In Search of
Black Panther
Explore Pench and Tadoba on a wildlife safari focused on the black panther. Encounter tigers, wild dogs, and over 200 bird species on jeep safaris.
06/07
Nights / Days
02
Tiger Reserve
11
Jeep Safaris
06
Fixed Departures
+Customizable
Tour Dates
Black Panther Tour - Pench & Tadoba
Six fixed winter departures track the black leopard through two of Central India's most reliable reserves for the sighting - or we design a private itinerary around your calendar.
04 Dec - 10 Dec 2026
Early Winter
20 Dec - 26 Dec 2026
Chrismas Special
29 Dec - 04 Jan 2027
New Year Departure
08 Jan - 14 Jan 2027
Peak Winter
22 Jan - 28 Jan 2027
Late Winter
05 Feb - 11 Feb 2027
Season Finale
Prefer your own dates?
We'll build a private departure around your schedule, group size, and reserves of choice.
Tour Overview
Step into the wild heart of central India with this special Pench and Tadoba tour, crafted for those who dream of spotting the black panther. Known locally as the "ghost of the forest," this rare melanistic leopard moves silently through the jungle, making every sighting unforgettable. Alongside this thrilling quest, enjoy excellent chances to witness tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles.
Tadoba’s tiger-rich landscapes and Pench’s dense teak forests provide the perfect setting for jeep safaris guided by experienced naturalists. Capture stunning photographs, listen to the calls of the jungle, and experience the best of India’s wildlife in comfort and safety.
- Excellent chances to spot the elusive black panther, also known as the black leopard, in Pench and Tadoba, along with thriving populations of Royal Bengal Tigers.
- Opportunities to see diverse wildlife including leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, gaur, and the elusive rock python.
- Birdwatcher’s paradise with more than 210 species such as Indian pitta, peafowl, crested serpent eagle, and jungle owlet.
- Guided by experienced naturalists who bring deeper insights into the jungle and ensure a memorable experience.
On the trail of the ghost cat
Two reserves known for melanistic leopard sightings, each given a real run of safaris rather than a single hopeful drive.
01
Tadoba
Maharashtra
Teak forest breaking into golden grassland - among the most consistent reserves in the country for daylight sightings, and one of the most reliable spots anywhere for the black leopard. The trip's opening chapter straight off the road from Nagpur.
6 Safaris · 4 Days
02
Pench
Madhya Pradesh
Hill country laced by the Pench river, part of the landscape that shaped Kipling's Seeonee jungle - dense bamboo cover that has turned up its own share of black leopard sightings in recent years.
5 Safaris · 3 Days
The route, stop by stop.
A single overland journey from Delhi through Agra and Jaipur, then a flight to Nagpur to begin the safari segment in Pench, closing back in Delhi.
01
Tadoba
Days 1 - 4
02
Pench
Days 5 - 7
Tadoba
Days 01 - 04
Day 1
Arrive Nagpur, transfer to Tadoba, evening safari.
Day 2
Morning and evening safaris in Tadoba, chances of leopard and rare black leopard.
Day 3
Two more safaris in Tadoba exploring prime zones.
Day 4
Morning safari in Tadoba, drive to Pench, evening at leisure.
Pench
Days 05 - 07
Day 5
Morning and evening safaris in Pench to track black leopard
Day 6
Back-to-back safaris in Pench focused on black panther sightings.
Day 7
Final morning safari in Pench, transfer to Nagpur.
Itinerary Map
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included
- Lodging in Tadoba and Pench, including all meals and safari.
- Your fees for entrance, safari jeep, and guide in Pench and Tadoba Park.
- 6 exclusive jeep safaris will be provided in Tadoba.
- 5 exclusive jeep safaris will be provided in Pench.
- Air-conditioned Toyota Innova / Crysta for all land transfers.
- Airport and hotel assistance pre- and post-trip.
- Water bottles during land transfer and safari.
Not Included
- Personal expenses like laundry, phone calls, liquor, à la carte food, etc.
- International or domestic airfares and rail tickets.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and Gratuities.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion section.
Booking & Terms.
Booking Procedure
To confirm your seat, a 50% advance amount along with a recognized Government Identity card (Aadhar, Pancard, Driver’s License, OCI, Passport, Voter’s ID, school/College ID) is to be sent to us.
For non Indian nationals, only Passport is allowed.
Id’s should be scanned and emailed at sa****@**********ia.com
Cancellation Policy
| Notice Given | Refund |
|---|---|
| 120 days or more before departure | Full refund |
| 60 days or more before departure | 80% refunded |
| 30–59 days before departure | 60% refunded |
| 21–30 days before departure | 40% refunded |
| 11–20 days before departure | 20% refunded |
| 10 days or less, or no-show | No refund |
Extend Your Wildlife Journey
Extend by 4 days
Nagzira Wildlife Extension
Extend by 4 days
Satpura Safari Extension
Extend by 2 days
Orchha Heritage Extension
Guest Testimonials
We thank all of our guests for trusting Big Cats India and for trusting us with planning their wildlife holiday with us. Read all our guest's reviews
Mr. Maxim Vetsuypens
Netherlands
We were a bit late with planning the safari trip and many good spots were fully booked, but Krunal was very helpful and creative in planning a trip that met our needs. The resorts where very comfortable and the food was tasty. Krunal was very responsive to our messages Read More
Marisa Romeo
Switzerland
magnificent safari tour/wonderful tour & safari I discovered Big Cats India via the internet, looking through various operators and having asked for some offers to go to national parks and possibly see and photograph tigers (mission accomplished, but it is never obvious to be Read More
Lewis Johnson
Australia
Had such an amazing tiger safari tour with Big cats at Pench tiger safari. Had 6 tiger sightings, 1 leopard sighting and 100s more wildlife over our 4 day tour. Big cats couldn’t have been more helpful with the whole booking and right the way through they were always asking how it Read More
Guest Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Black Panther Tour - Pench & Tadoba?
6 nights / 7 days, covering Tadoba and Pench.
Which parks does the tour cover?
Which parks does the tour cover?
Is a black leopard sighting guaranteed?
No - the black leopard is a rare, melanistic form of the Indian leopard, and sightings depend on the animal's own movement. The itinerary is built around the zones and timing that give the best realistic chance.
What other wildlife might I see?
Bengal tigers, regular leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, gaur, rock pythons, and over 200 recorded bird species including the Indian pitta and crested serpent eagle.
What is included in the tour price?
Lodging with meals and safaris in Tadoba and Pench; forest entrance, jeep, and guide fees in both parks; air-conditioned Innova/Crysta transfers; airport and hotel assistance; and water bottles during transfers and safaris.