India is a soul-stirring and sublime safari holiday destination. A country full of splendid colour, natural beauty, outstanding wildlife, and awe-inspiring architecture, a rich tapestry of cultures, races, and philosophies creates an irrepressible charm, leaving its mark on all who visit.
The Indian Subcontinent spans a rich honeypot of diverse landscapes. From bustling cities to steamy tropical jungles, to golden palm-lined beaches and towering snow-capped mountains, fascinating cultures and scenic beauty combine with this natural diversity to provide some of the best off-the-beaten-track adventures on the continent. Traversing through this enchanting country never fails to conjure sights of magnificent palaces, outstanding wildlife encounters, and historic temples, all entwined with the rich culture and natural splendour that this legendary destination breathes.
Although India's national parks may be busier, and wildlife a little more sparse, than their African counterparts, Indian safaris offer something different altogether. Track majestic tigers, look out for sloth bears and spotted deer, keep your eyes peeled for over 1,000 species of bird and perhaps even spot Indian rhino, Asiatic lions and Asian leopards.
Our incredible wildlife safari holidays in India combine some of the best bucket-list experiences and are as varied as the country itself. From tiger tracking in Ranthambore National Park to discovering the alluring charm of the Taj Mahal and the fascinating Golden Triangle, venturing through this diverse and vibrant country is just the beginning of our Indian holidays.
As specialists in travel to India, our wildlife expertise has ensured a 100% tiger sighting success rate over the last 4 years in each of our India tiger safaris. Our considerable wealth of experience and knowledge of this country, from the vibrant jungles of Kanha to the deep valleys of Ladkah, has led to carefully selected expeditions, providing you with nothing but the best access and highly experienced wildlife trackers and guides. We guarantee you will be placed in the right place at the right time to maximise the quality of your encounters with outstanding Indian wildlife from tigers to the elusive snow leopard.
Some of our most coveted safaris take you to the most remote corners of the Indian Subcontinent. Working closely with conservationists, we can offer you the chance to immerse yourself in the mystical region of Ladakh, tracking the elusive snow leopard through the foothills of the Himalayas. Our exclusive network on the ground links us to all the best lodges in the region and we are often able to add that little NWS twist, transforming any safari into something really special and unique just for you.
Typically, expect to budget around £8,000 for a 10-day experience staying at two or three luxury tented accommodation. For a longer 22-day safari in India, expect to budget from around £14,000 per person. This will generally include domestic flights to and from Delhi or Mumbai, private jeep safaris in Pench, Kanha and Ranthambore National Parks, four camps and additional unique sightseeing stops.
Join National Geographic photographer and big cat guru Steve Winter on this immersive safari into the Indian heartland, where your lenses will be trained on the denizens of forests, grasslands and rolling hills – including the famous Bengal tiger.
From 12495 per person
Journey through the heart of tiger country in search of this majestic big cat, travelling to some of the best regions in India for wildlife encounters, including Tadoba, Pench and Kanha National Parks.
From 8000 per person
Journey into the Himalayas and immerse yourself in the mystical region of Ladakh, visiting Buddhist monasteries and spending six days tracking the elusive snow leopard.
From 7995 per person
A stunning safari ensuring that you venture through a number of different areas within India. Track leopards whilst staying in luxurious African-style tents, stand in awe at the splendour of the Taj Mahal as well as exploring the bustling streets of Delhi.
From 10000 per person
India is a true riot for the senses – a true mosaic of colour, sound, taste and the sheer scale of this land which contains over one billion people. Whilst service remains exceptionally high in almost all areas, conditions outside of the larger towns and cities can be considerably more basic and you would do well to expect the unexpected. Whilst lively cities are contrasted with the quiet response of tiny fishing villages, tea gardens and tribal homes, the local people are well accustomed to interactions with foreign visitors and many speak English fluently. In India there is lots of potential for off-the-trail exploration for some of the most unique wildlife encounters in the natural world.
You may wish to include the following in your India itinerary:
Complementing the obvious cultural charms that it has to offer, India is home to a truly impressive range of accommodations depending on the area of travel. Around the popular parks of Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Ranthambore you can find options ranging from rustic guest houses and treetop hideaways to luxury lodges and tented camps with handcrafted furniture. For the more culturally orientated Indian holidays, a range of luxurious Indian Palaces and Forts in are available to relax and recuperate in after your wildlife or tiger safari. Read more about where to stay in India.
The best time to go to India will depend on the region you wish to go to, but if your main focus is tracking tigers, it is best to travel during the drier periods between February and April, when rising temperatures increasingly draw predators and prey to fresh water sources. During monsoon season, July to September, most national parks are closed. Read more about when to go to India.
Chances are, you’ve heard of Africa’s “Big Five”, a list of five iconic animals that our clients hope to spot whilst on safari. Though India may not come to mind for most people as a top wildlife destination, it has its own Big Five!
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As an alternative to traditional African safari destinations, India offers one of the best safari experiences with a plethora of wildlife some of which is unique to the country’s national parks and reserves.
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The Founder of the Snow Leopard Conservation Foundation was instrumental in establishing the Tost Tosonbumba Nature Reserve in her native Mongolia.
Read more about Bayarjargal Agvaantseren
Pioneering Tiger Conservationist. Founder of the charity TOFTigers working to conserve tigers and their habitats. Born and brought up on a wildlife and cattle farm in Zimbabwe, Julian Matthews has spent 24 years of his career involved in the nature tourism and wildlife conservation arena, as an eco-entrepreneur, naturalist and passionate advocate in the use of sustainable tourism as a conservation tool, and as a pioneer in the responsible nature tourism industry.
October to April is classed as the ‘best time to visit’ India, because the climate is cooler, so game drives and travelling will be far more comfortable, and this fits in well with the addition of tiger spotting. Throughout these months, viewing the tigers and the other wildlife in the national parks is fantastic, however, the scenery does change extremely quickly with the ever-increasing temperatures.
February, March, and April are probably the best times to see tigers in India due to the scenery and temperatures.
The CEO of Wildlife SOS has been instrumental in protecting India's prodigious biodiversity and providing sustainable livelihoods for communities who once exploited wildlife.
Read more about Kartick SatyanarayanHarriet was a great source of advice throughout the planning and the trip. We had many changex and she was patient and flexible in adjusting the itinerary. It was the second trip with her as the Specialist and it won’t be the last. Guides were great!! Loved the vibe and the excellent expertise. Thanks again for creating this memorable experience. Hotels were superb, luxurious but in time and with a local touch. Would have loved to stay longer in each of them.
Dealing with NWS is always a very easy and pleasant experience. You get it dead right for us each and every time we travel with you. We wouldn't even dream of using another agent ever again!
Harriet was fantastic to work with in putting together our dream trip. She turned around an incredibly quick and extraordinarily competitive itinerary for us when we had been let down elsewhere and managed all of our queries quickly and calmly. She was a pleasure to deal with and extremely helpful. This trip was a ten out of ten. We felt incredibly well looked after and utterly immersed in everything we saw. Fabulous local guides and naturalists at every turn ensured we took so much knowledge and appreciation home with us along with brilliant memories. The perfect introduction to this beautiful country. Did I mention we saw a tiger? We'd love to travel again with such brilliant destination information and on-the-ground teams combined with a competitively and sensibly priced approach.
Overall experience was magical and your whole team were very attentive and helpful. The guides were excellent and went above and beyond to make our trips and flights as easy and comfortable as possible. We were delighted with our entire experience!
We have always had excellent experiences with Natural World Safaris.
India is a diverse and fascinating destination that offers a wide range of experiences, making it a popular choice for travellers seeking cultural exploration, historical sites, natural beauty, and unique adventures. From the iconic Taj Mahal and bustling cities like Delhi and Mumbai to serene backwaters in Kerala and the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi, India has something for every type of traveller.
India offers the opportunity to go on safaris and experience its unique and diverse wildlife. One of the most famous destinations for wildlife safaris in India is Ranthambore National Park, renowned for its population of Bengal tigers. Other popular national parks and wildlife reserves for safaris include Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Bandipur National Park, and Periyar Tiger Reserve, among others. These parks provide the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards, various deer species, and numerous bird species. Jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and boat safaris are some of the ways to explore and observe India's rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
India has over one hundred national parks to explore on your wildlife safari. Here are just a few of the magnificent animals you can expect to see:
Check out our India wildlife guide for more information on the animals you can expect to see on an India safari.
In most parts of India, it is not advisable to drink tap water. The quality of tap water can vary, and visitors may not have the same immunity as locals to the bacteria and contaminants that could be present in the water. To avoid potential health risks, it's recommended to drink bottled water or water that has been properly purified or boiled. Many hotels and restaurants provide bottled or filtered water, and it's a good practice to use this water for drinking, brushing your teeth, and consuming ice. Additionally, be cautious with consuming raw vegetables and fruits that may have been washed in tap water. Staying hydrated is important, so ensure you have access to safe water sources during your stay in India.
Most travellers to India require a visa to enter the country. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, medical treatment, or other activities. India offers various types of visas, including e-Visas for certain nationalities that allow you to apply online before your trip. It's important to check the specific visa requirements and application process for your nationality and intended activities in India well in advance of your travel dates.
India can be a safe and enriching holiday destination, but travellers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Respect local customs, maintain good hygiene practices, and consume safe food and water. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, avoid scams, choose reputable transportation, and stay informed about travel advisories. By being vigilant, culturally sensitive, and well-prepared, you can have a positive and memorable experience in India.
