India Safaris

India is a soul-stirring and sublime holiday destination. A country full of splendid colour, natural beauty, outstanding wildlife, and awe-inspiring architecture, a rich tapestry of cultures, races, and philosophies create 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 safaris 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.

Why NWS for your India Safari?

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.

Some of the most coveted take you to the most remote corners of the Indian Subcontinent Working closely with conservationists, we can offer the chance to join habituation safaris as you immerse yourself in the mystical region of Ladakh, tracking the elusive snow leopard. 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 to you.

How much does India cost?

Typically, expect to budget from around £14,000 per person for a 22-day safari in India. This will generally include domestic flights to and from Delhi or Mumbai, private jeep safaris in Gir, Pench and Kanha National Parks and eleven camps in different locations. For a shorter 10-day experience staying at five camps, expect to budget £6000 per person. Journeying through the heart of tiger country, you will be staying in a range of rustic guest houses, treetop hideaways and even luxurious Indian Palaces.

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:

• Tiger Tracking - Track the majestic big cats in their natural environment throughout the parks of India.
• Track Snow Leopards - Follow the tracks of snow leopards through the stunning Himalayas.
• Beautiful Cuisine - Enjoy interactive cooking experiences and the rich aromatic food of the continent.
• Unicorn Rhino - Search for the elusive endangered one-horned rhino of the Assam region.
• Game Drives - Explore the meadows and forests of India’s National Parks, home to sloth bears, snakes, wolves, monkeys, deer and leopards.
• City Walks - Experience the bustling throngs, rich colours and aromas of the back streets and bazaars of Old Delhi.
• Palaces and Temples - Seek out the old palaces and forts in Jaipur to understand the true splendour of Indian royalty.
• River Cruise - Relax aboard a luxurious river cruise ship as you explore the extensive Ganges River.
• Walking Safaris - Venture through Ladakh’s mountains as you look out for ibex, urial, Himalayan wolf, red fox, long-tailed marmot, and even Himalayan brown bears.
• Red Pandas - Accompany researchers and search for the endangered red panda in the forests of Singalila National Park .
• Birding - Look out for over 300 bird species in the variety of landscapes.
• Boat Safaris - Embark on a boat safari on the Chambal River in search of crocodiles, dolphins and birdlife.

Where to stay in India?

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.

When to go to India?

A country vast in size and scale, India experiences huge variations in climate with weather conditions in the north contrasting hugely to those in the south. The best time to visit 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.