5 Spectacular Wildlife
Encounters in India
But the landscapes and wildlife were here long before the people, and the subcontinent still has extraordinary wild places you can explore, from the sands of the Thar Desert to the backwaters of Kerala; the high Himalayas to the jungles of Northeast India.
As in Africa, big game hunting was major business in India in the early 20th century, especially on royal estates. But since then there has been a strong commitment to conservation, and India now has some of the best managed national parks and reserves in Asia.
These are our top 5 wildlife encounters to whet your appetite.
- One-Horned Rhino in Kaziranga National Park
- Indian Elephant in Kanha Tiger Reserve
- Tiger in Bandhavgarh National Park
- Snow Leopard in Ladakh
- Indian Pangolin in Bandhavgarh National Park
Kaziranga’s landscape is a mixture of tall grasslands, marsh, and forest. The last wildlife census (2015) found that there were 2,401 rhino in the park and that the population was stable.
You will be able to see them on a game drive, and also on an early morning elephant safari, which is one of Kaziranga’s specialities.
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Journeysmiths’ pick for tiger spotting is Bandhavgarh, Central India; in Kanha we want you to see the elephant.
At Tiger’s Den you have a particularly special hostess: a female elephant, Tara. Tara is the elephant heroine of Mark Shand’s bestseller, Travels on my elephant. She is living out her retirement here, and you can help her mahout feed and bath her in the river.
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Hunting and, latterly, deforestation have threatened their survival, but organisations such as Project Tiger are going to great lengths to ensure they have a future in the wild.
Bandhavgarh has one of the highest concentrations of tiger in India. A number of cubs have been born in recent years and, having successfully made it to adulthood, it is hoped that they’ll soon start families of their own.
Spotting a tiger at Bandhavgarh is not guaranteed — these are wild animals and their camouflage is effective — but the local guides are knowledgeable about their environment and very good at tracking them, too.
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Snow leopard have been pushed into the highest, remotes reaches of the Himalayas, but if you travel to Ladakh in the winter months and are prepared to undertake a multi-day mountain trek, you stand a reasonable chance of seeing one.
It will definitely be one of the most thrilling wildlife sightings you ever have, not least because it feels like such a reward for the effort!
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Little research has been done into population numbers, but it is native to India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and there is a known population in Bandhavgarh.
The pangolin is a nocturnal creature, so to see one you’ll need to head out into the forest at night.
Expert naturalists will lead you on a bush walk with torches or headlamps to find them. Your senses do become heightened, so expect to listen to every crackle and rustle around you.
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West Bengal was the first home of the East India Company and for decades the British made Kolkata their capital. A strong colonial influence remains, but the Bengali heritage is undeniable.
Assam and Nagaland are two states in India’s northeast, separated from the bulk of the country by Bangladesh. The region is comparatively wild and sparsely populated, so it’s excellent for spotting rare wildlife.
Central India doesn’t top most traveller’s itineraries, but we think this is an oversight. The region has a wealth of important cultural sites including temples and caves, as well as superb national parks and reserves.
Rajasthan means “Land of Kings” and the palaces, fortresses and temples of this desert state back up the claim. Once ruled by Maharajas of unimaginable wealth, the opulent legacies remain.
The famed Golden Triangle begins in Delhi, the Indian capital. It’s a captivating, expansive city that lends itself to journeying south to see Agra’s Taj Mahal and the Pink City of Jaipur.
The landscapes in South India are green and the pace of life is slower. This is an ideal region for relaxing into the local way of life as you float down Kerala's waterways aboard a houseboat.
Western India is flanked by the Thar Desert and the Arabian Sea. It’s a diverse region, with the industry and large urban populations in Mumbai contrasting with the lush, tranquil beaches of Goa.
The Himalayas are undisputedly the most impressive mountain range in the world. Their snow-capped peaks hold not only life-giving fresh water, but important national parks and cultural touchpoints.
Ulley is the best place on the planet for snow leopard spotting, and Snow Leopard Lodge is the only specialist accommodation option.
Woods at Sasan is a stunning, luxury lodge set in an orchard of mango trees on the fringe of the forest.
The Trident, Agra is a few minutes’ walk from the Taj Mahal and presents an ideal base and relaxed ambience from which to explore the world heritage site.
Rohet House is a high-end hotel in Jodphur, part of House of Rohet portfolio of properties and the former home of the Rohet family.
Six Senses Vana is the ultimate destination for those interested in wellness and looking for a rejuvenative break. Journey through the forest to this stylish and blissful retreat where you can fully immerse yourself in the gentle world of healing, growth and nourishment. Highly trained practitioners and therapists are on hand throughout to guide you in your bespoke programme.
An authentic, welcoming and comfortable lodge in a staggeringly remote and spectacular location, this is the place to come for snow leopards and warm hospitality.
A haven of beautiful grounds that are home to luxurious, secluded and elegant tents, Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort is close to a world-renowned tiger hotspot.
If you’re looking for a way to appreciate India’s rich wildlife without compromising on comfort, Diphlu River Lodge is the perfect place to stay.
Set sail for adventure across the plains of Assam as you take in the sights of the northeast Indian state from the comfort of a luxurious riverboat, the MV Rudra Singha.
Wake up to Nagaland’s gorgeous mountain vistas and the sound of a nearby mountain brook.
The Mahua Kothi takes its name from the mahua tree, which is revered as the tree of life by local people.
The Wildflower Hall in Shimla is one of Oberoi’s premier natural retreats, and one of the most luxurious escapes in this breathtaking mountain region.
The Thiksey Monastery looms large over the Indus Valley, both physically and culturally speaking. At its foot is the remarkable Chamba Camp.
The ITC Maratha is luxury hotel which takes its design inspiration from the Maratha dynasty which historically ruled the area around Mumbai.
The Oberoi Mumbai is the most luxurious hotel at the heart of India’s largest city.
The Brunton Boatyard is the pride of Fort Cochin, Kerala’s most historic city.
Carnoustie is a tranquil place to recharge and rejuvenate, surrounded by the beauty of Kerala.
Samode Haveli offers a perfect place to unwind in lush surroundings in the heart of Jaipur, but it is also ideal for guests seeking accommodation within striking distance of the city’s fascinating historical sites.
The Oberoi Amarvilas is a five-star hotel offering luxury, world-class service, and decadent Mughal decor.
Wake up to birdsong in an untouched corner of Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park. Sher Bagh is an ecologically friendly camp offering unmatched luxury in a unique location; it’s a safari camp which harks back to the glamour of a bygone era.
The Leela Palace Udaipur is a modern, slick hotel with jaw dropping views of Lake Pichola.
Aman-i-Khas is the most exquisite basecamp for your Rajasthani safari.
Sujan Jawai - a Relais & Chateaux property in a leopard rich wilderness - takes luxury to an entirely new level.
Mihir Garh is the kind of hotel that Hollywood location scouts dream of: an imposing fortress looking out across a landscape that exemplifies Rajasthan’s wild, rugged beauty.
30 acres of forest run parallel to the Satpura Tiger Reserve and National Park, and its here that you will find the Reni Pani Jungle Lodge.
Samode was featured by the Daily Telegraph as one of The World’s Best 50 Honeymoon hotel destinations, and it’s easy to see why.
This grand palace was built in the 1880s and has hosted countless influential leaders and celebrities throughout its rich history.
The Taj Bengal Kolkata is one of the best situated hotels in the City of Joy, within walking distance of the key city sites.
Our Varanasi choice is the Taj Nadesar Palace, where 40 acres of lush private gardens surround the hotel.
This classic tented camp with a luxury twist is a calm and tranquil retreat set in the heart of the Sri Lankan bush. Enjoy the jungle, rivers and lagoons of Yala National Park by day, then come nightfall, you’ll head back to camp where you can recount the day’s adventures, warmed by the glowing firepit and surrounded by delicate lanterns that illuminate the surrounding trees.