The Indian peninsula is a continent in itself, whose geographical diversity has encouraged the flourishing of a whole range of wildlife with over 350 species of mammals and 1200 species of birds in the country. While there is an overlap in the habitats of many species, each region has something special to offer – the hangul is restricted to the valley of Kashmir in northern India, the rhino is found in North-East states of India and pockets along the Brahmaputra river area, the black langur in the western ghats, and western India is the home of the last remaining Asiatic Lions.

Two of India’s most impressive animals, the Bengal/Indian Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant are found in most regions, The tiger originated in Central Asia and migrated over the great Himalayas to the dense tropical forests, adapting itself well to the plains.

A herd of elephants in the wild is a breathtaking sight. These huge mammals are respected by all animals, including the Tiger. Widely distributed throughout India, the Indian Elephant is slightly smaller than its African counterpart. Generally, only the males have tusks. Today, most of India’s wildlife finds refuge in over two hundred sanctuaries and parks around the country. The following section gives a brief description of some of the more important of these. The accommodation often needs to be booked in advance, either by direct application to the hotel, resthouse etc. concerned, or through the local State TDC or the controlling authority of the respective park. Brochures giving further information may be obtained from Government of India Tourist Offices.

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND NATIONAL PARKS

Northern India

Dachigam National Park (Kashmir) Broad valley; mountain slopes; rare hangul deer, musk deer, black and brown bear, leopard; heronry. Airport: Srinagar 20km. Railhead: Jammu Tawi 311km. Season: Aug - Dec. Accommodation: Srinagar: Houseboats on Dal and Nagin Lakes.

Kishtwar National Park (Kashmir)  Snow Leopard, Antelope, Wild Yak, Tibetan Ass; Kishtwar 60km. Season: May - Oct. 

Govind Sagar Bird Sanctuary (Himachal Pradesh) Bird Sanctuary with crane, duck, goose, teal. Airport: Chandigarh 135km. Railhead: Nangal 13km. Accommodation: available at Bhakra.

Corbett National Park (Uttar Pradesh) Himalayan foothills near Dhikala; Sal forest and plains; tiger, elephant; leopard and rich bird life. Excellent fishing in Ramganga river. Airport: Pantnagar 115 km. Railhead: Ramnagar 51km. Season: November-May. Accommodation: Within the Park.

Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh) Nepal border; tiger, sloth bear and panther. Airport: Lucknow 251km. Railhead: Dudhwa 4kms. Season: November-May. Accommodation: Within the Park. November - May. Accommodation: Within the Park: Sawai Madhopur.

Flower Valley National Park (Uttar Pradesh) When in bloom this "roof garden" at 3,500 metres is a glorious blaze of colour. Location: Badrinath 44km. Railhead: Rishikesh 280km. Season: June-July.

Sariska National Park (Rajasthan) About 200km from Delhi. Forest and open plains: sambar (largest Indian deer), cheetal (spotted deer), nilgai (Indian antelope), blackbuck, leopard, tiger; good night viewing. Airport: Jaipur 160km. Railhead: Alwar 35km (bus connections). Season: February-June. Accommodation: Within the Park.

Ranthambhor (Sawai Madhopur- Rajasthan) Hill forest, plains and lakes; simbar, chinkara (Indian gazelle), tiger, sloth bear, crocodiles and migratory water birds. Location: Railhead: Sawai Madhopur 11km. Airport: Jaipur 162km. Season:

Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh) Situated in the Vindhya Mountains, this park has a wide variety of wildlife including panther, sambar and gaur. Airport: Jabalpur 166km. Railhead: Umaria 34km. Accommodation: Forest Lodge in the park.

Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan) India’s most outstanding bird sanctuary; many indigenous water birds; huge migration