Nature

Nagarhole is part of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, where the Kabini River flows from the Western Ghats into a tranquil lake surrounded by lush subtropical forests. Here, the indigenous Kadu Kuruba people coexist with the world’s largest Asian elephant population and a host of other species. From leopards to langur monkeys to the occasional tiger, each can be seen on drive-through safaris. Around the lake, boat safaris reveal marsh crocodiles, Indian otters and large herds of elephants grazing on the shore and bathing undisturbed.

WHEN TO GO: From Asian elephants to crocodiles this national park has vast amounts of wildlife. You may have to endure the hotter temps of April-June to see the elephants, otherwise visit during the cooler months of September-November.

Set on the Brahmaputra River banks in the northeast state of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is a lush tapestry of tall elephant grass, dense tropical forest and marshland. It is an ideal setting for the greater one-horned rhinoceros (approximately two thirds of the species’ world population lives in the park). On safaris by elephant or car, catch sight of these pre-historic rhinos, along with wild water buffalo, monkeys and thousands of migratory birds.

WHEN TO GO: This national park is full of lush, tall grass and marshland that make it perfect for a visit from March to June. Not to mention, safari tours can be taken by elephant, so make sure to book your visit early.

Nearly 2,000 square miles of this salt marsh in northern Gujarat are preserved as a wildlife sanctuary for the world’s last remaining herds of chestnut-colored khur, also known as the Indian wild ass. During wetter months, the marsh springs to life with islands of coarse grass and acacia bushes, while after the monsoon in October and November, newborn foals graze on fresh grasslands and seasonal lakes attract huge flocks of migrating flamingos.

WHEN TO GO: Most of the wildlife — newborn Indian wild ass and flamingos — enjoys grazing in the fields after monsoon season when the grass is lush. Visit during the months of October to December to see wildlife at its most active.

This magnificent tangle of mangrove forest stretches across nearly 6,200 square miles of the Sunderbans, the world’s largest delta. Formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers, the delta extends into Bangladesh and borders the Bay of Bengal. Sunderban translates to “beautiful forest” and its depths make the perfect home for royal Bengal tigers. The world’s largest concentration of tigers live in the national park, and visitors can catch a glimpse of them swimming in the delta’s countless channels.

WHEN TO GO: Visit this park directly after monsoon season from October to December so you can see Bengal tigers swimming and floating in the park’s many channels.

A winter trek to the high valleys and wilderness of the Tibetan Plateau in Ladakh, above the Buddhist monastery of Hemis, offers the best chance of seeing the most elusive of India’s predators, the snow leopard, in its natural habitat. The starkly beautiful region also affords sightings of the majestic cat’s prey, such as Himalayan blue sheep and hare, ibex (wild goat) and Tibetan antelope. Occasional glimpses of great birds of prey including golden eagles, the snow partridge and golden orioles are another reason to visit.

WHEN TO GO: Come visit this park from November to March for the best chance to see the snow leopard, and many fluffy animals on which it preys.

The remote rainforest of Kodagu, a natural habitat for elephants and sloth bears, is a paradise for trekkers. Ancient trails wind between towering trees and colorful undergrowth alive with honeybees and butterflies. Some routes lead to hidden forest temples, while others climb through coffee and cardamom plantations into misty forests of teak and rosewood. Above the tree line, velvety green slopes and craggy summits reveal stunning views over the Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea coast and jungles of Nagarhole National Park.

WHEN TO GO: Visit from March to May when the forests are alive with green, colorful undergrowth, and you can see a number of the rainforests animals like sloth bears and, sometimes, elephants.

India’s oldest hills, the Aravalli Range, are most striking between Udaipur and Jodhpur. In this rolling wilderness, leopards perch on rocky outcrops each evening, planning their nocturnal hunt for blackbuck (Indian antelope), chinkara (Indian gazelle) and nilgai (Asian antelope). At “dust hour,” shafts of golden light from the setting sun catch the dust kicked up by village cows as they amble home. It is a magical moment, yet part of everyday life in the desert villages of rural Rajasthan.

WHEN TO GO: The Aravalli Hills are best visited at dusk, so go during the warmer months of May to June so you can see the wildlife, such as cows, make their way home, or antelope prepare for their evening hunt.

The dry teak forests and hills of Gir, once a royal hunting ground, are now a protected area for some of the last prides of Asiatic lion, whose descendants once roamed the Middle East and India. Although smaller than their African equivalent, the lions here are an incredible sight, whether a lone male with full mane or family of lionesses and cubs. The best time to visit the park is from December to April for possible lion sightings in the sanctuary.

WHEN TO GO: To best see the lions in the sanctuary, visit from December to April.

Protected by the rocky ridges and elevated plateaus of the rugged Aravalli and Vindhya mountain ranges, Ranthambore National Park blends nature and history. Remnants of the park’s past as a royal hunting ground include the impressive remains of a 10th-century hilltop fort and hunting pavilions, an abandoned mosque and the very active Trinetra Ganesh Temple. One of the original “Project Tiger” reserves of India, the boulder-strewn jungle scrub of the park is the best place in Rajasthan to see tigers — along with leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears and mugger crocodiles that stalk the lotus flower-filled Padam Talo lake.

WHEN TO GO: For the best chance of seeing the Tigers that inhabit the park, visit in the cooler months of the year— anytime from October to March.

Traversed by the Ramganga River and offering views of the Himalayan foothills, Corbett National Park enjoys one of the most beautiful settings of any wildlife reserve in India. Established in 1936, it is one of the few parks in the country offering full morning and afternoon safaris by elephant. Striding silently through the jungle atop these majestic giants is an unforgettable experience, especially if it includes a tiger sighting. Drive-through safaris are also available.

WHEN TO GO: Visit the park from March to May, when nature is abrim with colorful flowers, trees, and grass. Morning and afternoon safaris can be taken by elephant.

The northernmost stretch of the Malabar Coast in Kerala, known as the Kasaragod District, beckons adventurous travelers in search of rugged palm-fringed beaches. Stretching for miles along the Arabian Seashore, the beaches are ideal for spotting dolphins swimming near shore and sea turtles laying eggs in the sand. What’s more, the 17th-century laterite-brick fort on Bekal’s rocky headland is the largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala.

WHEN TO GO: The rocky swimming shores of Kerala are a great place to see dolphins and turtles swimming close to shore. Visit from May to June so you can enjoy the water, too.