The Big Cats of India Safari Tour
25 nights/26 days
Tour of The Big Cats of India Tour
The Bengal Tiger, the Asian Leopard, the Snow Leopard, and the Indian Leopard may all be found in their natural habitat in India, which is a fortunate circumstance. Our Big Cats of India Tour will take you to some of the most breathtaking wildlife sanctuaries in India, including Ulley Valley, Ranthambore, Sasan Gir National Park, and Bera, so you can get up close and personal with some of the world’s most beautiful big cats in their natural habitats.
You will have the opportunity to witness the majestic Lion, the legendary Tiger, the graceful Leopard, and of course, the elusive Snow Leopard as you go from the scrub forests of Gir National Park to the snow-covered vastness of the spellbinding Himalayas. This trip of a lifetime will provide you the opportunity to see some of the rarest and most coveted animals in the planet, and it will have your heart racing for what feels like weeks on end. Make your reservation with Tiger Safari India NOW to see the Big Cats of India.
What you will experience on this tour.
From the best of the Indian wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Black Leopard, Snow Leopard, Asiatic Lion, and the Red Panda to premium wildlife lodges, luxury city hotels, experienced naturalists and guides, we cover them all for your must-in-a-lifetime experience of Tiger Safari in India.
Outline Itinerary: The Big Cats of India Tour
- Day 01 : Arrival in New Delhi
- Day 02 : New Delhi – Leh (flight)
- Day 03 : Leh Sightseeing
- Day 04 : Leh – Ulley (77 km, 4-hour drive)
- Day 05 : Ulley
- Day 06 - 07 : Ulley
- Day 08 - 09 : Ulley
- Day 10 : Ulley – Leh (77 km, 4-hour drive)
- Day 11 : Leh – New Delhi (flight)
- Day 12 : New Delhi – Jabalpur – Bandhavgarh (flight + 200 kms/4 hrs. drive)
- Day 13 : Bandhavgarh
- Day 14 : Bandhavgarh
- Day 15 : Bandhavgarh – Kanha (280 kms, 6-hour drive)
- Day 16 : In Kanha
- Day 17 : In Kanha
- Day 18 : Kanha – Raipur – New Delhi (220 kms, 4-hour drive + flight)
- Day 19 : New Delhi – Udaipur – Bera (flight + 140 kms, 3-hour drive)
- Day 20 : In Bera
- Day 21 : Bera – Ahmedabad (by road, 280 kms, 5-6-hour drive)
- Day 22 : Ahmedabad – Sasan Gir (by road, 350 kms, 6-7-hour drive)
- Day 23 : In Sasan Gir
- Day 24 : In Sasan Gir
- Day 25 : Gir – Rajkot – Delhi (180 kms, 3-hour drive + flight)
- Day 26 : New Delhi – Departure
Detailed Itinerary for the Big Cats of India Tour
Day 01 : Arrival in New Delhi
Meet and greet on arrival at New Delhi airport by our representative. He will transfer you to the Hotel, assist you in check in at the hotel, handover and explain all the travel related documents. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 02 : New Delhi – Leh (flight)
Packed breakfast from the hotel. Early transfer to the airport to board your flight to Leh. On arrival transfer to the hotel. When you fly to Leh from Delhi there is around 3000m altitude jump in a short period of time, so acclimatization is the most important factor for all flying in this region. Overnight at the hotel in Leh.
IMPORTANT
In order to prevent acute mountain sickness, it is necessary to take Diamox 250 mg twice daily three days prior to the journey and three days into the trip. If you have any medical concerns, please see your physician before using this medication. In 48 hours, one will swiftly ascend in altitude, necessitating this precaution.
Day 03 : Leh Sightseeing
Breakfast at the hotel. Head out with your guide to visit the Shanti Stupa. The history of Shanti Stupa Ladakh speaks a lot about the ideology behind its construction. It was built in 1991 by Gyomyo Nakamura who was a Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu. The motive behind building this structure was to promote world peace and prosperity. It was a part of the Peace Pagoda mission and has a lot of religious significance too. Moreover, the structure holds the relics of Lord Buddha in its base. It is believed that these relics were enshrined here by the 14th Dalai Lama.
After Shanti Stupa, visit the Thiksey Monastery. This is a Tibetan Style monastery located south of Leh on the Leh- Manali highway. It is, perched majestically in the Indian Himalayas near Leh, Ladakh, is a striking Buddhist haven. Established in the 15th century, its sprawling complex houses a series of whitewashed buildings resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The main assembly hall boasts a 49-foot-high Maitreya Buddha statue, an awe-inspiring manifestation of compassion. As a significant Gelugpa sect monastery, Thikse echoes with daily prayers, vibrant ceremonies, and the rhythmic chants of monks.
The panoramic views from its hilltop location are breathtaking, offering a spiritual retreat amidst the serene mountainous landscape, making Thikse Monastery a cherished cultural and religious gem in the Himalayan region. Post Thiksey, drive to Alchi Monastery, built in the 11th century by the Great Translator, Rinchen Zangpo. The temples here are among the most important in Ladakh, with wall paintings of some of the oldest surviving in the region. It also has some massive statues of the Buddha, showing a decidedly Kashmiri influence in their artistic style. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, spend some time in the Leh Market, shopping for some souvenirs and enjoying local delicacies at the Ladakhi cafes.
Day 04 : Leh – Ulley (77 km, 4-hour drive)
Breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to Ulley, which is located at the Western part of Ladakh, where the snow leopards roam. On the way to Ulley you will stop for a tea break at Nimoo and can visit Likir Monastery. This Monastery is situated on the top of a small hill in a valley which makes it one of the most picturesque places. Later proceed towards Ulley. On arrival check-in to the lodge. Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge in Ulley.
Day 05 : In Ulley
From this day your activities depend on the snow leopard movements around the area. You will be trekking and camping during the days depending upon the movement of the Ghost Cat.
After early breakfast you can start looking for Snow Leopards from the lodge. The lodge has a magnificent view of gigantic cliffs, a perfect habitat for the snow leopards. There is a scope available at the lodge, and they scan the area for this ghost of the Himalayas. In case Snow Leopards are not visible from the Lodge, back up Spotters from the Lodge go to higher altitudes daily to look for them. So, if you do not see them from the lodge, then you drive to a certain point, and then maybe trek about 30-45 minutes to get to the point from where you will have the sighting. You will have your porter with you to help you with your camera and all other equipment. Spend the day scanning the place around looking for different wildlife living in such extreme weather. All meals and overnight at the lodge in Ulley.
Day 06 - 07 : In Ulley
Your movement and your activity depend on the movement of this grey ghost. Early morning the search for the Ghost Cat starts from the lodge. If there is no luck around the lodge then post breakfast trek towards Sangpo Nala, which takes you around an hour to reach. In the past this place has had some good sightings; the success rate here has been higher in this place than others. Spend the day looking for the Snow Leopard around the cliffs. The trans Himalayas are the places where the wind speed is high and the wind carrying vapors pass through the area resulting in no rain in the region. The good thing about doing the tour in this place is that every person will share whatever information they have on the whereabouts of the snow Leopard. Even if the villager sights a Snow Leopard, we will get informed and then we visit the place of the sighting. All meals and overnight at the lodge in Ulley.
Day 08 - 09 : In Ulley
There are some other places nearby like, villages Saspoche and Hemis Shukpachen also where the Spotters go to look for the Snow Leopard. These two villages are also the hotspots for Snow Leopard and the Wolves. Between these two villages there is a small pack of 5-8 wolves. They have made this area as their home range. While trekking in search of the Snow Leopard the other animals you may see roaming on these Trans-Himalayan Cliffs are Asiatic Ibex. It’s greyish coat matches exactly with the color of the mountains thus camouflaging it. Himalayan Thar, Blue Sheep, Marmot, Red Fox, Eurasian Lynx, Tibetan Wolf, Palla’s Cat and many more are also seen in the region. All Meals and overnight at the lodge.
Day 10 : Ulley – Leh (77 km, 4-hour drive)
Breakfast at the lodge. Then, depending upon the weather condition start getting transfer to Leh. Overnight at the hotel in Leh.
Day 11 : Leh – New Delhi (flight)
After a relaxed breakfast transfer to Leh Airport to board your flight back to New Delhi. Met on arrival at the airport and transferred you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 12 : New Delhi – Jabalpur – Bandhavgarh (flight + 200 kms/4 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, drive to New Delhi airport to board a flight at 0745 Hrs. to arrive to arrive Jabalpur at 0955 Hrs. On arrival, met at the Jabalpur Airport and transfer to Bandhavgarh National Park. 200kms, 4-hour drive. On arrival check into the lodge. Afternoon proceed for jeep safari. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 13 : In Bandhavgarh
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Lodge. Morning and afternoon Jeep safari to the national park.
Bandhavgarh is mainly known for the density of its tiger population. This is the place where famous White Tigers of Rewa were discovered. The other wild attractions in the park include Leopards, Blue Bulls, Indian Gaur (Bison) Chausingha (Four Horned Antelopes), Spotted Deers, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bears Fox, Jackals, Wild Dogs, etc. There are at least 22 mammal species and about 250 bird species in the Park. The other animals found in Bandhavgarh are Ratel, Porcupine, Small Indian Civet, Palm Squirrel, Lesser Bandicoot rat, the Jungle Cat, and the shy Hyenas. The reptile population in the park includes Cobras, Kraits, Vipers, Ratsnakes, Pythons, Monitor Lizards and turtles. The two-primate species – the rhesus macaque and the Hanuman langur – inhabit Bandhavgarh. Overnight at the lodge in Bandhavgarh.
Day 14 : In Bandhavgarh
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning and afternoon jeep safari to the National Park. Bandhavgarh has been a center of human activity and settlement for over 2000 years, and there are references to it in the ancient books, the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Shiva Purana. The oldest sign of habitation in the park are caves dug into the sandstone to the north of the fort. Several contain Brahmi inscriptions dating from the 1st century B.C. Various dynasties have ruled the fort, for example, the Maghas from the 1st century A.D., the Vakatakas from the 3rd century A.D., From that time onwards Bandhavgarh was ruled by a succession of dynasties including the Chandela Kings Bandhavgarh became more and more deserted until forest overran the area band it became the royal hunting reserve.
This helped to preserve the forest and its wildlife, although the Maharajas made full use of their rights. At independence Bandhavgarh remained the private property of the Maharaja until he gave it to the state for the formation of the National Park in 1968. After the park was created poaching and hunting was brought under control and the number of animals rose dramatically. The Tigers in particular prospered and the 1986 extension provided much needed forest to accommodate them. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 15 : Bandhavgarh – Kanha (280 kms, 6-hour drive)
Morning safari in the park. Lunch and checkout. Transferred to Bandhavgarh National Park. Check in to the lodge on arrival. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 16 : In Kanha
Morning and afternoon safari in the national park. All meals and overnight at the lodge.
Kanha is the original Kipling country of which he wrote so vividly in his Jungle Book. Packed breakfast which comes from the Lodge is served at a designated spot and spread on the bonnet of the Safari vehicle. Enjoy your breakfast in the wilderness of Kanha. Continue your search for the elusive Tiger if you have not yet seen the same, and soak in the fresh, and energizing environment. Return from Safari around 1130hrs. Freshen up, and Lunch is served. Depart for afternoon jeep safari Kanha National Park. Return at 6pm from safari. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Day 17 : In Kanha
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Resort. Morning and afternoon jeep safari to the national park. Overnight stay at the resort. Kanha is a flagship national park of India when it comes to successful conservation stories. Hard Ground Barasingha was brought back from the brink of extinction in this very park. The number in 80s were just 60, today they are over 800 roaming freely in the park. Kanha has also assisted in repopulating the Indian Gaur population in Bandhavgarh where they were last seen in 1997. Today over 300 Indian Gaur are present in Bandhavgarh. Tigers of Kanha are known to walk on vehicle tracks. If you are fortunate, you will have a head on sighting tigers here. Once they get on the track, they will walk for long enough to give you ample opportunities to take some nice images of them. Kanha tigers are known for their exceptional head size, neck girth, and tall shoulders. They are also quite bold and undeterred by the tourist vehicles.
Day 18 : Kanha – Raipur – New Delhi (220 kms, 4-hour drive + flight)
Morning safari in the park. Lunch and transferred to Raipur Airport to board your flight to New Delhi. Met on arrival and transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 19 : New Delhi – Udaipur – Bera (flight + 140 kms, 3-hour drive)
Early breakfast and checkout from the hotel. Transferred to Delhi Airport to board flight 6E 5014 at 0710 hrs, arriving in Udaipur at 0830 hrs. Met on arrival and transferred to Bera, 140 kms, 3-hour drive. On arrival, check in and get acquainted with the lodge. Lunch and proceed for an afternoon safari.
Bera, Rajasthan is located quite near to the Jawai Dam. It is a well-known for its magnificent sightings of Leopards. The experience is unique as it’s not a forest; instead you will sight leopards near around this sandy village. Bera, being a home to a number of mammals and birds is an attraction to wildlife enthusiasts to spot evasive Leopard, the mighty Bluebull, the Crocodile, the ever so mischievous Hyena, the graceful Pelican, the Greylag Goose, Robin Accentor, Demoiselle Crane, Barheaded Goose to name a few. Afternoon jeep safari will be just around as you simply share the land of leopards. Dinner and overnight safari in lodge.
Day 20 : In Bera
After breakfast experience the golden mornings of Rajasthan with wildlife sightings. Morning & Afternoon Safari also one can see the village life in Rajasthan. All Meals at the lodge.
This region is slowly becoming an experiential medium to experience the wilderness in the lap of nature. It is also the abode to the fascinating Rabari herdsmen and leopards that will captivate you both on safari and at the Bera Safari Lodge. The lively Rabari herdsmen have shared this land with wildlife for many centuries and continue with the same even today to link the wildlife and local culture. You will embark upon a wonderful rural village excursion with us to see our commitment to wildlife conservation and culture safeguarding.
Day 21 : Bera – Ahmedabad (by road, 280 kms, 5-6-hour drive)
Morning jeep safari to Bera. After the safari, come back and freshen up. Post lunch, later drive to Ahmedabad 280 kms, 5-6 hour. drive. On arrival check into the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Ahmedabad.
Day 22 : Ahmedabad – Sasan Gir (by road, 350 kms, 6-7-hour drive)
After early breakfast drive to Sasan Gir National Park (350 kms, 6-7 hrs.). On arrival, check into the lodge and proceed for afternoon safari. Dinner and overnight at lodge in Gir.
Day 23 - 24 : In Sasan Gir
Morning and Afternoon jeep safari to the National Park. All meals and overnight stay at the lodge. Gir National Park lies in the Gujarat peninsula in South-Western India. It is the only home in India for the Asiatic Lion, with a population of over 600 Lions. The terrain is rugged with low hills and the vegetation is mixed deciduous, with stands of Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Tendu and Dhak trees, interspersed with large patches of grasslands. The trees on the hills are sparse and stunted. Within the sanctuary there are numerous human settlements of cattle herders called Maldharis with an estimated 20,000 head of livestock (which, incidentally, forms a significant part of the Lion’s diet). There are also places of Hindu worship and pilgrimage and sulphur springs at Tulsi Shyam and Kankai Mata. The edges of the park have a good population of Indian Gazelle, which are protected by the religious sentiments of the local people.
Day 25 : Gir – Rajkot – Delhi (180 kms, 3-hour drive + flight)
Morning safari, lunch and checkout from the lodge. Transferred to Rajkot airport, 180 kms, 3-hour drive, to board flight from Rajkot to New Delhi. On arrival at Delhi, you will be met by our representative. He will assist you with a smooth transfer and check in at your hotel in Delhi. Overnight stay at the hotel in New Delhi.
Day 26 : New Delhi - Departure (flight)
Post breakfast, check out and transferred to the New Delhi International Airport to board your onward flight.
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What you will experience on this tour.
From the best of the Indian wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Black Leopard, Snow Leopard, Asiatic Lion, and the Red Panda to premium wildlife lodges, luxury city hotels, experienced naturalists and guides, we cover them all for your must-in-a-lifetime experience of Tiger Safari in India.
Tour Inclusions
- Accommodation in New Delhi and Ahmedabad on room and breakfast basis.
- Accommodation in Leh on Bed, breakfast, and dinner.
- Accommodation in Ulley on room and all meal bases.
- Accommodation in Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Bera and Gir on room, all meals and safari basis.
- Your entrance and guide charges in Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Bera and Gir
- Wildlife entry fee for Ulley.
- 6 exclusive jeep safaris in Bandhavgarh
- 5 exclusive jeep safaris in Kanha
- 4 exclusive jeep safaris in Bera
- 6 exclusive jeep safaris in Gir
- Entrance and guide charges for sightseeing in Leh.
- Transportation as per the itinerary for sightseeing, and during the trip.
- Monastery entrance fee.
- All land transfers in air-conditioned Toyota Innova/Crysta.
- All currently applicable taxes
Tour Exclusions
- Still / video camera fee in the monuments and national parks. As on date, camera fee in Bandhavgarh and Bera is free, but for Gir it is INR 1400 per camera per day.
- Expenses of personal nature like smokes, liquor, laundry, and telephone calls
- International airfare and domestic
- Visa application and fee for entry into India
- Travel insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
- Please note that any changes in entrance fees or government taxes will be payable extra and the same will be advised to you if applicable.
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