Overview: India's Greatest Tiger Safari
The Tiger Marathon is Junglee Wildlife Tours' most comprehensive India safari, designed for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers who want the very best chance of encountering the majestic Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in its natural habitat.
Over eight days, you'll explore two of central India's premier tiger reserves: the vast meadows and sal forests of Kanha National Park and the dense teak-bamboo woodland of Pench National Park, the landscape that inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book.
🐯 Why two parks? Kanha and Pench have distinctly different ecosystems, each offers unique opportunities. Kanha's open grasslands give superb visibility for photography; Pench's dense forest creates dramatic, atmospheric encounters. Together, they provide an unmatched India tiger experience.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
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 or Radisson Blu Plaza, 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.
Two 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 Tiger, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs, Indian Gaur, Barasingha, Jackal, and more. Return to the lodge to refresh 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 Kanha lodge. After a hearty breakfast, check out and transfer to Pench Tiger Reserve (approx. 3.5 hours). Check in to your luxury lodge, followed by lunch and time to relax. Explore the nature library, take a dip in the swimming pool, or enjoy a spa session. Dinner and overnight at The Safari Lodge Pench.
Two full days of double-shift safaris in Pench Tiger Reserve. Morning game drives depart with a packed picnic breakfast for a chance to encounter the Tiger. Pench is also renowned for its reliable Leopard sightings. Return to the lodge to refresh and relax. Post lunch, embark on an evening game drive to track and observe more wildlife. Dinner and overnight at The Safari Lodge Pench throughout.
A leisurely morning at the Pench 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 or Radisson Blu Plaza, 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 extraordinary tiger safari across two of India's finest reserves.
Destinations
Kanha National Park
India's largest tiger reserve. Famous for Barasingha (swamp deer), open meadows, and well-habituated tigers. Home to over 100 tigers. UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve.
Pench National Park
The original Jungle Book landscape. Dense teak forests, scenic river pools, leopard sightings, wild dogs (dholes), and tigers with renowned personalities like Collarwali.
Where You'll Stay
| Hotel / Lodge | Category | Room | Nights | Board Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vivanta by Taj or Radisson Blu Plaza New Delhi |
Luxury | Standard room | 2 nights (Day 1 & Day 8) | Dinner on Day 1; Breakfast & Dinner on Day 8; Breakfast on Day 9 |
| The Safari Lodge Kanha by Safari Lodges India Kanha National Park |
Boutique luxury | Jungle Cottage | 3 nights (Days 2–4) | Full board (All meals, RO water, Tea & Coffee) |
| The Safari Lodge Pench by Safari Lodges India Pench National Park |
Boutique luxury | Jungle Cottage | 3 nights (Days 5–7) | Full board (All meals, RO water, Tea & Coffee) |
Inclusions & Exclusions
✓ What's Included
- ✓Roundtrip domestic flights (New Delhi to Raipur, Nagpur to New Delhi)
- ✓Domestic flight baggage: 15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin per person, ideal for camera gear as carry-on
- ✓All ground transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle (Raipur to Kanha to Pench to Nagpur)
- ✓Airport transfers in New Delhi in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- ✓Accommodation and meal plans as per itinerary on double occupancy
- ✓4 game drives in Kanha Tiger Reserve in a private-use vehicle
- ✓4 game drives in Pench Tiger Reserve in a private-use vehicle
- ✓Trained driver & guide on all game drives
- ✓Nature walk with resident naturalist in Kanha
- ✓Sunset picnic experience in Kanha
- ✓Outdoor bush dinner experience in Kanha & Pench
- ✓24×7 concierge service for the entire duration of the trip
✕ Not Included
- ✕International flights, visa & medical insurance
- ✕Food and beverages not listed in inclusions
- ✕Telephone charges, gratuities & personal items
- ✕Laundry
- ✕Excess baggage fees on domestic flights (beyond 15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin), payable directly to the airline
- ✕Any services not listed 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.
Wildlife You May Encounter
Kanha and Pench together harbour an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. While the Bengal tiger is the headline act, the cast of supporting wildlife is spectacular in its own right:
- Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), India's apex predator; Kanha and Pench are among the best places in the world for encounters
- Indian Leopard, more secretive than tiger, but frequently photographed at dawn/dusk
- Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), Pench has packs of these highly social hunters
- Sloth Bear, termite mounds throughout both parks support healthy populations
- Gaur (Indian Bison), the world's largest bovine, found in Kanha's meadows
- Barasingha (Swamp Deer), Kanha's 'jewel'; a conservation success story
- Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, abundant prey species, essential for reading tiger activity
- Indian Roller, Crested Serpent Eagle, Malabar Pied Hornbill, key bird species
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.
Why Choose the Tiger Marathon?
If you have 9 days and want the broadest India tiger experience, the Tiger Marathon is the right choice. Two parks means:
- Two distinct ecosystems (Kanha's open meadows and Pench's dense teak forest) in a single trip
- Double the territory, double the tiger population, and a far wider cast of wildlife
- Pench's reliable leopard sightings and dhole packs that Kanha-only tours miss entirely
- The full arc of Central India's wilderness, from Barasingha grasslands to Jungle Book forest
Want to focus exclusively on Kanha? See our Tiger Expedition (7 Days).
Important Information
Best Time to Visit
Kanha and Pench National Parks are open October to June. The Tiger Marathon is scheduled during the optimal window. Peak sighting months are March-May when summer heat concentrates wildlife near water. See the full month-by-month timing guide for a complete seasonal breakdown.
Getting There
International flights to New Delhi, then connecting domestic flight to Raipur (RPR) to reach Kanha. The return journey is via Nagpur (NAG). 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 village walks. 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 camp
- Lightweight layers for early morning safari cold
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