Luxury Wildlife Holidays in India

The wildlife of India can be experienced in different ways; in national parks and tiger reserves jeep safaris are the most common, where you join an experienced naturalist, driver and fellow visitors to enter the park. Exclusive, private jeep safaris are available in some reserves, these are particularly recommended if you are a keen photographer or have target species in mind. Boat safaris can be taken at Nagarhole National Park, to spot wildlife that lives on the river including marsh crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds as well as wildlife that ventures out of the forest to quench their thirst at the river bank. Satpura in Central India is the only national park where walking safaris are permitted, providing an unforgettable and intimate experience of the for...

The wildlife of India can be experienced in different ways; in national parks and tiger reserves jeep safaris are the most common, where you join an experienced naturalist, driver and fellow visitors to enter the park. Exclusive, private jeep safaris are available in some reserves, these are particularly recommended if you are a keen photographer or have target species in mind. Boat safaris can be taken at Nagarhole National Park, to spot wildlife that lives on the river including marsh crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds as well as wildlife that ventures out of the forest to quench their thirst at the river bank. Satpura in Central India is the only national park where walking safaris are permitted, providing an unforgettable and intimate experience of the forest and its wildlife. All safaris are regulated and limited in number to conserve the wildlife and environment and it is recommended to book well in advance to secure these.

The best times to spot wildlife are at the beginning and end of the day, when animals and birds are at their most active. Hence safaris are scheduled for early morning and late afternoon, adjusted for sunrise and sunset throughout the year. Staying at a lodge that is close to an entrance to a national park or tiger reserve allows you to maximise your safari time and minimise travelling time. Many lodges offer guided walks within their grounds, enabling you to familiarise yourself with some birdlife as well as trees, plants and butterflies. Plus some lodges have verandas, machans and viewing platforms giving you another option to spot wildlife when not on safari. Wildlife isn’t restricted to the many national parks, tiger reserves and sanctuaries throughout the country. There are many enjoyable viewing opportunities, particularly birdwatching, in the rural countryside, at hill stations and especially in the tea and coffee growing regions, where staying in small, relaxed homestays or on tea estates provides a tranquil way to experience the flora and fauna of the area.

From October onwards reserves teem with life with cooler temperatures and lush vegetation following the monsoon. Mid-April to June sees a rise in temperature and as foliage dies back wildlife viewing can sometimes be easier, particularly for leopard, tiger and greater one-horned rhinoceros. Wildlife is often drawn to fewer waterholes and waterbodies too. When to time a trip depends on a number of factors, including if you have key species to target and we can advise and tailor your trip accordingly.