India’s Sloth Bears
A Wildlife Photography Adventure in the Heart of India
Capture the Wild in the Heart of Satpura Tiger Reserve
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the breathtaking teak forests and grasslands of Satpura Tiger Reserve. This exclusive photography tour offers an intimate opportunity to capture stunning images of India’s rare sloth bears, majestic Bengal tigers, and diverse wildlife, all while contributing to local conservation efforts.
Join Ursus Expeditions and our expert local guides for an unforgettable safari experience by jeep, boat, and on foot—designed to bring you closer to nature than ever before.
Tour Dates:
March 4-11, 2026
Location:
Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India
Cost:
$2,500 USD
Tour Highlights
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Sloth Bear Encounters
Witness and photograph these shaggy, playful bears in one of the best places to see them. Satpura NP offers the best chances for sloth sloth bear sightings and photo opportunities.
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Tiger Ecounters
Home to over 65 tigers, Satpura offers a great chance to see the elusive and powerful Bengal tigers in their natural habitat
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Expert Wildlife Guides
Our local guides have years of experience tracking wildlife and understanding the behaviors of India’s rare species and how to safely interact with them
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Photography Opportunity
with a wildlife-focused trip, you can Hone your wildlife photography skills with personalized instruction with how to best photograph all of Indias best wildlife
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Riverside Accommodations
Stay in handpicked eco-lodges with stunning views of the Tawa Reservoir and Denva River.
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Authentic Indian Cuisine
Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared Indian meals, offering a true taste of local culture.
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Small-Group Experience
We limit our group size to ensure intimate wildlife encounters and personalized experiences.
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Conservation-Focused Travel
Learn about India’s bear and tiger conservation efforts and how your trip supports wildlife protection initiatives.
Itinerary
Day 1
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Arrive at Bhopal Airport, where we will greet you and after a local lunch, transfer you to the lodge on the edge of Satpura National Park.
Enjoy a welcome dinner & orientation with your guides and fellow photographers.
Days 2-6
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Daily early morning & evening safaris in search of sloth bears, tigers, chital deer, Indian giant squirrels, and more.
Photography workshops & review sessions every evening.
Guided nature walks & landscape photography opportunities during free time.
Day 7
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Morning breakfast & walking tour, then farewell gathering.
Before heading to the airport, stop at the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into India’s ancient history through prehistoric cave paintings.
Depart from Bhopal Airport with a camera full of incredible wildlife shots!
Pricing & Availability
Cost: $2,500 USD
Deposit Required: $1,000 USD (Non-Refundable)
Final Payment Due: 90 Days Before Departure
Tour Dates
March 4-11, 2026
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel, we will attempt to fill your spot—if successful, your payment will be refunded. Otherwise, trip payments are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Quick Facts:
Recovering Predators: Satpura Np is home to around 65 tigers. a large increase from the 13 found in 2010!
Distinctive Coats: Each tiger's stripe pattern is unique, much like human fingerprints, aiding people in identifying and tracking individual tigers in the wild. Their bright orange fur, while very noticeable to use, makes them quite invisible to their prey! which lack the red color cones we have.
Unique Walk Pattern: Tigers are one of the few animals that place their hind feet in the exact same spot as their front feet, reducing noise and leaving minimal tracks.
Melursus ursinius: The sloth bear
Panthera Tigris, the bengal tiger
Unique Diet: Sloth bears primarily feed on termites and ants, using their long, curved claws to excavate insect nests. Remarkably, they can close their nostrils completely to keep out dust or insects while feeding, making them a vacuum cleaner for termites!
Maternal Behavior: Mother sloth bears are well known for carrying their cubs on their backs, a behavior uncommon among bear species, due to trees not being as safe a space as they are for other bears. Cubs typically ride this way for the first six to nine months of their lives.
Aggressive Defense: Despite their insect based diet, sloth bears are highly aggressive when threatened, especially due to their cohabitation with apex predators like tigers. They often stand on their hind legs and display their formidable claws to deter threats
Frequently Asked Questions
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the chances are always 50/50! we either see them or we dont. but the reason we choose this park and our dates is because we have never not seen both on any of our tours!
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Every focal range from 24-600mm can be of of use on this tour!. The wider perspectives are great to showcase the lush jungle mountain scenery around us. Tigers can also be as close as 10 feet away! but having a good zoom is extremely useful for the bears and birds. so having a variety of focal length options will serve you well.
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The weather in Satpura NP is spectacular in late winter. with temperatures ranging from 60 degrees to mid 80’s daily.
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Required vaccinations are
Diphtheria Tetanus Polio (DTP) Vaccination
It is also highly recommended to get malaria shots/ medication