Top 10 Wildlife Safari Destinations In India
With 500+ wildlife sanctuaries and 90+ national parks, it suffices to say that there is no dearth of wildlife in India. Wildlife tourism in India is a thriving industry. The incredible wildlife in India not only boasts of predators and primates, but also endangered species of birds, reptiles, flora among others. There are many best places to visit in India. However, if you are looking to book a jungle safari, then here is a list of the top 10 wildlife safari destinations in India that you must visit to experience the rich wildlife diversity this beautiful country offers.
Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve – Assam
This jungle safari in India is famous for two things; the endangered population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros and for its highest density of tigers. The Kaziranga National Park in Assam is one of the best safari destinations in India. It is also a rich biodiversity hotspot teeming with a wide variety of birds. Apart from the tigers and rhinos, other wildlife that can be found here is Indian elephant, leopard, sloth bear and wild water buffalo. And, the best time to visit this national park is from November to April.
Jim Corbett National Park – Uttarakhand
Being one of India’s oldest national park, this wildlife sanctuary is home to the largest population of Tigers. It is a major tourist attraction and the best jungle safari in India for families with children. This national park has predators like Bengal tigers, leopards and jungle cat. Other wildlife inhabitants include Himalayan black bear, Indian elephant, wild buffaloes, sloth, Indian python and a wide range of reptiles, birds and amphibians. October to June is the ideal time to visit the Jim Corbett National Park.
Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary – Gujarat
The most popular Indian wildlife sanctuary, the Gir National Park is the only home to the majestic and world famous Asiatic Lions. Other mammals that you can find here are the elusive Gir foxes, black buck, leopards, hyenas and Asiatic wild ass. Among different species of birds, the rare Lesser Florican and Sarus Crane can be seen here. There are also ample marsh crocodiles and other reptiles in this area, which makes this place a wildlife photographer’s paradise. Except for monsoon, this wildlife safari in India is open for tourists throughout the year.
Nokrek National Park – Meghalaya
This national park in India is a Biosphere Reserve and has a thriving population of many endangered and unique species of flora and fauna. The Red Pandas can be found here along with the Asiatic elephants. Wildlife predators that are a part of this sanctuary are clouded leopards, hoolock gibbons, giant flying squirrels and macaques. Being the wettest place on earth, Meghalaya is truly a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. So, if you want to visit the Nokrek National Park, then the best time to visit is from October to May.
Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary – West Bengal
Love tigers? Then the Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary is the best wildlife sanctuary in India that you ought to visit. Encircled with large mangrove forests, the Sunderbans has a unique ecosystem which makes it a great natural habitat for the Royal Bengal Tigers. From the soothing chirping of birds to the roaring of great predators, this sanctuary has abundant of flora and fauna. The ideal time to visit this destination is during the months of September and May.
Ranthambore National Park – Rajasthan
Termed as the biggest and the largest national park in northern India, visit Ranthambore National Park to catch a glimpse of predators like tigers, jackals, hyenas, and sloth bear in their natural habitat. Owing to the numerous lakes nearby, this national park boasts of a variety of bird species. It is also home to the largest population of snub-nosed marsh crocodiles. The Ranthambhore Fort is another popular attraction in this wilderness and the best time to visit is from October to mid-June.
Namdapha National Park – Arunachal Pradesh
The Namdapha National Park is the best wildlife safari in India, wherein, you can see not only tigers but also snow leopards, Asiatic black bears, wolves and clouded leopards. The park is opened for tourist throughout the year, but the ideal time to visit is – November to February. With lush green vegetation consisting of bamboo forests and evergreen rainforests, this wildlife sanctuary is also a natural habitat for primates species including rhesus macaques, capped langurs, slow loris and others.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park – Andaman Islands
As a marine national park, this destination is great for those who want to experience the rich aquatic wildlife diversity in India. The Andaman Islands are known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and water sporting activities. This marine park is a combination of 15 small and large islands and is covered with tropical forests. Apart from vibrant coral reefs, other marine life includes starfish, sea snakes, turtles, and salt-water crocodiles. You’d also find wild mammals here such as Indian civet, spotted deer, and King cobra.
Kanha National Park – Madhya Pradesh
This national park is another Tiger reserve and as a large population of Barasingha (swamp deer) and other herbivores. Surrounded by splendid landscapes and beautiful meadows, this wildlife safari destination in India is also home to two major Central India tribes – the Gonds and the Baigas. This national park houses wildlife such as Indian bison, barking deer, leopards, foxes and jackals. It is also rich in flora with 70+ species of trees and has 300+ species of exotic birds. If you want to visit this jungle safari, then the ideal time is from October to June.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Kerala
From picturesque lake and tropical evergreen forest to beautiful hills and abundance of wildlife, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is a stunning safari destination that’ll leave you spellbound. Alongside large herds of elephants, you’d also get to see sambar deer, gaur (Indian bison), tigers and the rarely spotted Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiri ibex). The varied species of primates here include Nilgiri langur, the rare lion-tailed macaque, gee’s golden langur and bonnet macaque. This jungle safari in India is a great place for a family holiday and the ideal time to visit is October till June.
To sum it up
The best jungle safaris in India offer you a chance to experience the wonders of the animal kingdom alongside the bountiful splendours nature. So, don’t miss out on jungle safari tours and trips and make the most of this list of wildlife safaris in India provided to you.