For a blended experience of jungles, temples and hill stations, pack your bags and mount on a tour from Nagpur to Pench National Park, Tadoba National Park and Chikhladhara. The itinerary enveloping these iconic destinations promises to offer lots of thrill for 5 nights and 6 days.
Here’s what you can do on the trip. Follow the detailed itinerary
On Day 1. Begin your journey from Nagpur and head towards Pench National Park, located in the Seoni and Chhindwara district, 79 km from Nagpur. Named after the pristine River Pench that meanders through its territory, Pench National Park is immortalised in Rudyard Kipling's iconic tale, "The Jungle Book" in 1894.
While renowned as a tiger territory, Pench also provides refuge for a rich population of wildlife including cheetal (Spotted Deer), leopard, sambhar, gaur (Indian bison), chousingha (four-horned antelope), chinkara (Indian gazelle), barking deer, small Indian civet, and porcupine. The park also serves as a haven for migratory birds such as the Malabar pied hornbill, Indian pitta, and osprey. From deer to wild boar to majestic tigers, Madhya Pradesh boasts a treasure trove of wildlife experiences. Notably, the acclaimed wildlife series "Tiger: Spy in the Jungle" was filmed in Pench National Park, employing innovative 'trunk cams' attached to elephants to track the journey of four tiger cubs from infancy to maturity.
Reaching Pench and settling down in a resort or a hotel embark on an evening safari after lunch. The time slot for the evening safari is from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, which varies with season. Returning from the safari, the rest of the evening is free for you to unwind and unravel around the accommodation property.
On Day 2. Rise with the sun to imbibe the morning aura of the enchanting forest of Pench. Having done with the morning safari at Pench by 10:00 am, relish your breakfast and bid goodbye to Pench National Park and start your journey to meet the next renowned tiger kingdom, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is Maharashtra's oldest and largest sanctuary. Nestled in the Chandrapur district, approximately 175 km from Pench National Park, its name originates from the local deity "Tadoba" or "Taru" and the Andhari river that flows through its expanse. The national park's diverse fauna, from mammals to reptiles, birds to butterflies, finds solace in its embrace. Beyond its renowned tiger population, Tadoba shelters a plethora of mammals including Indian Gaur, Sloth Bears, Nilgai, Dhole, Sambar, Barking Deer, Striped Hyenas, Chausingha, and Small Indian Civet. However, it's not just land-dwelling creatures that captivate visitors; the park's aquatic inhabitants have also garnered attention over the years. With a rich collection of species, Tadoba Jeep Safari ensures that every sightseeing experience remains etched in the memory of its visitors.
On reaching Tadoba, check into a resort and unleash yourself with some rest. Since you will be arriving in Tadoba by the afternoon, it will be too late to go for an evening safari. Therefore, it is better to sit back and relax for the rest of the day.
On Day 3. Embark on an early morning safari as well as an evening safari to witness the wildlife at its best. You can choose between the jeep safari or the canter safari to experience the exotic species of wildlife. At the end of the day, return to your resort to dust off the day’s exhaustion, with an overnight stay.
On Day 4. Check out from the accommodation at Tadoba and your next stop is at Chikhaldhara, a fascinating gem in the Vidarbha region. Nestled at a distance of about 294 km from Tadoba National Park, this is the sole hill station in the Vidarbha Region and has been the witness to the Mahabharata episode of Bheema and Keechak dual. Keechak was a lustful army commander who desired for Draupadi. Arriving at Chikhaldhara, check into your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
On Day 5. Set out from the hotel for sightseeing at Chikhaldhara. Some of the top tourist attractions of the place include Bhimkund Point, Malviya Point, Gawilgad Fort, boating at Shakkar Lake, Mozari Point, a toy train ride at the Government Botanical Garden and the sunset at the windmill area of Chikhaldhara.
On Day 6. Check out from Chikhaldhara and drive back to Nagpur, bidding farewell to the refreshing trip. The distance to be covered to reach Nagpur is approximately 228 km taking almost 5 hours to complete the journey.