The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is the most successful & adaptive of larger cats. It lives in all types of habitats, from thick forests, to rocky open country and even close to towns and cities. The rich spotted coat of the leopard creates a flurry of panic amogst its prey, who know it as a killing machine that uses stealth, cunning, awesome speed and acrobatic felxibility with deadly effect. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
With its massive build, huge head, riveted (and mythically bullet-proof) amour-plate like skin, the Indian Rhino (Rhinoceros unicorn's) appears like a battle tank. Awe of their sheer size and the thrill of seeing their legendary ill-temper (they often do charge, but rather than their horns (a mass of hair), use their razor sharp tusks to do damage), inspires many a nature lover to see them first hand. Kaziranga National Park | Orang National Park | Chitwan National Park | Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Preferring the open slopes of the higher Nilgiris, the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius) is a stocky & muscular goat-like animal, whose rich grey-brown beauty is complemented by its poetically misty green habitat. Seeing a herd of Nigiri Thar graze at gravity-defying angles, really drives home the acrobatic sure-footedness that these magnificent animals symbolise and bookmarks an unforgettable moment. Eravikulam National Park
Amazing though it may sound, the ‘Tiger’ found all over India is the Bengal Tiger! The tiger, unlike the lion, leads a solitary life, its savage beauty long regarded as the symbol of the Indian wilderness. Unlike many cats, tigers (Panthera tigris tigris), are not averse to water, but are good swimmers. Though tiger pugmarks that are used in a census; their facial stipes are unique too (quite like us!) Ranthambore National Park | Kanha National Park | Bandhavgarh NationalPark | Corbett National Park
Poached to endangered status for their ‘musk’ or ‘kasturi’, Musk deer are a relatively small species of deer, uniquely having a pair of protruding, tusk-like teeth and no antlers at all. Musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) prefer cool climes, which makes early morning and evenings the best times to spot them. They remain, for nature-lovers, a curio, though a walk through their habitat is a treat in itself. Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary
The snow leopard (Uncia uncia), the gray ghost of the snows haunts the Himalays from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. As it can neither roar nor purr, it is called an intermediate big-cat. The snow leopard prefers higher altitudes. Only in summer is it best sighted, when it frequents the fringes of the snowline & high pasture areas. Perhaps the most beautiful & elusive of cats, it is sadly, endangered today. Hemis National Park
Gorgeous and multi-hued, butterflies are rightly called ‘winged jewels’ of the tropical forest. But, butterflies are more than pretty distractions; they play a crucial role in pollination and so, in the very continuance of the forest! India is very rich in butterflies. Making a trip specially to see their glory, can be a rewarding experience of discovery and a unique glimpse at our wild. Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary
India and elephants are inseparable; it is a part of our history, myth, culture and in many areas, a way of life! The elephant’s is a matriarchal society - small, organised, largely forest-dwelling, herds.Contrary to belief, the elephant is the most intelligent & dangerous of Indian wildlife, having few natural enemies - its huge magnificience & controlled might a thrill unmatched when seen in the wild. Periyar Tiger Reserve | Rajaji National Park | Nagarhole National Park
India's waters, its rivers, streams, and lakes rivers - yes, all of an estimated 50,000 km them - can be a pleasant surprise! Apart from the sheer thrill that fishing rewards you with - whether a pro, a beginner or just and interested onlooker - most fishing areas are also very scenic and rich in wildlife allowing one to enjoy nature up close in a different way. Tirthan Valley | Cauvery Fishing and Nature Camp | Pahalgam
The Hangul or Kashmir Stag is the only species of Red deer found in India. They are magnificient animals, with rich red coats and an impressive head of antlers. Kashmir red deer (Cervus elaphus hanglu) are usually seen in herds led by a dominant male. Hangul are active during the day and early winter, when they descend to lower grazing slopes, is a good time to see these incredibly beautiful animals. Dachigam National Park
India is rich in birds, with over 13% of the world’s birds being found here. Blessed with the cool snows of the Himalayas, the dry heat of the Thar, the humid green of the South and the swamps and sea of our coastlines, India is home to some of the most sought after birds in the world. Watching birds in India is not just incredibly rewarding; it’s a step closer to truly understanding the Indian wild. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | Sambhar Salt Lake | Chilika Bird Sanctuary | Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary
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