The array of India wildlife is one of the most popular reasons foreigners visit the country. Some of the world’s most exotic creatures are among the wildlife in India, and many vacation packages and tours are designed around visits to India wildlife sanctuaries, where animals can be observed in their natural environment. From elephants to Bengal tigers, India wildlife is an incredible source of amazement for visitors.

Wildlife conservation in India has expanded in recent years to protect the natural beauty that attracts so many tourists. The number of national parks across the country has risen, as an emphasis is being placed on preservation for future generations. Documentation of rare plants and birds has accompanied the more well-known preservation initiatives, including Project Tiger. India wildlife sanctuaries have succeeded in increasing the number of tigers and other animals in the wild, bringing them back from near-extinction.

The work protecting wildlife in India is not done. Only recently has a strong vision for protecting the future of the habitat and animals of India been developed. An interest by tourists has helped to provide the funding necessary to continue to preserve India wildlife. As in other places of the world, wildlife in India has been affected by the climate changes that many parts of the world are currently facing. Some of the rivers of India have been prone to overflowing when the ice melts, and this could only worsen with the progression of global warming.

India Map

A visit to India wildlife sanctuaries can be combined with other destinations in India. Many visitors choose to spend time in the Himalayas observing the wildlife, in addition to visiting areas such as Shimla and Kashmir, and to seeing the temples, shrines, and history of the country through an organized tour. Transportation is generally very efficient, and many travelers find it easy to see a large section of India with the train system. Overnight trains with comfortable sleeper cars makes it a possibility to be bird-watching in the Himalayans one day and strolling the streets of New Delhi the next.

Wildlife sanctuaries are located throughout India, so regardless of what part of the country you're traveling in, you should have no trouble finding a wildlife preserve to visit. For instance, the state of Kerala, home to the city of Trivandrum, has several, including the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. If you're spending time in Jaipur, in the state of Rajasthan, you might visit the Sambhar Wildlife Sanctuary, and in Uttar Pradesh, where Shimla is located, travelers can consider the National Chambal Sanctuary and the Kishanpur Sanctuary, among others.

Visitors to India should consider the weather when planning a trip to observe the wildlife. Besides affordability, comfort should be a factor to consider as cold and rain can hinder enjoyment of observing the exotic wildlife. During the hottest months, it can still be quite cool in the Himalayas, so this may be a way to visit India during this time of year and still stay cool. From adventurous small jeep tours to larger organized tours, foreigners will marvel at the exotic wildlife in all of its shapes, colors, and forms.