The tiger is one of the fastest mammals on earth. An extremely adaptable species, it can survive in incredibly diverse habitats from grasslands to swampland to conifer forest. Although the tiger is only found in a few Asian countries, its popularity is evidenced the world over, having made myriad appearances in popular culture: A Royal Bengal tiger floated from India to Mexico in Yann Martel’s Man Booker Prize-winning Life of Pi; tigers feature prominently in Hollywood flicks like Two Brothers and Aladdin; and Detroit’s Major League Baseball team bears the name of the great, striped king of cats.

It’s no wonder, then, that the tiger is India’s national animal. The country lays claim to the fastest growing democracy in the world, its financial system grows at break-neck speed as the rest of the world’s slows, and as its economy grows, so too does its influence — its culture has increasingly penetrated developed nations across the globe. So while it’s easy to get a taste of India at the movies or in your local Indian neighbourhood, like Toronto’s India Bazaar or the Punjabi Market in Vancouver, there’s no substitute for the authentic experience of incredible India itself.

THE WILD SIDE
When you do go to India, seeing the majestic tiger in its natural habitat is an excellent way to start. India offers two dozen tiger reserves for tourists to choose from across the country, including Parambikulam in the southern state of Kerala, and Dudhwa in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The best-known tiger reserve, however, is found in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. At Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in the scenic Vindhya Hills, you can spot leopards, cheetahs and a host of other exotic fauna, capped off by the Royal Bengals.

Nature lovers of all stripes are spoiled for choice in India. Home to more than 70 national parks and over 400 wildlife reserves, the country is classified as “Megadiverse” by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (a branch of the United Nations Environment Programme) — a distinction bestowed on only 18 countries worldwide — meaning it’s among the nations containing the majority of the world’s species, and is therefore incredibly biodiverse. India’s sanctuaries are also places where some of the earth’s endangered and threatened species, such as the Asiatic elephant, the Siberian crane and the snow leopard, reside.

Crown Jewels
The subcontinent has always been known for its world-famous tourist sites. Here are six only-in-India destinations for the wide-eyed traveller who’s seen it all.

The Ultimate Valentine Constructed in the name of love, an extraordinary example of Mughal architecture (a mix of Islamic, Persian and Indian styles), built in the 17th century, gleaming white marble domes… need we say more? One could explore the Taj Mahal complex, its garden and the outlying buildings for days.

Tea Time The mountain retreat of Darjeeling is a cool, temperate hill station with tea plantations dating back to the mid 1800s. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway that runs from Siliguri to Darjeeling (both in the state of West Bengal) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sacred City Hindus flock to Varanasi, located on the west bank of the Ganges, believing that bathing in the river cleanses one’s sins. This holy city (it’s a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and Jains as well) has a gorgeous old quarter on the banks of the river — a capricious maze of temples and shops that lead down to the city’s near-100 ghats (steps going down into the water).

Go, go, Goa! The west-coast state of Goa is extremely popular with tourists due to its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

French Twist Puducherry (or Pondicherry) is a former French colony in the southeast that maintains its European flair. “The French Riviera of the East” features quaint colonial architecture and sandy, uncrowded beaches.

Urban Frenzy For a turbulent mishmash of modern metropolis and classic Indian culture, Mumbai, India’s largest city, is the place to be. Suburbs included, almost 20 million people live in this entertainment, commercial and financial hub. Don’t miss a chance to experience Bollywood up close and personal, or check out Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) — stunning headquarters for India’s Central Railway.