India has a huge and diverse range of wild life, estimated to include as a much as 70% of the world's biodiversity. Enthusiasts can see the 'Big Six' (tiger, Asiatic lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as an enormous variety of other animals and birds.
Bandhavgarh NP (season Nov-June) has the best chance of seeing a tiger in the wild. The park is best known for its spectacular scenery, its large biodiversity, as well as having the highest concentration of tigers in India. The park features rocky hill country and impenetrable green valleys and has an ancient fort built on an 800 metre high cliff. Bandhavgarh has a large breeding population of leopards, and various species of deer.
Chitwan NP (open all year round) is situated at the foot of the Himalayas in the dry subtropical southern part of Nepal. In altitude it ranges from about 100 m in the river valleys to 815 m in the Churia Hills. The park, which was granted World Heritage status in 1984, is especially famous for its protection of one-horned rhinoceros, tigers and gharial crocodiles. A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles & amphibians and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park.
Corbett NP (season Nov-May), in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, is India's oldest park, established in 1936, and named after the famous hunter-turned conservationist, Jim Corbett. The dense moist deciduous forest, home to some of the best birdlife in India, contains 488 different species of plants and a diverse variety of fauna, including both tigers and wild elephants. The elevation ranges from 400 to 1,220 m so winter nights are cold but the days are bright and sunny. It rains from July to September. Elephant safaris are possible.
Dudhwa NP (season Nov-May) is located on the border between India and Nepal, in an area known for its marshy grasslands, savannahs, and forests which support a large number of endangered species, with rare species of tall wet grasslands and flora.
Gir Forest NP and Wildlife Sanctuary (season Dec- June) is the world's only place where lions and tigers coexist. Situated in western Gujarat, it is a dry, rugged area of thorn forest and scrub; with a diverse, protected ecosystem of flora and fauna. Gir NP is the only home of the Asiatic lion and is considered one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species (hyena, boar, etc.).
Kanha NP (season Oct-June) is the largest national park in central India. It is home to one of the great tiger reserves of India and is a favourite with tourists because the mahouts on their elephants track the tigers daily. The park has a significant population of tiger, leopard, sloth bear, bison, swamp deer and Indian wild dog living among the lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines.
Kaziranga NP (season Nov-April) is in the NE Indian state of Assam. A World Heritage site, the park hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses and is recognized as an important bird area. The park has the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world and is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild buffalo, and swamp deer.
Nagarhole NP (open all-year round) is in Karnataka state in South India. It is the largest park in South India with an astonishing abundance of wildlife including tiger, leopard, wild elephant, dhole (Indian wild dog), and gaur (Indian bison). The change in terrain throughout the park, from shallow valleys and gentle slopes to precious timber, dry forest and swamps is refreshing and the river system provides a unique wildlife viewing experience.
Panna NP (season Oct-June) is in Madhya Pradesh, central India. Among the animals found here are the tiger, chital, chinkara, sambhar and sloth bear. The park is home to more than 200 species of birds including the bar-headed goose, honey buzzard, king vulture and blossom-headed parakeet. Through the mixed forest runs the Ken River. It is a very beautiful park, and although tiger sightings are rare there is a good chance of seeing other elusive animals including sloth bear. It also has the benefit of far fewer tourists visiting it.
Pench NP (season Nov-June) is situated in Madhya Pradesh, central India. Commonly seen wildlife include chital, sambhar, nilgai, wild boar, and jackal. Other wild animals found are leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, porcupine, monkey, jungle cat, fox, striped hyena, gaur, chowsingha (4-horned antelope) and barking deer. There are several tigers in the park but sightings are infrequent. There are more than 170 species of birds including several migratory ones.
Ranthambhore NP (season Oct-June) is one of the best places in India to see tigers in their natural jungle habitat. The park is a fascinating blend of history and nature. Inside the park is a formidable fort that was built in the 10th century and coveted by many rulers due to its strategic position between north and central India. Today there are occasional tiger sightings amongst the ruins of the ancient fort. This park is very popular due to its proximity to Delhi and the fact that tigers are relatively easy to spot here. However, the park's popularity has resulted in overcrowding and mismanagement of safaris, which is a problem and something to be aware of. Other major wild animals include leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chital. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles.
Satpura NP (season Nov-June) in Madhya Pradesh State, central India, is very rich in biodiversity. The prime attractions are black buck, leopard, wild dogs, Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrel, and crocodiles, although there are many other species. There are a variety of birds. Hornbills and peafowl are common birds found here. In previous years, there have been sightings of lions, elephants, wild water buffalo and swamp deer, although these are rare.
Sunderban NP (season Sept-May) is a national park and a tiger and biosphere reserve in West Bengal, India. It is part of the Sunderban on the Ganges Delta, and adjacent to the Sundarban Reserve Forest in Bangladesh. The delta is a magnificent tangle of mangrove jungle that is unique. The park spreads over 54 islands and extends into neighbouring Bangladesh. It is also home to a variety of bird, reptile and invertebrate species, including the salt-water crocodile. The Sunderbans is only accessible by boat which is an experience in itself. Tiger sightings are rare as they remain well hidden in the reserve.
Tadoba NP (season Oct-June) is in the central India, in the state of Maharashtra. It is one of India's 47 Project Tiger reserves and is an excellent place to see tigers in the wild. The landscape is dominated by teak and bamboo forests along with rugged cliffs, lakes and marshes. The most recent census found that there are over 100 tigers in the park and its surrounding areas. Other wildlife includes leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, bison, barking deer, nilgai, sambar, and cheatah.