From the Taj Mahal to Bengal tigers at waterholes, I discovered an India that defies every stereotype. Here's what most travelers never realize about this remarkable country.
India has always called to me. As an avid wildlife photographer who knows the African bush like the back of my hand, I was drawn to experience firsthand what so few travelers realize: India offers wildlife encounters every bit as spectacular as the African continent. But beyond the game drives, I craved the vibrancy, the architecture, the stories of Maharajas, the Royal households and the Taj Mahal. This trip, which I call "Tigers and Taj Mahal," delivered on every promise and then some.
What strikes me most, every single time I return to India, is the people. There's a misconception that India is all about poverty and slums. We see Slumdog Millionaire and think we understand the country. My experience has been profoundly different. The people are amazingly friendly, and the country is changing. There is cleanup happening, conservation efforts underway, and so many remarkable positive things that most travelers never hear about.
Wildlife That Rivals Africa
The most surprising moment of this trip, and what I keep telling everyone about, was sitting at a waterhole watching the scene unfold. First came the sambar deer. Then swamp deer, spotted deer, barking deer on the side. A couple of wild boars wandered in, along with the common langur. And then, out of the jungle walked a Bengal tiger, plunking itself down right in the water. The animals scattered. There was a peacock in the foreground, a jungle fowl in the background. This is what India offers, and most people have no idea.
The birdlife is equally spectacular. When you think of colorful birds, you think of Brazil or Costa Rica. But India has flycatchers, rollers, bee-eaters, kingfishers, species upon species that will leave any birder speechless. And all of this is guided by highly trained naturalists who know these jungles intimately. No human footprint is allowed in the jungle. Anti-poaching patrols are done on elephant back. Their conservation ethics are quite ahead of the rest of the world.
Planning Is Everything
Here's what I now understand that I could not have known without going: India's national parks issue very limited permits each year. You cannot simply show up and enter the jungle. Those permits must be applied for well in advance, and this is precisely because conservation comes first. It's a good policy, but it means planning ahead is essential. I like to do a couple of meetings with all my clients going to India so I can prepare them in every sense, from visa requirements to tipping customs to what to pack and how to dress appropriately for religious sites.
Weather matters too. April and May bring extreme heat, which is actually a great time to see tigers because they seek out water. But if you don't do well in high temperatures, December through March is ideal for North American travelers escaping winter. You can experience milder climates and end your trip on an island off the coast with phenomenal snorkeling and diving.
India Is for Everyone
Who would love this trip? Anyone who appreciates culture, history, architecture, and wildlife. You can do India on a shoestring budget or in ultra-luxury. There are homestead experiences, hands-on adventures, wellness retreats, and off-road exploration. I genuinely cannot think of a traveler type that India would not suit. If you love to travel, India is for you.
I trust Royal Expeditions for my India bookings. They were founded in 1993 by the Princess of Jodhpur, and they are a truly world-class destination management company that takes care of absolutely everything. I have worked with them since 2018, and I know that when my clients arrive, they will be looked after completely. Just like my African safaris, I tailor make every single trip so that all you need to do is pack your suitcase and experience this life-changing destination. India is not about what you've seen in movies. It's about vibrancy, warmth, and wildlife that will surprise you at every turn. I cannot wait to share it with more travelers.
Melonie Eva