Lesser Cats of India

Elusive, Nocturnal, And Wonderfully Wild

India is home to an incredible diversity of wild cats—13 species in total, many of which are small, elusive, and rarely seen. While big cats steal the spotlight, lesser-known species like the Fishing Cat, Rusty-Spotted Cat, Leopard Cat and Eurasian Lynx are equally fascinating. Their habitats range from swampy wetlands, dense forests to rocky outcrops and alpine meadows. Our focused expeditions take you to places like Namdapha, Dudhwa, Sundarbans, Satpura, Bera, and Ladakh. For other species, we can customize a trip based on your requirement.

At A Glance
Nearest Airports
Dhangarhi (Dudhwa), Kolkata (Sundarbans), Udaipur (Bera), Bhopal (Satpura), Leh (Ladakh)
Best Time
October–April (Fishing & Rusty-Spotted), May–September (Lynx)
Habitats
Wetlands, Dry Deciduous Forest, Rocky Scrub, Alpine Desert
Min Recommended Stay
04–06 Days
Main Destinations
Dudhwa/Sundarbans (Fishing Cat), Bera/Satpura (Rusty-Spotted Cat), Ladakh (Lynx)

In addition to the above, India is also home to: Jungle Cat, Desert Cat, Caracal, Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat, and Asian Golden Cat—each found in different eco-regions. We offer tailor-made tracking routes for serious enthusiasts

Places to Go:

1
Dudhwa / Sundarbans – Fishing Cat (~100 m; swamp & riverine forest): Elusive wetland hunter—best tracked near reedbeds, water channels, and village fish ponds during night patrols or with camera traps. . 
2
Bera / Satpura – Rusty-Spotted Cat (~300–1,000 m; rocky scrub & dry forest): World’s smallest wild cat—occasionally seen on rocky outcrops, near cave systems, or crossing trails after dusk.. 
3
Ladakh (Changthang & Hanle region) – Eurasian Lynx (~3,800–4,500 m; alpine scrub & steppe): One of India’s rarest cats; summer expeditions offer the best chance with trained local trackers in remote valleys. . 

Suggested Itineraries

Wildlife, History, Exploration Privately Guided

Explore Ladakh

12 nights, 13 days

Drive up to Khardung La Pass

Visit ancient monasteries in Leh

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Safari, Wildlife, Culture, Exploration Privately Guided

Sundarbans

3 nights, 4 days

Boat cruises through tidal mangrove creeks

Search for Bengal tigers and estuarine crocodiles

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Special Interest, Wildlife, Exploration Privately Guided

A Journey into India’s Small Wild Cats

11 nights, 12 days

Traverse wetlands, dry deciduous forests, rocky scrub, and alpine deserts in search of species adapted to each unique habitat

Track Fishing Cats in Dudhwa or the Sundarbans; Rusty-spotted Cats in Bera or Satpura; Eurasian Lynx in Ladakh’s alpine valleys.

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