Best of Jungle Safaris and culture experience India – 12 Day
Tour Overview
Wild Hearts & Royal Stones: An 12-Day Private Expedition through India’s Tiger Reserves and Heritage Capitals by Travel Astu
Embark on a sophisticated 12-day journey across the untamed and the majestic with Travel Astu, your premier expert in high-access wildlife and luxury heritage travel. This "Wild Hearts & Royal Stones" expedition by Astu is a masterfully choreographed 12-day India tiger safari and cultural itinerary that unites the deep teak forests of the Central Highlands with the architectural wonders of the North. Travel Astu Pvt Ltd has engineered this comprehensive immersive program to offer a seamless transition from the "Mowgli Woods" of Pench and Kanha to the white marble poetry of the Taj Mahal and the pink-hued palaces of Jaipur.
Your private Indian sanctuary with Astu Travel is defined by logistical precision and a personal touch. You will navigate the vast distances between India’s premier Tiger Reserves—Kanha and Bandhavgarh—in a premium private vehicle, supported by domestic flights and executive-class rail to maximize your time in the wild. To ensure a world-class experience, we prioritize the "Human Element"—from an intimate Hindu home-cooking demonstration in Delhi to expert-led 4x4 jungle safaris. With Astu, your 12-day subcontinental journey is more than a tour; it is a profound encounter with the majestic Tiger and the royal legacy of the Maharajas.
Day to day itinerary
Welcome to India. A Travel Astu representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the grand vistas of New Delhi. You can visit Qutub Minar, India Gate, President house, Parliament building etc. The evening is reserved for a cultural highlight: dinner with a local Hindu family. Learn the art of tempering spices during a cooking demonstration before enjoying a warm, home-cooked meal.
Overnight: Delhi
After breakfast, visit Red Fort, Chandani Chawk local market, Jama Masjid (if you interested), Akshardham Temple. After a morning tour of Old Delhi’s vibrant markets, we head to the airport for a flight to Nagpur. Your private vehicle awaits to drive you 2 hours into the heart of the Seoni Hills. Welcome to Pench, the landscape that inspired The Jungle Book.
Overnight: Pench Tiger Reserve
Dedicated to the wild. Embark on morning and afternoon 4x4 safaris in Pench National Park. Track the elusive leopard and the Royal Bengal Tiger through the dry deciduous forest while spotting herds of Indian Gaur and Chital.
Overnight: Pench Tiger Reserve
After breakfast, we take a scenic drive through rural Madhya Pradesh to reach Kanha. This is one of the world's most well-managed parks, famous for its lush Sal forests and rolling meadows.
Overnight: Kanha National Park
Experience two extensive game drives in Kanha. Beyond the tiger, look for the rare Barasingha (Swamp Deer), which was brought back from the brink of extinction here. The park’s vastness offers a truly prehistoric wilderness feel.
Overnight: Kanha National Park
We continue our wildlife circuit with a drive to Bandhavgarh National Park. Known for having one of the highest densities of tigers in India, the park is set against a dramatic backdrop of ancient cliffs and a 2,000-year-old fort.
Overnight: Bandhavgarh
Morning and evening safaris in the Tala and Magadhi zones. The rocky terrain of Bandhavgarh makes for spectacular tiger sightings. Between drives, learn about the historical ruins that dot the jungle landscape.
Overnight: Bandhavgarh
We drive toward the UNESCO-listed town of Khajuraho. Spend the afternoon discovering the Western and Eastern Groups of Temples, world-renowned for their intricate medieval carvings. If time permits, we will take you on an intimate village tour to experience local life at a slower pace.
Overnight: Khajuraho
Morning drive to the medieval town of Orchha to explore its riverside palaces and towering cenotaphs. Later, we proceed to Jhansi to board your First AC or Executive Class train for a swift, comfortable journey to Agra, the city of the Taj.
Overnight: Agra
Witness the Taj Mahal at its most beautiful hour, followed by a tour of the mighty Agra Fort. We then drive toward Jaipur, stopping at the abandoned red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri or the stunning geometric Abhaneri Step-well (Chand Baori).
Overnight: Jaipur
A deep dive into Rajasthani royalty. Visit the Amber Fort, the ancient Panna Meena Ka Kund step-well, and take photography stops at the Jal Mahal and Hawa Mahal. Explore the City Palace and the astronomical wonders of Jantar Mantar before wandering the colorful local bazaars.
Overnight: Jaipur
Enjoy a final Rajasthani breakfast before the drive back to Delhi. Your Travel Astu private vehicle will take you directly to the Delhi International Airport for your departure, concluding your 12-day epic journey from the jungle to the palace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Astu (also known as Astu) ensures your comfort by booking First AC or Executive Class seats. This provides extra legroom, meal service, and a quieter environment, allowing you to relax after your tour of Orchha before arriving in Agra.
Yes. To ensure a seamless experience, Travel Astu Pvt Ltd includes all monument and heritage site entry tickets in your package. For the jungles, we handle all permits and provide licensed naturalists to guide your safaris.
Absolutely. We provide local government-approved and licensed city guides in every city. These experts provide deep historical context and help you navigate the sites with ease.
With Astu Travel, there are no hidden costs. Your quote includes all road taxes, toll taxes, parking fees, and fuel. We also take care of the driver’s food and overnight stay allowances, so you never have to worry about the logistics of your transport.
On Day 12, your private Travel Astu vehicle and driver will escort you from Jaipur back to the Delhi International Airport. We coordinate the timing with your flight schedule to ensure a smooth and stress-free departure.
Travel Astu (also known as Astu) partners with a range of hotels and jungle resorts. Depending on your preference, we provide stays in 3, 4, or 5-star properties, and even Luxury Palaces. Every stay includes a daily buffet breakfast to prepare you for the day’s activities.
