The best 9 National Parks in India to Enjoy the most Beautiful Wildlife
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast searching for India’s most thrilling safari experiences, look no further. From the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger to the majestic Asiatic Lion, India’s national parks are a treasure trove of biodiversity and adventure. Whether you’re in Kolkata, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Gujarat, Bangalore, or Hyderabad, these top wildlife destinations should be on your bucket list.
1. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Peculiarities: Known for its high chances of spotting Royal Bengal Tigers amidst ancient ruins and lakes, Ranthambore offers an exciting mix of history and wilderness.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Park Closure: July to September during the monsoon
Safari Type: Jeep and Canter safaris (morning and evening) through Zones 1–10, guided by local naturalists
Ranthambore is a perfect choice for travellers from Delhi NCR, Gujarat, and Mumbai due to excellent rail and road connectivity. The park also houses leopards, marsh crocodiles, and more than 300 bird species.
2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Peculiarities: India’s first national park, famous for Asian elephants, tigers, and rich birdlife. The park is divided into several eco-tourism zones like Dhikala, Bijrani, and Jhirna.
Best Time to Visit: November to June
Park Closure: Dhikala zone is closed from mid-June to mid-November
Safari Type: Jeep and Canter safaris, with exclusive overnight stays at forest lodges inside Dhikala
Corbett is ideal for quick escapes from Delhi NCR and features riverine forests, grasslands, and Himalayan foothills, providing a diverse ecosystem for a range of species.
3. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Peculiarities: A well-managed park known for hardground barasingha (swamp deer), tigers, and lush sal forests, Kanha inspired Kipling’s Jungle Book.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to June
Park Closure: July to mid-October
Safari Type: Jeep safaris in core zones (Khatia, Mukki, and Sarhi); guided nature walks in buffer areas
Kanha is perfect for luxury and eco-friendly wildlife holidays. Good road connectivity from Nagpur and Jabalpur makes it suitable for travellers from Mumbai and Bangalore.
4. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Peculiarities: Home to over 2,000 one-horned rhinoceroses, Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site also rich in wild water buffaloes, swamp deer, and elephants.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Park Closure: May to October due to heavy monsoon rains
Safari Type: Elephant-back safaris in the early morning and Jeep safaris in Kohora, Bagori, and Agaratoli ranges
Located in the Brahmaputra floodplains, the park is easily reachable from Guwahati and is a must-visit for wildlife lovers from Kolkata and Northeast India.
5. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Peculiarities: Bandhavgarh has India’s highest density of tigers and ancient caves with inscriptions. It also features the Bandhavgarh Fort perched atop the Vindhya Hills.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Park Closure: July to mid-October
Safari Type: Open Jeep safaris divided across core zones like Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli
The park is especially popular with photographers due to its lush landscape and frequent tiger sightings. It’s easily accessible from Jabalpur and ideal for travellers from Kolkata and Mumbai.
6. Gir National Park, Gujarat
Peculiarities: The only habitat of Asiatic lions in the world, Gir offers a dry deciduous landscape teeming with wildlife, including hyenas, leopards, and crocodiles.
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Park Closure: June 16 to October 15 due to monsoon
Safari Type: Open Jeep safaris; pre-booked online through official Gujarat tourism portals
Well connected from Rajkot and Junagadh, Gir is a top destination for wildlife tourists from Gujarat and Mumbai. The Devalia Interpretation Zone remains open even during monsoon.
7. Pench National Park, Maharashtra-MP Border
Peculiarities: Divided between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench features teak forests and rolling hills, ideal for leopards, wild dogs, and sloth bears.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Park Closure: July to mid-October
Safari Type: Jeep safaris with guided naturalists in core zones like Turia, Karmajhiri, and Sillari
Pench is lesser-known yet teeming with wildlife. Its proximity to Nagpur makes it a great weekend wildlife escape for visitors from Hyderabad and Bangalore.
8. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Peculiarities: Satpura offers walking safaris, canoe rides, and jeep safaris—making it one of the most immersive parks in India. It’s home to sloth bears, leopards, and Malabar giant squirrels.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Park Closure: July to September
Safari Type: Walking safaris, boat safaris on Denwa River, and Jeep safaris in core areas like Madhai
Perfect for offbeat wildlife explorers from Delhi and central India, Satpura’s mixed forests and hilly terrain provide unique encounters away from the crowds.
9. Periyar National Park, Kerala
Peculiarities: Set around the scenic Periyar Lake, this park is famous for its boat safaris and large herds of Asian elephants. It also features evergreen forests, bamboo groves, and birdlife.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Park Closure: Open year-round, though monsoon months (June–September) see fewer safaris
Safari Type: Boat safaris on Periyar Lake; guided jungle treks, bamboo rafting, and night patrols
Periyar is a model of conservation-based tourism in South India, accessible from Kochi and Madurai. Ideal for nature tourists from Bangalore, Hyderabad, and even Mumbai.
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