Wild India – Tigers, Leopards & Wildlife Photography Expedition

10–23 February 2028 | 13 Nights

Experience the wild heart of India through your lens on an unforgettable women-only photography expedition.

Join a small group of like-minded women as we venture deep into the forests and national parks of Central India in search of one of the world’s most iconic animals — the magnificent Bengal Tiger.

This is far more than a wildlife holiday. It is a carefully curated photography expedition designed to maximise your time in the field, allowing you to observe, learn and photograph wildlife over multiple days in three of India’s premier national parks.

Unlike many wildlife tours that include only a handful of game drives, this expedition features an incredible 11 dedicated wildlife experiences, giving you exceptional opportunities to photograph tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, barasingha (swamp deer), jackals, langurs and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife.

Whether you’re capturing your very first tiger or adding to an already impressive wildlife portfolio, this expedition has been designed to give you the very best photographic opportunities.


Why Travel With Lesley Whyte?

Our Women in Photography expeditions aren’t about rushing from one location to another or simply ticking destinations off a list.

They’re immersive photographic journeys where we slow down, spend time observing wildlife behaviour, learn to anticipate those magical moments, and enjoy repeated opportunities to photograph our subjects in changing light and conditions.

Throughout the expedition you’ll be accompanied by Travel With Lesley Whyte’s professional Indian wildlife photography guide and tour escort. With extensive experience photographing India’s national parks and an intimate understanding of wildlife behaviour, your guide will help you maximise every safari and ensure you’re in the best possible position to capture extraordinary images.

Working alongside expert park naturalists and trackers, you’ll receive invaluable guidance on wildlife behaviour, photographic techniques, composition, camera settings and fieldcraft.

With 11 dedicated wildlife experiences, you’ll enjoy multiple opportunities to refine your photography, revisit favourite subjects and create an exceptional wildlife portfolio.


11 Dedicated Wildlife Experiences

One of the biggest highlights of this expedition is the extraordinary amount of time you’ll spend in the field.

Your wildlife experiences include:

🐅 9 Open Jeep Safaris

    • Sunrise and afternoon departures
    • Open safari vehicles ideal for photography
    • Experienced wildlife trackers
    • Professional naturalists
    • Incredible opportunities to photograph wildlife in beautiful natural light

🛶 Boat Safari on the Ken River

Experience India’s wildlife from a completely different perspective as you quietly cruise the Ken River photographing birds, reflections, dramatic landscapes and wildlife along the riverbanks.

🐦 Guided Bird Photography Walk

Explore the forests on foot with an experienced naturalist while photographing many of Central India’s colourful resident and migratory bird species.

Together these experiences provide exceptional opportunities to photograph:

    • Bengal Tigers
    • Leopards
    • Sloth Bears
    • Wild Dogs (Dhole)
    • Barasingha (Hard Ground Swamp Deer)
    • Jackals
    • Langurs
    • Sambar Deer
    • Chital Deer
    • Peacocks
    • Eagles
    • Owls
    • Kingfishers
    • Hundreds of bird species

 


Panna National Park

One of India’s greatest conservation success stories.

Once almost devoid of tigers, Panna has become one of India’s most exciting wildlife reserves. Its dramatic gorges, river systems, forests and open grasslands create stunning photographic backdrops.

During our stay we’ll enjoy multiple jeep safaris together with a peaceful boat excursion along the Ken River, providing completely different photographic perspectives.


Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh is regarded by many wildlife photographers as India’s finest tiger reserve.

Boasting one of the highest densities of Bengal Tigers anywhere in India, Bandhavgarh offers outstanding opportunities to photograph these magnificent animals within beautiful forest settings.

Multiple morning and afternoon safaris allow us to photograph wildlife during the most productive times of the day.


Kanha National Park

Often described as India’s most beautiful national park, Kanha is famous for its rolling meadows, dense Sal forests and misty mornings.

Home to thriving tiger populations and the rare Barasingha (Hard Ground Swamp Deer), Kanha provides magnificent opportunities for both wildlife and landscape photography.


More Than Wildlife

While wildlife is undoubtedly the hero of this expedition, we’ll also discover some of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Highlights include:

    • Exploring the bustling streets of Old Delhi
    • Street photography in colourful markets
    • Visiting the magnificent Sikh Temple
    • Experiencing Delhi’s famous Spice Market
    • Photographing the UNESCO-listed temples of Khajuraho
    • Visiting the fascinating Tribal Museum
    • Village walks and authentic community interactions

 

These experiences provide wonderful opportunities to create a diverse photographic portfolio that tells the complete story of India.


Photography Guidance Throughout

Throughout the expedition you’ll receive ongoing photography support including:

    • Wildlife camera settings
    • Autofocus techniques
    • Photographing moving wildlife
    • Understanding animal behaviour
    • Composition in the field
    • Working with changing light
    • Storytelling through photography
    • Image reviews
    • Post-processing guidance

 

Whether you’re photographing with a mirrorless camera, DSLR or telephoto lens, you’ll receive practical advice to help you improve your wildlife photography throughout the journey.

 


Tour Highlights

    • 🐅 11 dedicated wildlife experiences
    • 📸 Women-only small group
    • 🐯 Three of India’s premier tiger reserves
    • 🚙 Nine open jeep safaris
    • 🛶 Boat safari on the Ken River
    • 🐦 Guided bird photography walk
    • 🌿 Travel With Lesley Whyte’s professional Indian wildlife photography guide and tour escort
    • 👣 Expert wildlife trackers and naturalists
    • 🕌 UNESCO World Heritage temples of Khajuraho
    • 🛕 Old Delhi and Sikh Temple experiences
    • 🤝 Authentic village and community visits
    • 🏨 Carefully selected boutique wildlife lodges
    • 🍽️ Breakfast, lunch and dinner included throughout
    • 🚗 Private air-conditioned transport
    • 📷 Wildlife photography mentoring throughout the expedition

 


Who is this tour for?

This expedition is ideal for women who:

    • Love wildlife and nature photography
    • Want to photograph Bengal Tigers in the wild
    • Enjoy travelling in small groups
    • Want expert photographic guidance throughout
    • Prefer immersive experiences rather than rushing between destinations
    • Want to experience India’s extraordinary wildlife and culture with like-minded women

 


Small Group • Women Only • Professional Wildlife Photography Guide • 11 Wildlife Experiences

Come and experience the unforgettable wild heart of India—one extraordinary photograph at a time.

 

Fitness Level

Low to Moderate

This tour is designed for travellers with a low to moderate level of fitness who are comfortable being active throughout the day.

Most wildlife viewing takes place from open safari vehicles; however, guests should be comfortable with:

    • Climbing in and out of open safari jeeps (using a step and handholds)
    • Walking at a relaxed pace over uneven ground, gravel paths and natural bush tracks
    • Navigating occasional steps at hotels, viewpoints and heritage sites
    • Standing for periods while photographing wildlife
    • Early morning departures and full days of sightseeing and wildlife experiences

The itinerary has been planned at a comfortable pace with regular opportunities to rest, although flexibility is important as wildlife sightings often determine how long vehicles remain in one location.  No strenuous hiking is involved, but guests should be in good general health and able to manage their own luggage with minimal assistance.

What’s Included

Your Women in Photography Wild India expedition has been designed to provide a seamless, all-inclusive experience, allowing you to focus on your photography while we take care of the logistics.

📸 Photography

    • Travel With Lesley Whyte’s professional Indian wildlife photography guide and tour escort throughout
    • Wildlife photography mentoring and guidance in the field
    • Photography tips, techniques and image review sessions
    • Support with camera settings, composition and wildlife behaviour

 

🐅 Wildlife Experiences

    • 11 dedicated wildlife experiences, including:
      • 9 open jeep wildlife safaris
      • Boat safari on the Ken River
      • Guided bird photography walk
    • Professional park naturalists and experienced wildlife trackers on every safari
    • All national park entry permits and safari fees

 

✈️ Flights & Transport

    • Economy flights within India:
    • Delhi – Khajuraho
    • Jabalpur – Delhi
    • Meet and greet on arrival in Delhi
    • Airport transfers throughout the tour
    • Private air-conditioned vehicle for all touring and transfers

 

🏨 Accommodation

    • 13 nights carefully selected premium accommodation
    • Your own room throughout the tour (no twin-share required)

 

🍽️ Meals

    • Daily breakfast
    • Daily lunch
    • Daily dinner
    • Packed breakfasts during morning safaris
    • Bottled drinking water throughout touring

 

📍 Sightseeing & Experiences

    • Guided touring of Old Delhi
    • Cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi
    • Visit to Delhi’s famous Spice Market
    • Visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (Sikh Temple)
    • Guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho Temples
    • Visit to the Tribal Museum
    • Village walks and community interaction
    • Tiger conservation presentation by a resident naturalist

 

✔️ Also Included

    • All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
    • All gratuities for drivers, local guides, park guides, safari drivers, boatmen and photography subjects
    • Wet wipes, hand sanitiser and bottled water in the touring vehicle
    • All government taxes and service charges applicable at the time of booking

 


Travel With Confidence

From the moment you arrive in Delhi until your departure home, every detail has been thoughtfully arranged. With a small group, your own room, expert local guides and an experienced wildlife photography specialist by your side, all you need to do is immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy photographing one of the world’s most incredible wildlife destinations.

What’s Not Included

To help you plan for your journey, the following items are not included in the tour price:

    • International airfares to and from India.
    • Indian visa (if required).
    • Comprehensive travel insurance (mandatory).
    • Passport fees and any associated travel documentation.
    • Airport transfers if travelling on flights other than the recommended flights. Private airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.
    • Alcoholic beverages and drinks not included with meals.
    • Meals not specified in the itinerary.
    • Personal snacks and additional refreshments.
    • Laundry and dry-cleaning services.
    • Telephone calls, internet charges (where applicable) and personal expenses.
    • Camera equipment, lenses, memory cards, batteries, chargers and other photography accessories.
    • Optional photography equipment hire.
    • Optional activities or sightseeing not included in the itinerary.
    • Early check-in or late check-out at hotels, unless specified.
    • Porterage at airports and hotels (unless specifically included).
    • Excess baggage charges imposed by airlines.
    • Personal shopping and souvenirs.
    • Costs incurred due to flight delays, cancellations, illness, adverse weather, natural events or circumstances beyond the control of Travel With Lesley Whyte.
    • Any items of a personal nature not specifically listed under What’s Included.

 

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all guests and must be arranged prior to departure. Your policy should provide adequate cover for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, loss of luggage, and your photography equipment.

Airport Transfers

Complimentary airport transfers are provided only for guests travelling on the recommended group arrival and departure flights. If you choose to travel on alternative flights, private airport transfers can be arranged for you at an additional cost.

Tour Price & Payment Schedule

Tour Price –INR 998,000 per person

Your place on this exclusive Women in Photography expedition is secured with a deposit of INR 111,000 per person.

To align with payment schedules required by our Indian-based suppliers, the remaining balance is payable by progress payments as follows:

Payment Due Date
Deposit INR 111,000 upon booking
Progress Payment 30% of the tour price due mid-January 2027
Final Balance Remaining balance due late July 2027

 

Please note: Places are strictly limited and bookings will be confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit.

 

Tour Pricing & Exchange Rates

This tour is priced and invoiced in Indian Rupees (INR), the currency in which Travel With Lesley Whyte pays our Indian-based suppliers. Invoicing in INR provides transparency and ensures pricing accurately reflects the cost of accommodation, transport, national park fees, guides and other local services.

For your convenience, we also provide an approximate New Zealand Dollar (NZD) equivalent based on the prevailing exchange rate at the time the tour is released.

Current exchange rate (19 July 2026):
1 Indian Rupee (INR) = approximately NZ$0.0178

Example:
A tour priced at INR 450,000 is approximately NZ$8,002 at the current exchange rate.

Please note that exchange rates fluctuate daily. As your invoice is issued in Indian Rupees (INR), the amount payable in New Zealand Dollars will depend on the exchange rate and any fees applied by your bank or foreign exchange provider at the time payment is made.

February 10, 2028 - February 23, 2028

Optional Optional 4-Day Post-Tour Extension

Agra & Delhi – Timeless Icons of India

23–26 February 2028 | 4 Days / 3 Nights

Why let your Indian adventure end with the wildlife? Extend your journey with our optional 4-day Agra & Delhi Extension and discover some of India’s most iconic cultural treasures.

Witness the breathtaking Taj Mahal at sunrise, explore the magnificent Agra Fort, wander through the colourful Lodhi Art District, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. This relaxed extension perfectly complements your wildlife photography expedition, offering a wonderful blend of history, architecture, culture and photographic opportunities.

Travelling with your Travel With Lesley Whyte photographer and tour escort, you’ll enjoy premium accommodation, daily breakfast, private air-conditioned minivan transport, expert local guides and all sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary.

A minimum of four guests is required for this optional extension to operate.

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Book now

For questions or bookings: mail lesley@travelwithlesleywhyte.com