Tips for going on a safari in India

India and its neighbours Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka are all renowned for their culture and natural beauty, but something else they are famed for is the fact they are among the best places in the world to go on a safari. Home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, there is so much you can see in all of these countries.

Safari holidays in India and to the likes of Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka are always magical and there are so many animals you can see. However, on any safari holiday, it is important to remember that you are entering someone else’s space and to treat it accordingly.

This guide will share tips about going on a safari to India and some of its neighbouring countries, including the best time of the day to spot wildlife, stuff to pack and lots more.

Wildlife you can see in India and its neighbouring countries

Before we share tips about the things you should consider about going on a safari in India and its neighbours of Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal, we should look at some of the animals that you can see in these countries. Below is a list of some iconic wildlife you can see during your wildlife holiday.

· Tigers

· Sloth Bear

· Indian Rhinos

· Elephants

· Leopards

· Asiatic Lions

· Red Panda

· Water buffalo

· Chital (spotted deer)

· Lion-tailed macaque

· Nilgai (Asian antelope)

Tips for going on a safari in India and its neighbours

It is common for many people who are travelling to India to also go on a holiday in Bhutan, Nepal or Sri Lanka as part of the same trip. If you are planning on going on a safari in any of these destinations, then read on for some tips you should consider.

· Check the weather

· What is the best time of the day to spot wildlife?

· Listen to your safari guides

· What equipment should you take with you on a safari?

· Stay quiet

· Don’t get too close and pay attention to the animals’ behaviour

Check the weather

Before you head on a safari to India or one of its neighbouring countries you should check what the weather is expected to be like during your trip. Depending on what time of year you are visiting, the weather can be changeable, so you need to check what the weather is expected to be like on the days of your safari.

You need to take a look at what the temperatures are expected to be like as they can vary depending on the time of year you are going on your safari and the time of day. If you go tiger watching in India, for example, between November and February, the mornings can get very chilly so you might want to pack a hat and some gloves.

On the flip side, if you are going on a safari in India between March and June, temperatures can soar and hit the mid 40C, so you will want to take clothing that is light and breathable.

Sri Lanka, which is south-east of India and is just north of the Equator, has a tropical climate, with hot, humid weather all year round. The monsoon season is different depending on what part of the country you are visiting, so depending on which area you are planning to visit you should check this before booking a safari.

In Bhutan, the climate is influenced by altitude with the lowlands boasting a subtropical climate and then getting progressively colder as you climb the mountain slopes. From June to late September, the monsoon season is at its peak in Bhutan.

Winter in Nepal runs from late November to February and is typically rain-free and clear, although high altitude areas above 3,000 metres will be snowy and very cold, whilst spring makes an appearance from March onwards and is a popular season to visit as it a great time of year to spot animals like rhinos. Summer in Nepal brings the monsoon months of June, July and August with the rains really hitting their peak during August. By mid-September, the autumn season has arrived and is one of the most popular times of the year to visit with conditions ideal for trekking, wildlife viewing and cultural exploration alike.

What is the best time of the day to spot wildlife?

The best times of the day to spot animals in India and its neighbouring countries are either early in the morning or in the evening as this is when wildlife is most active. By heading out on safari during these times, you will increase your chances of seeing more wildlife.

Especially during the summer months in India and its neighbouring countries, many animals prefer to be on the move and hunt when it is cooler so they don’t use up as much energy as they would in the midday sun.

If, for example, you are looking to go on a tiger safari in India, then it is worth knowing that they are generally most active in the morning or evening as they tend to hunt when it is cooler and sleep or rest during the day when it can be extremely hot.

Rathika Ramasamy is a wildlife photographer who shares his snaps on his blog and he says you can see lots of birds by getting up early.

“Birds are most active in the early morning. Field knowledge, such as bird habitat and routines, is extremely helpful. For example, the Green Bee Eater will perch usually in one spot. Kingfishers usually sit at the edge of water bodies and small ponds, waiting for their prey to surface.”

Listen to your safari guides

When you book a tiger safari holiday with us at Harji’s, our experts can help you plan the perfect trip around the likes of Ranthambore National Park, Kaziranga National Park and Nagarhole National Park.

Once you are out on a safari, you need to listen to what your guides are saying. They are the experts when it comes to the area you are exploring and will know the jungles better than anyone. They will know if and where you can get out of safari vehicles and when you should move away from any wildlife and when it is safe to linger around.

You should also tap into their knowledge as there is no such thing as a stupid question and if you want to ask about any of the wildlife or the national park you are exploring on your safari holiday, then you shouldn’t be afraid to ask your guide.

READ MORE: Things you didn't know about India

What equipment should you take with you on a safari?

Your safari in India or one of its neighbouring countries has finally come around, but what should you pack? Here we take you through some of the equipment you should take with you on a safari.

· Binoculars

· Camera

· Sunglasses

· A cap

· Fleece or warm jacket

· Hiking boots or comfortable shoes

· Comfortable clothes that aren’t too flamboyant – experts say that bright colours can often disturb wildlife

· A raincoat

· Sun cream

· Hand sanitisers or some wet wipes

· Water

· Your passport – many national parks require your passport to verify your reservation

Monica, who is the writer behind the travel and family blog Travel Hack, has been on a safari in India and she recommends wearing something comfortable: “You don’t need to wear those ugly travel pants with zips on the legs and 10 pockets on each side. You don’t need to wear khaki colours. You don’t need hefty walking boots with ankle supports and you don’t need a huge backpack with emergency supplies.

“All you need is to be comfortable.”

Stay quiet

Whether you’ve spotted a one-horned rhino in Nepal, a black bear in Bhutan, an elephant in Sri Lanka or a Tiger in India, it is extremely exciting, but it is important that you don’t make noise and instead stay quiet.

Clapping or making other loud noises not only disturbs the animals you are trying to watch, but you might also be disrupting your fellow travellers’ long-awaited safari holiday.

If everyone stays quiet, you will be able to hear an array of fascinating sounds that range from birdsongs to the rustling of leaves, which can all help guide you to the next spectacular sighting.

Don’t get too close and pay attention to the animal’s behaviour

Although the guides on your safari holiday will talk to you about an animal’s behaviour and whether it is nervous because there is a predator in the vicinity or they are trying to protect their babies, respecting behaviour cues that an animal is sending out is important.

It is also vital that you don’t get too close to the wildlife in the national park as the last thing you want to do is to scare them off or agitate them. This means that you should try to restrict your movement in the vehicle you are travelling in.

There are lots to get excited about when it comes to going on a safari in India and its neighbouring countries. From seeing tigers, rhinos, bears and elephants to seeing some stunning landscapes, there are plenty of reasons you need to visit.

If a wildlife holiday is something you would love to book, our experts can recommend tailor made tours to India and help design the perfect trip for you.

For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our blog.

Tips for going on a safari in India and its neighbouring countries

Wildlife you can see in India and its neighbouring countries