wild

India offers some of the finest wildlife viewing in the whole of Asia and is home to a number of rare species including tigers, leopards, one-horned rhinoceroses and elephants. India’s size and geographical diversity means that an incredible range of habitats are found throughout the country’s national parks and protected areas which, in turn, supports an enormous variety of mammal, reptile, amphibious and bird life. From the wilds of the remote north east India and the dusty landscapes of Gujarat to the iconic reserves of central India and the jungles of tropical southern India,

This is our selection of the top 10 most incredible places to see wildlife in India:

1. Kaziranga National Park, Assam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in India's remote northeast, bordering the mighty Brahmaputra River, this park boasts a diverse ecosystem of grasslands, woodlands, and swamps., is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly those seeking a glimpse of the elusive one-horned rhinoceros. Besides the iconic rhinos, visitors can spot tigers, leopards, buffaloes, deer, bears, and a plethora of bird species, both resident and migratory. The best time to explore Kaziranga is between November and April, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are at their peak. The park is easily accessible from Guwahati, which has regular flights from major cities like Kolkata and Delhi.

2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, Nestled beside the Ramganga River and framed by the Himalayan foothills, Corbett offers a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, rocky plateaus, and dense forests. India's oldest national park, Corbett, was established in 1935 and named after the renowned conservationist Jim Corbett. This varied terrain supports a rich array of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, over 500 bird species, and rare reptiles and amphibians. The park is conveniently located around 300 kilometers northeast of Delhi and can be easily reached by car or train. The best time to visit Corbett National Park is between November and May, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are optimal.

3. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh, the largest national park, is a wildlife lover's paradise, often referred to as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book." Its diverse landscape, comprising hardwood forests, bamboo thickets, grasslands, and meadows, provides an ideal habitat for a wide range of wildlife. The park is renowned for its majestic Bengal tigers, but it also shelters leopards, gaurs, hyenas, wild boars, sambar deer, and the rare barasingha. Additionally, Kanha boasts over 300 bird species and more than 1,000 flowering plant species. The best time to visit Kanha is between November and March for birdwatching and March to May for tiger sightings. The park is accessible by air via Nagpur or Jabalpur airports or by road from Khajuraho and Bandhavgarh.

4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, nestled in the picturesque Vindhya Ranges, is renowned for its high density of tigers. This captivating reserve, characterized by its sal and mixed forests, meadows, grasslands, and numerous streams and hillocks, offers a diverse habitat for a wide range of wildlife. In addition to tigers, visitors can spot leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, chital, barking deer, gaur, and nilgai. Bandhavgarh is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with a variety of avian species including hornbills, crested serpents, variable hawk eagles, and parakeets. The park is accessible by road from Kanha and Khajuraho, or by air via Jabalpur. Katni is the nearest railway station. The best time to visit Bandhavgarh is between October and January for birdwatching and January to April for tiger sightings.

5. Gir National Park, Gujarat, located in the southern region of Gujarat, is a vital sanctuary for the critically endangered Asiatic lion. This unique park, characterized by its dry deciduous forests, scrubland, and grasslands, is the last refuge for these magnificent big cats on the Indian subcontinent. Beyond the iconic lions, Gir also harbors a diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, jungle cats, hyenas, jackals, sambar deer, chital, nilgai, wild boars, porcupines, and the distinctive four-horned antelope, the chousingha. The park's numerous rivers and reservoirs attract a rich variety of resident bird species. Gir is best accessed by road from cities like Gondal, Junagadh, Rajkot, or Palitana. Best time to visit Gir National Park: December to April, especially just prior to the monsoon.

6. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka, a vital part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is a significant ecological hub in southern India. Connected to the sanctuaries of Bandipur, Mudumalai, and Wayanad, this park, once a royal hunting ground, was established in 1955. Nestled in the Western Ghats foothills, Nagarhole's dense forests and extensive wetlands provide an ideal habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, hyenas, various deer species, elephants, reptiles, and endangered bird species. The park is accessible by road from Mysore, Coorg, Sultan's Battery, and Ooty. The best time to visit is between December and April, with winter being particularly ideal for birdwatching due to the influx of migratory birds.

7. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, one of India's most iconic wildlife reserves, is a popular destination for those combining a Golden Triangle tour with a wildlife safari. Despite its proximity to major tourist sites like Agra and Jaipur, Ranthambore plays a crucial role in India's tiger conservation efforts. This beautiful park, with its diverse landscape, is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, langurs, macaques, sambar deer, chital, sloth bears, wild boars, nilgai, pythons, cobras, and crocodiles. The best time to visit Ranthambore is between November and April, particularly before the monsoon season arrives. The park is easily accessible by road from Agra and Jaipur, or by train to Sawai Madhopur station.

8. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, located southwest of Ahmedabad, is a haven for birdwatchers, renowned for its extraordinary diversity of avian life. This wetland sanctuary, established in 1969, attracts thousands of migratory birds during the winter months. Its unique reed beds and marshes provide a perfect habitat for a wide range of waterbirds, including ducks, geese, pelicans, flamingos, storks, herons, and bitterns. Over 250 different bird species have been recorded in this sanctuary. Nalsarovar is easily accessible from Ahmedabad, which is well-connected to Delhi and Mumbai by air and rail. The best time to visit is between November and February when the sanctuary is teeming with migratory birds.

9. Jawai Bera and Sena, Rajasthan, nestled in the Pali district of Rajasthan, offer a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural experiences. Jawai Bera, in particular, is renowned for its leopard population, providing one of India's most reliable leopard-spotting opportunities. The region's harmonious coexistence between leopards and the local Rabari tribes is a testament to nature's balance. The Rabari people view leopards as protectors of their livestock, leading to minimal conflict and frequent sightings. Beyond leopards, the area is a haven for birdwatchers, with species like flamingos and cranes gracing the Jawai Dam. Nearby Sena offers similar wildlife safari experiences and a glimpse into traditional Rajasthani village life. Both destinations provide ideal opportunities for leopard safaris in India, bird watching, cultural tours, and photography, offering a tranquil escape from mainstream tourism.

10.Periyar National Park, Kerala, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a breathtaking sanctuary known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. The park's serene lake, lush evergreen forests, and rolling hills create a picturesque landscape. It's a haven for a variety of animals, including the majestic Indian elephant, the elusive tiger, the nimble leopard, and a diverse range of bird species. One of the unique features of Periyar is the opportunity to spot wildlife from the lake, offering a tranquil and immersive experience. The park's rich biodiversity, coupled with its stunning natural beauty, makes it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Summer in India is the best time to plan a safari in India's national parks and reserves, especially for wildlife spotting. Safaris in India are loved by nature lovers for the opportunity to spot the royal bengal tigers in India. The trail of exploring the Tigers of Central India is one of the most wonderful reasons for wildlife lovers to visit the country in summer. The reason is, the fact that during the summers the suffocating sun drains most of the water resources in the jungle, forcing dozens of animals to go out and look for the remaining water sources. So, if you're patient and you can wait near these water resources, you're likely to spot these animals.

So planning a trip to a nature reserve during the summer is by no means a bad idea. India also boasts numerous national parks and nature reserves where travelers are spoiled for choice.

Safari in Ranthambore National Park

One of the largest national parks in northern India, it was once famous as the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Today it is famous as a tourist attraction for spectacular safaris. The Ranthambore National Park is also known as a famous archaeological site as pictorial ruins adorn the national park. A safari in this place could turn into a real-life experience; you can spot the famous Indian tiger as well as many other wild species of India. Whether you plan A short Ranthambore getaway or an Indian itinerary, this is one of the most interesting wildlife tours in India.

Safari in Kanha National Park

A safari in Kanha National Park will take you on an adventurous and exciting journey into the natural habitat of the wild creatures of India. This park is actually a haven for wildlife, and this place is famous for being the home of Barasingha, the marsh deer which is also notoriously called "the jewel of Kanha". It is also one of the best managed parks in Asia, and a Kanha safari will bring you a unique experience.

Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park

The most popular wildlife sanctuary in India, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh has the highest density of tigers the country’s national animal. Besides the Royal Bengal Tigers, this park was also famous for white tigers. Other animals inhabiting the jungles are sambar, chital, wild boar, wild dog, Indian fox, leopard, bison, blue bull, antelope, nilgai and others.

Wildlife safari in Bandhavgarh includes options of jeep or elephant rides, stay at the jungle resorts, visiting the Bandhavgarh Fort and certainly exciting memories.

Periyar National Park

Settled in God’s Own Country of Kerala, Periyar National Park is one of the most popular places in for wildlife safari in India. Elephant’s and tigers are the most popular residents but there is the Indian wild dog, sambar, wild pig, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr and others.

Early morning safaris are known for the decent chance of getting close to the wildlife as is boating in the Periyar Lake where the beasts come to quench their thirst. Eco-lodges and treehouses are popular options to stay while the national park also offers the chance to explore spice plantations of Thekkady.

Jim Corbett National Park

The oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, Jim Corbett National Park is settled on the mighty foothills of the Himalayas. The residents of the jungle include tigers, sloth bear, goral, fishing cat, leopard, chital, barking deer and others. The best way to spot tigers is jeep safari in the Bijrani zone while some glimpse of the wildlife is also available from the watchtowers in Dhikala and other regions.

Located in the desert state of Rajasthan, about 150 kms from Udaipur ( and about the similar distance from Jodhpur), is the Sujan Jawai Camp, arguably the last word in experiential luxury as far as India’s wildlife resorts and camps are concerned. It’s literally like a luxury African safari camp experience, with Indian hospitality thrown in, where every detail has been looked at and attended to. 
The Jawai Bandh area is itself a rugged terrain, with hills and rock outcrops that are thousands of years old, a large rain water reservoir, and India’s densest leopard population. What makes the area and the wildlife experience different, is the fact that here man and animal seem to be coexisting in complete harmony. One can see Leopards moving around the hills and open grasslands, while village farmers and their families go about their daily lives in the vicinity.

The camp itself, lovingly created by the husband and wife duo of Jaisal and Anjali Singh, is literally the last word in luxury as far as glamping in India is concerned. The tents are large and comfortable, the dining exquisite and the service par excellence. The accommodations are so comfortable, the heated pool so inviting, the Spa and Library so relaxing, that’s it’s actually quite easy to forget that your main purpose of visiting Jawai was the wildlife, mainly the leopards ! Safe and comfortable jeeps, great drivers , friendly and knowledgeable naturalists , all put together, provide a great and unique wildlife experience, with excellent leopard sighting opportunities. 

India, as a wildlife destination, has for long been known as a must do destination for Tiger enthusiasts, but sighting leopards in the wild, being out in the bush, with the surrounding rugged hills, and the exemplary Sujan service, makes a visit to Jawai a must do for wildlife enthusiasts.

A wildlife corridor is all set to be developed in India. The idea is to create a wildlife corridor that starts from Ranthambore in Rajasthan, covering national parks in Madhya Pradesh. The wildlife corridor will uplift tourism in the state, and also help in development activities.

The corridor will cover Madhya Pradesh’s Madhav National Park in Shivpuri district, Kuno-Palpur wildlife sanctuary in Sheopur district, and Panna Tiger Reserve in Panna district.

There is however a delay in bringing cheetahs from South Africa to the Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary due to the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier the cheetahs were supposed to reach in the month of March, but now there is a delay of about four weeks.

Madhya Pradesh is a wonderful wildlife destination with some of the best national parks and sanctuaries in the country. Connecting these destinations with Rajasthan’s famed Ranthambore National Park is a great move to create a wholesome wildlife travel experience.

A haven for Tigers, Rajasthan's iconic Ranthambore National Park is one of the best wildlife holiday destinations in India. Located close to the town of Sawai Madhopur, the wildlife sanctuary is a wonderful getaway in the wild owing to its amazing wildlife population, a gamut of wildlife resorts and properties and an incredible tale to take home. Ranthambore's proximity to Jaipur, a popular tourist destination in North India and a point on the Golden Triangle Tour establishess its populartity among tourists in India.

Previously the hunting grounds of the royal family, it is now a reserve for many species of the animal kingdom. The winter season in India, between October and March is considered the best time to visit this park due to the pleasant weather condition when the temperature ranges between comfortable 10℃ and 30℃. During winter, animals can be seen in the broad daylight basking under the sun. 

Well, here we have listed out five more interesting reasons to visit this stunning wildlife reserve on your next trip during Winter holidays.

1. A Birdwatcher’s Haven
This stunning wildlife reserve is home to many beautiful bird species like flamingos, flycatchers, waterfowl, sarus crane, grey hornbills, cormorant, serpent eagle, bronzed-winged jacana, painted spurfowl and nightjars among others. A huge number of migratory birds flock near the enormous water bodies at the park.

2. Easy Wildlife Spotting

Here comes the fun part! You can take a safari ride through the Ranthambore National Park and spot absolutely gorgeous and elegant Bengal tigers and leopards, who roam around freely and bask under the sun during Winter season. Apart from the large tiger population, the place is replete with chital, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, rufous tailed hare, toddy cats, sloth bear, mugger crocodile and more.

3. Mesmerising Nature's Beauty

The Aravalli and Vindhya ranges pass through this iconic wildlife reserve, overlooking stunning lakes like Padam Talao, Malik Talao, Rajbagh Talao and Surwal Lake. The hilly terrains also house many ancient temples like the Chamatkar Jain Temple, Kala Gaura Temple and Amreswar Mahadev.

4. Ancient Banyan Tree – Perfect Spot For Insta-Worthy Pics

Clicking Instagram-worthy pictures have become a part of traveller’s life. Don’t you agree? There is a gigantic Banyan tree in the Ranthanthambore National Park, which is known as the second-largest banyan tree in India. It sits near the Padam Talao lake and is one of the best places to click social media-worthy pictures!

5. The ancient Ranthambore Fort

For the unversed, the Ranthambore National Park is named after the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, that is perched on the hilltop and sits within the park. Earlier, the Chauhans were on the authority of this fort. The Delhi Sulnature captured it in the 13th century. Now, it stands as a striking old-world edifice, in the middle of the wilds. It is counted among the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Ranthambore park opens in the mid of October every year. So, get your family members, siblings or friends together and enjoy a wildlife jeep safari through the stretches of the beautiful jungle.