India Expedition
8 days / 7 nights
India is tiger country — and that’s where MaiaWildlife takes you. Our expeditions follow the Bengal tiger through some of India’s finest reserves: Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Panna, and Sasan Gir, the only place on earth where wild Asiatic lions still roam.
You’ll travel in small groups, led by naturalists who read these forests for a living — not just to spot a tiger crossing a track at dawn, but to understand the alarm calls that tell you one is near, the way the whole jungle shifts when a big cat is on the move. Beyond the tigers: leopard, sloth bear, hundreds of bird species, and a landscape of dry forest, ravines and grassland quite unlike anywhere in Africa.
We keep groups small and accommodations hand-picked, with conservation and local communities at the centre of how we work. The aim is simple — to get you close to one of the world’s most magnificent predators, in the wild, and home with the photographs and the memory of it.
Where Are We Going
Set among the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh covers a core area of 105 km², with a buffer of around 400 km². The terrain is broken and varied — rocky ridges running east to west, forested valleys, grassy swamps and open meadows.
The park is famous above all for its tigers, with one of the highest tiger densities in India, and indeed the world. Once the hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa, it also has a singular place in the story of the white tiger: the first was recorded in Rewa, not far from here, and it’s believed that every white tiger now living traces its line back to this area.
Panna sits in central Madhya Pradesh, a 540 km² reserve of deciduous forest, gorges and waterfalls along the Ken River. Its story is one of the most remarkable in Indian conservation: by around 2009 Panna had lost all its tigers to poaching — and through a determined reintroduction programme, the park has since rebuilt a breeding population from scratch. Today tigers roam here again, which makes a sighting feel earned.
Beyond the tiger, Panna holds an unusually rich cast: sloth bear, leopard, Indian wolf, the four-horned antelope (chousingha), the tiny rusty-spotted cat, and gharial along the river, among many others. There’s history in the landscape too — Neolithic rock paintings, and the UNESCO temples of Khajuraho nearby, which also serve as the gateway to the park (the airport is the closest).
Winter, November to March, is the most comfortable time to visit, for both the wildlife and the wider landscape.
Our Lodges
One of the more secluded lodges in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, set within 12 acres of Sal and Mahua forest, just a kilometre from the park’s Tala Gate. Established in 2013, it’s close enough to Bandhavgarh that the wilderness feels present from the moment you arrive.
The rooms are handcrafted and generously sized, with plenty of living space and a large swimming pool. There’s also a birdwatching tower, Nisarga, a good spot to take in the area’s rich birdlife. Whether you’re here to unwind in the quiet of the forest or settle in between drives, the lodge is comfortable, private, and close to the action.
Eriline sits directly opposite the Madla Gate of Panna Tiger Reserve — about as close to the park entrance as you can stay, which means no morning commute eating into your safari time. It’s in Madla, in Madhya Pradesh, near the Ken River and within reach of the UNESCO temples of Khajuraho.
The rooms and cottages are air-conditioned and comfortable, with private bathrooms and hot water, and there are larger options for families. A straightforward, well-placed base for exploring a park with one of India’s great conservation stories behind it.
Travel Information
A little preparation goes a long way. Below is the essential information on documents, health and travelling with children. Please confirm the latest requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
Passport & visa
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with at least two blank pages. Most nationalities need a tourist visa, and the simplest route is the e-Visa, applied for through the official Indian government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). The tourist e-Visa comes in 30-day, one-year and five-year options; apply at least a week or two ahead to be safe. Make sure every detail matches your passport exactly, and note that each traveller — including children — needs their own passport and visa.
One newer requirement: all visitors must also complete an e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival, in addition to the visa. It’s quick, but easy to overlook — don’t leave it until the airport.
Health
No vaccinations are mandatory for most travellers arriving from Europe or North America, but travel doctors commonly recommend hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure for advice tailored to you. In India, simple precautions go a long way: drink bottled or filtered water, be cautious with raw or street food from unknown sources, and keep up good hand hygiene.
Travelling with children
India can be wonderful for families. Given the travel distances and the nature of safari, we generally suggest children on our expeditions be at least 8–10 years old, depending on the itinerary. Each child needs their own passport and visa, insurance that covers minors, and any necessary medication. If you’re thinking of travelling with children, talk to us — we’ll help shape the trip to work for the whole family.
Medication
If you take prescription medication, bring enough for the whole trip plus a copy of the prescription. A small personal medical kit is worth packing too — basic pain relief, insect repellent, sunscreen, and something for an upset stomach.
Please note: travel and visa rules can change at any time. Guests are responsible for confirming the latest requirements before travelling. Any questions while preparing — just ask.
Electricity & Power Plugs
India runs on 230V (50Hz) and uses plug types C, D and M — Type D, the three round-pin plug, is the most common day to day. Everyone needs an adapter here: UK Type G plugs don’t fit, and European Type C plugs only fit some sockets, so a Type D or a universal adapter is the safe choice.
If you’re coming from Europe, the UK, Australia or most of Asia and Africa, your devices already run on 230V — you only need the plug adapter, not a voltage converter. From the US, Canada or Japan (120V), check each charger’s label: most camera, phone and laptop chargers read “100–240V” and just need the adapter, but single-voltage devices need a converter.
Two practical notes for photographers: power can occasionally surge or dip in some areas, so a surge-protected adapter or power bank is worth having; and as always, bring plenty of spare batteries and memory cards, since charging time at the lodges between drives can be limited.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for all guests, and we ask that everyone travels with it.
Your policy should cover:
• Medical expenses and emergency treatment
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation — at least USD 250,000 per person. The parks are remote, often hours from a major hospital, so this matters.
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Personal liability
• Loss or theft of luggage and equipment — worth noting if you’re travelling with camera gear
A practical note for India: the most common reason travellers need medical care or have to interrupt a trip here is stomach trouble, so good medical and interruption cover is genuinely useful. Carry both a digital and printed copy of your policy, with emergency contact numbers, throughout the trip.
What to Pack
The right clothing matters for comfort and practicality. Temperatures swing widely through the day, mornings on safari can be cold, and the parks are dusty — so pack to adapt.
Neutral colours
Wear neutral, natural tones — beige, khaki, olive, brown, light grey — which blend in and disturb wildlife least. Avoid bright colours (red, orange, yellow, blue), which stand out. One important note specific to India: camouflage clothing is not permitted for civilians, so leave it at home.
Light, breathable layers — and a warm one
Days can be hot, so lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton or technical materials) are best, with long sleeves and trousers for protection from sun, dust and insects. But don’t underpack the warm layer: in winter (November to March), early-morning drives in an open jeep can be genuinely cold — close to 8°C, made colder by the wind — before warming up by midday. A proper fleece or warm jacket you can peel off is essential, not just a light one.
Footwear
Closed, comfortable shoes for drives, lodges and village or temple visits — light hiking shoes, safari boots or trainers all work. Sandals or casual shoes are fine around the lodge.
Sun protection
The midday sun is strong: a wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses, and sunscreen.
A note on visiting temples and towns
India is more conservative in dress than the safari parks suggest. When visiting temples — including Khajuraho — or walking through towns and villages, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful, and you’ll often need to remove your shoes at temple entrances. A light scarf is useful for this, and doubles as dust protection on drives.
Useful extras
A small daypack for personal items, and a light rain jacket depending on the season.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Delhi and board the flight to Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (10:10–11:35). From there it’s a three-hour drive to our lodge at Bandhavgarh, where we check in and rest for the evening.
(There’s only one direct Delhi–Jabalpur flight, so international arrivals should land before 7:00 AM, or the day before.)
Days 2–3
Early starts for the morning safaris — the best chance to find tigers, and other wildlife, in the cool first light. Bandhavgarh holds one of India’s densest tiger populations, and is also good ground for leopard and sloth bear. After the evening drive, we gather to talk over the day’s sightings and India’s wildlife before dinner.
Day 4
A last morning safari in Bandhavgarh — a chance for the sightings and the frames the earlier drives may have missed. Then we check out and drive to Panna (around five hours), checking into the lodge for the evening.
Days 5–7
Full days exploring Panna, with breakfast beside the Ken River in the forest. We track the park’s big cats — tiger, leopard, wild dog — across a varied landscape of rock, water and dense vegetation. Panna’s story is one of the most remarkable in Indian conservation: a park that had lost its tigers entirely now has a thriving, breeding population again, which makes every sighting feel earned.
(A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Khajuraho can be swapped for one of the safaris.)
Day 8
After breakfast we check out and drive to Khajuraho airport (30–45 minutes) to board the flight to Delhi (13:50–15:00) for onward international connections — the central Indian forests still fresh in mind as the trip comes to an end.
Pricing and Terms
The India Expedition costs €2,600 per adult (single supplement €350) and €1,700 per child (15yo) based on shared accommodation.
Included
• Domestic flights in economy (Delhi–Jabalpur and Khajuraho–Delhi)
• All local transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
• 7 nights’ accommodation in an AC lodge, deluxe rooms, double-sharing
• All meals, from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
• Purified water at the lodges (no-plastic policy) and bottled water in transfers
• 10 wildlife safaris in the best areas, in an exclusive private safari vehicle
• Professional driver-guide, exclusively for our group
• A MaiaWildlife tour leader/photographer and English-speaking tour mentor throughout, day 1 to 8
• 24/7 assistance
• All applicable taxes
Not included
• International flights
• Visa and travel insurance
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone, etc.)
• Gratuities for guides, lodge staff, etc.
• Camera fees, where applicable
• Soft and alcoholic drinks
• Personal medical expenses (covered by your travel insurance)
• Anything not listed under “included”
Booking & payment
A 30% non-refundable deposit confirms your booking. The balance is due no later than 60 days before departure. For bookings within 60 days, full payment is required at the time of booking. MaiaWildlife reserves the right to cancel any booking that doesn’t meet these terms.
Group size
Places are limited to 6 guests. Early booking is strongly recommended.
Your Packing Checklist
A practical list to run through before you go. The sections above explain the why; this is simply what to tick off.
Travel documents
• Passport (valid 6+ months)
• Indian e-Visa confirmation
• e-Arrival Card (submitted online within 72 hours of arrival)
• Travel insurance documents
• Flight tickets and itinerary
• Copies of key documents, and emergency contacts
Clothing
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirts and safari trousers (neutral colours — khaki, beige, olive)
• A warm fleece or jacket for cold early-morning drives (winter mornings are genuinely cold in an open jeep)
• Comfortable closed shoes or light hiking boots, extra socks
• Sun hat
• Light scarf or buff (dust, sun — and for covering shoulders at temples)
• Modest clothing for visiting Khajuraho and villages (covering shoulders and knees)
• Casual clothing for the lodge, and a light rain jacket (seasonal)
• (No camouflage clothing — it’s not permitted for civilians in India)
Photography & equipment
• Camera and lenses
• Spare batteries and charger
• Memory cards
• Cleaning cloth (dust is common on drives)
• Binoculars and a neck strap
• Small daypack
Health & personal care
• Prescription medication and a small medical kit
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF
• Hand sanitiser
Electronics
• Phone and charger
• Universal travel adapter
• Power bank and spare cables
• Laptop or tablet (optional)
Useful extras
• Sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle
• Torch or headlamp
• Notebook or journal
• A field guide to Indian wildlife or birds
• Dry bag for electronics in transit
• Snacks for long travel days
