Cheetah

The fastest land animal on earth became the first-ever trans-continental shifting of a population of large carnivores. Although high mortality plagued the success of the re-introduction, lessons were learned, and plans are underway to bring several dozen more cheetahs over the next several years!, and will mark The relocations will eventually see a breeding population of 35-40 cheetahs translocated to sites across India. Read on to discover fun facts about India's other big cats.

Bengal Tiger

India is home to the world’s largest concentration of Bengal Tigers. One easy to reach site that you can meet with the tigers is Ranthambore National Park, where they live and hunt through the semi-arid deserts of Rajasthan. You can combine a visit here with a tour to the ancient capital of India: Delhi, and to Agra to witness the Taj Mahal, one of the seven Wonders of the World. The Bengal Tiger is often known as the Indian Tiger,  can be reliably found in many States thanks in large part to Project Tiger which began in 1972 to help protect India’s tall grasses, tropical rainforests, and marshes, thus ensuring the tiger's habitat remained in tact. Project Tiger did indeed help reverse dwindling populations of tigers. By recognizing that success was unlikely if adjacent communities were not onboard, concurrent efforts were put in place to raise the economies of locals through inclusion, tourism fees and revenue sharing. As a result the population of Bengal Tigers has increased over the past decades.

A list of India’s 55 tiger reserves can be found on this Wikipedia list along with Big Cat populations. My own journeys have brought me to several of the reserves like Manas/Royal Manas in Assam and Bhutan, Kaziranga in Assam, Kanha in Madhya Pradesh, Bandipur, and Nagarhole in Karnataka, and Namdapha in Aranachal Pradesh. With a family wedding planned for early 2026 – I will hope to add two tiger parks, Sunderbans in West Bengal, and Bandavgarh in Madhya Pradesh. 

Asiatic Lion

Asiatic lions are found only in India. Today, there are only about 600 Asiatic In Gir National Park in the state of Gujarat, Western India. They are protected in five areas of the park. Their habitat is restricted to primary tropical and subtropical forests, thorn forests, and the savannah in Gir. As in any of the reserves of India, tigers are only one of the animal attractions. A few small airports can be found near the park as well as railway stations providing assess options to arriving visitors.  

Snow Leopard

In the snow-covered Himalayas lie the Pir Panjal mountains of Ladakh: deemed the Land of the High Passes is where ghost-like snow leopard prowls, hunting wild goat, argali, and Himalayan blue sheep roam. Hemis National Park, Gangotri National Park, and Khangchendzonga National Park are the three areas you’ll wish to prioritize if you hope to see the elusive Snow Leopard. In these same wintery terrains, you can also happen upon ibex, bharals, Asian wolves, Golden Eagles, Himalayan vultures, otters, and marmots. This animal is listed as a vulnerable endangered species, with less than 10,000 snow leopards estimated in the world –thus, the sighting of one is guaranteed to be engraved in your memory for life. Snow Leopard treks are offered in the months of January and February and require those venturing to the region to be fit and prepared for rough terrain.

Clouded Leopard

To view the elusive Clouded Leopard, you will need to do some jungle trekking. The Clouded Leopard, also a vulnerable endangered species, can be found in tropical evergreen forests, dry and secondary logged forests, and the forested foothills of the Himalayas. One higher density lies in the Northeastern parts of India, especially Namdapha National Park which starts at an altitude of 450 meters and ends at an altitude of 4,500 meters. Their diet consists of Indian hog deer, Bengal slow loris, Asiatic brush-tailed porcupine, and southern pig-tailed macaque. Those  to the region should be fit and prepared for basic accommodation and developing trail infrastructure.

Spotted Leopard

The Spotted Leopard has a high population in India and isn’t shy of settling in habitat near human settlements adjacent to deserts, rainforests, and tropical forests. Because of this, there are frequently human conflicts with the big cat. Leopards are solitary carnivores, and feed primarily on sambar, chital, langur, and Spotted deer... but are also known to feed on livestock or household pets. As many as five spotted leopards can be found in every 40 square miles, making them India’s most common big cat. Black panthers are technically spotted leopards as well with a rare mutation called melanism. One of the most reliable sanctuaries for spotting leopards is Jawai Leopard Hills, in Rajasthan. However, if you are visiting other parks in Rajasthan, Karnataka or Madhya Pradesh States, there are also chances to see leopards there.

Other Notable, smaller Cats found in the sub-continent:
Jungle Cat
Fishing Cat
Pallas’ Cat
Asiatic Wild Cat
Eurasian Lynx
Asian Golden Cat
Caracal
Leopard Cat
Marbled Cat

Seeking out natural regions of India can lead to a vast range of other wildlife encounters including Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, antelopes, primates, birds, and more.

Recommendations on visiting wildlife areas of India;

• Wear appropriate safari clothes, and bring a pair of binoculars
• Bring a flexible attitude and be prepared for unexpected challenges and rewards
• Travel with guides and companies who have experience in delivering exceptional programs
• Ensure portions of your fees aid both conservation and local communities
• Stay a minimum of 3 nights in the park zone to maximize your sightings and wildlife experiences

As a destination specialist for India for over three decades, feel free to contact me to ask a question about traveling to the Wildlife parks of India. I am also happy to connect you to expert local operators who can book safaris, lodges, flights and transfers.