Whispers of the Wild & Royal India – 21 Day Slow Travel Tour: Tigers, Temples & Jungle Lodges

21 days | 3.295 €

Madhya Pradesh & India Tiger Safari Tour

This 21-day slow travel tour of India blends culture, nature, and authenticity.

In Delhi, experience the essence of India with a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi and a visit to the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb — a brief but rich introduction to the Mughal heritage.In Agra, see the Taj Mahal from a unique perspective: visit a local family with a view of the monument and meet marble artisans who have practiced their craft for generations. The imposing Agra Fort completes this experience of Mughal history.

In Sariska, tranquility takes center stage. Explore landscapes of ancient rock formations in the Aravalli hills and enjoy a special dinner amid this serene natural setting.

The cultural heart of India unfolds in Gwalior and Khajuraho. In Gwalior, explore one of India’s most impressive forts and discover traditional carpet weaving. In Khajuraho, the famous UNESCO temples and the Tribal Museum showcase centuries-old local crafts and spiritual heritage.

The second part of the journey focuses on nature and wildlife. Visit Panna, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and the exclusive Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, each with its own character — from dramatic cliffs and waterfalls to expansive grasslands and peaceful jungle. Between excursions, stay in charming lodges and boutique accommodations, with opportunities for yoga, spa treatments, and quiet reflection.

The tour concludes in Mumbai, where colonial architecture, the Gateway of India, and Marine Drive provide a stylish finale to this immersive discovery of India.

Price € 3.295 per person based on double occupancy.

Highlights of the trip

10 days on a full board basis (all meals included)

10 private safaris with an experienced naturalist

Price € 3.295 per person based on double occupancy.

  • Day 1 – Departure from Home Airport
  • Day 2 – Arrival in Delhi
  • Day 3 – Delhi – Sariska
  • Day 4 – Sariska
  • Day 5 – Sariska – Agra
  • Day 6 – Agra
  • Day 7 – Agra – Gwalior
  • Day 8 – Gwalior
  • Day 9 – Gwalior → Khajuraho
  • Day 10 – Khajuraho
  • Day 11 – Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh National Park
  • Day 12 – Bandhavgarh National Park
  • Day 13 – Bandhavgarh – Kanha National Park
  • Day 14 – Kanha National Park
  • Day 15 – Kanha – Pench National Park
  • Day 16 – Pench National Park
  • Day 17 – Pench – Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
  • Day 18 – Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
  • Day 19 – Todaba – Nagpur – Mumbai
  • Day 20 – Mumbai – Flight to Home Airport
  • Day 21 – Arrival at Home Airport

Price € 3.295 per person based on double occupancy.

Travel schedule

Day 1 – Departure from Home Airport

Departure on an intercontinental flight to Delhi.

Day 2 – Arrival in Delhi

Arrival in Delhi, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel near the airport for a calm and comfortable acclimatization. Depending on arrival time, there is the option to take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi.

Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 3 – Delhi – Sariska (200 km – 4,5 hours drive)

In the morning, visit Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO), an architectural masterpiece and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. 


After breakfast, depart towards Sariska in Rajasthan. The route passes through villages, fields, and rural landscapes of North India. Arrival in the afternoon at your lodge. Embark on a guided safari with experienced rangers, exploring secret forest trails and spotting local wildlife, from birds to elusive predators like leopards and hyenas, while learning how naturalists use camera traps to study their behavior.

Day 4 – Sariska

Early morning jeep safari in the rugged landscape of Sariska, located in the Aravalli Hills. With some luck, you may spot leopards.


Return to the lodge for breakfast and free time. In the afternoon, enjoy a boulder sundowner. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 5 – Sariska – Agra (240 km, 5 hours drive)

After breakfast, depart for Agra. Upon arrival, visit a local artisan workshop specializing in marble craftsmanship, a skill passed down through generations. This encounter offers a unique insight into the art and symbolism of the Taj Mahal.


Next, visit the Itimad-ud-Daulah mausoleum, also known as the “Baby Taj.”
Overnight in a charming hotel near the Taj Mahal.

Day 6 – Agra

Early morning visit to the iconic Taj Mahal, bathed in soft morning light, a truly unforgettable moment. This white marble mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, is one of the world’s most iconic monuments.


After breakfast, visit the impressive Agra Fort (UNESCO), the former main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638.


In the late afternoon, explore a special countryside location outside the city: meet a local farming family and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal, away from the city crowds.

Day 7 – Agra – Gwalior (120 km, 3 hours drive)

After breakfast, a short drive to Gwalior, a city dominated by one of India’s most impressive forts.


In the afternoon, visit a traditional carpet weaving workshop, where you’ll learn about ancient techniques and the artisanal process, from knotting to finished pattern.

Overnight in a heritage or comfortable city hotel.

Day 8 – Gwalior

Visit the majestic Gwalior Fort, dramatically situated on a sandstone plateau with panoramic views over the city. Inside the fortress, discover palaces, temples, and ancient water reservoirs.
Continue with a visit to the elegant Saas Bahu Temples and the extravagant Jai Vilas Palace, still the residence of the Scindia family. Optionally, visit the tomb of Tansen, the legendary court musician of Emperor Akbar.

Day 9 – Gwalior → Khajuraho (280 km, 4.5 hours drive)

After breakfast, depart for Khajuraho, world-famous for its UNESCO-listed temples with exquisite sandstone sculptures.


The journey passes through the heart of Madhya Pradesh, along rural villages and agricultural landscapes.


Arrival at your comfortable hotel in Khajuraho. Overnight stay.

Day 10 – Khajuraho

Visit the renowned Western and Eastern Group of Temples (UNESCO), where art, spirituality, and symbolism come together.

Additionally, explore the Tribal Museum, bringing to life centuries-old local traditions and crafts.

Day 11 – Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh National Park (250 km, 6 hours drive)

After breakfast, depart for Bandhavgarh, famous for its high tiger population. The landscape gradually changes from villages and farmland to dense jungle.

Arrival at your comfortable wildlife lodge near the park. Free time to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Overnight in a charming lodge.

Day 12 – Bandhavgarh National Park

Early morning departure for a safari in one of India’s top tiger reserves, known for its high tiger density. Besides tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and numerous bird species can also be spotted.


After lunch and some rest, enjoy an afternoon safari. Ancient ruins hidden within the jungle add a mystical atmosphere to the landscape.
Overnight at the lodge.

Day 13 – Bandhavgarh – Kanha National Park (250 km, 5 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Kanha National Park, with its vast sal forests and open grasslands that inspired The Jungle Book.


Afternoon at leisure to relax at your lodge, immersed in nature. Overnight in a beautiful tented camp. During this stay, all meals are included.

Day 14 – Kanha National Park

Morning safari in Kanha, famous for the rare barasingha deer and a healthy tiger population.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in a local Baiga village to learn about daily life and traditional practices. Followed by birdwatching around the park’s buffer zone.

Day 15 – Kanha – Pench National Park (200 km, 4.5 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Pench National Park, known for its diverse teak forests and open grasslands.


Afternoon at leisure or a short nature walk around the lodge. Overnight in a charming lodge.During this stay, all meals are included.

Day 16 – Pench National Park

Morning and afternoon safaris in the park, home to tigers, wild dogs, and numerous bird species.
The mix of forest and open terrain makes wildlife observation here especially engaging.
Overnight at the lodge.

Day 17 – Pench – Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (190 km, 4,5 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, one of India’s premier tiger parks known for its lush forests and thriving tiger population.


Arrival at an eco-lodge or resort near the park, nestled in the midst of nature. Enjoy a peaceful evening and overnight stay on a full-board basis.

Day 18 – Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Morning safari in the park to spot tigers, leopards, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, enjoy birdwatching and a guided nature walk with a local naturalist to learn about the park’s flora and fauna.
After sunset, participate in a camera trap experience, where you can see how researchers monitor wildlife using automated cameras.


Overnight at the resort.

Day 19 – Todaba – Nagpur – Mumbai (140 km, 3 hour transfer to Nagpur / Nagpur – Mumbai flight 1 hour)

After breakfast, transfer to Nagpur airport for a domestic flight to Mumbai.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 20 – Mumbai – Flight to Home Airport

Visit the iconic Gateway of India, built to commemorate the visit of King George V.
Panoramic drive along Marine Drive, also known as the “Queen’s Necklace.” Stop to admire the impressive Victorian architecture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (UNESCO) and visit the colorful Dhobi Ghat open-air laundry.


Later, transfer to the airport for your intercontinental flight home.

Day 21 – Arrival at Home Airport

Arrival at your home airport.

Hotel stays may vary depending on availability, which could result in price adjustments.
During Indian holiday periods, some hotels may charge additional fees.
Upgrades to more comfortable vehicles and luxury hotels are available for an extra charge.
It is recommended to carry multiple copies of your passport and visa, as these documents may be required for obtaining certain permits during your trip.

Use this link to apply for your visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/

Included in the price

  • Accommodation based on double occupancy, including breakfast. Other meals are included only when specifically indicated in the itinerary.
  • Domestic flight Nagpur – Mumbai
  • Air-conditioned car (Innova) with English-speaking driver throughout the trip.
  • Entrance fees to tourist sites and safaris.
  • All activities described in the program unless otherwise stated.
  • Availability of a Heart of India Travel representative throughout the journey.
  • Toll and parking fees.

Not included in the price

  • Other meals, snacks, and drinks.
  • Optional activities and extras.
  • International flight (approximately €650–700).
  • Tips and personal expenses.
  • Travel and cancellation insurance.

Estimated daily budget for items not included (meals, tours, tips) per person

Meals

  • Lunch or dinner: €2.50–4 per person
  • Mid-range, local restaurant, guesthouse, or 3-star hotel: €3.50–11 per person.
  • High-end restaurants or 4/5-star hotels: €11–25 per person.

Tours

  • 2–3 hour tour: €15–30.
  • Full-day tour: €50–100.
  • Extra safari: €35–60.

Visa

  • 30-day e-Tourist visa from €33.

Tips

  • In restaurants, tips are often included, and additional tipping is optional. Elsewhere, tipping is appreciated.
  • As wages are very low, it is recommended to tip at least 10%.
  • Hotels: bellboys and housekeeping typically receive €0.30–1.00.
  • Car with driver: a tip of approximately €1.20 per day is recommended.

Highlights of the trip

  • Delhi – Imperial Contrasts
  • Sariska – Silence & Ancient Rocks
  • Gwalior – Monumental Splendor
  • Khajuraho – Sculptural Refinement
  • Bandhavgarh – Iconic Tiger Jungle
  • Kanha – Golden Grasslands
  • Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve – Intimate Tiger Experience
  • Mumbai – A Stylish Farewell in the City That Never Sleeps

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