Best Wildlife Experience In India

Jim Corbett National Park – Uttarakhand

One of the most thrilling safaris is the wildlife tour of India's Jim Corbett National Park. There are several tigers living in Jim Corbett National Park, which is a component of the greater Corbett Tiger reserve, which is located in the mountainous area of Nainital. Additionally, if you're fortunate, you might see a white tiger. One of the most well-liked wildlife vacation spots in India is here.

Things to do:?Drive around the park to catch a glimpse of the wildlife, try angling at Kosi River, visit the Corbett falls

Species to see:?Tigers, Spotted deer, Elephants, Golden jackal, sambar deer

Opening/Closing times:?Best to visit the park is from 15th November to 15th June. The Park is open from 6 am to 10 am and then from 2 pm to 6 pm. The Park charges are Rs. 200 for an Indian national and Rs. 1000 for a foreigner.

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 3800-4000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

Where to stay:?Aahana The Corbett Wilderness, The River View Retreat, The Den Corbett, Le Roi Corbett, The Roar Resort

How to get there:?Jim Corbett is around five hours drive from Delhi.

Adventure Tip:?Enter the park with a permit and celebrate a peaceful?bonfire night?amidst the wilderness.

Ranthambore National Park – Rajasthan

One of the most daring safaris is the wildlife tour of India's Ranthambore National Park. The Maharajas once used this National Park in Rajasthan as a well-known hunting area. This park, which is now a wildlife conservation area, is well known for its tiger trails and bird-watching excursions.

Things to do:?Bakula has a lot of waterholes and hence is crowded with wildlife. The Raj Bagh ruins are ancient ruined structures, domes, and arches. The Padam Talao is another lake worth visiting. The Ranthambore fort is ideally located. The view from the top is mesmerizing.

Species to see:?Tigers, leopards, Hyenas, Jackals, Jungle cats, Indian Foxes, and a wide range of birds like Pelicans, Ibis, Flamingos, Egrets, Parakeets?Opening/Closing times:?The Park is open from October to June. It is closed for the remaining months of the year. The morning trip is from 6.30 am to 10 am. And the evening trip is from 2.30 pm to 6 pm. The Charges are around Rs. 75 for an Indian national in a canter and Rs. 131 for an Indian national in a gypsy. For foreign nationals, it is Rs. 475 for a canter and Rs. 530 for a gypsy.

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 4000 to 8000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

Where to stay:?Taj Sawai, Tree House Anuraga, Tiger Den resort, the tiger villa, Tiger moon resort, Sanctuary resort, Ankur resort

How to get there:?The Park is three hours’ drive from Jaipur.

Adventure Tip:?You could soar high in the sky in a?hot air balloon?for some spectacular views of the National Park.

Gir National Park – Gujarat

Asiatic lions are the most famous inhabitants of Gujarat's Gir National Forest. The Gir Lions are widely associated with Gujarat tourism. Go directly to Gir if you want to take part in a thrilling safari and see the king of the forest up close.

Things to do:?Go for the lion safari and get up and close to the king of the jungle, also try boating amongst the many lakes in Gir

Species to see:?Asiatic Lions, Indian leopards, sloth bears, jungle cats, striped hyenas, snakes, blackbucks, crocodiles, monitor lizards

Opening/Closing times:?The Park is open from 16th October to 15th June every year. The morning timings are from 6 am to 12 pm. and then the evening timings are from 3 pm to 6 pm. The Charges are Rs. 4000 for up to 6 Indian Nationals traveling in a jeep. And Rs, 10, 000 for up to 6 foreign nationals traveling by jeep.

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 3000-8000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

Where to stay:?Gir Jungle resort, the gateway hotel, Anil farmhouse, Gir Lion’s paw resort, Hotel Umang

How to get there:?Junagadh is the closest city to Gir National Park. Junagadh has a railway station that connects it to bigger cities like Ahmedabad

Adventure Tip:?Plan a visit during the early morning to capture the best experiences of the place

Bannerghatta Biological Park – Karnataka

Just on the outskirts, south of Bangalore is the Bannerghatta Biological Park. This park includes a zoo, an elephant sanctuary, a tiger park, and a butterfly park. Who would have thought that such a wonderful nature treat lies in the middle of a bustling city?

Things to do:?Check out the Butterfly Park and go on a tiger safari, also go boating

Species to see:?Tigers, leopards, Elephants, spotted deer, barking deers, butterflies, snakes

Opening/Closing times:?The Park is closed on Tuesdays. The park opens at 9.30 am and closes at 5 pm. The entry fee for the butterfly park is Rs. 30 for adults and Rs. 20 for children. The grand safari costs Rs. 260 for adults and Rs. 130 for children.

Where to stay:?Svenska design hotels, Ibis Bengaluru Hosur road, Confido Inn and Suites, Lords Plaza Bengaluru

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 3500-10000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

How to get there:?The Park is 22 km from Bengaluru city.

Adventure Tip:?If you are visiting on weekend then reach the site before 2 pm as there are chances of tickets getting sold out.

Kaziranga National Park – Assam

This park has the largest population of one-horned rhinos in the World. This national park has achieved great success with its conservation projects.

Things to do:?Check out the tea plantations around the park Go on a safari to spot rhinos and tigers, and take in a view of the entire park from the watchtowers

Species to see:?Tigers, Rhinos, Elephants, Swamp deer, Wild Buffalo

Opening/Closing times:?The park is open daily from 1st November to 30th April i.e., for 6 (six) months. Jeep safari timings are from 7.30 am to 9.30 am and 2 pm to 3.30 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 50 for an Indian national and Rs. 500 for a foreign national

Cost of Jeep Safari:?INR 4000-8000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

Where to stay:?IORA- The retreat, Infinity, Aranya Lodge, Jupuri Ghar

How to get there:?The Park is a five hours drive from Guwahati. Guwahati is connected to most major cities by rail and road

Adventure Tip:?Explore wildlife while you?sail on the glinting waters of the river Brahmaputra.

Periyar National Park – Kerala

This park is in the hilly areas of the Cardamom Hills in Kerala. Perched among the hills, this park is a nature lover’s paradise. With its lush green slopes and landscapes, it is a visual treat.

Things to do:?The wildlife trail is highly recommended; take a boat ride on the periyar lake, Check out the wildlife sanctuary

Species to see:?Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Deer, snakes, and reptiles

Opening/Closing times:?The Park is open all days of the week from 6 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 25 for an Indian adult and Rs. 5 for an Indian child. And Rs. 300 for an adult foreigner and Rs. 105 for a foreign child.

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 3000-8000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

Where to stay:?Springdale heritage, Aranya Nivas KTDC, Spice village, the elephant Thekkady

How to get there:?Periyar National Park is a three hours drive from Kochi. Kochi is a well-connected city and has an airport as well

Adventure Tip:?For an unbeatable wildlife experience in one of the most verdant states of India, go?bamboo rafting?along the river to spectate the richness of flora & fauna.

Bandhavgarh National Park – Madhya Pradesh

This Park has a large population of tigers and langurs. The park is at the center of India and is home to the famous white tiger.

Things to do:?Go for a birding tour or a jeep safari to catch a glimpse of the best wildlife. Also once there, do not miss out on seeing the Khajuraho temples. Also, have a look at the Bandhavgarh fort.

Species to see:?Bengal tigers, Elephants, deer, primates, reptiles, and a large number of birds

Opening/Closing times:?The Park is open from the 15th of October to the 30th of June. The entry fee is Rs. 4000 for foreigners and Rs. 2000 for Indian nationals for a jeep carrying up to 6 people.

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2000-8000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

Where to stay:?Bundela Jungle Lodge, Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh, Nature heritage resort, Tiger Lagoon resort

How to get there:?It is not easy to reach Bandhavgarh as it has no airport facility. The nearest town is Jabalpur. There are taxis services that ply from Jabalpur to Umaria

Adventure Tip:?The best time to visit the park is early in the morning or after 4 pm to spot the animals.?

Hemis National Park – Ladakh

This is a high-altitude national park in eastern Ladakh. The park is home to many endangered animals like the snow leopard, the Asiatic Ibex, the red fox, Tibetan wolf. This park has pine forests, and meadows and is nothing short of a safari in heaven.

Things to do:?Take an adventure trek at Hemis

Species to see:?snow leopard, the Asiatic Ibex, the red fox, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan marmot, Blue sheep

Opening/Closing times:?The Park is open on all days. The entry fee is Rs 20 for an Indian national and Rs. 100 for a foreigner.

Cost of Jeep Safari: NA

Where to stay:?There are no hotels near Hemis national park. There are villages around the park where homestay facilities are available. The Hemis monastery also provides rooms for visitors to stay

How to get there:?The nearest railway station is Kalka in Haryana. The park is 5 km from the Leh district; the leh-manali highway can also be used to access the park

Adventure Tip:?No vehicles are allowed inside the park. Solo treks are fun, but they should be avoided at night as this national park is full of wild animals that come to prey in the dark.?

The Great Himalayan National Park – Himachal Pradesh

This park is in the snowcapped mountain regions of Kullu. With coniferous forests, sloping hills, and green landscapes, this park is the crowning glory of the Himalayan slopes.

Things to do:?Take a walk among the clouds, breathe in fresh pollution-free air, go on a trek among the forest lands and take a boat ride on the river Tirthan. Also camp under the stars

Species to see:?The snow leopard, musk deer, primates, Himalayan pit viper

Opening/Closing times:?The Park is open throughout the year. The entry fee is Rs. 50 for an Indian national and Rs. 200 for a foreign national.

Cost of Jeep Safari:?INR 4000-8000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

Where to stay:?Forest House Saipora which has a dormitory, library and also arranges biodiversity trails

How to get there:?The starting point of the park is at Kullu Valley. Kullu is connected to most major cities by road.

Adventure Tip:?If you are planning to go on a trek here then make sure that you are accompanied by at least 1 local who knows the area well.?

Tadoba National Park – Maharashtra

Tadoba is one of the largest national parks in Maharashtra. Very close to the city, Nagpur, Tadoba is most famous for its Tigers and Tadoba crocodiles.

Things to do:?Go on the tiger safari and bird-watching trails

Species to see:?The Chimur Hills and Andhari sanctuary

Opening/Closing times:?The park is open from 15th October to 30th June. The park is closed on Tuesdays and the timings are 6 am to 11 am and 3 pm to 6 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for an adult and Rs. 5 for children

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2300-6000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

Where to stay:?Svasara Jungle lodge and resorts, Tuli Tiger resort, The wildflower resort

How to get there:?The park is very close to the city Nagpur. By rail, the closest railway station is Chandrapur

Adventure Tip:?Visit the place early morning if you don’t want to miss out on the unbelievable sights of the wilds in their natural habitat.

Nanda Devi – Uttarakhand

Nanda Devi National Park is home to the Asiatic black bear. Adjoining the valley of flowers, Nanda Devi Park is a sight to behold.

Things to do:?Try and scale the Nanda Devi peak, Enjoy the views from various hilltops and peaks, and take a walk in the alpine valley

Species to see:?Asiatic black bear, blue sheep, Himalayan musk deer

Opening/Closing times:?Best time to visit the park is between April and October.

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2000-3000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

Where to stay:?There are very few accommodation options at Nanda Devi. Visitors can stay at hotels in Joshimath and Badrinath.

How to get there:?The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh. By road, the park can be accessed via Joshimath

Adventure Tip:?You can also indulge in other adventures such as trekking, hiking, mountain strolls, etc.

Khangchendzonga – Sikkim

Famous for the red panda, Tibetan antelopes, and snow leopards, this national park gets its name from the Kanchenjunga mountain in?Sikkim.

Things to do:?See the many lakes and mountain peaks besides getting a glimpse of the Red Panda

Species to see:?Musk deer, snow leopard, red panda

Opening/Closing times:?The best time to visit is between April and May. The entry fee is Rs. 200 per head for an Indian national for the first seven days and Rs. 400 per head for a foreign national for the first seven days

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2100-4800 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

Where to stay:?It is advisable to stay at hotels at Gangtok, given that very few accommodation options are available at the Park. Mayfair Spa and Resort, Suhim Portico, Orange Villa Resort

How to get there:?The park can be accessed from the city of Gangtok.

Adventure Tip:?Indian tourists need to take special permission for Inner-Line Permit from the State Home Department while foreign nationals would require a restricted area permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Panna National Park – Madhya Pradesh

Located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park covers an area of 542.7 km sq. Wildlife and nature lovers enjoy exploring the dense surroundings of the park through their guided safari tours. This is also a great place for bird watching and you can spot birds like changeable-hawk edge and the blossom-headed parakeet.

Things to do:?Visit Pandav Falls, enjoy camping at the Panna Tiger ReserveSpecies to see:?Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, sambar, nilgai

Opening/Closing times:?6 am – 10 am / 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

Where to stay:?Pashan Garh by Taj Safari or the Ken River Lodge

How to get there:?The nearest airport to the Panna National Park is the Khajuraho airport (26 km). Jhansi (176 km) is the nearest railhead and Panna is connected to Bhopal (NH86) and Chhatarpur (NH75) by road

Adventure Tip:?Book your safari well in advance if you don’t wish to miss it!

Bera – Rajasthan

Bera, a small region in Southern Rajasthan is not a national park. But over the last few years, the place has emerged as a popular leopard sighting spot. The encroachment of land due to urban development has pushed the local population and the wild animals to share the place. So the villagers started hosting safaris tours in this region, especially around the Jawai Dam in the Aravallis, where leopard sightings are common. The dam is also home to many water birds.

Especially the area near the Jawai Dam on the Aravallis,

Things to do:?Take a village safari or a jungle safari. Visit the leopard hills and the Jawai Dam

Species to see:?Leopards, flamingos, cranes, geese, hyenas, deers

Opening/ Closing times:?6 am to 6 pm

Where to stay:?Jawai Safari Camp, Jawai Sagar, Jawai Castle Resort

Cost of Jeep Safari:?INR 4500 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

How to get there:?Bera is 3 hours drive away from the Udaipur airport

Adventure Tip:?The place is the best for leopard spotting. Try to plan a visit on a sunny day for the best experience.?

Bhitarkanika National Park – Odisha

Located in the Kendarapa district of Odisha, Bhitarkanika National Park is the core area of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Covering an area of 145 km sq., this place is a dense mangrove forest with salt-tolerant trees. The marshy land and various big and small water streams provide the best habitat for crocodiles, lizards, and snakes.

Things to do:?Go boat cruising, angling, or beaching at the Pentha Sea Beach

Species to see:?giant saltwater crocodiles, water monitor lizards, cobras, and other snakes

Opening/Closing times:?7 am – 5 pm

Cost of Jeep Safari: NA

Where to stay:?National Park Swiss Tents, Sand Pebbles Bhitarkanika Jungle Resorts, Empire Paradip

How to get there:?The park is 3 hours drive away from the Bhubaneshwar airport

Adventure Tip:?Go in the creeks on a boat for sightseeing. Crocodiles, wild boars, spotted deer, and lots of birds would be visible.

Jhalana Reserve Forest – Rajasthan

The Jhalana Reserve Forest in Jaipur is one of the newest wildlife destinations in the country. Over the past few decades, this place has been home to more than 20 leopards. So in May 2017, the government finally decided to declare it as a protected reserve. Covering just 25 sq. km. area, the USP of Jhalana Reserve Forest is that the probability of spotting a leopard is high.

Things to do:?Jhalana Park Safari, bird watching, explore tourist attractions in Jaipur

Species to see:?Leopards, birds like shikra, white-eyed buzzard, peacock

Opening/Closing times:?6.45 am – 9.30 am / 3.30 pm – 6.15 pm

Where to stay:?ITC Rajputana, Red Fox Hotel

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 4500 – 6500 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

How to get there:?The Jaipur Airport in Sanganer connects the city to other major Indian cities. There are several trains that connect Jaipur to other big and small cities in India. You can also take NH8, NH11, or NH12 to reach the city by road.

Adventure Tip:?Plan a visit during the early hours to capture the true vibe of the place.

Sunderbans National Park – West Bengal

It is said that whether you spot a Tiger at Sunderbans or not, it is sure to have spotted you. Sunderbans with its marshy land, dense mangroves, and Tigers, is a naturalist’s paradise. Spread over 54 islands, it extends into neighboring Bangladesh.

Things to do:?Go on a Tiger trail, See the various watchtowers and the crocodile park

Species to see:?The Royal Bengal Tiger, Crocodiles, bull sharks, primates and snakes, dolphins

Opening/Closing times:?It is best to visit the park between September and May. The entry fee is Rs. 15 for an Indian and Rs. 150 for a foreigner. An extra charge of Rs. 300 is levied for a camera.

Where to stay:?Sunderbans Tiger camp, United 21 Resort

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2500 to 4000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

How to get there:?The Park is around 95 km from Kolkata

Adventure Tip:?This national park offers a unique experience of?cruising in the waters?& spotting the wildlife alongside.

Manas National Park – Assam

Manas National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes a Tiger reserve, elephant reserve, and a biosphere reserve in Assam. This national park is less frequented as compared to the Kaziranga National Park. Therefore it offers a richer wildlife experience. One of the most famous species is the pygmy hog.

Things to do:?Enjoy a picnic at Bogamati Picnic Spot or Chowki Picnic Spot

Species to see:?Tigers, elephant, golden langur, Assam roofed turtle, pygmy hog

Opening/Closing times:?6 am – 3 pm

Where to stay:?Bansbari Lodge, The Sikhiri Cottage, Musa Jungle Retreat

Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2500 – 4000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)

How to get there:?The nearest railhead to Manas National Park is Barpeta Road (32 km). You can also hire a cab from Guwahati (176 km).

Adventure Tip:?Capture the best of Manas National Park through an elephant safari. Don’t forget to visit tea plantations on your visit.?