Wildlife of India

India’s large territory and diverse landscape allows for incredible biodiversity. Between mountainous landscapes, plains, marshes, riverbanks, and tropical jungles, there is a chance to spot any kind of animal during a trip to this country and all it has to offer. 

It’s not just that there are so many creatures around the regions, there’s also a network of national parks, reserves, and protected areas ensuring animal populations.

Here are just some of the most popular wildlife you can see during safari, while visiting an ecolodge, or even while visiting the country’s many palaces and forts. 

Tiger

India’s national animal is the bengal tiger, which is the largest among the felidae cat family, with some reaching up to 13 ft (4m). This majestic mammal is depicted in several parts of Indian mythology, one being that the goddess Shahkti rides a tiger. Archaeological sites also include depictions of the tiger in cave paintings or particular decor. 

The preservation of the tiger population has been a driving force behind the creation of natural reserves, national parks, and protected areas. 

Asiatic Lion

This big cat can only be found in the wild in India, as it has become extinct in other parts of southwest Asia where it used to exist as well. Unlike its African counterpart, the Asiatic lion has a smaller mane and its fur can sometimes be speckled black. In average, a male lion of this kind can even reach 9 ft (2.8m).

Bears

The different landscapes allow for different kinds of bears such as the Asiatic black bear, Himalayan brown bear, sloth bear, as well as the sun bear. The Asiatic black bear’s Indian species is called the Himalayan Black Bear and is distinguishable for the crescent shaped patch on its chest. The Himalayan brown bear is one of the most endangered, as it’s estimated that there are only 500 to 700 in the world. The sloth bear is a curious specimen of its kind as the cubs can be seen riding on their mother’s back in the wild. The sun bear is the smallest among all the different kinds of bears and also has a distinctive yellow or orange patch on its chest. 

Leopard

Three variants of this big cat exist in India: the Indian leopard, the snow leopard, and the clouded leopard. 

Cobra

While India’s reptile is the king cobra, there are also other species such as the Indian cobra. The king cobra is larger than others of its kind and is known for its permanently erect venomous fangs.

Python

Among the different kinds of constricting snakes endemic to India are the Burmese python, Indian python, and the reticulated python. 

Greater one horn rhinoceros

The greater one-horned rhino is the largest of the three types of rhinos in Asia. Despite being endangered, conservation efforts have led to an improvement in population numbers. 

Elephants

Asian elephants are smaller than their African counterparts, with only the males having tusks. 

Crocodiles

India is home to three different species of crocodiles such as the mugger crocodile, gharial, and the saltwater crocodile.

River dolphins 

Swimming along the Ganges river are the dolphins endemic to it with colors ranging between tan, chocolate brown, and light blue. 

Lion-tailed macaques 

With only an estimate of 2,500 left in the world, these primates are some of the most endangered on the planet. 
 

Nilgiri tahr mountain goats

These mountain goats can be witnessed up close at the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala. 

 

Nilgiri langurs

These furry creatures are endemic to south India and are currently endangered and protected at different parks and reserves such as Silent Valley.