Nestled deep in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, this 1538 sq km haven is renowned for its dense tiger population – one of the highest in the world. As you embark on a safari through the diverse landscape of Bandhavgarh, you’ll soon notice that there is much more the park than just tigers. A hotspot for wildlife activity, Bandhavgarh National Park boasts its own Big Five- Tigers, Leopards, Gaurs, Elephants, and Sloth Bears. As your guide takes you through the trails, wait for them to explain the intricate details of how this was once a stronghold of kings & queens, who left behind many architectural wonders.

The unique vegetation of this mixed deciduous forest plays a very specific role in the ecosystem- while the evergreen Sal trees maintain the lush cover of green even in the most sweltering weather conditions, Mahua trees (indigenous to Central India), produce fruits and flowers used to make country wine – something that’s loved by herbivores and humans alike. These forested patches are interspersed with beautiful grasslands and rolling hills.

Named after the winding Pench River that flows through its heart, this National Park is a collection of verdant forests, meadows, and hills, filled with diverse wildlife. It’s mainly recognized for its high concentration of leopards, tigers, wild dogs along with 40 other species of mammals and 300+ species of birds.

Despite being notoriously secretive and solitary creatures, leopards of Pench do not shy away from gracing visitors with their presence. Some other animals that you can expect to see roaming free through Pench’s jungles are chital, sambar deer, sloth bears, and even jungle cats! Pench is also one of the best places in India to see Indian wild dogs (Dholes).

The park’s vegetation is a mosaic of forests, grasslands, and meadows. Dense teak forests dominate the region, interspersed with tendu and bamboo groves. Lush green riverine zones flank the Pench River, while drier areas boast hardy shrubs and grasses. This variety provides a habitat for all sorts of wildlife, from grazing herbivores to elusive predators.

Kanha National Park is an old-growth forest with ancient sal trees and scenic grasslands. Two main species attract most of the people to Kanha- The Barasingha (the state animal of Madhya Pradesh), a magnificent swamp deer known for its impressive antlers, and the Tiger. However, the park also shelters a diverse array of wildlife, including 40 species of mammals such as leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, the rare Asian Otters, the Indian Gaur, and over 300 species of birds.

Kanha is a spectacular location for wildlife photographers and pairs well with either Bandhavgarh or Pench National Park. Kanha is also renowned for its jungle walks alongside the Banjar river.

In Kanha, dense forests give way to marshy grasslands, and sparkling rivers wind through the diverse terrain including marshes, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems.