Few journeys capture India’s extraordinary diversity like this one. Beginning in Delhi, travel to Agra and the Taj Mahal, then onwards to the medieval splendour of Orchha and the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, before entering the wild landscapes of Madhya Pradesh.
In Panna Tiger Reserve, explore rocky gorges, forests, grasslands and the Ken River, with opportunities to encounter Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, dhole, sambar, chital, nilgai and abundant birdlife. A boat excursion on the Ken offers a different perspective, with possibilities of seeing gharial and mugger crocodiles.
The journey culminates in Bandhavgarh, one of India’s most renowned tiger landscapes, where morning and afternoon safaris take you deep into forests and meadows in search of the magnificent Bengal tiger, beneath the historic presence of the legendary Bandhavgarh Fort.
With carefully selected heritage hotels and wilderness lodges, private travel and expert local knowledge, this is more than a wildlife holiday—it is a journey through India’s history, culture and untamed wilderness, from the timeless Taj Mahal to the wild heart of Central India.
ITINERARY
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Our representative will provide your information kit and brief you about the forthcoming journey, including the air/train/ road transfer arrangements for the following morning. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel- Oberoi Maidens
Meal Plan - Room + Breakfast + welcome dinner
After breakfast, depart Delhi by private air-conditioned vehicle for Agra, covering a distance of 220 Kms in nearly 4-5 hours. The journey takes you from India's modern capital towards the historic heartland of the Mughal Empire. On arrival, check into your hotel and have lunch before beginning your introduction to Agra.
In the late afternoon, visit the Taj Mahan and Mehtab Bagh, situated across the Yamuna River, for a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal as the afternoon light begins to soften.
If timing permits, visit the Agra Fort, the great red sandstone citadel from which generations of Mughal emperors ruled northern India. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Recommended hotel
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra — my first choice for Adventure India's premium clients. Its location close to the Taj Mahal and exceptional standard make it particularly appropriate for international guests.
Hotel- ITC Mughal/ Radisson
Meal Plan – Half Board
Rise early for one of India's defining experiences, that is a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. In the soft morning light, the marble monument changes colour as the sun rises above the Yamuna, offering a quieter and more atmospheric experience than visiting later in the day.
After breakfast, depart Agra and travel south towards Orchha, which is a distance of around 190 Kms, to be covered in 4-5 hours.
The landscape gradually changes as you leave the Mughal heartland and enter Bundelkhand, a region of rugged countryside, ancient forts and historic Rajput kingdoms. Arrive in Orchha, set beside the Betwa River, and check into your heritage hotel. In the afternoon explore the magnificent Orchha Fort complex, including Jahangir Mahal and Raj Mahal, followed by the Ram Raja Temple and the riverside cenotaphs.
At sunset, walk towards the Betwa River to see the celebrated Chhatris of Orchha silhouetted against the evening sky.Hotel- MPT Betwa Retreat/ Orchha Palace
Meal Plan – Half Board
After breakfast, there is time for a final exploration of Orchha before beginning the journey towards Panna. The route takes you deeper into the landscapes of Madhya Pradesh, for 4-5 hours, covering a distance of around 180 Kms. After leaving the cultivated countryside, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged and forested as you approach the Ken River and Panna Tiger Reserve.
Check into your wilderness lodge in the afternoon. The remainder of the day should be kept relaxed. This is an opportunity to enjoy the forest environment, take a nature walk around the lodge or simply watch the landscape from the property.
Hotel- Pashan Garh, A Taj Safari/ Ken River Lodge Panna National Park
Meal Plan – Half Board
Rise early for your first jeep safari in Panna Tiger Reserve. Panna is a very different wildlife landscape from Ranthambore or Bandhavgarh. Rocky gorges, dry deciduous forest, open grassland and the Ken River create a dramatic setting for wildlife.
One can look for Bengal tiger, Leopard, Sloth bear, Dhole, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Four-horned antelope, Gharial, Mugger crocodile etc. Panna is also particularly interesting for birdwatchers, with an impressive diversity of resident and migratory species.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and a period of rest during the warmer hours. In the late afternoon, take a boat excursion on the Ken River, looking for crocodiles and gharials along the rocky riverbanks and observing the reserve from an entirely different perspective.
Hotel- Pashan Garh, A Taj Safari/ Ken River Lodge Panna National Park
Meal Plan – Half Board
After breakfast, travel to Khajuraho, one of India's great UNESCO World Heritage sites, the distance is just 45 Kms and that will take little more than one hour to reach. You can spend the morning exploring the Western Group of Temples, including Kandariya Mahadev, Lakshmana and other extraordinary Chandela monuments.
The temples are celebrated for their extraordinarily detailed sculptures depicting gods and goddesses, musicians, dancers, warriors, animals and aspects of everyday life. The afternoon can be devoted to the Eastern Group of Temples or kept free for relaxation.
In the evening, attend the Sound & Light Show, subject to the operating schedule.
Hotel- The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho
Meal Plan – Half Board
After breakfast, depart Khajuraho and travel south-east towards Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, the total distance is around 280 Kms and that would take 6-7 hours.
This is a longer road journey, but it is an important transition in the story of the trip: from the extraordinary human artistry of Khajuraho into one of India's great wildlife landscapes.
Carry a packed lunch and travel through the rural countryside and forested landscapes of Madhya Pradesh. Arrive at Bandhavgarh in the afternoon or early evening and check into your jungle lodge. The evening is free to relax and receive a briefing about the following day's safaris.
Hotel- Kings Lodge/ Samode Safari Lodge
Meal Plan – Half Board
Today is dedicated entirely to Bandhavgarh. Leave before sunrise for your first jeep safari. The early morning is the ideal time to explore the forest, when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is active. Bandhavgarh's landscape combines sal forests, bamboo, grasslands, rocky hills and open meadows, providing habitat for Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, dhole, gaur, sambar, chital and numerous bird species. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation.
After lunch, venture out again for an afternoon safari. Depending on the permit and zone allocated, explore Tala, Magadhi or Khitauli, the principal tourism zones of the reserve. The ancient Bandhavgarh Fort rises above the forest and provides a remarkable historical dimension to the landscape, although access is subject to forest-department rules and current permissions.
Return to your lodge after sunset.
Hotel- Kings Lodge/ Samode Safari Lodge
Meal Plan – Half Board
Today we begin the day with a final morning safari in Bandhavgarh. This last drive provides one more opportunity to encounter tiger and other wildlife and is deliberately kept unhurried.
Return to the lodge for breakfast, check out and depart for Jabalpur, this is again a distance of around 170 Kms and will take 5-6 hours to reach our destination. Arrive in Jabalpur in the afternoon and check into the hotel.
Hotel- ITC Welcome Jabalpur/ Hilton Garden Inn
Meal Plan – Half Board
After breakfast, transfer to Jabalpur Airport for your flight to Delhi. The journey ends with a remarkable combination of experiences: the Taj Mahal, the medieval kingdom of Orchha, the temples of Khajuraho, the Ken River wilderness of Panna and the tiger forests of Bandhavgarh.
Hotel: Oberoi Maidens/ Le Meridian (If you wish to extend your stay in Delhi for one or two more nights, otherwise we will provide you day rooms in the airocity to be placed near the international airport.
Meal: As per the final plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost: N/A USD
Our approach is based on respect for the wilderness and the communities that call these mountains home. We keep groups small, follow responsible wildlife-viewing practices and maintain appropriate distances from animals at all times. We work with experienced local trackers and communities, helping ensure that tourism contributes positively to the local economy. Above all, the purpose of the expedition is not simply to photograph or tick off a snow leopard sighting, but to experience, understand and respect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem in which this magnificent animal survives.
A snow leopard sighting can never be guaranteed. The wilderness, however, is guaranteed to leave an impression.
Terms and Conditions
1. Eligibility: Fitness, Experience & Motivation
All participants must be physically fit, technically prepared, and mentally motivated for high-altitude climbing. Your mountaineering résumé and experience records will be reviewed before we submit the team application to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
While peaks above 7,000 m demand exceptional stamina and technical competence, numerous Himalayan summits below 6,000 m are equally challenging due to route complexity, weather exposure, remoteness, and objective hazards.
2. Delayed Departure & Early Closure
Expedition timelines may shift due to weather, route conditions, medical concerns, permit directives, or the leader’s safety decisions.
- Delayed closure: Any extension of the itinerary will incur additional charges.
- Early pack-up/retreat: Should the expedition conclude earlier than scheduled, no refund will be provided.
- Any extra transport, hotel stay, lodge/camp nights, or logistical support arising out of delays, roadblocks, medical evacuation, or administrative regulation will be billed separately on a cost-to-cost basis.
3. Satellite Phones, Filming & Drone Permissions
Satellite communication devices are subject to regional security restrictions and cannot be used freely across the Himalaya.
- Only company-registered satellite phones may be used, and will be provided on additional rental in the areas allowed by the Indian Government.
- Drone operations, documentary filming, and aerial recording require prior permits, which vary by district, border zone, and wildlife protection area.
All protocols must be strictly followed to avoid administrative intervention or penalties.
4. Refund Policy
All refund considerations will follow the official cancellation policy issued along with your expedition dossier. Refunds, where applicable, will be processed only as per those terms.
5. Health, Insurance, Rescue & Indemnity
Participants must hold valid high-altitude insurance, including evacuation coverage.
- Any emergency medical service, evacuation helicopter, ground rescue, insurance activation, or hospitalisation can be coordinated through us in the knowledge of LO, but must be paid directly by the team or the insurer.
- All members are required to sign an Indemnity & Risk Acceptance Bond with Adventure India before departure.
6. Booking Confirmation
Once all expedition details, services, and logistics are finalised, the following payment schedule applies:
- 50 % of the expedition fee + IMF fee at the time of confirmation
- Remaining balance payable 61 days before expedition commencement
- 100% advance payment is required for last-minute bookings (booking within 61 days before departure)
7. Non-Refundable / Non-Credit Services
Expedition pricing is quoted as a complete logistical package, not as itemised services.
Therefore, no partial refunds, credits, or adjustments will be issued for unused services (e.g., unused load-ferry, camp nights, high-altitude rations, guide days, transport segments, etc.).
We strongly recommend purchasing full travel cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
8. Replacement Participant
If you nominate another climber to take your place:
- All cancellation charges will be fully waived provided:
- The replacement climber meets the fitness and mountaineering requirements, and
- Secures IMF approval and permit to climb the peak.
9. Sightseeing & Post-Expedition Extensions
Following intense climbing periods in remote high-altitude environments, we encourage participants to decompress and experience India’s cultural and natural richness.
Extension trips may be arranged at additional cost to:
- Taj Mahal / Agra
- Rajasthan Desert & Fort Circuit
- Ladakh & Trans-Himalaya Culture
- Goa / Konkan Coast
- South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka)
- Northeast India or custom destinations
Cancellation policy
| Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure | A cancellation fee of 10% of the total trip cost will be charged, and the remaining amount will be refunded. |
| Cancellations made between 45 and 60 days before departure | A cancellation fee of 25% of the total trip cost will be charged, and the remaining amount will be refunded. |
| Cancellations made between 30 and 45 days before departure | A cancellation fee of 50% of the total trip cost will be charged, and the remaining amount will be refunded. |
| Cancellations made less than 30 days before departure | The entire deposit will be forfeited. |
UIAA Grade and UIAA Declaration
Not applicable