ARRIVAL DAY:

You will schedule your flights to Raipur through Delhi or Mumbai, and with the time difference and long journey, you may wish to spend a night or two in one of those cities. On Day 1 of your trip, fly from Delhi or Mumbai via a domestic flight to Raipur.

DAY ONE: KANHA BEGINS

Our tour officially begins with a pick up from Raipur airport. Plan your flight to arrive between 8 am and 11 am, and your guide will be there to greet you. If you’re early, you may be sent to the park right away, or we’ll grab some refreshments at a local hotel restaurant.

One of the largest and most scenic National Parks in India, Kanha National Park is an ideal habitat for both tigers and their prey. The lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines of Kanha shelter a significant population of rare species such as tiger, leopard and sloth bear. Kanha’s mixed forests are interspersed with vast meadows known as maidens, where perennial streams provide a source of water for the wildlife even in the hot summers.

Kanha meadow, with its hundreds of chital grazing on a carpet of green grass against the backdrop of the majestic Sal forest, is well known for its endangered swamp deer, or hard ground barasingha, which populate the large open tracks of grass amidst the forests of teak and bamboo. Brought back from the brink of extinction, these handsome animals are a remarkable conservation success story for Kanha.

We will stay for 4 nights at the historic Kanha Jungle Lodge, one of the original lodges in this area, built by the founder of Project Tiger, one of the earliest tiger conservation initiatives in India.

Kanha Jungle Lodge is spread over approximately 10.6 acres with 18 spacious rooms which are made up of locally available materials. The rooms have big windows/doors of glass to welcome lots of natural light and air to come in, thus reducing the burden on artificial lighting. The lodge is actively working for the training of local guides, forest guards community awareness programs on environmental issues, medical camps for villagers around various national parks etc.  There is also a medicinal garden in the lodge where different varieties of medicinal plants are grown along with brief descriptions of their medicinal uses and parts used. We’ll enjoy nature walks along the river to explore the native plants and enjoy the vibrant bird life around the lodge.

DAY TWO TO FOUR: KANHA NATIONAL PARK    

You will wake up to misty mornings and sounds of birds calling, which will make for an exciting start to your day. As soon as dawn breaks, we’ll leave for your Jungle Safari, accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest park guides in 4x 4 Jeeps. We’ll be treated to panoramic views of the landscape made famous by “The Jungle Book”, and open vehicles give us space to listen to the sounds of the jungle, tracking tigers through the sound of mating calls, alarm calls, distress calls or just a casual roar. We’ll tour the park, keeping our eyes wide open for wild animal sightings, and enjoy a picnic breakfast in the middle of the Jungle. We’ll return to our lodge later each morning to leisure or go for a guided nature walk and have lunch.

In the afternoon we’ll continue with our safari adventure and later return to our lodge for a gourmet buffet dinner and star gazing around the campfire.

Additional program activities at Kanha include:

Cooking classes: We’ll learn how to make masala chai and some simple snacks like pakora or crispy okra, Indian breads and curry. We’ll learn about Indian spices how they can be used and their secret medicinal uses.

Sari draping: We’ll learn the art of the traditional Indian sari-style dress and have a fun evening learning traditional dance moves! Both turban winding and donning a sari are intricate processes, each requiring deft handling of four meters or 13 feet of fabric. Learn the intricacies of draping a sari and dress up like a local lady, under the watchful eye and guidance of a ‘sari-draping’ expert.

Henna Tattoo (Mehandi) Demonstration: Mehndi is a ceremonial art form which originated in the ancient Indian subcontinent. It is typically applied during weddings – for brides. Traditional Hindu or Sikh weddings in India can often be long, ritualistic, and elaborate affairs with many pre-wedding, wedding and post wedding ceremonies. Different countries and regions of a country celebrate the ceremonies in different ways according to their own marriage customs, rituals, and culture. While it is popularly known as decorative material & in this process, we provide a local artist to decorate your hands by applying Henna tattoo on your hands.

Nature walks: Take in the sounds, sights and smells of the jungle. Our nature walks are designed in a way to encourage you to use all your senses, to be present in the moment, to learn to identify birds from their calls and plants from their leaves. Let our naturalist guides regale you with tales from the bush, let them teach you about the forest and how all its inhabitants contribute to our survival.

Elephant Observation: Elephants and park conservation staff engage in forest activities such as tracking tigers and patrolling against poachers. The elephants are then brought down to the Banjar River in the afternoon, where you can see them splashing in mud and bathing in the river, brushed down by their Mahouts.

DAY FIVE: PENCH NATIONAL PARK 

After your leisurely breakfast, we’ll drive 4 hours on to Pench National Park.

Pench National Park has been one of the best-kept secrets among wildlife enthusiasts who have long been acquainted with and bedazzled by its immensely varied flora and fauna. Dominated by a fairly open canopy of mixed forest, predominantly teak, with open grassy patches, the park boasts the highest density of herbivores in any Indian park. It has a large diversity of wildlife, including Leopard, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Dhole (Wild Dog), Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Mongoose, Gaur and the highest density of Herbivores including Cheetal (Spotted Deer) and Sambar.

We’ll arrive at our next jungle home, in the village of Jamtara, near Pench National Park. Jamtara Wilderness Lodge is a luxury tented property in the heart of rural Pench.

Surrounded by tall Arjuna Trees and an ancient Banyan rooted on a dry riverbed, each tented room overlooks the forest which set the perfect background to this jungle experience, each luxury tent is designed to feel light and open, allowing guests the optimum view of nature.  With the option of rolling up the front panels of the tent, you can bring the outside in but still being in the privacy of your own room.  Although, these are tented rooms and the bathroom has been made into a permanent structure for the comfort of the guests. “Glamping” at its finest! While many may sleep inside the tent, some may feel a little more connected with nature and have the option of sleeping outside on their patio.  Mosquito netting will keep the bugs away, quilts and hot water bottles will keep you cozy at night.

Since we also believe in supporting the community of our lodge, a “Machaan” night can be booked, to enjoy sleeping under the stars, just like the villagers. These Machaans are built on the land of the farmers and an amount of the night’s rate will be paid to the farmer.  Sleeping up high on stilts will allow you to watch the sky and everything below…

DAY SIX TO SEVEN: JAMTARA WILDERNESS          

Each morning will feature Jungle Safaris, accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest Park guide in 4x 4 Jeeps. Meals will be at the camp. 

In the afternoons, we’ll also enjoy daily nature walks led by our naturalist guide or a safari. Located at the edge of the wildlife-rich buffer zone forests at the northern end of Pench Tiger Reserve and separated from the core area by a narrow tongue of seasonal crop land, Jamtara Wilderness is perfectly placed to explore the jungle on foot – the only way to truly appreciate and experience the wilderness in its adrenaline-tingling, fascinating entirety.

Separated from the jungle by a dry nallah that is the nighttime corridor for much wildlife including leopard, this prime location allows you the fantastic opportunity to head out into the jungle at first light searching for tracks of big cats including the tigers that frequent these forests and the evidence of their potential prey. As with all of Pench, the Jamtara forests too are dense with a rich variety of figs whose prolific fruiting acts like an ecological force multiplier attracting frugivorous mammals and a multitude of birds both fruit-eating and those hawking for the insects that cluster around the figs.

It is not just the richness of wildlife that makes a walk in the Jamtara forests so special; it is the isolation- no other lodges or camps, no great congregations of villages – allowing you the incredible privilege of waiting undisturbed in a forest clearing watching and photographing all the many little things that make a jungle come alive or waiting for a leopard to move from its kill or even quietly following the pack of wild dogs that live here as they trot half-seen through the trees. This is indeed a unique offering at Jamtara.

DAY EIGHT: SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, we’ll drive 5 hours to Satpura National Park, where we will be based at the luxurious Reni Pani Jungle Lodge.

In the afternoon we’ll head out for a canoe ride on Satpura River. Each canoe will include a local guide to show you the sweetest wildlife watching spots along the river and estuary. The calmness of water may be interrupted occasionally by the honking of Bar Headed Geese or the deafening screeches of a Black Ibis. We’ll drift in narrow creeks observing hordes of grazing herbivores on the shores and possibly sighting an alligator basking in the sun. This is water-level dependent, and if it’s not possible, we’ll head out on a safari or a walk.

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge is an exquisitely designed conservation and wildlife-focused lodge located close to the Satpura National park and Tiger Reserve. It features 12 luxury cottages encompassing 3 distinct structural designs, a cozy central meeting place called the Gol Ghar & a jungle pool located along its seasonal nullah. It’s spread over 30 acres of striking forest cover typical of Satpura. The camp-site features exactly what a nature lover would want, magnificent trees, a sprawling meadow, a seasonal nullah, uneven yet beautiful topography & waterholes that attract several species of birds & animals.

The Satpura Tiger Reserve is an amalgamation of the Satpura National Park, the Bori Wild Life Sanctuary & the Pachmarhi Sanctuary. This prime wildlife habitat is relatively unknown & is rightly believed to be one of India’s best-kept secrets. Here, we can explore true wilderness without the crowds. The park offers a diverse & unique range of activities. Apart from Jeep, Elephant & Boat Safaris, Satpura is the only park of its kind in Central India that offers Walking Safaris, giving enthusiasts a ‘one of a kind’ opportunity to explore tiger country on foot.

You are likely to sight Leopards, Sloth Bear, Indian Wild Dogs, hordes of Indian Gaur, Sambhar plus other herbivores found in Central India. Satpura is also the Northern most range of the Malabar Giant Squirrel. The sheer diversity of animals, the presence of several bird species, numerous species of endemic butterflies & the luxury of exploring this 1,500 square km expanse of classic Central Indian wildlife habitat in so many different ways make Satpura a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.

DAY NINE: SATPURA UNDER CANVAS

Satpura Under Canvas is a unique mobile camping and walking expedition through the Satpura forest. After morning safari, depart from Reni Pani Jungle Lodge to an exclusive campsite set up. After settling in guests will be escorted by expert naturalist for an evening walking safari in the core area of the Satpura National Park. Although the walk will focus on the smaller aspects of the forest like tracks and signs, flora, butterflies, wildflowers and insects, guests can also expect to see a wide array of Central Indian birds including Black Naped Orioles, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Crested  Hawk Eagles, Grey Headed Fish Eagles and many more.

You will also get a chance to see common mammals like the Sambar Deer, Nilgai, Gaur, Four-horned Antelope, Muntaj, Indian Giant Squirrel and if lucky even the Sloth Bear, Leopard and Wild Dog. You will spend the night at the campsite.

DAY TEN: SATPURA SAFARI           

After an early breakfast, we will set out on a morning walking safari.

In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a final game drive in the park. Apart from tigers this expanse of dry deciduous forest and is home to a number of species of animals, leopards, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bear, Indian Gaur, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Cheetal, Nilgai, Barking Deer, Black Buck and langoor are amongst the widely viewed animals here. The forest’s true wilderness and limited exposure to human pressure have enabled it to host some rare Indian fauna including the Hyena, the Flying Squirrel, and the porcupine. Satpura Tiger Reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise.

We’ll return to overnight at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge.

DAY ELEVEN: FAREWELL

After a leisurely and hearty breakfast at the lodge, we will say our farewells and drive 4 hours to Bhopal airport to connect with your international flight to Delhi or other destination.

You may also continue onwards to our wonders of Agra and Varanasi extension-see above!

EXTEND YOUR STAY IN INDIA!

If you would like to extend your journey with us in India, we offer a unique 3-night program to tour the wonders of Agra and Varanasi. The extension tour is an additional $1,695 USD. This extension is only offered as an add on to to the Jungles & Jewels Adventure.

Please contact adventure@wildwomenexpeditions.com to book!

DAY ELEVEN: BHOPAL TO AGRA

From Bhopal, transfer to the railway station to board the 6-hour train ride to Agra.

Dinner and Accommodation will be at the ITC Mughal Hotel.

DAY TWELVE: THE TAJ MAHAL    

At sunrise, we’ll visit the world-famous, architectural wonder, the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.

After the Taj we’ll head for breakfast to Sheroes Cafe, run by survivors of acid-attacks, to celebrate and be inspired by the courageous Indian women who are rebuilding their lives and livelihoods in the wake of extreme violence.

Following, we’ll take a visit to the marble and embroidery shops to learn about the traditional artistry of India and perhaps find a unique treasure to bring home with us!

Later transfer to Agra airport to take a 2-hour flight on to Varanasi.

Varanasi, known to the devout as Kashi, is said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe. One of the oldest living cities in the world, and also one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, Varanasi is a major tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, the city has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years.

We’ll spend 2 nights at an enchanting garden lodge, the Panchkote Raj Ganges. Located on the banks of the Ganges, it is a living testimony to the great values and extraordinary hospitality of the bygone era. Varanasi may have changed over the years but the atmosphere of tranquillity and serenity still remains inside the Panchkote Raj House. Immerse yourself in an environment of blissful silence accompanied by nearby melodies of chants that emerge from the temple nearby.

DAY THIRTEEN: VARANASI

This will be a magical day of adventure in one of the great spiritual centers of civilization.

We’ll set out on a sunrise boat ride on River Ganges to see people praying and bathing and to witness burning ghat.

Later, we’ll walk through the mystical landscape of poets, sacred temples, holy ponds near Assighat, the southernmost embankment of the holy Ganga river, in the footsteps of 16th century Banaras poet and mystic Pandit Goswami Tulsidas,  translator of the sacred Ramayana text.

We’ll take a walking tour of the city alongside the Ganges, to visit the Goddess temples and learn about Devis and the worship of the feminine Shakti in India, from ancient times to the present day.

In the evening, we are back to the Ganges for glittering evening Aarti (prayer) ceremony and a sunset cruise on the Ganges. Here you will witness striking religious rituals being performed—a truly unique experience.

DAY FOURTEEN: VARANASI DEPARTURE

After breakfast and a sunrise yoga session on the banks of the Ganga, we’ll offer a transfer to Varanasi airport to catch your flight for the onward destination, or you can stay on in Varanasi to explore more at your leisure!