Tiger, Temple & Ancient Caves
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA108
Experience the perfect blend of nature, spirituality, and history on this 8-day journey through Central India. Start with exhilarating safaris in Pench and Satpura National Parks, home to majestic tigers, leopards, and vibrant birdlife. Discover ancient art at the Bhimbetka rock shelters and the awe-inspiring Shiva temple in Bhojpur. In Bhopal, explore the UNESCO-listed Sanchi Stupa and intricate carvings of the Udayagiri Caves, both rich in Buddhist and Hindu heritage. Enjoy birdwatching at the scenic Bhoj Wetland and visit architectural marvels like Taj-ul-Masjid and Bharat Bhawan. Each day offers an immersion into diverse wildlife, ancient history, and cultural landmarks.
Day 1: Arrival in Nagpur - Pench National Park (100kms)
Arrive at Nagpur Airport and meet your driver who will escort you to Pench National Park.
Enjoy a scenic two-hour drive, passing through picturesque landscapes, small villages, and stretches of teak forest.
Upon arrival, check into your eco-friendly hotel or lodge, surrounded by nature and offering stunning views of the park’s wilderness.
In the evening, enjoy a guided nature walk around the property to learn about the flora and fauna that thrive in the region, including various bird species and small mammals.
Day 2: Pench National Park
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out on an exciting morning gypsy safari in Pench National Park.
Journey into the dense forests and grasslands of the park, which inspired Kipling’s "The Jungle Book," keeping an eye out for Bengal tigers, leopards, and other carnivores.
The park is also home to species like wild dogs, sambar deer, spotted deer, and more than 325 species of birds, including eagles and kingfishers.
Return to the hotel for a relaxing lunch before embarking on a second safari in the afternoon.
During this safari, explore different sections of the park, where you might spot sloth bears, jungle cats, and herds of gaur (Indian bison).
End the day with an optional birdwatching walk along the park’s periphery, where you may spot vibrant birds such as the Malabar pied hornbill and the white-eyed buzzard.
Day 3: Pench National Park - Satpura National Park (225kms)
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before a final morning safari in Pench to catch any last wildlife sightings.
Afterward, set off on a scenic 225-kilometer drive to Satpura National Park, passing through verdant forests and rural landscapes.
En route, stop at Totladoh Dam for panoramic views of the river valley and surrounding hills, a peaceful spot for photography and relaxation.
Arrive at Satpura National Park in the late afternoon and check into your luxurious resort, nestled amidst nature’s tranquility.
Take the evening to relax, perhaps exploring the resort’s beautiful surroundings or taking in the sunset over the hills.
Day 4: Satpura National Park
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out on a morning safari in Satpura National Park.
The park is known for its rugged terrain, deep gorges, and dense Sal and teak forests, providing habitats for tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.
With your expert naturalist guide, explore the rich biodiversity of the park, including sightings of Indian giant squirrels, blackbucks, and langurs.
Return to the resort for a leisurely lunch, then take some time to relax or enjoy the resort’s amenities, such as the spa or pool.
In the afternoon, embark on another safari, this time focusing on birdwatching, with chances to see Indian skimmers, hornbills, and painted storks.
End the day with a peaceful boat safari on the Tawa Reservoir, where you’ll spot aquatic birds and perhaps some crocodiles sunbathing by the water’s edge.
Day 5: Satpura National Park - Bhopal (200kms)
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before a final morning safari in Satpura to experience the park’s wildlife at sunrise.
Afterward, drive 200 kilometers to Bhopal, making a stop at the Bhimbetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore the ancient cave paintings that span over 30,000 years, showcasing early depictions of hunting, dancing, and animals.
Continue to Bhojpur, where you will visit the stunning 11th-century Shiva temple. This incomplete temple is renowned for its massive lingam and intricately carved stone walls.
Arrive in Bhopal in the evening and check into your hotel, combining modern comforts with traditional architecture.
Take an evening stroll along the Upper Lake, a scenic spot popular for its sunset views and boat rides.
Day 6: Bhopal
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore the iconic Sanchi Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka, and wander through the ancient monasteries, gateways, and temples that surround it.
Marvel at the detailed carvings on the stupa, depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life and various symbolic motifs.
Next, visit the Udayagiri Caves, a series of rock-cut caves and temples with sculptures dating back to the Gupta period.
Admire the large carvings of deities such as Vishnu in his Varaha (boar) incarnation, and the detailed depiction of the Hindu pantheon.
In the afternoon, return to Bhopal and visit the Tribal Museum, where you’ll gain insight into the region’s indigenous cultures, their art, and traditions.
End the day with a relaxing evening at your hotel, or explore the vibrant local markets for handicrafts and textiles.
Day 7: Bhopal
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before an early morning excursion to the Bhoj Wetland, a Ramsar site and a haven for birdwatching.
Spot a variety of migratory and resident birds such as the Sarus crane, bar-headed geese, and painted storks as they flock around the tranquil waters.
Afterward, explore Bhopal’s rich cultural and historical landmarks, starting with the impressive Taj-ul-Masjid, India’s largest mosque, known for its towering pink domes and intricate facades.
Continue to Shaukat Mahal, a unique blend of Islamic and Gothic architecture, and then visit Moti Masjid, a beautiful white mosque built by Sikandar Begum.
In the afternoon, visit Bharat Bhawan, an arts and cultural center that showcases performances, exhibitions, and workshops celebrating India’s diverse artistic heritage.
End the day with a visit to Van Vihar National Park, a protected area where animals like tigers, leopards, and deer roam in semi-wild environments.
Return to your hotel for a restful evening after a full day of exploration.
Day 8: Bhopal - Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to Bhopal Airport for your onward journey.
Bid farewell to Central India, having explored its unique blend of wildlife, ancient history, and rich cultural heritage.
- Assistance on arrival at airport.
- 7 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.
- Daily breakfast at hotels.
- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
- Total 6-Time shared Gypsy safari as per program in National Parks with naturalist.
- Bottled drinking water in car.
- Government taxes.
Hotels used or similar for 7 nights accommodation
Pench National Park x 2 nights
3* - Jungle Home/ Vraksh Resort
4* & 5* - Tuli Tiger Corridor/ Pugdundee Safaris Pench Tree Lodge
Satpura National Park x 2 nights
3* - MPT Tawa Resort, Tawa/ Anmol Resort & Garden
4* & 5* - Forsyth Lodge/ Pugdundee Safaris Denwa Backwater Escape
Bhopal x 3 nights
3* - Lake View Ashok/ Hotel Grand Ashirwad
4* - Noor Us Sabha Palace/ Graces Resort
5* - Jehan Numa Palace/ Courtyard by Marriott
- Any flight tickets.
- Camera charges at monuments if any.
- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.