Away from the bustling cities, India’s desert, grassland, forest and mountain environments harbour a stunning diversity of wildlife. Whether you are a keen birdwatcher or simply enjoy observing all kinds of mammals, reptiles and other creatures in their natural haunts, India’s national parks and other wildlife spaces are sure to keep you enthralled. Many trips in India venture into the nature reserves and the wild side of this fascinating destination.

Best India Wildlife and Safari Trips for UK Travellers

Many of India’s many nature reserves are former maharajah hunting grounds. A case in point is Ranthambore National Park, the jewel in northern India’s wildlife crown with over 400 square kilometres of lush forest, rivers and lakes. These habitats shelter sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, over 300 bird species and India’s national animal, the magnificent Bengal tiger.

To the west, in Gujarat, guided Indian wildlife tours often go to Gir National Park, the only place in India to see Asiatic lions roaming free. They share their grassland and forest home with leopards, hyenas, herbivores such as sambars and chitals, and reptiles such as tortoises and monitor lizards. Among the many exotic and colourful bird species are Indian grey hornbills, Indian pittas and crested treeswifts.

Wildlife Holidays in India

We have some fantastic wildlife holidays around the world, but those in India are some of the best. South from the Kolkata megapolis lie the Sundarbans, a vast nature reserve on a river delta close to the Bay of Bengal with one of the world’s largest mangrove forests. This haven for tigers, crocs, macaques, chitals and many migratory birds forms a stunning highlight of some of our Indian wildlife tours. Others go to Kaziranga National Park in Assam, where over 400 square kilometres of elephant grass, forest and swamp form the background for a rich variety of fauna. With watering holes providing ideal viewing spots, this is the best place to catch sight of a one-horned rhino, while birdies will want to keep an eye out for serpent eagles, fish eagles, storks and pelicans.

Many wildlife holidays in India go to the tranquil Kerala region, where the Periyar National Park is considered by many to be one of India’s most beautiful nature reserves. A large elephant population graces this vast grassland, tropical forest and lake environment along with tigers, porcupines and flying squirrels.

If you are a keen wildlife enthusiast, you may also wish to consider trips to other conservation hotspots around the world, including amazing wildlife tours in Costa Rica as well as safari holidays in Namibia and South Africa.

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