While India is virtually synonymous with the tiger safari, few realise that the country is also one of the finest places on the planet to see leopard, and the only place to see wild Asiatic lion. Thanks to a handful of visionary lodge-owners and conservationists, it is now possible for the very first time to knit together three very different locations and see these extraordinary cats seamlessly, without the crowds and in uncompromising style. Welcome to our Indian big cat safari!
Do note that many of India’s national parks close during the monsoon from July to October. Although this journey can also be done between April and June, the heat is excessive at this time of year.
Price depends on the experiences and accommodation included, and your time of travel. It is based on two adults travelling for 13 nights and does not include international flights.
1 night at The Imperial, 3 nights at Jaagir Manor, 1 night at Taj Rambagh Palace, 3 nights at Sujan Jawai Camp, 1 night at the ITC Narmada, 3 nights at Aramness Gir Lodge, 1 night at Taj Mahal Palace
What makes this journey special?
- The first Indian safari to offer realistic chances of seeing tiger, leopard and Asiatic lion in true luxury.
- Privately guided by some of India’s top naturalist guides, you’ll experience a spectacular diversity of habitats and the wildlife that inhabits them.
- Explore the incredibly biodiverse Dudhwa National Park, fast becoming the best place in India to see tigers in the wild.
- Opportunities to spot a range of additional wildlife species from one-horned rhinoceros and sloth bear to elephant, wild dog and river dolphin.
- Experience the very best accommodation from a magnificent tented camp in Rajasthan to the country’s leading safari lodge in Gujarat.
Your luxury India wildlife safari itinerary
Tiger, tiger, burning bright
Dudhwa National Park
After spending a day in the Indian capital, your tiger safari begins in earnest in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. This fabulous reserve, a mosaic of forests, swamps and grasslands in the terai close to the Nepalese border, is a treasure trove of biodiversity and a critical habitat for several rare and endangered species. While off many people’s radar, Dudhwa is, for those in the know, the best place in India to see tigers in the wild. With your private guide, head out each morning and afternoon to look for tigers, along with other iconic species that can be found here, including successfully reintroduced Indian rhinoceros, elephant and, in the rivers, gharial and Indo-Gangetic dolphin. Night safaris are particularly rewarding here, with opportunities to sight other felines including jungle cat and fishing cat.
Leopards. Spotted.
Jawai Bandh, Rajasthan
Enjoy a night (or longer if you prefer) in Jaipur before taking a train trip across Rajasthan to Jawai Bandh in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Hills. Arriving in time for a late lunch, you’ll have three nights to enjoy Sujan Jawai, India’s most magical tented camp, and its rugged surrounding countryside. The Aravalli Hills are home to the world’s highest concentration of leopards, and you’ll head out on early morning and late afternoon drives with the expert naturalists and trackers to look for these majestic cats. The leopards of Jawai are known for their unique affinity for the rocky outcrops, and you may see them lounging on rock ledges, hunting or moving stealthily through the landscape. After thrilling days out on safari, return to camp and unwind in your private plunge pool before enjoying a gourmet dinner beneath the stars.
King of the jungle
Sasan Gir National Park
Travelling down to southern Gujarat, you’ll find yourself in Sasan Gir National Park. Here, the last 700 or so remaining Asiatic lions in the world, brought back from the edge of extinction, are now thriving thanks to some incredible conservation work. Happily, one of India’s most exciting safari lodges, Aramness Gir, has a prime location right by the park. A game drive or jungle walk with one of the lodge’s insightful naturalists, heading out after sunrise with a picnic breakfast and glimpsing the lions in their natural teak forest habitat, is an incredibly moving experience. But you may also be rewarded with sightings of striped hyena, honey badger and sloth bear. When not on safari, visit the semi-nomadic local Maldhari tribespeople in their home, venture further afield to the astonishing salt pans in the Little Rann of Kutch, or simply relax by the pool or in the lodge’s spa. Flying back to Mumbai, enjoy a final night of uncompromising luxury at the city’s legendary Taj Mahal Palace hotel before heading home.
Where you'll stay on your luxury India safari
Great journeys need great places to lay your head. These are our tried and tested suggestions.
Imperial Hotel
New Delhi’s Imperial Hotel, with its timeless charm, flawless service and outstanding central location, is the Indian capital’s most iconic hotel, hosting diplomats, celebrities, and the most discerning of travellers. From its marble lobby floors and private art collections to its manicured gardens, restaurants and enormous spa, everything is exactly as it should be. If you want–or are used to getting–the maharajah or maharani treatment, look no further than the Imperial.
Jaagir Manor
Offering an ideal launchpad for wildlife safaris into off-the-radar and crowd-free Dudhwa National Park (fast becoming the place to see Bengal tigers in the wild), Jaagir Manor is an oasis of elegance set among lychee orchards in the terai of Uttar Pradesh. Antique furnishings and contemporary comforts create an air of relaxed refinement, while the swimming pool, library and excellent farm-to-table restaurant provide a chance to while away the hours in between morning, afternoon and night safaris in search of India’s Big Five and other endangered species.
Sujan Jawai Tented Camp
Set among the rugged hills and open grasslands of Rajasthan’s Aravalli Hills, the luxury tented camp of Sujan Jawai is a very private-feeling sanctuary that allows you to drop anchor and embrace the peace of this untouched corner of India. Track elusive leopards with the camp’s expert guides, spotting them as they bask on rocky outcrops or silently prowl the landscape in search of prey. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you ride through tribal villages little touched by time. However you prefer to spend your time, Sujan Jawai’s seamless blend of adventure and luxury invites you to unwind, be pampered and enjoy India’s ultimate wilderness retreat.
ITC Narmada
The Gujarati capital of Ahmedabad is rarely included in Indian travel itineraries, however it has much to offer with its magnificent mosques, temples, grand gateways and lakes. The ITC Narmada is the city’s smartest address with all the classic five-star amenities you’d expect, dramatic interior design and an excellent location. There’s a good spa, and a range of fine dining options including delicious northwestern Indian cuisine served at its award-winning Peshwari Restaurant.
Aramness Safari Lodge
Arguably India’s finest safari lodge, Aramness Gir is a pampering cocoon of luxury situated at the fringes of Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat – the only place on Earth where you can see Asiatic lions in the wild. The lodge comprises 18 beautifully appointed private bungalows called kothis, each with their own courtyard, private pool and forest views, while public areas are dotted with carefully curated Gujarati antiques, brass sculptures and sparkling chandeliers. The service here is flawless, whether you experience it at a picnic breakfast out in the bush, with your expert guide as you track lions and leopards, or in the restaurant where stuffed zucchini flowers and limbdi chicken will tantalise your palate. The spa is pretty heavenly too.
Taj Mahal Palace
The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai is an icon of opulence, attracting discerning travellers, celebrities, and dignitaries alike. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this landmark heritage hotel combines timeless grandeur with warm Indian hospitality. Its interiors blend British colonial elegance and Mughal-inspired decor, creating a sophisticated, regal atmosphere. Guests are immersed in luxury with butler service, award-winning restaurants, and an exquisite spa. For those who value history and only the very best, the Taj Mahal Palace offers an unparalleled stay that captures the spirit and vibrancy of Mumbai in every detail.
Customise your luxury India holiday
All of our journeys are fully bespoke, and can be customised to meet your needs, interests and preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.
With an extra few days, it’s possible to include some snow leopard tracking in Ladakh – Rumbak Lodge and Lungmar Camp are our two favourite options.
Options to bring in private charter flights that will save hours of road travel.
Add a day or two in Lucknow to explore its regal palaces and sample some of India’s finest cuisine.
Fly to Goa for a few days of post-trip relaxation in a magnificent private villa.
The city of Hyderabad and the extraordinary temple complex of Hampi make a magnificent cultural combination that is easily added on to your tiger safari.
Looking for more inspiration?
We have a huge range of inspiring private experiences and accommodation options available. Get in touch with our India specialists.
ENQUIRELearn more about our luxury holidays, or call our expert Asia team on +44 1367 850566 / 1-855-216-5040 (toll free) to discuss how we can turn your dreams into something truly magical.
“Tigers, except when wounded or when man-eaters, are on the whole very good-tempered.”