Big Cat Watching in India

2023 was the first year in which we were able to run this ambitious new tour. Could we really see all four of India’s big cats in one extravaganza of a trip? Well, there was only one way to find out. And so earlier this year, our first groups set out on this ultimate quest under the expert stewardship of expert local naturalists and guides.

Starting off in the Himalayan peaks and valleys of Ladakh, our trips focused on what is arguably the most elusive of India’s big cats, the snow leopard. The Ulley Valley is among the best places on Earth to spot snow leopard in the wild, using the Snow Leopard Lodge as a base for our daily excursions. Both of our groups were able to enjoy good, albeit distant, views of snow leopard alongside a host of other species such as grey wolf, Tibetan ibex, golden eagle and snowcocks.

After a great first week exploring the roof of India, it was time to descend the mountains and our groups flew to the western state of Gujarat for the next target species. Sasan Gir National Park is famous across the world as the last stronghold for Asiatic lion, and so there was plenty of expectation for what the next few days might have in store as they explored the park. Our groups were treated to unrivalled views of this iconic species, with several prides providing world-class encounters, including with cubs around three months old. However, Gir delivered so much more than just the lions, including another species of big cat – leopard, as well as a wealth of fabulous birdlife. After the wild delights of Gir, the groups were thrilled by what they had been privileged enough to see so far.

With the pressure off, the next stop on this once in a lifetime adventure was Nagarhole National Park. This beautiful area of forest is situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats in the state of Karantaka (close to the city of Mysore). Nagarhole was made famous by a very special cat, a melanistic leopard (black panther), which is rarely seen these days, but the park also plays host to a stunning array of other wildlife and is a reliable destination for both tiger and leopard alike. Once again, the groups started their safaris in the park full of anticipation as to what they might encounter over the coming days.

Nothing quite compares to observing a tiger in the wild, their size and presence seem to elicit a particular emotion that never grows old. For both of our groups, these emotional moments were realised as they were both rewarded with exceptional sightings of this iconic big cat. However, it wasn’t only tigers that put on a show, we were very lucky to be treated to excellent views of leopard too and a host of the park’s other mammals such as stripe-necked mongoose, Asian elephant and astonishingly one of the groups even enjoyed a brief glimpse of the famous black leopard.

What an incredible few weeks our clients were treated to. It seemed like they were tripping over big cats left, right and centre. What more can you ask for?

If you want to experience the magic of seeing all of India’s big cats in one trip, then look no further. Contact our expert team to find out more or book your place. You can also find out more on our webpage and request a detailed itinerary.