The Cheetah Frontier:Kuno National Park and Central Indian Fortresses
A focused exploration of India’s newest conservation frontier, tracking the historic return of the world’s fastest land mammal to the central sub-continental plains. The route links the structural history of the capital region with the dramatic hilltop fortresses of Gwalior, the riverine palaces of Orchha, and the dry deciduous scrub forests of Kuno National Park—globally recognized as the only free-ranging habitat for reintroduced African cheetahs in India.
Day 01: Arrival in New Delhi & Private Hotel Transfer
Today’s Focus: Welcome reception at the international arrivals terminal followed by a private vehicle transfer to your hotel.
Welcome to India! Your signature wildlife tour begins at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Upon your arrival, our representative will meet you at the arrivals gate for a smooth private transfer directly to your pre-booked city hotel so you can relax comfortably from jetlag. You will spend the night resting and preparing for the upcoming journey.
Day 02: Full-Day Guided New Delhi Sightseeing Tour
Today’s Focus: An immersive private guided city tour exploring the finest colonial monuments and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Meet your private local guide after breakfast to begin an extensive exploration of India’s capital city. Specifically, you will tour the historic Red Fort, the iconic India Gate, and the stunning architecture of Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the Lotus Temple. In the evening, your driver will navigate past the imperial government sectors before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 03: High-Speed Rail to Gwalior Fortress City
Today’s Focus: Board a morning premium express train to Gwalior followed by an afternoon tour of royal palaces and cliffside forts.
Your morning starts with an early transfer to the railway station to board the modern Shatabdi or Vande Bharat Express train heading directly to Gwalior. Upon your arrival, our regional representative will transfer you smoothly to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, your guide will escort you to explore the majestic heights of Gwalior Fort, the ornate Jai Vilas Palace, and the beautiful Sun Temple. Overnight in Gwalior.
Day 04: Gwalior to Kuno National Park (Cheetah Safari)
Today’s Focus: Travel by road to the pristine forests of Kuno for a thrilling afternoon 4×4 open-jeep wildlife tracking safari.
Following breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy a scenic drive past local rural villages to reach Kuno National Park. Settle into your safari resort and enjoy a fresh local lunch. In the afternoon, you will board an open 4×4 safari vehicle for a deep jungle game drive into Kuno National Park—famous for being the world’s only free-ranging cheetah habitat. Keep your cameras ready to spot these magnificent big cats alongside leopards, chital deer, and diverse bird species. Overnight in Kuno.
Day 05: Kuno Morning Safari to Historic Orchha via Jhansi
Today’s Focus: Set out on a dawn tracking safari before taking a private road transfer to Orchha, visiting historic sites en route.
Wake up before dawn for a thrilling morning jungle safari into Kuno National Park to catch the predators active in the cool morning light. Return to the lodge for breakfast, check out, and begin a private road trip toward the hidden medieval gem of Orchha. En route, your driver will make strategic historical stops to explore the heritage structures of Shivpuri and Jhansi. Settle into your riverside property by evening. Overnight in Orchha.
Day 06: Orchha Palace Sightseeing to New Delhi
Today’s Focus: Tour the spectacular palaces and cenotaphs of Orchha before boarding a premium return express train back to the capital.
After a hearty breakfast, your guide will take you on an atmospheric walking tour to explore Orchha’s royal monuments, including the unique Raja Ram Temple, the stunning Jehangir Palace, and the majestic riverside Cenotaphs. Later in the afternoon, your driver will transfer you to the Jhansi railway station to board the Vande Bharat or Shatabdi Express train back to New Delhi. Upon arrival in the capital, transfer directly to your hotel. Overnight in New Delhi.
Day 07: New Delhi Exploration & Final Departure
Today’s Focus: Spend a relaxed day taking care of last-minute souvenir shopping before your private international terminal transfer.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. The daytime is yours completely at leisure to explore local markets or finish your last-minute packing. On time, your private vehicle will arrive to transfer you directly to the international airport to board your homebound flight.