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3rd November 2025
India’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters
From tiger jungles to elephant forests, rhino wetlands and lion savannahs
An India wildlife safari reveals an extraordinary variety of landscapes and species — from the tiger forests of central India and elephant-filled jungles of the south to the rhino-dotted wetlands of Assam and snow leopard territory high in the Himalayas. India’s wilderness is as complex and captivating as its culture, shaped by ancient forests, sacred rivers and communities that have lived alongside wildlife for centuries.
Rather than open savannahs, safaris here unfold through sal groves, bamboo valleys and floodplains alive with birdsong and temple bells. Dawn game drives give way to unhurried afternoons in peaceful lodges, where expert naturalists interpret animal behaviour, track prints and share stories of conservation success. Lodges range from boutique tented camps and riverside retreats to luxury safari lodges in India inspired by local architecture and sustainability.
Each journey offers more than wildlife alone – it’s an immersion into India’s natural heritage, revealing how myth, landscape and life intertwine. These are journeys of texture and discovery: immersive, atmospheric and deeply rewarding.
In Search of Bengal Tigers
India’s tigers roam landscapes filled with legend, from the palace ruins of Rajasthan to the deep forests of Madhya Pradesh. An India tiger safari brings the thrill of tracking the country’s most iconic predator through forests alive with sound and movement.
Where to go:
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Ranthambore, Rajasthan – A cinematic setting where tigers patrol beneath ancient forts and banyan trees. Ideal for first-time visitors combining the Golden Triangle with the wild.
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Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh – Famed for its high tiger density and close-range encounters in bamboo forests and meadows.
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Kanha & Pench, Madhya Pradesh – The landscapes that inspired The Jungle Book. Kanha’s vast meadows and Pench’s teak forests are home to tiger, leopard and barasingha deer, with superb guiding and eco-conscious lodges.
In Search of Snow Leopards
High in the remote mountains of Ladakh, travellers embark on snow leopard expeditions in India – journeys that rank among the most remarkable wildlife experiences on Earth. Known as the “ghost of the Himalayas”, the snow leopard moves silently through steep, rocky valleys, perfectly adapted to its frozen domain.
Expert trackers and naturalists lead small guided expeditions across the Trans-Himalayan landscape, scanning ridgelines and cliffs for signs of this elusive predator. Along the way, you may encounter ibex, blue sheep, red fox and golden eagles, all thriving in one of the planet’s harshest yet most awe-inspiring environments.
The experience extends beyond wildlife. Evenings bring the sound of monastic chants, shared tea in village homes and views of star-filled skies that seem close enough to touch. More than a safari, this is a pilgrimage into stillness, spirituality and wilderness – a highlight of any luxury wildlife holiday in India.
Where to go:
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Ladakh (Ulley, Hemis, Rumbak) – Remote Himalayan valleys offering authentic tracking experiences and community-run lodges surrounded by spectacular scenery.
In Search of Elephants
The forests of southern India echo with the deep rumble of Asian elephants, whose herds move gracefully through river valleys and bamboo groves. Watching them in the wild is one of the most memorable moments on an elephant safari in India — a chance to witness intelligence, emotion and family bonds in motion.
Where to go:
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Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka – Part of the Western Ghats, this park is among the best places in India for elephant encounters. Morning jeep drives and tranquil boat safaris along the Kabini River reveal elephants bathing and feeding, often alongside tiger, leopard, wild dog and remarkable birdlife.
Nagarhole combines beautifully with Coorg’s coffee estates, Mysore’s royal heritage and the Kerala backwaters, creating a rounded South India wildlife holiday that balances culture and nature. Lodges here focus on sustainability, comfort and community, making each stay as meaningful as it is memorable.
In Search of Asiatic Lions
In the dry forests of Gujarat, Gir National Park stands as the last refuge of the Asiatic lion, a species that once roamed across the Middle East and northern India. Thanks to decades of careful conservation, the population has steadily recovered, transforming Gir into one of the country’s most inspiring wildlife success stories.
Here, lions move with quiet authority through teak and acacia scrub, their golden coats blending with the earth-toned landscape. Safaris offer an intimate experience — sightings often reveal lions resting in the shade or padding across open tracks as peacocks call in the distance. Beyond the lions, the park supports leopards, hyenas, civets, sambar and over 300 bird species, making it one of western India’s most biodiverse sanctuaries.
This Asiatic lion safari in India also reveals the human side of coexistence. The Maldhari pastoral communities have lived alongside lions for centuries, grazing livestock within the sanctuary and embodying a deep understanding of nature’s balance.
Where to go:
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Gir, Gujarat – Combine lion tracking with Gujarat’s broader heritage circuit — from Jain temples and intricately carved step-wells to the salt flats of the Rann of Kutch and the textile villages of Bhuj.
In Search of Leopards
Among the granite hills and scrub plains of Rajasthan’s Jawai region, leopards live in remarkable harmony with the Rabari tribe, whose herders have shared this landscape with them for generations. This coexistence has created one of India’s most captivating wildlife settings — a place where culture and conservation thrive side by side.
An India leopard safari in Jawai feels intimate and elemental. Drives explore rocky outcrops at dawn and dusk, when leopards move gracefully through the silver light. Between safaris, guests can visit nearby Rabari villages to understand the deep respect that underpins this rare relationship between people and predators.
Jawai’s experience is complemented by refined hospitality – luxury tented camps blending contemporary design with local character. It pairs beautifully with Udaipur or Ranthambore for a varied wildlife holiday in Rajasthan.
Where to go:
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Jawai, Rajasthan – A unique conservation landscape where leopards roam freely outside national parks, protected by community tolerance and tradition.
In Search of the One-Horned Rhinoceros
In the emerald floodplains of Assam, the one-horned rhinoceros stands as a symbol of India’s conservation success. Once near extinction, this prehistoric-looking animal now thrives in the grasslands and wetlands of Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s most rewarding safari destinations.
A rhino safari in India offers a vivid glimpse of life along the Brahmaputra River. Early morning drives reveal rhinos grazing in golden light, elephants moving in family groups and swamp deer standing knee-deep in misty marshes. The park’s open terrain and abundant wildlife make sightings frequent and photography exceptional.
Beyond the park, the surrounding tea estates and river villages showcase Assam’s relaxed rhythm and deep cultural heritage. Many travellers combine Kaziranga with a Brahmaputra River cruise, creating a rich itinerary that balances nature, wildlife and local life.
Where to go:
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Kaziranga National Park, Assam – The heart of India’s rhino country, home to elephants, buffalo, wild boar and over 500 bird species.
In Search of the Bears of India
India is home to three remarkable bear species, each inhabiting a distinct landscape – from tropical jungles to high mountain valleys. Though naturally shy, these creatures embody the untamed spirit of India’s wilderness and offer moments of quiet wonder for those patient enough to seek them.
Where to go:
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Sloth Bear – Central India (Satpura, Kanha, Pench) – Shaggy-coated and nocturnal, sloth bears forage for termites, honey and fruit, often glimpsed at dawn or dusk during bear safaris in India.
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Himalayan Black Bear – Uttarakhand & Kashmir – Inhabiting temperate forests and alpine meadows, these agile climbers are sometimes spotted on high-altitude treks in northern India.
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Himalayan Brown Bear – Ladakh & Himachal Pradesh – Sharing territory with snow leopards, this rare subspecies roams remote valleys, its powerful build contrasting with the stark Himalayan landscape.
Encounters with India’s bears are fleeting but unforgettable – proof of the country’s extraordinary ecological range. Including one of these habitats within a luxury wildlife holiday in India adds depth and variety to a classic safari itinerary.
In Search of India’s Birdlife
Few destinations rival India for bird diversity – over 1,300 species across every conceivable landscape. Birdwatching in India offers a more tranquil but equally rewarding side to safari travel, filled with movement, colour and song.
Where to go:
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Bharatpur (Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan) – UNESCO-listed wetlands that attract pelicans, painted storks and winter migrants from Central Asia.
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Chilika Lake, Odisha – India’s largest coastal lagoon, home to flamingos, herons and sea eagles.
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Thattekad & Kumarakom, Kerala – Lush backwaters and tropical forests hosting Malabar hornbills, kingfishers and endemic species.
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Eaglenest Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh – A pristine birding paradise in the eastern Himalayas, known for rare and newly discovered species.
Pairing birding with cultural touring or wildlife safaris in India creates a beautifully balanced itinerary — combining the thrill of discovery with calm moments in nature.
Planning Your Indian Safari Journey
Every Indian wilderness tells a different story – whispered through tiger tracks in morning light, the quiet intelligence of elephants at a riverside clearing, the breath-held magic of a snow leopard appearing against a high Himalayan ridge, or the chorus of hornbills in rain-drenched jungle. These encounters are never accidental; they are earned through thoughtful design, expert guiding and time spent with nature at its purest.
Share with us the species that calls to you – and we’ll build the journey around it.
Itinerary Inspiration
Browse some of our suggested itineraries below, but there is little we cannot do, so to start planning your bespoke trip get in touch.
Travel more, Travel better.
Call us now on 020 8502 8300 and one of our team would be happy to help start planning your personalised holiday itinerary.
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