Kanha National Park: India's Tiger Capital
The Tiger Expedition offers an intimate, focused experience in Kanha National Park, arguably India's finest and most photogenic tiger reserve. Spanning over 940 sq km of core zone and surrounded by a buffer of nearly 1,000 sq km, Kanha provides unrivalled open-country sightings of India's apex predator.
Unlike multi-destination tours that divide your time across parks, the Tiger Expedition keeps you anchored in Kanha, allowing you to build deep familiarity with individual tigers, their home ranges, and the landscape, dramatically increasing the quality and intimacy of every encounter.
🌿 Kanha's Unique Advantage: Kanha's open maidans (meadows) allow you to see tigers from up to 300 metres, in perfect light, without obstruction, a luxury impossible in denser forest parks. For wildlife photographers, Kanha is simply unmatched.
Itinerary Overview
On arrival in New Delhi, our representative receives you and transfers you to your comfortable city hotel (drive under 30 min). Check in, relax, and enjoy dinner. Overnight at Vivanta by Taj, New Delhi.
Early morning check-out and transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Raipur (approx. 1.5 hours; meal included on board). On arrival, transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to Kanha National Park (approx. 4 hours). Lunch on arrival, then time to unwind at the lodge. In the evening, head out on a nature walk with a resident naturalist, culminating in a beautiful sunset picnic by the private lake. Dinner and overnight at The Safari Lodge Kanha.
Three full days of double-shift safaris in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Each morning, head out on a game drive with a packed picnic breakfast for a chance to encounter the elusive Tiger, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs, Indian Gaur, Barasingha, Jackal, and more. Return to the lodge to refresh, relax, and enjoy lunch. Post lunch, embark on an evening game drive to track and observe more wildlife.
On your final evening in Kanha, you will be treated to an outdoor bush dinner under the stars, with a bonfire for warmth. Dinner and overnight at The Safari Lodge Kanha throughout.
A leisurely morning at the lodge. After breakfast, check out and transfer by private vehicle to Nagpur airport (approx. 2 hours) for your domestic return flight to New Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, our representative transfers you to your comfortable city hotel for time to relax. Dinner and overnight at Vivanta by Taj, New Delhi.
Breakfast and check-out. Transfer to the international airport (drive under 30 min) as per your international flight schedule. A fond farewell to an unforgettable tiger safari.
Destination
Kanha National Park
India's largest tiger reserve, spanning over 940 sq km of core zone. Famous for its open maidans (meadows) that give unobstructed views of tigers at distance, its conservation-icon Barasingha, and well-habituated tigers that are among the most-photographed in India. UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve.
Where You'll Stay
| Hotel / Lodge | Category | Room | Nights | Board Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vivanta by Taj, New Delhi | Luxury | Standard room | 2 nights (Day 1 & Day 6) | Dinner on Day 1; Breakfast & Dinner on Day 6; Breakfast on Day 7 |
| The Safari Lodge Kanha by Safari Lodges India | Boutique luxury | Jungle Cottage | 4 nights (Days 2–5) | Full board (All meals, RO water, Tea & Coffee) |
Inclusions & Exclusions
✓ What's Included
- Domestic Flights (Delhi → Raipur → Delhi)
- Domestic flight baggage: 15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin per person, ideal for camera gear as carry-on
- Roundtrip transfers between Raipur and Kanha in private Toyota Innova or similar
- Accommodation on single or twin-sharing basis with meals included
- 6 game drives in Kanha Tiger Reserve in a private-use vehicle
- Trained driver & guide on all game drives
- Nature walk with resident naturalist
- Sunset picnic experience by the private lake
- Outdoor bush dinner under the stars with bonfire
- Roundtrip domestic flights (New Delhi to Raipur to New Delhi)
- All ground transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle (Raipur to Kanha to Nagpur)
- Airport transfers in New Delhi in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- 24×7 concierge service for the entire duration of the trip
✕ Not Included
- International Flights, Visa & Medical Insurance
- Food and beverages not specifically listed in the itinerary
- Telephone charges, gratuities, and other personal items
- Laundry
- Excess baggage fees on domestic flights (beyond 15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin), payable directly to the airline
- Any items or services not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Optional Extensions
- Additional game drives: AUD $250 per safari (up to 4 guests)
- Day use car in New Delhi (8 hours / 80 km): AUD $160 per car (up to 4 guests)
- New Delhi sightseeing tour (half day, air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide, monument entry fees included): AUD $240 for 2 guests. Please contact us for single guest rates.
- Taj Mahal extension (2 days / 1 night, Agra): AUD $1,190 for 2 guests. Please contact us for single guest rates.
Cancellation Policy
- 📅 90 or more days before departure: Deposit refundable, less any non-recoverable third-party costs (bank, airline, accommodation, permits)
- 📅 89 to 61 days before departure: 70% refund of the total tour price, excluding non-recoverable costs
- 📅 60 to 45 days before departure: 50% refund of the total tour price, excluding non-recoverable costs
- 📅 Fewer than 45 days before departure: No refund
A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The balance is due 90 days before departure.
Kanha's Wildlife: What to Expect
Kanha supports one of India's healthiest tiger populations with over 100 tigers in the reserve. Beyond tigers, the biodiversity is remarkable:
- Bengal Tiger: Kanha's resident tigers are among the most-studied and best-photographed in India
- Barasingha (Swamp Deer): Kanha's conservation icon; saved from extinction right here
- Indian Leopard: secretive but regularly encountered at dusk
- Sloth Bear: frequently seen at termite mounds throughout the reserve
- Gaur (Indian Bison): massive bovines grazing the meadows
- Wild Boar, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer: the prey base that attracts tigers to open areas
- Birds: Indian Pitta, Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Serpent Eagle: 300+ species recorded
About Junglee Wildlife Tours
Every Junglee Wildlife Tours itinerary is personally curated by Krishna and led by experienced guides and naturalists at the destination. Krishna's deep understanding of tiger behaviour, forest ecology, and wildlife photography shapes every itinerary to position your group for the optimal sighting and the perfect photograph.
⭐ 5.0-star rated: Junglee Wildlife Tours holds a perfect rating from all past guests. Small groups, expert local knowledge, and a genuine passion for wildlife conservation make every tour a trip to remember.
Important Information
Best Time to Visit
Kanha National Park is open October to June. The Tiger Expedition is scheduled during the optimal window. Peak sighting months are March–May when summer heat concentrates wildlife near water sources. See the full month-by-month timing guide for a complete seasonal breakdown.
Getting There
International flights to New Delhi, then a connecting domestic flight to Raipur (RPR). Return is also via Raipur back to Delhi. Junglee handles all in-country logistics and transfers. Your tour coordinator will provide a full pre-departure brief.
Physical Requirements
No strenuous physical activity. Safaris are conducted from 4WD vehicles. A moderate level of fitness is helpful for the nature walk. All ages welcome.
What to Bring
- Camera with telephoto lens (200–600mm recommended); binoculars
- Neutral-coloured, breathable clothing (khaki, olive, tan, no white or bright colours)
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medications
- Comfortable walking shoes; sandals for the lodge
- Lightweight layers for early morning safari cold
Why Choose the Tiger Expedition?
If you have 7 days and want the deepest India tiger experience, the Tiger Expedition is the right choice. Staying in one park means:
- No long inter-park transfers eating into safari time
- Guides and naturalists come to recognise you: tips specific to your position and interests
- Returning to the same zone multiple times builds familiarity with individual tigers
- More safari drives per day than a multi-park itinerary
Want to cover both Kanha and Pench? See our Tiger Marathon (9 Days).
Planning Your Safari
Two guides written specifically for Australians booking this trip:
- Best Time for a Tiger Safari in India - month-by-month seasons, Australian school holiday alignment, when to book
- Tiger Safari India Cost for Australians - package pricing, flights, visa, tips and total budget