Journey through India’s wild heart, exploring bears, tigers, temples and timeless beauty
Explore the Wildlife of Central India
India
Ideal for couples, families, and small groups
Expertly guided & hosted by skilled local guides
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts
Opportunity to see endangered wildlife species
Incredible views and breathtaking surroundings
Fascinating culture, heritage and learnings
Your Journey at a glance
Travel with other like-minded nature enthusiasts in search of India’s most treasured wildlife, from tigers and leopards to wild dogs and bears.
Your adventure begins in New Delhi, a bustling metropolis where Mughal grandeur coexists with modern energy. Explore the majestic Red Fort, marvel at the architectural wonder of Humayun’s Tomb, and lose yourself in the vibrant chaos of Chandni Chowk, Asia’s oldest market.
Next, delve into the heart of Madhya Pradesh. Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, a hidden gem teeming with diverse wildlife. Here, traverse dramatic hilly terrain, spot majestic tigers and leopards on exclusive Jeep safaris, and discover ancient villages reclaimed by nature. Your journey continues to Tadoba National Park, one of India’s premier wildlife reserves. Embark on thrilling Jeep safaris, searching for tigers, leopards, dholes (Asiatic wild dog), and a plethora of other captivating creatures. Immerse yourself in the park’s rich biodiversity, a tapestry of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and winding rivers.
Your journey culminates in Agra, the city of love immortalised in marble. Observe the breathtaking Taj Mahal at sunrise, a monument that transcends time and embodies the epitome of Mughal architecture and explore the majestic Agra Fort, a testament to the power and artistry of the Mughal Empire. This 11-night itinerary curates a captivating blend of cultural immersion, wildlife exploration, and historical discovery, creating memories that will linger long after you return home.
4 nights Delhi | 2 nights Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary | 4 nights Tadoba National Park | 1 night Agra
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A Taste of what to Expect
Day 1 | Arrival
New Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a representative from &Beyond. They will personally assist you through customs, immigration, and baggage collection. Once you’ve collected your bags, you’ll be escorted to the arrivals hall where your &Beyond India host will greet you. From there, you’ll be chauffeured to your hotel, The Lodhi.
India’s capital of New Delhi is a vibrant modern metropolis where remnants of its rich past are seamlessly woven amongst contemporary buildings. Much of Delhi was meticulously planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who designed a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to the British Raj. Delhi’s fascinating history spans over three millennia, flourishing between 900 BCE and 1930. Among Delhi’s famed ‘seven cities’ are the 12th-century Quila Rai Pithora, built by Prithviraj Chauhan, and the imperial Shahjahanabad, constructed by the Mughals in the 17th century. Major sites not to be missed include the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) where the iconic Red Fort stands, and Jama Masjid located in the heart of Old Delhi’s bustling Chandni Chowk.
Day 2
Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a captivating full-day tour of Delhi.
- Humayun’s Tomb: This magnificent tomb, commissioned in 1562 by Emperor Humayun’s widow, Hamida Banu Begum, was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Notably, it was also the first large-scale structure to utilise red sandstone. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the complex is located near Nizamuddin.
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of Sikhism at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most prominent Sikh Gurudwaras (temples). Renowned for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, the Gurudwara features a holy pond known as the Sarovar within its complex. As with all Sikh Gurudwaras, the concept of Langar (community kitchen) is practiced here, welcoming everyone regardless of faith or background to partake in a free meal prepared by Sikh devotees and volunteers.
In the afternoon, delve into the bustling energy of Chandni Chowk, also known as Silver Square. Explore the overflowing stalls and navigate the labyrinthine alleyways of this historic market, afterwards exploring the magnificent Jama Masjid.
- Chandni Chowk: Navigate the narrow, bustling alleyways, best explored by brightly coloured cycle rickshaws. Each specialised gali (lane) offers a unique treasure trove – from dazzling bangles and gleaming silverware to intricate brass artifacts, exquisite gold jewellery, fragrant flowers, vibrant fabrics, hardware, and finally, delectable street food sizzling on grills or bubbling on portable stoves, filling the air with an intoxicating aroma.
- Jama Masjid: This architectural marvel, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (the builder of the Taj Mahal) and completed in 1656, is the principal mosque of Old Delhi and the most well-known mosque in India.
Day 3
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
After breakfast, you’ll be chauffeured to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight to Nagpur. Upon arrival an &Beyond representative will drive you to Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (an approximate 2.5-hour drive). Break up the journey with a refreshing stop at Le Meridien to use the facilities and grab some snacks before continuing to your sanctuary haven.
This hidden gem boasts dramatic hilly terrain, part of the Deccan Traps – the world’s largest volcanic formations dating back 66 million years. Basalt ridges and eroded streambeds dominate the landscape, while dense dry deciduous forests, predominantly teak with pockets of red sandalwood, house nearly 250 bamboo species and scattered grasslands. Remarkably, four rivers originate from this relatively small, 149-km2 (56-mi2) area.
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary forms a crucial wildlife corridor connecting Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana to the south and Tadoba National Park to the east. The sanctuary’s name originates from the goddess Tipai, whose temple still stands within the forest. Interestingly, old villages like Tipeshwar, Maregaon, and Pitapungari have been reclaimed by wildlife, with the villagers resettled outside the sanctuary’s boundaries. Today, the sanctuary is a haven for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, dholes (Asiatic wild dog), various deer and antelope species, and a multitude of birds.
Day 4
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
This morning you will head out on an exhilarating half-day Jeep park drive, traversing the diverse landscapes of Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings as your experienced guide navigates the park’s hidden corners.
Return to the lodge for a delectable lunch to refuel for your afternoon adventure. Later, gear up for another exciting Jeep park drive. Explore different areas of the sanctuary, hoping to encounter even more of Tipeshwar’s incredible wildlife.
Day 5
Tadoba National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, continue your wildlife adventure with a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Tadoba National Park, another one of India’s premier wildlife sanctuaries.
Nestled amidst the lush Chimur Hills, Tadoba boasts a rich history. Established in the 1950s and progressively expanded, it encompasses 625.4 km2 (241.5 mi2) as part of Project Tiger’s network of protected areas. Traditionally a hunting ground for the Gond tribes who still reside in the surrounding forests, Tadoba has transformed into a haven for diverse wildlife.
Beyond its famed tiger population, Tadoba is a hotspot for sightings of dholes (Asiatic wild dog), leopards, gaurs (wild oxen), sloth bears, nilgai, sambars, spotted deer, barking deer, a variety of reptiles, and over 200 bird species. The park is dominated by dry mixed deciduous tropical forest, with teak woodlands interspersed with pockets of grassland and bamboo.
Day 6 – 8
Tadoba National Park
Over the next couple days, enjoy a range of thrilling morning and afternoon Jeep safaris through Tadoba National Park, exploring its diverse landscapes. Venture deeper into Tadoba in hopes of encountering a few of its magnificent creatures, including tigers and leopards.
Day 9
New Delhi
Today you will travel back to Delhi, enroute stopping at the fascinating Sevagram Ashram, Mahatma Gandhi’s former residence, located approximately halfway between Nagpur airport (a 2.5-hour drive) and the park.
Established in 1936, Sevagram served as Gandhi’s home until his assassination in 1948. From here, he not only wrote influential articles and pamphlets but also guided the Indian independence movement and engaged in passionate debates with the leaders of the newly formed nation. The simplicity of his life here belies the profound impact he had on the 20th century and continues to have on our world today. Gandhi christened this 300-acre haven Sevagram, meaning ‘village of service’. Interestingly, despite his prolific correspondence (often writing over 50 letters a day), the ashram initially lacked a post office. The ashram remains active today, adhering to a daily routine of prayer, spinning, farming, and chores that Gandhi himself practiced. The local school even follows the curriculum he established. Take a step back in time as you explore the ashram’s huts, the small museum, the bookstall, and the library. One of Gandhi’s key principles was self-sufficiency, reflected in his emphasis on spinning and khadi (handloom cloth) production. The nearby Magan Khadi continues to produce and sell this exquisite fabric, a testament to his legacy.
After this enriching visit, continue your journey to Delhi, where you’ll be met and chauffeured to your hotel upon arrival.
Day 10
Agra
This morning after breakfast, you’ll be driven to Agra, a city steeped in Mughal history (an approximate 4-hour drive). Flourishing under the patronage of emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, Agra attracted artisans from across Persia and Central Asia. It’s here that Shah Jahan immortalised his love for his empress in marble – the magnificent Taj Mahal. Agra remains famous for its exquisite handicrafts, including intricate marble inlay work, carpets, jewellery, and embroidered textiles.
In the early afternoon, delve into Agra’s rich past with a visit to the Agra Fort. Over the years of Mughal rule, particularly during Agra’s reign as the capital, the fort underwent extensive renovations, incorporating marble and stunning pietra dura inlay work. Among its notable structures are the Diwan-e-Am (Hall of Public Audience) and Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Jehangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), and Musamman Burj.
As the sun begins to set, cast your gaze upon the Taj Mahal from the captivating Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden). This square garden, one of the last remaining Mughal gardens in Agra, was part of the original Taj Mahal complex divided by the Yamuna River. Perfectly aligned with the mausoleum, Mehtab Bagh offers a picture-perfect, almost ethereal view, especially popular during sunset. The Yamuna River itself is a haven for migratory waterfowl and waders, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
Day 11
New Delhi
Awaken to the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Witness the monument bathed in the golden light of dawn, creating an unforgettable experience. Return to your hotel for a relaxing breakfast before your journey back to Delhi (an approximate 4-hour drive). Upon arrival you will check into your hotel for the evening.
Relax and unwind at the hotel until your departure. Later, depending on your flight timings, you’ll be transferred to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for your journey onward.
Rates
For departures to take place, there must be a minimum of 4 paying guests and a maximum of 8
Departure 1: 10 – 21 February 2025
Departure 2: 03 – 14 March 2025
What's included
- Accommodation as per the details mentioned in the itinerary in front of the property
- All transfers, sightseeing, and overland trips by an Air-conditioned vehicle for the whole trip
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Guide / Monument entrances in Delhi and Agra
- Services of a local English-speaking guide in Delhi and Agra
- Accommodation is on Jungle plan at Tipai (Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary) and Waghoba Eco Lodge (Tadoba National Park) i.e all meals and scheduled park drives are included in exclusive jeeps
- Total of two scheduled park drives at Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Total of six scheduled park drives plus one Half Day Park drive at Tadoba National Park
- Park fees, Forest Guide charges, and photography fees (for non-professional equipment) at both the Jungle lodges
- Domestic flights
- Services of a trip leader
- Bottled water during sightseeing and overland trip
- All current taxes as on date
- All gratuities expect for your trip leader
What's not included
- Any personal expenses e.g. telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, mini bar, spa or salon services, passport and visa fees
- Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages with included meals
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance or any type of insurance
- Excess baggage
- Gratuities to your trip leader
- Any international fare / airport taxes
- Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff
- Any video / still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit
- Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes
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