India, a land of vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes, also stands as an extraordinary wildlife destination. With its 104 national parks and 545 wildlife sanctuaries, India is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Beyond its bustling cities and ancient temples lies an astonishing world of natural beauty and wildlife diversity. From the soaring Himalayas in the north to the tropical forests in the south, and the pristine coastal sanctuaries along its vast shoreline, this country is a tapestry of unique ecosystems that nurture an incredible array of species.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park is one of the oldest tiger reserves in India and has become synonymous with the iconic big cats. It's a place where these majestic creatures roam freely through lush green forests, open grasslands, and along the meandering Ramganga River. The best time to visit is from November to June.
It's not just about tigers though. Leopards, elephants, sloth bears, deer, and over 600 species of birds call the park home. The park has eight entry gates, each associated with their own tourism zone. To visit, you can join an organized jeep safari, a canter safari, or choose guided nature walks. Canters are open buses that seat up to 20 people and can be very noisy and intrusive. We recommend avoiding these if you can.
The park used to provide elephant safaris, which are still widely included in their promotional materials. Thankfully, however, elephants riding has been banned in the state and is no longer offered.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for being the home to two-thirds of the remaining population of one-horned rhinoceros. These magnificent creatures, along with wild water buffaloes, tigers, elephants, and a dazzling array of bird species, make this park a wildlife lover's dream.
There are four safari zones in the park, so leave enough time to see them all for a comprehensive experience. To explore Kaziranga, you can book a guided jeep safari, which is the most popular way to encounter its residents. Grab a morning time slot to increase your chances of seeing gibbons, which are harder to spot in the afternoon. You can also take a boat tour to see the Gangetic river dolphins and wildlife who come down to the shore for a drink. The best time to visit is from November to April, with February to March offering the best wildlife sightings.
Elephant safaris are, unfortunately, available at this park. Remember that no matter what you are told by park officials or tour guides, training an elephant to give rides includes extreme abuse and ongoing suffering. Explore the park by jeep or boat instead.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park offers a dramatic landscape, with dry deciduous forests, imposing cliffs, serene lakes, and the ancient Ranthambore Fort looming in the background. The ideal time to visit is from October to June, with the months of October to March being the prime wildlife viewing season.
The royal Bengal tiger is the star attraction here, and the park is known for its conservation efforts to protect this endangered species. Alongside tigers, you may come across leopards, sloth bears, and various species of deer and birds.
The park offers organized jeep and canter safaris for tourists. We recommend booking in advance in order to secure a spot in one of the jeeps.
Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, West Bengal
The unique ecosystem of the Sundarbans is characterized by tangled mangrove forests, tidal waterways, and expansive mudflats leading to the Bay of Bengal. It straddles the border between India and Bangladesh and has the distinction of being the largest mangrove forest in the world.
The Sundarbans are famous for their population of Bengal tigers, specially adapted to their watery environment. A boat ride through the mangroves may reward you with glimpses of these majestic creatures. The area is also home to saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, and a myriad of bird species, including the elusive Bengal Florican.
To explore the Sundarbans, organized boat tours are the way to go. The best time to visit is from September to March, with winter offering the most pleasant conditions.
Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Periyar Tiger Reserve is a mosaic of dense evergreen forests, hilly terrain, and the picturesque Periyar Lake. The park is open year-round, with the best wildlife viewing season from October to April.
Periyar is home to tigers, wild elephants, and gaurs. Sightings, however, are less common here than at other parks.
Boat safaris on Periyar Lake are the most popular way to explore the park. Motorized ferries and bamboo rafts depart throughout the day. You can also opt for a guided hike, including multi-day treks and night walks. There’s no independent exploration though; all hikes must be accompanied by a guide.
Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks, Karnataka
Nestled in the southern state of Karnataka, Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park form an extensive wilderness area rich in biodiversity. These parks are interconnected, providing a seamless corridor for both wildlife and exploration, with Bandipur being the ideal entry point. The best time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are at their peak.
Bandipur and Nagarhole are known for their thriving populations of elephants, gaur, and elusive tigers. You can spot leopards, Indian wild dogs, sloth bears, and golden jackals. To explore, you can opt for organized jeep safaris, which offer a closer look at the wildlife in their natural habitat.
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha is India’s largest national park and the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book." Here, lush sal and bamboo forests, meadows, and the meandering Banjar River create a picturesque setting. The park has active conservation programs not just for tigers, but also for the barasingha swamp deer.
Currently, there are around 100 Bengal tigers who call the park home, along with a similar number of leopards. You also might see Indian bison, langurs, Indian wild dogs, or some of the 200 species of birds.
The best time to visit is from October to June, with peak wildlife viewing from February to June. Organized jeep safaris are a popular choice for exploring the park and take place in open vehicles, usually with six people, plus a driver and naturalist guide.
Gir National Park, Gujarat
Home of the Asiatic lion, Gir is not just a sanctuary but also a symbol of successful conservation efforts to protect a critically endangered species. But while the lions are the stars, Gir is also home to a variety of other fauna, including leopards, sloth bears, Indian antelopes (chinkara), and a variety of bird species.
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from December to March when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are at their prime.
Note that there are two choices for safari: Gir and Devalia. The latter is a fenced off safari park just over 4 sq km in size. This is not a truly wild experience and we highly recommend that you avoid it, ensuring that you are booking within Gir itself, where you can explore via jeep safaris and guided nature walks.
No matter which park you choose to visit, remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and the headlining animals are not the only ones worth seeing. Enjoy the experience of exploring the area and enjoy every animal encounter you are lucky enough to have. For tips on how to responsibly enjoy wildlife, check out this blog.