Tadoba and Pench: tigers and leopards
in search of the 3 black panthers

6 200€
Excluding International Flights

May 21, 2025
June 5, 2025

17 Days / 16 Nights

Discover the TADOBA ANDHARI reserve, also known as ‘the land of tigers’ or the jewel of VIDHARBHA, in the footsteps of Bagheera and the mothers with their tigers.
Located in the Chandrapur district, in the state of Maharashtra, 140 km from NAGPUR, this sanctuary, founded in 1955, is the oldest and largest in the region. After 1973, with the tiger conservation project, it became a National Park. Over the past 50 years, villagers and rangers have worked together to ensure that the tiger population has continued to grow.
Today, they can pride themselves on having succeeded in this challenge and boast one of the highest concentrations of this feline, estimated at around 150 specimens, as well as a pair of melanistic leopards or BLACK PANTHERES. And PENCH, which adjoins TADOBA in the neighbouring district of Maharashtra, near the town of Seoni, and which recently welcomed a young 2-year-old melanistic male.

 

Visiting these 2 parks increases the chances of an encounter. Having the privilege of meeting this rare and fascinating creature, with its bewitching gaze, this fearsome, discreet and solitary hunter, remains exceptional in its natural state, and without any real guarantee. But an excellent knowledge of the fauna, of the area of the national parks where it lives, and of its behavioural habits can make this possible; and only a local Indian guide can offer you these conditions, and thus put all the chances on our side.

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DAY 1
Arrival in New Delhi

Upon arrival at New Delhi Airport, you will receive a warm welcome from Myriam and Pradeep, your experienced Indian guide. After your arrival, enjoy a swift 15-minute transfer to your hotel, allowing you to settle in comfortably before embarking on your exciting adventure in India. This is the perfect opportunity to rest or explore the vibrant surroundings of New Delhi, preparing for the incredible experiences that await you in the days to come.

DAY 2
Transfer from New Delhi to Leh

In the morning, take a flight to the capital of Ladakh, Leh, which is situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters. To make the most of your stay, it is essential to allow your body to acclimatize to the altitude. To prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended to rest upon arrival. The Grand Dragon Hotel, a 5-star accommodation, will be perfect for a full day of relaxation and acclimatization.

DAY 3
Leh

In the late afternoon, visit the Leh Palace, built in the 17th century, and enjoy the stunning views in the golden light of sunset. Afterward, take a leisurely walk down from the palace to the old town, where you can explore its charming shops. Don’t miss the opportunity to shop for beautiful pashminas, exquisite shawls woven from the fine, warm wool of Himalayan goats, or opt for a scenic drive back.

DAY 4
Leh to Thiksey Monastery (20 km)

Depart for the Indus Valley, making a stop at the Stok Palace en route to the monastery. The stunning Thiksey Gompa, one of the most iconic and traditional monasteries in Ladakh, was founded in 1430 and is perched on a hillside overlooking the entire valley. You may have the opportunity to attend morning prayers with the monks (from 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM). Enjoy a leisurely return, allowing for further acclimatization.

DAY 5
Leh to Ulley Valley (Approximately 79 km, 1.5 hours)

Enjoy breathtaking panoramas along the paved road following the Indus River as you travel through Kargil, Srinagar, and the small town of Nimmu, where the Zanskar River meets the Indus. Head north to Likir, where you can take the time to photograph a famous Buddhist monastery, a gateway to the realm of the snow leopard.

The adventure begins as you traverse stunning landscapes winding through a narrow valley along the Ulley Chhu stream, just before arriving at our lodge. A 5 km dirt road leads you to a quaint hamlet of seven traditional houses, including the Snow Leopard Lodge, offering rooms with spectacular mountain views. Full board and activities are included.

DAY 6 TO 10
Immersion in the Ulley Valley

Spend five days fully dedicated to immersing yourself in the Ulley Valley and surrounding areas, with the goal of finding, observing, and photographing the elusive snow leopard and the local wildlife of Ladakh. This region is home to approximately ten individuals of this magnificent species. Each morning at 7 AM, the staff will deliver your cup of tea or coffee to your room.

Our small group of eight people will travel in three private vehicles, allowing us to adapt to the rhythms of our spotters and their observations. However, as its name suggests, the “ghost” moves very discreetly, and the mountains are its kingdom. No guarantees of sighting are provided, as its territory is vast and entirely free.

Lunch will be served at 1 PM, either at the lodge or in the valley, where the team will set up tables and chairs to offer a hot meal (soup, appetizer, main course, dessert, coffee or tea). After a day of exploration, return to the lodge for the night, depending on the day’s observations.

The lounge, featuring a large stove providing gentle warmth, is a cozy spot for conversations or watching a documentary.

DAY 11
Ulley to Leh (1.5 hours by car)

After breakfast, depart for the capital, Leh. As you descend, the search for the elusive snow leopard continues. Enjoy your transfer and spend the night at the hotel.

DAY 12
Leh to Delhi (1.5-hour flight)

A flight is included for your return to Delhi, where you will check in at the hotel.

Day 17
Delhi to Paris

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport according to your return flight schedule.

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Discover the Extraordinary Biodiversity of India

India is a country renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, vibrant colors, enchanting scents, and magical landscapes. Among its treasures are six of the most formidable predators, recognized as endangered by WWF, including the famous ghost of the mountains: the snow leopard.

The Elusive Snow Leopard

Known by many names, the snow leopard is an extraordinary animal that captures the imagination of many, yet few have the chance to see and photograph it. Far from the hustle and bustle of Delhi, to the north, beyond the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, our Indian guide Pradeep invites you to discover Ladakh, an ancient Buddhist kingdom often referred to as “Little Tibet.”

Explore the Majestic Landscapes of Ladakh

Ladakh is a breathtaking region, covering 59,146 km² of stunning landscapes, canyons, and mountains, with peaks averaging 5,000 meters in altitude. The region is traversed by the Indus River and its tributaries, whose waters, in shades of blue, nourish valleys of grains and fruit trees.

In this magnificent setting lives the elusive snow leopard, the iconic mammal of Ladakh. With fewer than 3,000 individuals remaining worldwide, and possibly fewer than 100 in this region, these majestic creatures are a sight to behold. During the harsh winter months (January, February, March), the snow leopard descends to lower altitudes, following herds of bharals and Siberian ibex. Their distinctive calls resonate through the canyons as they seek companionship during the mating season.

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Services included

  • Round-trip transfer and transport from Delhi airport by taxi
  • Regular flights Delhi/Leh/Delhi on INDIGO (15 kg checked baggage and 7 kg cabin baggage)
  • Personalized welcome upon arrival with French-speaking and Indian guide
  • Excursions mentioned in the Leh program with a guide
  • Entry fees for Ladakh, environmental fees, Ladakh advisory fees, conservation fees, and Hemis National Park fees, government service taxes
  • 2 nights in Delhi in the Aerocity area with breakfast
  • 4 nights in a 5-star hotel in Leh on a full-board basis
  • 6 nights at Ulley Lodge in double rooms with private bathrooms and toilets, on a full-board basis
  • Spotters and Ladakhi naturalist guides

Services not included

  • International flights (please contact us before booking any flight tickets)
  • Cancellation and repatriation insurance
  • Visas
  • Beverages and tips
  • Single room supplement (€900)
  • Excursions and activities indicated as optional in the program
  • Personal expenses
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DAY 1

Upon your arrival at New Delhi International Airport, our Indian wildlife guide Pradeep, who speaks fluent English, and Marie, your French tour companion, will welcome you at Terminal 2. At 9:35 AM, we will take a 1 hour and 45-minute flight to Nagpur, the starting point of our adventure.

Once we land, a private vehicle will be ready to transfer us to the Tadoba Jungle Camp, a luxury eco-lodge where we will stay throughout the journey. The drive will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a stop along the way for a delicious local lunch.

Upon arrival at the camp, you will settle into your luxury cottages, followed by a delightful dinner. The camp offers full board accommodation with excellent amenities, including a swimming pool, a beautiful tropical garden, and a water feature where our friendly resident geese, Anju and Manju, live.

The Tadoba Jungle Camp is ideally located, just 5 to 15 minutes away from the gates of the Tadoba Tiger Reserve, one of the best wildlife reserves in India for tiger sightings.

Enjoy dining on the panoramic terrace of the restaurant, where you’ll be served delicious meals blending Indian and international cuisine. During your stay, you may be lucky enough to see wild animals roaming near the terrace, including cheetals (Indian deer), along with a variety of exotic birds and colorful butterflies.

Day 2
Tadoba Safari: Sunrise Adventure with Tigers and Leopards

Start your day early with a delicious masala chai before we set off at 6 AM for our first safari. As the sun rises over Tadoba Lake, the mist blankets the jungle, and the forest comes alive with sounds of the wildlife awakening. Some animals venture into the sun to warm up, while others return from hunting to find a safe place to rest for the day.

Focus on Big Cats: Leopards and Tigers

  • Beauty & Blacky, the two melanistic leopards, along with spotted leopards, and four tigresses with their cubs, dominate this part of the jungle.

  • Beauty is a 2-year-old melanistic female leopard, known for her elusive nature, while Blacky is a 7-year-old male melanistic leopard with an enigmatic gaze and a coat that reveals spots (rosettes) in the sunlight. Both leopards have grown accustomed to the sounds of jeeps and humans in their shared territory, spanning Moharli, Teliya Lake, Junona, Mudholi, Khutwanda, and Tadoba Lake, alongside other spotted leopards.

  • This area is also home to tigresses like Sonan with her 6-month-old cubs, Roman with two 14-month-old cubs, and Bubbly and Biliss, each raising three cubs. These tigresses nurture their young, who stay with them until the age of two. Their territories are well-known, and daily protection by rangers ensures safety, offering great opportunities for tiger sightings, observation, and photography.

After spending the morning exploring the red dirt roads of the park, we will return to the lodge by 10:30 AM for breakfast and lunch, followed by a brief rest.

At 2 PM, we head out again, continuing our search for big cats and other wildlife. Tadoba is also rich in dholes (wild dogs that hunt in packs), sloth bears, and jackals.

Wild Herbivores and Birdwatching Paradise

On the trails, we may come across cheetals (spotted deer), sambars, barking deer, nilgai (blue bulls), and gaurs (Indian bison). The water bodies are frequented by a wide variety of birds, making Tadoba a true birdwatcher’s paradise.

This experience feels like stepping into The Jungle Book with monkeys like macaques and langurs performing their playful antics. They will sound their famous alarm calls at the sight of any predator, giving us hints of a nearby big cat.

We’ll take advantage of the golden light at sunset for more photography, capturing the beautiful sunset over Tadoba Lake, before returning to the lodge around 6:30 PM for tea and a light snack.

At 7 PM, there will be a wildlife documentary screening for those interested. You can also relax in the garden by the firepit, enjoying a cold beer or other drinks (alcohol is permitted in this state but not included). This will be the perfect moment to share stories, photos, and impressions of the day before we enjoy dinner.

Day 3 to 11
Exploring the Untamed Ecosystem of Tadoba

After enjoying our morning tea, we will set off at dawn to traverse the pathways of this stunning, untouched ecosystem. The environment is rich with bamboo, teak, ain, bina, haldus, and towering trees known as “ghost trees” due to their striking white bark.

The bamboo and teak dominate the dry deciduous tropical flora of this gem in Vidharbha, where the Andhari River meanders through the forest, providing sustenance for a wide variety of wildlife.

Throughout these days, you will experience the vibrant beauty of this habitat, with opportunities for wildlife sightings, guided by our expert naturalists who will share their knowledge of the local flora and fauna.

Meals will be provided at the lodge, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where you can relax and share stories of your adventures before resting for the night.

Day 12
Journey to Pench National Park

We will depart early in the morning for Pench National Park, located straddling the border of Madhya Pradesh and neighboring Maharashtra, near the town of Seoni. We will travel 250 km to reach the Pench Jungle Camp.

A picnic lunch will be provided along the way, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views.

In the afternoon, we will embark on a safari in this new park, which is part of the Project Tiger initiative led by the Indian government. The park recently welcomed a young black leopard, adding an exciting element to our adventure.

We will return to the lodge by 6 PM for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 13 to 16
Safari Adventures in Pench National Park

After enjoying a warm cup of tea, our jeep will take us to the park gates for a morning safari in search of big cats. In this teak-dominated forest, we will encounter a high concentration of herbivores and other wildlife typical of India.

We will return to the lodge by 10:30 AM for breakfast, followed by some relaxation and lunch.

At 3 PM, we will head back into the park for a second safari of the day. Pench is home to numerous jackals, dholes (Asian wild dogs), leopards, and a recently arrived 2-year-old melanistic leopard (black panther), making it a perfect sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts.

This schedule will be followed for the entire duration of our five-day stay.

Day 17
Departure from Nagpur

After breakfast, we will depart for the airport in a private transfer to Nagpur. From there, we will take a connecting flight via Delhi, departing at 5:20 PM and arriving in the capital at 7:10 PM.

You will have your last evening free to relax and reflect on your incredible journey. Your international return flight marks the end of this unforgettable adventure.

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Bagheera, the Black Panther

A Legendary Fabulist

Bagheera, the black panther, has enchanted millions of children through Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.” Published in 1865, the book pays tribute to India, the country where the author grew up. Kipling received the Nobel Prize in 1907 for this iconic tale.

The Reality of the Black Panther

This magnificent feline, with its dark coat, is far wiser than many humans. However, it is not a separate species. Science has revealed its origin: a black panther is actually a melanistic leopard. This leopard displays a black coat, sometimes adorned with rosettes visible in the light, due to a pigmentation anomaly involving melanin, which protects it from sunlight.

An Exceptional Encounter

Encountering this rare and fascinating creature, a formidable yet discreet solitary hunter, remains an extraordinary experience in the wild, with no real guarantees. However, an in-depth knowledge of the wildlife and behavioral habits of this species, along with a good understanding of its habitat in the national park, increases the chances of an encounter. Only a local Indian guide can offer you this unique experience.

Tadoba Andhari: The Land of Tigers

A Wildlife Sanctuary

Tadoba Andhari, known as the land of tigers, is the jewel of Vidharbha, located in the Chandrapur district, 140 km from Nagpur. Since 1955, this sanctuary for wildlife has been the oldest and largest in the state of Maharashtra.

Habitat of the Felines

Tadoba is home to Beauty, a 2-year-old female melanistic leopard, and Blacky, a 7-year-old male with an enigmatic gaze. Their territory stretches between Moharli, Telya Lake, Junona, Mudholi, Khutwanda, and Tadoba Lake.

A Rich Ecosystem

Tadoba Andhari still boasts a pristine ecosystem, with flora consisting of bamboo, teak, ain, bina, and haldus, alongside towering trees known as “ghost trees” due to their white bark. Bamboo and teak dominate this dry deciduous tropical forest, while the Andhari River meanders through, providing water for a diverse array of wildlife: cheetals, sambars, barking deer, antelopes, gaurs, Indian bison, as well as wild dogs and a multitude of birds, making it a true paradise for ornithologists.

The Wild in Full Display

In this jungle, you will witness the splendor of The Jungle Book, complemented by the antics of monkeys (macaques, langurs), whose cries resonate at the sight of a feline, producing the famous alarm call.

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Services included

  • Personalized welcome upon arrival with a French-speaking companion and Indian naturalist guide.
  • Domestic flights Delhi/Nagpur/Delhi.
  • Permits and government service taxes for the Tadoba Andhari & Pench reserves.
  • 10 nights at Tadoba Jungle Camp (5-star eco-lodge with pool) in full board with delicious Indian and international cuisine, in a luxury double cottage with mezzanine, terrace, bathroom, and 2 private toilets.
  • 5 nights at Pench Jungle Camp (5-star eco-lodge with pool) in full board.
  • 28 safaris in a private jeep for 2 people, ensuring maximum comfort for photography, accompanied by Indian wildlife guides.
  • Transfers from Nagpur Airport to Tadoba Jungle Lodge (round trip) & TADOBA PENCH, as well as the return from Pench to Nagpur Airport.
  • The Tadoba Andhari reserve closely monitors the number of jeeps entering the reserve each day (48), but we have the ability to search for animals throughout the granted area daily with our permits; an advantage for maximizing chances of interesting observations.

Services not included

  • International flight (please contact us before booking any flight tickets).
  • Cancellation and repatriation insurance.
  • Visa.
  • Beverages other than those provided.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Single room supplement (€800).
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