At The Kanha Tiger Reserve, the local rangers say: “For every tiger that you see, five see you”. A telling comment on the stealth of this beautiful animal- the undisputed lord of the Indian jungle. A lord so majestic and fascinating that its quiet tread along a forest path is enough to inspire awe, and even terror in humans and animals alike. And the lord’s domain stretches across the length and breadth of India- extending over everything from grasslands to rain forests, and over subjects as varied as nilgai and barking deer, blackbuck and langur.

From the ferocious leopards of the terai to the flamboyant flamingos of the Rann of Kutch, from the elusive Nilgiri tahr to the rare red panda of the eastern forests- India’s jungles teem with a wildlife awesome in its utterly impressive variety. Despite onslaughts by an ever-burgeoning human population, India’s wildlife manages to survive in small pockets of comparative wilderness. These, India’s wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, are among the country’s most fascinating places. Places, where you can get to see wild animals at close quarters- sometimes too close for comfort.

So pack your bags, slap on the mosquito repellent, and get ready to meet the lord of the jungle- face to face. The experience is one which is guaranteed to stay with you long after you’re back home.