Wildlife of Central India
5
Wildlife of Central India
By Chinkara Journeys
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About
Lowest price guarantee
Ages 16-89
Duration: 12 days
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
- Accommodation on twin/double sharing. Single supplement is also available.
- Domestic airfare
- Full cycle of meals in tiger reserve
- Safari permits and still camera fee
- Surface transportation in air-conditioned car
What's not included- Gratuities
- International flight, visa and airport charges, expenses of personal nature.
- Start:Traveler pickup offered.
- Indira Gandhi International T3 Road, Indira Gandhi Int'l T3 Rd, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, India
Pickup details- We can also pick you from other cities, airports, railway station or hotels.
Airport pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.- Indira Gandhi Intl Airport, New Delhi, New Delhi 110037 India
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 189349P1- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 189349P1
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Abbotsham0 contributionsBirding In The Lower HimalayasPre Covid we did a wonderful tour of Central India with Chinkara and said to Saurabh how good we had found the bird life and how welcoming and helpful everyone was. He told us that the foothills of the Himalayas were even better. Once everything opened up, we emailed and asked if he could organise such a trip. He duly obliged and we have just returned from the most impressive bird tour we have experienced in 20 years. We thought Costa Rica and Trinidad & Tobago would take some beating, but the birds of Pangot, Sattal, Vanghat and Corbett were even better. There was such a wide range of habitats and stunning new birds that we were continually left open mouthed. In addition we had some gorgeous tiger sightings. The accommodation was comfortable, with good local food and the luxury of hot water bottles or electric blankets for the cold nights. Drivers, guides and lodge staff all made us feel at home. Saurhab's knowledge enthusiasm and attention to detail in organising tours is unsurpassed in our experience. He really is an amazing character and great company. We are now wondering where he will find for us next. Gill and PhilipWritten March 7, 2024
- andrewwE2261LH0 contributionsTiger safaris central indiaSuperb tour, professionally planned and expertly delivered.Exceeded our expectations by 100%.High class accommodation provided with top end food. Saurabh was a delight to travel with ,his knowledge of the area, bird life, animals and culture is superb. We saw multiple tigers ,leopards and over 120 species of birds.I would not hesitate for a second to recommend him.Written April 22, 2023
- margrethelsgilbert0 contributionsCentral India safarisAn outstanding trip with Saurabh being an outstanding guide. Will be booking again with Chinkara journeysWritten March 23, 2023
- 1209billyboy0 contributionsAmazing and breathtaking tripSaruabh tailored the trip to exactly what we wanted. Throughout the trip we received regular contact from him to nsure everything was going smoothly, which it was. From the touch down fo the plan to wheels up as we said good bye to India it was an amazing experience. We saw tigers and leopards on the safaris, together with a wide selection of amazing animals. The accommodation throughout the trip was stunning and we were treated perfectly. Seeing the Taj Mahal was amazing and an incredible end to our trip. Would never hesitate to recommend Chinkara Travel to anyone.Written March 14, 2020
- ansbnks20160 contributionsExcellent tiger watchingVery impressive organisation from the first enquiry to the final day. We were lucky to see so many tigers but the choice of excellent lodges was down to Saurabh who arranged everything and phoned to make sure we were happy. Morning and evening safaris were very cold but made comfortable with blankets and hot water bottles. Food was great with lots of choices. Highly recommendedWritten February 21, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Abbotsham
Devon, UK184 contributions
Feb 2020
We have just returned from a tailor made 20 day trip organised by Saurahb and we could not fault any section of the trip, it was a trip of a lifetime for our 50th Wedding Anniversary. We had a rather unusual request mixing Agra (to see the Taj Mahal) with four Tiger Reserves (my wife has had a lifelong desire to see tigers in the wild) and we wanted some days off inbetween to relax and enjoy the country ( we are not getting any younger). The trip was agreed and every element was executed perfectly, car pick ups, lodges, night sleeper tickets etc. We appreciated the little touches, the comprehensive briefing document and especially the provision of buffs for the early morning drives.
The lodges selected were either good or absolutely oustanding as were all the drivers between lodges, our guide in Agra and the wildlife guides at the lodges.
Saurahb was regularly in touch and showed a real interest in our trip.
If we visit the area again we shall certatainly use his services and would unhesitatingly recommend him to other travellers.
The lodges selected were either good or absolutely oustanding as were all the drivers between lodges, our guide in Agra and the wildlife guides at the lodges.
Saurahb was regularly in touch and showed a real interest in our trip.
If we visit the area again we shall certatainly use his services and would unhesitatingly recommend him to other travellers.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoseMarie G
Matale, Sri Lanka1 contribution
Feb 2023
Originally planned for February 2021 this trip finally took place two years later, notably because of the pandemic and other issues. But it was well worth the wait, not just because it delivered on the promised wildlife but because it was meticulously planned and almost seamlessly delivered from beginning to end. The accommodation was carefully chosen for our comfort while keeping the feel of a laid back adventure. The food was an excellent introduction to Indian cooking at its best and our travel from one reserve to another – four in all – was achieved with the minimum of fuss and bother. The fact that the Saurabh Agrawal of Chinkara Journeys travelled with us to trouble-shoot if necessary and to call our attention to attractions on the way was bonus which I think everyone in the group (we were nine) greatly appreciated. I must also say a personal thank you to Saurabh, not just for finding innovative ways for me to climb in and out of jeeps given a knee injury, but also for putting a great deal of effort into re-uniting me with some belongings I left behind at our first stop. As we were travelling light I was delighted to see them again!!
Tigers have been on my bucket list for many years and I was thrilled to see ten of them, including three (almost adult) cubs, at very close proximity. Thanks to Saurabh’s knowledge and enthusiasm, and that of the guides and drivers, we were also able to see many of the other animals to be found in this part of India, including leopards, jackals and their pups, a lone wolf, deer, wild boar and even a herd of wild elephants.
Many thanks to Chinkara Journeys (and to my fellow travelers) for a memorable trip – and for the new tick on my bucket list.
Tigers have been on my bucket list for many years and I was thrilled to see ten of them, including three (almost adult) cubs, at very close proximity. Thanks to Saurabh’s knowledge and enthusiasm, and that of the guides and drivers, we were also able to see many of the other animals to be found in this part of India, including leopards, jackals and their pups, a lone wolf, deer, wild boar and even a herd of wild elephants.
Many thanks to Chinkara Journeys (and to my fellow travelers) for a memorable trip – and for the new tick on my bucket list.
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue S
5 contributions
Feb 2023
So many memorable moments, starting with a close-up view of a tiger waking up slowly and ambling away on our first safari. We were lucky enough to experience several further tiger sightings, including some when our vehicle was on its own.
Each park we visited was different and I especially enjoyed seeing all kinds of different mammals, birds and trees and some spectacular vistas and sunsets.
Other highlights on this itinerary were options to do a few guided walks and night drives.
The accommodation and food at all the lodges was excellent. I would recommend taking lots of small denomination rupees for tips and choosing indian dishes over any western choices.
The personal attention to detail for each person in the group was exceptional and I would highly recommend this tour operator.
Each park we visited was different and I especially enjoyed seeing all kinds of different mammals, birds and trees and some spectacular vistas and sunsets.
Other highlights on this itinerary were options to do a few guided walks and night drives.
The accommodation and food at all the lodges was excellent. I would recommend taking lots of small denomination rupees for tips and choosing indian dishes over any western choices.
The personal attention to detail for each person in the group was exceptional and I would highly recommend this tour operator.
Written March 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Sue
Thank you for the review. We are pleased to hear that you had an excellent experience. We hope to see you again in India soon.
Written March 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kay_fitz
Kelowna, Canada270 contributions
Feb 2020
We booked with Chinkara about 3 months before our trip. Saurabh (owner) charges a large transaction fee, almost $200 USD to pay for the holiday. Saurabh offered to pay half, but it took 3 months after my trip to receive that. Later on we learned that they booked budget airfare, which caused a small issue at one airport in regard to additional luggage fees for our cameras in our carry-on bags. Luckily we didn’t get charged for the extra weight by the airline. The trip itself was great, lots of wild life sightings, great weather, great interaction with locals and local companies. The tigers were beautiful. However, we had one incident at Reni Pani Lodge, the last spot on our national park tour. We paid a large amount (~$700 USD) to go camping through Saurabh at this location. The night before due to uncontrollable circumstances they had to change the location. Instead of telling us options, they made assumptions and put us in a camp spot where we had already visited. By the time they told us at the lodge there was a change, it was 3 hours before departure - right before lunch. After lunch we asked to cancel it as we realized this wasn't what we paid for. They said it was too late at that point, everything was set up and done (the camp site was an hour away so that was a lie), and they had known at 9PM the night before. There would be no change in cost. Erwin, the lodge manager, said to talk to my agent, and he and my agent I found out later were friends who really didn't seem to care that we were upset and paid a large amount of money for the experience that we didn't want. Saurabh initially offered a small ~$60USD refund, and withdrew it shortly after as Reni Pani didn’t want to refund. We really expected to Saurabh to understand and be on our side as we paid a very large amount of money for this. Instead he unprofessionally included us and Erwin on all emails and made the lasting impression we didn’t want. When I think of our trip, I think back on how bad it was dealing with Saurabh over this. The potential is there to be a great company, but they need a lot of work on customer relations. I would not recommend.
Written May 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sightseer764603
Meridian, ID2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
I went on the Wildlife & Culture Tour of India in April 2024. What an incredible and fantastic trip!!! It started with my arrival in Delhi where I stayed at the Lemon Tree Premier for 1 night and opted to go on a tour of the city.
I was able to customize it and added the Indian Rhino & Elephant reserve in Kaziranga to the beginning of the trip. I stayed at the Borgos Resorts & Spa for three days and went on 4 safaris and was able to see lots & lots of Rhinos & wild Elephants along with numerous other species of animals.
From there I went to Jaipur, where I stayed at the Alsisar Haveli for 3 days. I saw the Astronomical Observatory, which was fascinating, the Amber Fort and several other places. I also went to the Elephant Sanctuary and had an incredible experience with the elephants. Then to Agra, where I stayed at the Hotel Taj Resorts for 2 days, this used to be a palace and was very unique. There I saw the red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, the Taj Mahal, both at sunset & sunrise and the Agra Fort which were all incredible. These were some of the culture parts of my journey.
Then it was off to the wildlife parts. At Bandhavgarh I joined 3 other ladies traveling solo for the wildlife portion along with Saurabh from Chinkara Journeys. I stayed at the Monsoon Forest for 3 days and went on 5 safaris. I had awesome Tiger sightings here along with other types of wildlife. Then to Kanha, where I stayed at the Shergarh Tented Camp for 3 days and went on 4 safaris. Saw more tigers and other wildlife. Then to Pench, where I stayed at the Pench Jungle Lodge for days and went on 3 safaris. Saw more wonderful tigers and other wildlife. Then to the Satpura Tiger Reserve, where I stayed at the Reni Pani Jungle Lodge where I stayed for 3 days. There I went on a River cruise where I saw crocodiles and lots of birds, along with 4 other safaris and more great wildlife sightings.
To finish I went to Bhopal for more culture, where I stayed at the Jehan Numa Retreat for 2 days. On the drive there I had the option of stopping at the Bhimbetka caves. I went to the Sanchi Stupa and a city tour while there.
Then it was back to Delhi to start my journey home with many, many awesome & fantastic memories and photographs. Everyone along the way, drivers, guides & lodging staff were eager to please, very helpful and accommodated me in many ways. All the lodgings were more like large suites with insuite bathrooms and very luxurious. I loved this journey and very highly recommend it to anyone wanting to experience India.
Sharon M. Idaho
I was able to customize it and added the Indian Rhino & Elephant reserve in Kaziranga to the beginning of the trip. I stayed at the Borgos Resorts & Spa for three days and went on 4 safaris and was able to see lots & lots of Rhinos & wild Elephants along with numerous other species of animals.
From there I went to Jaipur, where I stayed at the Alsisar Haveli for 3 days. I saw the Astronomical Observatory, which was fascinating, the Amber Fort and several other places. I also went to the Elephant Sanctuary and had an incredible experience with the elephants. Then to Agra, where I stayed at the Hotel Taj Resorts for 2 days, this used to be a palace and was very unique. There I saw the red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, the Taj Mahal, both at sunset & sunrise and the Agra Fort which were all incredible. These were some of the culture parts of my journey.
Then it was off to the wildlife parts. At Bandhavgarh I joined 3 other ladies traveling solo for the wildlife portion along with Saurabh from Chinkara Journeys. I stayed at the Monsoon Forest for 3 days and went on 5 safaris. I had awesome Tiger sightings here along with other types of wildlife. Then to Kanha, where I stayed at the Shergarh Tented Camp for 3 days and went on 4 safaris. Saw more tigers and other wildlife. Then to Pench, where I stayed at the Pench Jungle Lodge for days and went on 3 safaris. Saw more wonderful tigers and other wildlife. Then to the Satpura Tiger Reserve, where I stayed at the Reni Pani Jungle Lodge where I stayed for 3 days. There I went on a River cruise where I saw crocodiles and lots of birds, along with 4 other safaris and more great wildlife sightings.
To finish I went to Bhopal for more culture, where I stayed at the Jehan Numa Retreat for 2 days. On the drive there I had the option of stopping at the Bhimbetka caves. I went to the Sanchi Stupa and a city tour while there.
Then it was back to Delhi to start my journey home with many, many awesome & fantastic memories and photographs. Everyone along the way, drivers, guides & lodging staff were eager to please, very helpful and accommodated me in many ways. All the lodgings were more like large suites with insuite bathrooms and very luxurious. I loved this journey and very highly recommend it to anyone wanting to experience India.
Sharon M. Idaho
Written May 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bluechippm
Bristol, UK635 contributions
Having just returned from a very successful and enjoyable wildlife tour of Central India we would like to recommend Chinkara Journeys. Every detail throughout the tour was precision planned by Saurabh the proprietor and had the personal touch. We saw plenty of wildlife especially predators and birds, the accommodations were good and transport timely and comfortable. We also participated in night safaris, boat rides and jungle walks. An off grid travelling experience that we will treasure for a long time. If wild life is your thing this tour is perfect for you.
Written March 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Geoff
Thank you for your valuable feedback. We are glad that you enjoyed the tour and hope you will return back again!
Written March 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GM
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Solo
I highly recommend Central India Wildlife tour by Chinkara Journeys.
We had a fantastic trip to Banhavgarh, Kanha, Pench and Satpura tiger reserves. My aim was to see, experience and photograph the wildlife of this amazing region. We were focussing on tigers and got generously rewarded. The highlight was undoubtedly the multiple tiger sightings, the excitement of seeing wild elephants, a leopard snoozing on a rock, encountering a jackal family where the little ones were hanging off mum for a feed to the astounding array of birds – to many to mention but all wonderful memories.
Saurabh Agrawal of Chinkara Journeys made this fantastic small group trip possible. He was extremely helpful, understanding, patient and is an excellent and very knowledgeable guide/photographer. He taught us so much about the area and wildlife and India. Simply outstanding.
A big thank you to Saurabh for a fabulous trip! A trip to remember!
We had a fantastic trip to Banhavgarh, Kanha, Pench and Satpura tiger reserves. My aim was to see, experience and photograph the wildlife of this amazing region. We were focussing on tigers and got generously rewarded. The highlight was undoubtedly the multiple tiger sightings, the excitement of seeing wild elephants, a leopard snoozing on a rock, encountering a jackal family where the little ones were hanging off mum for a feed to the astounding array of birds – to many to mention but all wonderful memories.
Saurabh Agrawal of Chinkara Journeys made this fantastic small group trip possible. He was extremely helpful, understanding, patient and is an excellent and very knowledgeable guide/photographer. He taught us so much about the area and wildlife and India. Simply outstanding.
A big thank you to Saurabh for a fabulous trip! A trip to remember!
Written March 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful review. We are happy that you had such a wonderful experience. And we hope to see you again in India travelling to another beautiful destination for more wildlife.
Written March 31, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lfthorn
Seattle, WA214 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
The tour was absolutely fantastic. We saw 11 tigers, with many behaviors, including a tigress hunting, two sister/brother subadults, playing. The tiger sightings were definitely the highlight and we were able to get so close and see so many.
We also saw wild Asian dogs, which are endangered. I quite enjoyed watching them for a long time, this was also a highlight of mine.
The accommodations were cute lodges. The staff at all of the lodges were very nice and helpful. The food was quite good at most of the lodges. And all had AC, which was important since it was quite hot. I also appreciated that 3 of the lodges had filtered water, so no need for individual plastic water bottles.
Saurabh, the owner of Chinkara Journeys was incredible. He is so knowledgeable about all of the animals, plants, birds, everything! He was wonderful to have on our game drives.
I appreciated visiting four different reserves. They are all different, which provided new animal sightings and different environments.
Saurabh takes very good care of his clients. He has a great sense of humor, which made the trip fun. Saurabh made sure all of our needs were met, went above and beyond in making sure we were happy and to help us see all the game that was possible. And we saw almost everything! I would highly recommend a tour with Chinkara Journeys. I would travel with Saurabh again and anyone that is interested in seeing wildlife in Central India, this is the tour for you.
We also saw wild Asian dogs, which are endangered. I quite enjoyed watching them for a long time, this was also a highlight of mine.
The accommodations were cute lodges. The staff at all of the lodges were very nice and helpful. The food was quite good at most of the lodges. And all had AC, which was important since it was quite hot. I also appreciated that 3 of the lodges had filtered water, so no need for individual plastic water bottles.
Saurabh, the owner of Chinkara Journeys was incredible. He is so knowledgeable about all of the animals, plants, birds, everything! He was wonderful to have on our game drives.
I appreciated visiting four different reserves. They are all different, which provided new animal sightings and different environments.
Saurabh takes very good care of his clients. He has a great sense of humor, which made the trip fun. Saurabh made sure all of our needs were met, went above and beyond in making sure we were happy and to help us see all the game that was possible. And we saw almost everything! I would highly recommend a tour with Chinkara Journeys. I would travel with Saurabh again and anyone that is interested in seeing wildlife in Central India, this is the tour for you.
Written May 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew W
Bodmin, UK3 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Yet again…another fantastic trip with Saurabh. Plenty of Tigers with one sighting lasting probably 10 mins whilst she walked down the road and eventually past us bye.Leopard sightings probably double figures with one similar event to the Tigress mentioned above.Wild dogs, and very rare Porcupine on a night drive.
Over 170 birds species
Lodges are superb and food the same.
Saurabh’s knowledge of Fauna and Flora is exceptional and is a joy to travel with.
If you want to see Tigers and other cats in central india staying in very well appointed accommodation then Chinkara Journeys is the way to go.
Over 170 birds species
Lodges are superb and food the same.
Saurabh’s knowledge of Fauna and Flora is exceptional and is a joy to travel with.
If you want to see Tigers and other cats in central india staying in very well appointed accommodation then Chinkara Journeys is the way to go.
Written December 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aard W
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
This is probably, the best wildlife watching / photography tour, I have ever been on. ( I've been going on them since 1999 ). Whilst I can't promiss you, that you will see the vast number of species, that I saw, I can assure you that the teams looking after you are doing whatever they can to allow you the highest chance.
Each of the lodges / camps used are enchanting in there own ways with highly attentive staff who wish you to have the best experience possible.
The three reserves are subtly different from each over and several species are found in all three, but each has it's own particular thing that makes it worth visiting.
Each of the lodges / camps used are enchanting in there own ways with highly attentive staff who wish you to have the best experience possible.
The three reserves are subtly different from each over and several species are found in all three, but each has it's own particular thing that makes it worth visiting.
Written February 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Tom,
We sincerely appreciate your review. It means a lot to us to have had the opportunity to make your holiday unforgettable and to provide you with the best experience during the Wildlife of Central India tour.
Thank you once again, and we eagerly look forward to the opportunity to host you again in the future.
Best regards,
Written February 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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