Wildlife Sanctuaries in India: A Complete Travel Guide

Wildlife Sanctuaries in India: A Complete Travel Guide

India is home to some of the world’s most diverse wildlife habitats. From tropical rainforests in Kerala and Karnataka to grasslands in Gujarat, mangroves in Odisha and the Himalayan mountains of Ladakh, every region has a unique natural ecosystem.

This comprehensive guide explores important wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, tiger reserves and other protected areas in India, beginning in South India and gradually moving towards North India.

Discover wild animals, rare species, birds, reptiles, geographical locations, safari opportunities, visiting seasons and wildlife safety precautions.

PART 1: SOUTH INDIA

1. Kerala – Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks

Kerala is one of India’s richest biodiversity regions, with Western Ghats forests, tropical rainforests, grasslands, rivers and wetlands.

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve – Thekkady

Periyar is famous for its elephants, forest-covered mountains and Periyar Lake.

Asian elephants
Bengal tigers
Leopards
Indian gaur
Sambar deer
Wild boar
Nilgiri langurs
Lion-tailed macaques
Malabar giant squirrels

Landscape: Evergreen forests, hills, lakes and grasslands.

Activities: Authorised boat trips, guided trekking and bamboo rafting.

Best general season: September to April.

2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Part of the larger Nilgiri landscape, Wayanad is an important elephant and tiger habitat.

Asian elephants
Tigers
Leopards
Indian gaur
Wild dogs
Sambar deer
Spotted deer
Malabar giant squirrels

Activities: Authorised wildlife safaris and nature tourism.

Best general season: October to May.

3. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Idukki district, Chinnar has a relatively dry forest ecosystem, different from Kerala’s wetter rainforests.

Grizzled giant squirrel
Elephants
Leopards
Indian gaur
Sambar deer
Spotted deer
Indian star tortoise

Activities: Guided trekking, nature trails and eco-tourism.

Best general season: November to March.

4. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Leopard
Asian elephant
Indian gaur
Sloth bear
Sambar
Nilgiri langur
Hornbills

Special attraction: Forests, reservoirs and rich Western Ghats biodiversity.

Activities: Authorised safari and eco-tourism programmes.

5. Silent Valley National Park

One of India’s important tropical evergreen forest ecosystems.

Lion-tailed macaque
Nilgiri langur
Elephant
Leopard
Malabar giant squirrel
Forest birds

Special attraction: Ancient tropical rainforest and endemic species.

6. Other Kerala Wildlife Destinations

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephants, gaur and deer.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephants, leopards and forest birds.
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephants, gaur and diverse forest wildlife.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary – Hornbills, kingfishers and many other birds.
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephants, gaur and deer.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephants, gaur and Western Ghats birds.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephants, gaur and deer.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary – Wetland and mangrove birds.
Kurinjimala Sanctuary – Nilgiri tahr habitat and Neelakurinji landscape.
Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary – Western Ghats biodiversity.
Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary – Evergreen forest biodiversity.
Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary – Tropical forests and rare wildlife habitats.

2. Tamil Nadu – Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks

7. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Elephants
Bengal tigers
Leopards
Indian gaur
Wild dogs
Sloth bears
Sambar deer

Special attraction: Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

8. Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Lion-tailed macaque
Elephants
Tigers
Leopards
Nilgiri langurs
Indian gaur
Malabar giant squirrels

Special attraction: Tropical evergreen forests and Western Ghats endemic wildlife.

9. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Leopard
Elephant
Sloth bear
Wild dog
Gaur
Blackbuck in suitable adjoining habitats

Special attraction: Important wildlife corridor connecting the Western and Eastern Ghats.

10. Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Leopard
Elephant
Nilgiri tahr
Lion-tailed macaque
Nilgiri langur
Malabar giant squirrel

Special attraction: Southern Western Ghats biodiversity and evergreen forests.

11. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

Dugongs
Sea turtles
Dolphins
Coral reef fish
Seahorses
Marine invertebrates

Special attraction: Coral reefs, seagrass beds and marine biodiversity.

12. Other Tamil Nadu Wildlife Destinations

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary – Pelicans, storks and waterbirds.
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary – Blackbuck, flamingos and migratory birds.
Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary – Blackbuck.
Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary – Grizzled giant squirrel.
Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve – Tigers, elephants, leopards and endemic wildlife.
Guindy National Park – Blackbuck, spotted deer and birds.
Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary – Migratory waterbirds.

3. Karnataka – Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks

13. Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Elephant
Leopard
Indian gaur
Wild dog
Sloth bear
Sambar

Special attraction: Important elephant and tiger landscape in the Nilgiri region.

14. Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Leopard
Elephant
Indian gaur
Wild dog
Sloth bear
Malabar giant squirrel

Special attraction: Dense forests, rivers and rich mammal diversity.

15. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Indian gaur
Leopard
Elephant in the wider landscape
Black panther (melanistic leopard)
Crocodile
Hornbills
Deer

Activities: Authorised safari, birdwatching and permitted river activities.

16. Bhadra Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Elephant
Leopard
Indian gaur
Wild dog
Sambar
Malabar giant squirrel

17. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Painted stork
Openbill stork
Pelicans
Herons
River terns
Mugger crocodiles

Special attraction: Boat-based birdwatching on the Cauvery River.

18. Other Karnataka Destinations

Kudremukh National Park – Gaur, leopard and diverse Western Ghats wildlife.
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephants, gaur and forest birds.
Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary – Endemic birds and mammals.
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary – Evergreen forests and hornbills.
Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary – Lion-tailed macaque and forest biodiversity.
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary – Gaur, deer and forest wildlife.
Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary – Bats, gaur and forest biodiversity.

4. Andhra Pradesh – Wildlife Destinations

19. Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Leopard
Sloth bear
Indian wolf in the wider landscape
Chital
Sambar
Indian pangolin

Special attraction: Large forest landscape around the Krishna River region.

20. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

Fishing cat
Smooth-coated otter
Jackal
Estuarine crocodile
Mangrove birds
Waterbirds

Special attraction: Mangrove forests and coastal biodiversity.

21. Sri Venkateswara National Park and Wildlife Landscape

Leopard
Sloth bear
Indian giant squirrel
Deer
Jungle cat
Forest birds

22. Other Andhra Pradesh Destinations

Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary – Great Indian bustard historically associated with the grassland landscape, blackbuck and wolves.
Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary – Pelicans, storks and wetland birds.
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary – Spot-billed pelicans and waterbirds.
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary – Mangroves and estuarine wildlife.
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary – Leopard, sloth bear and deer.

5. Telangana – Wildlife Destinations

23. Kawal Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Leopard
Sloth bear
Indian gaur in the wider region
Chital
Sambar

24. Amrabad Tiger Reserve

Leopard
Tiger
Sloth bear
Chital
Sambar
Wild boar

25. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary

Leopard
Sloth bear
Chital
Sambar
Wild boar
Reptiles and birds

26. Other Telangana Destinations

Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary – Deer, leopard and wetland birds.
Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary – Crocodiles and waterbirds.
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary – Deer and waterbirds.
Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary – Deer, leopard and forest birds.

6. Goa – Wildlife Destinations

27. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Indian gaur
Leopard
Sloth bear
Sambar
Spotted deer
Malabar giant squirrel
Hornbills

Special attraction: Western Ghats forests and Dudhsagar region.

28. Other Goa Sanctuaries

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary – Deer, wild boar and birds.
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary – Gaur, leopard and forest wildlife.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary – Slender loris, gaur and giant squirrels.
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary – Gaur, leopard and birds.
Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary – Mangrove birds and estuarine wildlife.

PART 2: WESTERN AND CENTRAL INDIA

7. Maharashtra – Wildlife Destinations

29. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Bengal tiger
Leopard
Sloth bear
Wild dog
Indian gaur
Sambar
Nilgai
Crocodiles

30. Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

Indian gaur
Leopard
Sloth bear
Sambar
Barking deer
Forest birds

31. Other Maharashtra Destinations

Melghat Tiger Reserve – Tiger, leopard, gaur and sloth bear.
Pench Tiger Reserve – Tiger, leopard, gaur and deer.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Leopard, chital and other mammals.
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – Indian giant squirrel and leopard.
Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary – Tiger, leopard and gaur.
Chandoli National Park – Gaur, leopard and forest birds.
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary – Tiger, leopard, sloth bear and deer.
Gugamal National Park – Tiger and other Central Indian forest wildlife.

8. Gujarat – Wildlife Destinations

32. Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

The most important natural habitat of the Asiatic lion.

Asiatic lion
Leopard
Striped hyena
Golden jackal
Chital
Sambar
Nilgai
Mugger crocodile

33. Velavadar Blackbuck National Park

Blackbuck
Indian wolf
Striped hyena
Jackal
Fox
Grassland birds

34. Other Gujarat Wildlife Destinations

Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch – Indian wild ass, desert fox and migratory birds.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary – Flamingos, pelicans and migratory waterbirds.
Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch – Coral reefs, marine turtles and reef wildlife.
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary – Sloth bears and leopard.
Blackbuck National Park and other grassland habitats – Blackbuck and birds.
Purna Wildlife Sanctuary – Leopard, gaur and forest birds.

9. Madhya Pradesh – Tiger Country

35. Kanha Tiger Reserve

Bengal tiger
Hard-ground barasingha
Indian gaur
Leopard
Wild dog
Sloth bear
Sambar

36. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Leopard
Sloth bear
Wild dog
Sambar
Chital

37. Pench Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Leopard
Indian gaur
Wild dog
Sloth bear
Chital

38. Other Madhya Pradesh Destinations

Panna Tiger Reserve – Tiger, leopard, gharial and vultures.
Satpura Tiger Reserve – Sloth bear, tiger, leopard and gaur.
Kuno National Park – Reintroduced cheetahs, leopards and other mammals.
National Chambal Sanctuary – Gharial, Gangetic dolphin and turtles.
Madhav National Park – Leopard, chital and other wildlife.
Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve – Tiger, leopard and sloth bear.

10. Chhattisgarh – Forest Wildlife

39. Achanakmar Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Leopard
Sloth bear
Indian gaur
Sambar
Chital

40. Other Chhattisgarh Destinations

Indravati Tiger Reserve – Tiger, wild buffalo and other forest mammals.
Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve – Wild buffalo conservation, leopard and deer.
Guru Ghasidas National Park – Tiger landscape, leopard and other mammals.
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary – Leopard, sloth bear and deer.
Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephant, leopard and forest wildlife.

PART 3: EASTERN INDIA

11. Odisha – Mangroves and Forest Wildlife

41. Similipal Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Elephant
Leopard
Indian gaur
Sambar
Barking deer
Peafowl

Special attraction: Sal forests, waterfalls and important tiger habitat.

42. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

Saltwater crocodile
Fishing cat
Water monitor
Spotted deer
Kingfishers
Herons
Egrets

Special attraction: Mangrove ecosystem and crocodile conservation.

43. Other Odisha Destinations

Chilika Lake and Nalabana Bird Sanctuary – Flamingos, pelicans, migratory birds and dolphins in the wider lagoon.
Satkosia Tiger Reserve – Crocodiles, elephants, leopard and forest birds.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary – Leopard, gaur and deer.
Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephants and forest birds.
Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary – Olive ridley sea turtles.

12. Jharkhand – Forest Wildlife

44. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

Asian elephants
Leopard
Sloth bear
Deer
Wild boar

45. Betla National Park and Palamau Tiger Reserve

Elephant
Leopard
Sloth bear
Wolf
Chital
Sambar

13. Bihar – Wildlife Destinations

46. Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Leopard
Elephant
Indian gaur
Sloth bear
Deer

Special attraction: Terai forests near the Nepal border.

47. Other Bihar Destinations

Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary – Gangetic river dolphins.
Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary – Leopard, sloth bear and deer.
Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary – Leopard and forest mammals.
Nagi Bird Sanctuary – Wetland birds.
Nakti Bird Sanctuary – Migratory and resident waterbirds.

14. West Bengal – Forests and Mangroves

48. Sundarbans National Park and Tiger Reserve

Royal Bengal tiger
Saltwater crocodile
Fishing cat
Spotted deer
Wild boar
Monitor lizard
Estuarine wildlife

Special attraction: World’s largest continuous mangrove forest landscape, shared by India and Bangladesh.

Activities: Authorised boat-based wildlife observation.

49. Jaldapara National Park

One-horned rhinoceros
Elephant
Gaur
Leopard
Sambar

50. Other West Bengal Destinations

Gorumara National Park – Rhinoceros, elephant and gaur.
Buxa Tiger Reserve – Tiger, elephant and leopard.
Neora Valley National Park – Red panda and Himalayan forest birds.
Singalila National Park – Red panda and Himalayan wildlife.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephant, gaur and deer.
Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary – Waterbirds.

PART 4: NORTH-EAST INDIA

15. Assam – Rhinoceros and Elephant Country

51. Kaziranga National Park

One-horned rhinoceros
Wild water buffalo
Asian elephant
Bengal tiger
Swamp deer
Hog deer
Pelicans
Storks

Special attraction: One of the world’s most important rhinoceros conservation landscapes.

52. Manas National Park

Tiger
Elephant
Golden langur
Pygmy hog
Hispid hare
Wild water buffalo
Rhinoceros
Bengal florican

53. Other Assam Destinations

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – One-horned rhinoceros.
Nameri National Park – Elephant, tiger, hornbills and river wildlife.
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park – Feral horses, river dolphins and birds.
Orang National Park – Rhinoceros, tiger and elephants.
Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary – Hoolock gibbon.
Dehing Patkai National Park – Hoolock gibbon, clouded leopard and rainforest wildlife.

16. Arunachal Pradesh – Himalayan and Rainforest Wildlife

54. Namdapha National Park

Clouded leopard
Tiger
Leopard
Elephant
Hoolock gibbon
Wild dog
Rare forest birds

Special attraction: Exceptional biodiversity across a wide range of elevations.

55. Pakke Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Clouded leopard
Elephant
Leopard
Hornbills
Hoolock gibbon

56. Other Arunachal Pradesh Destinations

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary – Rare birds, including Bugun liocichla.
Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary – Hoolock gibbon, red panda in the wider region and forest wildlife.
Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary – Wetland birds and riverine wildlife.
Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary – Mishmi takin and high-altitude wildlife.

17. Meghalaya – Hills and Forest Wildlife

57. Balpakram National Park

Hoolock gibbon
Elephant
Clouded leopard
Macaques
Hornbills

58. Other Meghalaya Destinations

Nokrek National Park – Hoolock gibbon, macaques and forest wildlife.
Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephants, birds and other forest species.
Siju Wildlife Sanctuary – Bat caves and forest biodiversity.

18. Manipur – Unique Wetland Wildlife

59. Keibul Lamjao National Park

Keibul Lamjao is famous for its floating vegetation masses called phumdis.

Sangai deer
Wetland birds
Waterbirds
Other wetland wildlife

Special attraction: The world’s only floating national park.

60. Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary

Leopard
Hoolock gibbon in the regional forest landscape
Forest birds
Other mammals

19. Mizoram – Forest Wildlife

61. Dampa Tiger Reserve

Clouded leopard
Leopard
Tiger (rare and difficult to observe)
Hoolock gibbon
Serow
Forest birds

62. Murlen National Park

Hoolock gibbon
Serow
Wild boar
Forest birds

20. Nagaland – Mountain and Forest Wildlife

63. Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary

Hoolock gibbon
Serow
Hornbills
Forest mammals

64. Intanki National Park

Hoolock gibbon
Elephant
Serow
Hornbills

21. Tripura – Wildlife Destinations

65. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary

Phayre’s langur
Capped langur
Macaques
Leopard
Forest birds

66. Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary

Indian gaur
Deer
Golden langur in the wider region
Forest birds

22. Sikkim – Himalayan Wildlife

67. Khangchendzonga National Park

Red panda
Snow leopard
Himalayan black bear
Blue sheep
Musk deer
Himalayan monal

Special attraction: High-altitude Himalayan landscapes and mountain biodiversity.

68. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary

Red panda
Himalayan black bear
Leopard cat
Himalayan birds

PART 5: NORTH INDIA

23. Uttar Pradesh – Wildlife Destinations

69. Dudhwa National Park

Tiger
Reintroduced one-horned rhinoceros
Swamp deer
Elephant
Leopard
Gharial
Hog deer

70. National Chambal Sanctuary

Gharial
Gangetic river dolphin
Freshwater turtles
Indian skimmer
Other river birds

Special attraction: River-based wildlife observation and gharial conservation.

71. Other Uttar Pradesh Destinations

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary – Gharial, Gangetic dolphin and tiger landscape.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve – Tiger, leopard and swamp deer.
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary – Tiger, swamp deer and other Terai wildlife.
National Chambal river landscape – Gharial and turtles.

24. Rajasthan – Desert and Tiger Wildlife

72. Ranthambore National Park

Bengal tiger
Leopard
Sloth bear
Striped hyena
Jackal
Sambar
Chital
Mugger crocodile

73. Sariska Tiger Reserve

Tiger
Leopard
Striped hyena
Jungle cat
Sambar
Nilgai

74. Desert National Park

Great Indian bustard
Chinkara
Desert fox
Desert cat
Indian wolf
Desert reptiles

Special attraction: Desert grasslands and endangered Great Indian bustard habitat.

75. Other Rajasthan Destinations

Keoladeo National Park – Migratory birds, storks and waterbirds.
Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary – Blackbuck and raptors.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary – Leopard, sloth bear and birds.
National Chambal Sanctuary – Gharial and river dolphins.
Jawai landscape – Leopards and rocky hill habitats; not a single conventional wildlife sanctuary.

25. Punjab – Wildlife Destinations

76. Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary

Blackbuck
Nilgai
Grassland birds

77. Harike Wildlife Sanctuary

Migratory ducks
Geese
Waterbirds
Wetland wildlife

26. Haryana – Wildlife Destinations

78. Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary

Leopard
Elephant in the wider landscape
Sambar
Barking deer
Forest birds

79. Sultanpur National Park

Migratory waterbirds
Flamingos
Pelicans
Herons
Storks

80. Other Haryana Destinations

Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary – Wetland birds.
Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary – Blackbuck and grassland wildlife.
Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary – Leopard and forest birds.

27. Uttarakhand – Himalayan Wildlife

81. Jim Corbett National Park

Bengal tiger
Asian elephant
Leopard
Gharial
Mugger crocodile
Sambar
Spotted deer
Wild boar

82. Rajaji National Park and Tiger Reserve

Elephant
Tiger
Leopard
Goral
Sambar
Deer

83. Other Uttarakhand Destinations

Nanda Devi National Park – Himalayan musk deer and high-altitude wildlife.
Valley of Flowers National Park – Alpine flora and mountain biodiversity.
Gangotri National Park – Snow leopard, blue sheep and Himalayan wildlife.
Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary – Snow leopard and high-altitude species.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary – Musk deer and Himalayan mammals.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – Leopard, barking deer and Himalayan birds.

28. Himachal Pradesh – Mountain Wildlife

84. Great Himalayan National Park

Himalayan tahr
Musk deer
Himalayan black bear
Western tragopan
Snow leopard in the wider Himalayan region

85. Other Himachal Pradesh Destinations

Pin Valley National Park – Snow leopard, ibex and Himalayan wolf.
Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary – Leopard, sambar and birds.
Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary – Snow leopard, blue sheep and ibex.
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary – Leopard, goral and birds.
Kalatope-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary – Himalayan black bear and deer.

29. Jammu and Kashmir – Himalayan Wildlife

86. Dachigam National Park

Hangul (Kashmir stag)
Leopard
Himalayan black bear
Musk deer
Himalayan grey langur

Special attraction: Conservation of the endangered Hangul deer.

87. Other Jammu and Kashmir Destinations

Kazinag National Park – Markhor and Himalayan wildlife.
Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary – Markhor and other mountain mammals.
Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary – Musk deer, leopard and Himalayan birds.
Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary – Musk deer, Himalayan black bear and birds.
Hokersar Wetland – Migratory birds.

30. Ladakh – Snow Leopard Country

88. Hemis National Park

Hemis is one of the most famous high-altitude wildlife destinations in India.

Snow leopard
Blue sheep (bharal)
Asiatic ibex
Tibetan wolf
Red fox
Golden eagle
Lammergeier

Activities: Authorised trekking and snow leopard observation trips with local guides.

Best general season for snow leopard tracking: Winter, particularly January to March, subject to weather and access.

89. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

Kiang (Tibetan wild ass)
Black-necked crane
Snow leopard in the wider landscape
Himalayan wolf
Marmots
Migratory birds

PART 6: SPECIAL MARINE AND ISLAND WILDLIFE

31. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

90. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Sea turtles
Coral reef fish
Reef sharks
Marine invertebrates
Other marine biodiversity

Special attraction: Coral reefs, tropical islands and marine ecosystems.

91. Other Island Wildlife Destinations

Campbell Bay National Park – Island forest and endemic wildlife.
Galathea National Park – Marine and island biodiversity.
Mount Manipur National Park – Tropical forest species.
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park – Coral reefs and marine life.

32. Lakshadweep – Marine Biodiversity

92. Pitti Bird Sanctuary

Seabirds
Terns
Other marine birds

Special attraction: Important seabird nesting habitat and surrounding marine ecosystems.

33. Important Wild Animals of India

Major mammals

Royal Bengal tiger
Asiatic lion
Indian elephant
Indian rhinoceros
Snow leopard
Indian leopard
Clouded leopard
Indian gaur
Sloth bear
Indian wolf
Wild dog (dhole)
Nilgiri tahr
Blackbuck
Barasingha
Hangul
Sangai deer
Red panda
Lion-tailed macaque
Golden langur
Grizzled giant squirrel

Reptiles

King cobra
Indian rock python
Gharial
Mugger crocodile
Saltwater crocodile
Monitor lizards
Indian star tortoise

Important birds

Great Indian bustard
Indian peafowl
Great hornbill
Western tragopan
Bengal florican
Himalayan monal
Painted stork
Flamingos
Pelicans
Kingfishers
Vultures
Black-necked crane

34. Best Destinations for Specific Animals

Animal	Best-known destination
Bengal tiger	Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Tadoba, Ranthambore
Asiatic lion	Gir, Gujarat
One-horned rhinoceros	Kaziranga, Pobitora
Elephant	Periyar, Wayanad, Corbett, Mudumalai
Snow leopard	Hemis, Ladakh
Nilgiri tahr	Eravikulam, Kerala
Blackbuck	Velavadar, Gujarat
Saltwater crocodile	Bhitarkanika, Odisha
Hangul deer	Dachigam, Kashmir
Sangai deer	Keibul Lamjao, Manipur
Red panda	Sikkim and Eastern Himalayas
Lion-tailed macaque	Western Ghats
Great Indian bustard	Desert National Park landscape, Rajasthan
Gharial	National Chambal Sanctuary
Dugong	Gulf of Mannar

35. Best Time to Visit Wildlife Destinations

Months	General conditions
October–November	Many reserves reopen after monsoon closures.
December–February	Good weather for many forest trips and birdwatching.
March–April	Dry conditions can improve wildlife visibility.
May–June	Animals may gather near water sources, but heat can be severe.
July–September	Monsoon and seasonal restrictions in many parks.

36. Types of Wildlife Safaris

Jeep Safari

Authorised vehicles travel along designated routes with trained drivers and guides.

Canter Safari

Larger vehicles are available in selected national parks and tiger reserves.

Boat Safari

Available in selected water-based wildlife destinations such as Periyar and Bhitarkanika.

Birdwatching

Wetlands and forest areas are excellent for observing migratory and resident birds.

Guided Nature Walks

Some protected areas offer approved nature trails accompanied by authorised guides.

37. Wildlife Safety Rules

Important: Wild animals are unpredictable. Never approach them, feed them or leave authorised visitor areas. Follow forest department instructions at all times.

Tiger and Leopard

Remain inside the safari vehicle.
Never get out to photograph an animal.
Do not follow or surround it.
Avoid loud noises.

Elephant

Maintain a large distance.
Never approach a mother and calf.
Do not block its escape route.
Follow the guide’s instructions during threatening behaviour.

Bear and Wild Boar

Do not approach or corner them.
Give them room to move away.
Never attempt to feed them.

Crocodile

Stay away from the water’s edge.
Never swim in crocodile habitats unless officially designated safe.
Do not feed crocodiles.

Snake

Keep your distance.
Never touch or catch it.
Inform forest authorities if necessary.

38. What to Carry on a Wildlife Tour

Binoculars
Camera and zoom lens
Neutral-coloured clothes
Comfortable shoes
Hat and sunglasses
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Personal medicines
First-aid kit
Identity documents
Safari booking confirmation
Power bank

39. Responsible Wildlife Tourism

Use government-authorised safari operators.
Never feed wild animals.
Do not litter in forests.
Avoid loud music and shouting.
Respect restricted zones.
Do not disturb nesting birds.
Avoid flash photography where prohibited.
Support local communities and guides.
Never buy illegal animal products.
Report suspected poaching to forest authorities.

40. Official Wildlife Information

Conclusion: Explore India’s Wildlife from South to North

India offers a remarkable journey through different natural ecosystems. Starting with Kerala’s tropical rainforests, moving through Karnataka’s elephant habitats, Maharashtra’s tiger forests, Gujarat’s Asiatic lion landscape, Assam’s rhinoceros grasslands and finally reaching the snow leopard habitats of Ladakh, every region has something unique to offer.

Wildlife tourism is not simply about seeing animals. It is about understanding nature, respecting ecosystems and helping protect endangered species.

Travel responsibly, observe wildlife safely and help preserve India’s natural heritage for future generations.

Editorial note: This article is a selection of notable wildlife destinations, not a complete official inventory. Some entries are national parks, tiger reserves, marine protected areas or bird sanctuaries rather than wildlife sanctuaries. Species mentioned are associated with the destination or wider landscape and sightings are not guaranteed. Verify current access, safari availability and species information with the respective forest department before travelling.