The re-opening of national parks in time for winter has seen a flurry of people embarking on wildlife safaris to see tigers, migratory birds, elephants, rhinoceros and more. The post-monsoon undergrowth gives way to winter mists that are conducive to seeing India’s national animal and other wildlife species. According to Ishana Vats, the manager for tours and product development at Nature Safari India, while people assume that the summer months are when tigers are most active, it is not entirely true. “Winter months (December–February) are extremely conducive for tiger sightings as well. The green slowly merges with hues of blue, creating a perfect backdrop for the tiger’s deep ochre coat,” she says. “The contrast one gets while photographing such frames alongside the glistening dew-ridden grasslands is phenomenal, to say the least. Additionally, in winter months, during the day, you get to see tigers walking on the road, patrolling, marking their territory and searching for their mates by loud roaring. At times, hearing a tiger roar in a jungle is more exciting than seeing one.”

　　Outlook Traveller spoke to Vats about her top tips for a winter wildlife excursion.

　　Choosing The Right Destination Is An Art

　　Be it tigers, birds, elephants, rhinoceros or leopards, knowing which national park to choose for a wildlife safari is the first step. Not all wildlife is seen year-round. “For instance, while Bandhavgarh National Park does have elephants, their sightings improve considerably in summer. Instead of lone tuskers, you get to see them in herds closer to April and May,” says Vats.

　　India is a paradise for birds in winter. Start off with trips to Bharatpur, Nainital, Pangot, the Himalayan foothills, western Gujarat and Rajasthan, and the Western Ghats for sightings of Siberian cranes, bar-headed geese, greater flamingoes, gadwalls, and blue-tailed bee-eaters, to name a few.

　　Furthermore, the amount of time you can devote to a wildlife excursion matters too. “Depending on the number of days you have, there are multiple destinations to consider,” says Vats. “If it’s about a week, then definitely Jim Corbett National Park is one option. It is a haven for wildlife of all sizes. [There are] around 530 species of birds, big mammals like tigers and elephants, [as well as] smaller ones like yellow-throated martens, sambar deer and muggers.”

　　Another destination which can be covered in a week is Dudhwa National Park. “Not many people talk about this hidden gem. It is such a brilliant and diverse landscape in the Terai belt, with tigers, elephants, rhinos, barasinga (swamp deer), gharial, and if you are lucky, even sloth bears and leopards. One even has the chance of spotting the critically endangered Bengal florican if [they are] lucky. If you have about two weeks, aim for Kaziranga National Park for its landscape, the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, the Nameri Bird Sanctuary and Dirang in the Northeast,” Vats says.

　　Book Early

　　It is best to always book early to avoid the peak holiday rush. Jungle lodges have limited inventory, and since December is one of the busiest times for wildlife safaris in India, you should book your stay, permits and transits in advance. In fact, last-minute requests to book safaris solely between the Christmas and New Year period is a common mistake that many people make.

　　“It is imperative to know that most national parks in India open permits about 90-120 days prior to the date of safari. So, once sold out, there is nothing we can do to plan your holiday,” Vats says. “Timely booking is of key importance. Additionally, winters are excellent for birding opportunities as well, due to the migratory season of most species. So, enter the jungle with an open mind rather than fixating on the tigers; you never know what you might see.”

　　Layer Up And Carry Appropriate Gear

　　Jungle winters should not be taken lightly, so carrying just one thick down jacket is not recommended. It is essential to wear multiple thin layers (topped with a thick down jacket if you’d like), double socks, dew-resistant shoes, a buff to cover your ears and mouth against the cold wind (especially during early morning and late evenings), gloves, and a woollen cap, says Vats.

　　Essentials include neutral-coloured clothing to blend into the environment, caps or hats to protect against the sun or harsh winds, dust buffs to cover the mouth and ears, a windcheater in case it rains, binoculars to spot distant wildlife (especially birds), a guide to the birds and mammals of the destination you are visiting, and sunscreen to protect against direct sunlight. Avoid strong perfumes.

　　If you’re using a camera, cover your equipment with towels or dew-resistant sheets. This is because if you stand under a tree, there is the possibility of dew drops falling on the equipment, which can damage your gear.

　　Reduce Your Water Intake Prior To A Safari

　　It is not advisable to drink a lot of water prior to a safari as the cold weather aggravates the frequency of using the restroom. While there are restrooms at designated spots inside the jungle, going to the loo often could hamper your wildlife viewing experience.

　　Don’t Skimp On Comfort

　　While the lodge you’re staying at will provide warm blankets in the safari vehicle, request them to put in extra hot water bottles to keep the blankets warm for longer, says Vats.