6 incredible animals that are found only in India, and where tourists can see them

India is among the countries in the world that boast some of the highest levels of biodiversity. India's varied topography includes mountainous regions like the Himalayas, rainforests, deserts, mangrove forests, and tropical islands. This wide range of natural environments has made it possible for unique species to evolve over thousands, or even millions, of years in the country.
There are many unique animal species in India that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. They have stayed in forests, mountain regions, and islands that are far away from civilization. From a purple frog that spends most of its life underground to a deer that survives on floating wetlands, India’s endemic wildlife is as unusual as it is fascinating.

One of the rarest and most beautiful monkeys in India, the lion-tailed macaque is easily recognizable by its silver white mane encircling a black face. Also known as a lion-tailed macaque due to the lion-like tuft on its tail, this primate is one of the most elusive species, spending its life high up in the rainforest canopy. Furthermore, it is one of the oldest species of monkeys and is recognized as an important symbol of the delicate ecosystems of the rainforests of South India. Destruction and fragmentation of the habitat of this species make it endangered.
Where to see: Western Ghats, especially in protected forests in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

A mountain goat, the Nilgiri tahr inhabits the grasslands of South India at high altitudes. It is distinguished by its exceptional climbing skills, and it effortlessly climbs steep rocky mountainsides. Hunted excessively during the colonial era, this species is currently protected and is one of the flagship species of the Western Ghats. Herds of tahr may be observed grazing in front of picturesque mist-shrouded mountain peaks.
Where to spot: Eravikulam National Park and the Nilgiri Hills.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/GNU Free Documentation License
One of India's most bizarre looking animals, the purple frog has an appearance that seems like an alien creature with its bulbous body, small eyes, and sharp nose. Purple frogs have been known scientifically since 2003 and are regarded as among the most exciting discoveries about Indian wildlife. What makes the frog special is that it lives mostly underground and comes out for breeding during the rainy season.
Where to see: Rainforest areas in the Western Ghats during the monsoon

The Hangul is another name for the Kashmir stag, which is the only remaining red deer species in India. With its impressive branched antlers and deep brown fur, the deer used to roam freely in the Kashmir Valley. Currently, Hangul populations can be found only in protected forest areas.
Where to spot: Dachigam National Park.

Also referred to as the “dancing deer” of Manipur, the Sangai is one of the most unique animals found in India. The deer is known for its elegant movement on top of floating biomass known as phumdis, large clusters of plants that float in water. The graceful movement of the Sangai appears to be like dancing, hence the name given to it. The deer holds a special place in the culture of Manipur and is regarded as a symbol of natural heritage of the state.
Where to spot: Keibul Lamjao National Park – the only floating national park in the world.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons CC 4.0/Dr jishnu
This rare bird can be found only in the Nicobar Islands. Unlike other birds, the Nicobar Megapode does not incubate eggs using its body heat. Instead, it constructs massive nesting mounds made up of sand, leaves, and decaying vegetation.
Where to spot: Nicobar Islands.