India 12.07.2024 TransIndus
Beyond the ancient monuments, impressive history, forts, palaces, colonial history, and bustling cities, India offers a vast wealth of natural habitats and the possibility of spotting scores of extraordinary wildlife—it ranks among the world's Top 10 most biodiverse countries.
Thanks to its varied geography and changing monsoon patterns, the Sub-continent has one of the most diverse terrains supporting many rich and varied ecosystems. Nearly 500 mammals, over 1,300 birds, and countless species of amphibians, reptiles, and insects thrive here. The country's 106 National Parks and 573 wildlife sanctuaries span every corner, from the dusty landscapes of Rajasthan and Gujarat, the peaks of the Nilgiris and the Himalayas and the iconic jungles of central India to the tropical rainforests of southern India offer shelter and protection both the wild animals and the Indigenous people that have traditionally lived among them for millennia.
Here is a selection of our favourite National Parks in India.
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest protected area in India, established in 1935. Set on the banks of the Ramganga River, with a backdrop of the picturesque Himalayan foothills, the park was named Jim Corbett after the hunter-turned-conservationist. The terrain varies greatly from open grassland and wetlands to rocky plateaus, thick forests, riverine belts, marshy depressions, and a large lake. It is renowned for the rich biodiversity of its habitats, which support a Corbett can support a wide range of animal life, including tigers, leopards, elephants, 500 bird species, and rare reptiles and amphibians.
- Best For Sighting: Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, leopard, sloth bear.
- Top Bird Species: Great Hornbill, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Collared Falconet, Tawny Fish Owl, Red Junglefowl
- Best Time to Visit: November to June
- Weather: Winters are cold (5-30°C), summers are hot (15-40°C), and monsoons (July-September) bring heavy rainfall.
Our Favourite Places to stay:
Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness (5-star) - Luxurious eco-friendly resort with excellent facilities.
The Riverview Retreat (4-star) - Situated near the park entrance with great amenities.
Jim’s Jungle Retreat (4-star) - Offers a unique blend of luxury and wilderness experience.
2. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
As the home of the 'Save the Tiger project' and arguably India's best-known reserve, Ranthambore National Park is a staple inclusion for those wishing to add a wildlife element to a Golden Triangle holiday. Despite the ease of access from some of northern India's most famous sights, Ranthambore maintains a long-held position as one of the country's most important wildlife reserves. The park lies on the margins of the Aravalli range of hills amid a tract of dry deciduous forests and grassland. Near its entrance, a long flight of stone steps winds up to the ramparts of a medieval fort, affording fine views over the reserve and its much-photographed lake. It has been at the forefront of efforts to protect and increase India's tiger population for over 50 years. The park's unique beauty, including the ruins of a fort, coupled with its diverse wildlife, including leopard, langur Macaque, sambar, chital, sloth bear, wild boar, nilgai, chital, python, cobra, and crocodile, make it a must-visit destination. Around eight tigers currently survive in the reserve—each named and the subject of numerous documentaries—and your chances of spotting one are better than average.
- Best For Sighting: Bengal tiger, leopard, nilgai, sambar deer
- Top Bird Species: Crested Serpent Eagle, Painted Spurfowl, Black Stork, White-bellied Drongo, Indian Peafowl
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
- Weather: Winters are cool (10-25°C), summers are very hot (25-45°C), and the park is closed during the monsoon (July-September).
Our Favourite Places to stay:
Sher Bagh (5-star) - Offers luxurious lodge and tented accommodations with some of the best naturalists.
Ranthambhore Regency Hotel (4-star) - Close to the park entrance with comfortable amenities.
Khem Villas (4-star) - Eco-friendly luxury near the park.
3. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Another of India's most famous and popular national parks, Bandhavgarh, is situated in the Vindhya Range, Madhya Pradesh, and has one of the highest densities of tigers in the country. In addition, the park is home to a rich and diverse catalogue of wildlife, including leopard, sloth bear, sambar, chital, barking deer, gaur, and nilgai. Uniquely for a wildlife park, Bandhavgarh offers opportunities to visit a series of ancient caves with inscriptions of Brahmi script and embossed figurines of tigers, elephants, pigs, and horsemen, which add significantly to the allure and mystery of this national park.
The park is predominately Sal and mixed woodland, with meadows punctuated by numerous small streams and a lake—a haven for various animals. The park has innumerable bird species, including hornbills, the crested serpent, variable hawk eagles, and stunning kingfishers and woodpeckers.
- Best For Sighting: Bengal tiger, leopard, Indian bison (gaur), spotted deer
- Top Bird Species: Malabar Pied Hornbill, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Indian Roller, Lesser Adjutant, Black-winged Stilt
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
- Weather: Winters are cool (5-25°C), summers are hot (25-45°C), and the park experiences heavy rains during the monsoon (July-September).
Our Favourite Places to stay:
Mahua Kothi (5-star) - Luxurious cottages with exceptional service.
Bandhav Vilas (4-star) - Close to the park with great amenities.
Kings Lodge (4-star) - Offers a blend of luxury and wilderness experience.
4. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Characterised by the craggy outcrops and forested peaks of the Satpura (or 'Mahadeo') mountains, which form the highest part of the Deccan range and are protected to the north by the vast Tawa reservoir, Satpura's rugged and forested interior. While tiger sightings are less frequent in Satpura than in other parks in the state due to the park's impenetrable core, the park has some of the finest tiger habitats in the subcontinent, where tigers can thrive in relative obscurity. Other vital mammals are readily visible, including leopards, spotted deer, gaur, black buck, sambar, porcupine and sloth bear. Satpura uniquely permits walking and boating safaris in addition to the more traditional, with fully-trained wardens and guides leading visitors on excellent treks through the Sal, teak and bamboo groves and further afield to far-flung prehistoric rock-art sites in the forest's depths.
- Best For Sighting: Leopard, Indian giant squirrel, sloth bear, sambar, and tigers.
- Top Bird Species: Malabar Whistling Thrush, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Indian Pitta, Indian Scimitar Babbler
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
- Weather: Cool winters (10-25°C), hot summers (25-40°C), and heavy monsoons
Our Favourite Places to stay:
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge (4-star) - Offers a blend of luxury and nature.
Forsyth Lodge (4-star) - Luxurious wilderness experience.
Denwa Backwater Escape (4-star) - Easily accessible with excellent facilities.
5. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
One of India's best-known wildlife sanctuaries is in the Maikal Hills of the Satpura Range, with easy access by rail and road from several central Indian cities, including Jabalpur, Nagpur, and Raipur. Often called the "Jewel of Kanha," it has played a crucial role in wildlife conservation over the last 50 years, particularly in the revival of the barasingha population, which was on the brink of extinction. Its inspiring conservation effort is a testament to the park's commitment to preserving the natural world and its enchanting landscape and rich biodiversity inspired by Rudyard Kipling's famous novel, "The Jungle Book."
The Kanha Museum inside the park provides insightful information about the park's history, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Bamni Dadar, also known as Sunset Point, offers panoramic views of the park and stunning sunsets. Kanha Village Eco Resort also provides a unique stay experience, blending sustainable tourism with local culture. Kanha National Park's rich wildlife, varied topography, and successful conservation efforts make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
- Best For Sighting: Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, Indian wild dog (dhole), Barasingha.
- Top Bird Species: Sarus Crane, Black Ibis, Common Hawk-Cuckoo, Golden Oriole, Indian Roller
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
- Weather: Cool winters (5-25°C), hot summers (25-45°C), and heavy rains during the monsoon (July-September).
Our Favourite Places to stay:
Banjaar Tola (5-star) - Offers luxurious tented suites with stunning views.
Kipling Camp (3-star) - Provides comfortable accommodations near the park.
Singinawa Jungle Lodge (4-star) - Combines luxury with eco-friendly practices.
6. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The Pench Wildlife Reserve, located at the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is reminiscent of Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book," with its lush teak and bamboo forests, open meadows, and the meandering Pench River. The park has stable tiger population makes it a prime location for tiger sightings during Jeep safaris. Other wildlife includes wild dogs, hyenas, chital, sambar, nilgai, occasional gaur (bison), leopards, wolves, and jackals. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the park's 250 resident and migratory species, including endangered vulture species, kingfishers, peafowl, junglefowl, and Indian rollers. Pench's unique features include its setting at the foot of the Satpura Range, diverse wildlife, and its inspiration for Kipling's tales. The park's rich biodiversity, varied topography, and thrilling wildlife encounters make it an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
- Best For Sighting: Bengal tiger, leopard, Indian wolf, gaur
- Top Bird Species: Grey-headed Fish Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard, Indian Scops Owl, Alexandrine Parakeet, Crested Serpent Eagle
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
- Weather: Cool winters (10-25°C), hot summers (25-45°C), and heavy rains during the monsoon (July-September).
Our Favourite Places to stay:
Jamtara Wilderness Camp (5-star) - a tented camp that greatly emphasises proximity to nature.
Bhagavan (5-star) - Luxurious lodge offering exclusive wildlife experiences.
Tuli Tiger Corridor (4-star) - Close to the park entrance with modern amenities.
Pench Tree Lodge (4-star) - Unique treehouse accommodations with great views.
7. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam, is a wildlife lover's paradise along the Brahmaputra River. This enchanting sanctuary, accessible from Guwahati, Tezpur, and Jorhat by river cruise and road, spans lush grasslands, woodlands, marshes, and semi-evergreen forests, offering an unforgettable adventure. Kaziranga is renowned for its rare one-horned rhinoceros, harbouring around two-thirds of the world's population of this endangered giant. Imagine the thrill of spotting these magnificent creatures alongside elusive tigers, leopards, majestic wild buffalo, graceful deer, and sturdy bears. Bird enthusiasts will find a paradise with various endemic and migratory species. Embark on a journey to Kaziranga National Park and immerse yourself in the untamed splendour of India's northeastern wilderness. The park is also great for birdwatching.
- Best For Sighting: One-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, Asiatic elephant, wild water buffalo
- Top Bird Species: Great Indian hornbill, white-winged wood duck, greater adjutant stork, Bengal florican, Swamp Francolin, Pallas Fish Eagle
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Weather: Winters are mild (5-25°C), summers are hot (25-37°C), and monsoons (June-September) bring heavy rains.
Our Favourite Places to stay:
Wild Grass Lodge (3-star) - Combines rustic charm with easy park access.
Diphlu River Lodge (4-star) - Luxury cottages with views of the river and park.
Assam Bengal Navigation Company, Cruise Ships (4-star) - Luxury cruising that includes Kaziranga.
8. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Explore the enchanting Sundarbans Wildlife Reserve, the world's largest mangrove forest, from the mouth of the Hooghly River to the Bangladeshi border. This natural wonder, formed by Himalayan silt deposits, offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Home to over 250 majestic tigers known for their extraordinary swimming skills, the Sundarbans also support thriving populations of saltwater crocodiles, Olive Ridley turtles, Gangetic dolphins, and the fascinating horseshoe crab.
Embark on a journey through this mystical landscape aboard double-decker launches, gliding between island compounds where visitors can explore local flora and fauna exhibitions. Witness tigers swimming between islets, crocodiles basking on mudflats, and deer grazing by the water's edge. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty and captivating wildlife of the Sundarbans Wildlife Reserve. Let this magnificent mangrove forest's enchanting scenery and unique biodiversity create an unforgettable adventure.
- Best For Sighting: Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, spotted deer, fishing cat
- Top Bird Species: Brown-winged Kingfisher, Mangrove Whistler, Black-capped Kingfisher, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Lesser Adjutant
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Weather: Mild winters (10-25°C), hot and humid summers (25-35°C), and heavy monsoon rains (June-September).
Our Favourite Places to stay:
Sunderban Tiger Camp (3-star) - Offers comfortable accommodation and easy access to the park.
Sundarban Tiger Roar Resort (3-star) - Conveniently located with good amenities.
Sundarban Riverside Holiday Resort (3-star) - Balances comfort with park proximity.
9. Dudhwa National Park, Terai Region, Uttar Pradesh
Nestled in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, Dudhwa National Park is a captivating wildlife haven close to the border with Nepal. This pristine reserve is accessible from Lucknow and encompasses dense forests, sprawling grasslands, and wetlands, offering a mesmerising wilderness experience with many animals. Dudhwa is celebrated for its population of the Bengal Tiger and the Indian Rhinoceros, providing thrilling sightings of these iconic animals. Imagine encountering these magnificent creatures: leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. Birdwatchers will delight in the park's rich avian diversity, featuring resident and migratory species.
Make certain you have time to visit the lush grasslands of the adjacent Kishagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, a short drive west of Dudhwa, for its striking and graceful Barasingha or swamp deer. Mature males here support antlers that rise a meter above the head with 12-14 tines.
Equally impressive are the wetlands of the Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary just southwest of the main Dudhwa Park for their incredible populations of the primordial Gharial, a distinctive and critically endangered crocodile species native to the Indian subcontinent. Recognised by its long, narrow, bulbous snout, the gharial is well-adapted for life in freshwater rivers. Females grow to 13-15 feet in length, but the males can reach lengths of up to 20 feet! These waters are also home to the unique and endangered freshwater dolphins found only in the river systems of the Indian subcontinent. These pinkish-brown dolphins with a long, slender, slightly curved snout can grow to 8 feet in length and weigh as much as 90 kilograms
- Best For Sighting: Fishing cats, Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, Asiatic elephant, Indian leopard, turtles, otters, swamp deer or Barasingha, Gangiatic dolphins, Gharial and much more.
- Top Bird Species: Bengal florican, Sarus crane, Great Slaty woodpecker, Lesser adjutant stork, Black-necked stork, Pallas's fish eagle
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Weather: Winters are cool (4-18°C), summers are warm (20-40°C), and monsoons (June-September) bring moderate to heavy rains.
Our Favourite Places to Stay:
- Jaagir Manor (4-star) is a luxury resort surrounded by lush greenery. It blends colonial elegance with modern amenities.
- Dudhwa Jungle Lodge (3-star) offers comfortable accommodations with a rustic charm near the park.
10 Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Accessible from Mysore, Coorg, Sultan’s Battery and Ooty, the lush forests and marshlands of Nagarhole National Park are not just a tourist destination but also a crucial part of the extensive Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and one of the most significant stretches of protected forest in India. It occupies some 643 sq. KM holds a prominent position in the ecological life of southern India. Backed by the Western Ghats, the park is filled with fragrant sandalwood and teak trees, thick groves of bamboo, and dozens of winding streams. Linked to the neighbouring sanctuaries of Bandipur, Mudumalai and Wayanad, it was originally the hunting grounds of the Mysore Royal Family and later as a nature park in 1955. This heavily forested reserve with large wetland areas offers an ideal habitat for predators such as tigers, leopards and hyenas, deer species, elephants, reptiles and several endangered birds. A jeep safari is the best option to spot big cats, while the unique coracle ride adrift along the Kabini River can also offer prime viewing opportunities for aquatic life, elephants on the banks, and birds.
- Best Sightings: Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, Indian bison (gaur), leopard
- Top Bird Species: Blue-winged Parakeet, Malabar Trogon, White-bellied Treepie, Lesser Fish Eagle, Indian Pitta
- Best time to visit: December to April. Winters are ideal for migratory birds.
- Weather: Mild winters (15-25°C), hot summers (25-35°C), and heavy rains during the monsoon (June-September).
Our Favourite Places to stay:
Evolve Back Kabini (5-star) - Luxurious stay with great wildlife experiences.
The Serai Kabini (5-star) - Offers luxury and stunning river views.
Kabini River Lodge (3-star) - Provides comfortable stay with easy access to the park.
11. Periyar National Park, Kerala
High in the spice hills of inland Kerala, the famous Periyar National Park hugs the border with Tamil Nadu. Its focal point is a convoluted reservoir on whose muddy shore herds of elephants, wild buffalo, gaur (Indian bison), and boar make frequent appearances. Visitors tour the lake morning and evening in crowded double-decker launches, but they’re noisy, and you’ll significantly increase your chances of getting close to the wildlife by joining one of the quieter bamboo raft safaris run by the park. Early morning walking safari in the company of local naturalists is one of the most rewarding experiences in the park. Later in the day, you can head out on the lake by boat or on catamarans to observe aquatic life. The seriously enthusiastic can spend a night or two at the Lake Palace, a 19th-century hunting lodge deep inside the sanctuary that is reached only by boat. This waterside location is second to none and ideally placed for wildlife viewing herds of elephants from the comfort of your veranda. Some guests have even sighted the odd tiger and leopard padding along the muddy shoreline from the lodge grounds.
- Best For Sighting: Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, gaur, sambar deer
- Top Bird Species: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Oriental Darter, Crested Goshawk
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
- Weather: Pleasant throughout the year (15-30°C), with monsoons (June-September) bringing heavy rainfall.
Our Favourite Places to stay:
Spice Village (4-star) - Eco-friendly resort with great amenities.
The Lake Palace (5-star) - Luxury accommodation on an island in Periyar Lake.
Aranya Nivas (3-star) - Located within the park, offering easy access to wildlife.
