The star of all Tiger tours is, naturally, the iconic big cat of the Indian subcontinent. But it is not the only mammal wildlife enthusiasts can hope to observe across India and West Nepal’s national parks and reserves. Both countries are home to a wide variety of mammal species, which the expert naturalists guiding Tiger tours will seek out and point out – including Leopard, Jungle Cat, Asian Elephant, Dhole (the Indian Wild Dog), Wolf, Sloth Bear and civets. At any of the following parks and reserves, enthusiasts can enjoy excellent mammal-watching.
Bandhavgarh National Park (India)
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of India’s finest reserves and an excellent location for Tiger tours. Morning and evening game drives regularly encounter the mighty animal, with experienced tour providers offering a high success rate of sightings. The relatively small area of the park creates a high density of wildlife, ensuring that visitors also see many other mammal species. It is possible to see Dhole, Sloth Bear and even Wolf, as well as Wild Boar, Golden Jackal, monkeys, deer and antelope. The Bandhavgarh hill fort overlooking the national park makes it a particularly special location for mammal-watching.
Panna National Park (India)
Excursions to the stunning Panna National Park are especially scenic, as wildlife prospers by the Ken River. The park offers the possibility of seeing many elusive mammal species, including the Leopard; at night, tours take visitors out to see elusive nocturnal species such as the Jungle Cat and civets. Panna National Park is also home to a wide variety of India’s hoofed mammals, including Chinkara and Sambar. The lower number of tourists in this park gives wildlife enthusiasts clearer opportunities to observe these beautiful mammals.
Pench and Kanha Reserves (India)
Some opportunities combine these two fantastic reserves into one memorable mammal-watching experience. Driving in the morning and evening through a range of habitats, wildlife enthusiasts can hope to spot the Tiger and perhaps the Leopard, as well as Gaur, Spotted and Swamp Deer, Sambar, Wild Boar and Golden Jackal. Antelope and monkeys abound. Dhole and Sloth Bear are also resident in the reserves. To complete their mammal watching, visitors can extend their tour to tourist-free Tadoba Reserve.
Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (Nepal)
Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve in West Nepal is a beautiful reserve, protecting some of the most extensive and richest grasslands of Asia. It is known for its excellent resident and visiting bird population, with over 400 species recorded – but it is also home to many mammal species. These include Asian Elephants and Great Indian One-horned Rhino, Swamp, Spotted and Hog Deer, Golden Jackal, Terai Langur, Leopard and the magnificent Tiger. Tours can also be extended to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
