India Holidays

India's wildlife

India is not only the most densely-populated country in the world in human terms but also one of the richest in terms of wildlife diversity.  The magnificent Bengal tiger is usually the main draw and Tiger Safaris are a truly unique experience, but there is a huge variety of notable species of mammals (including other predators), reptiles and birds to be seen.  With over 1200 endemic bird species, India is a birder's paradise and early morning game drives offer excellent sightings. The national parks in India have historically focused on conservation to prevent further decline in tiger populations - many of these have been a great success and populations are now on the increase, although there is an ever-present threat from poachers.  The major parks (Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna) are located in central India, elsewhere there are Ranthambore, Corbett and Kaziranga National Park.
 

Historical interest

India is steeped in history at every turn - from the first village communities on the Indus Plains around 10,000 years ago, through the Sanskrit-speaking Vedic period (1500 BC to 500 BC), via various Indian empires and the Mughal period, to the European colonial period (mostly British but also Portuguese, French, Dutch and Danish), and finally through to independence in 1947.  This rich and fascinating history has given rise to a huge diversity of religions, cultures and languages and is reflected in ancient monuments, palaces, forts and temples wherever you go during your Indian holiday. 

When to go

As India is so vast, the climate varies significantly between regions.  As a general guide, from June through to September is monsoon season, and during this time it is not only drenchingly wet but it can also be unbearably hot. The Himalayas are an exception - July and August are ideal in the mountains as there is little rain in the higher reaches and it is not too cold.
 
The best time to visit is winter, from November to March especially for an Indian Honeymoon. In north and central India the temperatures will be pleasant and warm in the day and cool at night.  As you continue through April and May it gets hotter and drier - this time is especially good for tiger enthusiasts on an Indian holiday as the jungle undergrowth thins out and spotting the cats at water is much more common.