Private journeys across India · Replies within 24 hours
Reviewed by Mirza Shadab Beg, Founder, Travelage India, Agra · Last updated 24 October 2026
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Short answer: six days covers Bandhavgarh and Kanha. Spend two nights at Bandhavgarh, known for tiger density, drive about 250 km (155 miles) to Kanha for three nights, and take about five safaris with a naturalist. The parks are closed from about July to September, and no sighting can be guaranteed.
Madhya Pradesh holds some of India’s best tiger forests. Bandhavgarh is compact and known for high tiger density. Kanha is a broad park of sal forest and open meadows, home to the barasingha, or swamp deer, and said to be a setting for Kipling’s Jungle Book. Together they make a good first tiger trip.
The two parks are about 250 km (155 miles) apart, a long day by road, so we plan the transfer as a day of its own. Safaris are booked by zone and morning or afternoon, and we reserve them as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Tigers are wild and cannot be promised. Several safaris in two parks give you a good chance, and the forests are rewarding even without a sighting.
Met at Umaria station (about 35 km (22 miles) away) or Khajuraho airport (about 235 km (145 miles), five hours), and taken to your lodge. Afternoon safari, subject to zone and availability.
Morning and afternoon safaris in a private jeep with a naturalist. Rest at the lodge in between.
After a morning safari, drive about 250 km (155 miles) to Kanha (five to six hours). Arrive in the evening.
Morning and afternoon safaris. Kanha’s meadows are good for deer, gaur and birds as well as tigers.
One more morning safari, then a slow afternoon. We often add a village walk or a nature trail if you want a change from the jeep.
Drive about 165 km (105 miles) to Jabalpur (four hours) for your onward flight or train.
A wildlife trip depends on booked slots and early starts. Here is what we manage.
Seats in each park are limited and allotted by zone, so we book as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Tigers are wild animals and no operator can guarantee a sighting. More safaris improve your chances, and the forests are rewarding in themselves.
A government-approved guide joins you in each city, matched to the language and pace you prefer.
Your guide is chosen for the language you prefer and the things you love. Ask for Japanese or Russian and we will arrange it where we can.
Here is every leg with its distance and likely drive time. Times vary with traffic and stops.
| Leg | Distance | Drive time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umaria to Bandhavgarh | about 35 km (22 miles) | 45 minutes | Station pickup |
| Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh | about 235 km (145 miles) | 5 hours | Alternative arrival |
| Bandhavgarh to Kanha | about 250 km (155 miles) | 5 to 6 hours | The main transfer day |
| Kanha to Jabalpur | about 165 km (105 miles) | 4 hours | Onward flight or train |
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“We actually did 14 days which included a trip to Varanasi, then the Golden Triangle & out to Jaisalmer. Every step of the way we were accompanied by Bobby. Our Driver & coach was super, but focus on detail and ensuring that the safety & wellbeing of individual travellers was met, really put the trip at an all time high!”
“Shadab is a tireless worker. He has arranged our trip according to our wishes. He has also managed to promptly overcome any inconvenience or mistake during the trip.”
“…He was very responsive and was always available when we had any questions. He also recommended hotels and places to stay. He was very flexible with providing guides only for the requested days.”
“Very awesome experience.. extremely professional and courteous, the chauffeur and the guides were very knowledgeable and knew the way to maneuver the system. They were highly flexible in adapting to any changes in my schedule.”
“I went to India alone and had an amazing experience with my tour guide, shiraz. He showed me all the beautiful places that india has to offer and even brought to places that was not initially planned after requesting it to make sure that I was completely satisfied with my tour.”
“I had an amazing time with Kishan (driver) and Bobby (guide). They both are very polite, nice and easy going. Bobby taught me so many facts and interesting things about Taj Mahal and India Culture in general.”
The right route depends on your time and what you want to see. The highlighted row is the journey on this page.
| Journey | Time needed | How you travel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranthambore Tiger Safari from Jaipur | 2 days / 1 night | Private luxury car, two safaris | A quick tiger safari from Jaipur |
| Rajasthan Wildlife Tour | 7 days / 6 nights | Private luxury car, four safaris and a bird reserve | Tigers and birds in one route |
| Golden Triangle with Ranthambore | 7 days / 6 nights | Private luxury car, two safaris | Monuments and one tiger park |
| Bandhavgarh & Kanha Tiger Safari | 6 days / 5 nights | Private luxury car, five safaris | Central India tigers |
| Central India Tiger Safari Tour | 9 days / 8 nights | Private luxury car, seven safaris | Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh |
| India Wildlife & Culture Tour | 8 days / 7 nights | Private luxury car, three safaris | Taj, Khajuraho and a tiger park |
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Bandhavgarh is compact and known for high tiger density, and Kanha is larger, with beautiful meadows and more varied wildlife. Visiting both gives you the best of each.
At least four to five. A single safari rarely gives a good chance. We book two a day at each park.
No. Tigers are wild and no operator can guarantee a sighting, but several safaris improve the odds.
About 250 km (155 miles), roughly five to six hours by road.
October to June. The parks close in the monsoon, roughly July to September. March to June is hot but good for tigers.
By train to Umaria (about 35 km (22 miles) away), or by road from Khajuraho (about five hours) or Jabalpur (about four hours).
Yes. You have your own luxury car, driver and licensed guides. Nothing is shared with other travellers.
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Your driver meets you at Umaria station, Khajuraho airport or your hotel. Share your arrival details and we confirm everything the day before.
6 days / 5 nights. Starts at Umaria or Khajuraho and ends in Jabalpur, with a private luxury car and naturalist-led safaris.
The Madhya Pradesh parks are open from about October to June and closed during the monsoon, roughly July to September. Winter mornings in an open jeep are cold, so bring layers. March to June is hot but many guides rate it best for tigers, because animals come to water. Zone allocation and weekly closures change, and we confirm them when we book.
Neutral colours, layers for cold mornings, a hat and sunscreen. Avoid bright colours and perfume.
Jungle lodges are comfortable but vary, and many are quiet at night with limited nightlife. Tell us your preferences and we will choose accordingly.
