India is the only place in the world where four of the largest cats are to be found, and boasts of both the Lion and the Tiger. Although the country is steeped in Tiger lore, the Lion was the national animal until 1972, when it was dethroned by the Tiger; nevertheless, it still graces our national emblem, 'the four Lions of Ashoka'. India also has on offer a staggering assortment of flora supporting an equally astounding variety of fauna, including 1200 species of birds, 350 species of mammals and over 400 species of reptiles.