Wildlife in India

An India wildlife safari provides a colourful and exciting mix, with over 350 mammal species, well over 1000 bird species and some of the world’s most unique flora and fauna of which many cannot be viewed anywhere else on earth. India has over one hundred national parks to explore on your wildlife safari, created not only to maintain India’s indigenous flora and habitat, but also to protect her extensive wildlife – much of which is now under serious threat of extinction. The habitats of the country range from the soaring peaks of the Himalayas to the forests, lakes and steamy backwaters of Kerala in the south, creating a unique richness of biodiversity that will appeal to any wildlife enthusiast.

The most feted of India's wildlife to see on safari are the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, Asian lion and Asian elephant, all of which can be spotted on specific safaris that we can arrange within your itinerary.

Bengal tiger in India by Russ MacLaughlin

Tiger Tracking

Perhaps the most famous of the many Indian national parks is Ranthambore, located in the state of Rajasthan. With luck, it is still possible here to spot some of India’s last remaining wild tigers on safari – a jeep safari will be one of the highlights of your stay. There are approximately forty tigers in this reserve of over one thousand square kilometres and it is also possible to spot wild boar, hyenas and leopards, as well as a huge variety of birds. Ranthambore has become deservedly popular in recent years – although not guaranteed, your chances of tiger-spotting can be higher here than elsewhere, however, this does mean that you are likely to share any tigers you do see with plenty of other tourists. Nonetheless, the park is well-organised and a truly memorable experience.

Bandhavgarh National Park also has a relatively large tiger population, as well as a large leopard breeding population. Corbett National Park is one of India’s oldest and since it has a sub-Himalayan topography, it offers a different experience to the jungle setting of other national parks. Pench, Kanha and Panna National Parks are among the other parks known as tiger reserves, although it is worth checking the latest status of any park, since tiger numbers can vary from year to year.

To find out more about tiger conservation read about our Natural World Hero, Julian Matthews, pioneering tiger conservationist and founder of TOFTigers.

Whichever park you choose, should you be lucky enough to catch a rare glimpse of one of the last remaining tigers living in the wild in India, it will be an experience which remains with you forever.

cats, bears and elephants

Asian elephants form a significant part of Indian history and play a major role in ways of life here, with most temples being related to them in one way or another. Shorter than their African counterparts, they also have smaller ears and a more arched back. Sightings are best in Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand or the southern state of Kerala Whilst in Kaziranga National Park you may encounter the prehistoric-looking Indian rhino, also known as the greater one-horned rhino, now limited to around 3,500 in number.

Sasan Gir National Park in the west of the country is the only place in the world where you can Asiatic lions in the wild. This subspecies is has been increasing in number for decades now and has been one of India's greatest conservation success stories. Slightly smaller and darker in colour than their African cousins, Asiatic lions have a scruffy appearance that will endear them to any wildlife enthusiast.

In the north, during the winter, the snow leopards of India descend from the mountains in search of food. At this time it is possible to spot this elusive creature in its natural habitat, as well as other animals such as blue sheep and ibex. Solitary, elusive and incredibly hard to study, these remarkable felines make for once-in-a-lifetime sightings among the Himalayas.

Sloth bears have a patchy but widespread distribution in India, and are found mainly in areas with dense forest cover like Ranthambore National Park Compared to the brown and black bears found throughout Eurasia and North America, sloth bears are lankier, shaggier and can be easily identified by their fluffy mane as well as their long, sickle-like claws and elongated lower lip, which they use to hunt for insects.

BOOK YOUR INDIA SAFARI

Contact one of our Destination Specialists to start planning your journey to India. Please note we recommend a budget of from £7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination.

India Wildlife Safari Inspiration

Ultimate Madhya Pradesh Tiger Safari
India - from $4,680
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.
Rajasthan, Culture and Wildlife Safari
India - from $6,020
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.
Leopards, Rivers and Palaces of Rural Rajasthan
India - from $6,142
Take a boat safari down the Chambal River, track leopards in Bera and visit the majestic palaces of Udaipur; this safari provides the perfect overview of India's largest state.
Madhya Pradesh with a Difference
India - from $4,908
This adventurous safari takes you to three of India's best wildlife sanctuaries - Satpura, Pench and Kanha National Parks - to experience walking, cycling and canoeing safaris with your expert naturalist guides, tracking Bengal tigers and more incredible wildlife.
Rhinos, Temples and Tigers of India
India - from $4,967
Explore India by going in search of wildlife as well as learning about the important cultural sights of India including: the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and Humanyun’s tomb. Venture into Bandhavgarh National Park in search of the mystical bengal tiger.
Culture and Wildlife of Northern India Safari
India - from $5,084
Experience northern India’s cultural and spiritual hotspots and travel through a diverse range of wildlife habitats, heading from the bustling capital of New Delhi to the delicate ecosystem of Dudhwa National Park.
In Search of the Snow Leopard in Ladakh
India - from $5,844
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.
Hilltops, Temples and Tigers of India Safari
India - from $5,242
Visit fascinating historic and cultural sites as well as the wildlife haven of Ranthambore National Park on this varied safari to northern India. Explore the characterful towns of Amritsar and Shimla before discovering the unique wildlife of the region, including tigers, leopards and more.
Tigers and Leopards of Asia
Sri Lanka - from $5,312
An incredible safari combining the best areas of both India and Sri Lanka to see the big cats of Asia. In India you will visit Bandhavgarh National Park to go in search of the impressive bengal tiger before travelling to Yala National Park to spot the elusive Asian leopard.
Holy Rivers & Tigers of India Safari
India - from $5,844
Starting in the bustling capital of Delhi, this safari takes you on a journey to explore some of the most remarkable places in India; visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, wander the streets of the holy city of Varanasi, and trace the steps of the Bengal tigers of Bandhavgarh National Park.
Bears, Wolves & Snow Leopards of the Himalayas
India - from $7,658
This intrepid itinerary takes you off the beaten track within the Indian Himalayas, where you'll go in search of wolves, brown bears and the grey ghost of the mountains, the ever-elusive snow leopard.
Red Pandas of Singalila Safari
India - from $7,734
Exclusive to Natural World Safaris, this trip takes you off the beaten track to Singalila National Park, located in a breathtaking area of the Himalayan foothills. Joining a team of researchers, you will track endangered red pandas through peaceful montane forests and assist in important conservation work.
Endemic wildlife of Kerala and the Western Ghats
India - from $8,131
Travel through southern India in search of endangered and endemic species of the Western Ghats and Kerala, home to tigers, elephants, wild dogs, sloth bear, birds as well as the vulnerable lion-tailed macaque, nilgiri tahr and nilgiri langur.
Iconic India: Big Cats and Culture
India - from $8,629
An adventurous Indian safari visiting the cultural highlights and wildlife hotspots of this vibrant country. Explore the cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra before discovering the flora and fauna of some of India’s best national parks.
The Ultimate India Safari
India - from $9,980
Experience the highlights of this diverse and vibrant country on this immersive 22 day safari across India. Discover the wildlife of four different national parks - including tigers, leopards, lions, elephants and rhinos - visit the colourful city of Jaipur, and explore the stunning palaces of Agra.
Ultimate Asian Leopard Safari
India - from $10,197
Journey through the national parks of India and Sri Lanka in search of Asiatic leopards and other wildlife, staying in luxury tented camps and lodges out in the wilderness. You will also spend time exploring the bustling markets of Old Delhi and the tranquil tea plantations of the Sri Lankan hill country.
Steve Winter Tiger Photography Safari
India - from $9,337
Embark on a search for the majestic Bengal tiger alongside big cat specialist and National Geographic photographer Steve Winter. This photography-focused safari will take you to Kanha and Bandhavgarh, two of India's most wildlife-rich national parks, while also allowing time to view the historic sights of Mumbai.
Summer Wildlife of Ladakh
India - from $10,940
Travel to the far northerly reaches of the Indian Himalayas in summertime, discovering the diverse wildlife and spectacular landscapes of Ladakh. Your expert guides will take you out in search of ibex, wolves, bears and even the elusive snow leopard - the ‘Grey Ghost’ of the Himalayas.
Big Cats of Asia Safari
India - from $11,056
A unique, pioneering safari through the big cat highlights of Asia. Search for three of the most iconic big cat species; snow leopards in Ladakh, Bengal tigers in Kanha National Park, and Asiatic leopards in Sri Lanka.
India: Secrets of the Sundarbans & Land of the Jungle Book
India - from $4,715
Join us in a relatively unexplored part of India, a truly wild terrain for an off-the-beaten-track Indian adventure and see the wildlife that inspired 'The Jungle Book'.