12 Day North India Wildlife Tour

Tiger Safaris, Birdwatching & Heritage

Private Safaris in Sariska & Ranthambore, Bharatpur Birdlife, Jaipur, the Taj Mahal and Delhi

This private North India wildlife tour combines tiger reserves, a UNESCO-listed bird sanctuary and the cultural highlights of the Golden Triangle in one well-paced 12-day journey. Starting in Delhi, the route heads to Sariska, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Bharatpur and Agra, staying in comfortable wildlife lodges and heritage-style hotels along the way.

Your safari journey begins at Sariska Tiger Reserve in the Aravalli Hills, a former royal hunting ground with dry deciduous forest, rocky hills and ancient temples hidden inside the reserve. Leopards, hyenas, sambar and nilgai are all seen here, and the park is home to a small, recovering tiger population. Ranthambore, one of India’s best-known tiger reserves, follows, with its lakes, forest and historic fort as a backdrop. Tiger sightings are never guaranteed, but its safaris give you a good chance of seeing one, along with leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles and birdlife.

At Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you explore the wetlands on foot or by cycle rickshaw, looking for painted storks, pelicans, owls, kingfishers and herons. Bird activity is at its best in the winter months, when migratory species arrive. Between the parks, the tour takes in Jaipur’s forts, palaces and bazaars, Fatehpur Sikri and the Taj Mahal in Agra.

The route works best between October and April and suits wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples, families and first-time visitors to India. As a tailor-made itinerary, it can be adjusted to your dates, safari preferences, number of game drives and style of stay.

North India Wildlife Tour – Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Delhi – Arrive at Delhi International Airport, where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your journey or take a short walk through a nearby market for your first glimpse of India’s vibrant capital. Overnight stay in Delhi.
• Day 2: Discover Delhi – Spend the day exploring the contrast between Old and New Delhi. Visit landmarks such as Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, and experience the city’s Mughal heritage, colonial architecture and bustling local life. Overnight stay in Delhi.
• Day 3: Delhi → Sariska National Park (Approx. 200 km | 4–5 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Sariska National Park in Rajasthan, set within the Aravalli Hills. Check in to your wildlife lodge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before the safaris begin. The evening is free to relax amid nature. Overnight stay in Sariska.
• Day 4: Sariska Wildlife Safaris – Set out on morning and afternoon jeep safaris through Sariska’s dry deciduous forests, rocky valleys and ancient temples. Look out for leopards, striped hyenas, sambar deer, nilgai and numerous bird species. The park has a small, recovering tiger population, but sightings are occasional and can never be guaranteed. Overnight stay in Sariska.
• Day 5: Sariska → Jaipur (Approx. 115 km | 2.5–3 hrs) – Drive to the Pink City of Jaipur. The afternoon is free to relax or explore colourful bazaars filled with handicrafts, textiles, jewellery and traditional Rajasthani art. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
• Day 6: Jaipur Sightseeing – Discover Jaipur’s royal heritage with visits to Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar, and a photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal. Wander through lively local markets before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
• Day 7: Jaipur → Ranthambore National Park (Approx. 180 km | 3.5–4 hrs) – Travel to Ranthambore, one of India’s best-known tiger reserves. On arrival, check in to your jungle lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure amid the rugged landscape of eastern Rajasthan. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.
• Day 8: Ranthambore Safaris – Set out on morning and afternoon jeep safaris (subject to permit availability). Ranthambore is one of the best places in India to look for tigers, although sightings can never be guaranteed. The park is also home to leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, jackals, deer and a wide variety of birdlife, with the historic Ranthambore Fort as a dramatic backdrop. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.
• Day 9: Ranthambore → Bharatpur (Approx. 220 km | 4.5–5 hrs) – Drive to Bharatpur, home to the UNESCO-listed Keoladeo National Park. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful cycle rickshaw ride or nature walk through the wetlands with a local birding guide. Overnight stay in Bharatpur.
• Day 10: Bharatpur → Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (Approx. 55 km | 1.5–2 hrs, plus the visit) – Begin the morning with birdwatching in Keoladeo National Park, then drive to Agra via the Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Continue to Agra and, if time permits, enjoy a first view of the Taj Mahal at sunset. Overnight stay in Agra.
• Day 11: Explore Agra – Begin with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, when the soft golden light is at its best and the crowds are thinner. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then spend a relaxed day exploring Agra at your own pace, browsing the markets for marble handicrafts, leather goods and carpets. In the evening, visit Mehtab Bagh, on the opposite bank of the Yamuna, to watch the Taj Mahal glow at sunset. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so we adjust the order of your Agra days if needed. Overnight stay in Agra.
• Day 12: Agra → Delhi & Departure (Approx. 230 km | 4–4.5 hrs) – After breakfast, drive back to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to Delhi International Airport for your onward flight, ending your North India wildlife and heritage journey.

Travel distances and driving times are approximate and may vary with road conditions and traffic. This itinerary can be adjusted to safari permit availability, preferred safari zones, photography interests, accommodation preferences or your travel pace. Wildlife sightings are seasonal and cannot be guaranteed.

What’s Included – North India Wildlife Tour

• 11 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected wildlife lodges, heritage-style hotels and comfortable city hotels
• Daily breakfast throughout the tour
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional chauffeur for all transfers and sightseeing
• Jeep safaris in Sariska and Ranthambore National Parks with experienced guides and naturalists (subject to permit availability)
• Safari permits and national park entry fees, as per the itinerary
• Sightseeing with knowledgeable local guides in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra
• Airport transfers and all transport during the tour

Tour Customisation – North India Wildlife Tour

This private itinerary can be adjusted to safari permit availability, preferred safari zones, photography interests, your travel pace and style of stay.

• Upgrade to premium wildlife lodges and heritage hotels
• Add extra jeep safaris in Sariska or Ranthambore for more time in the forest
• Include Jawai Leopard Conservation Reserve or Jim Corbett National Park
• Arrange private birdwatching excursions with expert naturalists in Bharatpur
• Plan photography-focused departures with experienced wildlife trackers
• Extend your journey with Udaipur, Jodhpur or Varanasi, or combine it with our Golden Triangle with Ranthambore tour

Best Time to Visit – North India Wildlife Tour

• October to March: Pleasant temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and comfortable safaris. Birdwatching at Bharatpur is at its best in the winter months, when migratory species arrive.
• April to June: Often the best time for tiger sightings in Sariska and Ranthambore, as wildlife gathers around water sources, although daytime temperatures can be very high.
• July to September: During the monsoon, the national parks usually close fully or partly for the season, though Rajasthan turns beautifully green. We recommend travelling outside these months for a wildlife-focused tour.

FAQs – North India Wildlife Tour

Which national parks are included in this tour?
The itinerary includes jeep safaris in Sariska and Ranthambore National Parks, along with birdwatching at Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Depending on the season, you may see leopards, striped hyenas, sambar deer, nilgai, marsh crocodiles, jackals, peacocks and many resident and migratory bird species. Tigers are possible, especially in Ranthambore, but sightings can never be guaranteed.

How many safaris are included?
The itinerary includes two jeep safaris in Sariska and two in Ranthambore. Additional safaris can be arranged, subject to permit availability.

What is the best time for a North India wildlife tour?
October to March is usually the most comfortable, with the best birdwatching at Bharatpur. April to June is hot but often good for tiger sightings, and the parks usually close for the monsoon.

Is the Taj Mahal visit affected by the day of the week?
Yes. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so we adjust the order of your Agra days if needed.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to India?
Yes. It combines the highlights of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra with Rajasthan’s leading wildlife destinations, making it a good introduction to India’s culture and wildlife.

Can this itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. You can extend your stay, upgrade your lodges, add more safaris, include destinations such as Jim Corbett or Jawai, or tailor the tour for wildlife photography.

Why Travel With Premium India Tours

• Professionally designed wildlife itineraries with carefully planned routes and sensible driving times
• Experienced naturalists and local destination experts
• Help with safari permits and seamless travel logistics
• Handpicked wildlife lodges and quality hotels throughout the journey
• Private, tailor-made holidays with personal service from arrival to departure
• More options in our India wildlife tour packages