India

India is an unparalleled destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and cultural fanatics! Enchanting forests, spectacular wildlife, dramatic mountains, rich culture, inspiring architecture and exquisite cuisine await in this world-class destination.

Key India Insights

A safari in India is akin to the storybooks of old. 1,300 bird species, 12% of the world’s bird population, 500 mammal species and an astounding 2,500 butterfly species encompass the lush forests. You are immersed into an unchanged wilderness, meeting iconic species such as tigers, Asiatic lions, sloth bears, asian elephants, gaur and dholes. The rich habitats support rare plant life, with over 7,000 native plant species in key regions like the Western Ghats, Sundarbans, Ranthambore, Pench, Kahna, the Kaziranga and Gir National Parks. India’s biodiversity, cultural significance, and incredible variety of experiences make it a fantastic destination for all interests.

Seasons

Golden Season (Dry)

Oct - Jun

Green Season (Wet)

Jul - Sept

India’s weather patterns vary depending on the area of travel – please get in touch for more info

India’s weather patterns vary depending on the area of travel – please get in touch for more info
  • Ranthambore
  • Bandhavgarh
  • Kanha
  • Jim Corbett
  • Pench
  • Gir Forest
  • Sundarbans
  • Kaziranga
  • Chambal River
  • Leh (Ladakh)
Some parks are partially or completely closed during this season
  • Ranthambore
  • Periyar
  • Sundarbans
  • Jim Corbett
  • Silent Valley
  • Western Ghats
  • Keoladeo Ghana
  • Himalayas
  • Leh
  • Ladakh
  • Tigers
  • Leopards
  • Asiatic Lions
  • Elephants
  • Indian Rhinoceros
  • Indian Wolf (Dholes)
  • Sloth Bears
  • Indian Bison (Gaur)
  • Snow Leopard
  • Blue Sheep
  • Chital
  • Sambar
  • Tahr
  • Peafowl
  • Desert Fox
  • Indian Pangolin
  • Tigers
  • Leopards
  • Asiatic Lions
  • Elephants
  • Indian Rhinoceros
  • Indian Wolf (Dholes)
  • Sloth Bears
  • Indian Bison (Gaur)
  • Snow Leopard
  • Blue Sheep
  • Chital
  • Sambar
  • Tahr
  • Peafowl
  • Desert Fox
  • Indian Pangolin
  • Excellent Game Viewing
  • Great Tiger Sightings
  • Excellent Photographic Opportunities
  • Active Wildlife Areas
  • Better Visibility
  • More Access to Parks
  • Lush Green Forests
  • Rich Birdlife
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Active Mangroves
  • Flooded Rivers and Waterfalls
  • Bird Migrations
  • Cultural Visits
  • Great time for Himilayas
  • Game Drives
  • Walking Safaris
  • Bird Watching
  • Cultural Experiences
  • Photography Workshops
  • Night Safaris
  • Wellness Retreats
  • Boat Safaris
  • Spa Treatments
  • Night Safaris
  • Scenic Drives
  • Helicopter Journeys
  • Yacht Cruises
  • Luxury Train Journey
  • Nature Walks
  • Bird Watching
  • Photography Workshops
  • Wildlife Research Participation
  • Community Engagement
  • Eco-Tours
  • Cooking Classes
  • Scenic River Cruises
Area dependant – it is highly recommended to plan and book in advance with a travel specialist for visiting India
Area dependant – it is highly recommended to plan and book in advance with a travel specialist for visiting India

Our Favourite Safaris

  1. Royal Tigers – (Ranthambore, Kanha)
  2. Predator and Wilderness – (Bandhavgarh, Panna)
  3. Jungle Legends – (Jim Corbett, Kaziranga)
  4. Central Highlands – (Kanha, Pench)
  5. Sacred Landscapes – (Gir National Park, Rann of Kutch)
  6. Bengal Trails – (Sundarbans, Kaziranga)
  7. Great Northern India (Golden Triangle, Leh)
  8. Snow Leopard Explorer (Hemis High Altitude National Park)

Guide Insights

I see it as an extension of Africa, a second wild home of which I have had many. I’m not sure if it is the similarity in biodiversity to the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt biome where I grew up in Zululand or the way your childhood imagination fuelled by stories of tigers and jungles becomes real before your eyes when visiting. Travelling this country with an open heart, vivid curiosity and attention to detail will no doubt leave a lasting impression. I was luckily introduced to India by friends, incredible naturalists in their own right, who were born and raised in India before coming to work with me in South Africa to gain experience in conservation and safari guiding. Years later we bounced through enchanting forests on little safari jeeps in parks such as Kanha and Pench, exchanging information and discussing ecology and culture in between tracking leopards, tigers and dholes. A deep fascination for the region was born in me. There are as many ways to travel India as there are spots on a leopard, and with careful insight and planning it can offer some of the most unique safari experiences on the planet. I will continue to visit and share my passion for India as I believe it is a region that connects our species to a deeply enriching wilderness wonderland.

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