Taking up a wildlife tour in India through animal safari is a charismatic experience. Animal safari is one of the perfect means to explore the great Indian wildlife treasures, thronged with diverse variety of flora and fauna could......sighting an animal on animals back, Great! India is abode to innumerable species of majestic mammals, enchanting aerial life and its breathtaking reptile population, that could be easily viewed from a close quarters by undertaking animal safari tours. It is a jest to be in the great reserves of an Indian wildlife sanctuary and national parks on the back of royal creatures -- adding more adventure to the tour.

Nothing could be more spellbinding as the elephant back to watch the wildlife. The majestic height of the elephant allows a clear view of the dense woods and gives you a feel of a great maharaja of India along with the rolling motion adding to the zest. Expert guides with in-depth knowledge of the wildlife area accompany these wildlife safaris to make things simpler for you. With the Camel Safari's (also called as a ship of desert) in India you can luxuriate in the remotest regions of the golden Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The great desert of Rajasthan also can be explored through the galloping thrill of a horse -leading you to some of the exquisite villages in the desert.

India animal safari offers you great encountering of wildlife in their natural habitat, therefore making your entire wildlife tour to India a commodious and gratifying. These are array of wildlife safaris available to suit your requirements and budget.

Types of Safaris

Camel Safari

About Camel Safari

About the only thing you will have to get used to, when you plan a camel safari, is the balancing act and getting use to the movement of the camel. The camels may look aloof, but they are known as the lifeline for the desert people, whose major mode of transportation depends on camels only, also known as the "Ship of the desert".

The adventure trip inside the Thar Desert is the one that you won't be able to forget your whole life. Reason being that beside the blurry, savage and extreme image of this desert lies the adventure of exploring the sandy landscape and passage through remote villages. How about camping on small pond sites, experience spending the night under the stars and jive on the tunes of the musicians.

Camel Safari has been a experience that is happening since the ancient times, when no other modern means of communications were developed by man and animals were the sole transport used for communication. Tourists can still enjoy the same desert experience in the Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, where special cultural performances are also organized by the Rajasthan tourism department for the entertainment of tourists in the evening. The camps are specially set of the travelers, serving traditional Rajasthani meals and in the company of warm hearted Rajasthani people.

Camel Safari Tips

Besides riding the camel there are certain other facts too that you should keep in mind while traveling the desert regions of the Thar. Have you booked a camel safari trip in the Thar with prior reservations; better check them before leaving for your desert safari trip. The weather in desert is extreme so do carry a good backup of plenty of portable water to avoid dehydration, sun screen, goggles, and a first aid kit.

The clothes that you are going to wear should also provide your skin breathing space, because of the hot climate you are tend to sweat. Its better to wear cotton clothes and loose fitted ones and wear shoes, avoid exposing your skin as much as possible or you'll get a sun burn. Visitors are requested to dress modestly since the safari passes in close proximity of villages. A Sola-Topee, the local Rajasthani turban or some kind of head protection is essential too.

Major Regions of Camel Safaris in India

Camel Safari in Thar Desert:

Camel safaris are organized with skill and imagination in the vast Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The duration of safari can be from 4 to 15 days, though the minimum time duration doesn't exceed the week limit. The Thar is a world of its own, an unending ocean of sand, dotted with dunes and patchly covered with xerophylic shrubs, with its own distinctive wildlife. While taking up a camel caravan you'll encounter the warmth of hospitable villagers and ruins of historic forts and palaces of Rajasthan.

The best camel safaris can be done around Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner, in the very heart of the Thar. The Bikaner-Jaisalmer safari is about 11 days long, covering 25 to 30-kms a day, along a route known to none but the camel riders. An option to the desert heartland would be the Shekhawati region, taking in such towns as Ramgarh, Nawalgarh, Dundlod, Mandawa and Churu. Short, one or two-day camel safari trips can also be organized and the safari routes can incorporate interesting variations as Jaisalmer to the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. Special camel safaris are also organized round Pushkar and Nagaur in the winter season of October to March, when these two cities have their popular cattle fairs.

Chambal Safari:

Chambal safaris are another attraction that are coming up in the safari circuit and is a fine instance of Eco-friendly tourism in rural India. It provides the chance to witness the rich heritage and wildlife legacy set against arid backdrop. The Chambal Safari is a must for visitors to Agra and revolves around two key activities, a river cruise conducted by the Pathanias, which takes you along the Chambal river for 30-kms and provides close encounters with Ghariyals and Crocodiles; and the camel safari, which takes you to the picturesque Atar Fort.

Places of Camel Safari in India:
                                                                               
Bikaner
Jaisalmer
Jodhpur
Shekhawati Safari
Pushkar
Chambal Safari
Rann of Kutch

Elephant Safari

 About Elephant Safari

Elephant safari helps the visitor to travel through such difficult terrains where even jeeps cannot venture. And why not, riding an elephant takes you back to the royal era, when only the kings use to ride on these majestic beasts, since nothing can even compare with the majesty of the Pachyderm.

Equipped with a howdah, a large seat on which they would sit, complete with soft silk cushions, and with a ceremonial umbrella over the riders head, modern day elephant safaris may lack in comparison with the ones that use to be done by the kings, but are no less regal on that account.

The elephant moves slowly and steadily, that's why this type of safari is ideal in and around the wild regions or within the vicinity of the wildlife sanctuaries, where riding the elephant can give you an easy excess for viewing the wildlife. More of all a elephant safari tour in the tropical wildlife sanctuaries of India gets you up, close and personal with these majestic animals.

During your ride, you can watch the wild elephants taking bath in the water ponds. The photographers can easily take pictures of the wilds while riding and as a souvenir of the amazing journey into the wilds, take one with the elephant too.

Elephant Safari Tips

Since elephant safari is an elaborate affair, and requires many attendants for the elephant as well, such safari camps too tend to be a more lavish, and make the best choice for the incentive groups who are promised to get a journey to remember.

Just like the tours there are certain essentials you have to keep in mind for elephant safari trip too. The weather conditions can vary a lot; especially in a desertic or tropical climate you require a good backup of plenty of portable water to avoid dehydration as well as sun screen, goggles, and a first aid kit.

The clothes that you are going to wear should also provide your skin breathing space, because of the hot climate you are tend to sweat. Visitors are requested to dress modestly. Some kind of head protection is essential too.

Elephant Safari in India

Elephant Safaris in Himalayan Regions:

In the North and the North East India elephant safari makes the best option of exploring the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, especially the ones that are located in the Himalayan region. If you have gone to some national parks of the state and ridden an elephant in search of a tiger, then you would be quite aware of the immense versatility of this majestic animal in negotiating the difficult Himalayan terrain that even a jeep will not traverse. Why not an elephant for a long ride, covering days? Well, in the Himalayan forest regions you can do it, especially in national parks such as Corbett in Uttaranchal and Kaziranga in Assam.

Elephant Safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Take a tour of the Periyar sanctuary on motor launches in search of wildlife and you'd be surprised with what you see. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the best elephant hub; any animal lover would love to check out. From the rooms of the forest rest houses provided by the Kerala forest department to the tourists within the vicinity Periyar, you can get a wide-screen view of the whole sanctuary.

Visiting the Lake Palace in Kerala's lake centered wildlife sanctuary of Thekkady, also referred to as the Periyar sanctuary is an experience to remember. When a Maharaja ruled this land, he had a dam thrown across the Periyar River. The backed up waters of the dam flooded a valley, partially submerging trees, leaving their bare trunk standing over their reflections like a Daliesque waterscape. Visitor’s put-put around this surreal lake in motor-launches, delight in spotting wildlife including herds of foraging wild elephant.

Periyar is, clearly, the safest elephant sanctuary in India, possibly in the world. Elephants have never been known to attack a tourist launch. This, in spite of the fact that elephants are at home in the water. Elephant, Wild Pig, Sambar and Guar are the four most popular animals with Thekkady visitors. The smaller ones, however, are as interesting.

Elephant Safari Places In India:

Hardwar-Kotdwar-Kalagarh-Ramnagar-Kaladhungi-Haldwani Uttaranchal
Amber Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Harmara Lake, Rajasthan

Horse Safari

About Horse Safari

Yet another delightful experience that has captured the imagination of holiday makers is horse riding. It offers rides extending to four or five days as well as camping en route location. A campfire under the stars, hung large and brilliantly low in the sky in the stillness of the night, recreating the age-old charm of a horse back ride.

If you are one of those who like the galloping thrills, then take up horse riding. It offers rides extending to four to five days as well as camping en route on location. So if you are interested in exploring the rugged and barren regions of India, horse safari is the best option you can have, as this activity gives you an opportunity to go to those places, where neither a motor nor a plane can go.

Usually the safari is involved in the areas, which are sort of cut out from the rest of the world. Take for example the Himalayan regions, where most of the regions are still remotely located, untouched by civilization. To reach these parts, horses make the best options. You can even plan to combine your horse safari with trekking and hiking trips too.

Horse Safari Facts

The first and foremost thing one requires in horse safari is riding ability. You should at least master the basic things that any horse rider is aware of ability such as to trot or canter through rugged areas and countryside; to be comfortable at all paces and to be able to gallop out of trouble. If you are a fit and proficient rider, it will work as a great advantage for you on your safari trip.

Choose those types of horses that are particularly well-suited to this kind of environment and are trained for safari trips only. It’s better to take up a safari trip under the guidance of professional guides and with a backup of a four wheel drive vehicle.

While on a safari trip, keep always a mental note about the terrain that you are going cover on the horse. Always give yourself a break from the ride after 4-7 hours and keep on taking food and water on regular intervals. Wear riding clothes and clothes of bush colours with breeches and boots.

It’s also important for every rider to know about the unpredictable weather conditions of a particular region, so better carry a raincoat, riding gloves and a hat along. A medical kit always comes handy in case of emergency and accident. Take along medications such as Malaria tablets also.

Horse Safari Regions in India

The safari routes can be quite surprising, with some places providing a tranquil and pleasant walking areas, where you can get a chance to observe the natural world around you. While certain safari trips cover the high mountain plateaus and passes, crosses open grassy plains and follows river courses through the hills.

The ultimate horse safari destinations in India are the mountainous regions of Himalayas. While you can always opt for trekking and short hiking trips within the Himalayas, still horse safari becomes a totally new experience if it is done in the national parks of the states of Uttaranchal and Himachal.

One such national park is Corbett where tourists can avail numerous jungle safari packages and get the opportunity to sight animals such as Jackal, buffalo, fox, hyena, leopard, wild cats, crocodiles and tigers, which visitors usually miss out on a jeep safari trip. Tourists can also avail the chance to get an accommodation at the Jungle lodges and forest rest houses that provide comfortable staying options with excellent food.

Another state that has become quite known for Horse Safari is Rajasthan. Horse Safari is a recent introduction in this state and provides a more exciting variation of the camel safari. Horse Safaris are usually conducted in the vicinity of Udaipur where the hilly terrain and forested countryside are ideal for taking up the trail.

The Horse safari routes can be divers too, but most pass close to small villages, ruined historical monuments and temples. These places are ideal to halt for a bit of rest and relaxation, or lunch and a quick nap. In the evening visitors can enjoy the comforts of former palaces and forts. There isn't any other better or historic way to explore Rajasthan.

Horse Safari Routes in India:

Udaipur-Nagra-Haldighati-Kumbhalgarh
Kumbhalgarh-Ranakpur-Kotri-Barkana_Chanoud-Phadajun-Rohet
Pushkar_Roopangarh-Pachewar-Sawai Madhopur
Dundlod-Danta-Roopangarh-Pushkar
Hardwar-Kotdwar-Kalagarh-Ramnagar-Kaladhungi-Haldwani

Jeep Safari

About Jeep Safari

Jeep Safari is for those who crave to explore the land on their own. The rugged landscapes, the passes and mountain valleys that are still unexplored, and are not easy to venture through because of their extreme climatic conditions are the areas, which really attract the adventurer to take a journey via jeep through these terrains.

Even the lush green forested regions make a good choice for those who are interested in exploring the nature in the natural way that is as a wanderer. You won't believe the surprises and exciting sights that nature has in stored for you and as the jeep enters deep inside the national park sights you may come face to face with a tiger.

Jeep Safari Facts

Jeep safaris can be organized by travel agents, but they shouldn't be confused with mere hiring of vehicles to commute between different destinations. A safari means exploring the lesser-known destinations and the countryside, and may also include the forays off the roads, though it is not advisable to drive in the desert sand for obvious reasons.

Jeep safaris can be fun because the pace can be varied to suit one's need, packing in days of fast travelling with leisurely camping. In the customized safari trips, safari outfits send a recee team ahead for picnic lunches, and for setting up camps in the open. Alternative accommodation option can be to stay in a choice of heritage hotels or guest houses or tourist lodges.

Jeep Safari Regions in India

Jeep Safari in Trans Himalayan Regions:

The trans Himalayan Tracts are something that will really attract the explorer in you to unwind the natural and man made wonders situated within the picturesque landscapes. Take up any of the customized jeep safari tours offered by the tourism board of India to the high altitude destinations of Leh, Ladakh and Kinnaur - Spiti, where the wilderness is still intact from commercialization.

Ranging from short jeep side tours to long ranging holidays in the wild regions, the experience of driving through the mountainous valleys along winding passes and incredible heights is a journey every adventure seeker would love to have.

Jeep Safari in Ladakh:

Jeep safari at the high altitude lake of India is another new attraction that has recently come up in this adventure activity. The high point trip of a trip to Leh is the drive to Pangong Lake. The drive takes round about four hours to Changla Pass. At the first sight of the lake through the 'V' of the ridges of the valley all cameras, digital videos etc. came tumbling out. The azure lake beautifully set off the golden yellow of the mountainside, painted thus by the mellow rays of the evening sun, on a canvas of crisp blue sky. Considered to be the most arduous and at the same time exhilarating is the cross country jeep drive to the Pong valley.

Jeep Safari in Rajasthan:

The open jeep is the most conductive way of seeing Rajasthan, especially in the winter months when the winter chill and warm sunshine provide a heady combination. The best jeep safari to that used for horse safaris, in and around Udaipur, since the rugged Mewar terrain with its forested valleys and arid hills and rocky outcrops provides a ideal landscape.

The Tribal regions, the small villages, the ruins of forts, the temple complexes all add up to providing a sense of destination to such safaris. Another rewarding region for jeep safari in Rajasthan is the Shekhawati region with its painted towns and long sandy desert stretches that are just waiting to be explored.

Jeep Safari Places in India:
Ladakh
Lahaul & Spiti, HP
Kinnaur, HP
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Mewar Region, Rajasthan
Shekhawati Region, Rajasthan
Roundtrip of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Pangong Lake & Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh

Jungle Safari

About Jungle Safari

Safari is an adventure that takes any adventurer who likes to explore the unexplored trails and unspoilt natural horizons of desert or country side or forests. One such safari is Jungle safari. It can also be defined as a forest trail, except that instead of walking, hiking or trekking, you have also got the options of explore the forest regions via a jeep or a elephant or even on a horse.

Jungle safari not just involves exploring the jungles of a particular region. The options can involve national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as well as protective reserves. And you can also opt for wild camping as well as nature walks too. All in all saying hello to Mother Nature in the best possible ways. Staying in the jungle lodges provided by the various forests departments within the sanctuary areas is also the part of this safari deal and the best way you can enjoy your holiday to hang out in the Jungle area, relax and do nothing.

Do's & Don'ts of Jungle Safari

Exploring the jungle always brings out numerous surprises for both the nature lover and explorer. But in our excitement to explore the natural environs we sometimes forget that we have a duty to follow, to keep the environment clean.

While visiting any of the national parks or wildlife sanctuaries of India you should remember that they are protected areas under the Forest Department of India, so do not indulge in such activities that can go against the nature conservation programme of the forest department.

When on your jungle expedition just keep in mind that animals are not present natural habitat because its their home, so do not disturb them, If you want to take photographs be careful of not disturbing the animals, remember you are in their territory.

Regions of Jungle Safari in India

Ranthambhor has always remained a favorite with Tiger-lovers the world over. The spread of this National Park is such that it becomes relatively easy to spot the majestic tiger. Short Jungle Safari tours through this park make ones travel thorough in this Park.

Another option includes the wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserve of India, where you can either take up a jeep safari or an Elephant safari to check out the Tigers. Among the major tiger reserves safari are the Sundarbans in West Bengal, Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam, Sariska & Ranthambore National Parks in Rajasthan and Corbett National Park in Uttaranchal.

Famous Jungle Safari Places:

Sundarbans, West Bengal
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Manas Tiger Reserve, Assam
Kanha National Park, MP
Bandhavgarh National Park, MP
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Sariska wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan
B.R. Hills Wildlife Adventure Resort, Karnataka
Namdhapha National Park
Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur
Dachigam National Park, J&K
Velvadhar National Park, Gujarat
Arunachal Forests