Elephants live in the wild in forests across India, notably in the hills of the south, where they may often be sighted in the teak jungles and around the margins of tea estates lining the borders of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu – the so-called ‘Nilgiri Biosphere’. The current population is estimated to be somewhere between 28,000 and 32,000. Tholpetty and Muthanga in Wayanad (northern Kerala) are dependable options, while Nagarhole is in the mountains of Karnataka and Periyar in Kerala, each offering the best all-around wilderness experience in the region.

Other renowned spots for elephant sightings, with significant populations, are the jungles of Central India, in the Kumaon region of northern India, including the Corbett National Park, and the lush green forests of the eastern states of Sikkim and Assam, including Kaziranga and Manas National Parks.  If you pick your spot carefully, your chances of a sighting are excellent.

Our consultants know which reserves currently claim the highest numbers, and our naturalist guides on the ground will know how to maximize your chances. 

TransIndus Tours:

India's Wildlife: The Big Five

Wildlife and Walking in the Kumaon Hills

Southern Wildlife

Exploring the Western Ghats