These 4 Rare Animals Call India Home—Here’s How to See Them

India, with its extraordinary range of natural habitats and biodiversity, is a magical country that’s often underappreciated when it comes to wildlife viewing. It has more than 100 national parks and 14 biosphere reserves that are home to several rare species.

I’ve planned tiger safaris in India for more than 18 years with Micato Safaris. For decades, Ranthambore National Park was hailed as the place to go in India, but there are so many other great sites to visit. Here are some of the best, lesser-visited parks for the ultimate safari in India, along with where to stay on your trip.

Tigers in Bandhavgarh

A tent bedroom at the Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort.

Himanshu Lakwani/The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh

To see bengal tigers, India’s national animal, go to Bandhavgarh National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Its open, hilly terrain has one of the highest densities of tigers on the subcontinent. But it’s not just stripes that steal the show. From the haunting call of the Indian paradise flycatcher to the flash of a Malabar pied hornbill’s wings, the park is alive with exciting birds — a paradise for veteran birdwatchers and nascent enthusiasts alike.

Stay at the Oberoi Vindhyavilas, opened in March 2025, a 20-acre resort adjacent to Bandhavgarh National Park. Its sumptuous, air-conditioned tents are inspired by royal caravans of the past, and each come with a private garden and outdoor deck for alfresco dining.

Rhinoceroses in Kaziranga

A private balcony at the Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate.

The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate

Kaziranga National Park in northeastern India is an UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds the planet’s largest population of Indian rhinoceroses, known for their distinctive single horn. These solitary, hulking creatures are protected by conservation efforts, and to see them among the wetlands and grasses is a spell-binding experience.

In the heart of Assam, you’ll find The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, centered around a 19th-century tea planters’ bungalow. Enjoy the delicious teas and serene private patios overlooking the greenery at this serene space that’s just a short drive away from Kaziranga.

Asiatic Lions in Gir

An aerial view of Aramness Lodge.

Aramness Lodge

Gir National Park, in the western state of Gujarat, is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion. This is the only place in the world outside Africa where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat. While these cats are a bit smaller than their African cousins, their flamboyant fur makes up for it. It’s not unusual to spot entire prides on game drives.

Aramness, situated on the fringe of Gir National Park, is the first boutique safari lodge in the area. Each of its 18, double-story villas has a private pool, a shaded courtyard, and a veranda that looks out across the waterways into the dense teak forest.

Snow Leopards in Hemis

The Rumback Wildlife Lodge is set on a plateau.

Rumbak Wildlife Lodge

In Hemis National Park, situated high in the Greater Himalayas in northern India, the famously elusive snow leopard roams across cliffs and valleys. Travelers set out in search of this mythic cat amid gemstone-blue lakes and other-worldly sand dunes, with snow-capped mountains looming in the background.

Spotting these rare animals call for slightly more rustic accommodations. The Rumbak Wildlife Lodge is set on a plateau that offers a 360-degree view of the epic landscape. It’s a perfect home base in the Himalayas.

Marion Miller is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in trips to India. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Miller at [email protected].