India: Tigers and Beyond

A luxury tour of central India, from the frenetic streets of New Delhi to the tiger-filled forests of Madhya Pradesh  

Ancient temples carved from solid granite, cities layered with history and diverse cultures, one of the most celebrated traditional cuisines in the world, sprawling forests alive with rare wildlife — this is India, authentic and unfiltered. 

Haggle your way through Delhi’s markets, rich with color and aroma, then step foot into tiger-filled forests in search of the real Shere Khan. Take a safari deep into the serene teak forests of Pench National Park, where leopard, sloth bear, and Indian wolf also await. Delve into Mumbai’s infectious Bollywood scene, where expert dancers will teach you how to shake your hips like a pro, and wander through mazey streets in search of ornate temples.  

Next, you’ll visit Rajasthan’s most romantic cities, staying in spectacular luxury properties drenched in history. In Jodhpur, stroll through its sky-blue streets, once a sign of high-ranking Brahmin priests, now a photographer’s dream. At Udaipur, retreat to the opulent Taj Lake Palace, a former royal residence of the Mewar dynasty built on a private island at the center of Lake Pichola. 

In between cities, look for leopard in Pali, the rock-strewn wilderness of Rajasthan, led by the Rabari tribe, a nomadic people distinctive for their fantastic red turbans and gleaming white garb.  

India: Tigers and Beyond: 16 Days / 15 Nights

India: Tigers & Beyond Trip Highlights

Journey from the frenetic streets of New Delhi to the tranquil forests of Pench and Kanha in search of tigers on this 16-day luxury India tour. 
Arrive in New Delhi and transfer to The Leela Palace, a regal luxury hotel in the heart of the city’s diplomatic enclave. Refresh from your travels in the rooftop infinity pool with sweeping skyline views and sample your first taste of Indian cuisine at Jamavar. Fit for a Maharaja, this opulent restaurant adds a modern touch to classics from across the subcontinent. Spend a day wandering the ancient streets of Old Delhi with a local guide, taking in the sprawling Chandni Chowk market, the imposing Red Fort, and the towering minarets of Jama Masjid. 
Leave the colorful chaos of Delhi’s streets behind and travel to Kanha National Park in search of India’s most beguiling creature: the Bengal tiger. You will spend three days in the park, taking safari drives deep into India’s central jungles with your guides. Sloth bears, leopards, and a vast array of birdlife also reside in the park.
Heading back west, arrive at Pench National Park for more exciting wildlife experiences, once again tracking Bengal tigers from the back of a safari jeep. After exhilarating days in the bush, spend your nights surrounded by the calm of the forest at Jamtara Wilderness Camp, a luxury tented camp just outside the Pench National Park. 
Take a day exploring Mumbai, the home of India’s infectious Bollywood film industry. Your guide will take you to a Bollywood dance class where a professional will show you some of Indian cinema’s most iconic routines. Retire to the Taj Mahal Palace, an elegant waterside hotel, and unwind with traditional Indian rejuvenation therapy at the Jiva Spa.  
Next, head to the alluring state of Rajasthan for a tour of its two most romantic cities, Jodhpur and Udaipur, with a stop-off to the rock-strewn wilderness of Pali in between. First, wander the old town streets of Jodhpur with your guide, as you explore the local customs and cuisine of the Blue City. Led by an expert, you’ll visit the city’s finest markets and shops for colorful textiles, such as bandhani, a beautiful tie-dye with intricate patterns.
Transfer to the remote Pali District, where humans and leopards have learned to live side by side in peace. Your game drives and walking safaris will be led by the Rabari tribe, a nomadic people who have inhabited the area for hundreds of years. Each day, you will search for leopards that have adapted to the barren, rocky slopes of Pali. Rest and recuperate at Sujan Jawai, a luxury tented camp with a strong focus on conservation. 
Leave the hills of Jawai behind for the shimmering waters of Udaipur, a historic Mewar city on the banks of three lakes. Staying at the resplendent Taj Lake Palace, spend a day getting the royal treatment (this hotel is located on an island on Pichola Lake and has a 24-hour concierge for each room and spa), cruising between lakes, and getting centered with rooftop yoga. 
Fly back to Delhi for your departure flight or continue your Indian Subcontinent adventure. 

Price

Starting at $13,880 per person based on two persons sharing in 2024

India: Tigers & Beyond on a Map

Peruse More India Travel Itineraries

Easy Extensions

After your adventure, add a few days in glittering Udaipur to soak in the serenity of the lakeside palaces. If you are seeking spirituality, add a visit to the cities of Amritsar or Varanasi, where culture and centuries-old rituals are on full display. For something entirely different, head north to the Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. India also pairs well with a trip to peak-studded Nepal.