Central & Coastal India
Wildlife & Goa
Track Bengal tigers in Ranthambore, watch one-horned rhinos in Kaziranga, then unwind on Goa's Portuguese-flavoured coast — India's wild side and its most relaxed.
From the jungle to the sea — India's wild and coastal soul
India has more tigers than any other country on earth, and its national parks offer some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. Ranthambore in Rajasthan is the most famous — a dramatic landscape of ruined Mughal forts and dry deciduous forest where tigers are seen with remarkable regularity. Kaziranga in Assam protects two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhinoceros population. Bandhavgarh has the highest density of tigers in India.
Goa is a different India entirely — a former Portuguese colony with whitewashed churches, spice-scented markets, and a coastline that stretches for 100 kilometres. The beaches range from the lively (Baga, Calangute) to the near-deserted (Agonda, Palolem). The food is extraordinary: Goan fish curry, vindaloo, bebinca — a cuisine shaped by 450 years of Portuguese influence and the abundance of the Arabian Sea.
We combine wildlife and Goa into itineraries that give each its due — enough time in the parks for multiple game drives and genuine wildlife encounters, and enough time in Goa to move beyond the beach and discover the old quarter of Panjim, the spice plantations of the interior, and the Portuguese churches of Old Goa.
At a glance
Best time
October to April for wildlife parks (parks close Jun–Sep for monsoon). November to February for Goa (peak season, perfect weather).
Temperature
Wildlife parks: Oct–Feb 10–28°C; Mar–May 30–42°C. Goa: Nov–Feb 20–32°C; Mar–May 28–38°C.
Getting there
Ranthambore via Jaipur (JAI) or Sawai Madhopur station. Kaziranga via Guwahati (GAU). Goa via Dabolim (GOI) or Mopa (GOX) airports.
Highlights
What makes this region extraordinary
Tiger tracking in Ranthambore
Ranthambore's tigers are famously bold — they hunt in daylight and are often seen near the lakes and ruins. A morning game drive in an open jeep, with a skilled naturalist guide, is one of India's great wildlife experiences.
Kaziranga rhino safari
Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Elephant safaris at dawn offer the best sightings.
Old Goa's Portuguese heritage
The Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Se Cathedral, the Church of St Francis of Assisi — Old Goa's 16th-century churches are UNESCO-listed and extraordinary. The city was once larger than Lisbon.
Goa's hidden beaches
Beyond the crowded northern beaches, Goa's southern coast is quiet and beautiful. Agonda and Palolem are among the finest beaches in India — calm water, clean sand, and almost no development.
Photography
Through the lens
Bengal tiger, Indian jungle
Ranthambore jeep safari
One-horned rhino, Kaziranga
Goa beach at sunset
Old Goa Portuguese church
Panjim colourful Portuguese houses
Practical information
Everything you need to know
Getting around
Jeep safaris in national parks (booked in advance — permits are limited). Private car for Goa. Scooter hire is popular and practical for exploring the coast.
Language
Hindi in wildlife park areas; Konkani and English in Goa. English widely spoken throughout.
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR). Cards accepted in Goa hotels and restaurants; carry cash for park fees and rural areas.
Best time
October to April for wildlife parks (parks close Jun–Sep for monsoon). November to February for Goa (peak season, perfect weather).
Insider tips
- 1
Book Ranthambore safari permits well in advance — they sell out months ahead in peak season (Oct–Mar). We handle all bookings for our guests.
- 2
For the best tiger sightings, request Zone 1–5 in Ranthambore (the core zone around the lakes). Zones 6–10 are buffer zones with lower sighting rates.
- 3
In Goa, rent a scooter to explore the interior — the spice plantations, the old Portuguese villages, and the Saturday Night Market at Arpora are all worth the detour.
- 4
Goa's best seafood is not on the beach — it's in the small family restaurants of Panjim and the fishing villages of the south. Ask your guide for their personal recommendations.
Ready to explore Wildlife & Goa?
Our Wildlife & Goa tour is designed for travellers who want to experience this region properly — with a local guide, private transport, and no compromises.