18 Places You Need To Visit For The Best Wildlife Experience In India

India has very rich and diverse wildlife and has always drawn the attention of nature lovers from around the globe. From the mammoth mountain ranges in the north, the marshy lands in the east, to the tip of Kanyakumari in the south, India is home to a number of wildlife conservation parks and sanctuaries. These places offer some of the best wildlife experiences to its visitors. Here’s a list of the places you should travel to this year for their exquisite wildlife in India.

18 Places For The Best Wildlife Experience In India

Are you looking for some amazing encounters of the best wildlife tourism in India? India is not just a land of diversities but also a land of wildlife adventures. Here are some of the best places in India where you can have really thrilling wildlife experiences:

Jim Corbett National Park – Uttarakhand
Ranthambore National Park – Rajasthan
Gir National Park – Gujarat
Bannerghatta Biological Park – Karnataka
Kaziranga National Park – Assam
Periyar National Park – Kerala
Bandhavgarh National Park – Madhya Pradesh
Hemis National Park – Ladakh
The Great Himalayan National Park – Himachal Pradesh
Tadoba – Maharashtra
Nanda Devi – Uttarakhand
Khangchendzonga – Sikkim
Panna National Park – Madhya Pradesh
Bera – Rajasthan
Bhitarkanika National Park – Odisha
Jhalana Reserve Forest – Rajasthan
Sunderbans National Park – West Bengal
Manas National Park – Assam

1. Jim Corbett National Park – Uttarakhand

Capture wildlife on jeep safari at Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett National Park wildlife safari in India is also one of the most exciting safaris. Situated in the mountainous district of Nainital, Jim Corbett National Park which is a part of the larger Corbett Tiger reserve is home to a large number of tigers. If you are lucky, you may spot a white tiger as well. This is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in India.

Things to do: Drive around the park to catch a glimpse of the wildlife, try angling at Kosi River, visit the Corbett falls
Species to see: Tigers, Spotted deer, Elephants, Golden jackal, sambar deers
Opening/Closing times: Best to visit the park is from 15th November to 15th June. The Park is open from 6 am to 10 am and then from 2 pm to 6 pm. The Park charges are Rs. 200 for an Indian national and Rs. 1000 for a foreigner.
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 3800-4000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
Where to stay: Aahana The Corbett Wilderness, The River View Retreat, The Den Corbett, Le Roi Corbett, The Roar Resort
How to get there: Jim Corbett is around five hours drive from Delhi.
Adventure Tip: Enter the park with a permit and celebrate a peaceful bonfire night amidst the wilderness.

Must Read: Long Weekends In India : Ways To Enliven Your Vacay Vibes Safely In The Post-Lockdown Era!

2. Ranthambore National Park – Rajasthan

Capture tigers at Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Ranthambore National Park wildlife safari in India is one of the most adventurous safaris. This National Park is located in Rajasthan and was previously a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas. Now a wildlife conservation park, this park is most famous for its Tiger trails and Bird watching tours.

Things to do: Bakula has a lot of waterholes and hence is crowded with wildlife. The Raj Bagh ruins are ancient ruined structures, domes and arches. The Padam Talao is another lake worth visiting. The Ranthambore fort is ideally located. The view from the top is mesmerizing.

Species to see: Tigers, leopards, Hyenas, Jackals, Jungle cats, Indian Foxes and a wide range of birds like Pelicans, Ibis, Flamingos, Egrets, Parakeets Opening/Closing times: The Park is open from October to June. It is closed for the remaining months of the year. The morning trip is from 6.30 am to 10 am. And the evening trip is from 2.30 pm to 6 pm. The Charges are around Rs. 75 for an Indian national in a canter and Rs. 131 for an Indian national in a gypsy. For foreign nationals it is Rs. 475 in a canter and Rs. 530 in a gypsy.
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 4000 to 8000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
Where to stay: Taj Sawai, Tree House Anuraga, Tiger Den resort, the tiger villa, Tiger moon resort, Sanctuary resort, Ankur resort
How to get there: The Park is three hours’ drive from Jaipur.
Adventure Tip: You could soar high in the sky in a hot air balloon for some spectacular views of the National Park.

Suggested Read: 16 Winter Honeymoon Destinations In India

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

3. Gir National Park – Gujarat

Asiatic lions at The Gir National forest in Gujarat

The Gir National forest in Gujarat is best known for its Asiatic lions. Gujarat tourism is synonymous with the Gir Lions. If you want to enjoy an exciting safari and catch a good look of the king of the jungle, then head straight to Gir.

Things to do: Go for the lion safari and get up and close with the king of the jungle, also try boating amongst the many lakes in Gir
Species to see: Asiatic Lions, Indian leopards, sloth bears, jungle cats, striped hyenas, snakes, blackbucks, crocodiles, monitor lizards
Opening/Closing times: The Park is open from 16th October to 15th June every year. The morning timings are from 6 am to 12 pm. and then evening timings are from 3 pm to 6 pm. The Charges are Rs. 4000 for upto 6 Indian Nationals travelling in a jeep. And Rs, 10, 000 for upto 6 foreign nationals travelling by jeep.
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 3000-8000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
Where to stay: Gir Jungle resort, the gateway hotel, Anil farm house, Gir Lion’s paw resort, Hotel Umang
How to get there: Junagadh is the closest city to Gir national Park. Junagadh has a railway station that connects it to bigger cities like Ahmedabad
Adventure Tip: Plan a visit during early morning to capture the best experiences of the place

4. Bannerghatta Biological Park – Karnataka

Visit a butterfly park in Bannerghatta Biological Park, Karnataka

Just at the outskirts, south of Bangalore, is the Bannerghatta Biological Park. This park includes a zoo, an elephant sanctuary, a tiger park and a butterfly park. Who would have thought that such a wonderful nature’s treat lies in the middle of a bustling city?

Things to do: Check out the Butterfly Park and go on a tiger safari, also go boating
Species to see: Tigers, leopards, Elephants, spotted deer, barking deers, butterflies, snakes
Opening/Closing times: The Park is closed on Tuesdays. The park opens at 9.30 am and closes at 5 pm. Entry fee for the butterfly park is Rs. 30 for adults and Rs. 20 for children. The grand safari costs Rs. 260 for adults and Rs. 130 for children.
Where to stay: Svenska design hotels, Ibis Bengaluru Hosur road, Confido Inn and Suites, Lords Plaza Bengaluru
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 3500-10000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
How to get there: The Park is 22 kms from Bengaluru city.
Adventure Tip: If you are visiting on weekend then reach the site before 2 pm as there are chances of tickets getting sold out.

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

5. Kaziranga National Park – Assam

Capture Rhinos at Kaziranga National Park, Assam

This park has the largest population of one horned Rhino in the World. This national park has achieved great success with its conservation projects.

Things to do: Check out the tea plantations around the park Go on a safari to spot rhinos and tigers, Take in a view of the entire park from the watchtowers
Species to see: Tigers, Rhinos, Elephants, Swamp deer, Wild Buffalo
Opening/Closing times: The park is open daily from 1st November to 30th April i.e., for 6 (six) months. Jeep safari timings are from 7.30 am to 9.30 am and 2pm to 3.30 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 50 for an Indian national and Rs. 500 for a foreign national
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 4000-8000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
Where to stay: IORA- The retreat, Infinity, Aranya Lodge, Jupuri Ghar
How to get there: The Park is a five hours drive from Guwahati. Guwahati is connected to most major cities by rail and road
Adventure Tip: Explore wildlife while you sail on the glinting waters of the river Brahmaputra.

6. Periyar National Park – Kerala

Spot a relaxing Tiger at Periyar National Park, Kerala

This park is in the hilly areas of the Cardamom Hills in Kerala. Perched among the hills, this park is a nature lover’s paradise. With is lush green slopes and landscapes, it is a visual treat.

Things to do: The wildlife trail is highly recommended; take a boat ride on the periyar lake, Check out the wildlife sanctuary
Species to see: Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Deers, snakes and reptiles
Opening/Closing times: The Park is open all days of the week from 6 am to 6 pm. The entry fees is Rs. 25 for an Indian adult and Rs. 5 for an Indian child. And Rs. 300 for an adult foreigner and Rs. 105 for a foreign child.
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 3000-8000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
Where to stay: Springdale heritage, Aranya Nivas KTDC, Spice village, the elephant Thekkady
How to get there: Periyar National Park is a three hours’ drive from Kochi. Kochi is a well-connected city and has an airport as well
Adventure Tip: For an unbeatable wildlife experience in one of the most verdant states of India, go bamboo rafting along the river to spectate the richness of flora & fauna.

7. Bandhavgarh National Park – Madhya Pradesh

Deer at Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

This Park has a large population of tigers and langurs. The park is at the center of India and is home to the famous white tiger.

Things to do: Go for a birding tour or a jeep safari to catch a glimpse of the best wildlife. Also once there, do not miss out on seeing the Khajuraho temples. Also, have a look at the Bandhavgarh fort.
Species to see: Bengal tigers, Elephants, deers, primates, reptiles and a large number of birds
Opening/Closing times: The Park is open from 15th of October to 30th of June. The entry fees is Rs. 4000 for foreigners and Rs. 2000 for Indian nationals for a jeep carrying up to 6 people.
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2000-8000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
Where to stay: Bundela Jungle Lodge, Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh, Nature heritage resort, Tiger Lagoon resort
How to get there: It is not easy to reach Bandhavgarh as it has no airport facility. The nearest town is Jabalpur. There are taxis services which ply from Jabalpur to Umaria
Adventure Tip: The best time to visit the park is early in the morning or after 4 pm to spot the animals.

8. Hemis National Park – Ladakh

Snow leopard at Hemis National Park Jammu, Kashmir

This is a high altitude national park in eastern Ladakh. The park is home to many endangered animals like the snow leopard, the Asiatic Ibex, the red fox, Tibetan wolf. This park has pine forests, meadows and is nothing short of a safari in heaven.

Things to do: Take an adventure trek at Hemis
Species to see: snow leopard, the Asiatic Ibex, the red fox, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan marmot, Blue sheep
Opening/Closing times: The Park is open on all days. The entry fees is Rs 20 for an Indian national and Rs. 100 for a foreigner.
Cost of Jeep Safari: NA
Where to stay: There are no hotels near Hemis national park. There are villages around the park where homestay facilities are available. The Hemis monastery also provides rooms for visitors to stay
How to get there: The nearest railway station is Kalka in Haryana. The park is 5 kms from the Leh district; the leh-manali highway can also be used to access the park
Adventure Tip: No vehicles are allowed inside the park. Solo treks are fun, but they should be avoided at night as this national park is full of wild animals that come to prey in the dark.

9. The Great Himalayan National Park – Himachal Pradesh

Amazing wildlife at The Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh

This park is in the snowcapped mountain regions of Kullu. With coniferous forests, sloping hills and green landscapes, this park is the crowning glory of the Himalayan slopes.

Things to do: Take a walk among the clouds, breathe in fresh pollution free air, go on a trek among the forest lands and take a boat ride on the river Tirthan. Also camp under the stars
Species to see: The snow leopard, musk deer, primates, Himalayan pit viper
Opening/Closing times: The Park is open throughout the year. The entry fees is Rs. 50 for an Indian national and Rs. 200 for a foreign national.
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 4000-8000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
Where to stay: Forest House Saipora which has a dormitory, library and also arranges biodiversity trails
How to get there: The starting point of the park is at Kullu Valley. Kullu is connected to most major cities by road.
Adventure Tip: If you are planning to go on a trek here then make sure that you are accompanied by at least 1 local who knows the area well.

10. Tadoba National Park – Maharashtra

Tadoba - one of the largest national parks in Maharashtra

Tadoba is one of the largest national parks in Maharashtra. Very close to the city, Nagpur, Tadoba is most famous for its Tigers and Tadoba crocodiles.
Things to do: Go on the tiger safari and bird watching trails
Species to see: The Chimur Hills and Andhari sanctuary
Opening/Closing times: The park is open from 15th October to 30th June. The park is closed on Tuesdays and the timings are 6 am to 11 am and 3 pm to 6 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for an adult and Rs. 5 for children
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2300-6000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
Where to stay: Svasara Jungle lodge and resorts, Tuli Tiger resort, The wildflower resort
How to get there: The park is very close to the city Nagpur. By rail, the closest railway station is Chandrapur
Adventure Tip: Visit the place early morning if you don’t want to miss out the unbelievable sights of wilds in their natural hanitat.

11. Nanda Devi – Uttarakhand

Nanda Devi National Park for a best wildlife experience, Uttarakhand

Nanda Devi National Park is home to the Asiatic black bear. Adjoining the valley of flowers, Nanda Devi Park is a sight to behold.

Things to do: Try and scale the nanda devi peak, Enjoy the views from various hilltops and peaks, Take a walk in the alpine valley
Species to see: Asiatic black bear, blue sheep, Himalayan musk deer
Opening/Closing times: Best time to visit the park is between April and October.
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2000-3000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
Where to stay: There are very few accommodation options at Nanda Devi. Visitors can stay at hotels in Joshimath and Badrinath.
How to get there: The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh. By road, the park can be accessed via Joshimath
Adventure Tip: You can also indulge in other adventures such as trekking, hiking, mountain strolls, etc.

12. Khangchendzonga – Sikkim

Khangchendzonga is famous for the red panda, Sikkim

Famous for the red panda, Tibetan antelopes and snow leopards, this national park gets its name from the Kanchenjunga mountain in Sikkim.

Things to do: See the many lakes and mountain peaks besides getting a glimpse of the Red Panda
Species to see: Musk deer, snow leopard, red panda
Opening/Closing times: The best time to visit is between April and May. Entry fee is Rs. 200 per head for an Indian national for the first seven days and Rs. 400 per head for a foreign national for the first seven days
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2100-4800 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
Where to stay: It is advisable to stay at hotels at Gangtok, given that very few accommodation options are available at the Park. Mayfair Spa and Resort, Suhim Portico, Orange Villa Resort
How to get there: The park can be accessed from the city Gangtok.
Adventure Tip: Indian tourists need to take special permission from Inner-Line Permit from the State Home Department while foreign nationals would require a restricted area permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Suggested Read: 43 Famous Historical Places In India To Visit

13. Panna National Park – Madhya Pradesh

Image Source

Located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park covers an area of 542.7 km sq. The wildlife and nature lovers enjoy exploring the dense surroundings of the park through their guided safari tours. This is also a great place for bird watching and you can spot birds like changeable-hawk edge and the blossom-headed parakeet.

Things to do: Visit Pandav Falls, enjoy camping at the Panna Tiger ReserveSpecies to see: Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, sambar, nilgai
Opening/Closing times: 6 am – 10 am / 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
Where to stay: Pashan Garh by Taj Safari or the Ken River Lodge
How to get there: The nearest airport to the Panna National Park is the Khajuraho airport (26 km). Jhansi (176 km) is the nearest railhead and Panna is connected to Bhopal (NH86) and Chhatarpur (NH75) by road
Adventure Tip: Book your safari well in-advance if you don’t wish to miss it out!

14. Bera – Rajasthan

Image Source

Bera, a small region in the Southern Rajasthan is not a national park. But over the last few years, the place has emerged as a popular leopard sighting spot. The encroachment of land due to urban development has pushed the local population and the wild animals to share the place. So the villagers started hosting safaris tours in this region, especially around the Jawai Dam in the Aravallis, where leopard sightings are common. The dam is also home to many water birds.

Especially the area near the Jawai Dam on the Aravallis,

Things to do: Take a village safari or a jungle safari. Visit the leopard hills and the Jawai Dam
Species to see: Leopards, flamingos, crane, geese, hyna, deers
Opening/ Closing times: 6am to 6pm
Where to stay: Jawai Safari Camp, Jawai Sagar, Jawai Castle Resort
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 4500 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
How to get there: Bera is 3 hours drive away from the Udaipur airport
Adventure Tip: The place is the best for leopard spotting. Try to plan a visit on a sunny day for the best experiences.

15. Bhitarkanika National Park – Odisha

Image Source

Located in the Kendarapa district of Odisha, Bhitarkanika National Park is the core area of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Covering an area of 145 km sq., this place is dense mangrove forest with salt-tolerant trees. The marshy land and various big and small water streams provide the best habitat to crocodiles, lizards, and snakes.

Things to do: Go boat cruising, angling or beaching at the Pentha Sea Beach
Species to see: giant saltwater crocodiles, water monitor lizards, cobras, and other snakes
Opening/Closing times: 7 am – 5 pm
Cost of Jeep Safari: NA
Where to stay: National Park Swiss Tents, Sand Pebbles Bhitarkanika Jungle Resorts, Empire Paradip
How to get there: The park is 3 hours drive away from the Bhubaneshwar airport
Adventure Tip: Go in the creeks on boat for sightseeing. Crocodiles, wild boars, spotted deer and lots of birds would be visible.

16. Jhalana Reserve Forest – Rajasthan

Image Source

The Jhalana Reserve Forest in Jaipur is one of the newest wildlife destinations in the country. Over the past few decades, this place has been home to more than 20 leopards. So in May 2017, the government finally decided to declare it as a protected reserve. Covering just 25 sq. km. area, the USP of Jhalana Reserve Forest is that the probability of spotting a leopard is high.

Things to do: Jhalana Park Safari, bird watching, explore tourist attractions in Jaipur
Species to see: Leopards, birds like shikra, white-eyed buzzard, peacock
Opening/Closing times: 6.45 am – 9.30 am / 3.30 pm – 6.15 pm
Where to stay: ITC Rajputana, Red Fox Hotel
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 4500 – 6500 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
How to get there: The Jaipur Airport in Sanganer connects the city to other major Indian cities. There are several trains that connect Jaipur to other big and small cities of India. You can also take NH8, NH11 or NH12 to reach the city by road.
Adventure Tip: Plan a visit during early hours to capture the true vibe of the place.

17. Sunderbans National Park – West Bengal

The Royal Bengal Tiger at Sunderbans National Park, West Bengal

It is said that whether you spot a Tiger at Sunderbans or no, it is sure to have spotted you. Sunderbans with its marshy land, dense mangroves and Tigers, is a naturalist’s paradise. Spread over 54 islands, it extends into neighboring Bangladesh.

Things to do: Go on a Tiger trail, See the various watchtowers and the crocodile park
Species to see: The Royal Bengal Tiger, Crocodiles, bull sharks, primates and snakes, dolphins
Opening/Closing times: It is best to visit the park between September and May. Entry fee is Rs. 15 for an Indian and Rs. 150 for a foreigner. An extra charge of Rs. 300 is levied for a camera.
Where to stay: Sunderbans Tiger camp, United 21 Resort
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2500 to 4000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
How to get there: The Park is around 95 kms from Kolkata
Adventure Tip: This national park offers a unique experience of cruising in the waters & spotting the wildlife alongside.

18. Manas National Park – Assam

Image Source

Manas National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes a Tiger reserve, elephant reserve and a biosphere reserve in Assam. This national park less frequented as compared to the Kaziranga National Park. Therefore it offers a richer wildlife experience. One of the most famous species is the pygmy hog.

Things to do: Enjoy a picnic at Bogamati Picnic Spot or Chowki Picnic Spot
Species to see: Tigers, elephant, golden langur, Assam roofed turtle, pygmy hog
Opening/Closing times: 6 am – 3 pm
Where to stay: Bansbari Lodge, The Sikhiri Cottage, Musa Jungle Retreat
Cost of Jeep Safari: INR 2500 – 4000 per Jeep (for 4-5 people)
How to get there: The nearest railhead to Manas National Park is Barpeta Road (32 km). You can also hire a cab from Guwahati (176 km).
Adventure Tip: Capture the best of Manas National Park through elephant safari. Don’t forget to visit tea plantations on your visit.

Further read: 15 Places to visit in India while you are still young

Did knowing about these wildlife adventure places in India excite the adventure junkie in you? Plan a trip to one of your favourite India destionations without wasting a moment and make the best memories of your life. Also, do not forget to share it with your friends and folks. Make sure you keep your cameras charged and ready, for you never know which wild beast would you be crossing paths with

Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife Experience

Which is the best wildlife sanctuary in India?

With so many wonderful wildlife sanctuaries spread across the country, it is not possible to single out one as the best. Each of these offer something unique to wildlife explorers in terms of adventure and wildlife sighting. Some of the best wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India include the likes of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Hemis National Park in Ladakh, and Kaziranga National Park in Assam.

What animals can you see in India?

You can see a wide variety of animals in India including the Great Indian Elephant, Gaur, Nilgai, wild water buffalo, Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, and many more.

Which is the best jungle safari in India?

Travelers can engage in the best jungle safari in India in places like Ranthambore National Park, Corbett National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Sundarban National Park, Gir National Park, Kanha National Park, and more.

Where we can you see lions in India?

You can only spot Asiatic Lions at Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat in India. In fact, India is the only place in the world where you can see lions and tigers in the same habitat.

Which is the biggest wildlife sanctuary in India?

As per the area, the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary located in Rann of Kutch is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India, followed by the Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim and Sanjay National Park in Chhattisgarh, Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat, Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal, and Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.