Central India’s National Parks

Travel Itinerary: Exploring Central India’s National Parks (12 Days/11 Nights)

 

This itinerary takes you through the best national parks in Central India: Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Pench, and Satpura, ensuring a perfect blend of wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.

Day 1: Arrival in Jabalpur

  • Arrival: Fly into Jabalpur, the gateway to Central India’s national parks.
  • Activities: Visit the Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat and enjoy a boat ride on the Narmada River.
  • Stay: Overnight at a hotel in Jabalpur.

Day 2-3: Kanha National Park

  • Travel: Drive to Kanha National Park (Approx. 4 hours).
  • Activities:
    • Day 2: Evening safari to explore the lush forests and spot barasinghas (swamp deer).
    • Day 3: Morning and afternoon Jeep safaris to track tigers, leopards, and other wildlife.
  • Stay: Luxury jungle lodge near Kanha.

Day 4-5: Bandhavgarh National Park

  • Travel: Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park (Approx. 5 hours).
  • Activities:
    • Day 4: Evening safari to explore Bandhavgarh’s diverse terrain and high tiger density.
    • Day 5: Morning and afternoon Jeep safaris; visit Bandhavgarh Fort for panoramic views and ancient ruins.
  • Stay: Jungle resort near Bandhavgarh.

Day 6-7: Panna National Park

  • Travel: Drive to Panna National Park via Khajuraho (Approx. 6 hours).
  • Activities:
    • Day 6: Visit the Khajuraho Temples (UNESCO World Heritage Site) en route. Evening at leisure.
    • Day 7: Morning Jeep safari at Panna National Park; boat ride on the Ken River to spot crocodiles and bird species.
  • Stay: Riverside lodge near Panna.

Day 8-9: Pench National Park

  • Travel: Drive to Pench National Park (Approx. 5 hours).
  • Activities:
    • Day 8: Evening safari to explore the dense forests, famously depicted in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
    • Day 9: Morning and afternoon Jeep safaris to spot tigers, leopards, and Indian bison (gaur).
  • Stay: Wildlife resort near Pench.

Day 10-11: Satpura National Park

  • Travel: Drive to Satpura National Park (Approx. 6 hours).
  • Activities:
    • Day 10: Evening boat safari or walking safari to explore Satpura’s unique ecosystem.
    • Day 11: Morning Jeep safari to spot sloth bears, leopards, and birds. Trekking trails available for adventurous travelers.
  • Stay: Luxury eco-lodge near Satpura.

Day 12: Departure from Bhopal

  • Travel: Drive to Bhopal (Approx. 4 hours).
  • Activities: Visit the Bhojpur Temple or Sanchi Stupa (optional) before departure.
  • Departure: Catch a flight/train from Bhopal to your next destination.

Key Inclusions

  • 10 Jeep safaris across all parks (morning and evening).
  • Luxury accommodations with meals at jungle lodges.
  • Guided tours at Khajuraho and optional excursions in Jabalpur and Bhopal.
  • All transfers by private vehicle.

Best Time to Visit

  • October to March for pleasant weather and active wildlife sightings.