India’s vast and diverse landscape is home to a multitude of fascinating wildlife species. Among them, five iconic animals stand out, referred to as the ‘Big Five’ of India – the Indian Elephant, the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Asiatic Leopard, the One-Horned Rhino, and the Asiatic Lion. Below, we trace these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.
Royal Bengal Tiger
The Royal Bengal Tiger, India’s national animal, is a symbol of strength and agility. Famous for their majestic stripes, these apex predators predominantly inhabit the Sundarbans in West Bengal and the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. Their elusive nature and striking appearance make spotting them an unforgettable experience.
Indian Elephant
The Indian Elephant is a symbol of power and majesty in Indian culture. Known for their intelligence and memory, these gentle giants are mostly found in the forested regions of Kerala, Karnataka, and Assam. The Periyar National Park in Kerala and the Kaziranga National Park in Assam are well-known reserves where tourists can encounter these elephants in their natural habitat.
Asiatic Leopard
The Asiatic Leopard, although widespread throughout India, is elusive and shy. These solitary creatures can be spotted in several national parks, including the Gir National Park in Gujarat and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Maharashtra. Known for their incredible adaptability, leopards have a diverse diet ranging from small insects to large ungulates.
One-Horned Rhino
Nestled in India’s northeastern state of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is home to the largest population of One-Horned Rhinos, also referred to as the Indian Rhinoceros. Local authorities have worked hard to protect and conserve this species from close to extinction. As a result, numbers have replenished from dwindling figures less than 100 to over 4,000. With their prehistoric appearance and single horn, they are one of the most unique sights in Indian wildlife.
Asiatic Lion
Once widespread across the Middle East and India, today the Asiatic Lion is confined to a single reserve – the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat. These lions are slightly smaller than their African counterparts but are equally majestic.
Each of these species plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats. Our local experts will help your curate a bespoke journey to witness these magnificent creatures in the wild – a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Image credit: Royal Bengal Tiger by Tafhimul Islam Shawon © Shutterstock; Indian Elephant by Oleksii G © Shutterstock; Asiatic Leopard by Prejin © Shutterstock; One-Horned Rhino by Neelsky © Shutterstock; Asiatic Lion by Milan Zygmunt © Shutterstock.
