The Tiger Trail Of India : Taj Safari Journey from Jabalpur to Khajuraho is a luxurious 9-day wildlife expedition through Central India’s most iconic national parks—Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Panna. Staying at the exquisite Taj Safari lodges, this journey combines thrilling tiger safaris, rich tribal culture, and serene river landscapes. From the dense sal forests of Kanha to the rocky plateaus of Panna, it’s an immersive experience of India’s wild soul, ending with a visit to the UNESCO temples of Khajuraho.
Day 01 : Arrive at Jabalpur – Drive to Kanha
Welcome Upon arrival at Jabalpur begin your scenic drive to Kanha National Park, located approximately 165 km away (around 4 Hrs by road).
Upon arrival, check in to Banjaar Tola – A Taj Safari, a luxurious tented camp set along the banks of the serene Banjaar River. where you’re welcomed with tribal drumming and refreshing drinks. Unwind on your private deck overlooking the peaceful Banjaar River. Overnight Stay at Banjaar Tola – A Taj Safari Lodge
Day 2 :Kanha – Wildlife Encounters & Riverfront Blis
Begin your day with an early morning jeep safari into the core zones of Kanha National Park, one of India’s most scenic and wildlife-rich reserves.
Accompanied by expert naturalists, venture through meadows and dense sal forests in search of the majestic tiger, the rare and endemic hard ground barasingha, Indian gaur, and packs of elusive wild dogs.
Return to Banjaar Tola – A Taj Safari for a relaxing lunch and peaceful riverfront downtime. Later, embark on an exciting evening safari as the jungle awakens with nocturnal life. Conclude your day with a serene riverside sundowner, soaking in the golden light and jungle sounds. Overnight Stay at Banjaar Tola – A Taj Safari Lodge
Day 3 : Kanha – Tiger Safari Culture
Each morning begins with the rising sun, casting golden light over the jungle as we set out on early wildlife drives. In the open maidans—expansive grassy clearings—herds of grazing herbivores appear in the soft dawn, often followed by stealthy predators. Tigers, leopards, and the elusive dhole (Indian wild dog) patrol the forest edges, drawn by the promise of a meal.
Bordering the park, the Banjaar River flows steadily, a lifeline for Kanha’s vibrant ecosystem. This fertile landscape is home not only to the big cats but also to rare and remarkable species: the endangered barasingha (swamp deer), boisterous troops of langurs and rhesus macaques, and the powerful gaur—the world’s largest wild bovine.
After a restful midday break and a hearty lunch at our eco-friendly lodge, we venture back into the wild for afternoon safaris, deepening our encounter with Kanha’s breathtaking biodiversity. Back to Lodge after safari and in the evening enjoy the Bonfire activities . Overnight Stay at Banjaar Tola – A Taj Safari Lodge
Day 4 : Kanha National Park To Bandhavgarh National Park
Today Morning after your breakfast drive to Bandhavgarh National Park with your private guide and Luxury Vehicle and in the way you will see the many Indian villages and countryside .
Bandhavgarh Nestled in the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is one of India’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries, renowned for its high density of Bengal tigers and a dramatic landscape of steep ridges, forested valleys, and open meadows. Once the hunting reserve of Maharajas, this biodiverse haven now offers visitors a rare glimpse into the untamed life of central India.
Tigers are Bandhavgarh’s star attraction, and the park has historically boasted one of the highest densities of these majestic cats in the world. Early morning and late afternoon safaris often reveal sightings of these elusive predators, whether lounging in tall grasses or patrolling their territory with silent authority.
But Bandhavgarh is far more than a tiger stronghold. The park supports a rich variety of wildlife, both large and small. Leopards roam the more rugged areas, and the sloth bear—shy yet powerful—may occasionally be seen foraging for termites or honey. Dholes (Indian wild dogs) hunt in highly coordinated packs, while the Indian jackal, jungle cat, and striped hyena add to the diversity of carnivores.
Among the herbivores, the chital (spotted deer) and sambar deer are common, and barking deer can be heard long before they are seen, their sharp calls echoing through the undergrowth. The nilgai (blue bull), India’s largest antelope, moves in smaller groups, and wild boar root about in the forest floor.
One of the park’s most significant conservation successes is the population of gaur (Indian bison), reintroduced after a local extinction. Towering and muscular, they are now a regular presence in Bandhavgarh’s meadows and bamboo thickets.
Bird enthusiasts will find over 250 species to delight in, from crested serpent eagles, paradise flycatchers, and Malabar pied hornbills to seasonal migratory visitors around the park’s water bodies. Reptiles, butterflies, and a myriad of insects complete this vibrant ecosystem.
Bandhavgarh is divided into several safari zones—Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli—each offering unique wildlife experiences. The Tala zone, in particular, is known for its scenic beauty and historic ruins, including the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, which adds a sense of timeless grandeur to the wild experience.
Whether you’re tracking tigers, marveling at a gaur herd, or simply soaking in the sounds of the jungle, Bandhavgarh offers an intimate and unforgettable immersion into India’s wild heart
On arrival welcome at Mahua Kothi – A Taj Safari Lodge . Unwind with masala chai, a short nature walk, and tribal music by the bonfire in the evening. Overnight stay at Mahua Kothi – A Taj Safari Lodge
Day 5 & Day 6 : Bandhavgarh- An immersive wilderness experience from dawn to dusk
Full-Day Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park-Embark on the ultimate jungle adventure with a Full-Day Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park, offering exclusive access to the park from sunrise to sunset. Unlike regular safaris restricted to either morning or afternoon slots, this extended experience allows for deeper exploration, increased sightings, and a more intimate connection with the forest’s rhythm.
Early Morning: The Awakening Jungle
Your journey begins before first light, as the forest stirs awake under a misty dawn. Entering the park before the standard hours, you’ll be among the first to witness nocturnal predators retreating and diurnal wildlife beginning their day. This is prime time for tiger tracking, as fresh pugmarks, alarm calls, and the rising sun combine to create ideal conditions for sightings. Leopards, sloth bears, and herds of spotted deer may also emerge as the light filters through the sal and bamboo forests.
Midday: Remote Corners and Quiet Observations
Unlike regular safaris that must exit during the midday break, the full-day safari lets you remain inside the park—often in remote areas inaccessible during normal hours. During this quieter period, with fewer vehicles around, you may observe rare or shy species such as the Indian pangolin, striped hyena, or ruddy mongoose. It’s also a peaceful time for birding, with species like the Indian pitta, crested hawk-eagle, and stork-billed kingfisher active near water sources.
A packed breakfast and lunch are enjoyed at designated rest points within the park, offering a chance to pause and soak in the surrounding wilderness, while trained naturalists interpret signs of animal activity and share insights about the ecosystem.
Afternoon to Dusk: Golden Light & Final Encounters
As the day progresses and temperatures begin to dip, wildlife activity picks up again. Large herbivores like sambar, gaur, and barasingha emerge from the shade to graze, often followed by predators. The golden light of late afternoon is ideal for photography, casting a magical glow over meadows and forested ridges.
Your day concludes with one last loop through the core zones—Tala, Magadhi, or Khitauli—as the forest prepares for nightfall. There’s a final chance for a tiger sighting, or perhaps a glimpse of dholes on the move or jackals calling to one another in the distance
Back to your lodger after full days safari experience and evening relaxed at your Luxury jungle Lodge Mahua Kothi- A Taj Safari Lodge
Day 7 : Bandhavgarh to Panna National Park
Today after completing morning safari in Bandhavgarh Your journey start to Untouched Wilderness, Thriving Wildlife, and a River That Tells Stories
Located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, just a short drive from the famous Khajuraho temples, Panna National Park is one of India’s most beautiful and peaceful tiger reserves. Spread over rolling hills, river valleys, and dry forests, Panna is a hidden gem known for its dramatic scenery, rich wildlife, and conservation success.
On arrival check-in at your lodge and rest of the day at leisure or our guide will arrange the evening boat ride on Ken River . Overnight stay at Pashan Garh – A Taj Safari Lodge
Day 8 : Panna National Park
Today Your morning adventure begins before sunrise. As you pass through the park gate in the soft glow of dawn, the forest feels alive but hushed—its secrets just beginning to stir.
The cool morning hours are the most active time for wildlife. Predators like tigers and leopards are often on the move, marking territory or returning from a night’s hunt. Early safaris are your best chance to catch a glimpse of these elusive big cats, especially near waterholes or along the soft forest trails where pugmarks are fresh.
Along the way, you’ll pass through a mix of sal forest, teak groves, grasslands, and the Ken River gorge, with your naturalist guide helping to track animal signs and interpret calls from deer or monkeys that signal predator movement.
After lunch and a brief rest at your lodge, you’ll set out again as the forest begins to cool down from the midday heat. The light is softer, shadows stretch longer, and animals start to reappear.
This is the perfect time to spot herbivores moving out into the open to graze and predators beginning their evening patrols. You may revisit key water bodies where wildlife often gathers for a final drink before nightfall.
Return to your lodge and rest of the time you may enjoy at your lodge –Pashan Garh – A Taj Safari Lodge
Day 9: Panna- Khajuraho Airport
Begin your final day with an optional guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khajuraho Temples, located just an hour’s drive from the lodge.
These iconic temples, built by the Chandela dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries, are globally renowned for their intricate stone carvings, Indo-Aryan architectural brilliance, and sensuous depictions of life, love, and spirituality.
After the visit, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Khajuraho Airport or your onward flight to Delhi or Mumbai, carrying unforgettable memories of India’s wild heart and cultural soul.
