Where you'll be Panna · Bandhavgarh
6 Nights | 11 Safaris | Start: Khajuraho | End: Jabalpur
We can also customise this trip based on your exact dates, requirements and budget.
If there is one journey that truly captures the spirit of Central India, this is it.
Combining two of the region's finest tiger reserves, this six-night safari offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience two forests that are remarkably different in character, yet equally captivating in their own way. From the dramatic river valleys of Panna to the legendary hills of Bandhavgarh, every day introduces a new landscape, new wildlife and a fresh perspective on India's wilderness.
The journey begins in Panna, one of India's greatest conservation success stories. Once devoid of tigers, the reserve has transformed itself into a thriving wilderness where these magnificent cats once again rule the forests. Here, the crystal-clear Ken River carves its way through deep gorges, teak forests stretch across rocky plateaus and every safari offers a wonderful sense of solitude. Wildlife is abundant, the scenery is spectacular and the pace of the forest encourages you to slow down and appreciate every moment.
The adventure then continues to Bandhavgarh, a reserve that has earned an almost legendary status among wildlife enthusiasts. Dominated by the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort and its surrounding hills, the forest is renowned for its exceptionally high density of tigers and the famous Tala Zone, whose rich history and remarkable sightings have inspired generations of naturalists. Every drive carries an unmistakable sense of anticipation as the valleys, bamboo forests and open meadows reveal their timeless beauty.
Together, these two reserves showcase the incredible diversity of Central India's forests. One is shaped by rivers and cliffs, the other by rugged hills and ancient history. One offers peaceful wilderness, the other an atmosphere filled with expectation. Experiencing both on the same journey provides a far deeper understanding of India's tiger country than either destination could offer on its own.
Across eleven carefully planned safaris, you will search for Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs, Gaur, Wolves, Gharials, Mugger Crocodiles and an extraordinary variety of birdlife. More importantly, you will discover how every forest has its own rhythm, its own personality and its own stories waiting to be told.
For anyone wishing to experience the very best of Central India and immerse themselves in the magic of India's wild tigers, this is one of the most rewarding safari journeys imaginable.
This is a fixed-date group departure: the dates, your lodge, two safaris a day and your instructor are all set — ideal for solo travellers and small groups who want a great trip without the planning. Between drives there's time to rest, review photos, and swap notes over chai with your naturalist.
Arrive at Khajuraho Airport, where you will be welcomed by the Beyond Wild team and driven to Panna Tiger Reserve. After checking in and enjoying lunch at your jungle resort, head out for your first evening safari. Explore Panna's beautiful teak forests, rocky escarpments and scenic river valleys as the forest comes alive in the golden light of the afternoon. Return to the resort for dinner and an overnight stay.
Begin the day with an early morning safari through Panna's diverse landscapes, keeping an eye out for tigers, leopards, sloth bears and the reserve's rich birdlife. Return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch before heading out again for an evening safari. Explore the forest trails and picturesque banks of the Ken River, accompanied by your naturalist. Return to the resort for dinner and an overnight stay.
With another full day in the wilderness, there is time to explore beyond the most familiar routes and follow fresh signs of animal movement.
Each outing offers something different, whether it is a tiger moving silently through the woodland, a Gharial basking on a riverbank or a Sloth Bear foraging among the rocks.
Panna rewards those who enjoy observing every detail of the forest, making each game drive both tranquil and immensely rewarding.
The quieter hours between safaris are best spent relaxing at the resort and absorbing the atmosphere of the surrounding wilderness.
Begin the day with one final morning safari in Panna before returning to the resort for breakfast.
After checking out, drive through the heart of Madhya Pradesh towards Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
The changing landscapes make for an enjoyable journey, gradually giving way to the rugged hills and dense forests that have made Bandhavgarh famous among wildlife enthusiasts.
Arrive by evening, check into your resort and enjoy dinner.
Begin your exploration of Bandhavgarh with an early morning safari through its sal forests, bamboo thickets and open meadows. Renowned for its tigers and dramatic landscapes, the reserve offers a distinctive wildlife experience. Return to the lodge for lunch before heading out for an afternoon safari. Return for dinner and an overnight stay.
Spend another full day exploring Bandhavgarh on morning and evening safaris. Venture through its varied forest zones, following fresh tracks and listening for alarm calls as you search for the reserve's remarkable wildlife. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and time to relax at the lodge between your safaris before returning for dinner.
Your final morning begins with one last safari through the forests of Bandhavgarh.
After breakfast, check out of the resort and drive to Jabalpur Airport, concluding a journey that showcases two of India's most celebrated tiger reserves and the extraordinary diversity of Central India's wilderness.
Other dates for this trip
Everything's set: the dates, your lodge, two safaris a day and your instructor. Per-person pricing is above — tell us you're interested and we'll take it from there.
Fixed dates, fixed price, expert-led. Tell us you are interested and we will take it from there.
| Cancelled this far ahead | You get back |
|---|---|
| 120 days (or more) | 90% of tour cost refunded |
| 61 to 119 days | 40% of tour cost refunded |
| 31 to 60 days | 30% of tour cost refunded |
| 15 to 30 days | 20% of tour cost refunded |
| 14 days (or less), or no show | No refund |
Tell us who is travelling and when — we will come back to you within a day.
Cookies, briefly. We’d like to use analytics cookies to see which pages help people plan a trip, and our newsletter sign-up remembers whether you’ve seen it. Nothing optional runs unless you say yes. Read more