India is a stunning natural theatre where wildlife tours offer nature enthusiasts a chance to witness some of the world’s finest creatures. As one of the 17 mega-biodiverse nations, India hosts approximately 7 to 8 percent of the planet’s species, species that find their home in only 2.4 percent of the country’s land area. This extraordinary biodiversity makes wildlife adventure tours in India a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.
From the four biodiversity hotspots that are in the country—The Western Ghats, the Himalayas, Nicobar Islands, and Indo-Burma region. You can find the strikingly beautiful Bengal tiger; the world’s second-largest cat, the snow leopard; the Asiatic lion, with its thin fringes of a mane; or the one-horned rhinoceros.
These are animals you book your vacation to go see. If you are ready to complete your bucket list of wildlife vacations in India, here are the six superlative spots in India for Wildlife watching.
Located near Mollem, Goa’s largest wildlife reserve offers a striking contrast to the state’s coastal attractions. Within the reserve, which includes the wholly separate Mollem National Park, some of the state’s rarest flora and fauna remain safe and secure.
Wildlife Viewing: The sanctuary is home to Slender Loris, Flying Squirrel, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of smaller mammals, reptiles, and butterflies. While tigers are present, sightings are extremely rare. Focus on appreciating the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Night Safari is the best option to increase the chance of sightings.
Know Before You Go: There are entry fees for adults and children, plus separate charges for still cameras and video cameras. If taking a jeep safari to Dudhsagar, the jeep cost typically includes entry fees for the falls area. You can check out the Jeep Safari Experience in Goa’s Western Ghats.
Fun Fact: Unique attractions also include Dudhsagar Waterfalls (one of India’s tallest), Tambdi Falls, Devil’s Canyon, and the 12th-century Tambdi Surla Temple.
Optimal Visit Time: November to March
Gateway city: Mollem
The national park in Uttarakhand, which is India’s oldest, stands out as a premier destination for taking in the majesty of the Royal Bengal Tiger. This vibrant ecosystem, so rich in vitality, also shelters a number of other animals.
You can spot the leopard and the Asiatic elephant, Gharials and Asiatic black bears, and several species of deer, including the sambhar. An outstanding array of birds, with over 600 species, including great-pied hornbills and white-backed vultures can also be spotted.
Ideal Visiting Months: October to February
Ranthambore, found in Rajasthan, is a place where the majestic tiger and its ancient, royal associated structures coexist. Histories of the fort and the fort’s people are part and parcel of how this protected area tells its stories, as do the ruined structures in the protected area itself.
Those who lead nature tours often tell stories about the history of the area, enriching the experience. Meanwhile, in the foreground, the Bengal tiger makes one of its many appearances in the park.
Ideal Visiting Months: October to March
In Assam, this UNESCO World Heritage Site shelters two-thirds of the population of the great one-horned rhinoceros. Positioned on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, it is also home to tigers, Asian elephants, wild water buffalo, and many other endangered species.
Ideal Visiting Months: November to March
Bandhavgarh National Park, nestled in the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh, known as the “Tiger Capital,” boasts India’s highest tiger density. This prime location for tiger sightings also include Leopards and sloth bears, Chital (spotted deer) and swamp deer, Barking deer and Asiatic jackals, Bengal foxes and wild pigs and Rich butterfly and bird populations.
Fun Fact: Historical attractions include the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort (over 2000 years old) featuring a 35-foot Lord Vishnu statue, natural caves with inscriptions, and the Baghel Museum housing royal artefacts, including a stuffed white tiger.
Know Before You Go: Safari permits are highly sought after and limited, especially for the core zones. Book your jeep safaris well in advance (90-120 days is advisable, especially for peak season) through official park websites or authorized tour operators. Walk-in bookings are rarely available.
Ideal Visiting Months: October 15th to June 30th, with winter months (October-March) being peak season. March-May offers excellent tiger sightings as animals congregate near water sources.
Nestled in Kerala’s Cardamom and Pandalam Hills, Periyar offers a distinct South Indian wilderness experience. Home to Indian elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs, and diverse deer species, it’s also excellent for birdwatching.
Best Season: October to February
Fun Fact: You can enjoy Bamboo rafting and boating safaris on Periyar Lake. Guided nature walks with tribal community insights are also available. Also, you can visit Periyar Spice and Ayurvedic Garden visits featuring cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and pepper.
Know Before You Go: The park remains open during the monsoon. While heavy rainfall can occur, the landscape is lush and beautiful with waterfalls. Wildlife sightings might be harder due to dense foliage and abundant water sources, but it offers a different, serene experience. Check for potential closures of specific trails or activities due to heavy rain.
Getaway city: Kochi
Nature’s Nest offers sustainable tourism, immersive eco-cottages within the forest, blending comfort with conservation and providing direct access to nature.
Expert-led safaris (best at dawn/dusk) and nature walks suit all fitness levels, exploring the Western Ghats and enhancing wildlife sightings.
Tours provide profound immersion into the Western Ghats’ biodiversity, emphasizing conservation, local community benefits, and ecological understanding, including a vibrant butterfly garden.
Excellent photo ops range from wildlife portraits to Dudhsagar Falls. Nature’s Nest ensures a safe, customized, high-quality wilderness experience with expert guides and strong reviews.
Encounter Indian bison, sloth bears, various deer, the unique Malabar Giant Squirrel, and over 200 bird species; while tigers are rare, other large mammals are common.
Your wildlife tours in India journey awaits –book a adventure of the wild today.
