Best Time to Visit: October to March
Wildlife Highlights: Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, king cobras, Gangetic dolphins
Ticket Price: INR 1,000 for foreigners, INR 200 for Indians (boat safari)
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The Sundarbans’ mangrove forests are home to the elusive Royal Bengal tigers. Boat safaris through the intricate waterways provide an unforgettable experience.

5. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Best Time to Visit: October to June
Wildlife Highlights: Elephants, tigers, leopards, Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrels
Ticket Price: INR 2,250 for foreigners, INR 1,500 for Indians (boat safari)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats is famous for its elephant herds. Boat cruises on Periyar Lake offer a unique perspective on the park’s wildlife.

6. Gir National Park, Gujarat

Best Time to Visit: December to April
Wildlife Highlights: Asiatic lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, antelopes
Ticket Price: INR 4,800 for foreigners, INR 2,000 for Indians (jeep safari)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Gir National Park is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion. Jeep safaris provide the best chance to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

7. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Best Time to Visit: October to June
Wildlife Highlights: Bengal tigers, leopards, deer, langurs, wild boar
Ticket Price: INR 4,300 for foreigners, INR 2,200 for Indians (jeep safari)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Bandhavgarh National Park boasts one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers. The park’s historical ruins add a cultural touch to the wildlife experience.

8. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Best Time to Visit: October to June
Wildlife Highlights: Bengal tigers, barasingha (swamp deer), leopards, wild dogs
Ticket Price: INR 4,500 for foreigners, INR 2,300 for Indians (jeep safari)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Kanha National Park inspired Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.” Its lush sal and bamboo forests are home to diverse wildlife, including the rare barasingha.

9. Hemis National Park, Ladakh

Best Time to Visit: May to September
Wildlife Highlights: Snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, blue sheep, ibex
Ticket Price: INR 20 for Indian, INR 100 for Foreigners
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hemis National Park is the best place to spot snow leopards in India. The rugged terrain and high altitude offer a unique wildlife experience in the Himalayas.

10. Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
Wildlife Highlights: Western tragopan, Himalayan tahr, snow leopard, blue sheep
Ticket Price: INR 200 for foreigners, INR 50 for Indians
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Great Himalayan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. Trekking through the park is a popular activity.

11. Dachigam National Park, Jammu and Kashmir

Best Time to Visit: May to October
Wildlife Highlights: Hangul (Kashmir stag), Himalayan black bear, musk deer, leopard
Ticket Price: INR 1,000 for foreigners, INR 200 for Indians
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Dachigam National Park, located near Srinagar, is the last stronghold of the endangered Hangul deer. The park’s lush meadows and alpine pastures are a sight to behold.

12. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Best Time to Visit: November to May
Wildlife Highlights: Bengal tigers, leopards, wild dogs, gaur, deer
Ticket Price: INR 4,500 for foreigners, INR 2,300 for Indians (jeep safari)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Pench National Park, the setting for Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” offers rich wildlife experiences. The park’s picturesque landscapes are perfect for photography.

13. Sikkim’s Wildlife Sanctuaries

Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Wildlife Highlights: Red panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, Tibetan wolf
Ticket Price: INR 200 for all visitors
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sikkim’s various wildlife sanctuaries, such as Khangchendzonga National Park, offer stunning views and diverse wildlife. Trekking and bird watching are popular activities.

14. Darjeeling’s Wildlife Sanctuaries, West Bengal

Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to December
Wildlife Highlights: Red panda, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, barking deer
Ticket Price: INR 300 for all visitors
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The wildlife sanctuaries around Darjeeling, like Singalila National Park, are famous for their scenic beauty and rare species like the red panda.

15. Manas National Park, Assam

Best Time to Visit: November to April
Wildlife Highlights: Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, Indian rhinoceros, pygmy hog
Ticket Price: INR 3,000 for foreigners, INR 1,500 for Indians (jeep safari)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its diverse fauna and beautiful landscapes. It offers jeep safaris and river rafting for adventurous visitors.

Tips To Planning Safari and Nature Tour in India

• Accommodation: Choose eco-friendly lodges and resorts that support conservation efforts.
• Guides: Hire experienced guides for a safer and more informative experience.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, neutral-colored clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Safety: Follow park rules, maintain a safe distance from wildlife, and respect their habitat.
• Packing Essentials: Binoculars, cameras, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.

Conclusion

India’s safari and nature tours offer a window into the country’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Each destination provides a unique experience, whether it’s spotting tigers in Ranthambore, exploring the mangroves of Sundarbans, or witnessing the majestic elephants of Periyar. By planning your trip carefully and respecting the natural environment, you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure while contributing to wildlife conservation.