Into The Jungles Of India

India is a paradise for nature lovers. Indian forests also play an important role in the conservation of endangered species like the Snow Leopard, Lion, Asiatic Elephant, the Bengal Tiger and Siberian Crane. Spread across the entire country, the reserves and forest areas, right from the Nanda Devi National Park in upper Himalayas to the Periyar Tiger Reserve in South and the six national parks in Andaman, Kaziranga in the east to Ranthambore in the west; the Indian wildlife trail is an incredible treat, unsurpassed by any other experience.

India’s wildlife is no doubt both rich and varied. More than four percent of India’s land is under forest cover and there are 103 national parks and 537 wildlife sanctuaries. The country is one of the 12 mega diversity areas in the world. India boasts of two-dozen Tiger reserves. India’s national animal, Tiger, happens to be a symbol of strength and speed as well as the joy and pride of India.

The Royal Bengal Tiger is amongst the most majestic species of Tiger. Sixty percent of the total population of the wild Tigers in the world resides in India. Amongst the best-known Tiger reserves in India is the Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh. It is often referred to as the crown of the wildlife heritage of India.

Indian wildlife has its share of native birds along with migratory birds also. Several hundred species of birds can be spotted across India. The Himalayan region is known to be the natural habitat for the Pheasant, Griffon Vulture and Ravens. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park popularly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan is home to indigenous water birds waterside birds, migratory water birds, land migratory birds, and domestic land species. The region of Andaman is home of the rare species of birds like the Narcondum Hornbill, Nicobar Pigeon and the Megapode.

India can be divided into three regions according to the geographical location:

The forested area or the Himalayan foot hills, of the Himalayas from Assam to the eastern part of Kashmir, the higher altitude of the western Himalayas - from Kashmir including Ladakh to the hills and the eastern Himalayan sub-region and the Indian Peninsular region, which comprises of the area from the base of Himalayas to Kanyakumari including the Thar desert exclusive of the Malabar coast.

Travelers come here to enjoy the wildlife of India from all over the world and show their interest in Tiger Tour of India, Bird watching Tour and wildlife photography tour.

National Parks in India

Hailey National Park is a first National Park of India.  It was set up in the year 1935 in the foot hills of Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh.  Today, It is known as Corbett National Park. In 1970, there were only five national parks, namely Taroba, Shivpuri, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Corbett. Now the numbers have been increased to about 87 National parks in India.

Northern India 

The Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh) 

The great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is an investment in the physical, mental and spiritual well being of Indians as individuals, and Himachal is in particular. It is a gainful investment in something as simple and fundamental as good citizenship, love for the country and an appreciation of the natural and historic fabric of the Western Himalayas.

The feature initially attracted and led to the preservation of this area as the GHNP was its enormous biodiversity representative of the Western Himalaya. From the critically endangered Western Tragopan to the rare and elusive Serrow and Ibex and the most beautiful of the big cats, the Snow Leopard; they are all here, amidst the entire range of vegetation and ecological complexes. The GHNP is true wilderness, one of the few large natural areas remaining intact in this part of the world. Here, you meet nature on its terms, not yours.

Nanda Devi National Park (Himachal Pradesh)

Nanda Devi National Park is situated in Chamoli district of Uttaranchal. The spectacular panoramas of peaks encircling the national park are Trishul (7120 m), Dunagiri (7066 m), Nanda Devi (7817 m), Nanda Devi East (7430m), Bethartoli (6352 m) etc.

Its inaccessibility gave Nanda Devi the aura of a forbidden territory, an untouched and unseen holy space. The first explorers to step inside the inner sanctuary were Eric Shipton and HW Tilman, who discovered a route up the Upper Rishi-Ganga Gorge in 1934.

Sir Edmund Hillary has described that the “Nanda Devi Sanctuary is God-gifted wilderness-India’s-training ground for adventure”

Pin Valley National Park (Himachal Pradesh) 

Pin Valley National Park encompasses the Pin valley of Spiti in Himachal Pradesh and is a typical cold desert. A considerable part of the area of this national park is covered by snow. The elevation of the national park ranges from about 3,500 meters near Ka Dogri to more than 6,000 meters at its highest point. The Pin Valley National Park represents the biogeography of the Trans-Himalayan cold desert with its characteristic flora and fauna. The park forms the natural habitat of a number of endangered animals including Himalayan Ibex, Snow Leopard, Bharal, Wooly Hare, Tibetan Wolf and Snow Cock. The apparently scanty vegetation in the park contains many plant species of high conservation value.

Spiti’s populace is Buddhist and does not believe in killing animals, resulting in the relative preservation of the wildlife of the area. Large herds of Ibex and Bharal or Blue Sheep can be easily spotted; the density of Ibex is reported to be 2.29 per sq km. Well known as one of the last remaining habitats of the Snow Leopard, the park is believed to have 12 members of this highly endangered species.

Jim Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal) 

Corbett has rightly been described as the ‘Land of the Tigers’. It speaks about a scenic beauty. Jim Corbett National Park, a Tiger reserve, lies in the Nainital, Pauri Garwhal and Bijnore districts of Uttaranchal. Varied topography and vegetation give Corbett a rich diversity in habitats and natural beauty. Flat valleys are interspersed with hilly ridges and the parks rolling grasslands known as the ‘Chaurs’ provide visitors with an excellent view of its inhabitants.

Pugmarks, of course, are the classic tell-tale signs of Tiger activity here. But there are also signs of Wild Boar, where the undergrowth and soft ground has been churned up by their snuffling snouts, as well as deer-droppings and hoof-prints where Cheetal, Sambar, and tiny Muntjac or Barking Deer have left their mark.

Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan) 

The Ranthambhore National Park is situated at the intersection of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas. It is a unique combination of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan. It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat-topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis; from wide and flat valleys to narrow and rocky gorges. An important geological feature, the “Great Boundary fault’, where the Vindhyas were brought against the much ancient Aravalis passes from here. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve was among the first nine Tiger.

Reserves declared in 1973 at the launch of Project Tiger in India. This national park stretches across an area of 1,334 sq km on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert. Once the hunting grounds of the erstwhile ruling family of Jaipur and later the British, today it is one of the last sanctuaries of the big cat, the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Central India

Panna National Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)

Carved out of the shikargahs (hunting reserves) of the erstwhile princely states of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar, Panna National Park, India’s 22nd Tiger reserve, is one such awesome wilderness which stimulates that primordial hunting instinct in man, be it with a gun or camera. Established as a National Reserve in 1981 and made part of Project Tiger in 1994, Panna is one of India’s youngest Tiger reserves.

There are a few villages inside the park’s boundaries, and it hasn’t achieved the fame of nearby Kanha or Bandhavgarh, where the forest staff can (or could until very recently) virtually guarantee a Tiger sighting. In some respects, that is a blessing.

More than 20 species of mammals are found in Panna. The list includes two species of Antelope - the Nilgai and Chowsingha; the lone Indian Antelope - Chinkara; two species of Deer - Sambar and Chital; five species of Cat, which include the Tiger and Leopard; and four species of Canids (Dog family) and several other large and small creatures including Obelix’s favorite - the Wild Boar.

Bandhavgarh National Park (Mad hya Pradesh) 

Bandhavgarh lies in the heart of Madhya Pradesh- traditional Tiger country. The density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest in India. This is also White Tiger country.

Once It was a hunting preserve of the royal family of Rewa, where an upsetting number of Tigers were hunted down at the time of  pre-independence India, Bandhavgarh was mercifully declared a national park in 1968. Today, the Bandhavgarh National Park is a compact reserve where about half of the Park is covered with fine stands of Sal, while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend to the north. The main viewing area is still in the core of the park with its 32 picturesque, wooded hills. An ancient fort up on a precipice, 800 meters high, dominates the park. Bandhavgarh’s history goes back 2000 years in time and the earliest signs of habitation can be seen in the Nilgai Caves excavated from the cliffs to the north of the fort. Brahmi inscriptions here date back to the 1st century BC. Wandering through the park on elephant back, the chances of seeing a Tiger are quite good. Also to be seen here are Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar and sometimes a Fox or Jackal.

About 150 species of birds are also found here and include the migratory birds that arrive in winter like the steppe eagle and various water-birds.

Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh) 

Kanhas Sal and Bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour. This is original Kipling jungle, of which he wrote so intensely in his Jungle Book. The same abundance of wildlife species exists today in Kanha National Park, which forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1 974 under Project Tiger. The park is the only habitat of the rare hard ground Barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi). Depletion of the Tiger population in the years that followed led to the area being made an absolute sanctuary in 1952. Since then, sincere efforts by administration and series of stern conservation programmes for the protection of the  flora and fauna of Kanha has made it one of the finest and best managed national parks in Asia.

East India

Kaziranga National Park (Assam) 

It is located on the banks of the river Brahmaputra in the Assam (far north-east of India). Kaziranga National Park covers an area of approximately 435 sq.km. with its marsh and tall grove of Elephant grass making it perfect habitat for the Indian One-Horned Rhino.

Alongside One- Horned Indian Rhino, the other major wild pull includes a large population of Indian Elephants, Wild Boar, Pythons, Swamp Deer, Monitor Lizards, Indian Bison, Jackal, Wild Buffalo etc.

Kaziranga National Park is also a birding paradise as well; One can enjoy the bird watching on safari and it is a remarkable experience including birds like Black-Shouldered Kite, Fishing Eagle, Black Kite, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Brahminy Kite, Pallas’s White Tailed Eagle, Himalayan Griffon etc. Huge numbers of migratory birds like Bar- Headed Geese, Red- Crested Pochard , Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Greylag Geese, Falcate Duck, and Northern Shoveller come here  and can be seen at park’s lakes and marshy areas during winters.

Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh) 

Namdapha is a  a tiger reserve and national park having enchanting beauty of lush green vegetation and impenetrable pristine and virgin forests with an area of approx. 1985 sq.km. Having diverse flora and fauna, it lies in the Namdapha National Park is located a few km. away from Miao amidst misty blue hills along the turbulent Noa-Dihing River that lies in the sprawling tropical rain forest. It was declared a Tiger Reserve by the Government in Namdapha’s birdlife includes the Giant Hornbill, Forest Eagle Owl, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij and Monal Pheasants and the rare White-winged Wood Duck. Principal reptiles include the Indian Reticulated Pythor, King Cobra and Python. For mammal watchers, it is the only park which boasts of no fewer than four large Cats; Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard and Snow Leopard!

West India

Gir National Park (Gujarat) 

It is situated about 68 km south-east of Junagarh district in the state of Gujarat in south-west of India, the Gir National Park was established in 1965 as a Forest Reserve, primarily to preserve the Asiatic Lion - categorized as one of the World’s most endangered species. Gir National Park is the only left over place in the world now where one is likely to spot the Asiatic Lion.  Their numbers are nearly 300 in the park. The sanctuary covers a total area of approx. 1,414 sq km of which 260 sq km at the core forms the  national park.

The land is rugged with deep ravines, steep rocky hills and plenty of rivers. The vegetation, mainly along the main river and streams, is mixed deciduous with Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Tendu and Dhak trees. Interspersed with large patches of grasslands, it offers the visitor long pleasant drives through the thick forest cover.

Apart from the Asiatic Lion, other wild attractions in the sanctuary are Sambhar Black Bucks , Nilgai, Chinkara, Wild Boar, the four-horned Antelope, Indian Flying Foe, Grey Musk Shrew, Crocodile, Indian Hare, Small Indian Mangoose , Pale Hedgehog, Indian Porcupine, Indian Fox , Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Ratel and Jackal. The forest is also rich in bird life, and an estimated 300 species have been found inhabiting Gir National Park over the years, the most common being the Peafowl.

Pench National Park (Maharashtra)

The Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve covers an area of approx 258 sq. km.  It reaches of the Satpura hill ranges in lower southern part, along the northern boundary of Nagpur district. It was stated a National Park by the Government of Maharashtra in the year 1975 and received the official status of a Tiger Reserve in 1999.

While primarily a reserve for Tigers and Panthers, Pench is also home to Sambhar, Chital, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Black Buck, Gaur, Wild Boar, Chausingha and Flying Squirrels, to name a few.

Here, birdlife is equally numerous. The feathered denizens of Pench include both resident and migratory birds like Ospreys, Grey- headed Fishing Eagles, Malabar Pied Hornbills, White-eyed Buzzards, Indian Pittas,  Storks, Waterfowls, four endangered Vulture species, and the Green Pigeon, which is the State Bird.

South India

Bandipur National Park (Karnataka) 

Bandipur National Park is one of India’s best known wildlife sanctuaries located in the Chamaraja nagar district of Karnataka in South India and covers a forest area of 865 sq.km. It was declared a National Park in 1974 and is one of the original 9 Project Tiger reserves. It is home to approx 70 Tigers and over 3000 Asian Elephants, along with Dholes, Gaur, Leopards, and Sloth Bears.

Bandipur National Park contains a huge variety of animals, birds and reptiles within it. Primarily the population consists of Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Sambar (Deer), Asiatic Wild Dog, Striped Hyena, Chital, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar Barking Deer, four-horned Antelope, Hyena, Spotted Deer etc. Over 230 species of birds have been identified in the park. Some of the most notable ones are the Heron, Stork, Falcon, Sandpiper, Woodpecker, Drongo Grey Junglefowl, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Honey Buzzard, Red-headed Vulture, Egret, Kite, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, lowerpecker and the Warbler.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) 

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary has a scenic lake in the middle of the sanctuary. It was formed along with the building of a dam in the year 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife.

Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar Sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. According to a recent survey approx 40 Tigers are here. Four class of primates are spotted at Periyar - the Nilgiri Langur , Common Langur, rare Lion-tailed Macaque and Bonnet Macaque.

The birdlife consist of  Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill , Darters, Cormorants, and Racket-tailed Drongoes.   Here, reptiles like Lizards that can be spotted basking in the Sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. Python and sometimes even a King Cobra have also been seen here very often.

Formore details about: Wildlife Tours India and  Wildlife Safaris in India