India

India offers some of the finest wildlife safari packages in the whole of Asia and is home to a number of rare species, including tigers, leopards, one-horned rhinoceroses, and elephants. India’s size and geographical diversity mean that an incredible range of habitats are found throughout the country’s national parks and protected areas, which, in turn, support an enormous variety of mammal, reptile, amphibious, and bird life. From the wilds of the remote north-east India and the dusty landscapes of Gujarat to the iconic reserves of central India and the jungles of tropical southern India,

This is our selection of the Top 10 Most Incredible Places to See Wildlife in India:

1. Kaziranga National Park, Assam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in India's remote northeast, bordering the mighty Brahmaputra River, this park boasts a diverse ecosystem of grasslands, woodlands, and swamps., and is a haven for Indian safaris enthusiasts, particularly those seeking a glimpse of the elusive one-horned rhinoceros. Besides the iconic rhinos, visitors can spot tigers, leopards, buffalo, deer, bears, and a plethora of bird species, both resident and migratory. The best time to explore Kaziranga is between November and April, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are at their peak. The park is easily accessible from Guwahati, which has regular flights from major cities like Kolkata and Delhi.

Browse at Here: Kaziranga National Park

2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, Nestled beside the Ramganga River and framed by the Himalayan foothills, Corbett offers a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, rocky plateaus, and dense forests. The oldest national park in India, Corbett, was established in 1935 and named after the renowned conservationist Jim Corbett. This varied terrain supports a rich array of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, over 500 bird species, and rare reptiles and amphibians. The park is conveniently located around 300 kilometers northeast of Delhi and can be easily reached by car or train. The best time to visit Corbett National Park is between November and May, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are optimal.

Browse at Here: Jim Corbett National Park

3. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh, the largest national park in India, is an Indian safaris lover's paradise, often referred to as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book." Its diverse landscape, comprising hardwood forests, bamboo thickets, grasslands, and meadows, provides an ideal habitat for a wide range of wildlife. The park is renowned for its majestic Bengal tigers, but it also shelters leopards, gaurs, hyenas, wild boars, sambar deer, and the rare barasingha. Additionally, Kanha boasts over 300 bird species and more than 1,000 flowering plant species. The best time to visit Kanha is between November and March for birdwatching and March to May for tiger sightings. The park is accessible by air via Nagpur or Jabalpur airports or by road from Khajuraho and Bandhavgarh.

Browse at Here: Kanha National Park

4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, nestled in the picturesque Vindhya Ranges, is renowned for its high density of tigers. This captivating reserve, characterized by its sal and mixed forests, meadows, grasslands, and numerous streams and hillocks, offers a diverse habitat for a wide range of wildlife. In addition to tigers, visitors can spot leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, chital, barking deer, gaur, and nilgai. Bandhavgarh is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with a variety of avian species including hornbills, crested serpents, variable hawk eagles, and parakeets. The park is accessible by road from Kanha and Khajuraho, or by air via Jabalpur. Katni is the nearest railway station. The best time to visit Bandhavgarh is between October and January for birdwatching and January to April for tiger safaris.

Browse at Here: Bandhavgarh National Park

5. Gir National Park, Gujarat, located in the southern region of Gujarat, is a vital sanctuary for the critically endangered Asiatic lion. This unique park, characterized by its dry deciduous forests, scrubland, and grasslands, is the last refuge for these magnificent big cats on the Indian subcontinent. Beyond the iconic lions, Gir also harbors a diverse range of wildlife safaris in India, including leopards, jungle cats, hyenas, jackals, sambar deer, chital, nilgai, wild boars, porcupines, and the distinctive four-horned antelope, the chousingha. The park's numerous rivers and reservoirs attract a rich variety of resident bird species. Gir is best accessed by road from cities like Gondal, Junagadh, Rajkot, or Palitana. Best time to visit Gir National Park: December to April, especially just prior to the monsoon.

Browse at Here: Gir National Park

6. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka, a vital part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is a significant ecological hub in southern India. Connected to the sanctuaries of Bandipur, Mudumalai, and Wayanad, this park, once a royal hunting ground, was established in 1955. Nestled in the Western Ghats foothills, Nagarhole's dense forests and extensive wetlands provide an ideal habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, hyenas, various deer species, elephants, reptiles, and endangered bird species. The park is accessible by road from Mysore, Coorg, Sultan's Battery, and Ooty. The best time to visit is between December and April, with winter being particularly ideal for birdwatching due to the influx of migratory birds.

Browse at Here: Nagarhole National Park

7. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, one of India's most iconic wildlife reserves, is a popular destination for those combining a Golden Triangle tour with a wildlife safari. Despite its proximity to major tourist sites like Agra and Jaipur, Ranthambore plays a crucial role in India's tiger conservation efforts. This beautiful park, with its diverse landscape, is home to a variety of Indian safaris, including tigers, leopards, langurs, macaques, sambar deer, chital, sloth bears, wild boars, nilgai, pythons, cobras, and crocodiles. The best time to visit Ranthambore is between November and April, particularly before the monsoon season arrives. The park is easily accessible by road from Agra and Jaipur, or by train to Sawai Madhopur station.

Browse at Here: Ranthambore National Park

8. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, located southwest of Ahmedabad, is a haven for birdwatchers, renowned for its extraordinary diversity of avian life. This wetland sanctuary, established in 1969, attracts thousands of migratory birds during the winter months. Its unique reed beds and marshes provide a perfect habitat for a wide range of waterbirds, including ducks, geese, pelicans, flamingos, storks, herons, and bitterns. Over 250 different bird species have been recorded in this sanctuary. Nalsarovar is easily accessible from Ahmedabad, which is well-connected to Delhi and Mumbai by air and rail. The best time to visit is between November and February, when the sanctuary is teeming with migratory birds.

9. Jawai Bera and Sena, Rajasthan, nestled in the Pali district of Rajasthan, offer a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural experiences. Jawai Bera, in particular, is renowned for its leopard population, providing one of India's most reliable leopard-spotting opportunities. The region's harmonious coexistence between leopards and the local Rabari tribes is a testament to nature's balance. The Rabari people view leopards as protectors of their livestock, leading to minimal conflict and frequent sightings. Beyond leopards, the area is a haven for birdwatchers, with species like flamingos and cranes gracing the Jawai Dam. Nearby Sena offers similar wildlife safari holidays in India, experiences and a glimpse into traditional Rajasthani village life. Both destinations provide ideal opportunities for leopard, bird watching, cultural tours, and photography, offering a tranquil escape from mainstream tourism.

10.Periyar National Park, Kerala, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a breathtaking sanctuary known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. The park's serene lake, lush evergreen forests, and rolling hills create a picturesque landscape. It's a haven for a variety of animals, including the majestic Indian elephant, the elusive tiger, the nimble leopard, and a diverse range of bird species. One of the unique features of Periyar is the opportunity to spot wildlife from the lake, offering a tranquil and immersive experience. The park's rich biodiversity, coupled with its stunning natural beauty, makes it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Browse at Here: Periyar National Park

Half a century after Cheetahs went extinct in India, the Environment Ministry will introduce 50 cheetahs into Indian forests over the next five years, The Environment Minister unveiled a plan for the introduction of Cheetah in India at the 19th meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

As per the action plan, a cohort of around 10-12 young cheetahs that are ideal for reintroduction shall be imported from Namibia or South Africa as a founder stock during the first year. Environment Minister Bhupendra Singh said that the Prime Minister is keen on the protection and conservation of seven major big cats, including Cheetah.

The country's last spotted cheetah died in Chhattisgarh in 1947 and it was declared extinct in the country in 1952. The Supreme Court had earlier given its approval to introduce African cheetahs to suitable habitats in India on an experimental basis.

The plans to introduce African Cheetahs into the Indian environment had gone into limbo in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and successive lockdowns.

Among the 10 surveyed sites in five central Indian States, Kuno Palpur National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh was rated high on the priority list for the introduction of a cheetah because of its suitable habitat and adequate prey base. A team from the Wildlife Institute of India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, doctors and veterinarians from the Kuna national park along with the staff had to go to Savannah for training.

As per the plan, the central government, along with the ministry of environment and the Cheetah Task Force, will create a formal framework to collaborate with the governments of Namibia and/or South Africa, through the Ministry of External Affairs.

Considered among the top predators, with African cheetah relocation, the government aims to restore the threatened ecosystem and conserve the species in India.

Browse Here: India Wildlife Tour Packages

India has a vast history of royalty, their incredible lives and even more magnificent palaces. Rajasthan, the land of royals is the well-renowned seat of Rajputana, warrior dynasties that ruled over their kingdoms. Located in western India, the land is depicted by some of the most amazing architectures. While many have been kept open for visitors to explore many are transformed into heritage hotels in Rajasthan. These wonderful luxury properties to date continues to amaze with the sheer display of splendor and world-class facilities.

Heritage hotels are not just the pride of Rajasthan but also some of the best stays in India. They exhibit the immaculate craftsmanship of the bygone era and Rajputana’s penchant for fine architecture.

Next time you book a Rajasthan package, make sure you stay at one of these heritage hotels and experience the best of hospitality.

1. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Savor the legendary Umaid Bhawan Palace at its glorious best. The exceptional hospitality and legendary ensembles put it at the top of best heritage hotels in Rajasthan. The record book says that it’s the world’s 6th largest private residence.

What’s special: Dinner at Risala serving Continental & Indian Fusion, heritage walks, city tour, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities

2. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

The perfect location of the palace encircled by Lake Pichola along with City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir makes a spellbinding backdrop for those dining at the top of the hotel’s terrace.

Fairy-tale weddings, fascinating honeymoons, and rich traditions of the past make the Taj Lake Palace an enthralling grandeur.

What’s special: Royal welcome at the Badi Pal Jetty, Jiva boat spa in lake Pichola, and heritage walks

3. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

A glorious past, vibrant present, and a promising future make Rambagh Palace a proud heritage hotel in Jaipur, which has stood at par with the grace of Rajasthan.

Rambagh Palace has remained a testimony to numerous transitions over the ages. It was first the residence of queen’s handmaiden, then became a guesthouse and hunting lodge for the royalties. In the end, it belonged to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II.

What’s special: Heritage walks, grand welcome, and spa

4. Rohetgarh, Jodhpur

Set in the midst of rural surroundings, Rohet Garh is a heritage hotel in Rajasthan located on the banks of a lake. Migrating birds keep frequenting the oasis and turn it into an enlivening retreat. Get dazzled by the splendid hues and decor of the kingly rooms and suites.

What’s special: Village safaris, royal picnics, bird watching, and culinary workshops

5. Samode Palace, Jaipur

From being a humble host to celebrities, royalties, and artists to presenting an ideal retreat for avid travelers, Samode Palace has excelled in giving its stamp of authority with panache.

Speaking of design aesthetics, walls of the palace are adorned with ancient murals, which can be felt as you run your fingers across the contours on the wall. They are ably complemented by the antiques from days of golden past. Be it experiencing a soul-soothing massage or soaking the charm of Jaipur, Samode Palace makes for one of the most prominent choice on the list of most sought after heritage hotels in Rajasthan.

What’s special: Mughal garden at Samode Bagh, horse & camel safaris, special tours to sand dunes, and hot air balloon

6. The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace, Udaipur

Sitting atop a hill in the heart of Udaipur, the Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace is a notable heritage hotel in Rajasthan. It has 55 rooms and suites equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and offering gorgeous city view.

The hotel banks on the traditional aesthetics of Rajasthan and also serves its patrons with horse ride, puppet show, and royal salute..

What’s special: Camel & horse rides, and puppet show

7. Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar

Located on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, Neemrana Fort Palace acts as an ideal weekend getaway from Delhi. It is also a good venue to organize, feasts, celebrations, and conferences. The 15th-century heritage hotel in Alwar boasts of hanging gardens, an Ayurvedic spa, shimmering outdoor pools, and zip-line for adventure lovers.

Defined by beauty and glorious history of Alwar, Neemrana is a royal retreat that must be experienced at least once. Plan a stay to experience the best of royal Rajasthan.

What’s special: Spa & pool, zipping, step well, vintage car ride, and camel ride

8. Fort Rajwada, Jaisalmer

Fort Rajwada is the proud bearer of the baton of charm and glory that has been synonymous with Jaisalmer since time unknown. One of the most elegant heritage hotels in Rajasthan, it brings you the imperial opulence, tranquil solitude of the desert and the adventure of dunes.

A gorgeous mix of the modern and the classical, which is widely eminent in the neutral shades of sandstones that make the palace, poolside barbecue, and rooftop view of the sunset.

What’s special: Camel & jeep safari, city tours

9. Ras Devigarh, Delwara

One of the best luxury hotels in Rajasthan, India, RAAS Devigarh has established a name for itself. What once used to be the residence of the rules of Delwara in the 18th century is now a luxury resorts in India where people come to have a pampering holiday. Along with luxurious amenities, the hotel has crafted curated experiences for its guests to make their holiday as unique as possible.

What’s special: Spa, Pool Deck, Restaurants

10. Deogarh Mahal, Rajsamand

Once inhabited by the rulers of Deogarh Family, the affluent residence has now been converted into a heritage hotel. The opulent palace pampers its guests with luxury amenities. It is also a popular venue for weddings and events

What’s special: Restaurant, pools, jacuzzi, Ayurvedic massage

India is home to fabulous wildlife. From roaring Royal Bengal Tigers to Asiatic Lions, herds of mighty Asian Elephants to one-horned rhinoceros, deer, gaur, flocks of birds’ and even ones visiting from distant lands, India is blessed with wildlife. Besides coming close to the wilderness, wildlife safari tours in India include staying at jungle resorts in India, jeep safaris, elephant rides, nature walk with experts and other incredible experiences. India’s wildlife safari holiday season is traditionally between the months of October to June, with the exception of monsoon season when most of the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks remain closed. Even in the wildlife safari season, there is a best time for the thrilling adventure.

When making plans for a luxury wildlife holiday in India, here is to understand the best time and suitable weather conditions.

Tiger watching between November and February, the mornings can be very cold, so bring hats and gloves. A hot water bottle even. Although be prepared to take off layers later in the day, when temperatures go up to the mid twenties.

The opposite is the case if you go in search of tigers between March and June, when the temperatures can hit mid 40s centigrade. You need to be veary well prepared, and know that you can stand such heat for long periods of the day.

Most national parks in India close in July, August, September, and through until about mid-October for monsoon season, so always check with your tour operator.

Periyar National Park, however, stays open all year round. The most popular time to visit is during the cooler, drier months from October to February. It is particularly vibrant just after monsoon, and there are fewer people. Periyar is always packed at weekends, however, so try and stick to weekdays.

The best time for viewing elephants in Kerala is during the hotter months of March and April when they spend the most time in the water.

The only time to see snow leopard in Ladakh is between November and March, when they come down from the snow-covered peaks in search of food. February and March are a bit more accessible for visitors though, so best to travel during those times.

Browse at Here: Periyar National Park

In Gujarat, Gir National Park is closed from mid-June to mid-October for monsoon season. November until March are more bearable climate-wise, but for top animal watching April and May are best – but boiling. However, witnessing the Rann of Kutch Desert fill up during monsoon season is a sight to behold too.

Browse at Here: Gir National Park

National parks can pack out during Indian public holidays and festivals, and there are many of them. So do check in advance if you are going to clash with one. Which would be fun, but it will be busy. The big ones include 26th January for Republic Day, and Diwali which falls October or November.

In many of the parks, the vegetation is high after the monsoon around mid-October, which means that wildlife can be harder to spot. However, the landscapes look stunning during this time.

For bird watching in Northern India, October to May is a good time for resident and migratory species, post and pre-monsoons. In Kerala, March to May is blazing hot.

Discover the Most Adventurous Wildlife Tour Packages in India

India is a welcoming country and has been for centuries. And, even in today’s era it is as hospitable as it was in the past. Travellers from all over the world are made to feel right at home in this incredible country. Making the country special is the fact that it has a wide range of options of stay. Be it the vibrant cities, tourist hotspots, scenic beaches, remote hill stations, offbeat places or any place you would like to explore in India, there are always options.

From 5-star hotels, heritage hotels, luxury properties and boutique hotels, guests have comfortable accommodations equipped with world-class amenities. And, even this wide variety the choices are very pocket-friendly. In fact seven of the world’s 10 cities with the least expensive five-star hotels are in India. This affordable luxury is one of the reasons India is a hot favorite among luxury-seeking travellers.

Here are the cities in India with the most affordable luxury stays.

Chennai

Chennai is the least expensive city for a five-star stay in the world, the results declared, with the starting price of an upscale hotel room at GBP34/ INR3,530 per night. The city has some terrific business hotels, with several top-voted hotel restaurants at the Top Restaurant Awards. There’s lots to sightsee, and if you have more time on your hands, Chennai also has many sweet deals from farmstays to quick getaways.

The Best Options for stay in Chennai: Radha Regent, Taj Coromandel, The Leela, The Park

Bengaluru

Bengaluru nabs the third spot. The baseline for a five-star stay is the same in both cities, and about Rs1,000 more than Chennai, at GBP41/ INR4,260. India’s IT hub has super business hotels of course, many top-voted restaurants. (Incidentally, ITC Windsor recently became the world’s first hotel to receive the LEED Zero Carbon Certification.) Plus for those getting out of the city, there are amazing homestays, wonderfully offbeat getaways nearby, and even more great stays to consider if other South Indian cities are on your itinerary.

The Best Options for stay in Bengaluru: Hotel Regaalis, Southern Star, Taj MG Road, The, Leela Palace, The Park, Villa Pottipatti

Agra

Agra comes in at number 4 on the list of the best budget luxury stays in India at GBP42/ INR4,360 per night. With the Taj Mahal in the neighbourhood, it’s a popular choice for a destination wedding of course though there’s plenty else to do too including restored Mughal gardens.

The Best Options for stay in Agra: The Park, Crystal Sarovar Premiere, Hotel Grand Imperial, Howard Plaza - The Fern, ITC Mughal, Jaypee Palace, Radissin Blu, Ramada, Royal Regent, Royal Residency, Taj Gateway. Tajview, Agra - IHCL SeleQtions, The Lalit, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Trident, Utkarsh Vilas

Kolkata

Kolkata makes its place on the list of luxury budget stays in India with an average tariff at GBP50/ INR5,200 per night. The City of Joy as it is called is east India's vibrant cultural hub. Home to exquiste architceture, arts, crafts, music 

The Best Options for stay in Kolkata: The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata, The Oberoi Grand, The Park, The Peerless Inn

Delhi

The colorful capital city of Delhi is the fahas stellar hotel deals not to mention star restaurants and ample getaways: here’s a big fat hotel guide to road trips from the capital.

Mumbai comes in at #7 at GBP52/ INR5,400 per night. Visitors to India’s cultural capital are spoiled for choice when it comes to city hotels, superb restaurants and beautiful weekend resorts.

Jaipur

Jaipur is the eighth least expensive city for a plush stay at GBP56/ INR 5,800. Two of the city’s newest hotels made it to the 2021 Hot List. Both have excellent dining options, alongside the city’s more established eateries, and they’re only the latest in a slew of great hotels in Jaipur and Rajasthan (which has many lesser-known gems).