One for the dedicated wildlife watcher: Seek out the ruler of the Indian animal kingdom in the heart of India.

This trip combines the well known ‘golden triangle’ of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra with the wildlife sanctuaries of the lesser-known state of Madhya Pradesh; Kanha and Bandhavgarh sanctuaries present the best opportunity in India to spot the elusive tiger.

Day 1 Delhi

On arrival at the Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in. Delhi is a city full of life, with an astounding history and a bright future. Your two nights here will give you just a tiny taste of what life in the capital is like.

Day 2 Delhi

Morning breakfast at the hotel and sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. The former centre of Mughal Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Visit the vast impregnable Red Fort, Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India, and Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi, with a drive past the stately government buildings of the British era, including the Presidential Palace. End the tour at the ancient observatory of Qutb Minar.

Day 3 Jaipur

After breakfast drive 6 hours to Jaipur, the capital and ‘pink’ city of Rajasthan. This friendly and busy town, with its palaces and bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts is a favourite for travellers. Optional visit to the famous Raj Mandir cinema to catch a Bollywood film, or Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village camp, complete with folk dancers, musicians, shops and a traditional Rajashtani meal.

Day 4 Jaipur

Today your full city tour with a local guide will include the impressive Amber Fort; the City Palace, which sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city; Jantar Mandir observatory, consisting of huge astronomical instruments; and Hawa Mahal, the photogenic ornamental facade of this ‘Palace of Winds’ is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.

Day 5 Agra

After breakfast drive 6 hours to Agra, with a visit en route at Fatehpur Sikri. This red Sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century, was abandoned promptly after completion, meaning it has survived in pristine condition. Continue on to Agra and transfer to hotel.

Day 6 Agra

Agra, the erstwhile capital of India under the great Mughals and home to the Taj Mahal, has always fascinated Indians and foreigners alike. Wake up early morning to enjoy the sight of the rising sun over the dome of the magnificent Taj Mahal, accompanied by a guide to answer all of your questions. After breakfast at the hotel, visit to the impressive Agra Fort, with great views over the Taj Mahal. Afternoon free before evening transfer to Agra railway station to board a train to Bandhavgarh. Overnight train journey by air-conditioned sleeper coach.

Day 7 Bandhavgarh

On reaching Umaria railway station you will be met and then driven 1 hour to Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge. Bandhavgarh is blessed with a large variety of wildlife: tigers, leopards, gaur (an Indian bison), deer, wild boars, sloth bears, rhesus macaques, black faced langurs, hyenas, porcupines, and jackals. It is the density of its big cat population and the frequency of the sightings that is making Bandhavgarh increasingly well known. Late afternoon/evening jungle safari. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 8 Bandhavgarh

Jungle Lodge Morning and evening jungle safari with all meals included at the hotel.

Day 9 Bandhavgarh

Jungle Lodge Morning and evening jungle safari with all meals included at the hotel.

Day 10 Kanha

Morning jungle safari and after breakfast drive 6 hours to Kanha. Transfer to Kanha Jungle Lodge. The National Park here is world famous for its tigers. You are more likely to see a tiger here than at any other park in India! A great variety and abundance of other wildlife also inhabit the park. After arrival take a late afternoon jungle safari.

Day 11 Kanha

Lodge Morning and evening jungle safari with all meals included at the hotel.

Day 12 Kanha

Lodge Morning and evening jungle safari with all meals included at the hotel.

Day 13 Nagpur

Morning jungle safari and breakfast and lunch at lodge. After lunch drive 4 hours to Nagpur to connect with a flight to Mumbai or Delhi.