Indian star tortoise females are larger than the males growing 10-12 inches and 6-8 inches long, respectively. Adding their large shells, they weigh 3-14 pounds.

The Indian star tortoise’s beautifully designed shell breaks up the outline of the tortoise providing good camouflage. Its convex-shaped shell also allows them to easily flip back over if turned on its back.

Indian star tortoises have mostly tan skin on their head, limbs, and tail but may also be marked with dark spots. Their thick legs are covered in tubercles, which are scale-like perturbances. The tubercles form some degree of protection, but the Indian star tortoise’s limbs and head are small enough to pull inside its shell in case of predators.

The Indian star tortoise is a medium-sized tortoise found in India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. They prefer dry and arid places such as grasslands, scrublands, deciduous forests, etc. However, these tortoises are also able to withstand habitats with seasonally wet and dry swings.

The Indian star tortoise is diurnal and mostly active in the morning and late afternoon. They are traditionally herbivores eating leaves, berries, flowers, and fruit; however, in cases of scarce food, they can be seen eating carrion. During abnormal hot or cold stints, they will become inactive and not eat for long periods.

Mating season for Indian star tortoises is at the beginning of the rainy season. Even though males and females will both have multiple mating partners, males will still compete for females by trying to tip other males onto their backs. Two to three months after mating, females will dig a nest with her hind feet, lay 7-10 eggs, flatten the soil with the under part of her shell, and then leave the babies to their own devices.

Indian star tortoises are usually solitary creatures but have been seen in the same area with tortoises of the same gender.

Natural predators include snakes and birds of prey.