India
ICONIC WILDLIFE & CULTURAL SPLENDORS
11-26 FEB 2028 • 16 DAYS • 16 GUESTS
Delve deep into India’s wild and cultural heart, where tiger-filled forests, sacred rivers and storied cities reveal a land of extraordinary contrasts.
Surrender the senses to a world of the unfamiliar: the distant roar of a Bengal tiger and the alarm calls of deer echoing through the forest; the rhythmic chants and glowing lamps of an evening Aarti ceremony; the vivid colors of bustling markets, flower-strewn temples and traditional saris; the aroma of ancient forests, fragrant spices and freshly brewed chai; and the cool morning mist rising from the sacred Ganges.
Begin in Delhi, where grand monuments, lively streets and centuries of history provide a compelling introduction to India. Continue into the wild heart of Madhya Pradesh to explore two of the country’s most celebrated tiger reserves. In Kanha National Park, vast sal and bamboo forests, open meadows and winding streams provide sanctuary for Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, gaur and the rare hard-ground barasingha. Journey onward to Bandhavgarh National Park, a dramatic landscape of forested hills, grasslands and ancient ruins renowned for its thriving tiger population. Morning and afternoon safari drives, complemented by nature walks, reveal the remarkable wildlife and birdlife of these protected wildernesses.
From the forests of central India, travel to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and the spiritual heart of Hindu India. Cruise the Ganges at sunrise as the riverbanks awaken with prayer, ritual and daily life. Explore ancient temples, labyrinthine lanes and sacred traditions before witnessing the mesmerizing evening Aarti ceremony, when flames, incense, bells and chanting transform the riverfront into an unforgettable spectacle.
Continue to Kolkata, India’s vibrant cultural capital, where elegant colonial architecture, colorful markets, historic neighborhoods and a celebrated artistic heritage offer another fascinating perspective on the country’s complex past and dynamic present.
Conclude the journey amid the grasslands, wetlands and forests of Kaziranga National Park in Assam. This extraordinary wilderness protects the world’s largest population of greater one-horned rhinoceroses, alongside Asian elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, Bengal tigers and an exceptional diversity of birdlife. Morning and afternoon game drives provide a thrilling finale to an expedition spanning India’s most iconic wildlife, sacred landscapes and cultural treasures.
Throughout this memorable journey, stay in carefully selected accommodations that reflect India’s renowned hospitality, regional character and distinctive sense of place. From elegant city hotels to intimate wilderness lodges surrounded by forests and grasslands, each offers a welcoming retreat and an enriching connection to the landscapes encountered along the way.
HIGHLIGHTS
Venture into India’s wild heart to explore 3 extraordinary national parks: Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Kaziranga
Set out on morning and afternoon 4x4 safari drives in search of Bengal tigers, leopards, dholes, sloth bears, gaur, Asian elephants, greater one-horned rhinoceroses and abundant birdlife
Explore the sal forests, bamboo woodlands and open meadows of Kanha National Park, one of India’s most celebrated tiger reserves
Discover Bandhavgarh National Park, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, ancient ruins and thriving Bengal tiger population
Experience the wildlife-rich grasslands, wetlands and forests of Kaziranga National Park, home to the world’s largest population of greater one-horned rhinoceroses
Cruise the sacred Ganges at sunrise and witness Varanasi’s mesmerizing evening Aarti ceremony
Explore the temples, ancient traditions and labyrinthine lanes of Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities
Discover the cultural treasures, colonial architecture and colorful neighborhoods of Kolkata
Experience the contrasts of Delhi on a guided exploration of India’s dynamic capital
Savor regional cuisine and experience the distinctive traditions and warm hospitality of Madhya Pradesh and Assam
Stay in carefully selected city hotels and intimate wilderness lodges that reflect India’s regional character and renowned hospitality
COMBINE FOR THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
Extend the adventure into the remote valleys of the Himalayas with India: Quest for Snow Leopards , an extraordinary journey in search of one of the world’s most elusive big cats. Complete the ultimate India experience with an optional visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal - an enduring symbol of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
“It’s hard to describe how we felt seeing our first wild tiger, or the Indian wild dogs playing or the golden jackal lying in the sun or the leopard at sunset.
It takes a lot of planning and organization to get these outcomes and our thanks to Wild Earth Expeditions for making it possible. We’ve planned our next trip already!”
RESERVE MY SPACE & ENQUIRIES
You've got that "I don't want to miss out" feeling for a good reason. Our expeditions are life changers and we have a solid following of Wild Earth Explorers who love returning to adventure with us. Don't hesitate in reserving your space today.
© GOOGLE EARTH
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
INDIA – Iconic Wildlife & Cultural Splendors
11-26 FEB 2028 ● 16 DAYS ● 16 GUESTS
Day 01 | Feb 11 Depart home and travel to Delhi, India
Day 02 | Feb 12 Arrive in Delhi / Delhi City Tour / Welcome Cocktails & Dinner
Day 03 | Feb 13 Fly to Raipur / Travel through rural Madhya Pradesh to Kanha National Park
Day 04-05 | Feb 14-15 Two days of safari drives in search of Tigers and India’s iconic wildlife
Day 06 | Feb 16 Morning game drive / Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park
Day 07-08 | Feb 17-18 Two days of safari drives & nature walks in search of India’s iconic wildlife
Day 09 | Feb 19 Journey from Bandhavgarh to Varanasi
Day 10 | Feb 20 Sunrise Ganges River Cruise / Varanasi temples & ancient traditions / Evening Aarti Ceremony
Day 11 | Feb 21 Fly Varanasi-Kolkata
Day 12 | Feb 22 Discover the sites of Kolkata
Day 13 | Feb 23 Fly Kolkata to Guwahati / Journey to Kaziranga National Park
Day 14 | Feb 24 Explore Kaziranga National Park on morning and evening game drives
Day 15 | Feb 25 Transfer to Guwahati / Fly to Delhi & continue home
Day 16 | Feb 26 Arrive home or fly to Leh and join the Snow Leopards Expedition
ADD-ON - RAJASTHAN - Blue Citadels, Pink Palaces and Emerald Lakes
FEB/MAR 2028 ● 6 DAYS ● Optional Add-On Pre or Post Trip
Day 01 | Fly Delhi–Jodhpur / Arrive in the Blue City / Overnight at RAAS Jodhpur
Day 02 | Explore Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada / Discover Jodhpur’s Blue City / Textile Experience
Day 03 | Journey from Jodhpur to Jawai / Afternoon Leopard Safari
Day 04 | Morning & Afternoon Leopard Safaris among Jawai’s Granite Hills
Day 05 | Morning Leopard Safari / Journey to Udaipur / Explore the City Palace, Jagdish Temple & Historic Old City
Day 06 | Fly Udaipur–Delhi / Continue Home or Onward
ADD-ON - MAJESTIC TAJ MAHAL
FEB 2028 ● 2 DAYS ● Optional Add-On Pre or Post Trip
Day 01 | Dinner and overnight in Delhi, India
Day 02 | Travel to Agra / Red Fort & Taj Mahal at sunset
Day 03 | Taj Mahal sunrise / Return to Delhi / Continue Home or Onward
ADD-ON - RAJASTHAN - Blue Citadels, Pink Palaces and Emerald Lakes
FEB/MAR 2028 ● 6 DAYS ● Optional Add-On Pre or Post Trip
Elevate the India experience with an exclusive five-night journey through the royal heart of Rajasthan. Explore Jodhpur’s majestic Mehrangarh Fort and blue-washed lanes, venture into the dramatic granite wilderness of Jawai on thrilling leopard safaris, and discover the palaces, temples and colorful bazaars of romantic Udaipur. Privately guided experiences, exceptional regional cuisine and extraordinary accommodations - including the stylish RAAS Jodhpur, a Tented Rock Suite at SUJÁN JAWAI and a palace-view room with a semi-private pool at The Oberoi Udaivilas - combine to create an unforgettable celebration of India at its most luxurious.
PLEASE NOTE: This optional extension is privately guided by professional local Rajasthan guides and an experienced driver; it is not accompanied by a Wild Earth Expedition Leader. The extension may be arranged before or after either of our two India expeditions.
ADD-ON - MAJESTIC TAJ MAHAL
FEB 2028 ● 2 DAYS ● Optional Add-On Pre or Post Trip
Our Iconic Taj Mahal Add-on provides Wild Earth Explorers the opportunity to discover some of India’s most iconic architectural treasures. Learn about the history and construction behind some of India’s most spectacular fortresses, tombs, and palaces. Marvel at the impressive architecture of the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort and take in the incredible blend of past and present.
*PLEASE NOTE This optional extension is privately guided by an expert Agra Tourist guide and driver, it is not accompanied by a Wild Earth Expedition Leader. The extension may be arranged before or after either of our two India expeditions.
WILD EARTH LEADERS
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas Baechtold, Encounters Asia, Indrajit Latey, Adobe Stock