The reptilian world boasts of magnificent king cobras, pythons, crocodiles, large freshwater tortoises and monitor lizards, while
the diverse birdlife includes large hornbills, kingfishers, serpent eagles and fishing owls, as well as the elegant national bird, the peacock. This magnificent collection of wildlife is often surrounded by an un- paralleled spectrum of natural beauty and diverse traditional cultures. A tour through these natural wonderlands is therefore always an un-forgettable one.

The immense heritage of wildlife in India comprises of 75 national parks and another whooping  425 wildlife sanctuaries
including the bird sanctuaries. These forest areas are crucial as regions for the conversation of the endangered species too.
Bengal tiger, the Asiatic Elephant, Lion, the  Snow Leopard and Siberian Cranes are amongst the birds and animals that
feature in the list. India is home to remaining population of the Asiatic lion. These reserves and forest areas are spread
across the length and breadth of India, right from the foothills of Himalayas, the Jim Corbett National Park to six national
parks in Andaman. From the Ranthambor National Park in Rajasthan to the Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar
and further to Kaziranga, home to the Rino.  India also boasts of the unique ecosystems at Sunderbans. An UNESCO
world heritage site. It is home to the largest number of wild tigers in the world.

 The Himalayan region is renowned for being the natural habitat for a variety the wildlife. The list is endless.Elephant, Deer, Panther, Wild buffalo, Wild ass, the one horned Rhinoceros, Porcupine, Snow leopards etc. etc.etc. It is important to state
that India harbors eighty percent of the entire population of the one horned rhinoceros in the world. The Kaziranga
Game Sanctuary is an ideal habitat for the rhino that the naturalists and environmentalists go for. The
Great Indian Bustard and blackbuck of the Karera Sanctuary attracts a lot of tourists.

India has its fair share of Tiger Reserves, the national animal. The poaching and trade statistics of tigers in India are
shocking. The royal animal, tiger happens to be a symbol of strength and speed. India boasts of two-dozen Tiger Reserves.
The fastest mammal on Earth, the tiger happens to be the joy and pride of India. The Royal Bengal tiger is amongst the
most majestic species of the tiger. 60% of the total population of the wild tigers in the world resides in India. Amongst
the best-known tiger reserves in India is the Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh. It is often referred to as the crown
in the wildlife heritage of India. Tourists at Bandhavgarh spot the Royal Bengal Tigers, cheetals,
leopard, gaur, sambhar, and many more faunal species.

The variety of birds in India is astounding too. Several hundred species of birds can be spotted across India. Indian wildlife
has its share of native birds along with the migratory birds. The region of Andaman is home to the rare species of birds like
the Narcondum hornbill, Nicobar Pigeon and the Megapode. The Himalayan region is well known to be the natural habitat
for the Pheasant, Griffon vultures & Ravens. At the Dudhwa wildlife reserve migratory birds like Egrets, herons, storks and cormorants share space with the ducks, gees and teals. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park or the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
in the Indian state of Rajasthan is home to indigenous water birds, waterside birds, migratory water birds, land
migratory birds, and domestic land species. Tourists from far and wide are attracted to the Bird Sanctuary.

The safaris through the forests areas are an experience in themselves for the natural beauty
is at its densest best. When the charm of being amids the wild and the adventure to spot your favorite
animal combines, the trip becomes unforgettable. An safari to any of the forest areas can be enjoyed either
riding a motor vehicle or on the back of an elephant. The later being a more exciting way of achieving the same.
It is noteworthy here that half of the Asian elephants can be found in India. Machaans and elephant rides
add to the adventure in the wildlife holiday. Most of the wildlife sanctuaries in India have tourist lodges &
deluxe hotels that make the stay for the wildlife enthusiasts comfortable. With well-experienced guides,
meticulously planned safaris and facilities at hand, wildlife tourism has got a boost in India. Intensive
efforts have been made for conservation of wildlife in India. The wildlife sanctuaries in India are home
to several species of animals, birds and insects that fear extinction. The awareness created through
the wildlife tours adds to knowledge of the rich wildlife heritage of India.

In case you are planning to take a wildlife safari in India, the best period lies between the months
of October and March. Since the weather during this period is pleasant. Even the humidity does not act as an obstacle. The Indian summers are known to be the best time for wildlife tourism and especially for spotting the tiger.
The hot weather conditions and the decrease in the water-bodies forces the animals to come out even during the daytime. The animals flock to the water bodies to keep themselves cool and to quench their thrust.
This provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography as well.

While on a wildlife safari it is noteworthy that the animals in the surrounding areas tend to
hide after feeling insecure in case of loud or rapid movements. To catch a view of the lion having water
or the small herd of deer contemplating, it is best to be patient and let the animals be at home. The forest
guide can be contacted for the description of the animals and their habits. The animals are most active
and can be spotted easily either early in the mornings or late in the evenings.