There are a total of 104 national parks in India. These national parks are spread across the country and are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The national parks in India are managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, and are protected under various laws and regulations. India is home to numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which offer a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top best national parks in India.
National Parks in India
1) Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is a stunning park situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, renowned for its tigers and other exotic animals. Sloth bears, Indian wild dogs, and the rare Barasingha are some of the other animals that can be spotted in this park. The lush forests and meadows of Kanha make it an ideal place for a safari.
The best way to observe the wildlife at the thick and lush green forest of Kanha National Park is through a 4X4 open jeep safari. Groups of tourists and individuals are accompanied by an experienced naturalist and allowed into the park at fixed timings. There are four different zones at Kanha National Park for jeep safari rides.
The number of vehicles permitted to enter the national park in each shift varies according to the safari zone. The morning shift allows 18, 40, 40, and 27 jeeps in Kisli, Kanha, Mukki, and Sarhi zones, respectively. Similarly, the afternoon shift allows the same number of vehicles as the morning shift.
Kanha National Park remains open for visitors from 16th October to 30th June. The safari timings are as follows:
Morning Safari:
- 16th October to 15th February: Sunrise to 11:00 AM
- 16th February to 15th April: Sunrise to 11:00 AM
- 16th April to 30th June: Sunrise to 10:00 AM
Afternoon Safari:
- 16th October to 15th February: 02:00 PM to Sunset
- 16th February to 15th April: 03:00 PM to Sunset
- 16th April to 30th June: 03:30 PM to Sunset
Please note that the afternoon shift of jeep safari remains closed for visitors every Wednesday. Additionally, both morning and afternoon shifts remain closed on Holi festival in the month of March.
To reserve a safari, some necessary details are required.
2) Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in the foothills of the Himalayas. The park is named after the famous hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, who played a key role in establishing the park. The park is renowned for its Bengal tigers, as well as its diverse birdlife and other animals like leopards, Indian elephants, and sloth bears.
To fully experience the wildlife at the park, visitors can choose from three types of safaris: Canter Safari, Elephant Safari, and Jungle Jeep Safari.
Canter Safari:
- Season: 15th November to 15th June
- Safari Zone: Dhikala Zone
- Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate, which is 17 kilometers away from Ramnagar city on the Ranikhet road
- Timings:
- Summer: Morning (5:00 am to 11:00 am) and Evening (11:30 am to 5:00 pm)
- Winter: Morning (6:00 am to 10:30 am) and Evening (11:30 am to 5:00 pm)
- Safari Type: Sharing Basis (16 people share a canter ride)
- Booking Price: INR 1,600/- per person
Elephant Safari:
- Season: 15th November to 15th June
- Safari Zones: Dhikala Zone, Bijrani Zone, Corbett Landscape Zone
- Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate, which is 17 kilometers away from Ramnagar city on the Ranikhet road
- Timings:
- Summer: Morning (7:00 am to 8:00 am) and Evening (3:30 pm to 5:30 pm)
- Winter: Morning (7:00 am to 9:00 am) and Evening (2:30 am to 4:30 pm)
- Safari Type: Sharing Basis (4 people can share an elephant ride)
- Booking Price: INR 3,500/- (4 persons)
Jungle Jeep Safari:
- Season: 15th November to 15th June
- Safari Zones: Dhikala Zone, Bijrani Zone, Jhirna Zone, Dhela Zone, Sonanadi Zone, Durgadevi Zone, Sitabani Forest Zone
- Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate, which is 17 kilometers away from Ramnagar city on the Ranikhet road
- Timings:
- Summer: Morning (6:00 am to 10:00 am) and Evening (2:00 am to 6:00 pm)
- Winter: Morning (6:30 am to 10:30 am) and Evening (1:30 am to 5:30 pm)
- Safari Type: Sharing Basis (6 people share a jeep ride)
- Booking Price: INR 5,000/- (6 persons
3) Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh and is famous for its high density of tigers. The park is also home to many other animals such as leopards, deer, and the rare white tigers. The park has a mix of forest and grasslands, making it a unique habitat for animals.
Timings To Enjoy Wildlife Safari At Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
| Park Safari Timing | 15th October to 15th February | 16th February to 31stMarch | 1st April to 30th June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Shift | 6:30am to 11:00am | 6:00am to11:00am | 5:30am to 10:00am |
| Afternoon Shift | 2:30pm to 5:30pm | 3:00pm to 6:00pm | 4:00pm to 7:00pm |
Every Wednesday the park remains closed for the tourists in the evening shift. Holi is celebrated in India with a great pomp and show. On this day the remains are closed for both the shifts.
Though Summer is the best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park due to high chance of Tiger sightings, if you don’t want to visit here during summer then November to March is the best time to plan a Jungle Safari in Bandhavgarh.
Tourists can enjoy both Jeep and Canter Safari in Bandhavgarh within a fixed time. The number of vehicles allowed to enter in each shift is –
| Safari Zone | Tala Zone | Magadhi Zone | Khitauli Zone | Panpatha Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Shift | 25 | 66 | 35 | 35 |
| Afternoon Shift | 25 | 66 | 35 | 35 |
Types Of Safaris In Bandhavgarh National Park
Jeep Safari: Jeep Safari is one of the best ways to enjoy the enchanting wilderness of Bandhavgarh National Park.
- Single Jeep Safari – In Single Jeep Safari you will be accompanied by other tourists and a guide.
- Full Day Jeep safari – In Full Day Jeep Safari you can book the entire jeep for yourself with a driver and a guide and your jeep will enter 15-20 minutes earlier than other Safari vehicles. You will head back 15 minutes after all the other Safari vehicles have left.
Canter Safari – Tourists also prefer to enjoy Wildlife Safari through Canter vehicles. It can accommodate up to 12 tourists. It is available to the tourist on the basis of first come first serve.
Elephant Safaris: Elephant Safari is one of the most popular options to enjoy wildlife at Bandhavgarh National Park. But this safari is not always available and you have to book Elephant safari online in advance. It is not easy for a normal tourist to hire elephants for safari as they are mainly kept for research, rescue, photography and tourism purposes only.
Walk Safaris – In Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, you can also enjoy guided Walk Safaris with a tourist guide at Buffer Zone. You will be accompanied by a naturalist and a forest official. It is best for those who are much interested in exploring nature from up close.
Safari Zones In Bandhavgarh
Tala Zone: It is one of the major and most popular wildlife zones in Bandhavgarh National Park. A to E routes are named under this zone. You will be amazed to know that under this zone you will witness the grandeur of Royal Bandhavgarh Fort along with great wildlife sightings. It is one of the best zones for Tiger sightings.
Magadhi Zone: Another most popular wildlife zone in Bandhavgarh National Park is Magadhi Zone. It is decked with enchanting forests and grasslands. It is around 8km away from Tala village and also shares territories with the Tala zone. The safari routes for this zone are E to H. It is also one of the best zones for Tiger sightings.
Khitauli Zone: Khitauli is one of the best zones for Wildlife Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park. It is the western part of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. If You are a birdwatcher, this zone is best for you. Moreover, you will also witness Blue Bull, Leopard, Sloth Bear etc. Some of the most beautiful tourist attractions to visit here are Charkha Dongri, Nigai Nala, Kumbhi Kacchar, Tedka Munara, Marjadgarh
4) Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is located in Assam, India and is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros. The park is also home to elephants, tigers, and many species of birds. The park is spread over a vast area of 430 sq. km and has a mix of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. You can explore the park through elephant safaris, jeep safaris, and even on foot.
Most popular jungle safari options available at Kaziranga National Park:
- Elephant Safari: An elephant safari is a unique and exhilarating experience that allows you to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Kaziranga. The safari is conducted on the back of a trained elephant and takes you deep into the heart of the park’s grasslands, where you can spot various animals in their natural habitat.
- Jeep Safari: A jeep safari is a popular option for those who want to cover more ground in a shorter time. The safari is conducted in a 4×4 vehicle and takes you on a thrilling ride through the park’s dense forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It is a great way to spot animals and birds that are hard to spot on foot.
- Trekking Safari: For the more adventurous, a trekking safari is a great option. The safari takes you on foot through the park’s various trails, where you can spot animals and birds up close. It is a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty and to get a feel for its unique ecosystem.
- Boat Safari: A boat safari is a unique and exciting way to explore Kaziranga National Park. The safari is conducted on the Brahmaputra river that flows through the park, and takes you past some of the most scenic spots in the park. It is a great way to spot water birds and other aquatic animals.
- Bicycle Safari: For those who prefer a more eco-friendly and leisurely option, a bicycle safari is a great choice. The safari takes you through the park’s trails on a bicycle, allowing you to explore the park at your own pace. It is a great way to spot birds and other small animals that are hard to spot on a jeep or elephant safari.
| Safari Type | Timings | Duration | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elephant Safari | 5:30 am – 7:30 am and 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | 1 hour | 1,200 |
| Jeep Safari | Winter (Nov-Feb): 7:30 am – 9:30 am and 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm <br> Summer (Mar-Jun): 7:00 am – 9:00 am and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | 2 hours | Zone 1: 3,200, Zone 2: 4,000 Zone 3: 4,500 |
| Boat Safari | Not specified | 1.5 hours | 1,500 |
It’s worth nothing that the timings for elephant and jeep safaris are subject to change and may vary based on weather conditions and other factors. It’s always a good idea to confirm the latest timings with the park authorities or your safari operator before you plan your visit. Additionally, it’s recommended to book your safari in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.
5) Sundarbans National Park
Sundarbans National Park is located in West Bengal, India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is famous for its mangrove forests and is home to the Royal Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, and many species of birds. The park also has a unique ecosystem with many species of flora and fauna that you won’t find anywhere else.
SAFARI TIMING IN SUNDERBAN NATIONAL PARK
For the second to none Safari experience in Sunderbans, visitors can revel in the place from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit Sunderban National Park is between the months of September and March, with boat safari being the only means to enjoy the wildlife. Visitors have the opportunity to sail through the dense forest that is connected by many free flowing rivers like Matla and Bidyadhari. Feel the water rushing, as you travel in local boats or vessels operated by the West Bengal Tourism Department Corporation. There are two kinds of boats available in Sunderban, AC and Non-AC. Also, they come in two sizes, large and small, for longer and shorter sailing duration, respectively. The safaris range from a day, and if you can’t get enough of the wild beauty, you have the opportunity to book the boat for up to a week.
Boat Safari Timing: The boat service is available from early morning at 8:30 AM to the approaching dawn time of 16:00 PM.
Note: No boat is allowed inside Sunderban after 6.30 PM.
6) Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park is located in Kerala, India and is known for its elephant population. The park is also home to many other animals such as tigers, leopards, and the Nilgiri langur. The park has a beautiful lake in the middle, and you can take a boat ride to enjoy the scenery and spot wildlife.
What are the best things to do in Periyar?
1. Take a Jeep Safari: One of the things to do in Periyar is to go on a thrilling jeep safari. If you are a nature and animal lover, you will love this adrenalin rush activity where you will be traveling through dense forest on a jeep for a full day from 6 am in the morning to 5 pm in the evening, and pass cascading waterfalls, lush green vegetation, and aromatic spice plantations. You will feel excited to take a look at the natural habitat of the wildlife and maybe lucky to spot some of the animals or birds and even tigers.
Timings: 6.00 am to 5:00 pm.
2. Thekkady Lake Cruise:One of the popular activities in Periyar is to go for an enjoyable lake cruise. Periyar is one of the most famous lakes in Kerala and is located inside the Periyar National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary. You can embark on a one and a half-hour longboat cruise and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the lake as you cruise through the waters of the Periyar Lake surrounded by the wildlife sanctuary. Apart from enjoying the ambience, you may be lucky to spot animals such as wild elephants, bison, sambhar, gaur and lots of exotic birds. The lake is especially known for its waterbirds which you can observe closely during your cruise.
Timings: 7.30 am to 9:00 am; 9.30 am to 11:00 am; 11.15 am to 12.45 pm; 1.45 pm to 3.15 pm; 3.30 pm to 5:00 pm
3. Elephant Ride: Those looking for some exciting things to do in Periyar will surely want to go for an Elephant ride which is available inside the premises of the national park. Exploring the lush greenery with tea and spice plantations on the back of this majestic animal can be an experience for life. Select the Elephant safari package of your choice from the ‘Elephant Junction’ and start your adventurous journey. Breathe in the tantalizing aroma of the spices of the plantation as you get closer to nature in this unique way.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
4. Spice Plantation Tour: Kerala is well known for its wealth of spices and one of the must things to do in Periyar is to take a trip to the spice plantations and get lost in the intoxicating flavors and aroma of spices. You can go on a spice tour in the western ghat, close to Periyar and learn about the famous spices of the state. Learn how spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger etc. are cultivated and pay a visit to the spice market to purchase some for home. During your Spice Plantation tour, you can also explore the coffee and tea plantations as well.
Timings: 08:45 am – 05:30 pm
5. Stroll Near Periyar Lake: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala spreads around the Periyar Lake and to enjoy the beauty of the lake, you can embark on a 2 and a half-hour walk. During your walk, you will be able to enjoy taking a look at the exotic birds, butterflies and other wildlife of the national park. You can choose different natural trails of 4 to 5 km in length and pass through moist deciduous forests and marshy grasslands. Feel one with nature as you walk along the trail along with a tribal guide.
Timings: 6:30 am to 5:00 pm
6. Bamboo Rafting: Another of the enjoyable activities in Periyar is to embark on a relaxing bamboo rafting adventure. Feel thrilled as you go on a bamboo rafting tour in a group of 10 people with an armed guard and 4 guides. Go rafting for 2-3 hours through the lush green tracks of the dense forests. In this rafting experience, you just need to float in the water on the raft and feel the cool water splashing on your face as your raft proceeds.
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
7. Camping: Those who want to experience the wildlife at night will want to go on a camping expedition in the middle of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The campsite is located at the river viewpoint on the banks of the Periyar river and you will be able to enjoy the enthralling surroundings of the Periyar jungle during this experience. Adding to the flavor will be the traditional tribal food that members of the Urali tribe will prepare for you. The camping experience will be made rich by trekking trips, film shows and more for you to enjoy your jungle stay to the fullest.
Timings: 3:30 pm on the first day to 2:00 pm next day
8. Experience Periyar Tiger Trail: One of the must things to do in Periyar is to join the unique “Follow the Tiger” programme. You can embark on this three hour guided tour of 20 to 35 km and have fun following the trails of elephants, Nilgiri Langurs, and tigers. During your Tiger Trail, listen to former poachers, now your guides, narrate exciting and adrenalin rush adventure stories from their experiences.
Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
7) Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park is located in Rajasthan, India and is a perfect blend of nature and history. The park is home to many animals such as tigers, leopards, and hyenas. The park is also home to many historical sites such as the Kankwari Fort and the Pandupol Hanuman Temple. A visit to Sariska is not just about wildlife, but also about exploring the rich history of the region.
Timings for Safari:
| Period | Morning Shift | Evening Shift | ||
| Entry | Exit | Entry | Exit | |
| April 1st to May 15th | 6.00 A.M. | 9.30 A.M. | 3.00 P.M. | 6.30 P.M |
| May 16th to June 30th | 6.00 A.M. | 9.30 A.M. | 3.30 P.M. | 7.00 P.M |
| October 1st to October 31st | 6.30 A.M. | 10.00 A.M. | 2.30 P.M. | 6.00 P.M |
| November 1st to January 31st | 7.00 A.M. | 10.30 A.M. | 2.00 P.M. | 5.30 P.M |
| February 1st to March 31st | 6.30 A.M. | 10.00 A.M. | 2.30 P.M. | 6.00 P.M |
Note : The Sariska Park will be closed to Safari from 1st July to 30th September.
Zones for Safari:
| Sl.No. | Tourism Zone | Type of Vehicle | Zone Number |
| 1 | Sariska – Ghanka tiraya – Tarunda – Brahmanath – Kalighati – Pandupol- Sariska | Canter/Gypsy | 01 |
| 2 | Sariska gate – Bharthari tibara – karnakabas – Jalebi chowk – Algual – Naya pani – Geru ka tirya – Kalighati –Pandupole –Sariska | Canter/Gypsy | 02 |
| 3 | Tehla gate – Chamari ka bera –kalighati – Pandupole – Tehla | Canter/Gypsy | 03 |
8) Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park is a protected area in Ladakh, India, known for being the largest national park in South Asia. It is home to many endangered species, including the elusive snow leopard, as well as Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolf, and Eurasian brown bear. The park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Why Should You Go?
Tucked in the lap of pristine valleys in Ladakh, Hemis National Park is one of Asia’s most well-known natural habitats of the Snow Leopard. Named after the 400-year-old monastery, Hemis Gompa, the altitude of Hemis National Park ranges between 3000-6000 meters, the highest in the country.
Established in 1981, the park is flanked by five villages namely Shingo, Chillinga, Yurutse, Rumbak and Sku-Kaya, and is home to a variety of birds and animals including leopards, Tibetan Wolf, Eurasian Brown Bear and Red fox, amongst others.
9) Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is a popular tiger reserve located in the state of Rajasthan, India. The park is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species
Online booked 90 days in advance after providing essential details and ID proofs. However, last minute online safari bookings can also be made. Jeep safaris in Ranthambore are available between 1st October and 30th June. For any kind of assistance or more information regarding online Ranthambore safari booking, call us or drop an email mentioned on the website.
| S.No | Month | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | From 1st Oct to 31st Oct | 06.30 am – 10.00 am & 02.30 pm – 06.00 pm |
| 2 | From 1st Nov to 31st Jan | 07.00 am – 10.30 am & 02.00 pm to 05.30 pm |
| 3 | From 1st Feb to 31st March | 06.30 am – 10.00 am & 02.30 pm to 06.00 pm |
| 4 | From 1st April to 15th May | 06.00 am – 09.30 am & 03.00 pm to 06.30 pm |
| 5 | From 16th May to 30th June | 06.00 am – 09.30 am & 03.30 pm to 07.00 pm |
Canter Safari timings:
| S. No. | Month | Timings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | From 1st Oct to 31st Oct | 06.30 am – 10.00 am & 02.30 pm – 06.00 pm |
| 2 | From 1st Nov to 31st Jan | 07.00 am – 10.30 am & 02.00 pm to 05.30 pm |
| 3 | From 1st Feb to 31st March | 06.30 am – 10.00 am & 02.30 pm to 06.00 pm |
| 4 | From 1st April to 15th May | 06.00 am – 09.30 am & 03.00 pm to 06.30 pm |
| 5 | From 16th May to 30th June | 06.00 am – 09.30 am & 03.30 pm to 07.00 pm |
10) Gir National Park
Gir National Park, located in Gujarat, India, is the only place in the world where you can spot Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. The park is also home to other wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, and various species of deer. A safari in Gir National Park is a must-do experience for nature and wildlife enthusiasts
Gir Jungle Safari (3 Hrs)
Gir Jungle Trail is the forest department organized open Jeep Safari ride of approximately 3 hours inside the dense forest of Gir National Park. One may get chance to see Asiatic Lion, leopards, and many other wild animals, birds & rich flora and fauna of Gir forest.
| Season | Safari Timing | Reporting Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (16th October To 28th/29th February) | 6:45 to 9:45 am | 6:15 am | |
| 8:30 to 11:30 am | 8:00 am | ||
| 3:00 to 6:00 pm | 2:30 pm | ||
| Summer (1st March To 15th June) | 6:30 to 9:30 am | 6:00 am | |
| 8:30 am to 11:30 am | 8:00 am | ||
| 4:00 to 7:00 pm | 3:30 pm | ||
11) Great Himalayan National Park
Great Himalayan National Park is a stunning park located in Himachal Pradesh, India. It boasts of breathtaking landscapes and is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. A visit to this park is a must for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
TREKS IN TIRTHAN VALLEY
ROLLA TREK
RANGTHAR TREK
CHALOCHA TREK
Chalocha Trek is short-lived but with varied terrains
RAKHUNDI TOP TREK
KUNDRI TOP TREK
SHILT HUT TREK
TIRATH TREK
CHOODWAR TREK
LAMBRI TOP TREK
Conclusion, India has a rich biodiversity and is home to some of the most unique and fascinating wildlife in the world. The national parks listed above are some of the best places to explore and experience the country
