can you do safari in india

Kate Abroad

5 things to know before going on safari in India in 2024

Forget Africa, India is now one of the most popular places to go on safari. You can see tigers, rhinos, lions and many more rare animals on an Indian safari.

A safari vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, something unlike any other vacation but one which requires a lot of research and planning in order to make it a complete success.

Whether you’re thinking of adding a safari onto your sightseeing in India or planning your entire Indian trip around the safari, this article has the tips that will help you prepare for and plan an unforgettable jungle jaunt in the wilds of India .

Travel tips for Indian safaris

1. book everything well in advance.

A majority of the national parks in India regulate the entry of visitors and vehicles to cause minimum disturbance to wildlife. As such, only a limited number of vehicles are allowed per day and rooms in lodges are also few. Booking everything in advance is therefore of paramount importance.

2. Make time for more than one safari during your stay

To increase the chances of wildlife sightings, it is prudent to go on as many safaris in a day for the maximum time that the park permits. Wildlife spotting is never guaranteed as most animals tend to be shy and elusive, hence the more time you spend in the jungle, the better the viewing experience will be.

3. Choose your safari destination carefully

It is essential to choose a safari destination that meets your requirements. While certain parks are great just for birding, others excel in harbouring unique animal species such as the rhinoceros, Asiatic lion, or the Royal Bengal Tiger .

4. Travel during the right season

National Parks in India usually open in October after the rainy season and close in June before the advent of the monsoon. While all the opening months are good for animal sightings, the big cats can be seen more often in the drier months of April to June as they congregate on the limited sources of water left in the park and thus making viewing easier..

5. Wear the correct clothing

Packing the right clothes, and keeping the weather and the game drives in mind is essential to make your safari holiday a grand success. Certain items like hats, jackets, binoculars and a bandana for dust protection, must be carried at all times. Utmost care must be taken that your outer clothing is in neutral colors, so as to blend with the jungle like beige, brown or green.

What to pack for a safari in India

• Sturdy shoes
• Full-sleeved shirt
• A water bottle you can fill on the go in order to minimise the impact of plastic in the wild and improve the environment
• A journal to document your experience
• If you are a photo buff, a camera with spare batteries and a memory card

Tips for going on safari in India with kids

When planning a child-first safari, few things need to be kept in mind so as to make the experience a whole lot easier.

Limit the number of destinations in one trip and ask your lodge manager in advance about any kid-friendly activities.

Carry all the protection gear and relative medicines,but most importantly, stoke their imagination by asking them what they saw and make a sketch to make the experience more rewarding for them.

How to budget for an Indian safari

A major part of your safari experience will include stay, park fees, transfers, meals and game drives. These expenses are usually included in your safari package and are payable in your local currency to your agent back home.

That said, you will still need a sizable sum for items of personal nature, tipping, shopping, purchasing snacks from the local shops etc. You can use your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs in India if you are from a European destination.

Best ways to pay for your Indian Safari

Some merchants in the country also accept American Express and Discover credit cards, but it is best to ask your safari tour operator about this before leaving your home country. As a thumb rule, allow £10 per person per day for drinks and purchasing souvenirs and craft items.

Most major brands of traveler cheques are accepted throughout India, mainly from Thomas Cook or Amex. Charges for encashing traveler cheques may vary from bank to bank and place to place. You must present your passport whenever you change currency or traveler cheques.

In case your hotel payments are not covered in the package, all foreign nationals must pay their hotel bills in the currency of their country either by cash, traveler cheques or credit card. You can pay in Indian rupees also if you have proof of changing money.

International Money Transfer:

PayPal: Best for peer-to-peer transfers and sending large amounts

Charges: 99 cents minimum and $4.99 max.

Limit: No limit for verified accounts

PayPal beats its competitors simply with the choice of payment methods and accessibility. Funds can be received instantly into the recipient’s PayPal account and transferred into a bank account the next day.

Zalle: Best for bank transfer

Charges: $0 for sending or receiving money

(Check with your bank if they levy any additional charge to use this service)

If you don’t want to send money through an app like PayPal, but still want access to fast, zero fee bank transfers you can pay directly by using an app like Zelle, even if your bank account is not a partner with Zelle.

Recipient’s enrolled with Zelle will get the funds in a matter of minutes, but the transaction limit is decided by the credit union or the member’s bankThose who have not partnered with Zelle can only send $500 per week.

Wise: Low fees

Charges: Fx markups between 0-1%

Wise , formerlyTransferWise, offers low-fee and fast money transfers, depending on the currency in question. Wise currently offers a real exchange rate but charges a fee of $99, which will know your safari operator and you get the best deal by far.

Bank transfers:

Since you need to pay way ahead of time to book a safari, your agent in India will quote you in INR and ask you to remit by bank transfer. Using this mode will however cost you substantially more than it should.

Banks charge a fee for executing a transfer through the SWIFT network. Secondly, if your bank and the Indian Bank don’t have a relationship, you pay a further fee of $100+ Lastly you pay the Fx conversion fee which allows them to charge an extra 3% to 4% per transaction.

Frequently asked questions about safaris in India

Where are the most popular locations for safaris in india.

• Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan (Northeastern India), known for tigers – click here to see Ranthambore safari tours
• Nagzira Wildlife Sanctauary, Mahrashtra (central India), known for tigers
• Hemis National Park, Ladakh (Northern India), known for snow leopards

What animals can you see on safari in India?

Depending on which park you go to in India, you can see tigers, elephants, Asiatic lions, Indian rhinoceros and Indian leopards and lesser-known animals like the pangolins (scaly anteaters) and sloth bears.

If you’re planning a trip to India you might also be interested in some of my other India travel guides including:

• Khajuraho temples (close to the Panna National Park safari location)

Happy travelling!

Asia Travel Resources

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• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
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• Sort your currencies in one place with a Wise multi-currency card

Guest Author

This article was written by Jyotsna from Wander With Jo who is an expert in all things wildlife travel and has been camping, hiking, skiing and wildlife-spotting in parks across India.

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Tiger spotting on Indian safari

India Safaris

India is an incredibly diverse country for scenery and wildlife, containing steamy jungles and rain forests, large deserts, wide open plans and vast tracts of remote, unexplored mountains. In terms of safaris, India has a number of destinations that will give the enthusiastic wildlife spotter a lot to get excited about. Whilst India doesn’t have the density of large mammals on display that you can find in parts of Africa, it does have some unique species that you simply can’t see anywhere else in the world. Tourism is fairly well developed in India too, with a number of safari lodges and safari tour companies laying on “traditional” African style safari experiences, albeit with an Indian twist.

With over 360 species of mammals and 1,200 bird species, India has one of the richest biodiversity counts in the world. The signature species of India are tiger, leopard, elephant, rhino , bear, buffalo, monkey and antelope, all of which roam the central and southern plains. These animals are complemented by lions in a couple of Indian national parks in the east, where you can see lions, tigers and leopard coexisting if you’re particularly lucky on your safari! Further a field, if you fancy a mountain safari the Himalayas are home to the enigmatic snow leopard, yaks, blue sheep and the two humped camel. As such it’s no surprise that India as a wildlife spotting destination has really taken off in the past couple of decades, making it a credible alternative to a safari in Africa if you want to try something a bit different.

Despite such riches of wildlife, habitat destruction and conflict with humans is becoming an increasing problem, and one which the government is trying to tackle by creation of more protected areas and national parks. Existing national parks in India tend to be out of the way with poor infrastructure and roads to get there. Pubic transport is often not an option, though you can get to the nearest town and take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from there to the park. Most hotels near national parks will be able to arrange transfers to the park, where you’ll be able to organize a jeep tour (or elephant, boat, walking, camel etc.). Bear in mind that the price of a safari arranged at a national park are one of the few things in India that are non-negotiable, and are generally higher for non-Indian residents.

India Safari Highlights

• Ride an elephant out into the Brahmaputra floodplains to get up close and personal with families of Indian one horned rhino in Kaziranga National Park, Assam.
• Take a tiger safari to try and spot an elusive huge cat in one of India’s premier national parks – Bandhavgarh, Corbett, Ranthambore or Kahna.
• Explore the swamps and wetlands of the Sundarbans National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site that’s home to the world’s largest tidal mangrove forest, a unique culture…and the Bengal tiger.

Best Time To Go On Safari In India

The best time to go on safari in India will vary according to where in the country you’re planning on going. Generally speaking India has three seasons – the hot, the monsoon and the cool, with the time each season starts and ends depending on how far north or south you are. The cool season is the most pleasant time to visit India, and starts once the monsoons finish, running from October to January. From February onward the heat starts to rise across the country, with temperatures in some places reaching 40 degrees by May. June is monsoon month, starting with high humidity and short electrical storms. These storms morph into intense daily rains with short breaks where the sun breaks through and steams the wet conditions into something akin to a turkish bath.

For safaris, the hot season offer the best wildlife viewing as water is scarce and animals congregate around water holes as vegetation dies down. The later in the hot season you can go, the better for wildlife spotting, but this needs to be balanced with the growing heat through the season.

A couple of other things to bear in mind when considering when to go on safari in India are holidays and festivals. Christmas and New Year are extremely busy times for tourism in India, with full national parks and hotels requiring reservations well in advance. And while festivals happen all the time across India, there are some – Diwali and Holi in particular – that can make for travel chaos nationwide, so do your research on which festivals are happening when and where , and plan ahead accordingly.

Safari Lodges in India

In many parts of the country India is heavily focused on tourists – both internal and inbound. Towns and villages around popular national parks tend to have the full host of safari accommodation – from$5 rooms to ulta-chic safari lodges that (occasionally) replicate the real thing in Africa. Most lodges have good restaurants on the premises, though you’ll only find decent standard western food at high-end accommodation, and even then it’s pot luck.

India Safari Tours

India caters to just about every type of tourist imaginable, and there’s a huge selection of safari tour companies that can arrange safaris locally, regionally, nationwide or even internationally (primarily into Nepal). It’s well worth shopping around and doing thorough research before committing to a particular safari tour company in India, as the quality of service varies dramatically. As a general rule you get what you pay for, and most prices can be bartered down at least 20%. Have a read of our  reviews of safari tour companies in India .

India Safari Adverts

India safari resources.

• Indian Mike – everything there is to know about India
• Official Indian Rail Website
• Weather in India
• Wildlife Protection Society of India

Have you been on safari in India? We’d love to hear your thoughts or suggestions! Please get involved in the comments below.

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13 Best Wildlife Safaris in India Every Animal Lover Needs To Take!

Man started living in a jungle, domesticating his way through life, only to make the modern cities a jungle. If you are the rare breed who would rather leave the city behind and live in the jungles again, a trip through the wildlife India has to offer might be the closest you get to that dream! Here’s taking a look at some of the best wildlife safaris in India.

1. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Spanning over 1,334 square kilometers, the Ranthambore National Park is a royal home to predators not short of royalty themselves – tigers. Being the main attraction, tigers capture the interest of wildlife photographers.  While you enjoy a safari in Ranthambore , the wild cats come out to enjoy the warmth of the desert.

Additionally, if you can’t spot these majestic cats, you won’t be disappointed as you will get to see other wildlings like Sloth Bears, Wild Boars, Sambar to name a few.

Best time to visit – October to June while tiger sightings happen between March and May.

2. Hemis National Park, Ladakh

If you’re one who likes the ultimate thrill of the high altitude, chilly winds and animals, the Hemis National Park is your paradise.  Spreading 4400 sq km, the park is home to 16 species of mammals and 73 of birds apart from the snow leopard. 

It is best known for Snow leopards, Tibetan argali sheep, Ibex, Blue sheep, chukhar, snow cocks, golden eagles to name some. As many as 100 endangered snow leopards call this their home.

Best time to visit -  May to September is the best time to visit. In November due to heavy snowfall, the park closes the safari.

3. Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett is perhaps one of India’s best known wildlife parks, being Asia’s very first National Park. Residing in this park are the most furious member of the cat family – the Tigers. People from different nations visit Corbett just to get a glimpse of these wild cats. Besides tigers, there are Serow, Goral, Himalayan Tahr among other fascinating wild species.

Best time to visit - Mid-November to June end with tigers best spotted from March to May.

4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

If you want to see the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers then look no further than the Bandhavgarh National Park. Bandhavgarh is counted among the best places for a wildlife safari in India, presently being a protected environment wherein different wild beings can live and prosper. The tiger population is one of the most densely populated in India. In the past, it also served as  haunting ground for the royals.

Best time to visit -  October to June and tigers are sighted sound March to May.

5. Sasan-Gir Wildlife Sanctuary , Gujarat

Located on the western Gujarati peninsula, this park’s rugged scrubland and forests are best explored on a Jeep safari. King o the jungles, the lion makes its fearful presence felt here and this is the o nly place in the world where you can see Asiatic lions. Past from the lions and leopards, the Jackals, striped Hyenas, and India Fox are some of the smaller carnivores found here. Several birds and reptiles also find a home in the forests.

Best time to visit -  December to April; the park closes mid-June through monsoon season in mid-September.

6. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Spanning across 429.69 square kilometers, the Kaziranga National Park is home to largest population of One Horned Rhinoceros in the world . Being far away from the human inhabitance is perhaps the reason for the flourishing wildlife here. Apart from the rhinos, elephants, bears, panthers and various pretty birds traverse the landscape of the park. Kaziranga is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best time to visit -  November to April is the ideal time to visit.

7. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Popularised by Rudyard Kipling as the Mowgli land, Kanha is the place that inspired the classic – the Jungle Book. The Black Panther, Bears, Pythons, Elephants and even the Bengal Tiger , found their space in the classic. Around 125 tigers dot the scenery of the park and it’s a real treat for book and nature lovers alike!

Best time to visit -  October to mid-June with March to May being ideal to spot the tigers and panthers.

8. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

This picturesque, 192,000-acre wildlife sanctuary located in the lap of the Western Ghats in Kerela, offers a lush environment for its inhabitants. There are plenty of tigers to see apart from birdwatchers who enjoy the park for its tropical species. One can also boat around the park to see the animals up real close like the elephants.

Best time to visit -  Open throughout the year, September to December is the best time to go here. 

9. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

A Project Tiger Reserve, UNESCO World Heritage site, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the border of Assam and Bhutan, a four-hour drive from Kaziranga. There are jeep tours and elephant rides across the area as well as raft excursions on the water. It is home to a great variety of wildlife, including many endangered species, such as the tiger, pygmy hog, Indian rhinoceros and Indian elephant.

Best time to visit -  October to April with January to March being peak wildlife spotting time.

10. Sunderbans National Park, West Bengal

Travelling around the mangroves of the Sunderban National Park you will see sights like a tiger swimming in the water, a rarity found nowhere else! The Sundarbans area covers 4624 sq km incorporating a wide variety of birds and reptiles and including the salt-water crocodile. Apart from the Royal Bengal Tiger; Fishing Cats, Leopard Cats, Macaques, Wild Boar, Indian Grey Mongoose are also found in abundance here.

Best time to visit -  October to April

11. Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra

Tadoba is a wonderful place to enjoy wildlife in India, with a lake encircled by forests and hills. The stunning lake is among the main attractions of the place. The wildlife here includes Tigers, Barking Deer, Hyenas, Gaur, Leopards to name some.

Best time to visit -  October to June, tiger spotting happens in March to May.

12. Pench National Park , Madhya Pradesh

Located almost at the border of Madhya Pradesh with Maharashtra, the Pench National Park is a tiger reserve spanning 464 sq kms . The topography supports a mosaic of vegetation ranging from moist, sheltered valleys to open, dry forests. The Nilgai, Leopards, Wild Boars are just some of the fantastic beasts found here.

Best time to visit -  October to June

13. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Almost every willing you can imagine can be spotted at the Satpura National Park. The rugged terrain along with the dense jungle makes it the perfect habitat for the wild animals to flourish and makes for a challenging safari through the park for the adventure lover in you!

Some of the animals you can spot here are the Spotted Dear, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Black Buck, Sambar, Four Horned Antelopes, Porcupine, Smooth Otter so make sure your camera has plenty of space to capture it all.

This post was published by Akriti Paracer

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Best safari parks in India

Discover the best safari parks to visit during a trip to india, from tiger-spotting in bandhavgarh to the snow-capped himalayas in ladakh.

P icture this: waking up in a treehouse surrounded by dense jungle, with the smoky tangerine sun rising in the distance, before heading off to spot a pack of majestic Bengal tigers prowling for breakfast on the perimeter. Such can be life, as the otherworldly beauty of India ’s national parks — teeming with rare wildlife, whether it’s the endangered Asiatic elephant or the elusive snow leopard — not only sets the stage for an utterly unforgettable safari, but gears you up for the adventure of a lifetime. Whether it’s bringing a scene to life from The Jungle Book , for which Kipling was said to have taken inspiration from Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh, or learning about conservation at a zero-impact luxury camp in Ranthambore, we’ve got you covered with our pick of India’s best safari parks.

Main photo: Bamboo Forest Safari Lodge

1. Ranthambore National Park

Best for a quick trip Once the hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur (a three-hour drive away), today Ranthambore is one of the largest national parks in northern India and is arguably the country’s most famous. While its Royal Bengal tigers draw the biggest crowds to their reserve, make sure you keep your binoculars handy for other wild animals — anything from sloth bears to Indian wild boar — cooling off in the park’s numerous lakes and water bodies, as well as over 320 species of birds. Don’t miss sunset at Ranthambore Fort; as well as some of the best-preserved examples of Rajasthani architecture, you’ll get an unmissable panorama of the park itself.

Where to stay SUJAN Sher Bagh; a zero-impact tented camp, on the border of the park, which balances luxury safaris with conservation.

2. Hemis National Park

Best for hikers The only Indian national park situated north of the Himalayas, this high-altitude protected area is believed to have the highest density of snow leopards of any in the world. Located in Ladakh on the banks of the Indus River, it takes its name from the Hemis Monastery — which houses an important collection of Buddhist books and artefacts — and is also home to the Tibetan wolf and blue sheep, as well as myriad birds of prey. Just pack hiking boots if you want to explore, as vehicles are only allowed to the park’s perimeter. Where to stay While there are no hotels in the park itself, the Driftwood Ladakh is an affordable bet with stupendous views of the snow-capped Himalayas, just an hour’s drive away.

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3. Satpura National Park

Best for adventure One of the benefits of visiting a park off the tourist trail, such as this hilly Central Indian gem in Madhya Pradesh, is that you’re distinctly unbothered by other people’s camera lenses. It also means that, while tiger sightings are less common, you’ll be able to see their habitat in a way others won’t: by canoe or kayak and in carefully calculated hideouts — as well as the usual Jeeps. Plus, the scenery here feels otherworldly; all craggy sandstone peaks and thick forest, lit up by the shimmering waters of the Tawa reservoir. Where to stay Don’t miss Reni Pani Jungle Lodge; as well as 12 air-conditioned cottages, made from indigenous materials, its four naturalists in residence help guests organise excellent safaris.

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4. Kaziranga National Park

Best for conservation This Unesco world heritage site in Assam is one of the most renowned wildlife and biodiversity spots in India. While also scattered with the breeding grounds of elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer and tigers, Kaziranga is most notably home to over 2,200 endangered one-horned rhinoceros, a number that has grown thanks to the park’s dedicated wildlife conservation efforts. Flora is abundant here, too, as well as varied, thanks to the difference in altitude between the eastern and western areas of the park. Where to stay Diphlu River Lodge is the best-located joint in Kaziranga; expect thatched cottages on stilts that blend into the environment, right on the border of the park.

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5. Pench National Park

Best for literary buffs If you’re familiar with The Jungle Book , this gorgeous spot in Madhya Pradesh will likely need little introduction. Home to Kipling’s beloved characters — including the sloth bear (Baloo), the Indian wolf (Akela), the female Indian wolf (Raksha) and Royal Bengal tiger (Shere Khan) — you’ll also see striped hyenas, four-horned antelopes, chittering monkeys and barking deer. Sure, it’s best known as a wildlife reserve, but it’s also one of the most quietly beautiful places in the country; all teak jungle, fast-flowing rivers and deciduous forest, shadowed by the undulating peaks of the Satpura Hills. Where to stay We love the offbeat Pench Tree Lodge, an eco-friendly spot in a quiet corner of the park. Its elegantly carved treehouses serve up truly show-stopping sunsets.

6. Jim Corbett National Park

Best for families Known for its abundant population of tigers, this national park — India’s oldest and arguably most prestigious — is the only one in the country which permits overnight stays inside. Located in Uttarakhand, visitors tend to explore the hills, grasslands and picturesque lake in Asia’s first conservation effort either by four-wheel drive or atop an elephant. There’s more to see beyond its famed tiger reserve, too; wildlife buffs can spot otters and rare fish-eating crocodiles. Where to stay Don’t miss the sustainable and family-owned resort, Jim’s Jungle Lodge, tucked away in the thick jungle; there’s everything from photography and conservation workshops to a chemical-free spa.

7. Bandhavgarh National Park

Best for tiger spotting One of the most popular national parks in India, Bandhavgarh is not only the best place to spot a Royal Bengal tiger — it has the highest density of them in the world — but, dating back over 2,000 years, is also said to be the origin of every white tiger on the planet. The protected area’s famed fort is well worth a visit (as are its inscripted caves) but keep an eye out for leopards, as well as more than 250 species of birds and 80 species of butterflies. You can also get a bird’s-eye view of the park’s restricted zones by way of a hot-air balloon. Where to stay Just 20 minutes from the park’s gate, the 12 luxury cottages at Mahua Kothi — named after the revered Mahua trees that dot the property — blend into 45 acres of forest.

8. Kanha National Park

Best for birding The largest park in Madhya Pradesh may be ripe for tiger-spotting, but it’s main allure is to birders; there are over 350 species of birds and over a thousand species of flora. Conservation has long been high on the agenda here; the park is known for saving barasingha (large deer that now roam freely) from near extinction. It’s also home to the protected Baiga tribe, who offer workshops to visitors wanting to emulate their unique silver jewellery. Where to stay Each of the six exquisite tents at Shergarh Tented Camp is decked out with locally made furniture, as well as a pretty veranda. The real draw, though? The camp’s river and watering hole, which attracts various rare birds.

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Best for tranquillity Maharashtra’s largest national park may be home to a tiger reserve, but it’s also densely populated with leopards, golden jackals and foxes, as well as nightjars, crested eagles and owls. It’s one of the country’s more peaceful protected areas; there’s comparatively little tourism here, so the animals are left to their natural habitat; roaming largely undisturbed in the area’s smooth meadows, deep valleys and dense teak forest. Just be aware that it’s closed on Tuesdays. Where to stay If you can bring yourself to leave the tranquil lake-facing villas at the Bamboo Forest Safari Lodge, the resort provides night safaris of the park as well as quietly lavish wild picnics.

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10. Bandipur National Park

Best for luxury Located on the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Bandipur is a key part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; not only has it long been a cornerstone of India’s tiger conservation efforts, it’s also one of the last remaining sanctuaries of the Asiatic wild elephant. You’ll find other endangered species here, too, such as sloth bears, Indian rock pythons and the rare flying lizard — as well as over 200 species of birds. Plus, it’s an area of outstanding natural beauty; all bamboo forest, rolling hills and four sparkling rivers. Where to stay Few do it better than Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, which straddles both Bandipur and Nagerhole national parks; it’s one of the best camps in the country for animal lovers and bird-watchers alike.

11. Sasan Gir National Park

Best for lion spotting Outside the African continent, Gujurat’s Gir National Park is the only other place in the world where you can spot rare Asiatic lions roaming freely. You’ll also find other hard-to-find wild animals and birds, such as chital deer, Gir foxes, the Egyptian vulture and the endangered Palla’s Fish Eagle. To reduce human interference, 30-minute safari tours run via minibus from the Gir Interpretation Zone at Devaliya — and get you as close to those elusive lions as safely possible. Where to stay Aramness, a hybrid of two Gujurati words, ‘aram’ (peace/rest) and ‘ness’ (village), is a quiet boutique hotel resort on the edge of the park, built according to the village culture; the area is inhabited by the semi-nomadic Maldhari tribe, which the property helps to support.

12. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Best for flora Over in Uttarakhand, this wildlife sanctuary in the Binsar forest looks so picture-perfect you’d be forgiven for assuming you’d stumbled into some kind of earthly utopia. The former summer capital of the region’s Chand royals, here you can see the forested peaks of Kedarnath, Shivling, Trisul and Nanda Devi — and, if you’re lucky, the leopards, grey langur monkeys and chital that reside nearby, among a host of rare butterflies and birds. Don’t miss the Mayolikhan; arguably the most beautiful trail, where cedar and oak trees lead through a rocky waterfall into a quiet and seemingly hidden village. Where to stay While the colourful thatched cottages at Mary Budden Estate belong in the pages of an interiors magazine, it’s the relaxed hospitality that draws a repeat crowd; think picnics on the Mayolikhan and dinners under the stars.

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Why Choose Us for Your India Nature Adventure?

• An All-Encompassing Wildlife Itinerary...in Less-Traveled Parks This is the ultimate India experience for nature lovers. Boost your chances of seeing Bengal tigers—plus a host of other Indian wildlife—on visits to three different national parks that are home to some of India's most concentrated tiger populations. Most travelers go to Ranthambore National Park at peak season, which is heavily advertised and very crowded. We visit equally appealing Bandhavgarh National Park instead, plus Kanha and Kaziranga, which are more remote with far fewer tourists. Kanha also offers some of India's best tiger-viewing possibilities, while Kaziranga offers close encounters with rhinos and wild elephants. We also have a chance to see seven deer species and 600-plus bird species among an impressive diversity of wildlife. 
• India’s Finest Naturalist Guides Our India Expedition Leaders average more than 15 years' experience—with top-level training including resources from WWF scientists. You won’t find more knowledgeable, personable or enthusiastic guides than those who are proud to work for us. Our philosophy is simple: a nature adventure is only as good as the guide who leads it, so we provide the very best! See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
• A Small Group Means More Authentic Nature Experiences Most visitors to India travel in large groups aboard tour buses, focusing on cities and crowded cultural monuments. But that’s no way to experience India’s rich nature, which is our focus. We take just 11 guests, for a lower impact in nature reserves and more personal encounters with wildlife and local people.
• Nine Days of Wildlife-Focused Activities in Varied Habitats Spend three days each in three premier wildlife reserves as we explore contrasting Asian habitats: the dry mixed deciduous forests of central India and the moist floodplains and grasslands of the Brahmaputra basin. Morning and afternoon safari outings provide a variety of perspectives. 
• Distinctive Accommodations Enhance Your Safari When you travel with us to India, our accommodations ensure your every comfort. Environmentally sensitive ecolodges, while secluded, offer exceptional amenities. Each is selected for proximity to wildlife and the high quality of the guest experience. India’s luxury urban hotels are renowned worldwide, and the 5-star hospitality of the landmark Taj Mahal Hotel in Delhi and the Taj City Center New Town Kolkata offer welcome indulgences before and between our safari adventures. 
• Our Presence Directly Helps to Protect Tigers After years of precipitously declining tiger numbers, India is charting steady increases. Its 2022 quadrennial tiger census counted 3,682 tigers, up from 2,967 in 2018, an annual rise of 6%. Conservation groups attribute a share of the increase to responsible ecotourism. The economic value of visitors to India's tiger reserves benefits local communities, offering people an incentive to protect the wildlife they share the land with. Given that India is home to 75% of the world's remaining wild tigers, our presence here for wildlife tourism here is integral to that continued success. 
• Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Outstanding India Wildlife Safari With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive quality value guarantee that promises we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
• Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.

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Safari in India

Find the perfect Safari adventure in India. There are 256 India safaris to choose from, that range in length from 1 days up to 30 days. The most popular month for these tours is May.

250+ India safari tour packages with 1,573 reviews

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Golden Triangle & Ranthambhore Tour with 4-Star Accommodation

Our expectations were fairly high before we started, but we were blown away by the expertise, treatment and knowledge of our MTA GUIDE, Manish. Additionally, our driver Prakash was professional and very efficient. Nothing was too much trouble and we have come away with a feeling of genuinely having had a true 'Indian Experience'. Thank you, MTA!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Central India Wildlife Tour

I had to cancel the tour for personal reasons. This review is in praise of the thoughtful and understanding treatment that I received from Sunil at Alkof. He spend a lot of time explaining everything to me before and booked. Then, when I had to cancel, he was sympathetic and refunded my deposit. I've travelled a great deal and there are many tour operators who are untrustworthy. Alkof has shown itself to be honest and reliable.

Bandhavgarh Kanha Pench Tour

Our family had a customized tour that included all three national parks for tiger safaris as well as the traditional golden triangle tour. We had 2 different drivers during the tour that picked us up at the airport or drove us to the next location. The drivers were always early, extremely friendly and helpful, and the cars were immaculate. We stayed at six different hotels that were picked out for us. They were all very nice and I would stay at them again. The guides at each location were very knowledgeable and friendly. The company itself stayed in contact with me throughout the trip to make sure I did not need anything. I would highly recommend this company. This tour was much more flexible and convenient than participating in a group tour where everyone has to keep up with a group pace.

• Wildlife & Nature Photography

Best North India Wildlife Tour

Many thanks to Yolo India Tours for organizing my dream holiday of experiencing the Indian wildlife. Our 10 days wildlife holiday ranks high among our all time favorite holiday. This tour is a treat for every wildlife lover and offer the best wildlife experience of India. From our first informational emails, to being personally dropped at the airport to go home everything was perfect. The hotels were wonderful and safaris to the national park organised very well. I will always remember this wild life experience of India.

Taj, Tigers & Lakes - Golden Triangle Delhi Agra Jaipur with Ranthambore & Udaipur

Thank you for the well organised trip . We really enjoyed & had a great time on this trip . We will definitely recommend this trip to friends

For The Love of Taj & Tiger - Golden Triangle of India & Ranthambore with 3 Tiger Safaris

Excellent tour. Well organised in good rooms Any issues, MTA were always on hand to provide support. Drivers, guides, support staff were all excellent and happy to assist. The tigers, Taj and attractions kind of look after themselves :-) and all were as expected. A thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile tour I would definitely use them again.

10-Day Wildlife Safaris And Cultural Experiences In Central India

Very well planned and executed tour. The temples at Khajuraho are so amazing. So big cats during the safaris. The guides were knowledgeable. Enjoyed every moment. Highly recommended.

8 Days GOLDEN TRIANGLE EXCURSION WITH RANTHAMBORE WILDLIFE SAFARI

My tour was wonderful. I got to see so much in my short trip. I was lucky enough to see a tigress at Ranthambore. My guide in Delhi was great. My guide in Jaipur was amazing. He really went above and beyond. My driver was the absolute best. He is such a kind person and great at navigating India’s traffic. My only complaint is my guide in Agra. He said he would give me change when I paid for one of the forts we visited and never did. Additionally, he kept telling me to tip him (which I always do) and seemed unhappy with my tip, despite the fact that he kept my money from the fort without my permission. With the exception of the Agra guide, the tour was great and I would do it again.

India Tiger Safari Tour with Khajuraho

Mystic Trails of the Northeast: Temples, Tigers, and Tribes Expedition

Tailor Made India: The Golden Triangle and Wildlife

Golden Triangle Delhi Agra Jaipur With Ranthambore National Park

As I only had a week and wanted to see the main attractions in the India, I thought it will be a challenge for the company but they did it with ease.. With only one day in Delhi, I managed to see five main attractions, going from one to the other in the comfort of an air conditioned car. In Agra, I visited the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal at sunset, before driving on the following day to Fatehpur Sikri, all of which were awesome and the history of which was explained to me by a knowledgeable guide who greeted me everywhere. Then I drove on to Ranthambore national Park for tiger sightings, fortunately, I saw tigers in both my safaris, and then to Jaipur, where I visited Amber Fort, and Jantar Mantar. All of my guides were well informed and enhanced my experience of each visit. My driver Suresh, who accompanied throughout, was very good at maneuvering through the chaos of traffic in India. And the hotels in which I stayed were all sufficiently well appointed. Rajasthan is a wondrously historic place and I highly recommend a visit to this place & that too with K K holidays .

India Golden Triangle Tour with Tigers & Asiatic Lions

Thank you so much for providing best hotels in best location and loved all sightseeing places with Ankit a professional tour guide and forgot other guides name. overall tour was fantastic

Tiger Safari Tour Delhi-Agra- Ranthambore-Jaipur-Delhi

The trip was excellent and our group leader Mohan Shukla did a great job in guiding us through the northern part of India. There is so much history, culture, and cuisine to enjoy in India. The small size of the group (16 of us) made for an intimate and enjoyable time. The trip was definitely worth it!

India's Golden Triangle with Ranthambore - Tigers and Tal Mahal Sunrise/Sunset

Highly recommended. Everything that I hoped and expected, plus more. From the warm and hospitable welcome of Ms Sonia and Ms Shilpi, through the expert and safe driving of Mr Shiv, on to the knowledgeable and companionable local guides, I have nothing but gratitude and praise. A concise and well-constructed itinerary that delivered a memorable Golden Triangle experience. Plus tigers! Tremendous value for money.

Indian Wildlife Safari Reviews

Our expectations were fairly high before we started, but we were blown away by the expertise, treatment and knowledge of our MTA GUIDE, Manish. Additionally, our driver Prakash was professional and very efficient. Nothing was too much trouble and we have come away with a feeling of genuinely having had a true 'Indian Experience'. Thank you, MTA!

I had to cancel the tour for personal reasons. This review is in praise of the thoughtful and understanding treatment that I received from Sunil at Alkof. He spend a lot of time explaining everything to me before and booked. Then, when I had to cancel, he was sympathetic and refunded my deposit. I've travelled a great deal and there are many tour operators who are untrustworthy. Alkof has shown itself to be honest and reliable.

Safari Tours

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Where to go on safari in India

There’s no doubt that ranthambore national park is the most popular place to go on safari in india . but venture further afield and you’ll find a more intimate and authentic safari experience in lesser-known national parks. here is our guide to the best safari spots in india., bandhavgarh national park.

A former royal hunting ground turned national park in 1968, Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh is one of India’s smaller national parks at 448 square miles. Amazingly, despite its history of hunting, Bandhavgarh has one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers in the country, making it a popular alternative to Ranthambore for those with the elusive striped predators at the top of their checklist. There are around 22 mammal species including the common langur, sloth bear, striped hyena and leopard, plus over 250 species of birdlife – so there’s plenty to keep an eye out for.

Where to stay - Just 20 minutes from the park entrance, Taj Mahua Kothi is the epitome of safari luxe. Nothing is too much trouble; you’ll have your own butler and you can choose to have dinner whenever and wherever you please. It’s also wonderfully intimate with just 12 jungle huts.

Kanha National Park

If you want to relive your childhood fantasy of being Mowgli and make friends in the jungle (at a safe distance, of course), there’s no better place than Kanha National Park – the original inspiration for The Jungle Book. In a playground of bamboo forests, meadows and towering sal trees, it’s easy to be enraptured by enchanting scenes of chital, dainty Bambi-esque white-spotted deer, male peacocks and their sweeping vivid plumes and the larger barasingha, a swamp deer that was saved from extinction thanks to conservation efforts in Kanha. It’s a good bet if you’re after a sighting of the mighty Shere Khan, too.

Where to stay - Taj Banjaar Tola exudes rustic luxury in a 90-acre private concession close to Kanha, complete with flawless Taj service. Its 18 tented suites are all slightly elevated to change the environment as little as possible, and each has a deck looking out to the peaceful Banjaar River and forest beyond.

Pench National Park

Two hours from the city of Nagpur, Pench National Park is one of India’s lesser-visited parks on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It’s smaller than most at 293 square miles and it’s home to a famous tigress. Collarwali has given birth to seven litters and 26 cubs in total. It’s said to be the highest recorded number of tiger cubs given birth in the wild, and visitors can keep a keen eye out for the Queen of Pench and her cubs. Among these fierce cats, there’s plenty of wildlife to spot in Pench including herds of gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer and over 260 bird species like the vivid blue greater racket-tailed drongo.

Where to stay - At Pench Tree Lodge , you can stay in one of the six treehouses, each kitted out with air-conditioning, a canopied four poster bed and a deck area that keen birders will love.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Relatively unheard of outside of India and set in beautiful forest, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve has only recently seen a rise in popularity. Encompassing Tadoba National Park and Andhari Game Sanctuary, this is the largest and oldest tiger reserve in Maharashtra. You’ll have a decent chance of spotting a tiger within the 45-square-mile Tadoba National Park where there are around 70 resident tigers, as well as leopard, sloth bear, gaur and wild dogs. Tadoba remains open all year round (closed only on Tuesdays), so those looking for a safari between July and October won’t miss out. Just be wary of sweltering heat between April to June and heavy rains between July and September.

Where to stay - Svasara Jungle Lodge is family-run, and a mere 300 metres from Kolara Gate. There are 12 simple and modern-style suites, a library and a central Teak House which doubles as the restaurant and cinema showing documentaries on Tadoba.

Satpura National Park

Want off-the-beaten-track? Satpura has a different feel to most national parks. The terrain is hillier; there’s an abundance of water, which means you can go on a river safari; and it’s much quieter than most parks. Tiger viewing can prove trickier here, but Satpura’s diverse wildlife is arguably underrated. It’s leopards that are more likely to make an appearance and, besides, a much awaited sighting of a sloth bear, Malabar giant squirrel or wild crocodile is a rewarding treat in itself. It’s an interesting option for those who’ve been on an India safari before, or in combination with another national park.

Where to stay - Unplug and embrace nature at Reni Pani , a standout hotel that gets rave reviews for its exceptional service and breathtaking natural setting. The hotel has 12 beautifully decorated cottages and four luxury tents. There’s no television or internet; instead, there’s grazing deer, Hanuman langurs and countless birds to look out for from your private deck.

If you want to discover more, visit our India page, read our India brochure or chat to one of our Personal Travel Experts who can share their first-hand experiences and recommendations.

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The 15 Best places for Jungle Safari in India in 2024

Last Updated on March 13, 2024

Jungle safari is one of the most riveting experiences that you can have in India. Blessed with an exceptional faunal diversity, India offers you a chance to live “The Jungle Book”.

Be it the Tiger trails of Karnataka, or Asiatic lion in the Gir Forest – a safari through the India’s forests is unforgettable. So, get ready to read about these thrilling escapades in the Indian Jungles.

The post contains affiliate links for tours, hotels etc. This means if you make any purchase through the links in the post, I may get a commission without any additional cost to you.

A Quick Outline

Best Jungle Safaris in India – South Zone

South India is where you find the world’s hottest biodiversity hotspot – the Western Ghats . No wonder it is home to beautiful forests. Mainly famous for tiger sighting, South Indian jungles also offer you an opportunity to see many other endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-Tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Langur.

1. Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Bandipur, Nagarhole, Wayanad (Kerala) and Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu) are four national parks spread across 3 states of India. Together this interconnected group of national parks form the largest free habitat of tigers in India and the whole world. Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Mudumalai, aka Masinagudi are so close that they are almost like a continuous stretch of forest for a layman.

In the 6-hour jeep safari in Bandipur Tiger Reserve by Jungle Lodge & Resorts , you will enter deep into the forests in search of the evasive striped beauty. The safari is conducted in two phases. There is one 3-hour safari in the evening and one 3-hour safari in the next morning.

Besides tiger, you will come across many other indigenous species of Western Ghats. The thrill of riding through the dusty forest, watching the spectacular sunset amidst the sound of birds and looking out for peacocks, deer, monkeys and other members of the beautiful forest ecosystem of Karnataka is a memorable experience. 

Besides booking a stay in the JLR properties, you can also book a tour of Bandipur Safari from Mysore here . You can read more about it here .

Places to stay in Bandipur

• The Serai, Bandipur  – The most famous luxury stays in the region
• Dhole’s Den – A travel sustainable property in the cradle of nature in Bandipur

2. Nagarhole National Park

Also in Karnataka, Nagarhole National Park is separated from the Bandipur Tiger Reserve by the resplendent Kabini river. Located at the border of Mysuru and Kodagu districts, Nagarhole is one of the most visited national parks in India. The forest of Nagarhole is home to spotted deer, sambal, monkeys, leopards and many other indegeneous animals.

Check out the best places to visit in Karnataka – one of the most beautiful states of India.

While the park itself id beautiful and you have almost as much probability of spotting a tiger while driving through the forests as in Bandipur, the jungle safari has scope of improvements. The timings of Jungle safari are 6am to 8 am in the morning and 3pm to 5pm in the evening.

The bookings are managed by the Forest Department, and you can only book a one-hour jeep safari pr bus safari in the forest. You will be greeted by a herd of deer at the ticket counter itself and it’s hard to resist the urge to pet those beauties.

3. Periyar Tiger Reserve – a Lake Safari

Located in Idukki district of Kerala, Periyar Tiger Reserve is a great place to go for jungle safari. It is the Best managed Tiger Reserve among 50+ Tiger Reserves in the country according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

The forest engulfs the beautiful Periyar Lake in Thekkady . Besides tiger, you get to see other indigenous species like the Sambhal Deer, elephants ,Nilgiri langur and the lion-tailed macaque.

There are a variety of jungle safari options in the Periyar reserve. The regular safari in the daytime can be on vans of jeeps. The highlight of a trip to Periyar Tiger Reserve is the opportunity to join the night patrol.

This is a regular night patrolling program in the fringes of the Eco development zone of the Tiger Reserve in the company of armed guards between 7 pm and 4 am (7pm-10, 10-1am, 1-4am).

You can also enjoy a relaxing safari in the lake or book a one-night or two-night camping at PTR. Check out all available activities for online booking here .

Places to Stay

• Cardamom Country by Xandari – A luxury resort 4km away from the jungle.
• Chrisie’s Hotel – A 3-star travel-sustainable property only 1.2 km away from Periyar National Park
• Noah’s Treehouse – A travel sustainable homestay close to the jungle, which has its fair share of wildlife like deer, hornbill etc.

4. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary – The Elephant Paradise

The second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, Muthanga is home to a huge variety of birds and animals. It is a Project Elephant site dedicated to rescue and conservation of the beautiful giants.

You can book a 2-hour jeep safari or a jungle camping excursion from the Sultan Bathery checkpost in Wayanad. You can also go there in your own car.

Places to stay:

Our stay at Sterling Wayanad at Sultan Bathery gave us an opportunity to explore the jungles by our car every day of our stay.

Rithu Holiday Cottages and tents gives you the most authentic jungle-camping experience in Muthanga.

5. Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu

Mudumalai National Park, also known as Masinagudi Tiger Reserve is located in Tamil Nadu. Besides tigers, these dense forests are home to giant elephants, antelopes and many indigenous species of the Western Ghats .  Living in a cottage in the forests amidst deer and peacocks and going on a tiger safari is an experience of a lifetime.

Spanning 321 square kilometers at an elevation range of 850m – 1250m, in the Nilgiris, Masinagudi will mesmerize you with its beauty.

Van / Bus safari is organized every morning (6 am to 10 am) and evening (2pm to 6pm), each safari lasting only 30 minutes.

To increase the chances of seeing interesting wildlife you should book jeep safaris that are longer. Elephant safari is also an option in Masinagudi. Private vehicles are not allowed in safari zones.

Check out the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu .

6. Eravikulam National Park Safari – to see the Nilgiri Tahr

Nestled in the hills of Munnar, Eravikulam National Park has a mystic charm that will bewitch you all. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India is located right inside the park.

The park’s mesmerizing beauty is because of the mountains, the waterfalls and the pristine natural ecosystem. An ecosystem which was unfortunately disturbed and replaced with the aggressive commercialization and tea plantations by the British.

The ticket counter is bustling with people all the time as it is one of the biggest attractions in the Idukki region. The safari bus simply takes you to the hilly forests and leaves you there to explore the park by yourself.

Vehicles are not allowed to enter beyond a point to maintain the sensitive biosphere.

So here you have the walking jungle safari. The 97 sq km park has three parts – the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed to stroll only in the tourist area. Trek in the Kurinji trails covered with blossoms to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and be awed at the sight of the majestic Lakkom Falls. 

Don’t miss the Eraviulam National Park in your Munnar itinerary .

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7. BR Hills

Biligiriranga Hills, popularly known as BR Hills is an elusive and enchanting forest in Karnataka. Located between Bangalore and Mysore , this could be one of the most visited jungles in India, but it is actually quite the opposite. Because tourism in the area is not as well-developed, footfall is less, and the jungle-feel is quite authentic.

Welcoming Ellis Veen from Backpack Adventures to share her experience at BR Hills

It was a rainy morning in BR hills . The wildlife sanctuary was lush and green and teeming with life. Our jeep was going slow on the muddy dirt roads through the dense forest. One time we even had to get out to remove fallen branches from the narrow jeep track. 

The rainy season is maybe not the best time to go on a safari in India, but it is when the jungle of BR Hills truly comes alive. The constant drizzle did not take away the natural beauty of the monsoon greenery and the joy of spotting wildlife.

I was lucky to see wild boars, barking deer and chital deer and just as I was leaving BR Hills there was a group of elephants by the side of the road.

BR Hills is one of the lesser-known wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka. Although less popular than nearby Bandipur or Kabini, it is equally beautiful and with the same chances of spotting the elusive tiger or the Asian elephant that roams the forests. Being a bridge between the Eastern ghats and the Western ghats it is a biodiverse area of rich flora and fauna. 

BR Hills has culture and history too. The local Biligiri Ranganathaswamy temple is an important place of worship for the local Soliga people and a pilgrimage site for Hindus.

With its scenic location on top of a hill it offers sweeping views over the BR Hills Wildlife sanctuary. Safari s are organized by the K.Gudi wilderness camp where you can sleep as well. 

KSTDC Mayura Hotel – a government-run sustainable resort in B.R.Hills

Gorukana Eco Wellness Resort – a 4star eco-friendly stay near B.R. Hills

8. Dandeli Jungle Safari

Dandeli, located in the northern region of Karnataka is a great place for adventurists and nature-lovers. It is also very close to Goa and can be clubbed as at extension to your Goa itinerary.

Raksha shares her tips for Dandeli Jungle Safari

Designated as a tiger reserve, the town of Dandeli is a natural habitat for wildlife and is the second largest sanctuary in Karnataka state of India. Now called the Kali Tiger Reserve, the forest has abundant wild animals, reptiles, and birds.

Forests of Dandeli are made up of moist deciduous and semi-evergreen trees. The sanctuary is located on the banks of River Kali and is said to have about 13 to 14 tigers in the wild. It is also home for the rare black panthers.

The best time to visit Dandeli is between the months of October and May. Jungle safaris are operated twice during the day by the forest department.

The visitors can also take a coracle ride on the river to see freshwater crocodiles. And for adventure seekers, there is white water river rafting available with rapids of 3+ grades.

Dandeli has many accommodations catering for all kinds of travelers. There are home stays that provide amazing options for budget travelers and then there are resorts for luxury travelers.

Kali Wilderness Camp operated by Jungle Lodges is an excellent place to stay. As it is part of the government, preference for jungle safari rides is given to the guests of the camp.

Jungle Safari in India – Rest of India

I have only been to jungle safaris in the south. So, for the rest of India I reached out to the blogging community for their suggestions. North India has a diverse landscape with deserts, Himalayan forests, mangroves and more. The enriching experiences of these bloggers gave me new travel goals.

1. Jaldapara Jungle Safari

Welcome Soumya from Nature Diary to share his experiences:

The list of best  jungle   safari  in India is incomplete without mentioning Jaldapara National Park in the northern part of West Bengal . After Kaziranga National Park in Assam, Jaldapara is the second-largest home for critically endangered one-horned rhinos in India.

At present, the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited ( WBFDCA ) arranges jeep  safaris  on five routes and elephant  safaris  on two routes across the national park.

If you love to enjoy the wilderness at its best, choose the elephant  safari  route from Hollong, an  ecotourism destination  in North Bengal. There are three times when the  safari  commences in the early morning: 5:50-6:30 AM, 6:30-7:30 AM, and 7:30-8.30 AM.

It is preferable to book the 1st slot as the forest looks most beautiful at this time. Please note that the  jungle   safari  is open every day except Thursday.

During the  safari , you can see animals like rhinos, Asiatic elephants, sambars, hog deer, barking deer,  jungle  cats, giant squirrels, porcupines, pangolins, pythons, etc. Over 240 species of bird species, including peacocks, hornbills, green pigeons, barbets, and parakeets, can be seen on the  jungle   safari . Overall, a  jungle   safari  at Jaldapara National Park is worth every penny.

To enjoy nature to its fullest, you can stay in the Hollong forest bungalow overnight and book the next morning’s  safari .

2. Ranthambore Jungle Safari

Located in Rajasthan, at the junction of two of the oldest mountain ranges – the Aravallis and Vindyas – Ranthambore forest offers the most picturesque setting for a wildlife safari. 

Ranthambore is famous for tiger safari, but it is also a home to a large variety of birds and animals. Some of these are the sloth bear, leopard, Indian wolf, deer, fox, hyena and mongoose.

Sakshi , blogger at Tripleamommy shares her experience.

My husband and I love going to National Parks. Ranthmabore is our favorite – both for its proximity to Delhi and the high chances of tiger sighting. The first time we went to Ranthambore was in April 2009 and we stayed at a government guest house.

The facilities were basic but that’s not really important when you are on an adventure trip. We were lucky to spot the tiger on our second trip and I can still feel the excitement of that moment!

We had been roaming the dry plains in our jeep when suddenly in a distance, there was a cacophony of birds and screeching of monkeys! A tiger was approaching! Our jeep joined at least 8-10 other jeeps and canters that scrambled to that area to sight the tiger, when it appeared majestically on the horizon. The second time we went was with our entire family and this time we stayed at the Taj Vivanta – it is a lovely property and other than the tiger safaris, just the stay at the property was great fun! ther than the safaris, Ranthambore has a lovely fort that history lovers would love to visit – the picturesque ruins and the temple make for a great visit.

You can reach Ranthambore by train – get off at the Sawai Madhopur station and in most cases the hotel will send their jeep to pick you up from the station. If you are in Jaipur or Delhi – NCR, you can also enjoy a lovely road trip to Ranthambore.

Book admission to Ranthambore Jungle Safari here . You can also book a complete day trip package from Jaipur

Places to stay in Ranthambore

Ranthambore Regency – a 4-star sustainable resort close to the national park

Sawai Madhopur Lodge – a 5-star sustainable romantic resort by Taj Vivanta, 12km from the national park

Six Senses Fort Barwara – a fort transformed into a 5-star resort, 30-minute drive from the national park

3. Kanha Tiger Reserve Jungle Safari

Kanha tiger Reserve also known as the Kanha -Kisli National Park is the largest national park in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It encompasses an area of 940 sq km and is divided into two zones- Mandla and Balaghat.

Welcome Jon Duncan from Backpacking Man to share his tips for Kanha Tiger Reserve

The  Kanha Tiger Reserve  is one of the best places in India to spot tigers in the wild and also makes for a great  jungle  experience in India. In fact, the area was the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s “The  Jungle  Book”, which says it all.

The obvious main thing to do in the area is to go on a day jeep  safari  through the reserve keeping an eye out for tigers, as well as lots of other wildlife such as deer and, if lucky, packs of wild dogs.

The driver of the jeep is accompanied by an expert ranger/guide who will be able to track animal prints on the ground to try and find the wildlife.

Note that there are elephant  safaris available in the area which may seem adventurous, but these are not recommended as the elephants are not treated so well.

So, avoid that and promote ethical tourism and stick to going on a jeep safari  which is actually the best way to see a lot more of the reserve anyway.

• Camp Dev Vilas
• Club Mahindra Kanha

4. Bhandavgarh Jungle Safari

Located in the Umaira district of Madhya Pradesh, India, Bhandavgarh National Park is a fantastic place for tiger safari. The core area of the park is 100 square-kilometers and is home to approximately 50 tigers.

Like Bandipur, there are two slots for 3-hour Jeep safaris, once at dawn, and again in late afternoon. The National Park has three main safari zones, namely – Tala Zone ,  Magadhi Zone  and  Khitauli Zone .  

Tala Zone is the oldest and richest zone in terms of biodiversity.

One can chose between a jeep safari and an elephant safari at Bhandavgarh.

Once again, I could get Sakshi to share her experience in Bhandavgarh National Park.

In 2014, when the family was invited for a wedding in Jabalpur, we grabbed at the opportunity to stop at Bandhavgarh for a day. Took a train to Katni and then drove for about 2 hours to get to Bandhavgarh.

By the time we reached, it was late for the afternoon safari, so we took some time settling in and familiarizing ourselves with the property.

We turned in early as we had a very early morning safari. The slight chill at dawn combined with the hot chai and coffee served for the safari goers was a great start to the day.

And the sumptuous breakfast served after the safari was also very welcome. Even though we didn’t get to see the tiger, the safari ride itself was a lot of fun.

In the afternoon we left for Jabalpur, a lovely road trip and the most memorable for me were the blazing spring colors of the trees.

You can follow Sakshi on Instagram .

Places to stay for the safari

Tree House Hideaway – Built like an actual tree-house, it offers you a great opportunity for bird-watching. The property organizes a tiger safari every evening.

Bhandavgarh Tiger Lodge – This travel-sustainable property is located close to the maingate of the Bhandavgarh National Park from where you can book your safari.

5. Gir Forest Safari

The Sasan Gir Wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat is the only place in India where you can spot the rare Asiatic lions in the wild. The rough scrublands and dry forests enable tourists with an excellent opportunity to photograph the majestic animal in its natural habitat.

Ruma, blogger at The Holiday Story shares some tips.

Gir forest , also known as Sasan Gir, encompasses an area of 1.412 Km². At present, around 600 lions inhabit this forest land in Gujarat. Exploring this jungle through a safari is an exhilarating experience.

Early morning is the best time to go for a safari. Reporting time for the morning slot is 5:30 am. The IDs need to get verified first before boarding your choice of a safari vehicle. The gipsy or jeep will then take you through the Gir Jungle Trail .

 There are several routes on this trail. The safari explores these trails in search of a glimpse of the mighty lions. Other than lions, you can also see deer, monkeys, langurs, and many species of birds. On visiting the Kamleshwar dam, you can also see crocodiles and birds like pelicans.

Apart from safari, you can visit the Kankai Mata temple or Jamjir waterfall. Both of these attractions are within the forest vicinity. You can also shop from the souvenir shop located in this national park. Drop by the Durbar Hall Museum to learn a bit about the history of Gujarat.

You can book a Gir Safari here .

Recommended stays:

Gir Serai IHCL Seleqtions – a 5-star luxury resort by Taj 

The Fern Gir Forest – 5-star eco-friendly resort right next to Gir Forest

6. Jim Corbett National Park

Ipsita from Nomad Enroute shares her tips

Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, the first tiger reserve in India, is spread across a vast land of 520 square kilometers in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.

It came into being in 1936 while in 1973 the Project Tiger was first launched under which tiger and other endangered species were to be preserved in their natural habitat.

The rare species such as otters and the endemic fish-eating crocodile, along with a significant number of tigers have found their home in the dense forest of Jim Corbett .

On the road we spotted a sambar running towards the jungle . Several deer were gliding along the riverbed, among which we could recognize a swamp deer (barasingha), which is now extinct in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The booking is handled by the forest department following the strict guideline set by the department.

You can book the safari online, with the requisite documentation supporting your request. Full name, address, age, sex and ID card number. The time-slots for the safari are 6 am to 9:30 am and 3 pm to 6 pm.

For Indians, it costs Rs. 4500 to hire a jeep, which includes 6 adults and 2 children between the age group 5-12. For foreigners, it costs Rs. 9000 for 6 adults and 2 children. Remember that charges must be made in advance and in case your plan gets cancelled, you won’t be refunded.

Recommended Stays in Jim Corbett

The Hosteller Jim Corbett

Click Resort Corbett Tiger Den

7. Kaziranga Jungle Safari

Welcome Vidyut from Triplyzer who shares his experience in the Kaziranga Safari

Kaziranga National Park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. There are numerous tiger safaris in India, but safari here has something unique to offer – the one-horned rhino, a rare beast!

I visited Kaziranga as part of my  northeast India itinerary,  stayed overnight in the nearby town, and took the safari in the morning. For safari, you can either take a jeep or ride an elephant. I preferred the jeep for ethical reasons, but honestly, an elephant ride does sound fun.

Safaris start as early as 5.30 am in summer and it’s best to do it when it is still cool. The jeep safaris take about 2 hours, keep your DSLR with zoom lens ready as you will come across an abundance of wildlife.

There are four different safaris taking you to different zones in the park. If you start early, you can easily visit two of these. Central Range (Kohora) and the Western range (Bagori) are the two most popular, the former is known for the beautiful grassy landscape while the latter boasts of easy Rhino sightings.

The state government-run dedicated buses from the bus station at Paltan bazaar to Kaziranga, making it cheap and easy to get here. Since the journey is over 5 hours long, stay in Kohora as it has plenty of budget and premium options.

So here ends my post on the best jungle safaris in India – selected by travel bloggers. This was based on diversity of experiences and the endangered species that the forests preserve. I hope this will help you select your next holiday destination. Please share it and subscribe to the blog if you like the content.

So, are you thrilled to explore the wild Indian Jungles? I sure am. If you liked the post, save it so that you can plan your next jungle safari in India. This is the 10th post in the series “My Fabulous Five” for #BlogchatterA2Z . You can read other previous posts here . Subscribe for email updates and connect with me on Instagram for more travel stories.

Special thanks to the amazing wildlife photographers for making their photos available on Pixabay for free. The image sin the cover picture and two of the images in the Pinterest graphics are from Pixabay Creative Commons.

Author Alice is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. She shares her travel stories and exclusive practical tips on Backpack & Explore, that you won't find anywhere else.

Interesting read. Thanks for sharing!

Wow! A jungle safari in India sounds amazing! Thanks for the inspiration!

Ahhh! We were supposed to go in 2020 but it got cancelled. I would love to see these amazing animals in the wild! Thank you for inspiring me and let me travel through your pictures!

This sounds like such a cool experience! I didn’t realize safaris were a thing in India, but now I want to go on one.

Thanks a lot Maggie. India has some of the most thrilling and beautiful forest experiences.

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Jungle Safaris in India

Here's the list of best wildlife safaris in india:, quick navigation, ranthambore national park.

Hemis National Park

Best of Rajasthan

Jim Corbett National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park

Best of Kerala

Sasan-Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

Kaziranga National Park

Best of Ladakh

Kanha National Park

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Best of Andaman and Nicobar

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

Sundarbans National Park

Best of Nepal

Tadoba National Park

Pench National Park

Best of Bhutan

Satpura National Park

Dudhwa National Park

Best of Spiti Valley

Panna National Park

People Also Ask About India

Which are the best national parks for wildlife safaris in india, what is the best time to go on safari in ranthambore national park, how much does jim corbett national park safari cost, what is gir wildlife sanctuary famous for, what is the best time to visit kaziranga national park, what type of safaris are available at pench national park.

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32 safari lodges and camps in India that are now open

By Shradha Shahani

Does anything say social distancing like being out in the wild with more animals in sight than humans? India's national parks are open once again, with a range of safety protocols in place. From luxury camps and rustic cottages to cosy hotels, here's a round-up of camps and lodges from where you can launch into the wild:

Ranthambore, Rajasthan

The oberoi vanyavilas wildlife resort.

Sprawling across 20 acres, this luxury hotel that borders the Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve offers the best of both worlds--a stay that harks back to the royal palaces of Rajasthan's erstwhile maharajas and a resort that immerses you in the surrounding wilderness. Within the cream arches lie tents with claw-foot tubs, tiger-motif linen and teakwood floors. They are surrounded by private gardens, lakes and fountains that offer a sense of whimsy. Arrive to a grand welcome by elephants before you meet tigers, bears, leopards and more on game drives. The activities outdoors are sure to work up quite an appetite. So, it's great to have a range of options when it comes to food; feast on Rajasthani delicacies or European fare. Doubles from Rs 45,000 per night. Website. 

Nahargarh Ranthambore

Nahargarh, Rathambore, Rajasthan.

Frigid, pre-dawn alarms may feel worthwhile when you wake up at this 16-th century fortress. Each of the 99 rooms exudes opulence, some kitted with four-poster beds and frescoed windows and others with private courtyards and terraces. A spa will relieve you of sore feet, and there are three pools to choose from when you crave some downtime. The amphitheatre is perfect for a night of music song and dance, making it an ideal destination to host a wedding in the wilderness. Doubles from Rs 10,500 per night. Website. 

Aman I Khas

If you've lived like Rajasthan's royalty, Aman I Khas will be a welcome change. The property features 10 white plush Mughal-inspired, pyramid-roofed guest tents with colonial-style leather decor, marble bathtubs and cosy king-size beds. A tent that houses a spa also offers body scrubs, facials and Reiki healings. Enjoy breakfast in guava orchards, borrow a book from the cosy library, explore Ranthambore Fort located close by and enjoy a healthy meal at the restaurant; most of the ingredients on the menu are sourced straight from the property's organic farm. Before you call it a day, enjoy a drink by the camp's private lake. Doubles from Rs88,959. Website .

Sawai Vilas

Condé Nast Traveller

Laura Lai Coughlin

Geetika Sachdev

Make the most of Ranthambore's wildlife without burning a hole in your pocket and without skimping on luxury. Sawai Vilas offers game drives to the national park and bird-watching at the Man Singh sanctuary as part of the stay package. Each of the 60 villas is appointed with plush furniture, Jaipur's hand-block printed furnishings, a sunroof bath and much more. Taste the best of Rajasthan at the restaurant, which offers everything from laal maas to gatte ki sabzi and daal baati churma. Enjoy a night of Rajasthan's traditional folk dance or snuggle by the bonfire. Doubles from Rs14,600, inclusive of safari, a trip to Ranthambore Fort and all meals. Website

Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand

Taj corbett resort & spa, uttarakhand.

Just a two-hour drive from Delhi, the beautiful hotel sits at the foothills of the Himalayas. Sixty-one rooms spread in a cluster of cottages across the 10-acre property. Elephants, tigers, deer, leopards, red foxes and sloth bears are just some of the many animals you will spot on your game drives here. Besides safaris, there's plenty to keep you entertained or relaxed. Lounge by the pool, go on a hike or an overnight camping trip and savour a traditional Kumaoni meal of gahat ke parathe and rasbhat. Children below 10 are currently not allowed to enter the national park, but there's enough to keep them busy--a game of noodle hockey or archery, for instance. Doubles from Rs13,254, inclusive of breakfast and another meal. Website. 

lebua Corbett

Fringed by the Jim Corbett National Park, this hotel has 44 plush villas on offer. They come with garden, mountain and forest views, and a private sit-out to soak it all in. Spend your day spotting tigers, deer, elephants, wild boars and more. Or go mountain biking and horse riding. Return to the hotel for a steam and spa therapy. Relax in the jacuzzi or infinity pool, or catch Uttarakhand's skies switch colours while you sip on a drink at the bar. For dinner, head to the multicuisine restaurant, Azrak, or opt for a romantic meal in the tree-house on your own courtyard. Doubles from Rs8,999, inclusive of breakfast. Website.

Lemon Tree Premier Corbett

Along the banks of the river Koshi, this five-acre resort offers sweeping views of the Shivalik hills and the forests beyond. Although the hotel is located in a reserve, it offers all the luxuries and modern amenities of a big-city hotel. It has a pool, spa, fitness centre, jacuzzi, high-speed Wi-Fi, a games room for children and more. Doubles from Rs8,000, inclusive of breakfast. Website.

Jim's Jungle Retreat

Bordering the Jim Corbett National Park, and nestled between the Shivalik and Himalayan foothills, the resort is made up of 18 cottages. With vintage-style furniture and rich upholstery, the interiors hark back to the Raj era. There are no televisions in the room, but that's not what you came here for anyway! The tiger may be the biggest draw, but you may well spot more birds than big cats here. The curated bird walk claims to show you 10 percent of India's avian population. Back in the lodge, enjoy a spa free of chemicals, borrow a book in the library or sit back and relax by the pool. For meals, expect farm-to-table Kumaoni dishes made with recipes straight from the Nawab's kitchen in Rampur. Doubles from Rs13,500, inclusive of breakfast. Website

Kabini, Karnataka

The bison resort.

Think you can handle the roar of a tiger before you go to bed? Run by conservationist Saad Bin Jung and son Shaaz, an avid wildlifer and photographer himself, The Bison Resort is as close as you can get to Kabini's wildlife. African tents meet hunting lodges that date back to the British Raj at this campsite, with some overlooking the backwaters of Kabini. For a more luxurious experience, opt for the Little Bison. The two exclusive tents offer personal valets, outdoor baths and private bonfires under Kabini's star-studded skies. Feast on breakfast by the backwaters, curl up and watch the sunbathe Kabini's skies in all colours, sip on a drink by the bonfire. Doubles from Rs 17,280, inclusive of meals and a coracle boat ride. Safaris cost an additional Rs1,990.

Kabini River Lodge

The erstwhile hunting lodge of Maharaja of Mysore is nestled in the Nagarhole National Park. The rooms are spartan, with no AC or television, but they ensure you make the most of what you went there for. Spend your day in the company of sambar, spotted deer, gaur, wild boar, sloth bear and more. Nagarhole is open year round, and each season brings unique safari opportunities. During the summer, the watering holes dry up and Asiatic elephants congregate on the riverbanks, while winter is a great time for birdwatching. Doubles from Rs 12,655, inclusive of all meals, jeep safari and forest entry fees. Website.

Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge

Ride in a jeep, boat or coracle to discover Kabini's wildlife at this beautiful resort situated right on the riverbank. The stay takes its inspiration from the local Kadu Kuruba tribe with villas framed in bamboo and thatched roofs. The rustic charm extends indoors with tribal-patterned furnishings, ethnic furniture and paintings. Choose between the safari hut or the pool hut. But the pièce de résistance of this lodge is the exclusive pool reserve villa, with a temperature-controlled pool and a star bed, where you can gaze at Kabini's dazzling skies. What's more, you can enjoy a private candlelight cruise dining experience and or a dinner for two by the Kabini. Doubles from Rs28,588, inclusive of taxes. Website .

Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka

The serai, bandipur.

This hotel is built to ensure you don't miss out on any of Bandipur's sights and sounds. With wooden and stone-tiled floors and walls, thatched roofs and wood-beam ceilings, The Serai blends in seamlessly with its surroundings. The cabins on stilts boast floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure the outside always finds its way inside, while the private gardens in the front yard allow you to soak in the beauty of the Nilgiris. The sights and sounds extend to the bar and the alfresco dining area by the pool, where you may hear the distant calls of animals or birds. Besides game rides, go mountain biking and trekking, or ride the train to Ooty. Doubles from Rs 14,500, inclusive of breakfast, a nature walk and bonfire night. Website 

The Windflower Resort & Spa

Switch off from the world and your daily routines; there's no cellphone connectivity, Wi-Fi or television here. But there's plenty to admire on your game drives, from tigers and elephants to spotted deer and antelopes. Back in the hotel, opt for a suite, with tall windows, sun-roof showers and a cosy bed or a Jungle Cottage with a private sit-out that opens up to views of the valley. The safaris are sure to work up quite an appetite and tire you out. Lucky for you, the resort offers some delicious Kannada meals and live grill stations with succulent meats. The hotel also organises meals by the pool or the bonfire, where you can bring your safari stories, and the friendly staff will bring the kebabs, roti and warmth. To relieve your aches and pains, there's a plethora of therapies, from hot stone spa treatments to traditional Ayurveda massages. Doubles from Rs9,870. Website. 

Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Baghvan - a taj safari.

About 100km from Nagpur and a five-minute drive from Pench National Park, this luxury hotel keeps you close to the city and closer to the majestic Bengal tigers. Each of the 12 colonial-style bungalows come with a rooftop machhan, indoor and outdoor shower areas and a private sit-out overlooking the woods. When you aren't distracted by Pench's rich wildlife, don't forget to head to the Taj's signature Jiva spa. Doubles from Rs18,899. The hotel also has a two-night package of Rs35,000, which includes a safari drive, the park fees and all meals. Website .

Jamtara Wilderness Camp

Sleep under the comfort of a star-spangled sky. Jamtara has a four-poster machaan that sits in the middle of the forest. While you keep your eyes out for shooting stars and your ears for the call of the wild, a mosquito net protects you at all times. The best part? You will be contributing to the local farmers, as most of the revenue generated from this initiative supports the cause. But if you aren't feeling adventurous, choose from the 10 luxury tents here. When you aren't busy spotting tigers and leopards, unwind in the pool or borrow a book from the library and curl up in your lawn. Until 30 April 2021, the resort is offering a special package of a two-night stay for Rs53,500. This includes one safari, and other activities such as bird-watching, stargazing, a campfire night and cycle rentals. Website

Pench Jungle Camp

About a kilometre away from the Turia Gate of the Pench National Park, this lodge sits amid 50 acres of lush foliage. From safari tents and cottages to suites, there's a room for every need at the resort. Pench Jungle Camp has assembled a team of talented local naturalists to meet the needs of every safari-goer. Outside of game drives, watch the skies switch shades by the Khoka Lake, savour a bush dinner, warm up by the bonfire or enjoy a romantic dinner for two by the pool. Rs16,000 per person for a two night stay, inclusive of all meals, two jungle safari experiences and two-way transfer between Pench and Nagpur. Website

Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra

Svasara jungle lodge.

The pool at Svasara Jungle Lodge.

A stone's throw from Tadoba's Kolara Gate, this 10-acre eco-friendly lodge houses 12 cosy suites. One of the highlights of the resort is its talented team of naturalists that ensure your safari experience is unforgettable. The other is the delicious local Varadi fare served in the alfresco Teak Pavillion. The outdoor pool is the perfect place to unwind after a long day spent in the forest. A pavilion on the front lawns also screens tiger-centric documentaries every once in a while. Doubles from Rs10,500, inclusive of meals. Website 

Bamboo Forest

Bamboo Forest Safari Lodge. Photo: Athul Prasad.

With nine spacious villas and three four-bedroom chalets, Bamboo Forest can accommodate a party of two to a family of eight. The lake-facing rooms set amid bamboo groves come with open-air bathtubs and private gardens overlooking the lake-facing gazebo. The thick bamboo forests have made Tadoba the perfect ground for tigers, leopards, sloth bear, Indian gaurs and many other animals, making it a go-to place for wildlife lovers. Besides safaris, there are several other activities at the resort—stargazing, lakeside dinners, nature walks and birdwatching. Doubles from Rs20,600, inclusive of meals. Website

Tigress@Ghosri

You don't have to go too far to spot the king of the jungle here. The property is home to the waterhole Tiger Taka, which is frequented by a plethora of wild animals that can be spotted from one of the six rooms itself. Four of the rooms are on the main property that lead to a veranda and swimming pool, while two are located in the neem-shaded cottage with a sunny balcony and cosy living room. Enjoy your morning cuppa in the company of birds on the verandah, take long walks around the jungle and enjoy a bush dinner of barbeque hot off the grill. Doubles from Rs13,000, inclusive of meals. Website

Velavadar Black Buck National Park, Gujarat

The blackbuck lodge.

Laced with Savannah grasslands, The Blackbuck Lodge along the Velavadar National Park throws you right into the wild. The 70-acre property is punctuated with 14 luxury villas, with decks overlooking the bush, indoor and outdoor baths, and some with a plunge pool. Besides the majestic Indian antelopes, spot the Indian endangered grey wolf and some rare birds. Expect meal time to be just as special as your safari. Food, including traditional Kathiyawadi meals and barbeque snacks, is served at the glass waterfront dining room under a starlit sky. Doubles from Rs14,400, exclusive of meals. Website. 

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Mahua kothi, a taj safari.

The Bandhavgarh National Park is home to over 70 tigers and your chances of spotting one are pretty high at this park. Mahua Kothi's 45-acre property lies just on the periphery of Bandhavgarh. Under the shade of mahua trees, lie 12 airy mud-walled cottages that provide guests the village experience with all the luxuries. From the property, guests can enjoy the views of grasslands dotted with colourful birds and monkeys. Pick vegetables and fruits from the garden to make your own salad. Cool off at the pool under the shade of mahua trees or enjoy a sumptuous bush dinner or request your private buttler to reach it to your room. Doubles from Rs20,999. The hotel also offers a two-night package of Rs35,000, which includes all meals, and a safari drive.

Samode Safari Lodge

Close to the Kothi entrance of the park, the lodge is made of 12 rustic villas, an infinity pool, a gym, spa, solar-heated jacuzzi and canopied daybeds, perfect to unwind after a long day in the jungle. Choose between individual chalets and private villas kitted with spacious living rooms and private terraces that let you admire the beauty that is Bandhavgarh. But the biggest draw is its spacious bath—with a beautiful tiger mural painted by a Gond artist—that opens up to sweeping views of the forest. Savour a Mediterranean meal under the shade of Mahua trees at daytime, and feast on Indian fare in the company of brazier that will keep you warm at night. Doubles from Rs22,000, inclusive of all meals. Website.

Treehouse Hideaway

Your safari ride begins right from the time you reach the property. A machaan here overlooks a watering hole, frequented by animals, so you don't have to go too far to spot them. You may even see them from one of the five rooms--perched on mahua, tendu, peepal, banyan and palash trees. Although they are made from all natural and local materials like regularized wood, the insides don't compromise on any amenities, with a cosy four-poster bed, minibar, writing table, balconies and loungers to sit back and watch the forest creatures go by. Doubles from Rs37,000, inclusive of two safari experiences and all meals. Website. 

Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

The sarai at toria.

The Sarai at Toria sits on the banks of the River Ken, and is just a five-minute drive from the entrance to the Panna Tiger Reserve. It is run by big-cat biologist Raghunandan Singh Chundawat and his wife, wildlife photographer, writer, and conservationist Joanna Van Gruisen. The eight cottage eco-lodge leaves a minimal carbon footprint, with mud walls, grass roofs and solar power. The rooms are spacious and elegant; each has large sunlit bathrooms, private courtyards and verandahs. The Sarai is known for its home-cooked Indian and European fare prepared with ingredients sourced locally and from their organic kitchen garden. An alfresco dining area offers views of the river and the hills beyond. Experience a sunset boat ride on the River Ken; you may spot a crocodile or two if you get lucky. Go on a bird walk along the river, or a game drive to spot leopards and the diverse wildlife at the reserve. Besides wildlife viewings, there's a lot more to explore here. The UNESCO temples of Khajuraho are just a 30-minute drive, while the Raneh Falls is about a 45-minute drive. The falls are worth a trip even offseason. They dry up to reveal a 100-ft pink-and-grey graphite canyon and rocks from two billion years ago. Doubles from Rs20,500, inclusive of meals, and boat ride or bird/village walk. Website .

Ken River Lodge

The grandson of the Maharaja of Nagod Shyamendra Singh built Ken River Lodge in 1986. The lodge has been washed off twice due to floods in 1992 and 2007, however has been rebuilt with the same passion. Today, it is a beautiful property with eight village-style huts spread across 50 acres of land that is home to crocodiles, birds and tigers. A wooden deck overlooks the river with massive tree trunks growing through it. Besides exploring the Panna Tiger Reserve, the brave-hearted can drive down an hour to the Jhinna Camp for an overnight safari experience of watching nocturnal animals like jackals, porcupines, foxes, leopards, hyena and wolves. Doubles from Rs13,000, inclusive of meals. The jungle package doubles from Rs24,000, inclusive of meals and two safari experience with park and guide charges. Website.

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Banjaar tola, a taj safari.

BANJAAR TOLA, A TAJ SAFARI IN KANHA NATIONAL PARK

Situated along the Banjaar river, adjoining the Kanha National, is this beautiful lodge sprawling over 90 acres of land. It encompasses 18 large tents perched on the banks of the river on the east and west side, each with its own bar, terrace lounge, dining room and pool. The tents open up to a verandah with the river flowing by and the bathtub to the views of the forest. The food celebrated tribal flavours and the ingredients are sourced from the lodge's organic garden. A private butler will bring tea and breakfast to your bed and escort you with a flashlight from dinner. Doubles from Rs20,999. The hotel also offers a two-night package of Rs35,000, which includes all meals, and a safari drive. Website.

Kanha Earth Lodge

A haven for a wildlife purist, Kanha Earth Lodge is built in less than 5% of the 16 acres of forest lands surrounding it. Everything screams eco-friendly at the resort. The cottages are built from locally available materials such as mud plaster, terracotta tiles and rough-hewn timber beams. The furniture is crafted from recycled wood. When you aren't busy spotting one of Kanha's 90 big cats, unwind under the shade of mahua trees at the infinity pool tipping over the forest, catch a wildlife documentary or borrow a book from the library and savour a traditional meal of tikkar roti (flatbread roasted in camel foot leaves) and lamb boti curry and more. Doubles from Rs12,000, inclusive of breakfast. Website. 

Bagh Villas

The luxury tents of Bagh Villas take their cue from the hunting lodges of erstwhile maharajas. Each tent is set along the lake with a private verandah, and is a cosy place to retreat after spending a long day in the wild. Lounge by the pool, borrow a bike to explore the villages nearby and feast on meals made with ingredients straight from the property's organic gardens. If a particular dish sticks with you enough to learn how to make it, the staff will be happy to hold a class for you. Doubles from Rs16,000, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Website. 

Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Reni pani jungle lodge.

Satpura Tiger Reserve is about 11km away from the property. But a watering hole frequented by wildlife is right by the tents at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, giving guests the opportunity to spot animals right from their doorstep or even their work desk facing a large window. The other stay option is the cottages with large decks, lounging bay windows and spacious baths. Jeep, canoe or boat safari to catch a glimpse of leopards, deer, tigers, birds and butterflies. Satpura National Park is one of the few in the country that also allows you to explore on foot. Doubles from Rs17,500, inclusive of all meals. Website.

Forsyth Lodge

Fringed by the buffer zone of Satpura National Park, Forsyth Lodge sprawls over a 44-acre jungle area that has its share of animal visiting. The 12 luxury cottages are crafted with cob, husk and cow dung and minimal use of concrete, leaving a minimal carbon footprint. Catch a glimpse of four-horned antelopes, Indian skimmers and earthstar mushrooms. Jeep, walking, canoe and dusk, you name the kind of safari and they have it. They also have a camping and junior rangers programme for children. Doubles from Rs13,000. The Jungle Plan inclusive of all safari activities and meals is Rs22,000. Website. 

Gir Forest, Gujarat

Woods at sasan.

Gujarat's Gir forest is home to the last of the Asiatic lions in the country, and Woods at Sasan offers the perfect base to greet the king of the jungle. But the lodge's special experiences go way beyond the Asiatic Lion. A rail safari transports you to the forests of Kansiya Nes, where the Maldhari community of Gujarat lives. A wood safari lunch takes you deep into the woods to enjoy fresh, local delicacies prepared on wood fire, while you are serenaded by a live flute recital. A guided bird walk offers a glimpse of 300 species of birds and a vintage car ride takes you to the Hiran river to enjoy your evening cuppa and soak in the beauty. Choose to get a good night's sleep in one of the 38 rooms equipped with all modern amenities, from a minifridge to a TV. Doubles from Rs10,900, inclusive of breakfast. The safari costs an additional Rs7,500. Website.

The Gateway Hotel Gir Forest

If you wish to throw in a safari to your work-from-anywhere routine, this Taj property along the Hiran River and the border of the Gir forest might be the place for you. High-speed internet, flatscreen televisions, a mini fridge and more, the cosy rooms are equipped with everything a big-city hotel has to offer. Don't miss out on the delicious Gujarati thali served at Gaj. Doubles from Rs10,500. Website. 

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India Safari Holidays

India is a soul-stirring country full of splendid colour, natural beauty, outstanding wildlife, awe-inspiring architecture and a rich tapestry of cultures. Track majestic tigers, look out for sloth bears and spotted deer, keep your eyes peeled for over 1,000 species of bird and perhaps even spot Indian rhino, Asiatic lions and Asian leopards.

The India Safari Experience

• Track majestic tigers in their natural environment throughout the parks of India.
• Follow the tracks of snow leopards through the Himalayas. Venture through Ladakh’s mountains as you look out for ibex, urial, Himalayan wolf, red fox, long-tailed marmot, and even Himalayan brown bears.
• Explore the meadows and forests on game drives in India’s National Parks, home to sloth bears, snakes, wolves, monkeys, deer and leopards. Search for the elusive endangered one-horned rhino of the Assam region.
• Experience the bustling throngs, rich colours and aromas of the back streets and bazaars of Old Delhi and seek out the old palaces and forts in Jaipur to understand the true splendour of Indian royalty.
• Relax aboard a luxurious river cruise ship as you explore the extensive Ganges River or embark on a boat safari on the Chambal River in search of crocodiles, dolphins and birdlife.
• Accompany researchers and search for the endangered red panda in the forests of Singalila National Park.

Why Natural World Safaris?

• Our wildlife expertise has ensured a 100% tiger sighting success rate over the last 4 years in each of our India tiger safaris.
• Our considerable wealth of experience and knowledge of this country, from the vibrant jungles of Kanha to the deep valleys of Ladkah, has led to carefully selected expeditions, providing you with nothing but the best access and highly experienced wildlife trackers and guides.
• Working closely with conservationists, we offer you the chance to immerse yourself in the mystical region of Ladakh, tracking the elusive snow leopard through the foothills of the Himalayas, the most remote corners of the Indian Subcontinent.

India Wildlife Safaris

Leopard & Tiger Safari

Feel like Mowgli in ‘Jungle Book’, as you explore the meadows and forests of India’s national parks full of sloth bears, snakes, wolves, monkeys, & deer.

Luxury India Safari

A stunning safari ensuring that you venture through a number of different areas within India on the lookout for Leopards, Tigers and the One-Horned Rhino.

Steve Winter Tiger Photography Safari

Join National Geographic photographer and big cat guru Steve Winter on this immersive safari into the Indian heartland, where your lenses will be trained on the denizens of forests, grasslands and rolling hills – including the famous Bengal tiger.

View All India Wildlife Safaris

Talk to an India Destination Specialist

How much does india cost.

Typically, expect to budget around £8,000 for a 10-day experience staying at two or three luxury tented accommodation. For a longer 22-day safari in India, expect to budget from around £14,000 per person. This will generally include domestic flights to and from Delhi or Mumbai, private jeep safaris in Pench, Kanha and Ranthambore National Parks, four camps and additional unique sightseeing stops.

Where to stay in India?

Complementing the obvious cultural charms that it has to offer; India is home to a truly impressive range of accommodations. Around the popular parks of Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Ranthambore you can find options ranging from authentic tented camps to treetop hideaways and luxury lodges. Read more about where to stay in India.

When to go to India?

The best time to go to India will depend on the region you wish to go to, but if your focus is tracking tigers, it is best to travel during the drier periods between February and April, when rising temperatures increasingly draw predators and prey to fresh water sources. During monsoon season, July to September, most national parks are closed. Read more about when to go to India.

Where to go

A guide of where to go in india.

Where to stay

A guide of where to stay in india.

India Wildlife

A guide to wildlife encounters in india.

What to expect from a trip to India

Harriet was a great source of advice throughout the planning and the trip. We had many changex and she was patient and flexible in adjusting the itinerary. It was the second trip with her as the Specialist and it won’t be the last. Guides were great!! Loved the vibe and the excellent expertise. Thanks again for creating this memorable experience. Hotels were superb, luxurious but in time and with a local touch. Would have loved to stay longer in each of them.

Dealing with NWS is always a very easy and pleasant experience. You get it dead right for us each and every time we travel with you. We wouldn't even dream of using another agent ever again!

Harriet was fantastic to work with in putting together our dream trip. She turned around an incredibly quick and extraordinarily competitive itinerary for us when we had been let down elsewhere and managed all of our queries quickly and calmly. She was a pleasure to deal with and extremely helpful. This trip was a ten out of ten. We felt incredibly well looked after and utterly immersed in everything we saw. Fabulous local guides and naturalists at every turn ensured we took so much knowledge and appreciation home with us along with brilliant memories. The perfect introduction to this beautiful country. Did I mention we saw a tiger? We'd love to travel again with such brilliant destination information and on-the-ground teams combined with a competitively and sensibly priced approach.

Overall experience was magical and your whole team were very attentive and helpful. The guides were excellent and went above and beyond to make our trips and flights as easy and comfortable as possible. We were delighted with our entire experience!

We have always had excellent experiences with Natural World Safaris.

India Safari Holidays FAQs

Can you drink the water in india.

It is not advisable to drink tap water as the quality can vary, and visitors may not have the same immunity as locals to the bacteria and contaminants that could be present in the water. To avoid potential health risks, it's recommended to drink bottled water or water that has been properly purified or boiled. Many hotels and restaurants provide bottled or filtered water, and it's a good practice to use this water for drinking, brushing your teeth, and consuming ice. Additionally, be cautious with consuming raw vegetables and fruits that may have been washed in tap water. Staying hydrated is important, so ensure you have access to safe water sources during your stay in India.

What wildlife can I see in India?

India has over one hundred national parks to explore on your wildlife safari. Here are just a few of the magnificent animals you can expect to see:

• Bengal Tiger
• Indian Elephant
• Greater One-horned Rhino
• Snow Leopard

Check out our India wildlife guide for more information on the animals you can expect to see on an India safari.

Do you need a visa for India?

Most travellers to India require a visa to enter the country. India offers various types of visas, including e-Visas for certain nationalities that allow you to apply online before your trip. It's important to check the specific visa requirements and application process for your nationality and intended activities in India well in advance of your travel dates.

Is India safe for travel?

India can be a safe and enriching holiday destination, but travellers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Respect local customs, maintain good hygiene practices, and consume safe food and water. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, avoid scams, choose reputable transportation, and stay informed about travel advisories. By being vigilant, culturally sensitive, and well-prepared, you can have a positive and memorable experience in India.

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8 jungle lodges for the best safari experiences in India

By Prachi Joshi

With the monsoon more or less behind us (discounting the recent unseasonal showers), national parks across India have opened shop for the safari season. The lush jungles beckon, teeming with flora and fauna, and the promise of a tranquil stay—not to forget a big cat sighting if you’re lucky. From Corbett and Kaziranga to Kanha and Kabini, here is Vogue's edit of the most luxurious jungle lodges that make the perfect base for enthralling wildlife safaris.

Banjaar Tola, Kanha

Located along the banks of the Banjar River overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park, Banjaar Tola offers an unparalleled Taj Safaris experience. Two intimate camps, each with nine tented suites and a private pool, are spread over 90 acres of sal forest. Ensuite tents feature bamboo floors, handcrafted driftwood furniture, Gondi artwork and Bastar bell metalwork, and wide glass doors opening onto private decks with river views. Get a taste of local tribal cuisine in scenic outdoor dining settings.

Diphlu River Lodge

By Vogue Staff

By Jenna Ryu

By Tatiana Dias

If it’s good enough for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, it’s good enough for us. Perched on the fringe of Kaziranga National Park, Diphlu River Lodge offers 12 semi-detached cottages . Inspired by the architecture of local Mishing tribal homes, the cottages are raised on stilts and made of bamboo and wood, topped with thatched roofs. Head out on a jeep safari to spot the one-horned rhinoceros or hop on board a specially designed country boat that cruises down the Brahmaputra where you might catch a glimpse of the endangered Gangetic dolphins.

Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini

Inspired in design by the Hadis (hamlets) or tribal villages, the picturesque Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge is bordered on two sides by the Kabini River. Splurge on the Pool Reserve Hut, which comes with lavish living areas, an indulgent bathroom, a temperature-controlled pool and a unique Star Bed (an open-air berth that’s perfect for stargazing). The resort offers jeep safaris in Nagarhole National Park, boat safaris on the Kabini River and even a ride down the river on a traditional round boat called a coracle.

Jim’s Jungle Retreat, Corbett

Soak in the forest experience at Jim’s Jungle Retreat located on the periphery of Jim Corbett National Park. 18 independent cottages channel the architectural style of the local pastoral Van Gujjar tribe with a generous sprinkling of British Raj flair. We recommend the Jungle Lodge, which offers spectacular views at a 15-foot elevation. Experiences include jeep safaris, cycling expeditions, heritage walks and even an overnight stay in the forest. After a long safari, lounge by the pool, relax in the library or rejuvenate yourself in the jungle spa.

Pench Tree Lodge, Pench

Pench in Madhya Pradesh is quintessential Jungle Book territory where, like Mowgli, you can run into Shere Khan (the tiger) and Baloo (the sloth bear). And Pugdundee Safaris’ Pench Tree Lodge with six treehouses and luxury cottages is the ideal base for your adventures. Perched at 18 feet above the ground, the spacious treehouses are made of local sal wood and come with a private sit-out deck and bay window lounger. Pench National Park is only 20 minutes away; apart from jungle safaris, there’s a host of activities to choose from like cycling, night trails , village walks and more.

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Satpura

Live amidst true wilderness at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, located in the Satpura National Park & Tiger Reserve. This exquisitely designed conservation and wildlife-focused lodge allows you to choose from 12 cottages and four luxury tents, all of which come with the creature comforts you’d expect. To really immerse yourself in nature, book one of the tents where you can observe animals as they drink from a nearby waterhole. Apart from jeep and motorboat excursions, you can also opt for walking, canoeing, cycling and camping safaris.

Sujan Jawai, Jawai Bandh

Dramatic granite rock formations make a spectacular backdrop for Sujan Jawai, a luxury wilderness camp that blends sophistication with ecology. The 10 tented suites have been recently upgraded and the new ensuite bathrooms now include a bathtub and a marble shower. For ultimate privacy, book the new Eden at Jawai, a two double-bedroom suite with a private entrance, jeep and butler, as well as a heated pool and a large deck. Track leopards on wilderness drives, explore the landscape on horseback and immerse yourself in the local culture on a guided walk with the Rabari tribespeople.

The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore

Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places in India to spot a tiger and The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort offers a luxurious setting for this experience. Spacious tents come with teak wood floors, king beds, plush armchairs, claw-footed bathtubs and private gardens. Head out on an exciting jungle drive to track tigers or on a Chambal river safari to spot crocodiles. Experience a rejuvenating spa session and then wind down with a sundowner at the observation tower.

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Best 7 National Parks for Tiger Safaris in India (Tips & Location Map)

India is the best place to see wild tigers. It enjoys 70% of the world's tiger population and has over 50 tiger reserves.

If you are a wildlife and nature lover, don't miss a wildlife safari tour in one of India's national parks.

The majestic Bengal tigers are the main stars — one of the top-draw animals for safari-goers, but you will also enjoy an array of other wild animals and the grasslands.

Jeep safaris, the most popular way to see the Bengal tigers in their natural habitat, are available in almost all of the national parks across India.

Read on for more information about tiger safaris in India covering the best national parks, best times, and other tips.

• Best 7 National Parks for Tiger Safaris

How to Choose a Tiger Safari

A sample india itinerary with a tiger safari, the best time for a tiger safari in india, 1. ranthambore national park — most popular.

Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and best national parks for spotting wild tigers and other animals, such as jungle cats and Indian foxes.

It is close to Agra and Jaipur. The convenient location makes it easy to include in a classic golden triangle trip (of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur).

Moreover, Ranthambore National Park features sparse forest cover and open grassy meadows. A wider and unobstructed view increases the chance of seeing a tiger .

• How to get there: about 170 km from Jaipur (3½ hours' driving)
• Location: Rajasthan (a state in northwest India)

2. Kanha National Park — Most Wildlife

Kanha National Park is considered the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh (central India).

if you are interested in seeing more varied wildlife and a scenic jungle landscape, Kanha National Park is a good choice.

The dense forest, which provides good shelter for its tigers, may lead to less chance to spot a tiger.

• How to get there: 2 hours' flying form Delhi to Swami Vivekananda International Airport and 4½–5 hours' driving from the airport
• Location: Madhya Pradesh (a state in central India)

3. Bandhavgarh National Park — Highest Density of Tigers

Bandhavgarh National Park is another popular national park for tiger safaris in Madhya Pradesh.

Bandhavgarh National Park offers the best chance of seeing tigers  as it has a higher density of tigers. So, it is also a good choice if you are aiming at spotting tigers (and quickly). It is more remotely located than Ranthambhore and Kandha.

Besides Bengal tigers, it boasts a tremendous amount of species like the Indian guar, the world's largest bovine. You can also enjoy a guided walking safari to explore nature (not the tigers!) from up close.

• How to get there: 1½ hours' flying from Delhi to Jabalpur Airport and 3½–4 hours' driving from the airport
• Location: Madhya Pradesh (the state in central India)

4. Jim Corbett National Park — Rich Activities

Jim Corbett National Park is India's oldest national park, where you can find every geographical landscape , from marshy swamps to hills, from riverine belts to lakes.

Though it has over 200 tigers, it is not easy to see them in the dense foliage. It is more for wildlife and nature lovers than tiger sightseeing.

It is also the one of the only national parks in India where you have the opportunity to stay inside the park in over-100-year-old forest lodges.

Apart from tiger safaris, you can enjoy other outdoor activities like nature walks, cycling, river rafting, and rope courses.

• How to get there: about 250 km from Delhi (5 hours' driving)
• Location: Uttarakhand (a state in central north India)

5. Tadoba National Park — Night Safaris

Satpura National Park is notably Maharashtra's (the state in central west India's) oldest and largest national park.

Tadoba National Park is not as big, but has one of the highest populations of tigers in India . This means you would have a good chance of seeing a tiger.

Tadoba National Park also offers a night safari experience, which allows you to observe nighttime wildlife like rusty-spotted cats, civets, and a variety of owls.

There is also good chance to see the shy sloth bear and wild dogs. You can also find some of the Central India's best native woodland bird species in this forest.

• How to get there: 1½-2 hours' flying from Delhi to Nagpur and 2½ hours' driving from the airport
• Location: Maharashtra (a state in central west India)

6. Satpura National Park — Less Crowded

Satpura National Park is a relatively less-crowded park for tiger safaris, so it is no struggle to get safari tickets, except during festivals or New Year weekends.

The tiger population in the park is thought to be around 50, but they are sometimes more elusive. Leopards, gaurs (the largest of oxes), wild dogs, and sloth bears are seen more frequently.

There you can also do a walking safari, canoeing, birding, etc.

• How to get there: 1½ hours' flying from Delhi to Bhopal Airport and about 3½-4 hours' driving (190 km)

7. Sasan Gir National Park — for Lion Safaris

What makes Gir National Park special is that it is the only place in the world outside Africa where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat.

There you can go on a lion safari by jeep to spot lions roaming free in the wild. You can also see leopards, different species of deer, Chowsingha — the world's only four-horned antelope, jackals, and many other animals, though no tigers.

• How to get there: about 2 hours' flying from Delhi to Rajkot Airport and about 2 hours' driving (100 km)
• Location: Gujarat (westernmost state in India)

There are three main factors you should consider when choosing a park for a tiger safari — the ease of getting there, the possibility of seeing a tiger, and the scenery of the park.

Bandhavgarh National Park, Ranthambore National Park, and Tadoba National Park will give you a better chance to see a tiger. Among them, Ranthambore is most recommended as it is easier to get to.

If you'd enjoy dense forest scenery more than the sighting of a tiger in open grassland scenery, with rivers, lush greenery, and other outdoor activities, Jim Corbett National Park, Kanha National Park, and Satpura National Park could be better choices for you.

If you would like a uniquely special experience (and if you are already in the Gujarat area of west India), an Indian lion safari in Sasan Gir National Park may be perfect for you.

We can help you book a tiger safari tour and arrange the transport for you. Just contact us .

For first-timers, the classic route with a tiger safari includes Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Ranthambore National Park, covering India's most iconic monuments and mesmerizing landscapes with a search for wild tigers on the way.

The trip usually takes about 9 days. Here is the sample itinerary:

• Days 1–2: Delhi sightseeing (the iconic temples, tombs, and local markets)
• Days 3–4: Head to Agra; Agra sightseeing (the Taj Mahal, baby Taj, Agra Fort)
• Day 5: Drive from Agra to Ranthambore; see the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri on the way
• Day 6: A tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park
• Days 7–8: Head to Jaipur; Jaipur sightseeing (the ancient palaces and a cooking class)
• Day 9: Back to Delhi for your departure

If you are interested in the itinerary, check out our 9-Day India Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari Tour  for more details. You can also contact us for any questions or needs. All our tours can be adjusted to your requirements.

Most national parks are open from mid-October to June and are closed during the monsoon season from July to early October.

For those who are especially interested in a tiger safari , the best time to visit the national parks is from April to June . This is due to drier weather conditions, making it easier for you to have the chance to spot the tigers, as they come out searching for water.

The cooler months from late November to February are the most comfortable time to visit, with pleasant midday temperatures, but vegetation remains dense and can make wildlife spotting challenging.

Experience a Tiger Safari with Us

Experience an adventure and feel your adrenaline rush on a tiger safari with us. See the magnificent striped felines in their natural habitat, and learn about their lives in a national park in India.

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15 Best Jungle Safari Destinations in South India

Wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves are the places where animals as well as plants are protected from disturbance and provided a comfortable living. These places are established to protect and maintain natural habitats and wildlife populations. And, India has become one of the top countries in protecting the natural habitats of our planet. Being famous for its vast and varied geographical features, India is indeed a paradise for an incredible number of wildlife species.

You can find a huge number of national parks all across India. However, South India has been playing a crucial role in attracting hordes of wildlife enthusiasts throughout the year. The densely populated forests of the South Indian states (Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana) located in the lap of the Eastern and Western Ghats mountains are the main reason behind this popularity.

Compared to North India, the national parks in South India are untouched and their beauty is unparalleled. These parks have been taking a major part in creating South India the best for wildlife tourism. We have created a list of the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in South India below. Without travelling to these places your South India wildlife tours could not be completed.

• Bandipur National Park
• Periyar National Park
• Silent Valley National Park
• Mathikettan Shola National Park
• Guindy National Park
• Eravikulam National Park
• Mudumalai National Park
• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nagarhole National Park
• Bannerghatta National Park
• R. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kudremukh National Park
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Viralimalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Most Popular South India Jungle Wildlife Safari Tour Packages

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Previously treated as the private hunting grounds for Britishers and the kings, Bandipur National Park is now an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is located in the lap of Western Ghats and is regarded as one of the most popular national parks for Jungle Safari in South India. Bandipur National Park covers an area of around 872 square kilometres located in Karnataka on the Mysore-Ooty highway.

Bandipur National Park is the home to endangered Asiatic wild elephants, tigers, sloth bears, sambar, mouse bear, spotted deer, flying lizards and over 200 species of birds. You can explore the diverse flora and fauna of Bandipur National Park by availing of jeep safari tours.

How to Reach Bandipur National Park?

• The nearest airport to Bandipur is Mysore Airport from where you have to take a bus or car to cover a distance of 215 kilometres.
• The nearest railway station to Bandipur is Mysore City Junction (80 kilometres) and you have to hire a car to reach the national park.
• The park is located on the highway and can be reached via bus from various cities such as Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mangalore and Cochin.

Best Time to Visit Bandipur National Park for Jungle Safari

• Winter is the best time to visit Bandipur National Park during the months between November and February. It is the best time to watch migratory birds like Warblers, Peregrine Falcon and Flycatchers.
• However, for tigers sighting, the best time is during the months between March and June, because it is the best time tigers step out of their zones.

Other Interesting Blogs to Read

• 12 National Parks, Sanctuaries & Wildlife Places to Visit During Monsoon Season
• Wildlife Conservation: Reasons Why We Need to Save Wildlife

Periyar National Park, Kerala

Periyar National Park , Thekkady, is surrounded by the banks of a huge lake and located in a dense hilly forest, famous for serving as a haven for a diverse variety of flora and fauna. Also known as a tiger reserve, the park is one of the best places for jungle safari in South India. Internationally acclaimed for its unfathomable natural beauty, it is blessed as being home to rich biodiversity across the country.

Periyar National Park is one of the popular national parks in South India and one of the places where you can avail your own jungle safari. There are several options for a river cruise, hiking trip and tiger safari and you must pay an entry fee when you arrive and take a guide along with you. The park is famed for over 30 species of mammals, especially Asian Elephants, Sambar, Gaur etc., butterflies, birds, fish and Royal Bengal Tigers.

How to Reach Periyar National Park?

• There are two nearest airports to Periyar National Park – Madurai and Kochi. The distance of the park from the airports is 146 kilometres and 190 kilometres, respectively.
• The nearest railway station is Kottayam and the distance between the park and the station is 114 kilometres.
• The park is also connected with the major cities of India by road. Travellers can take bus service to Thekkady from Kochi, Madurai and Kottayam.

Best Time to Visit Periyar National Park for Jungle Safari

• Summer (March to May) is the best time to visit Periyar National Park as it is the ideal time to spot various flora and fauna.
• Travellers can also choose one of the months between October and February as a preferred option owing to pleasant weather.
• 50 Top National Parks, Tiger Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
• Top 13 Places for Wildlife Safari Holidays in India

Silent Valley National Park, Kerala

Being the central part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Silent Valley National Park is famed for offering a perfect undisturbed ecosystem to a huge variety of flora and fauna. It is located in the Palakkad District of Kerala and bordered by Nilgiri Plateau in the north and Mannarkkad Plain in the south. An ideal place for trekkers and wildlife explorers, the national park was called Sairandhrivanam centuries ago as it was believed to be the hidden space for Sairandhiri along with her five husbands (the tale of Mahabharata).

It was declared a national park in 1984 for being home to a rich collection of biodiversity. A jungle safari in Silent Valley National Park will let you see animals from tigers, snakes, elephants, and leopards to more than 1,000 species of plants including 110 species of orchids. As per the official data, there are more than 400 species of moths and over 200 species of butterflies are found in the Silent Valley National Park.

How to Reach Silent Valley National Park?

• Peelamedu Airport is the nearest airport to Silent Valley National Park, located at a distance of around 155 kilometres.
• The nearest railway station is Olavakkode Railway Station at a distance of around 75 kilometres.
• Travellers can take a bus to Palakkad and reach Mukkali from where they have to take entrance tickets and a guide to enter the park.

Best Time to Visit Silent Valley National Park for Jungle Safari

• You can plan a jungle safari trip to the Silent Valley National Park during the period between December and February as the weather becomes pleasant this time.
• However, one can also visit the park in the months of March and April.

Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Kerala

Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala

Mathikettan Shola National Park is located in Poopara Village in Kerala. A tropical rainforest, and an important elephant strip, this park was declared a national park in 2008. Home to a wide variety of endangered species, Mathikettan Shola National Park is located about ten kilometres from Munnar.

The varying heights of the terrain house dense verdant forests, which are fed by the streams like Mathikettan Puzha, Uchillkuthi Puzha and Njandar. The aftermath is a perfect ecosystem as a shelter for a rich collection of flora and fauna. The wildlife enthusiasts love to visit the park for animals like gaur, sambar, langur, and many more birds.

How to Reach Mathikettan Shola National Park?

• The nearest airport to Mathikettan Shola National Park is Kochi International Airport, which is connected to all the major cities and countries across the globe. It is located at a distance of 142 kilometres from the park.
• The nearest railway station to the park is Theni Railway Station, which is connected to other cities in India via Madurai Railway Station.
• There are several state-run bus services available that connect the park with the cities like Cochin and Madurai.

Best Time to Visit Mathikettan Shola National Park for Jungle Safari

• The best time to visit Mathikettan Shola National Park is between April and September.
• However, you can also visit the park throughout the year.

Other Interesting Blog to Read

• The Best 10 Tiger Safari Holiday Destinations in India

Guindy National Park, Tamil Nadu

The eighth smallest national park in India, located in the middle of Chennai City, Guindy National Park was established back in the year 1978. It is 2.70 square kilometres protected area that houses a rich collection of biodiversity. The park is an extended part of the grounds enclosing Raj Bhavan (residence of the governor of Tamil Nadu), which was previously known as the ‘Guindy Lodge.’

The authority takes utmost care to protect the park and its ecosphere. A wide variety of flora and fauna found in Guindy National Park attract over seven lakhs of travellers throughout the year. The park houses 2,000 chitals, 400 blackbucks, various snakes and turtles. There are also more than 130 species of birds, over 60 species of butterflies and 14 species of mammals, which make the trip to the park memorable for a lifetime.

How to Reach Guindy National Park?

• The nearest airport to the Guindy National Park is Chennai Airport, which is eight kilometres away and has domestic and international terminals. It is connected with all the major cities in India as well as across the world.
• Guindy National Park can also be reached via train. The nearest railway station is just one kilometre away. Moreover, there are two stations near the park, Chennai Central Station and Chennai Egmore and respectively, they are 12 kilometres and 9 kilometres away.
• Guindy National Park in Chennai is also connected with the major cities via bus services. So, you can also reach the park by road.

Best Time to Visit Guindy National Park for Jungle Safari

• The best time to visit Guindy National Park is between October and May. You can expect soothing weather this time and see various animals in their habitat. Moreover, this is the time when migratory birds come to the park from different corners of the world.
• It is recommended not to visit the park during monsoon as the surroundings become muddy and slippery.

Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Tamil Nadu

Eravikulam National Park, Kerala

Kerala’s first-ever national park, also known as Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park is located in Idukki. Previously treated as a game reserve till 1971 under Kannan Devan Hill Company, the area was declared a national park in1975 in order to protect the endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr. It is situated at the top of a hill in the Western Ghat range, covered by verdant grasslands and shola forests.

Eravikulam National Park attracts thousands of scientists, ornithologists, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers throughout the year for being home to a plethora of flora and fauna. Apart from the Nilgiri Tahr, you can also see other animals like dhole, leopard, sambar, golden jackal, Nilgiri marten, Indian porcupine and many more. There are also more than 132 species of birds including Nilgiri pipit, black and orange flycatcher, Kerala laughingthrush and many more.

How to Reach Eravikulam National Park?

• The nearest airport to Eravikulam National Park is Kochi International Airport, which is 135 kilometres away from the park.
• The nearest railway station is Aluva Railway Station, which is 115 kilometres away from Munnar, from where you have to take a bus or taxi or private car to reach the park.
• The park is located at a distance of around 15 kilometres from Munnar City Centre, which is connected to the major cities of India via bus services. You can reach the entry point of the park, Rajamalai by road and then need to travel on foot.

Best Time to Visit Eravikulam National Park for Jungle Safari

• The months between September and October are the best time to visit Eravikulam National Park as it is the ideal time to spot Nilgiri Tahr amidst the full-blooming grasslands.
• April to May is also a preferred time to view various indigenous animals in the park.
• Top Tourist Places in Kerala

Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu

One of the best places to see tigers in South India, Mudumalai National Park is situated on the Northwest side of Nilgiri Hills. Being an important wildlife corridor in the Nilgiri Biosphere, the national park is adjoined by other parks and wildlife reserves such as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park, Bandipur National Park and Mukurthi National Park.

Mudumalai National Park offers a balanced ecosystem, which makes it a perfect place for being home to over 13 per cent of total mammal species and 8 per cent of bird species in India. It houses some rare medicinal plants like Mangifera indica, Terminalia arjuna, Pongamia glabra and many more. Moreover, you can expect to see various animals like leopards, tigers, jungle cats and many more species. This national park is also an amazing place for night safari. The connecting roads to the adjoining national parks and forests are the places where you can expect the wildlife during the safari.

How to Reach Mudumalai National Park?

• The nearest airport to the national park is Coimbatore International Airport, which is 127 kilometres away from the park.
• There are two railway stations near Mudumalai National Park, Mysore Railway Junction and Coimbatore Railway Junction. The stations are located at a distance of 90 kilometres and 120 kilometres away from the park, respectively and are well-connected with most of the major cities in India.
• There are several bus services operating between Thepakadu (the main bus stop for the park) and the cities such as Mysore, Coimbatore, Ooty, Bengaluru etc. So, you can also reach the park by road.

Best Time to Visit Mudumalai National Park for Jungle Safari

• The best time to visit Mudumalai National Park is between the months of October and May. The weather remains favourable this time and you can expect to spot various kinds of flora and fauna in the park.

Also Read: Anamalai Tiger Reserve Information

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary , located in the North Kannada District of Karnataka is an ideal place to experience the activities like river rafting, trekking, bird watching, and other water adventures. The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, which attract thousands of bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts over the years.

Apart from the birds, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the places for tiger sighting in South India. As per the official data, there are around 40 tigers living in the core part of the sanctuary. Moreover, you can also spot animals like monkeys, leopards, elephants and birds like falcons and some exotic species in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to Reach Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary?

• The nearest airport to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is Belgaum. It is connected with cities like Mumbai and Bangalore.
• The nearest railway station is at Dharwad from where you have to travel 57 kilometres to reach Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
• You can also travel to the sanctuary by road. There are several bus services operating between the sanctuary and the cities like Hubli, Dharwad, Belgaum, Goa, Bengaluru and Karwar.

Best Time to Visit Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary for Jungle Safari

• Similar to other popular national parks in South India, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is also surrounded by shola forests. Though it offers a moderate atmosphere throughout the year, October to May is the ideal time to visit the sanctuary.

Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Karnataka

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Previously known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve is a nationally acclaimed tiger reserve for its high-density tiger population in the country. The park is spread across an area of 850 square kilometres in Mysore and Kodagu districts in Karnataka. It is enclosed by Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to the south and Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the southeast.

Nagarhole National Park lies as a connecting corridor for tigers and elephants to the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. It is one of the major hubs of conservation under Project Elephant and Project Tiger. The park is famous for being one of the best places for exploring wildlife. Apart from tigers and elephants, one can also see gaur, sambar, chital, antelope and other animals in Nagarhole National Park.

How to Reach Nagarhole National Park?

• The nearest airport to the Nagarhole National Park is Bangalore Airport, at a distance of 220 kilometres.
• You can also reach the park via rail. The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction, located at a distance of 89 kilometres away from the park.
• There are regular bus services available to reach the national park from nearby major cities like Bangalore, Mysore etc.

Best Time to Visit Nagarhole National Park for Jungle Safari

• Summer, during the months of April and May, is the best time to visit Nagarhole National Park as the waterholes in the park are dry and the animals come out for water at the lake.
• However, to explore in a better weather condition, one can also visit the park between November and February.

Also Check Out: Complete Karnataka Tourism Guide

Bannerghatta National Park, Karnataka

Bannerghatta National Park is undoubtedly one of the best national parks to explore in South India. The park is located near Bangalore (25 kilometres south) in the Anekal range, Karnataka and is regarded as home to a wide variety of wildlife. It was declared a national park in 1974 and in 2002, a small portion of the park was turned into a biological park or zoo.

Bannerghatta National Park spreads across an area of around 261 square kilometres and is bordered by 16 villages. Being a part of the wildlife corridor for elephants connecting Sathyamangalam Forest and BR Hills, the Bannerghatta National Park is one of the ideal places for a jungle safari tour. It offers a guided bus tour along a six-kilometre stretch to spot various species of animals such as elephants, leopards, gaur, peacock, Royal Bengal Tiger and many more.

How to Reach Bannerghatta National Park?

• The nearest airport to Bannerghatta National Park is Bengaluru or Bangalore Airport, which is around 46 kilometres away.
• The nearest railway station to the park is Yeshwantpur Junction, which is connected to all major cities via rail.
• You can also reach the park via metro railway. The nearest metro railway station is Yelachenahalli.
• There are also bus services available to reach Bannerghatta National Park from cities like Bengaluru, Mysore etc.

Best Time to Visit Bannerghatta National Park for Jungle Safari

• The best time to visit the park is during the months between October and June owing to the perfect weather conditions.
• Best Places for Wildlife Safari Tours in Karnataka

B.R. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve, Karnataka

BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, also popular as BR Tiger Reserve is considered to be the wildlife corridor that connects the Western Ghats to the Eastern Ghats. It is located at a height of about 1,551 metres from sea level and spread across an area of 540 square kilometres in a hill range in Karnataka (Chamarajanagar District).

The sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve by the Karnataka State Government in 2010. Apart from being a tiger reserve in South India, B.R. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a huge variety of animals. Some of them are elephants, deer, bison, sloth bears etc. A place for tiger sighting in South India, BR Tiger Reserve is also covered with more than 250 species of birds. It is one of the best places in South India to experience bird watching, elephant bathing and jungle safari in one place.

How to Reach B.R. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary?

• The nearest airport to the wildlife sanctuary is the Mysore airport, which is about 80 kilometres away.
• One can also reach the sanctuary by rail. The nearest railway station is Mysore Railway station (around 89 kilometres).
• You can also reach BR Tiger Reserve by road. Bus service is available from cities like Bangalore and Mysore.

Best Time to Visit B.R. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary for Jungle Safari

• The best time to visit BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is between the months of October and March as the weather this time becomes pleasant and perfect to enjoy various adventurous activities.
• Best Wildlife Jungle Resorts Near Bangalore for Weekend Breaks

Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka

Home to a wide variety of wildlife, spread across an area of around 600 square kilometres, Kudremukh National Park is located at a junction of Chikkamagaluru, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts in Karnataka. The park has derived its name from a hilltop which looks like the shape of the head of a horse. Entirely covered by dense forests, the park includes four ranges, named Kudremukh, Kalasa, Kerekatte and Shimoga.

Being a popular wildlife destination in South India, Kudremukh National Park is home to several species of birds like the imperial pigeon, Malabar trogon, great pied hornbill and many more. There are several options for bird-watching available here. Apart from the birds, Kudremukh National Park is also a renowned ecospace for jungle safari in India, as well as South India. You can get some glimpses of leopards, tigers, common langurs, sloth bears, Malabar giant squirrels and many more species in the park.

How to Reach Kudremukh National Park?

• Travellers can reach Kudremukh National Park by air. The nearest airport to the park is Mangalore International Airport, which is 95 kilometres away from the park.
• The nearest railway station is also 95 kilometres away, Mangalore Railway Station.
• One can also travel to Kudremukh National Park via bus from nearby cities.

Best Time to Visit Kudremukh National Park for Jungle Safari

• The best time to visit the park is during the months between October and May, after the monsoon.
• Best Places to Visit Near Bandipur National Park

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka

The largest bird sanctuary of Karnataka, Ranganathittu is located in the district of Mandya, in the historic town of Srirangapatna. The bird sanctuary, comprising six islets, situated on the bank of River Kaveri, is popularly known as ‘Pakshi Kashi,’ which means birds’ paradise. Due to the ideal location of the islets and the presence of aqua insects in abundance, the bird sanctuary has become a perfect place for the migratory birds that come from countries like Siberia, Australia and North America. The place has been referred to as one of the popular tourist attractions in South India.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary was declared a sanctuary after famous ornithologist Dr Salim Ali pressured the government to do so in the year 1940. It has been regarded as a haven for wildlife enthusiasts across the globe. The sanctuary is home to the largest population of marsh crocodiles in Karnataka. Apart from the crocodiles, you can also get glimpses of about 170 avian species such as Oriental darter, river tern, Indian shag, painted stork and kingfishers.

How to Reach Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary?

• The nearest airport to the bird sanctuary is Mysore International Airport, which is around 30 kilometres away.
• The nearest railway station to Ranganathittu is Srirangapatna at a distance of five kilometres.
• You can also reach the sanctuary by bus from cities like Bangalore and Mysore.

Best Time to Visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary for Jungle Safari

• The best time to go to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is between the months of June and November. These months are the best time for bird-watching as these are the nesting months for the birds.
• Most Popular Bird Sanctuaries in India

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

The second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the important regions of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is located between Bandipur, Nagarhole and Mudumalai reserve forests and is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna. The perfect environment in an evergreen setting along with a favourable climatic condition has made this place a perfect place for the species.

Home to several species of mammals, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers love to explore Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. You can easily spot elephants, deer, panthers, jungle cats and especially tigers here. It is also popular as a home to a large number of endangered species of birds. There are several options for jungle safari in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. One must pay an entry fee and take a forest guide for the safari.

How to Reach Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary?

• The nearest airport to the sanctuary is Karipur International Airport in Kozhikode at a distance of 125 kilometres. There are several bus services available between the airport and the sanctuary.
• Travellers can also reach the sanctuary via rail. The nearest railway station is Kozhikode at a distance of 100 kilometres.
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is also connected to other cities via bus service. One can avail buses from cities like Kasargod, Calicut, Cochin and Trivandrum.

Best Time to Visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary for Jungle Safari

• The ideal time to visit the best jungle safari destination in South India is between August and February. However, the place remains open throughout the year.

Top 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Kerala

Viralimalai wildlife sanctuary, tamil nadu.

Viralimalai Wildlife Park is one of the best places to explore our national bird, the peacock. It is a renowned wildlife destination in Tamil Nadu and attracts a huge number of tourists to watch varied species of peacocks closely in their natural habitat. It is located in a town at a distance of 30 kilometres from Trichy.

Apart from the peacock sanctuaries, there is also a Murugan temple, where the eminent form of dance, Bharatnatyam flourished. The temple is located at the top of a hill and travellers need to climb about 210 steps to reach there. There are a total of six species of peacocks in Viralimalai and the Murugan temple along with its surroundings is the main region where they are found mostly.

How to Reach Viralimalai Wildlife Sanctuary

• The nearest airport to Viralimalai Wildlife Park is Tiruchirappalli International Airport at a distance of 30 kilometres.
• The nearest railway station is Tiruchirappalli Junction, which is connected to all the major cities of South India, as well as India.

Best Time to Visit Viralimalai Wildlife Sanctuary

• The best time to visit the wildlife park is during the months of October to April because one can find pleasant weather at this time.
• However, if you want to see the peacocks tapping their feet in the rain, then the monsoon (July to September) is the best time to go.
• Top 20 Wildlife Safari Destinations in Asia
• Top 111 Wildlife Photographers in the World
• 12 Best National Parks for Jungle Safari Experience in India – Love and Conserve Our Wildlife

Wildlife holidays in South India cannot be completed if you do not add one of these places to your itinerary. These are some of the places where you will have the best jungle safari experience of your life. However, one needs to take permission, book rooms in hotels or resorts, safari cars and many more in advance to plan South India Jungle Safari wildlife holidays. This might become hectic for you.

So, if you need any assistance in booking your holidays, you can call us or browse our website for some best packages for the best jungle safari experiences in South India.

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Disclaimer: We do not take credit for some of the licenced paid images used in our blogs, whether from Google Images, Fotolia & Shutterstock. All such images are the copyrights of their respective owners and we try to provide credit for them wherever we can. If, however, any copyright image has been used on our blog, the concerned person can either mail us directly to remove the image or provide credit to whomsoever the image may belong to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the best places for jungle safari tours in south india.

South India is home to some amazing untouched forests filled with a rich collection of flora and fauna. Some of them are the best places for jungle safari tours. The best time for jungle safari in South India is between September and November or from April to June.

Some of the best places for jungle safari tours are:

Which is the best destination for Tiger Safari in Karnataka?

Wildlife tourism in South India has been getting popular over the years. Tiger safari is one of the reasons behind this popularity. South India, especially Karnataka boasts of around 524 Royal Bengal Tigers and it has some of the best places to see tigers in South India. Some of them are:

• Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve
• Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve
• Bhadra Tiger Reserve
• Kali Tiger Reserve
• BRT Tiger Reserve

Which are the top destinations for Wildlife safari tours in Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu has some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in South India. A wildlife tour in South India cannot be completed without visiting these parks and sanctuaries. The top destinations for wildlife safari tours in Tamil Nadu are:

• Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
• Anamalai Tiger Reserve
• Mukurthi National Park
• Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Which are the best destinations for night jungle safari in South India?

There are some wildlife sanctuaries in South India which can also be explored at night. The authorities allow night safari tours and it is worth experiencing. Some of the best destinations for night jungle safari are:

• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Published: 17 Jun, 2022

About the author

Nandini Bhattacharya

From the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata, Nandini Bhattacharya is a Travel Writer by profession and traveller by passion. She loves to explore places around the world, new cultures, different cuisines and all new things that one can learn outside the home. She also loves to document her journey so that people can be inspired and travel more. Nandini is a nature lover and talks about sustainable tourism. She wants to make this world a good place where people can live healthy and happily.

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Tiger Safari in India - A Traveler’s Guide 2023

Table of contents, popular tiger safari india tours.

Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench Tour

Tiger Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park

Tiger Safari Tour in Ranthambore

Just Tigers and Taj Mahal Tour in India

Tadoba Tigers and Corbett Elephant Tour

Tigers, Lions and Leopards Wildlife Tour

Tiger Safari in India – A Traveler’s Guide 2023. Most of you would agree that 2020 didn’t have many opportunities for outdoor travels, and trips given the grim situation of COVID-19. The pandemic took the world by storm and travel was a big NO for more than a year with all the restrictions, safety concerns and closed borders.

Well, 2023 looks promising in those aspects and we’re finally opening up the country to travel again. Yes, good news for nature, and wildlife enthusiasts out there! Tiger safaris in India are now open for the eager beavers. However, with pandemics still looming large, traveling comes with a strict set of do’s and don’ts as part of the COVID protocol.

We have taken our time in penning down a quick, and concise guide for you to experience a spectacular  tiger safari in India !

When can I see Tigers in India?

Tiger Safari in India – A Traveler’s Guide 2023: To offer you a background, India with close to 50 tiger reserves and a plethora of wildlife sanctuaries, is home to approximately 70% of the global tiger population. And, thanks to the tiger protection and conservation measures that started in the 1970s, India’s wild tiger population is on the rise contrary to the stats for other global nations. In India, Madhya Pradesh is known to have the maximum number of tigers slated to be 526, which is followed by Karnataka, and Uttarakhand.

India is definitely your best bet if you are vying to catch a glimpse of the national animal in all its glory in its territory exuding its power, and authority. Well, the next question you might have is when to see  tigers or what is the best time to schedule a  tiger safari in India . 

Best Places to See Tigers in India

Tiger Safari in India – A Traveler’s Guide 2023: India is widely celebrated for its natural, exotic beauty, rich cultural heritage, abundant flora, and fauna. When it comes to the tiger population and reserves, India is no exception there as well! From Rajasthan to Karnataka to Madhya Pradesh to Bengal, and Assam from the North-eastern corridor are some of the ideal places to plan a tiger safari of your dreams.

Here are some of the best places to see tigers in India.

• Ranthambore National Park
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Kanha Tiger Reserve
• Pench National Park
• Panna National Park
• Tadoba National Park

What Does A Tiger Safari Entail?

Tiger Safari in India – A Traveler’s Guide 2023: Here are some important aspects you should be aware of while planning a tiger safari in India. First and foremost, tiger safaris do not always mean guaranteed sightings of tigers. It just could turn out that all your waiting around, and efforts may end up in vain. It is always good to have a naturalist as a guide for such trips.

A  tiger safari in India  may mean waking up at the crack of dawn, taking a jeep or a medium-sized tourist bus, and waiting in silence to get nature’s clues. You might have to listen to the birds chirping, and other movements to be certain about the tigers’ location. If you are planning a mid-day trip, you might have to contest the scorching summer heat depending on the time, and location of your trip.

How to Choose a Tiger Safari?

• Be aware of the time you are planning the safari and accordingly look for the national parks that are open
• Choose the safari location based on your wildlife preference
• Enquire/book in advance to avoid the last-minute hassles

Here are some top-notch locations for planning your next tiger safaris in India.

1. Tiger Safaris in Ranthambore

Tiger Safari in India – A Traveler’s Guide 2023: Ranthambore national park is one of the busiest tiger sighting locations, and rightfully so. Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, which is about 80 miles from Jaipur, this park covers an area of 151 square miles in the vicinity of the Aravali range and the Vindhya plateau.

This tiger reserve in the heart of Rajasthan is enthralling with rolling hills, shimmering lakes, and a diversity of landscapes from cliffs to lush greenery. At this wildlife reserve, the tigers are diurnal, which means they are active during the day — making it easier for you to spot one than in other parks. This is open from October to June; however, the tiger safari timings may change without advance notice. So, do plan your trip accordingly.

Ranthambore vs other tiger reserves

1. Historic Fort and Ancient Ruins: Ranthambore is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ranthambore Fort, which dates back to the 10th century. The presence of the fort lends a unique historical and architectural element to the safari experience. It provides stunning views of the park and is an ideal vantage point for observing wildlife.

2. The park’s diverse landscapes, that include grasslands, dry deciduous forests, and hills, provide a breathtaking setting for tiger excursions. The picturesque landscape enhances the overall experience and provides visitors with unforgettable moments in the wild.

3. T-24 (Ustad): Ranthambore is renowned for its legendary tigers, and T-24, also known as Ustad, was one of the most renowned. In the park, he was a dominant male tiger with a notable presence. While Ustad passed away in 2019, his legacy remains an integral part of the conservation history of tigers in Ranthambore.

4. Ranthambore has been really effective in maintaining a healthy population of tigers in comparison to other Indian tiger reserves and national parks. This indicates that visitors have a high chance of spotting these magnificent bengal tigers during safaris.

5. Opportunities for photographers: Ranthambore’s landscape and relatively tame lions provide excellent opportunities for photographing wildlife. Photographers can capture breathtaking images of tigers and other wildlife in a variety of terrains and lighting conditions within the park’s various zones.

Hotels & Resorts Near Ranthambore National Park

Oberoi Vanyavilas

Sujan Sher Bagh

W.H. Mount Valley Resort

Sultan Bagh Jungle Camp

The Tigress Resort & Spa

Tiger Den Ranthambore

Tree of Life Kipling Lodge

How to reach Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is one of the  most accessible national parks fo r a tiger safari tour. You can reach the park in one of three ways:

2. Tiger Safaris in Kanha

Tiger Safari in India – A Traveler’s Guide 2023: At 50 square miles in the core zone and 389 square miles including the buffer zone, Kanha is regarded as one of the largest parks in Central India for sighting tigers. Being established in 1933, this became one of India’s original nine Project Tiger Reserves with wildlife in abundance. Besides, it is home to the rare and magnificent Barasingha hard-ground swamp deer and several legendary tigers such as Munna, T-17, the erstwhile King of Kanha.

Kanha vs other tiger reserves

1. Kanha Tiger Reserve is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, which include dense sal and bamboo forests, open grasslands, and meandering streams. This varied terrain provides a picturesque backdrop for tiger excursions, making the experience more aesthetically pleasing than other tiger reserves with more monotonous landscapes.

2. Kanha Tiger Reserve is an example of wildlife conservation efforts that have been effective. It played a significant influence in the recovery of the rare Barasingha population, also known as the swamp deer. The park’s conservation efforts have resulted in a considerable increase in the Barasingha population over the years, making it a distinctive feature of the park.

3. In addition to tigers, Kanha National Park is home to a vast array of wildlife species, such as leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and numerous avian species. The park’s biodiversity and the opportunity to encounter additional wildlife during excursions enhance the safari experience overall.

4. With designated zones and trained guides, Kanha’s safari system is well-organized by the management. The park authorities are frequently lauded for their efforts to manage and regulate tourism, ensuring that the welfare of the wildlife remains a top priority.

5. In certain zones, in addition to traditional jeep safaris, Kanha Tiger Reserve offers distinct adventures such as walking safaris. While walking safaris allow them to observe the park’s flora and fauna up close under the guidance of knowledgeable naturalists.

Hotels & Resorts Near Kanha National Park

There are a good number of lodging options available around Kanha National Park . You can choose between a luxury resort experience or a comfortable and homely hotel stay. Here are our top picks:

Taj Banjaar Tola

Singinawa Jungle Lodge

Chitvan Jungle Lodge

Kanha Jungle Camp

Also Read: Luxury Hotels and Resorts Near Kanha National Park

How to reach Kanha National Park

3. tiger safaris in pench.

Tiger Safari in India – A Traveler’s Guide 2023: Pench, the beautiful national park that straddles the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is widely celebrated as a tiger reserve in India that inspired The Jungle Book.

Pench vs other tiger reserves

1. Pench National Park is thought to have served as the basis for Rudyard Kipling’s iconic book “The Jungle Book,” which was published in 1927. The park is evocative of the enchanted environment described in the book due to its beautiful landscapes, varied flora and wildlife, and the presence of iconic animals like tigers and leopards.

2. Teak woods and River System: Teak woods, which provide a special home for a variety of animal species, are what make Pench distinctive. The Pench River, which flows through the centre of the park and provides a crucial water source for the animals, particularly during the dry season, gave the area its name. The beautiful surroundings and plentiful water sources improve the safari experience.

3. Pench National Park is ideally positioned close to Nagpur, making it accessible to visitors and wildlife enthusiasts. Due to the reduced travel time and increased time spent in the park, tourists have a greater opportunity of seeing tigers and other animals.

4. Two States Border It: Because Pench National Park is located on the border between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, visitors have the opportunity to see wildlife in both states. The scenery and animal viewing chances vary on either side of the park, adding variety and richness to the entire experience.

5. Rich Biodiversity: Pench has a diversified ecology that is home to a wide range of plants and wildlife. The park also supports leopards, Indian bison (gaur), wild dogs (dholes), several deer species, and more than 300 different bird species in addition to the famous Bengal tigers. Visitors get many opportunity to see a variety of species throughout their safaris because to this richness.

Hotels & Resorts Near Pench National Park

There are a good number of lodging options available around Pench National Park . You can choose between a luxury resort experience or a comfortable and homely hotel stay. Here are our top picks:

Taj Baghvan

Vannraj Resort & Spa

Pench Jungle Camp

How to reach Pench National Park

Pench National Park is extremely well-preserved, making it quite a journey to get there. But your efforts to reach the park will be well rewarded with engaging  tiger safari tours in India . Here’s how you can reach Pench:

4. Tiger Safaris in Bandhavgarh

Tiger Safari in India – A Traveler’s Guide 2023: The Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is widely celebrated for the highest density of tigers – approximately 50 tigers in just 38 sq. mi. This park had several (now rare) white tigers and a host of other exotic beauties such as sambar, chital, wild boar, wild dog, Indian fox, leopard, bison, blue bull, antelope, nilgai, and so on among others.

Bandhavgarh vs other tiger reserves

1. High Tiger Density: Bandhavgarh National Park & Tiger Reserve is a popular place to see tigers as it has one of the greatest tiger densities in all of India. The likelihood of seeing these majestic species while on safari rises due to the park’s big population of tigers and an abundance of prey.

2. Bandhavgarh Fort, a significant historical and cultural landmark, is located in the park. The fort, which is perched on a hill and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings, adds a special dimension to the safari experience by fusing wildlife encounters with a dash of history.

3. A diversified scenery, including lush forests, meadows, rocky hills, and flowing streams, can be seen at Bandhavgarh. In addition to enhancing the park’s natural beauty, this terrain’s diversity offers many habitats for animals, which boosts the area’s biodiversity overall.

4. Rich Biodiversity: Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse mix of flora and animals in addition to an exceptional tiger population. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and those who enjoy the outdoors because it is home to several kinds of mammals, birds, reptiles, and butterflies.

5. Lesser Crowd: Bandhavgarh draws fewer visitors than some other well-known tiger reserves in India. Visitors frequently enjoy a more private and tranquil safari as a result, with less vehicle traffic and a greater likelihood of experiencing undisturbed animal encounters.

Hotels & Resorts Near Bandhavgarh National Park

There are a good number of lodging options available around  Bandhavgarh National Park . You can choose between a luxury resort experience or a comfortable and homely hotel stay. Here are our top picks:

Taj Mahua Kothi

Tree House Hideaway

Bandhav Vilas

Tiger Den Resort

How to reach Bandhavgarh National Park

5. tiger safaris in tadoba.

Tiger Safari in India – A Traveler’s Guide 2023: Tadoba National Park is one of the few in India that is open to tourism throughout the year. The dry deciduous forest in the park allows for more visibility of wildlife. Today, the park is brimming with a healthy tiger population.

Tadoba vs other tiger reserves

1. High Tiger Density: Compared to other reserves, Tadoba is known for having an impressive tiger population density, which means visitors have a greater possibility of seeing tigers while on safari there. This high tiger density is a result of the park’s modest size and active conservation efforts.

2. Tadoba is located in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district and is home to a variety of landscapes, including deep woods, meadows, and numerous water bodies. This diverse topography supports a great biodiversity, making it a perfect habitat for a variety of other flora and fauna species in addition to tigers.

3. Excellent Tourist Infrastructure: Tadoba has excellent tourist infrastructure, including cosy lodgings and expertly planned safari arrangements. This makes it simpler for guests to organise their travel and have a convenient, hassle-free time experiencing the animals.

4. Unlike some other tiger reserves, Tadoba is separated into various zones, each of which offers a unique opportunity to watch animals. These places are purposefully created to spread out visitor traffic, lessen strain on particular locations, and improve the overall safari experience.

5. Less congested: Despite Tadoba’s recent growth in popularity, it is still less crowded than other of the more well-known tiger reserves, such as Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh. As a result, visitors may experience animals up close and personally without being distracted by vast throngs of other tourists.

Hotels & Resorts Near Tadoba National Park

There are a good number of lodging options available around Tadoba National Park. You can choose between a luxury resort experience or a comfortable and homely hotel stay. Here are our top picks:

Svasara Jungle Camp

Red Earth Tadoba

How to reach Tadoba National Park

Things to carry during tiger safari in india.

Tiger Safari in India – A Traveler’s Guide 2023: Temperatures may vary from chilly mornings to scorching afternoons, so layered clothes are your best bet for a comfortable tiger safari trip. Opt for neutral, earth tones and avoid bright colours or white as they tend to bother the animals.

• Reusable water bottles/thermos flasks
• Buff or scarf to wear around your nose and mouth, to keep the dust at bay
• A sunhat with a wide brim that can be securely fastened and a warm cap
• Comfortable clothing
• A wool or fleece scarf for chilly mornings and evenings
• Small backpack or daypack with all requisite items

How to plan & book your tiger safari in India?

Tiger Safari in India – A Traveler’s Guide 202: Given the wide-scale demand, and popularity of tiger safaris in India, you need to plan your safari itinerary and accommodation well in advance for at least 3 to 4 months. Most tiger reserves and national parks in India have daily quotas of visitors. So, pay attention to this; otherwise, your trip might just turn out to be a dud.

Your best bet is to go for a reliable and reputed  Tiger safari tour operator in India such as Tiger Safari India . The benefit is that since these tours are curated by top naturalists, you can be ensured of the best possible experience in a way that leaves behind a minimal footprint in these pristine locations.

Book your Tiger Safari tour for 2023!

Read about the Top 5 National Parks for Tiger Safari in India.

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10 Activities You Can Only Do In India To Add To Your Bucket List

I ndia is a large country in southern Asia with a population of more than 1.4 billion people . There is so much to do and see here that it’s impossible to pack it all into one visit unless travelers stay long-term. Here are some of the top things to add to the bucket list that can only be experienced in India.

Go On A Tiger Safari In Ranthambore National Park

Located near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, this national park in Northern India offers the unique experience of embarking on a tiger safari. See these majestic creatures in their natural habitat from the safety of a tour vehicle with a professional guide.

The park is full of other wildlife like crocodiles and leopards as well. Landmarks of note within the park include the Trinetra Ganesha Temple and the Ranthambore Fort.

The best times of year for this tiger safari adventure are winter (October to March) or summer (May to June). The winter offers views of tigers lounging in the sun and the summer sees them drinking from the watering holes.

Practice Yoga In Its Birthplace

Rishikesh is a beautiful city in Northern India, in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains that is known as the birthplace of yoga. This ancient practice traces its origins back over 5,000 years in northern India.

Rishikesh offers travelers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage in a guided yoga practice or retreat in the place where the practice began .

Related: Shere Khan The Tiger! Explore India's Sariska Tiger Reserve

Play Holi With Locals

Holi is a Hindu Festival of Colors , used to celebrate the beginning of Spring and the end of winter. It takes place in late March and “playing Holi” typically involves throwing colorful dye at one another, dancing, singing, eating, and drinking.

Some public Holi celebrations in India can become extremely rowdy, so for safety, it’s often recommended to join in a private Holi celebration, especially for solo female travelers.

When attending a Holi celebration, wear white clothes to embrace the colorful canvas you will become. And don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes from the dye.

Witness The Famous Border Ceremony

Okay, technically you can also experience this in Pakistan, but it’s a unique experience on both sides. The Attari–Wagah border ceremony occurs daily at the border of India and Pakistan and is a ceremonial performance that started in 1959.

The regimented drill sees soldiers from both nations performing high-leg movements and demonstrates both the rivalry and sense of love between the two countries.

Border Security Forces (BSF) of India launched an app to make booking tickets for the ceremony easier. Typically, guests should arrive around 5 PM.

Experience Six Seasons In A Year

Yes, that’s right, India has six seasons. This unusual arrangement exists in a few South Asian countries, including of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The six seasons are:

• Vasant Ritu (Spring)
• Grishma Ritu (Summer)
• Varsha Ritu (Monsoon)
• Sharad Ritu (Autumn)
• Hemant Ritu (Pre-Winter)
• Shishir Ritu (Winter)

Related: Sweet Escape With Your Love: 10 Most Romantic Hotels In India

Sail On The Ganges

The Ganges is a sacred river that flows through India and is a significant part of the Hindu religion. When visiting India, a once-in-a-lifetime experience to add to the bucket list is taking a Ganges river cruise.

Either book a multiple-day cruise or simply go on an early morning paddle on a local rowboat to witness an unforgettable orange sunrise over the water.

Witness Holy Cremation In Varanasi

Varanasi is a city in Northern India in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It sits on the Ganges River and is well known for being a site where religious cremation rituals are done in burning ghats on the banks of the Ganges River. The Hinduism belief is that cremation in Varanasi frees a deceased person from being reborn into another life, so they can reach Nirvana.

Visiting Varanasi and respectfully witnessing the place where this ritual occurs is spiritually significant and bucket-list worthy.

Related: Rise Above At Varanasi: The Most Psychedelic City In The World

Visit This New Wonder Of The World

The Taj Mahal , located in Agra, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, so of course it deserves a place on every traveler’s bucket list. The Taj Mahal is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a mausoleum.

People recognize the exterior of impressive white marble but many don’t realize it was built per orders from the emperor Shah Jahan to honor the memory of his wife.

Experience The Triumph Of Light

Diwali is the Festival of Lights and is a celebration of good overcoming evil and light trumping darkness. Celebrating Diwali in India is a unique and awe-inspiring experience. The celebrations last five days and include impressive fireworks displays, candles, and lots of food .

This year, Diwali is on November 12, 2023.

Worship Rats

The Karni Mata Temple of Deshnoke is a truly unique temple located south of Bikaner, in Rajasthan. There are many temples in the world, but this is the only one that worships rats. There are more than 20,000 rats living in this temple, and they are worshipped and cared for by Karni Mata devotees as part of the Hindu religion.

Anyone can visit the temple and see how the rats are held in high regard.

How to Plan Tiger Safari in India?

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Tiger Safari in India – an adventure dream

2023 looks promising for all the wildlife enthusiasts and travel bugs out there. Monsoons have been kind (a little too kind, at some places) and the jungles are covered in lush green. Tiger safaris in India are all set to open and welcome tourists. After all, what looks better in a photo if not a majestic tiger amidst luscious greenery!

Taking a tiger safari tour in India is an incredible opportunity. Use it well and you could come back jumping in excitement to share all the details of the incredible and thrilling time you had. But it will take meticulous planning and some careful execution.

Worry not. We are here to take you through each step of the process. By the time you are done reading this, you will know everything there is to know about planning a safe and exciting safari time in India. From choosing the right location to packing the right clothes for the weather, everything is included below.

What to expect from a Tiger safari?

First thing you must know is that no tiger safari can guarantee tiger sightings. Despite the best efforts put in, it may happen that you return empty handed after a whole day of planning and waiting. After all, the royalty of the jungle tends to their own wishes!

It is best to engage the services of a seasoned naturalist or forest expert as your guide.  They know all about the hunting grounds, movement patterns and signs of presence of the majestic beast. They will certainly increase your chances of tiger spotting manifold.

Be mentally prepared to wake up with the first sun rays in the sky, take a jeep or tourist bus into the thick forests and sit for long hours waiting for nature’s clues. You won’t be alone, though. Accompanying you and engaging your senses will be the beauty of the wilderness around, other fauna going about its day, birds chirping, and alarm calls of prey to signal a tiger’s presence.

Popular Tiger Safari Parks

Pench National Park

Kanha National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park

Tadoba National Park

Ranthambore National Park

What to consider while planning a tiger safari in India?

You need to take into account certain factors before you plan your tiger safari in trip India.

Season / Time of the year

Foremost of them is the season of your visit. Tiger safari is open in all three seasons: summer, winter, and monsoon. However, weather effects will alter your costing and experience just a little bit. So pick the season that you will be most comfortable in. 

Park, you want to Visit

The next thing to choose is which National Park or Tiger Reserve you want to visit. Depending on your location or other parts of your itinerary, you can choose any of the famed Tiger Reserves in India: Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Corbett, Tadoba, or Ranthambore.

Other interesting reads about the famous parks

• Top Safari Parks of Madhya Pradesh
• Top Safari Parks of Maharashtra
• Top Tiger Safaris Tours

Zone & Gates for safari

Before you visit your chosen Tiger Reserve, make sure you have accurate information on the zones and gates of the Tiger Reserve you are planning to do a safari. There are various zones in a park and each zone has a few core gates and a few buffer gates. Most of the parks has good sighting in the core gates. However, some of the national parks have better sighting in buffer gates as well . Please consider contacting an expert before you book the zones and gates for your tiger safari in India

Explore our article on “ Difference between Core & Buffer Zones of Forest “

Set a Budget

Before you visit, you have to plan and set a budget for your tiger safari trip in India. A tiger safari budget mostly relies on the accommodation, group size, tour length, and the time of the year you are planning to go, if that falls in the low, mid, or high season. A major part of your budget depends on the accommodation you opt-for for your safari trip.

Explore our budget tiger safaris across different parks

Safari Permits availability

Safari permits are crucial, Most of the national parks have limited permits available on a daily basis, and they issue a limited number of safari permits in a day, which can be booked well in advance for the peak season or for the long weekends. Therefore it is advisable to check the permit availability before you finalize your tour dates.

Accommodation

There are wide range of accommodations available, so based on your preference and budget you can select from Budget, Mid-Luxury, and Luxury resorts. Most of the resorts are in the buffer zone of the forests as staying in the core zone of forest is not allowed in Indian forests.

Read our post on “ How to select an accommodation for Indian Safari”

Consider an authorized Tour Operator

For a smooth and hassle-free experience, it is best to engage a reputed local tour operator. They will take care of your accommodation, permits and even provide expert guides familiar with the safari area. Their expertise and experience can raise your chances of tiger sightings.

What to Pack

Be careful to pack according to the weather. You will need some items to keep you comfortable in each weather. Such as – coats and hats in winter, raincoats for monsoons, sunscreen, and goggles if you visit in the summer. 

Also explore our detailed post on “ What to pack for safari in India “

Keep a detailed plan that fits within your budget. Remember to leave some room for exploration of local cuisine and festivities around. 

How to pick the ideal location for Safari?

India has a large tiger population scattered in its various National Parks and Tiger Reserves. Which of them is most suitable for your trip? 

This is contingent on the season you wish to visit in, the sighting probability of various locations in your preferred season as well as the travel conditions of the area. 

Locations in North India often get too hot and cold in summer and winter respectively. If you aren’t one to brace that, you may want to go for a Tiger Reserve in Central or South India. However, all locations may not have similar sighting indexes. 

Therefore, the final decision is a combination of your unique visit preferences.

Best time to see Tigers in India

In various Tiger Reserves across the country, Tiger Safari is available in all three seasons: summer, winter, and monsoon. However, each season offers a unique experience combining its own set of pros and cons. 

Summers have a higher chance of spotting tigers and other fauna near the water bodies since the animals arrive there to drink. However, you must be prepared to sit under the scorching sun waiting for spotting signals. 

Monsoons offer a pleasant experience since the weather is cool. Forests are covered in lush greenery. But it may rain anytime. You will need to carry protective gear such as umbrellas and raincoats. 

Winters have neither scorching sun nor showering rain. However, it may drizzle sometimes. You will require extra layers of clothing to keep you warm. You will have to step out on cold winter mornings for the best sighting opportunities. 

Choose the timing of your visit such that you are able to enjoy your safari in the season you feel most comfortable. 

Must Carry Items for a Tiger Safari Tour

Packing well for a Tiger Safari will make sure your adventure is smooth and hassle free. Here is a list of must-carry items: 

• Passport. National Parks in India require a copy of your latest passport to allow you entry into the Park. 
• Photography Equipment i.e. camera, lenses, tripod etc.
• Clothes in neutral colours such as green, brown or khaki. Avoid bright-colored clothes for safari. 
• Comfortable shoes for walking/hiking
• Extra layers of clothing for winters such as jackets, overcoats, gloves, hats etc. 
• Raincoats for monsoon
• Insect-repellent or anti-itch ointment
• Medicines. Carry all your prescribed medicines as well as basics for common ailments such as cough, flu or upset stomach. Also include some anti-allergy medication as you may catch a previously identified or new allergy in the forest.
• Prefer suitcases with wheels for your luggage as they are easy to carry and transfer. Remember to keep it within the weight restrictions of your airline. 

Best Places to See Tigers in India

India is proud to be maintaining several large tracts of forests dedicated to protection and conservation of tiger population. These Tiger Reserves are spread all across the country. Below is a list of the most popular tiger destinations in India: 

Jim Corbett National Park

Corbett is the first national park of India and it is the only park where you can stay inside the core are during your safari tour.

Ranthambore is famous across the world for its Tiger Safari, Explore the beauty of Ranthambore National Park with Big Cats India

Bandhavgarh has a good tiger density and is one of the most visited parks in Central India.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Tadoba is the largest national park of Maharashtra and is one of the best tiger reserves when it comes to the Tiger Sighting.

Pench National Park & Tiger Reserve

Pench is spread across two states of Central India and is one of the prominent Tiger Reserve in Central India.

Kanha Tiger Reserve

Kanha, with its beautiful landscapes and tiger sightings make it one of the most popular National Parks in India as well as the whole world.

Tiger safari in Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh is located right in the heart of India i.e. the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is part of the government’s ambitious Project Tiger established with the sole purpose of conserving & propagating the tiger population. You can spot Royal Bengal Tigers as well as Indian Leopards here. There are approximately 250 bird species & 80 butterfly varieties here. 

Check our detailed guide on How to Plan Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari

Bandhavgarh also offers a look at Indian heritage. You can visit the Bandhavgarh Fort nearby. There is also a 65-foot-long statue of a sleeping Lord Vishnu inside the reserve area. 

Explore Bandhavgarh Packages

Tiger safari in Kanha

Having inspired Rudyard Kipling’s ‘ The Jungle Book’, Kanha is a delight for all wildlife lovers & tiger enthusiasts. Situated in Central India, Kanha is famous for Tiger and Barasingha sightings. Kanha Tiger Reserve offers a large variety of fauna – from Indian Swamp Deer to Leopards, from Tigers to Indian Cobra and Rock Pythons, and many more.

Check our detailed guide on How to Plan Kanha Tiger Safari

There are several bird & reptile species also. You can enjoy your journey through this vibrant jungle in a jeep. There are 8 safari zones – 4 each in the core and buffer area. 

Explore Kanha Packages

Tiger safari in Tadoba

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is the largest and oldest tiger reserve in Maharashtra. Dense forest, lush grasslands, deep valleys, and lakes make it an ideal space for spotting tigers and other wild animals. It is widely known for Tigress Maya, often called the ‘Queen of Tadoba’. 

Check our detailed guide on How to Plan Tadoba Tiger Safari

There are more than 100 tigers in Tadoba, meaning the tiger sighting index is high here. You can enjoy your forest tour in an open jeep or canter safari. Tadoba also offers visitors the chance of a very exciting Night Safari.

Explore Tadoba Packages

Tiger safari in Ranthambore

One of India’s busiest, and most picturesque tiger reserves is Ranthambore. The 1411 square kilometre Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is situated in the Sawai Madhopur area of Rajasthan. According to the 2022 tiger census, Ranthambore is home to around 86 Royal Bengal Tigers, making it a must-visit destination for Tiger enthusiasts everywhere. 

Check Our detailed guide on How to Plan Ranthambore  Tiger Safari

You can also enjoy a peek into history by visiting the Ranthambore Fort close by. Areas around the reserve will introduce you to the vibrant and rich culture of Rajasthan. Rajasthani cuisine is a must-try experience for a lifetime. 

Explore Ranthambore Safari Packages

Tiger safari in Pench

Located on the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, this National Park is named after the pristine Pench river flowing right through the middle of the park. It is uniquely accessible from both states. Pench is home to 39 mammal species, 13 reptile varieties, 3 types of amphibians and more than 210 species of birds. A dream destination for tiger lovers and avifauna enthusiasts alike!

Check our detailed guide on How to Plan Pench Tiger Safari

Pench is best explored through a safari assisted by guides. You can choose from a Jeep or a Canter Safari, depending on your budget. If you are physically fit and up for some adrenaline, a 12 KM long walking safari is also available here.  

 Explore Pench Safari Packages

Safety and Photography Tips

When you visit somebody’s home, you have to respect their rules and customs. Similarly, when you visit the jungle, you must respect the jungle and its laws. Here are some tips to ensure you have a safe and memorable experience: 

• Always listen to the guides and drivers. Follow their instructions. They go through this routine regularly, hence it is best to trust their instincts and expertise. 
• NEVER get off the vehicle during a safari. It is illegal and very dangerous. 
• Maintain a safe distance from the tiger. Remember it is not a house cat but an apex predator. Stay far, stay safe. 
• Maintain silence as and when advised by your guides. If the big cat is disturbed, it will turn away. 
• Carry plenty of sun protection and water with you.
• Clean and prepare your photography gear well in advance. 
• Go over your camera manuals again to freshen up your techniques. Make sure you understand your camera and lenses well. 
• Do not forget to bring a tripod. Wildlife photography is a practice in patience. You do not want to injure your muscles from holding heavy equipment for a long time. 
• Check your cards for sufficient storage space. Also carry extra cards and batteries. 
• Avoid changing lenses and memory cards in front of the animals. Keep your equipment ready beforehand. 

How to plan a Tiger Safari vacation in India without hassles?

Once you have made your decisions regarding the time, place and duration of your visit, you need to begin making arrangements for your travel, stay and safari. It’s best to book your seats 5-6 months in advance or else your preferred choices may not be available during the peak-season rush. 

You can book your air tickets and accommodation through online portals. Safari booking is now also available via govt booking platforms. 

Alternatively, you can contact a travel partner to make all these arrangements for you. They will coordinate every leg of the tour and ensure a smooth, hygienic, hassle free and memorable trip for you. 

Big Cats India also offers safari tour packages that you can choose from, depending on your time and budget. 

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