wildlife tour

Summer in India is the best time to plan a safari in India's national parks and reserves, especially for wildlife spotting. Safaris in India are loved by nature lovers for the opportunity to spot the royal bengal tigers in India. The trail of exploring the Tigers of Central India is one of the most wonderful reasons for wildlife lovers to visit the country in summer. The reason is, the fact that during the summers the suffocating sun drains most of the water resources in the jungle, forcing dozens of animals to go out and look for the remaining water sources. So, if you're patient and you can wait near these water resources, you're likely to spot these animals.

So planning a trip to a nature reserve during the summer is by no means a bad idea. India also boasts numerous national parks and nature reserves where travelers are spoiled for choice.

Safari in Ranthambore National Park

One of the largest national parks in northern India, it was once famous as the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Today it is famous as a tourist attraction for spectacular safaris. The Ranthambore National Park is also known as a famous archaeological site as pictorial ruins adorn the national park. A safari in this place could turn into a real-life experience; you can spot the famous Indian tiger as well as many other wild species of India. Whether you plan A short Ranthambore getaway or an Indian itinerary, this is one of the most interesting wildlife tours.

Safari in Kanha National Park

A safari in Kanha National Park will take you on an adventurous and exciting journey into the natural habitat of the wild creatures of India. This park is actually a haven for wildlife, and this place is famous for being the home of Barasingha, the marsh deer which is also notoriously called "the jewel of Kanha". It is also one of the best managed parks in Asia, and a Kanha safari will bring you a unique experience.

Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park

The most popular wildlife sanctuary in India, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh has the highest density of tigers the country’s national animal. Besides the Royal Bengal Tigers, this park was also famous for white tigers. Other animals inhabiting the jungles are sambar, chital, wild boar, wild dog, Indian fox, leopard, bison, blue bull, antelope, nilgai and others.

Wildlife safari in Bandhavgarh includes options of jeep or elephant rides, stay at the jungle resorts, visiting the Bandhavgarh Fort and certainly exciting memories.

Periyar National Park

Settled in God’s Own Country of Kerala, Periyar National Park is one of the most popular places in for wildlife safari in India. Elephant’s and tigers are the most popular residents but there is the Indian wild dog, sambar, wild pig, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr and others.

Early morning safaris are known for the decent chance of getting close to the wildlife as is boating in the Periyar Lake where the beasts come to quench their thirst. Eco-lodges and treehouses are popular options to stay while the national park also offers the chance to explore spice plantations of Thekkady.

Jim Corbett National Park

The oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, Jim Corbett National Park is settled on the mighty foothills of the Himalayas. The residents of the jungle include tigers, sloth bear, goral, fishing cat, leopard, chital, barking deer and others. The best way to spot tigers is jeep safari in the Bijrani zone while some glimpse of the wildlife is also available from the watchtowers in Dhikala and other regions.

World Food Day is one day which should be cherished and upheld by all foodies across the globe. Established to commemorate the setting up of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization in the year 1945, World Food Day is celebrated on the 16th of October every year. If you’ve been looking for a bonafide reason to let loose the pent-up foodie in you, here’s cause for celebration! This World Food Day, go on an expedition to any of these foodie cities and blissfully watch your diet go for a toss!

1. Delhi

The National Capital is a food lover’s Mecca with the sheer variety of delicacies available here, right from the famed chole bhature and kebabs at Chandni Chowk to butter chicken at the landmark Moti Mahal, Daryaganj. At the former, you will also be swept away with the tantalizing aromas of aloo parathas, crispy jalebis and nahari. If you’re looking for scrumptious street eats, try golgappas at the first vendor you come across! Another go-to place in Delhi for binge eating is Karol Bagh, which is famous for chicken changezi with khamiri roti and phirni at Changezi Chicken Restaurant and chicken malai tikka at Ganesh Restaurant. The kulfi falooda at Roshan Di Kulfi also gives a heavenly experience! Paharganj, near New Delhi Railway Station, offers an eclectic mix of cuisines across its narrow alleys, right from the chole bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand to biryani at Satyam Rooftop Restaurant and Sam’s Café which is unarguably the most famous dining hotspot in Paharganj. Even Safdarjung has favourites like Rajinder Da Dhaba (the makhmali fish tikka and tandoori starters here are to die for).

2. Kolkata

The City of Joy will bowl you over with its culinary prowess! Bengalis are really passionate about their food and it shows, right from the melt-in-the-mouth phuchkas to some of the most unique fish curries you will ever sample in the country! Go crazy with the choicest Hilsa, Bekti and Prawn preparations and indulge your sweet tooth with the finest rosogolla and mishti doi. A variety of street food in Kolkata can be sampled at the commercial hub of Park Street (city’s food street) and Dalhousie including Mughlai paratha, fish fry and lots more! The dum aloo puchka in the Vivekananda Park neighbourhood and mutton kabiraji cutlet at the Mitra Café establishment are urban legends along with the mutton stew at Golbari Hotel and the prawn cutlets at Allen Restaurant. In the by-lanes of Tiretta Bazaar and Tangra, you can relish Tibetan and mouth-watering Chinese as well.

3. Mumbai

Mumbai, over the years, has acquired a certain cosmopolitan palate, much like its population. Right from the authentic Maharashtrian and Parsi cuisine to Gujarati delights, there’s something for everyone in Mumbai. You’ll find some of the best street food here; the iconic vada pav, pav bhaji, panipuri, dahi puri and bhelpuri are to die for! Even the sev puri is something you shouldn’t miss out on! Other must-try local food items in Mumbai are Bombil fry, falooda, modaks and sandwiches. Take a walk-through Crawford Market and try the famous kheema pav at Gulshan-e-Iran or the white biryani at Bhendi Bazaar’s Noor Mohmmadi. If you’re in the mood for a traditional snack, try the delicious bun maska and mawa samosa at Merwan’s along Grant Road. Pratap Da Dhaba is famous for its vodka panipuri while Kobe’s at Girgaum Chowpatty offers you ultimate sizzlers. Café Noorani on Tardeo Road is famous for its tandoori chicken and you should not miss out on the ice-cream sandwiches and biscuits at Churchgate’s K. Rustom.

4. Hyderabad

Give your belly a royal treat with the best seekh kebabs, chakhna and haleem in Hyderabad. The City of Pearls is also famous for its biryani which is aromatic, spicy and simply irresistible! In fact, you can find some of the best Ramadan delicacies here in Hyderabad. You’ll find a delightful culinary fusion of Arabic, Mughlai and even Telugu influences. The kachche gosht ki biryani, Hyderabadi marag and paaya will land you in 7th heaven for sure! Gachibowli has its famous Sardarji’s Chaat, where you can sample the famous dahi bhalla, papdi chaat and samosa. Go crazy at Rajasthani jalebi and namkeens near the iconic Charminar. The street food havens of Pragati Gully, Tank Bund and Sindhi Colony will give you a taste of lip-smacking Hyderabadi local food. Madina is where you should go for the best Mughlai cuisine. 

5. Goa

Goa is not just about the gushing waves, quaint shacks and unlimited partying; there’s a whole treasure trove of gastronomic delights to be discovered here! Hog on the tempting prawn curries and seafood delights like lobsters, salmon, mussels, tuna and mackerel. The more adventurous ones can even feast on jumbo-sized crab fries. Try Pousada which is a more secluded place away from the main beach in Calangute. You will certainly love the aroma and flavour of local ingredients used in a variety of beef, prawn and other meat dishes. The balchao is a must try and makes use of fresh toddy vinegar while the caldin or stew with vegetables is also tempting. La Plage on Ashvem Beach serves some amazing treats including beef carpaccio and sesame-grilled tuna while Anjuna’s well-known Noronha’s Corner offers cutlets, sausages, burgers and lots more! Try the famous chicken cafreal or grilled and spicy chicken here. Just outside the bus stand in Mapusa, the Ajit Tea Stall offers an iconic curry or xacuti. Goan cuisine is all about the effortless mélange of flavours right from chilli and coconut milk to tamarind.

6. Kochi

Authentic Kerala cuisine is like a delightful tapestry to be unveiled, one layer at a time! From heady spices to slimly sweet, there’s a lot to discover in Kochi. Try the famed Kerala beef roast which is absolutely divine! If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll be surprised to find the array of lip-smacking treats here. Come here during Onam and it will definitely be an unforgettable experience for your taste buds! Shala Restaurant is worth a visit if you want to try the delicious local fare prepared by housewives. Kingfish steak and Malabar prawn curry are major specialities at this Fort Kochi address. At Fort Kochi, you can also sample the legendary Kayee’s Rahmathullah Hotel’s biryani. This is perhaps the best biryani that you will find in Kerala and the wait here is worth it! Fish biryani is offered on Fridays while Tuesdays are for prawn biryanis. Mutton and chicken are available on all the other days. The Grand Pavilion in Ernakulam is another must-visit for finding authentic Kerala specialities and Syrian cuisine. Try the Karimeen Pollichathu or fried pear spot fish here. You should round off your trail with a journey to the Kashi Art Café which offers fabulous western dishes and breakfasts and the ambience itself is worth taking in.

7. Banaras ( Varanasi)

Banaras is your go-to destination for bingeing on street food and chaat. Right from the acclaimed malaiyo and ghee-laced baati to the simmering achari murgh and chicken tikka, Banaras is a land of mystical surprises and this is reflected in its diverse culinary treats as well. Try baati chokha on Puran Das Road where you can relish delightful dals and roasted chickpeas along with the sattu parathas and litti chokhas. You will also love the Deena Chat Bhandar at Dashaswmedh Ghat Road which offers a special palak chaat and tamatar chaat. Gulp down magical lassis at Blue Lassi Shop, Kachowari Gali Chowk or feast on malaiyyos at Neelkanth. Ram Bhandar, Thatheri Bazaar also has hot, steaming kachoris that you will love pairing with the perfectly cooked chickpeas subzi and jalebi.

8. Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a land full of enchanting stories from the past and while you’re at it, why not savour local delights like daal-baati-choorma and kadhi? If you’re in the mood to indulge, try the laal maas or the gatte. Sweet lovers will find solace in the flavoursome, pure desi ghee gujia, ghevar and balushahi that have successfully entrapped foodies down the ages! Handi Restaurant on MI Road (opposite the GPO) is one of the best places to savour lal maas while daal-baati-choorma can be enjoyed at Udaipur’s Krishna Dal Bati Restro or Jaipur’s Daal Baati Churma Restaurant. For satiating your sweet tooth, Paharia, Kishangarh, is definitely a must-visit!

India is rich in wildlife and wilderness. The vast and diverse country is home to many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Jungle safaris are very popular in India as you enjoy a wide diversity of flora and fauna. While most species of the animal kingdom abound in the landscape, there is a particular fondness for Tigers. Besides, the majestic cats, there are elephants, the only habitat of Asiatic Lions, one-horned rhinoceros Along with spotting the wild species in their natural habitats, get to enjoy at eco-friendly wildlife resorts, campsites, treehouses, etc. Go for jungle treks, bird watching, elephant rides, jeep rides and even boat rides which adds to the fun of the wildlife holiday.

To enjoy the pleasures of wildlife tours in India, here are the top choices:

Bandhavgarh National Park

The most popular wildlife sanctuary in India, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh has the highest density of  tigers the country’s national animal. Besides the Royal Bengal Tigers, this park was also famous for white tigers. Other animals inhabiting the jungles are sambar, chital, wild boar, wild dog, Indian fox, leopard, bison, blue bull, antelope, nilgai and others.

Wildlife safari in Bandhavgarh includes options of jeep or elephant rides, stay at the jungle resorts, visit to the Bandhavgarh Fort and certainly exciting memories.

Ranthambore National Park

Once the hunting grounds of the royal family of Jaipur, Ranthambore is the most popular option for wildlife tours in India. The favourite resident of the jungle, tigers bring visitors in huge numbers from all across the globe. The many water sources in the jungle are home to a huge number of crocodiles, nilgai, sambhar, birds and more.

Stay at the heritage jungle resorts, the very ones used by the royalty on their hunting trips is particularly exciting as is exploring the 10th century Ranthambore Fort atop a hill overlooking the wilderness.

Gir National Park

The exclusive home of Asiatic lions in the natural habit, Gir National park in Gujarat is among the most visit places for a wildlife getaway. Besides, the king of the jungle, there are many inhabitants such as leopards, jackals and the Indian fox. Jeep safari brings you close to the lions.

Kanha National Park

Said to be the inspiration of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, Kanha National Park lures quite a huge number of wildlife lovers and animal enthusiasts. Apart from spotting tigers, you can find gaur, palm squirrel, striped hyena, chinkara, mouse deer, black buck, jackal, porcupine, sambhar and others. The best way to spot tigers is by taking the early morning elephant safari from Mukki entrance of the park.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur)

The bird sanctuary with a status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, earlier known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the best places to go for jungle safari in India. Bird watching is a pleasure here as the nature reserve is home to more than 450 species of birds including migratory species that fly in for a winter visit as far as from Siberia and other cold countries. Keeping the natural beauty intact and noises at the minimum, safari at the bird paradise is available only on cycle rickshaws.

Periyar National Park

Settled in God’s Own Country of Kerala, Periyar National Park is one of the most popular places in for wildlife safari in India. Elephant’s and tigers are the most popular residents but there is the Indian wild dog, sambar, wild pig, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr and others.

Early morning safaris are known for the decent chance of getting close to the wildlife as is boating in the Periyar Lake where the beasts come to quench their thirst. Eco-lodges and treehouses are popular options to stay while the national park also offers the chance to explore spice plantations of Thekkady.

Jim Corbett National Park

The oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, Jim Corbett National Park is settled on the mighty foothills of Himalayas. The residents of the jungle include tigers, sloth bear, goral, fishing cat, leopard, chital, barking deer and others. The best way to spot tigers is jeep safari in the Bijrani zone while some glimpse of the wildlife is also available from the watchtowers in Dhikala and other regions.

Kaziranga National Park

Home to one third of world's population of one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park is a must visit detsination for wildlife tors in India. The UNECSO listed wildlife sanctaury is spread in India's North Eastern state of Assam.

Manas National Park

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, there is little to celebrate this year. Indian tourism and the entire sector across the world continues to be in devastation owing to the Covid-19 Global Pandemic. But, as the days of the “new normal” of tourism begins, it is time to be optimistic that India will survive and very soon recover.

India is one of its kind with a range of the marvels that find its mention among the most fascinating travel destinations on the map of the world. Starting with the geography, India is home to snow-capped Himalayan peaks, sun-kissed beaches, out-of-the-world islands, wild jungles, sand desert, lush valleys blooming with flowers to the incredible network of backwaters, history & culture that dates back to 5000 years, the country has the ability to thrill, inspire and exasperate travellers all at once. So, be ready for unexpected surprises while you book India tour packages. There is also a lot more of untapped potential. There is heritage walks, cultural excursions, unique traditions of India, such as Ganga Aarti, Yoga, Ayurveda, festivals, etc. When thinking of travel plans in the new normal, here are the most popular experieces of India.

Heritage & Culture Tourism

India heriatge and culture needs no introduction. The Taj Mahal,  the white-marbled mausoleum and one of the Seven Wonders of the World is the most-visited monument in Indiaa.  UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With 36 sites and many proposed sites, India is the land of the many fascinating wonders of architecture. This includes the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Temples of Khajuraho, Group of Monuments of Mahabalipuram, Hampi, Pattadakal; Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Forts at Delhi and Agra; Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Complex, Ran-ki-Vav,  and many more. From National Parks of Sunderbans, Kaziranga, Manas, etc. to the city of Ahmedabad, tours in India keep you busy with many wonders of history, natural beauty, cultural importance and more.

Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tours in India is unmissable. In the abundance of jungles, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, etc. it is very easy and thrilling to come across wildlife in their natural habitats. The best options include Kaziranga National Park (Assam), Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand), Sasan-Gir Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat), Ranthambore and Bharatpur ( Rajasthan), Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Sunderbans, Periyar in Kerala, among others.

Spiritual & Wellness Tourism

India is ancient and the homeland of many treasures. Ayurveda, the holistic natural science of health and wellness dates back to 5000 years, to the Vedic Era and this science is till date a very relevant key to health and wellness. With the use of herbs, oils, and therapies, Ayurveda cures ailments, revitalize your senses, manage stress or simply experience a rare kind of bliss that envelops your body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda resorts in India are favoured for holidays in India to be treated with therapeutic bliss of Ayurveda.

Food Tourism

Much like India, India food is diverse and the tastes nothing short of an unforgettable experience.  Foodie-havens lie in the nooks and corners of Old Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, etc. Treating your taste buds are options such as Mughlai cuisine, South Indian cuisine, Bengali sweets, flavors of the streets, the 64-dishes Onam Sadya, 56-dishes Maharaja thali, a wedding feast or Ayurveda-based meals, and so much more.

Adventure Tourism 

Wildlife tourism is a very important part of the Indian tourism. And, this World Tourism Day 2020, the incredible range of travel experiences needs to be explored with wildlife tour packages in India. And I would guess rightly so, given the fact that, after Africa, India perhaps has the most species of endangered wildlife that one could see in the wild. The star attraction of India's National parks is, of course, the Royal Bengal tiger, and this majestic animal is certainly the main draw for the wildlife tourism in India.

India now has almost 40 notified tiger reserves spread across the country, from Kaziranga and Manas in the east to Tadoba in the west, from Corbett in the north to Periyar and Bandipur in the south. Even the offbeat Sundarbans to the popular wildlife sanctuaries of Bandhavgarh National Park, Ranthambore, Pench  The big plus point of having so many Tiger reserves is that one can combine and include the nearest one into an India itinerary easily and even those not coming for a wildlife only focused trip, can easily fit in a few days at one India's many National parks.

Having been in the industry for almost 30 years now, I've been lucky to have had a chance to visit quite a few of the Tiger reserves, as well as interact with several wildlife enthusiasts from across the world. The general consensus is that the Tiger is definitely the most regal and majestic of all mammals, and irrespective of how many times one has seen a Tiger, the thrill of spotting a Tiger in the wild, remains and does not diminish with repeated sightings. After a recent trip to Africa, where we saw lions in the wild, I was actually wondering as to whether the Lion actually deserves its title of "King of the Jungle", in my view, and plenty of people actually agreed with me on this, that, the Tiger actually has a larger presence, and greater karishma.

The Indian wildlife experience is actually very different from the African safari experience, and it is extremely important for travelers to understand this fact. Africa has an abundance of wildlife, so a tourist traveling to lets say, Kruger, is sort of guaranteed sightings of all the big 5, perhaps within the first few hours of entering the reserve, whereas, even in Bandhavgarh, the National Park with a good Tiger population, it is possible to have done half a dozen safaris and still not having sighted the Tiger !! 

Not just the tigers, Indian wildlife tourism also covers sighting of Asiatic Lions, One-horned Rhincoeros, colorful birds including migratpry species, gharials and many other rare species.

In the last couple of months, there had been a lot of uncertainty regarding the opening of the National Parks in the Covid-19 Global Pandemic, which was subject to the decision f the Indian Supreme Court. Fortunately, the Courts did allow the Parks to open, and it is now backing to business as usual. As a consequence of this, there have been some changes in the rules and regulations. The number of vehicles allowed into the Parks has been further curtailed, thereby making advance reservations all the more important, and also, the Central Indian reserves of Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench are now completely closed every Wednesday.

One of the other positives in recent times has been the opening of several wildlife resorts  and boutique lodges in the vicinity of the National Parks. Unlike Africa, even the Luxury lodges are not situated within the forests, but are outside, but, there are now a few Jungle lodges and camps in India, that are at par with the finest in the world. In addition to the Taj Safari lodges in Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh, others that stand out are, the Samode Safari Lodge in Bandhavgarh, Singinawa, Flame of the Forest and Shergarh in Kanha, Forsyth’s Lodge in Satpura, and there is, of course, the Sherbagh tented camp in Ranthambhore.