Black-maned Asiatic lions at Gir National Park

Places Visited

Delhi - Jabalpur - Kanha Tiger Reserve - Satpura National Park - Bhopal - Rajkot - Gir National Park

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights (if relevant - refer to itinerary)
Accommodation
Meals (full board in the parks)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

Overnight in Haveli Haus Khas, Delhi

Meal plan: n/a

India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst the vast spiraling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone era in the form of its many monuments, stand as silent reminders of the region’s ancient legacy. The first impression for any visitor travelling in from the airport is of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.

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Day 2 : Delhi - Jabalpur - Kanha

Today you will leave Satpura to another national park of the region: Kanha Tiger Reserve. Stop for lunch en route at Jabalpur. Overnight in Kanha.

Overnight in Salban, Kanha Tiger Reserve

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 3 : Kanha

Explore the park in the morning and afternoon with a jeep safari with the aim to see tigers as well as a host of other mammals which inhabit the park. Overnight in Kanha.

Overnight in Salban, Kanha Tiger Reserve

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The tiger reserve in Kanha Tiger Reserve is a stunning natural area filled with dense forests, scenic mountain areas and crystal-clear streams and situated in the Madhya Pradesh central-highland area of India. Preserved as a ‘reserve forest’ as early as 1879, the beauty of the natural landscape and wealth of animal life inspired Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. Overlooking the luxurious landscape of meadows, streams and forest areas is ‘Bomm Dader’ or Sunset Point – the most scenic area of the park. The reserve has one of the largest populations of Indian tigers across the country, and is also home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. As well as tigers, the park is home to many bird, reptile and mammal species, including spotted deer, antelopes, flying squirrels and buffaloes. The ‘jewel’ of the park however is the ‘Barasingha’ or swamp deer, which have become endangered and feed on the park’s rich grass-land areas.

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Day 4 : Kanha

Spend another day doing morning and afternoon jeep safaris through the park. Overnight in Kanha.

Overnight in Salban, Kanha Tiger Reserve

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 5 : Kanha

Today is your last day of exploring the park with a morning and afternoon safari. Overnight in Kanha.

Overnight in Salban, Kanha Tiger Reserve

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 6 : Kanha - Satpura

Check out of your lodge after breakfast and head to Satpura, known for its leopards and sloth bears. Stop for lunch in Chhindwara, then continue on to Satpura. Evening is free to rest and enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Overnight in Forsyth Lodge, Satpura National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 7 : Satpura

Today you will do morning and afternoon jeep safaris in the park. You will find the terrain and vegetation very different to Kanha. Keep an eye out for tigers, leopards, Indian bison, and even the rare Indian giant squirrel, which is a special feature of this park. Overnight in Satpura.

Overnight in Forsyth Lodge, Satpura National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Satpura National Park is rightly believed to be one of India’s best kept secrets.  Admire the rugged scenery of deep valleys, sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, waterfalls and Sal forest in this vast reservoir.  Satpura is the only park of its kind in Central India that offers walking safaris, giving you a ‘one-of-a-kind’ opportunity to explore tiger country on foot amidst over 1300 species of plants.  Notice teak trees, bamboo and grasses and medicinal plants as you journey.  Here, you are likely to spot a wide variety of animals due to this regions incredible biodiversity.  Be on the lookout for: leopards, sloth bears, Indian wild dogs, hordes of Indian gaur, sambhar plus other herbivores.  And perhaps you’ll even spot a tiger here, too. 

NOTE: Satpura National Park is closed on Wednesday afternoon. 

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Day 8 : Satpura

In the morning take a canoe ride down the river, spotting birdlife and animals which might come to the water. In the afternoon, take another jeep safari through the park. Overnight in Satpura.

Overnight in Forsyth Lodge, Satpura National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 9 : Satpura - Bhopal | Flight to Rajkot

Depart early morning for Bhopal to catch the flight to Rajkot via Mumbai. Transfer to your hotel and overnight in Rajkot.

Overnight in Regency Lagoon, Rajkot

Meal plan: Breakfast

Once the home of Mahatma Ghandi, Rajkot is a melting pot of different cultures. Many different languages are spoken there, such as Gujarati, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali and Sindhi. It is known as ‘Colourful Rajokt’ and the majority of the people are vegetarian. It is home to many landmarks such as the Jubilee Garden, a large park featuring colonial monuments, The Rotary Dolls Museum and the childhood residence of Ghandi, Kaba Ghandi No Delo. Rajkot is also a regional centre for performing arts with numerous venues in the city.

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Day 10 : Rajkot - Gir National Park

After breakfast, set off for Gir National Park. Have lunch on arrival at your lodge, then proceed for your afternoon game drive in the park. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and rest.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Home to the rare Asiatic lion, Gir National Park is comprised of 1412 square kilometres of deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen flora, acacia, scrub jungle, grasslands and rocky hills.  Outside of Africa, Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in the world where you can spot lions roaming free in the wild.  While there were approximately only 20 lions in the park during 1913, the 2015 census indicates there are now 523 of these magnificent creatures.  Gir Forest also provides homes to the chousingha – the world’s only 4-horned antelope, jackal, striped hyena and India fox.  The park, home to 200 species such as white-backed and long-billed vultures, has also been declared an important area by the Indian Bird Conservation Network.  Keep an eye out for more than 40 species of reptiles and amphibians near Kamleshwar, a large reservoir where you may spot a Marsh crocodile or snakes. 

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Day 11 : Gir National Park

Morning and afternoon jeep safari through the park. Overnight in Gir.

Overnight in Gateway Hotel Gir Forest Resort, Gir National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 12 : Gir National Park

Morning and afternoon jeep safari through the park. Overnight in Gir.

Overnight in Gateway Hotel Gir Forest Resort, Gir National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 13 : Depart

Set off after breakfast for Rajkot airport to catch your flight to Mumbai. Connect with your onward flight, or extend your trip within India. Please contact us for options.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Haveli Haus Khas

Delhi (1 night)

A period property located in South Delhi. Filled with antiquated charm, from the moment you step inside this throwback to an elegant past, you'll feel yourself transformed in time. 

The Haveli is designed with Indian heritage as the main theme - with photographs, lithographs, canvases, carved wood, traditional textiles and hand-woven durries. The rooms and the common areas are on the heritage themes of Ajanta, Hampi, Banni, Kama and Neem.Hauz Khas is a quiet, tree lined residential area, safe for women travelers & families and one of the most pleasant neighbourhoods of Delhi. All major tourist sites and monuments are close by, like the Hauz Khas village, Qutab complex, Mehrauli archaeological park, Safdarjang and Humayun's tomb. We have easy access to the airport, major roads and are on the yellow & magenta metro lines, covering the most visited areas of Delhi.

Visit hotel's site
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Salban

Kanha Tiger Reserve (4 nights)

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Forsyth Lodge

Satpura National Park (3 nights)

Set within 44 acres of jungle on the edge of Satpura National Park, sits the Forsyth Lodge. Comprising of 12 cottages as well as the main lodge with a dining room, lounge bar and a swimming pool. This lodges main focus is on wildlife, and the wilderness experience, while still supporting the local communities and environment. 

Visit hotel's site
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Regency Lagoon

Rajkot (1 night)

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Gateway Hotel Gir Forest Resort

Gir National Park (2 nights)

The Gateway Hotel Gir Forest has a wide selection of dining options to choose from, as well as a rejuvenating spa with professional therapists. The rooms are well equipped and spacious with 24X7 room service available. 

Visit hotel's site
Extensions

Nubra Valley Extension (5 days)

Remote villages & jaw-dropping scenery

On The Tiger Trail (9 days)

On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha

The Golden Triangle (5 days)

Marvel at India's most incredible forts and palaces

Kolkata & Sunderbans (6 days)

Discover colonial Kolkata and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve

Wildlife of Tadoba & Pench (9 days)

A real life Jungle Book.

Kolkata & Darjeeling Snapshot (7 days)

Ideal extension to Bhutan

Himalayan Extension: Ladakh to Kashmir (5 days)

Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway

Beaches (1-7 days)

After exploring the busy cities, there's no better place to relax than one of India's paradisiacal beaches

Treks & Walks (1-12 days)

Himalayan treks, village walks and more

Hill Stations & Mountains

Escape the city and unwind among some of the most breathtaking mountain and hill scapes the world has to offer.

City Extensions (1-4 days)

Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.

Journey through the Indian Himalayas (20 days)

Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh

Monks, Tribes & Rhinos (20 days)

Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife

Classic Bhutan & Assam Cruise (18 days)

Experience Bhutan's rich culture, colonial Kolkata and rural life in Assam

The Himalayan Silk Road (16 days)

Travel India's Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh

Glimpse of India & Nepal (16 days)

Golden Triangle and the Himalayas

Textile Tour of India (16 days)

Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival

Taste of South India (15 days)

Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India

Treasures of Maharashtra (15 days)

Mighty sea fortresses, rock-cut cave temples, and verdant hill stations

Best of Bhutan & Bengal (15 days)

Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan

Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival (15 days)

Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland

Big Six of India (15 days)

Spot tigers, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino & elephants

Nagaland: Festival of the Headhunters (15 days)

Aoling Festival, wildlife in Assam & natural beauty of Manipur

Journey Through Rajasthan (15 days)

Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages

Kerala & Karnataka Explorer (14 days)

Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns

Taj, Tigers & Temples (14 days)

Perfect mix of classic sights and off-beat places for first-timers to India

Himalayan Wildlife of Ladakh (14 days)

Track the Himalayan brown bear & snow leopard on a once-in-a-lifetime trip

Wildlife of North East India (14 days)

Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans

Best of Assam & Meghalaya (14 days)

Wildlife, diverse cultures & rural life in hidden North East India

Birds & Wildlife of Rajasthan (14 days)

Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan

Roof of the World - Ladakh to Kashmir (14 days)

Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures

Heart of India (14 days)

Take in the highlights of central India

Delicacies of North India (14 days)

Discover the huge diversity of North India's cuisine

Glories of Gujarat (14 days)

Tribal villages, temples, salt flats & the world's last Asiatic lions

Hampi and Beyond (14 days)

Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms

Spirit of South India (14 days)

Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala

Tribes of North East India (14 days)

Remote tribal cultures in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland

Tribes & Temples of Eastern India (14 days)

Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh

Best of Bengal & Sikkim (14 days)

Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism

Kerala Calling (14 days)

Charming towns, spice plantations & idyllic backwaters

Kerala - Trekking the Western Ghats (13 days)

Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot

Hidden Rajasthan (13 days)

Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife

Gujarat's Tribes & Wildlife (13 days)

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages

Maha Kumbh Mela Festival (13 days)

Once in 12 years - the largest gathering of humanity on earth

Big Cats of India (13 days)

Track India's tigers, leopards & lions

The Himalayan Silk Road with Sophie Ibbotson (13 days)

Expert-led trip through Kashmir and Ladakh

Markha Valley Trek (12 days)

Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys

High Indus Valley of Ladakh (12 days)

Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh

Glimpse of India (12 days)

Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala

Essential Rajasthan (10 days)

Discover the forts, palaces, villages and desert of Rajasthan

Living Bridges of Meghalaya (7 days)

Waterfalls, hills and living bridges in North East India

Classic Kerala

Tea, spices, backwaters & beaches

Reviews

This trip was very well put together and ticked all the boxes that we had requested. The accommodation throughout the tour was of a high standard and our experiences in the national parks was wonderful spotting many different animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, lions, jungle cat plus countless number of birds. Thank you Rahul for tailoring this trip to our requirements.

Nigel & Margaret Turner , Tailormade India Wildlife & Birding tour

I have been on 3 tailor made trips with Travel The Unknown and have found them to be knowledgeable and reliable. We`ve stayed in some wonderful places and have had some unusual and satisfying experiences that go beyond the standard tours.

Joan Edmunds (USA) , Tailormade India

I would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.

Tracey & Gary , Tailormade India

I thought I missed the name of this tour when I was looking for wildlife trips, lions in India! Not only was I lucky to see a tigress and her cubs in Kanha, Satpura was also magical, particularly the walking safari. I saw a leopard dragging its kill away. Gir was so different, and yes, I can confirm lions do live in India! Thank you Travel The Unknown for a very different wildlife trip.

Danny , Tigers, Lions & Rhinos of India, India

Thanks for organising such a great trip to NE India Rahul - everything went seamlessly! We loved the fact that we could book an individual tour but still have flexibility with our itinerary once we were there, enabling us to take in the Si Donyi Festival at Daporijo and also be the first guests to stay overnight in a local village hut with our hosts in Papi, which was fantastic. Our guide was super. He had a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humour! It’s hard to pick a highlight as the whole trip was both fascinating and at times, humbling. We’ll never forget the amazing people, scenery & culture we experienced whilst there and are glad we had the opportunity to visit such an intriguing part of the world. We would certainly consider travelling with you again in the future.

Hazel Fairall , Tribes of North East India, India

I`m sure I could not have found a better operator for the type of complicated Indian tour I wanted to undertake on a limited budget. India is an intimidating country to visit, and I suspect that some operators look down on the first time visitor, or disparage their requirements. Travel the Unknown, by contrast, helped me all the way, and their local guides were superb.

Andrew Martin , Tailormade North East India

We went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.

Rachel , Spirit of South India, India

This was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.

Keith Lewis , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

This was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.

Richard Williams , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

Thank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.

Vik , Kerala Calling, India

A really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.

Ann Holgate , Tailormade India

What an excellent service! Rahul adapted, extended and improved our trip so many times without a qualm and we ended up with the trip of a lifetime. The destinations are unusual and interesting but everything has been checked out by the team and works brilliantly. I can`t wait to do another trip.

Penelope Smith , Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival, India
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