Best for Wildlife
The Indian subcontinent is home to an extraordinary array of safari experiences, animal encounters and spectacular scenery. Alongside a diverse range of flora and fauna, the region also hosts some of the planet’s most majestic animals. One-horned rhinos roam the plains of Chitwan in Nepal whilst elephants plod through the forests of Sri Lanka’s Yala and the Bengal tiger prowls through the scrub of Ranthambore in this wildlife rich corner of the world.
Home to Bengal Tigers, one horned rhinos and elephants to name but a few, Chitwan National Park is a haven for wildlife encounters in Nepal. Here guests can stay at the recently opened Meghauli Serai, a Taj Safaris property. Get up close to the wildlife with walking safaris and canoeing down the river. Chitwan is undeniably one of the Indian Subcontinent’s most up and coming wildlife destinations.
Kanha National Park is one of the largest in India, notable for wide open meadows where large groups of deer feed. It’s because of the large deer population, that Kahna is also home to a growing number of tiger and leopard. Close to the Kisli Gate you will find the superb Flame of the Forest Lodge. From this intimate lodge head out on safaris in search of the infamous Bengal tiger, sloth bear, Indian wild dogs and even the elusive leopard.
Gal Oya Lodge is one of our favourite destinations for a safari in Sri Lanka. Home to elephants, sea eagles, jungle cats and civets, Gal Oya National Park is a hot spot for wildlife and the perfect place to spend some time on an adventure on Sri Lanka's east coast. The lodge itself is a beautiful boutique destination with only 9 rooms, set on the outskirts of the park and blends in seamlessly with its locale. Built with locally sourced materials and furniture, the lodge is really in touch with its surroundings offering guests eco luxury in one of Sri Lanka's lesser visited parks.
Jawai National Park is a truly unique destination in Rajasthan and our favourite place to spot leopards in the country. The otherworldly landscape of the park, sandwiched between the peaks of the Aravalli Hills, is a real escape from the bustle of the region's cities, promising unique wildlife encounters and offering fantastic accommodation options. The Jawai Leopard Camp is a three hour drive from both Udaipur and Jaipur and is a luxury retreat to remember in this spectacular wilderness.
Often overlooked for Yala in the south, Wilpattu National Park is in fact Sri Lanka’s largest national park and due to its topography, it is home to some incredible wildlife. Leopard Trails in Wilpattu National Park is a perfect way to enjoy this untouched haven and the camp’s guides are some of the best in the country.
Reni Pani sits in the wilderness of Satpura National Park in central India. This national park is relatively undiscovered in India, and compared with many of the country's busier parks it is noticeably quieter, enabling you to have a truly authentic and tailored safari experience. The number of unique safari experiences on offer, ranging from canoeing, to walking safaris, and fly camping make it an unrivalled destination for seasoned safari goers and nature lovers alike.
Banhavgarh National Park sits close to Jabalpur Airport which has connections from Delhi and Mumbai, making this park an excellent combination with the Golden Triangle. Known for its undulating hills, visitors here can enjoy superb views as well as fantastic opportunities for tiger sightings and even some leopard. Samode Safari Lodge makes for a luxurious safari experience, ideal for a special occasion. Enjoy alfresco dining in the evenings after a day’s sightings in the park, the lodge sits within the quieter zone of this famous park.
Located right on the edge of the famous Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, one of India’s best locations for spotting the illusive tiger, Suján Sher Bagh is easily one of our favourite wildlife camps in India. Refined and intimate, with a 1920's flair, this camp really shines when it comes to glorious interiors, food and guiding. Tiger sightings and numbers have increased dramatically in recent years in Ranthambore, so there’s no better time to visit the area. Combine with Rajmahal Palace in nearby Jaipur, Sher Bagh’s exuberant sister property, for a truly spectacular trip.
Once the inspiration for Richard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, embrace your inner Mowgli in Pench Tiger Reserve. Full of teak forests and home to a growing population of tigers, Pench is one of central India’s most well-known parks. Stay at Baghvan, part of Taj Safaris within easy access of the gates of the reserve. This contemporary lodge features twelve bungalows, making for an intimate safari experience like no other.