India is a great country to visit all year round but when it comes to seeing wildlife, there are certain places and times of the year which are better than others.
View our guide to the best places to go on safari in India where you will get to see beautiful animals like tigers and elephants in their natural habitat.
1. Periyar National Park
The Periyar National Park located in Thekkadi, Kerala is a destination that open throughout the year and is one of our top recommendation places you need to add to your India travel itineraray.
Tourism in Karela is big business, due to the incredible nature, waterfalls and wild animals. Even in the rainy season which is not the best time to see wildlife in India, you can visit the Periyar National Park and expect to see wildlife.
You can book overland safari tours or for something a little different you can also join boat trips. Animals you are likely to see in the Periyar National Park include elephants and big cats. Don't leave India before visiting this park,.
2. Ranthambore National Park
If you are going to be visiting northern India you really need to plan a trip to the Ranthambore National Park which is a vast wildlife reserve near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan.
The Ranthambore National Park is a former royal hunting ground and is also home to other animals like tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles. In the park you will also get to check out Padam Talao Lake which is known for its abundance of water lilies. The park is divided into distinct zones among which zone no.6, 7, and 8 remain open during monsoon season as well.
This national park is known as the pride of Rajasthan and it is one of the best places to see tigers in India. By visiting you will get to see why it is considered to be one of the best national parks in India as it offers excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings. The park is also home to magnificent ruins and old forts like the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, and the Ganesh Mandir temple.
Several local and international operators offer Rajasthan tours which include the Ranthambore National Park in the itinerary.
3. Jim Corbett National Park
The Jim Corbett National Park was India’s first ever national park and it ranks as one of the best. The park is divided into four zones with separate entry gates (three are closed once the monsoon season starts) but, other areas are open during monsoon season. Be aware of this before booking your trip.
A safari here will be a memorable experience where you can see amazing wildllife like nilgai, cheetal, wild boar and sambhar and the main attraction tigers. If you are a wildlife enthusiast you should also get a glimpse of wild elephants, sloth bears and also lots of species of birds.
4. Bandipur National Park
One of the most well-managed and scenic national parks in India, Bandipur is located amidst the picturesque Western Ghat Mountains in southern India. The park is located on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka in a tranquil location making it an ideal destination for a dream vacation.
This 874-sq.-km forested reserve is spectacular and one of the main attractions in the small population of wild tigers which can be seen here on a safari. Other animals you can see here include elephants, chital, sambhar, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, sloth bear, panther, porcupines and the black-knapped hare.
If you are keen to visit national parks and also spend time giving back in India you might want to check out volunteer programs in India.
5. Tadoba National Park
Found in the heart of a reserve forest, the Tadoba National Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s delight. Scenic beauty, richness of flora and fauna, and the serenity of the environment make it a perfect holiday destination.
The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra state, India. It is Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park and was created in 1995.
The area of the Reserve is 625.40 square kilometres and the Andhari River meanders through the forest helping nature to flurish. If you are lucky you can see big cats and also species of animals like panthers, sambar, hyenas and chital.
6. Dachigam National Park
The Dachigam National Park is another amazing place to add to your list of places to visit. Located around 22 kilometers from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, this national park is huge covering an area of 141 km².
The park is quite has a high alltitude ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above sea level. Due to its high elevation the park does not experience heavy rainfall and remains open during monsoon. Lots of India tours visiting this park and other areas nearby if you are looking for a structured experience.
The park is famous for being the last home to the rare Hangul or Kashmir stag. However, there are also lots of other animals you can see here including leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, Himalayan grey langur and yellow-throated marten. The Dachigam National Park is really spectacular and you won't regretting going here.
