Have some close encounters within the wilds! Indian heritage is enriched with a magnificent range of wildlife. Visit Gir, the only habitat of Asiatic Lions but do not forget to take a look at the lesser known wildlife and avifauna of this sanctuary too. There's Kaziranga, abode of the Great One Horned Rhino.

Jim Corbett, Manas, the Great Himalayan National Park and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary are some other wildlife sanctuaries, which are on a mission to save the most exquisite and endangered species of India. India's flora is also among the richest in the world. Evergreen forest in the northeast and along the Western Ghats, moist and dry Deciduous forests, swampy marshes, estuaries and lagoons shelter unique forms of plant and animal life.

Wildlife is not just about animals, but birds too. Usually when people visit the wildlife sanctuaries, they miss out the avifauna of that wild hub, because the major scene stealers of any wildlife are predators like Tigers and Leopards. Still, if you ever get a chance to visit the bird sanctuaries of India, make sure to pay more attention on bird watching and you'll know why this sport is catching up as the best wildlife leisure activity in India.

Check out some of the popular bird sanctuaries in India such as Bharatpur or Keoladeo Ghana National Park that is blessed with some of the most exquisite avifauna and a delightful sight for any bird watcher. Some of the major residents of Bharatpur sanctuary include 375 species of birds, numerous mammals and reptiles. Corbett National park is another bird hideout, especially when it comes to the avian treasures of the Himalayan region. A boat cruise from Boothathenkeru to Thattekad is an unforgettable birding experience through the evergreen forests nesting migratory and indigenous birds.