This article focuses on exploring Best Wildlife Safari Trip Destinations in India. After all, nothing is quite as thrilling as witnessing the sublime Punjabi tigers at Ranthabore or Bandhavgarh, the rare one-horned rhinoceros at Kaziranga, or the Asiatic lions at Gir.
- Key Points & Best Wildlife Safari Trip Destinations In India
- 10 Best Wildlife Safari Trip Destinations In India
- 1. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
- 2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
- 3. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- 4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- 5. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- 6. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
- 7. Gir National Park, Gujarat
- 8. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
- 9. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- 10. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
- Conclsuion
- FAQ
With its assorted landforms and diverse ecosystems, India is home to a variety of wildlife.
The listed wildlife safari trip destinations in India will leave you with an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Key Points & Best Wildlife Safari Trip Destinations In India
| Wildlife Safari Destination | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan | Famous for Bengal tigers, ancient Ranthambore Fort, and dry deciduous forest. |
| Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand | India’s oldest national park; known for tigers, elephants, and birdwatching. |
| Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh | Inspiration for “The Jungle Book”; home to tigers, barasingha, and leopards. |
| Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh | High tiger density; also features leopards and ancient ruins. |
| Kaziranga National Park, Assam | UNESCO World Heritage Site; famous for one-horned rhinoceroses and swamp deer. |
| Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal | Largest mangrove forest; home to Royal Bengal tigers and saltwater crocodiles. |
| Gir National Park, Gujarat | The only place in the world to see Asiatic lions in the wild. |
| Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala | Scenic boat safaris; known for elephants and rich flora in the Western Ghats. |
| Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh | Another “Jungle Book” setting; tigers, leopards, and wild dogs abound. |
| Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra | One of India’s best tiger reserves with frequent sightings and diverse fauna |
10 Best Wildlife Safari Trip Destinations In India
1. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park, located in Rajasthan, is one of the most celebrated wildlife safaris, and tiger reserves, in India.
Positioned across 392 square kilometers, the park houses tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and marsh crocodiles.
The varied terrain of the park is highlighted by the Ranthambore Fort, and includes dense forests and lakes, adding a unique historical element to the safari.
Tigers can be spotted in their natural habitat as safaris are conducted in open jeeps. The best time to visit is from October to June as wildlife sightings are most frequent in these months.
| Famous For | Key Wildlife | Unique Attractions | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger spotting in natural habitat | Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles | Ranthambore Fort, scenic lakes, jeep safaris | October – June |
2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park is celebrated as first National Park in India, and it is wildlife paradise. Established in the year 1936, Corbett National Park is in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India.
It covers over 520 square Kilometers of forests, rivers, and lucrative grasslands. It is particularly famous for Bengal tigrealso, it is home to elephants, leopards, and over 600 species of birds.
Wildlife enthusiasts enjoy the jeep and elephant safaris. Corbett Park is divided into various zones and each of them offer varied experiences.
These include Dhikala and Bijrani. The park is open between November to June as this is when the wildlife is most active and closest to the water bodies.
| Famous For | Key Wildlife | Unique Attractions | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| India’s first national park | Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, 600+ bird species | Dhikala and Bijrani zones, jeep & elephant safaris | November – June |
3. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park is famous for inspiring Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. It is situated in Madhya Pradesh and spreads over 940+ square kilometers.
It has a rich variety of plants and animals, including tigers, leopards, swamp deer, and wild dogs. The park’s bamboo thickets and rivers are perfect for wildlife.
The park’s well kept eco-resorts and trails enhance the experience. There are bird watching opportunities as well, including climbed paradise and crested serpent eagles.
The park’s rich wildlife and pleasant weather makes it an ideal place for a visit between the months of October and June.
| Famous For | Key Wildlife | Unique Attractions | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspiration for The Jungle Book | Tigers, leopards, swamp deer, wild dogs | Bamboo forests, rivers, eco-friendly resorts, birdwatching | October – June |
4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Situated in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is known for having one of the highest densities of tigers in the entire country.
It covers 448 square km and includes ancient caves, a historic fort, and dense forests. The diverse wildlife in the park also includes leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, and more than 250 species of birds.
Most safaris take place in open jeeps, giving you the opportunity to see tigers in their natural habitat.
The park is divided into several zones, including Tala and Magadhi, which provide different experiences.
The best time to visit is between October and June for great wildlife visibility and pleasant weather.
| Famous For | Key Wildlife | Unique Attractions | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest tiger density in India | Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles | Historic Bandhavgarh Fort, Tala and Magadhi safari zones | October – June |
5. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Located in Assam, Kaziranga National Park spans a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses.
The park is made up of 430 square kilometer of grasslands, wetlands, and forests. It also takes cares elephants, swamp deer, tigers, and wild water buffalo.
People examine the park’s rich biodiversity on safaris taken either by jeep or by stationed elephants.
kazanrhino It is also a good destination for birdwatchers because they can see migratory birds which include pelicans and storks.
Park is also split into 4 distinct ranges that are different from one another when it comes to the animals and wildlife to see.
The best time to find animals is between November and April. The weather will also be pleasant for travelling.
| Famous For | Key Wildlife | Unique Attractions | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-horned rhinoceros population | One-horned rhinos, elephants, swamp deer, tigers, wild water buffalo | Jeep & elephant safaris, four main ranges, birdwatching | November – April |
6. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Largest in the Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal, part of the 1,330 kilometer mangrove forest.
Spread across the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is famous for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger along with saltwater crocodiles, fishing cats, estuarine species and mangroves.
Dense and unique tidal waterways, muddy flats and diverse ecosytems make for particularly thick and exciting safaris.
The boat safaris become particularly thrilling when the tigers are swimming in and out of the channels of water, apt to be crossed and hunted. Birdwatchers are able to spot both the migratory and resident varieties.
Stay, particularly the most rewarding, is advised for the months of November to February when the weather is dry and cool.
| Famous For | Key Wildlife | Unique Attractions | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largest mangrove forest & Royal Bengal Tigers | Royal Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodiles, fishing cats | Boat safaris, tidal waterways, UNESCO World Heritage Site | November – February |
7. Gir National Park, Gujarat
Gir National Park is the only place in the world where you will find the Asiatic lion in its natural habitat. It is also the only national park in Gujarat.
It spreads over an area of 1,412 square kilometers. This area includes dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and wetlands
In addition to lions, the park includes leopards, hyenas, jackals, and a variety of birds. Summer is the best season to encounter the lions in their natural habitat during the park’s open jeep safaris, especially near the waterges.
In addition to the safaris and other drunk wildlife, the park is also involved in conservation initiatives for wildlife and research.
For the best experience, wildlife encounters and comfortable weather, visit during the December to March window.
| Famous For | Key Wildlife | Unique Attractions | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asiatic lions in the wild | Asiatic lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals | Safari near waterholes, wildlife conservation and research | December – March |
8. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Spread over an area of 925 sq. km. of evergreen forests, grasslands, and lakes, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve) has elephants, tigers, leopards, and gaur.
The Wildlife Sanctuary has a unique feature of Periyar Lake where boat safaris permit access to see the animals at the lakeside.
There are also trekking and guided eco walking trails that let one experience the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
To the delight of birdwatchers, the sanctuary is home to the Malbar hornbill and kingfisher. The ideal time to visit is between October and May.
The sanctuary has a pleasant green landscape in the monsoon, but heavy rain makes trekking difficult.
| Famous For | Key Wildlife | Unique Attractions | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Periyar Lake & elephants | Elephants, tigers, leopards, gaur | Boat safaris on Periyar Lake, trekking trails, birdwatching | October – May |
9. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Located in the Satpura hill ranges, Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh is the inspiration of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
Spanning 292 square kilometers, Pench is home to tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and multiple species of deer.
The park undulating hills, rivers, and dense forests provide diverse and picturesque landscapes for the safari experience.
The park also offers jeep safaris and guided walks to the various habitats wherein visitors can enjoy the scenery and partake in birdwatching.
Eco-friendly lodges are available Pench for people looking to stay close the nature. The best time to visit to maximise your chances of seeing tigers and other wildlife is between November to June, when the wildlife are more actively visible.
| Famous For | Key Wildlife | Unique Attractions | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspiration for The Jungle Book | Tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears | Scenic hills, rivers, guided safaris, eco-lodges | November – June |
10. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of the oldest tiger reserves in Maharashtra, and one of the most well-managed in India.
Covering an area of 1,727 square kilometers, the varied topography with dense forests, wetlands, and grasslands, creates ideal habitats for a healthy population of tigers.
In addition to tigers, the reserve has leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and marsh crocodiles.
They provide jeep safaris to see the wildlife, which is particularly exciting during the summer months at the waterholes.
The park is divided into several zones, which provide varied each experiences for each nature lover and photographer.
The ideal period to come is between October and June, when the frequency of animal sightings is higher, and the weather allows for perfect safaris.
| Famous For | Key Wildlife | Unique Attractions | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well-managed tiger reserve & frequent tiger sightings | Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, marsh crocodiles | Multiple safari zones, jeep safaris near waterholes | October – June |
Conclsuion
In conclusion, India has wonderful wildlife safari locations to offer, be it Madhya Pradesh’s dense forests
Assam’s grasslands, or even Sundarbans’ mangroves. Every park has different experiences to offer, memorable animals
like tigers, rhinos, and lions, and breathtaking natural beauty. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will have a great time on the adventure of exploring these reserves.
FAQ
Which is the best park to see tigers in India?
Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, and Jim Corbett are top choices for tiger sightings.
Where can I spot Asiatic lions?
Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only wild home of Asiatic lions.
Which park is famous for one-horned rhinoceros?
Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
What is the best time for wildlife safaris in India?
October to June is ideal for most parks; Sundarbans and Kaziranga are best November to February.
Can I do boat safaris in India?
Yes, in Periyar Lake and Sundarbans National Park.