A Tiger Marathon in four of India’s National Tiger Reserves. No guarantee to see a tiger but we were lucky to see several. Holiday was full on but great fun and each day was a new adventure. Accommodation was very good, food was varied, tasty and plenty of it from breakfasts out on safari, lunch and evening meals. All traditional Indian food, well prepared and served. The jeep safaris were well organised with local guides providing us with information and good sightings. We lost count of the number of different birds we saw along with many mammals big and small. Would do it all over again, just brilliant. From the initial booking to arriving back in the UK nothing was too much trouble. Plenty of pre holiday information and guidance. The tour leaders was fantastic, knowledgeable, approachable and wonderful human beings.
L.I. East Riding of Yorkshire, Oct 23
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - February 2024
- Tour report - January 2024
- Tour report - October 2023
- Tour report - February 2023
- Tour report - January 2020
- Tour report - November 2019
- Tour report - March 2019
- Tour report - November 2018
- Tour report - March 2018
- Tour report - November 2017
- Tour report - March 2017
- Tour report - November 2016
- Tour report - March 2016
- Tour report - January 2016
- Tour report - October 2015
- Tour report - October 2014
- Tour report - March 2014
- Tour report - November 2013
- Tour report - April 2013
- Tour report - March 2013
- Tour report - January 2012
- Tour report - January 2011
- Tour report - November 2010
- Tour report - January 2010
- Tour report - November 2009
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India - Tiger Marathon
Tour Code: IND21An exciting tour taking you straight into the heart of Tiger country on a 13-day safari that combines Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna National Parks, four of India's finest Tiger Reserves, plus an optional extension to Ranthambore National Park.
£4,195 (Inc flights)
£3,695
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - February 2024
- Tour report - January 2024
- Tour report - October 2023
- Tour report - February 2023
- Tour report - November 2019
- Tour report - March 2019
- Tour report - November 2018
- Tour report - March 2018
- Tour report - November 2017
- Tour report - March 2017
- Tour report - January 2012
- Tour report - November 2010
- Tour report - October 2015
- Tour report - October 2014
- Tour report - March 2014
- Tour report - November 2013
- Tour report - April 2013
- Tour report - March 2013
- Tour report - January 2010
- Tour report - January 2020
- Tour report - November 2016
- Tour report - January 2016
- Tour report - January 2011
- Tour report - March 2016
- Tour report - November 2009
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Summary
There are few sights in the natural world more awe-inspiring than observing a wild Tiger at close quarters. We focus on providing this supreme wildlife experience during visits to Kanha Tiger Reserve, Pench National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park and finally Panna National Park, all renowned for their populations of Tiger. Early morning and afternoon game drives offer the best prospect of Tiger encounters, while other wildlife includes Sambar, Spotted Deer, Swamp Deer, Gaur (the huge Asiatic Bison) and Wild Boar, as well as a colourful profusion of birds. An optional extension to visit Ranthambore Tiger Reserve provides yet more opportunities to observe Tigers in the wild.
- Tiger-viewing in India’s finest Tiger Reserves
- 100% record to date of seeing Tigers on this tour!
- Mammals including Asiatic Jackal, monkeys & Grey Langur
- Possibility of rarities such as Leopard & Dhole (Asian Wild Dog)
- Wide variety of Indian birdlife
- Boat trip on the Ken River to see waterbirds & Mugger Crocodile
- Snapshots of rural village life in the heart of India
- Led by expert local naturalist guides
Grading
This is a wildlife safari, with little walking.The mighty Bengal Tiger is without doubt one of the most stunningly handsome and awe-inspiring creatures on Earth. Whether achieved from a vehicle, or elephant-back, a glimpse of this most powerful of all the great cats is an unforgettable highlight of any natural history visit to India. Just to set off in search of a Tiger is guaranteed to send adrenaline coursing through the veins; whilst every movement in the undergrowth raises the expectation of a sudden appearance by that so-familiar striped body, footprints in the dust or the warning cries of deer serving only to heighten the almost unbearable sense of excitement. Over the past 34 years Naturetrek has enabled many hundreds of our clients to achieve their dream of seeing a Tiger and this outstanding tour is perhaps our most comprehensive Tiger-watching holiday so far, embracing the four Indian Tiger Reserves that currently provide the most consistent record of Tiger sightings in the subcontinent. The holiday is designed to maximise the chances of Tiger observation by spending ample time in each of these reserves where, even if the Tigers prove elusive, you can be assured of a host of other mammals including Grey Langur, Sambar and both Spotted and Swamp Deer. We should also see Gaur (the huge Asiatic bison), Wild Boar, Asiatic Jackal and, with luck, Leopard or Dhole (Asian Wild Dog). Although the focus will be very much on the mammals, the birdlife is prolific and even non-birdwatchers cannot fail to be impressed by the variety of form and colour displayed by the avifauna.
We begin our tour with an afternoon arrival into Nagpur airport after a comfortable flight via Doha on one of the world’s best international airlines. From here we drive straight to Pench National Park, a journey of just over two hours. This previously little-known reserve was the setting for the popular BBC TV series ‘Tiger — Spy in the Jungle’, which portrayed the life of a resident family of Tigers and, almost overnight, transformed the profile of Pench. Designated as Project Tiger’s 19th Tiger Reserve in 1992, Pench today protects 758 square kilometres of prime Tiger habitat in the southern reaches of the Satpura Hills, which lie in the region which inspired Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’. We spend two nights here and can savour the reality of the television images!
Next we will take a scenic drive into the heart of rural Madhya Pradesh and spend three nights in Kanha National Park. Kanha encompasses 1,945 square kilometres and is one of the largest reserves in India. It occupies a beautiful location on a plateau in the Maikal range of hills, and comprises a crescent of forested hills surrounding broad undulating grasslands dotted with clumps of bamboo and Sal forest. Small pools and a perennial lake provide essential drinking holes for the animals. Here, as elsewhere, we will undertake morning and afternoon game drives in search of Tigers and other wildlife.
Another long drive, through farmland and the Vindhyan Hills, brings us to Bandhavgarh National Park. This park, like Kanha, has acquired a reputation as one of the very best for consistent Tiger sightings. It lies in a region steeped in history and, in the heart of the reserve, atop an 800-metre plateau, stands the ruin of the magnificent hilltop fort which bears testament to the succession of dynasties which once ruled this area. Regular game drives in the park should bring us yet more encounters with the main objective of our tour.
Finally we drive to Panna National Park, a stunning reserve that protects over 543 square kilometres of rolling hills and plateaux, grassy meadows, gorges and waterfalls. The broad waters of the River Ken pass through the park and a boat trip here provides superb wildlife-viewing with abundant waterbirds and many large Marsh Mugger Crocodiles. Tigers have suffered badly from poaching here, but we have a slim chance of an encounter in this beautiful park.
We will fly back to Delhi from the famous city of Khajuraho, and thence to London. However, for the aficionado, we offer an opportunity to extend your holiday with a visit to Ranthambore, one of India’s most spectacular and best-known Tiger Reserves.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: Comfortable tourist hotel in Delhi; comfortable forest lodges elsewhere. All rooms have private facilities.
- Food: All included in the price.
Reviews
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Naturetrek offers the wonderful holiday titled Tiger Marathon and it truly is one. We had sightings of 9 different tigers and 6 leopards, 4 sloth bear and approximately 180 bird species over 2 weeks, not to mention various other mammals, insects and reptiles. This was a nature lovers dream come true. We were led by expert naturalists as we travelled to 5 tiger reserves in central India. Our small group was compatible and we have made new friends for life. It was the perfect holiday. Naturetrek offered an outstanding package for a small group, and then helped us customize a personal extension. They were patient, and infinitely helpful, easy to work with and extremely professional. We had never taken a group tour before and were a bit anxious about it. Naturetrek came through with flying colours. We look forward to traveling with them again.
E.V.B. New York, USA, Oct 23 -
Tiger Marathon, in India, visiting five different National Parks. An escorted tour, with brilliant tour leader, and fantastic wildlife viewing. Mainly staying in wildlife lodges, which were very good. Small group tour, all food included. Main focus was tigers, but not excluding all other animals and birds along the way. Naturetrek - I have been on several holidays with them, and have always found them excellent. The wildlife tours are well organised and comprehensive, usually with all food included.
E.H. Suffolk, Mar 19 -
Amazing experience with close encounters with Tigers. Great guide and all perfectly organised and efficient. We have used Naturetrek three times now and the fact that we return is a statement of our total satisfaction. Very helpful and tailor everything to your requirements.
G.J. Bedfordshire, Nov 18 -
We saw three Tigers, two really close and one with just our jeep. Also hundreds of birds, most of which were new to us; learned a lot about Indian history, trees and plants and had some great food. Our tour leader, Durgesh, was a fascinating source of information and ensured that we were well looked after. We were very impressed by the details provided beforehand, the support from our tour leader and we had a great time. Well worth the money. Thank you for a great holiday.
P.M. Hertfordshire -
All accommodation was as expected and was clean and tidy. All staff were helpful, friendly and courteous and made us feel welcome. A night at the Westin Hotel in Delhi was much enjoyed. It was good to go to four different reserves. We enjoyed this holiday very much.
G.M. Hertfordshire -
Our trip was made easy and exciting by our guide, Durgesh Singh. He is polite, helpful and calm, with a fine sense of humour. Added to this, he is an excellent naturalist with comprehensive knowledge of the local wildlife and eagle eyes. He could also answer our questions on local customs. And we saw TIGER!! Several with excellent views. There is no other animal on the planet with such majestic presence.
P.H. Australia -
What a truly magnificent experience we all had on this holiday! 13 tigers and 1 sloth bear! I can't recommend Durgesh highly enough. There was nothing more he could have done to ensure we all had the holiday of a lifetime. Nothing was ever too much trouble, his organisation was impeccable and his knowledge, particularly of the birds, was second to none. My thanks also go to Rajan Jolly for never failing to give me all the information I needed and for all his organisation of the trip. I made many friends, saw the wonderful animals together and in fact will be arranging to travel with some of them again as we never seemed to stop laughing (that's when we weren't on a 'tiger' hunt!) the whole time. I can't praise Rajan, Naturetrek and Durgesh highly enough. Thank you all for giving me the most amazing experience.
A.B. -
Naturetrek did a fantastic job - everything went like clockwork and all of your staff were amazing in looking after our every need. Sightings were incredible, Tigers (11 I think) plus leopard, wild dogs and and Sloth Bear to name only the stars! Birding was brilliant. The whole trip was an amazing adventure. I would like to make a special mention for our guide, Durgesh Singh. His knowledge of wildlife is incredible and imparted with passion, enthusiasm and humour. He really went the extra mile to make our trip such a great success. Everyone from Naturetrek that I have been in contact with has been very professional and helpful. Please make all concerned aware of our feelings - I am sure that we will travel with you again if I can persuade my wife that we need another adventure!
G.J. Bedfordshire
Extensions
Ranthambore Extn
Outline Itinerary
EXTENSION NOTES
This extension can be booked during the online booking process or by calling us on 01962 733051.An extension cannot be booked independently from the tour
Dates & Prices
2024
2025
2026
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Naturetrek has nearly 30 years of experience leading Tiger watching holidays to the Indian subcontinent. With a 100% record of success on our top tours, we’ve shown Tigers to more people than any other wildlife specialists.
Arguably the most iconic and charismatic species on the planet, this enigmatic big cat is a vision of natural perfection. The opportunity to observe the animal in its natural habitat on a dedicated Tiger watching tour is at the top of many people's wildlife wish lists. With almost three decades of expertise leading in India, and the widest range of itineraries available, we have a Tiger tour to suit all interests.
We visit some of the most wildlife-rich reserves in this astonishingly diverse country. Accompanied by the best local naturalist guides and enjoying the security and intimate experiences that come with small group travel, participants enjoy the ultimate thrill of encountering these magnificent wild animals in their own environment.
Superb Tiger Watching with Naturetrek
As the leading operator of natural history tours in India, Naturetrek has a long and proud tradition of enabling clients to experience the very best wildlife viewing opportunities in the subcontinent. Over the past three decades, many hundreds of nature lovers have enjoyed the benefits of our renowned small group itineraries to gain multiple sightings of this beautiful animal in the wild.
Our professionally organised tours take in some of the most famous and wildlife-rich reserves in India, including Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Panna National Parks. Our expert naturalist guides provide the best opportunities for sightings of a wide range of species in these spectacular natural environments.
Two other fantastic national parks – Tadoba and Satpura – can be visited on optional extensions to several of our top Tiger tours. Tadoba is an excellent Tiger watching destination, while Satpura is renowned for intimate encounters with Sloth Bear, Leopard and Dhole (Indian Wild Dog); the park also offers walking safaris and night game drives.
Some of the reasons our tours are so successful:
- 100% sightings on our four top safaris in the last five years
- Small groups escorted by India’s best naturalist guides
- Up-to-date information from wildlife reserves
- Scrupulous attention to detail in choosing a high standard of accommodation
- Excellent local guides monitor the animals’ movement daily to ensure the best sightings
What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek Tiger holiday?
- A comfortable lodge within a convenient distance from the reserve
- Twice-daily excursions by vehicle (or by foot in Satpura) into the reserves
- A focus on sightings of this wonderful big cat, while also enjoying culture and other wildlife
- The enjoyment of like-minded travelling companions in a small group
Further information on when, where, and how to see Tigers can be found here.
Our specialist recommends...
"I’d recommend our Tiger Marathon tour, which takes you straight into the heart of the jungle on a 13-day safari that combines Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna National Parks, four of India's finest reserves. Since we began the tour we've had 100% sightings! Alternatively, our Tiger Direct itinerary encompasses less travel and also has 100% success rate.”
Rajan Jolly - Operations Manager
Mammal Watching Holidays
Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.
Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours
Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.
Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:
- India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
- A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears
- A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
- Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
- Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
- Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
- Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert
Bargain mammal selection
We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.
Our specialist recommends...
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Big Cat Safari Holidays
Big cats are among the most admired and sought-after mammals on the planet, and we are proud to offer a broad and comprehensive range of big cat safari holidays. We offer inspiring and truly memorable wildlife tours to enjoy sightings of all of the world’s iconic species in their natural habitats, including Tigers in India and Nepal, Jaguars in the Pantanal, Pumas in Chile and Snow Leopards in India and Mongolia and we certainly do not neglect the smaller cats either.
We offer a range of itineraries around Africa and encounter the continent’s high-profile species like Lions, Cheetahs and Leopards and also the lesser known species such as Caracal, Sand Cat, Black-footed Cat, Serval and African Wild Cat. We also have wildlife holidays that catch sightings of the Asiatic Lion in India and the elusive Leopard in Sri Lanka.
We also offer a pioneering tour to try to see the most difficult of all big cats the Sunda Clouded Leopard in Borneo with Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat and Flat-headed Cat all having being seen on our Borneo holidays. Closer to home, we offer holidays in Europe to go in search of Wildcat and both Eurasian and Iberian Lynx.
We have run these holidays for many years with great success, working with the best local contacts and guides and staying at the very best locations with carefully crafted itineraries which allow the optimum amount of time to achieve sightings.
Our specialist recommends...
Tom Mabbett - Operations Manager
Tour Reports
- Tour report - February 2024
- Tour report - January 2024
- Tour report - October 2023
- Tour report - February 2023
- Tour report - January 2020
- Tour report - November 2019
- Tour report - March 2019
- Tour report - November 2018
- Tour report - March 2018
- Tour report - November 2017
- Tour report - March 2017
- Tour report - November 2016
- Tour report - March 2016
- Tour report - January 2016
- Tour report - October 2015
- Tour report - October 2014
- Tour report - March 2014
- Tour report - November 2013
- Tour report - April 2013
- Tour report - March 2013
- Tour report - January 2012
- Tour report - January 2011
- Tour report - November 2010
- Tour report - January 2010
- Tour report - November 2009
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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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