What Does a Tiger Safari to India Actually Cost?
The honest answer is that there are two numbers you need to know: the tour package price and the total cost of attendance. Most searches surface one or the other. This guide gives you both, specifically for expert-guided Bengal tiger safaris from Australia to Kanha and Pench National Parks in Madhya Pradesh.
Junglee Wildlife Tours offers two India tiger safari packages. The prices below are live for 2026/27 departures and include everything once you land in Delhi.
The Two Tiger Safari Packages
Tiger Expedition
Kanha National Park only
approx. USD $1,854 at current rates
per person, twin sharing · +AUD $1,740 single supplement
- 6 Nights / 7 Days
- 6 safari drives in Kanha (private vehicle)
- Vivanta by Taj, New Delhi (2 nights)
- The Safari Lodge Kanha (4 nights, full board)
- Domestic flights Delhi - Raipur - Delhi
- All transfers and 24/7 concierge
- Nature walk and bush dinner
Tiger Marathon
Kanha and Pench National Parks
approx. USD $2,274 at current rates
per person, twin sharing · +AUD $1,740 single supplement
- 8 Nights / 9 Days
- 8 safari drives across two parks (private vehicle)
- Vivanta by Taj / Radisson Blu, New Delhi (2 nights)
- The Safari Lodge Kanha + Pench (6 nights, full board)
- Domestic flights Delhi - Raipur / Nagpur - Delhi
- All transfers and 24/7 concierge
- Nature walks, sunset picnic, bush dinners
All prices in AUD, with indicative USD shown for comparison. Package prices cover everything from your Delhi arrival to your Delhi departure. International flights are not included and are arranged separately - see the flights section below.
What Each Package Includes
Both packages are fully inclusive of the following once you land in New Delhi:
- All domestic flights within India - Delhi to Raipur (for Kanha access) and return via Nagpur
- All private road transfers between airports, lodges, and parks in air-conditioned vehicles
- Luxury lodge accommodation - full board (all meals, RO water, tea and coffee included) at boutique jungle lodges
- All safari drives in a private-use vehicle - you never share a jeep with strangers
- Trained naturalist guide and driver on every drive
- Special experiences - nature walks, sunset picnic by the lake (Kanha), outdoor bush dinner under the stars
- 24/7 concierge support throughout the trip
- Park zone permits are arranged as part of the logistics
International Flights from Australia
Flights are the largest variable in your budget and are booked separately from the tour package. The destination is New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), where the tour begins.
Qantas Direct: Melbourne to Delhi
Qantas operates a non-stop service between Melbourne (MEL) and New Delhi (DEL), typically running 3 flights per week (Monday, Thursday, Saturday) on an Airbus A330-200. This route is seasonal - it has historically operated October through late March, covering the shoulder and mid-season windows well. Verify current schedule directly with Qantas as seasonal dates vary each year.
Flight time Melbourne to Delhi is approximately 11 hours direct - by far the simplest routing from Australia. Sydney passengers can connect to the Melbourne-Delhi service via a short domestic Qantas hop.
Via Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur
Year-round options for all Australian cities connect through the major Asian hubs:
- Via Singapore (SIN): Singapore Airlines and Air India operate this routing. Consistently strong service and short connection times. Recommended for April-May peak season when the Qantas direct service has ended.
- Via Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Malaysia Airlines flies this route from Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. Competitive fares, convenient connections.
- Via Bangkok (BKK): Multiple carriers connect Australian cities through Bangkok to Delhi. Good option for Brisbane and north Queensland travellers.
| Route | Typical Return Cost | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne (MEL) to Delhi (DEL) direct Qantas non-stop, seasonal Oct-late Mar, 3x weekly |
AUD 1,400 - 2,200 | ~11 hrs direct |
| Melbourne or Sydney to Delhi via Singapore Singapore Airlines / Air India, year-round |
AUD 1,100 - 2,000 | 13-15 hrs (one stop) |
| Melbourne or Sydney to Delhi via Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Airlines, year-round |
AUD 1,000 - 1,800 | 13-16 hrs (one stop) |
| Brisbane or Perth to Delhi via Bangkok Multiple carriers via BKK |
AUD 1,200 - 2,000 | 14-17 hrs (one stop) |
Flight booking tips: Book 4-6 months ahead for the best rates. If you are travelling April-May (peak season), the Qantas direct to Melbourne will have ended for the season - book early via Singapore or KL as these routes fill up over Australian school holidays. Mid-week departures are consistently cheaper than Friday-Sunday. Always verify current Qantas direct schedule at qantas.com before booking as seasonal dates adjust year to year.
What You Pay Separately
Beyond the package price and flights, budget for the following:
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| India e-Visa | AUD 25 - 50 | Tourist visa for Australians. Online application via India's official visa portal. Allow 3-5 business days. Valid for 30 days, 90 days, or 1 year. |
| Travel insurance | AUD 180 - 400 | Per person for a 1-2 week trip. Must cover medical evacuation and wildlife activities. Do not skip this - medical evacuation from central India without insurance is very expensive. |
| Gratuities | AUD 200 (7-day) / AUD 300 (9-day) | Per person. Tipping is customary and warmly appreciated by guides, drivers, and lodge staff. Your guide provides a recommended tipping structure before departure. |
| Vaccinations and health prep | AUD 100 - 350 | Varies depending on your current vaccination status. Consult a travel medicine clinic 6-8 weeks before departure. Hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended. |
| Personal drinks and extras | AUD 100 - 300 | Alcoholic beverages beyond meals, premium items, laundry, and souvenirs. Most lodges have well-stocked bars - budget modestly. |
| Optional extensions | AUD 155 - 1,190 | New Delhi sightseeing (approx. AUD $230 for 2 guests), Taj Mahal extension - 2 days/1 night in Agra (AUD $1,190 for 2 guests), extra game drives (approx. AUD $245 per vehicle). All optional and bookable when you enquire. |
Total Cost of Attendance: What to Budget
Adding everything together, here is a realistic total cost of attendance for one person travelling with a partner (twin share) on each tour:
| Cost Component | Tiger Expedition (7 days) | Tiger Marathon (9 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Tour package | AUD $2,649 (~USD $1,854) | AUD $3,249 (~USD $2,274) |
| Return flights from Australia | AUD 1,200 - 2,000 | AUD 1,200 - 2,000 |
| Visa | ~AUD 40 | ~AUD 40 |
| Travel insurance | AUD 180 - 350 | AUD 200 - 400 |
| Gratuities | AUD 200 | AUD 300 |
| Personal extras | AUD 100 - 250 | AUD 150 - 300 |
| Total (per person, twin share) | AUD 4,370 - 5,490 | AUD 5,140 - 6,290 |
All package prices are quoted and charged in AUD. Any USD figures shown are indicative only, converted at an approximate AUD/USD rate of 0.70 so you can compare us against overseas operators - exchange rates fluctuate. Solo travellers should add the single supplement (AUD $1,740 on either tour) to the above figures.
Is there a cheaper time to travel? Yes. The October-February shoulder season typically offers lower flight fares than the March-May peak. Lodge rates may also be marginally lower in October-November. You will still see tigers - sighting rates are slightly lower than peak season but the park is lush and beautiful. See our best time to visit guide for a full breakdown.
Solo Traveller Pricing
The packages are priced on a twin-sharing basis. If you are travelling solo, a single supplement applies to cover the cost of sole use of a lodge room:
- Tiger Expedition: +AUD $1,740 single supplement (total: AUD $4,389 per person)
- Tiger Marathon: +AUD $1,740 single supplement (total: AUD $4,989 per person)
Solo travellers are welcome and common on both tours. When you enquire, let us know you are travelling solo and we will confirm availability and exact pricing for your preferred dates.
DIY vs. Expert-Guided: The Real Cost Comparison
Independent booking of a tiger safari to Kanha is technically possible. The real question is whether the savings are worth the tradeoffs. Here is what the comparison looks like in practice:
Booking Independently
- Park zone permits must be booked directly through the Forest Department online system - confusing, frequently changing, and best zones sell out months ahead
- Lodge selection without local knowledge often results in staying 30-60 minutes from the best wildlife zones
- Shared safari jeeps mean you cannot control stopping time or vehicle positioning for photography
- No guide to read alarm calls, pugmarks, or tiger behaviour - drastically lower sighting quality
- No in-country support if plans change, a drive is cancelled, or there is a health emergency
- Significant research and planning time (typically 30-50 hours for a first-timer)
Expert-Guided (Junglee)
- All permits, zone access, and logistics handled - including the best zones, which require advance booking knowledge
- Lodge selection optimised for proximity to core wildlife areas and photography conditions
- Private vehicle on every drive - guaranteed window seat, full control over stopping time
- Expert guides read the landscape: alarm calls, scent marks, pugmark direction - dramatically higher encounter quality
- Australia-based 24/7 support before departure and throughout the trip
- Zero planning burden once you confirm your booking
The raw price difference between DIY and a guided package is real. But independent travellers frequently discover that a poorly positioned lodge and shared vehicle translate into far fewer sightings per dollar spent. For a first-time tiger safari, the guided option consistently delivers more wildlife value.
How to Get More for Your Budget
Book early - 6 to 12 months ahead
The best safari zone permits and lodge rooms in peak season go early. Booking 6-12 months in advance also gives you time to find competitive international flights and spread your preparation costs.
Travel as a couple or pair
The single supplement is the biggest cost premium for solo travellers. If you can pair with a friend or travel partner, you split the lodge room cost and bring the per-person total down meaningfully.
Consider the shoulder season
October-December and January-February offer very good sighting conditions, lower international flight fares, and a lush, atmospheric park. If peak season flights push your budget, the shoulder season is a smart alternative. Tigers are active year-round in Kanha and Pench - it is vegetation density, not tiger behaviour, that changes with the seasons.
Combine the tiger safari with a cultural extension
If you are flying from Australia anyway, adding a Taj Mahal extension or Delhi sightseeing day does not add significantly to your flights cost and delivers extraordinary additional value. Both options can be added to either tour when you enquire.
Cost FAQs
Is a deposit required to confirm my booking?
Yes. A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking and secure accommodation. The balance is due 90 days before departure. This effectively spreads the cost across your booking period.
What if I need to cancel?
The cancellation policy is: 100% refund with 90+ days notice; 70% refund with 90-61 days notice; 50% refund with 60-45 days notice; no refund with less than 45 days notice. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation from your deposit date.
Can I pay in Australian dollars?
Package prices are listed and charged in AUD, so you know exactly what you will pay with no exchange rate surprises. USD figures are shown alongside as a reference point if you are comparing us against overseas operators. Payment instructions and accepted methods are confirmed when you enquire and book.
Are there any park entry fees charged separately?
No. All national park and safari zone entry fees are included in the package price. This is one of the key advantages of booking through Junglee - park fees in Kanha and Pench add up quickly when booked independently.
Does the price include wildlife photography equipment hire?
No, but all safari vehicles are set up with beanbags for vehicle-mounted shooting. Bring your own camera and telephoto lens. A 200-600mm range is recommended. See our tiger safari guide for full photography kit recommendations.
Ready to Get a Quote?
Tell us your preferred dates, party size, and whether you are interested in a 7-day or 9-day tour. We respond within 24 hours with a full breakdown and itinerary.
- Tiger Expedition - 7 days, Kanha National Park, from AUD $2,649/person
- Tiger Marathon - 9 days, Kanha and Pench, from AUD $3,249/person