Welcome to the ultimate guide to experiencing the wild wonders of India! If you’re an adventure seeker or a nature enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. India, with its diverse terrain and rich biodiversity, offers some of the best wildlife safaris in the world. Join us as we start on a thrilling journey through the top 15 wildlife safaris in India for 2024.
Jungle Safari In North India
1. Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park, located in Rajasthan, is one of India’s largest and most renowned national parks. It offers jeep and canter safaris, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the park’s diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes. The park is famous for its population of Bengal tigers, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Safari Duration: 3-4 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 1,000 – 2,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Bengal Tiger, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Indian Striped Hyenas
Other Attractions: Ranthambore Fort, Surwal Lake, Padam Talao
2. Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park, situated in Ladakh, is a high-altitude sanctuary known for its elusive snow leopards. Visitors can embark on guided wildlife safaris, trekking expeditions, and bird-watching tours to explore the park’s breathtaking landscapes and spot its diverse fauna.
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Safari Duration: 5-6 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 3,000 – 5,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Snow Leopard, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Tibetan Wolf
Other Attractions: Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Pangong Lake
3. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936, is India’s oldest national park and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Located in Uttarakhand, the park offers jeep and elephant safaris, allowing visitors to explore its diverse ecosystems and spot its rich wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and leopards.
Best Time to Visit: November to June
Safari Duration: 3-4 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 1,500 – 3,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear
Other Attractions: Corbett Museum, Garjia Temple, Corbett Falls
4. Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park, located in Rajasthan, is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can embark on jeep safaris to explore the park’s dense forests, grasslands, and rocky terrain, and spot its resident wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and various species of deer.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Safari Duration: 2-3 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 1,000 – 2,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Striped Hyena, Sambar Deer
Other Attractions: Sariska Palace, Pandupol Hanuman Temple, Kankwari Fort
Jungle Safari In Central India
5. Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park, nestled in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its high tiger population density. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes and spot its rich wildlife on jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and nature walks.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Safari Duration: 3-4 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 2,000 – 4,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Bengal Tiger, Indian Bison (Gaur), Indian Leopard, Spotted Deer
Other Attractions: Bandhavgarh Fort, Baghel Museum, Climber’s Point
6. Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park, spread across Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its diverse wildlife and lush sal forests. Visitors can embark on jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and nature walks to explore the park’s pristine wilderness and spot its resident fauna.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Safari Duration: 4-5 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 2,500 – 4,500 per person
Animals to Spot: Bengal Tiger, Barasingha (Swamp Deer), Indian Wild Dog, Indian Bison
Other Attractions: Bamni Dadar (Sunset Point), Kanha Museum, Shravan Tal
7. Pench National Park
Pench National Park, situated in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore the park’s picturesque landscapes and spot its resident fauna on jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and boat cruises along the Pench River.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Safari Duration: 3-4 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 2,000 – 4,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Indian Wild Dog, Indian Bison
Other Attractions: Pench River, Totladoh Dam, Chhindimatta Viewpoint
8. Satpura National Park
Satpura National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, is a hidden gem known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the park’s pristine wilderness and spot its resident fauna on jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and boat cruises along the Denwa River.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Safari Duration: 4-5 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 2,500 – 4,500 per person
Animals to Spot: Indian Leopard, Indian Bison, Sloth Bear, Indian Giant Squirrel, Python
Other Attractions: Dhoopgarh (Sunset Point), Bee Falls, Pandav Caves
9. Panna National Park
Panna National Park, situated in Madhya Pradesh, is known for its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. Visitors can explore the park’s dense forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats on jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and boat cruises along the Ken River.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Safari Duration: 3-4 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 2,000 – 4,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Indian Wolf
Other Attractions: Pandav Falls, Ken Gharial Sanctuary, Panna Diamond Mines
Jungle Safaris in Western India
10. Sasan-Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat
Sasan-Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Gujarat, is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion. Visitors can explore the sanctuary’s dry deciduous forests and grasslands on jeep safaris, lion safaris, and nature walks, and spot its resident wildlife.
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Safari Duration: 3-4 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 1,000 – 2,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Asiatic Lion, Indian Leopard, Indian Sloth Bear, Indian Cobra
Other Attractions: Girnar Hill, Somnath Temple, Kankai Mata Temple
11. Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
Tadoba National Park, situated in Maharashtra, is known for its thriving population of tigers and other wildlife species. Visitors can explore the park’s dense forests and grasslands on jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and nature walks, and spot its resident fauna.
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Safari Duration: 3-4 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 2,000 – 4,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Indian Sloth Bear, Indian Wild Dog
Other Attractions: Tadoba Lake, Moharli Lake, Bhadrawati Palace
Jungle Safari in India: Eastern Region
12. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park, located in Assam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Visitors can explore the park’s grasslands, wetlands, and riverine habitats on jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and boat cruises.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Safari Duration: 2-3 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 1,500 – 3,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Wild Buffalo
Other Attractions: Kaziranga Orchid Park, Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park
13. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Assam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the sanctuary’s grasslands, wetlands, and forests on jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and boat cruises.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Safari Duration: 3-4 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 1,500 – 3,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Indian Rhino, Golden Langur
Other Attractions: Manas River, Manas Maozigendri Eco Tourism Society, Manas Maozigendri National Park
14. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Sundarbans National Park, located in West Bengal, is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the park’s dense mangrove forests and tidal waterways on boat safaris and spot its resident wildlife.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Safari Duration: 4-5 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 2,000 – 4,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Royal Bengal Tiger, Estuarine Crocodile, Gangetic Dolphin, Indian Python
Other Attractions: Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, Netidhopani Watch Tower
Jungle Safari in South India
15. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kerala, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the sanctuary’s dense forests and picturesque landscapes on boat safaris, jeep safaris, and nature walks, and spot its resident wildlife.
Best Time to Visit: September to April
Safari Duration: 3-4 hours
Approx. Cost: INR 1,500 – 3,000 per person
Animals to Spot: Indian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Indian Bison, Sambar Deer
Other Attractions: Periyar Lake, Mangala Devi Temple, Periyar Tiger Trail
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is the best time to visit these wildlife safaris in India?
A: The best time to visit varies depending on the location. Generally, the winter months from October to March are considered ideal for wildlife safaris in most regions of India.
Q: How long do the safaris last, and what is the approximate cost?
A: Safari durations typically range from 2 to 6 hours, and the cost varies based on factors such as safari type, zone, and park regulations. The approximate cost per person ranges from INR 1,000 to 5,000.
Q: Apart from wildlife safaris, what other attractions can tourists explore?
A: In addition to wildlife safaris, tourists can explore historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural wonders in each region of India. Some popular options include visiting forts, temples, museums, and scenic viewpoints.
Q: What animals can tourists expect to spot during these safaris?
A: The wildlife varies depending on the location, but common sightings include Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and various species of deer and birds.
For further exploration into captivating travel destinations, read our blog post on Meghalaya.