7 Days in the Wild: Kanha – Bandhavgarh – Pench
https://www.travelosei.com/india/safaris/north/central-india-tiger-safari
Why plan a tiger safari across three parks?
If you're the kind of traveler who dreams of hearing the forest before you see it, you're in good company. This circuit —Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Punch—forms the golden triangle of India’s big cat country.
A tiger safari is a guided wildlife experience in protected forests where naturalists favor you track tigers and other species through morning and evening drives. It’s structured, thrilling, and surprisingly meditative.
https://www.travelosei.com/india/safaris/north/central-india-tiger-safari
Combine all three parks and you get variety: Kanha's meadows, Bandhavgarh's cliffs, and Punch's teak forests.
What Makes This Wildlife Itinerary Work for 7 Days?
Because each park is roughly half a day's drive apart, you spend more time in the wild and less time boxed inside a vehicle. Over a week, the pacing feels balanced — two nights each, six to eight drives total, plus breathing room between transfers.
As someone who's run this loop more times than I can count, I can promise: you'll never look at forests the same way again.
The 7-Day Kanha – Bandhavgarh – Pench Itinerary
Below is a realistic, experience-backed blueprint with actual drive times, morning/evening safari windows, and suggestions.
Day 1 – Arrive in Kanha + First Evening Drive
Most travelers land in Jabalpur (3.5–4 hours from Kanha). I usually time my arrival so I can settle in with a late lunch before heading out.
Evening Safari Slot: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The first drive always feels like opening a book mid-chapter - you're easing into the rhythm. Expect barasingha, jackals, and herds of spotted deer.
Where to Stay: Think boutique lodges near Mukki or Kisli Gate.
Day 2 – Morning & Evening Safaris in Kanha
Morning Safari Slot: 6:00 am – 11:00 am
Evening Safari Slot: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Kanha demands slow observation. The forest speaks in subtle cues: alarm calls, pugmarks, and that sudden hush when a predator is near.
Best Zones for Tiger Sightings
Mukki for Big males

Kanha Meadows for Silhouettes at Dawn

Kisli for sloth bears

Downtime Tip: Between drives, nap. I’ve ignored this advice before and paid for it by dozing off during golden-hour sightings.
Day 3 – Kanha to Bandhavgarh (5.5 hours)
The drive is long but scenic. Your lodge will usually pack a snack box; take advantage of it.
Arrival Window: Most reach by 2:00 pm – just enough time for tea before the evening safari.
Evening Safari Slot: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
A first glimpse of Bandhavgarh’s dramatic cliffs always gets me—it’s a wilder, more vertical landscape.
Where to Stop En Route
Mandla for chai

Small craft stalls with gond art

Day 4 – Big Cat Tracking in Bandhavgarh
Morning Safari Slot: 6:00 am – 10:00 am
Evening Safari Slot: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Bandhavgarh is known for some of India’s most photographed tigers. If Kanha is poetry, Bandhavgarh is a dramatic novel.
Photographers' Tips
Carry a bean bag for jeep-side stabilization

March – May offers clear visibility

Ask your naturalist which family has been active recently

Day 5 – Bandhavgarh to Punch (6 hours)
This is the longest transfer day of the trip. Leave early—ideally by 7:30 am—to reach in time for an unhurried lunch.
Downtime Tip: Spend the evening by the pool or join a naturalist for a short interpretive walk.
Day 6 - Punch's Forest Tales
Morning Safari Slot: 6:00 am – 10:00 am
Evening Safari Slot: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pench has always felt nostalgic to me—it’s Kipling country after all. Tigers live here, yes, but the real reward is the mix: wild dogs, leopards, giant owls, and golden bamboo turning rosy at sunset.
Optional Add-On: Night safari in buffer zones.
Day 7 – Final Sunrise Safari + Departure
You wake early for one last drive—trust me, it’s worth it. There's something poetic about closing the trip where you started: chasing shadows turning into stripes.
Most travelers depart via Nagpur Airport (2.5 hours from Pench).
Frequently Asked Questions
TRAVELOSEI – travelosei.com – +1 (813) 344-8306
How many tiger sightings can I expect on this wildlife itinerary?
Sighting numbers vary wildly. Some guests see tigers multiple times; others get just one great encounter. Weather, zone allocation, and luck all play a role.
What's the best season for a tiger safari in India?
February to May is peak visibility, especially in Bandhavgarh. Winters are cooler and prettier for photography.
Are the transfers between parks tiring?
They're long but with early starts and rest stops. Comfortable vehicles and good road conditions help keep fatigue low.
Do these parks offer luxury accommodations?
Yes — Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Punch all feature upscale jungle lodges with private decks, fine dining, and naturalist-led walks.
Should I book through a luxury travel agency?
If you want seamless logistics, expert naturalists, and priority safari bookings, agencies like TRAVELOSEI or other reputable specialists are genuinely worth it.