7 Best Wildlife safaris in India
India is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. With its forests, grasslands, mangroves, and hills, it has some of the most enthralling animals on the planet right on its doorstep. From tigers and lions to rhinos, elephants and leopards, as well as hundreds of birds, thousands of tourists flock to India every year.
A safari in India is not only about encountering animals, but experiencing the sensations of being close to nature too. If you are planning to embark on a wildlife trip in 2025, take a look at the following seven safari locations to consider.
Wildlife safaris in india
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
The oldest national park in India, Jim Corbett was established in 1936. Located in Uttarakhand, it is well known for its Bengal tigers. The park has scenic landscape encompassing hills, rivers, marshes and grassland, making it an exciting location for adventure sports and photography.
In addition to tigers, Jim Corbett has elephants, leopards, gharials, wild boars and has 600+ species of birds. The jeep and canter safaris take you deep into the forest for a close encounter with wildlife.
• Best time to visit: Nov to Feb, as you will have the cooler weather, and higher chances of spotting a tiger.
2. Ranthambore National Park is in Rajasthan
Ranthambore is one of the best tiger parks in India. It is popular with tourists, making it one of the foremost parks for tiger sightings. The Ranthambore Fort is also inside the park, so you have the historical aspect of shooting images against the fort’s ruins.
In addition to tigers, the park is home to leopards, marsh crocodiles, jackals, sloth bear, and various breeding species of birds. Tourists frequently take pictures of tigers resting beside the fort or water bodies.
• Best time of year to visit: October to March, when the weather allows comfortable jeep safaris.
3. Kaziranga National Park is in Assam
Kaziranga in Assam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is world famous for the one-horned rhinoceros. The park is a combination of marshlands, tall elephant grass, and dense forest. Besides rhinos, visitors can also expect to see wild water buffalo, swamp deer, elephants, and tigers. Kaziranga is a bird watcher paradise, with many migratory birds visiting the park.
Visitors can choose between jeep safaris or elephant safaris, which add an element of excitement, you’re on the elephants back!
• Best time of year to visit: November to April, when the weather is dry and the sightings are numerous.
4. Gir National Park is in Gujarat
Gir in Gujarat is the only natural home of Asiatic Lion; making it a very unique safari destination. Gir also hosts leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, many types of reptiles and birds; located in a dry deciduous forest the safari is full of life and atmosphere.
The main draw of a Gir safari is lions in the wild. Tourists are able to take a jeep safari driving into the forest to encounter lions roaming free.
• Best time to visit: December to March, weather is comfortable and lions are active.
5. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh is noted for one of the highest densities of tigers in India, making it a most likely outcome of tiger spotting, compared to other parks.
The landscape of Bandhavgarh is a mixture of grasslands, forests and hills, giving it beauty and thrill. It hosts leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, many types of deer and ancient caves and ruins; giving the safari both wildlife and culture.
• Best time to visit: October to March for a comfortable climate and more action from wildlife.
6. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Periyar in Kerala provides a distinctly different safari experience to the parks in the northern part of the country. Periyar rests in the Western Ghats and is known all over the world for the elephant population. The boat safari on Periyar Lake is the best part of Periyars safari experience as many tourists will see herds of elephant and various other animals roaming the banks.
In addition to elephants, you may see wild boars, gaur or bison, and a plethora of birds in Periyar. The area is rich with tropical greenery, tranquil waters, and an overall pleasant climate makes it a great destination for nature lovers or families.
• Best time to visit: October to February when the weather is cooler and you are guaranteed a greater chance of seeing animals along the banks of the lovely lake.
7. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
The Sundarbans covering India and Bangladesh, is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger which has adapted to swimming and surviving in mangrove.
Safaris in the Sundarbans are different than other parks as the safari is on a boat not by foot! Besides tigers you may also see saltwater crocodiles, fishing cats, spotted deer, and a wide variety of birds. The labyrinth of rivers and creeks adds closure to the mystery and adventure.
• Best Season to go: November to February when the weather is ideal for boat rides.
Best Time for India Safaris
Overall, as a rule of thumb, ideal wildlife safari times in India are from October to March. This is when the weather is beautiful, and animals are more active. Summer can also be good for tiger sightings because animals go to waterholes, but the temperatures can be uncomfortable for guests. Most national parks will be closed during the monsoon season, July through September.
Some Suggestions for a Good Safari
1. Always book your safari permits as far in advance as you can. especially for popular national parks like Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh.
2. Wear clothes in neutral colours (green, beige, or brown) that help you blend into the surroundings.
3. Be sure to bring essentials; binoculars, a camera; sunscreen; hat; etc4. Stay on the right side of the park rules and avoid disturbing animals.
5. Follow the flow; wildlife sightings are highly dependant on luck and timing, so being patient and quiet is key..
Conclusion
There is nowhere else in the world that can offer you wildlife safari experiences quite like India can! Whether it is tigers in Bandhavgarh, lions in Gir, rhinos in Kaziranga, elephants in Periyar, each park will be uniquely different from the next. A safari is not just about seeing wild animals but also about enjoying the peace of nature, the thrill of adventure, and the chance to learn more about our environment.
If you are planning a trip in 2025, choose one of these safari destinations and experience the magic of India’s wildlife. It will surely be one of the most memorable journeys of your life.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best safari park in India for tigers?
Bandhavgarh and Ranthambore are among the best parks for tiger sightings due to their high tiger population.
Where can I see lions in India?
Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in the world where Asiatic lions live in the wild.
Do I need to book safari tickets in advance?
Yes, it is highly recommended to book permits in advance, especially for popular parks like Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, and Corbett.
Which safari is unique in India?
The boat safari in Sundarbans and Periyar is unique, as you explore the forest and wildlife through rivers and lakes instead of jeeps.
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