Wildlife

India’s fauna is highly diverse due to its extensive variety of landscapes, ranging from the Himalayas with their snow-capped peaks and tropical rainforests to arid deserts, grasslands, and riverine wetlands, and thus a heaven for wildlife lovers and photographers across the globe. India is one of the rarest countries in the world where you can find the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Indian Elephant, Indian Leopard, one-horned Rhinoceros, Sloth Bear, and the rare and elusive Snow Leopard all within its geographical boundaries. With more than 100 national parks, 500 wildlife sanctuaries, and 13 biosphere reserves, India’s wildlife tourism is a big draw itself, providing exciting safaris and memories to cherish for life with the most amazing of nature’s creatures. Some of the most renowned wildlife destinations are Ranthambore National Park, famous for its high tiger population and ancient ruins; Jim Corbett National Park, India’s oldest national park and highest tiger density; Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks in Madhya Pradesh, which inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book; Kaziranga National Park in Assam, renowned for its one-horned rhinoceros population; Gir National Park in Gujarat, the sole destination on earth to spot Asiatic lions; and Hemis National Park in Ladakh, renowned as the best destination to view the Snow Leopard in its natural high-altitude habitat. The optimal period to go on safari to India’s parks is during the dry, cool weather from October through March when it is comfortable weather, blue skies, and creatures are up all day long for the most perfect safari adventure. Yet, for those wanting the best opportunity to see tigers and other predators in the vicinity of waterholes, the hotter summer months between April and June are the best, although the temperature can reach over 40°C, thereby making it a more rigorous adventure. Monsoon months, July to September, are avoided for wildlife tourism as most parks close because of heavy rains and breeding seasons, but some southern Indian destinations such as Periyar and Bandipur are open throughout the year. Overall, winter is the most comfortable and rewarding season to discover the unprecedented biodiversity and unspoiled beauty of India’s protected natural landscapes, providing travellers with an ideal combination of adventure, photography, and bonding with the wild.