Know Before You Go

October through April is considered the main travel season to India as temperatures are cooler and make for more comfortable game drives. Tiger and other wildlife viewing may also be fantastic during the warmest months, so there’s something to be said for traveling during India’s summertime as well.

Wildlife can be seen at any time throughout the season. April through June are the warmest months and are some of the best for viewing tigers as the animals tend to visit water holes where we can observe them drinking.

India’s climate is strongly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert, both of which drive the monsoons. The Himalayas prevent the cold Central Asian katabatic winds from blowing in, keeping the bulk of the Indian subcontinent warmer than most locations at similar latitudes. The Thar Desert plays a crucial role in attracting the moisture-laden southwest summer monsoon winds that, between June and October, provide the majority of India’s rainfall.

Most of the rain in the region falls between June and September, during the southwest monsoon season. Typically, the monsoon begins in Kerala and the far northeast in late May or early June and moves north and west to extend over the rest of the area by the end of June. The monsoon begins to retreat from the northwest at the beginning of September, and usually withdraws completely by mid-October.

Rain continues, however, in the southern peninsula and in the southeast; around half the annual rain falls between October and mid-December. This is brought by winds coming from the northeast during the monsoon. In contrast, in much of the northern part of the subcontinent there is generally clear, dry weather in October, November, and early December. Low-pressure systems from the east and west during this season do, however, bring some light to moderate precipitation to Pakistan and northern India.

It can be very cold in northern and central India from November to mid-March, with temperatures dropping into the upper 30s Fahrenheit (sometimes even 20s!) at night and early mornings. This can make our early morning wildlife drives in open safari vehicles extremely cold! During the day it can reach the 80s Fahrenheit but, if you are not in the sun, it can still feel cool. Temperatures start to warm up in late March, but the early mornings can still be chilly.

The weather in Ranthambore and Tadoba national parks during the summer months of April, May and June is extremely hot and primarily dry. Temperatures can soar well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows only dipping into the mid-80s Fahrenheit. However, as we will be approaching the start of the monsoon season in late June, there is always a chance of rain at this time of year.

The national parks we visit on our itineraries offer some of the best habitat in India to see Bengal tigers. The chances of observing tigers in these parks and reserves are quite a bit higher than in other areas of the country, as the terrain and the wildlife drive regulations allow us to effectively track these elusive animals and view them in a manner that is safe for both visitors and the tigers.

Tigers are elusive animals and have mastered the art of camouflage. It can be difficult to spot them in dense forests, especially if there is inclement weather. However, our itineraries are designed to capitalize on the best places to see the most possible tigers, particularly during the hot, dry season. Although some encounters are more distant or fleeting than others, the vast majority of our groups have seen tigers on their trips.

Our views of tigers can be unpredictable and vary tremendously. If we are lucky, we may see individual animals for longer periods in full view lounging by the side of the road or crossing the road directly in front of or behind our vehicles. Other times we may catch fleeting glimpses of them farther away through the thick forest and brush.

North India is cold from November through January, and it can feel cold even in February and March, so dress in two to three layers. Bring a lightweight, waterproof rain jacket and pants in case of inclement weather, warm fleece and/or down jacket, warm hat and gloves, long sleeve shirts, and pants. Some guests also prefer to bring long underwear for morning drives in our open vehicles. Temperatures in the spring and summer can be downright hot. You will want lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a sun hat and sunglasses. Although not required, long-sleeved shirts will help protect you from the sun during wildlife drives. Since rain is always a possibility, even during the dry season, plan to bring lightweight, waterproof rain gear. For further details of what to bring, peruse this helpful packing list and check out Nat Hab’s online Gear Store for some of the key items recommended for your adventure.

Our India adventures include accommodations that range from elegant, five-star hotels in cities to deluxe safari camps and lodges in national parks. They are all selected to add to our adventure, with décor that reflects traditional Indian design. Our ecolodges are immersed in nature, are conveniently situated close to park entrances, and offer comfortable rooms and various amenities while maximizing wildlife sighting opportunities.

A combination of Western and traditional Indian meals are served on our India adventures, all prepared carefully in professional kitchens. Early morning breakfasts in wildlife parks will typically include eggs, bread or muffins, fresh fruit and coffee, tea and juice. Lunches and dinners vary between buffets and à la carte menus of Western and local cuisines. Lodges in more remote areas may offer local fare or vegetarian cuisine only, but meals are quite hearty and plentiful and are made from locally sourced organic eggs, dairy and produce. Indian cuisine generally consists of lentils, grilled meats, curried vegetables, paneer and naan bread. Although Indian food tends to be spicier than most Western dishes, the level of spice will be decreased to the best of our ability if requested. Special dietary needs can generally be accommodated if given advanced notice.

In general, the best camera out there is the one you have with you. While this is overly simple, it’s a great point to keep in mind because there really is no perfect camera. Rather it has to do with how well you know it and are willing to use it.

That being said, photography in India’s natural areas does require some telephoto capabilities, so plan on bringing a camera capable of at least 10x or 20x zoom (if using a point-and-shoot) or the equivalent of a 300mm or 400mm if using a mirrorless or DSLR camera. Also, be sure to have the ability for wide angle shots as well, for landscapes and general travel photo opportunities abound.

Folks who use cameras with interchangeable lenses (mirrorless or DSLR) are generally happier with the quality of their photos, but this comes at a higher price-point and generally requires packing more gear. Thus, those who prefer a simpler setup may enjoy the small size and flexibility of an advanced point-and-shoot.

Please check out our dedicated photography site, The Natural Photographer, for up-to-date articles on wildlife and nature photography, as well as general tips on all types of cameras.

India’s currency is the Indian rupee (INR), and although U.S. dollars are widely accepted in India, we recommend exchanging money prior to arrival for the best exchange rate. Cash can also be converted upon arrival at exchange counters at the international airport in Delhi. It’s possible to exchange money at larger hotels as well, but the exchange rate won’t be as favorable. Click here to check the current exchange rate for USD to INR. Credit cards are accepted throughout Delhi and at many accommodations. Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted, but be sure to also have cash on hand for gratuities and other incidental purchases.

Internet access will be available at most or all of our accommodations, and there will be phone service in Delhi and some remote areas of the country. With the focus of our trips on immersive nature and wildlife experiences, Nat Hab encourages minimizing the use of electronics, so we ask that guests refrain from using technology during group activities.

We strongly encourage you to call our office to speak with an Adventure Specialist about the specific requirements of our India trips. Days begin very early in the morning (before sunrise) and go until late evening (after dinner) with very little down time. Long transfers can also be difficult for youngsters. If you’re looking for a trip designed specifically for children, teens and families, check out our collection of Family Adventures.

Yes! Families or friend groups can reserve entire departures on a private basis. Please call our office at 800-543-8917 to get details on group size and pricing.

Guests are responsible for booking round-trip flights from their home city to India. We recommend that you use Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk, as our Air Travel Specialists are intimately familiar with the requirements of our trips and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel into India. Please check the Getting There & Getting Home section on the Dates, Prices & Info page for details on required arrival and departure times for this adventure.

Nat Hab is happy to reserve a hotel room for you before your India tour begins, but please note that pre-nights are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please speak with our Travel Desk if you’re interested in booking extra nights.

Nat Hab offers several India adventures:

The Grand India Wildlife Adventure
While the other trips we offer are primarily focused on searching for tigers, this itinerary is more extensive and encompasses a multitude of wildlife in several national parks. It is an incredibly rich and diverse wildlife-focused itinerary that covers varied habitats.

India Tiger Safari
As the trip name implies, this is a very tiger-centric adventure, designed to expose our small groups of travelers to India’s most standout wildlife experience—encounters with Bengal tigers in the wild—during the summer viewing season.

India Tiger Photo Expedition
This small group adventure offers travelers the world’s best chance to photograph wild tigers plus the Taj Mahal. Explore with top photographer guides during the optimal season for tiger photography and enjoy other exclusive photo opportunities.