INDIA WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

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31 January 2021

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INDIA

India occupies the most significant part of South Asia. It is the second-most populous country in the World and is a perfect melting pot of cultures, religions and over 100 languages.

 

The country is home to some natural wonders, the Himalayas on the North, the Western Ghats on the Southwest, the deserts of Rajasthan and the mighty Indus and Ganges Rivers. There are 101 National Parks in India. Most of them are home to some incredible flora and fauna like the Bengal Tiger, the Snow Leopard, the Asiatic Lion, the Indian Leopard, the Indian Elephant and the One-horned Rhino.

India holds the World’s biggest Bengal Tiger population with around 3,000 individuals. It also the best place to observe these big cats in the wild.

There are nearly 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites in India. Discover the crowded streets of Old Delhi, the majestic Taj Mahal, the colourful streets of Jaipur or the archaeological site of Hampi.

The country offers a bit of everything so that every traveller can find their point of interest, whether it is mammals, birds, culture or the mix of all of these.

Get to know the cultural heritage of India and discover its unique wildlife!

Territory

3,166,391 Sq Km

Local time

GMT +5:30

Birds

Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Indian Roller, Crested Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Green Bee-eater, Blue-throated Barbet, Himalayan Woodpecker, Amur Falcon, Blue-winged Parakeet, Indian Golden Oriole, Sedge Warbler, Baya Weaver, Chestnut Munia, Crested Hawk-eagle, Black Kite, Griffon Vulture, Hoopoe

Population

1,3 Billion

Currency

Indian Rupee

Mammals

Indian Elephant,  Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Indian Leopard,  Red Panda, One-horned Rhino, Tufted Grey Langur, Gee’s Golden Langur, Dhole, Golden jackal, Jungle Cat,   Caracal,  Large Indian Civet,  Sloth Bear, Indian Grey Mongoose,  Striped  Hyena, South Asian River Dolphin, Chital, Sambar Deer, Indian Pangolin

WHERE TO GO

NORTH INDIA

The North is one of the most popular regions of the country. It is extremely rich in cultural heritage, and there are some excellent spots to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. 

New Delhi

The capital of India is a metropolis which never sleeps. This busy city is bustling with life. It is an excellent place to start your holiday. Visit old Delhi with its crowded Chandni Chowk market and the Jama Masjid Mosque. Or visit one of the World Heritage Sites of the city like Humayun’s Tomb, The Red Fort or the ancient Qutub Minar.

 

Agra

Agra is one of India’s most visited cities due to its architectural monuments like the Taj Mahal, the Baby Taj and the Agra Fort. Spend a culturally-rich day and discover the secrets of these magical buildings.

Jaipur

Jaipur, the pink city, is one of the prettiest towns in the North of India. Its old town also belongs to the World Heritage Site. Walk among the pink buildings and discover the Jantar Mantar, the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace, or visit the Amber Fort just outside the city.

 

National Chambal Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a 400 km-long stretch of the Chambal River. This protected area is one of the last surviving habitats of the Gangetic River Dolphins and the gharials. There are also around 300 bird species that call this place home. Observe this fragile and essential Sanctuary on river safaris.

Keoladeo National Park

Keoladeo National Park is a vital wintering place for birds from China, Turkmenistan and Siberia. Over 350 bird species, including the Siberian cranes, have been recorded in this National Park. These woodlands, grasslands and swamps are an excellent birding location.

 

Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore is one of the closest National Park to the Golden Triangle where travellers can observe tigers, leopards, mongooses, langurs, spotted deer and sambars. The park is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by steep mountains. It is a perfect place to get to know the wildlife of the country.

CENTRAL INDIA

Central India has the most significant population of wild Bengal tigers in the country. There are 5-6 excellent National Parks and Tiger Reserves where the chances of seeing these majestic creatures are good.

Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism. Thousands of pilgrims visit the city year by year to wash away their sins in the sacred Ganges River. It is home to numerous religious festivals celebrating Shiva or the Ganges.

 

Khajuraho

The temples of Khajuraho were built during the Chandela dynasty between the ninth and eleventh century. There are only 25 temples left from the original 85. They are famous for their unique, nagara-style architecture and sculptures. They also belong to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Panna National Park

Panna National Park is situated on the northern part of Madya Pradesh state. It used to be a diamond and sandstone mine that was turned into a National Park. Tigers have also been re-introduced, and now around 40 individuals live in the park. There is also a chance to see leopards and striped hyenas in the lush forest. There is also a fantastic birdlife in the park. Discover the park on a jeep safari or enjoy a boat excursion on the Ken River and see mugger marsh crocodiles and the endangered gharials.

 

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh is another beautiful Tiger Reserve with open grasslands, bamboo and sal forests. The park has a large spotted deer population that serves as the main prey for the tiger population. The reserve is also home to around 300 species fo birds, and other mammals like golden jackals, nilgai, jungle cat and many more.

Kanha Tiger Reserve

Kanha is one of the largest national parks in the area with its 1,945 sq km size. The park’s grassland meadows provide the best wildlife sightings. Travellers can also observe swamp deer, gaurs, golden jackals, four-horned and blackbuck antelopes. With some luck dholes, leopards and tigers can be observed.  There are good chances to see some exciting bird of prays like the Black-Shoulder Kite, Chested Hawk-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle or the White-eye Buzzard.

 

Satpura National Park

Satpura is one of the most spectacular national parks in Central India. It is a bit of an off the beaten path destination, but it is well worth a visit due to its incredible fauna. It is one of the best parks in the region to observe sloth bears and leopards. The park’s tigers are quite shy, and they are challenging to see. The park can be discovered by jeeps, on foot with a naturalist expert or observing the rich birdlife on motorised boats.

Pench National Park

Pench National Park lies south of the Satpura hills and occupies 758 sq km. The park is covered mainly by moist deciduous and dry deciduous teak woodlands. It is a perfect place to start a Central Indian tiger safari. The park is great to see water birds and mammals like Sambars, Gaurs, Golden Jackals, Nilgais. Seeing leopards, sloth bears and dholes requires some luck and patience. The biggest chance to see tigers are during the summer months when the vegetation is less dense.

 

Tadoba Andhari National Park

Tadoba is probably one of the best places to see tigers in India. They are around 100 Bengal tigers in the National Park. It is situated approximately 3 hours south of Nagpur, and it is relatively little visited. The park is also home to leopards, sloth bears, jungle cats and four-horned antelopes.

NORTHEAST INDIA

The mystical North East of India is the best place to see One-horned Rhinoceroses and enjoy the foothills of the Himalayas. 

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga is one of the last undisturbed National Parks in Assam. It is one of the best places in the country to observe wild one-horned rhinoceroses. Apart from the rhinos, travellers can see Indian Elephants and rarely Bengal Tigers as well. This UNESCO Heritage site is a must for those who want to explore the magical northeast!

Manas National Park

Manas National Park is situated on the lower foothills of the Himalayas, close to the Bhutanese border. The Sanctuary is home to a great variety of wildlife. This National Park is probably the best place in the northeast to see Elephants, and Great Hornbills and Clouded Leopards if you are fortunate. It is a great place to observe birds; the park is home to around 400 different bird species.

 

Kolkata

Kolkata is the Capital of West Bengal State, and it used to be the former capital of British India. The city is situated o the banks of the Hugli River, and it is around 100 miles away from the Bay of Bengal. It is India’s third-largest cities and is sometimes referred to as the intellectual and cultural capital.

SOUTH INDIA

The “Green India”, Explore the lush forests of Karnataka and the hills of Kerala

Karnataka

The State of Karnataka is situated on the South West of the Country. It is a large state that offers incredible and unique wildlife as well as cultural experiences. Visit the Western Ghats, one of the wettest region of the sub-Continent with unique plants, birds, amphibians and reptiles. You can also enjoy safaris all year around in Kabini and Bandipur looking for hornbills, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, Dholes, and leopards. Hampi is one of the most famous historic landmark of eh States dated back to the 7th century.

Kerala

A popular travel destination in South India. Visit the Kochi, enjoy a boat ride on the backwaters. Or discover the lush, green hills around Munnar and learn about the tea production. Birds and amphibians are abundant in the region, that makes it an even more exciting destination.

HOLIDAY IDEAS

PHOTOGRAPHY HOLIDAYS

THE ART OF MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

A 12-day Macro Photography Workshop with Austrian Nature Photographer Kai Kolodziej in the Western Ghats of India looking for the local herpetofauna, birds and mammals.

READ MORE

THE WEATHER

In general, the best time to visit India is between November and February. This is considered the dry season on the Subcontinent, although regional differences may vary slightly. Visits in March and April are also possible, but most regions are extremely dry and hot. However the dry weather provides better chances to see tigers.

 

The Monsoon usually starts in May/June and lasts till October. This is a peak-time to discover the reptiles and amphibians of the Western Ghats and enjoy some amazing macro photography opportunities.

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