Hello John.

The majority of the animals you want to see, barring the Indian rhino, can be found in South India. The rhino can be seen in the Kaziranga national park (Google should bring something up).

I would have heartily recommended Lynx's place but with the tigers being wiped out of Sariska and Ranthambore proving to be a disappointment in recent times, your time would be better served in South India. However, if you find yourself in the Delhi area, Lynx's place would still be worth the trip.

Since it would be your first trip to South India, I would recommend you book with www.junglelodges.com/index.asp and make it a point of staying at the Kabini River Lodge. This was the hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mysore. Please note that tiger and leopard sightings are a lottery. A three or four day visit should be sufficient. There are observation towers near salt licks where one can sit up at night for infra red photography, etc., however, special permission needs to be taken for this.

Since you are in this region, how about a spot of Mahseer fishing? I have applied for membership of WASI (Wildlife Association of South India) and hope to get it soon. WASI has a large enough stretch of water for Mahseer and I would be happy to have you as my guest - provided I haven't gone up north to Lynx's place.

One place you are almost guaranteed tiger sightings is Kanha Naional Park in Central India. From what Lynx tells me, some of the blighters have got so used to tourists, they almost pose for photographs.

Study the website given above and we will take it from there.

Regards.

Rustam