While best known for its cultural, religious and architectural heritage, India is nonetheless an ideal destination for nature lovers. This vast country, despite being densely populated, is home to many nature reserves where you can admire majestic animals, such as elephants, tigers or even snow leopards. The incredible diversity of India's landscapes, climates and ecosystems makes it a haven for numerous terrestrial, avian and marine species. So bring your binoculars and camera for safaris!

The Royal Bengal Tiger

A symbol of India, the majestic Bengal tiger is the subject of numerous conservation projects, through which its population continues to increase in Indian forests. It was precisely to protect this tiger that a number of sanctuaries and nature reserves were created in India, while also protecting vast areas of forest and other species living there. The Bengal tiger grows up to 3 meters long and weighs an impressive 250 kg. Approximately 70 percent of the world's tigers live in India, so if you dream of spotting one, book your safari in India!

The Snow Leopard

Another very rare animal living in India, the snow leopard prefers high altitudes. It is found notably in the mountainous region of Ladakh. This magnificent white panther with black spots measures approximately 1.30 meters with an equally long tail and is excellent at hiding; this is why it is called the "ghost of the mountains".

The Indian Elephant

Another sacred animal in India, the elephant inhabits the country's forests in great numbers. This majestic animal eats up to 150 kg of vegetation per day. The elephant population has decreased by approximately half due to poaching and habitat loss, and this animal is now classified as "endangered". During your nature trip to India, you will see both wild and domesticated elephants.

The Indian Rhinoceros

Indian rhinoceroses are also victims of deforestation and poaching. They inhabit notably the northern part of the country, and many are found in the Kaziranga National Park. This one-horned rhinoceros is the largest in Asia, weighing up to 3 tons for males. Its skin is so thick it looks like a shell!

The Leopard

Another king of the Indian jungle, the leopard is known for its speed and strength, making it one of the country's most feared predators. Darker than its African cousins, the Indian leopard measures up to 1.40 meters long. India is also home to black panthers, a fairly widespread subspecies.

The Asiatic Lion

Among the big cat species found in India, the Asiatic lion is one of the most majestic. It is distinguished notably from its African cousin by its more modest mane and thicker coat. The Asian lion is also smaller than the African lion.

The Sloth Bear

Also called the lip bear, the sloth bear is a bear species that lives mainly at night and eats fruit, insects and honey. Without front teeth, it is very noisy when eating, which makes it easy to spot. Inhabiting the jungles of India, this mammal is the one that served as the model for Baloo in The Jungle Book.

Indian Monkeys

In Indian forests, and even near many historical sites, you easily encounter monkeys. Among India's most emblematic species, the lion-tailed macaque inhabits the southern part of India. Black in color, this monkey is distinguished by its bushy tail and golden mane. Also found in this same region is the Nilgiri langur, a small monkey with shiny fur.

Crocodiles

Among the impressive animals to see in India, there are also several species of crocodiles. The mugger crocodile is known for its snout that breaks all records and its hunting tactics. Less frightening, the gharial crocodile (or gharial) feeds notably on fish. It is one of the planet's longest reptiles, and is distinguished by its narrow, elongated snout.

The Giant Squirrel

A species endemic to India, the Malabar giant squirrel is a curiosity not to be missed on a trip to India. This enormous squirrel of 95 cm (35 cm for the body, 60 cm for the tail) is of striking beauty with its multicolored fur, featuring shades of brown, blue, red, orange... It is found notably in the Bhimashankar Nature Reserve.

The Indian Peafowl

The Indian peafowl is the most well-known bird in the country. In the forests, its call serves to warn of the coming of a predator. The Indian peafowl displays a magnificent display of multicolored feathers, especially during the breeding season.

Marion Biremon