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.
Wild Tiger in the Park (Encounter Asia)
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.
A leopard relaxes in a tree
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.
Wild Rhinoceros (Encounter Asia)
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.
Elephant Ride in the Park (Encounter Asia)
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.
Wildlife in the park (Encounter Asia)
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.
Wildlife in the Park (Encounter Asia)
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.
Franny was knowledgeable with just the right touch. Highly recommend.
Bob
2 hours ago
Adventure Life planned a stunner of a trip for our family ONCE AGAIN! This is our 7th trip with Adventure Life. We chose the Chile North to South adventure with add-ons of Magdalena Island to see the penguins; Las Torres hotel in Patagonia; Calafate, Argentina to see the Perito Moreno glacier and finally, Buenos Aires. We were active every day! Biking in vineyards, trekking at 14,000 ft above sea level and seeing vicuña and vizcacha everywhere after having almost the entire El Tatio geyser park to ourselves, an evening tour viewing the stars and galaxies in the Atacama Desert, River Rafting and hiking between volcanoes and glacial lakes in the mountain lake region of Peurto Varas, hiking the French Valley, Las Torres and riding horses in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, walking on the glacier and drinking glacial water and hearing those thunderous booms of ice calving at Perito Moreno in Calafate, Argentina and biking 30 miles through Buenos Aires to the suburbs where we kayaked the Tigre River Delta. So much fun!! I even wore my adult children out!!
Heather Spanbauer
1 day ago
Our trip planners were very responsive and helpful, listening to us, then coming up with a wonderful plan that met our individual needs and desires. We have used Adventure Life in the past and had a great experience, so we are really looking forward to this upcoming trip.
The Carlson's
1 day ago
Adventure Life does a great job planning trips that will form lifelong memories! They have great ideas on local places to stay and how to hire the best guides to make your trips amazing and unique.
customer
1 day ago
Great Experience! My trip planner, Jane, was available and knowledgeable. She made suggestions that suited the kind of adventure travel I like, still keeping within my physical limitations. She was very forthcoming with all of the details I requested. And she was always pleasant to speak with.