Wildlife and Adventure
India's miscellany of assorted topographies renders enormous opportunities for adventure sports and tours. While northern India shelters some of the highest mountain ranges offering skiing, mountaineering & paragliding; the extensive coastal line of southern India offers incessant choices for water sports enthusiasts. Also, the varied geographical terrains of the country inhabit an extremely rich and diverse flora & fauna, making India the second largest wildlife base and one of the most sought after wildlife destinations in the world.
Wildlife Parks in India
Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan)
Open October to June.
Famous for its Bengal tigers and ancient ruins, this former hunting ground of maharajas offers spectacular views of predators against historic fortresses. The park's unique landscape combines dramatic rocky outcrops with grasslands and lakes, where tigers can often be spotted lounging near the 10th century Ranthambore Fort. Besides tigers, visitors can spot leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer and over 300 bird species. The park offers both morning and evening jeep safaris.
Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Open mid-October to end June.
Boasting the highest density of tigers in India, this park features diverse terrain of steep ridges and grasslands. Ancient caves with Brahmi inscriptions and tiger imagery add historical intrigue. The park's varied landscape includes sal forests, bamboo groves and meadows which support a rich ecosystem of leopards, deer species and wild dogs. Elephant and jeep safaris are available for wildlife viewing.
Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Open mid-October to end June.
The inspiration for Kipling's "Jungle Book," Kanha is known for its barasingha deer and successful tiger conservation. Its stunning sal and bamboo forests, interspersed with vast meadows locally known as maidans, create perfect habitats for gaur (Indian bison), jackals and over 300 bird species. The park offers both jeep safaris and elephant rides for wildlife viewing.
Pench National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Open mid-October to end June.
Nestled along the eponymous river, this tiger reserve offers rich biodiversity and excellent bird watching opportunities. The park's teak forests and riverine landscape provide shelter to wolves, wild dogs and four-horned antelopes. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris along the Pench River during peak season, offering unique wildlife viewing perspectives.
Satpura National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Open mid-October to end June.
Unique for allowing walking safaris, this park features rugged landscapes and is home to leopards, tigers, sloth bears and Indian giant squirrels. The park's varied terrain includes sandstone peaks, narrow gorges and dense forests. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris on Tawa reservoir, canoe trips and overnight camping experiences. The park's less crowded atmosphere offers a more intimate wildlife viewing experience.
Tadoba National Park (Maharashtra)
Open mid-October to end June.
Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park, known for its teak forests and high tiger sighting probability. The park features a unique ecosystem of bamboo thickets and ghost trees, supporting diverse wildlife including marsh crocodiles, Indian pythons and over 280 bird species. Both morning and afternoon jeep safaris are available with experienced naturalists.
Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
Open October to May.
UNESCO World Heritage site, home to two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhinoceros and wild water buffaloes. The park's vast grasslands and wetlands along the Brahmaputra River also shelter elephants, tigers and numerous waterfowl species. Visitors can enjoy elephant safaris, jeep tours and boat rides for diverse wildlife viewing experiences.
Panna National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Open mid-October to end June.
A successful tiger reintroduction site featuring the scenic Ken River and diverse wildlife. The park's dramatic gorges and plateaus create unique habitats for gharial crocodiles, vultures and numerous deer species. Boat rides along the Ken River offer excellent opportunities to spot riverside wildlife.
Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)
Open mid-November to mid-June.
India's oldest national park offering elephant safaris and home to a significant tiger population. Set in the foothills of the Himalayas, the park features diverse landscapes from riverine belts to grasslands. Visitors can spot golden jackals, otters and over 600 bird species. The park offers various zones for tourism with different safari options.
Gir National Park (Gujarat)
Open mid-October to mid-June.
The last remaining home of Asiatic lions in the wild, also sheltering leopards and diverse birdlife. The park's dry deciduous forests and savanna landscape support unique wildlife including striped hyenas, Indian foxes and four-horned antelopes. Jeep safaris with experienced guides offer excellent opportunities for lion sightings.
Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka)
Open October to May.
Known for its elephant herds and predator sightings, set against the backdrop of the Western Ghats. The park's moist deciduous forests and streams create perfect habitats for gaur, sloth bears and various primates. Boat safaris on the Kabini River add to the wildlife viewing experience.
Chilika Lake Sanctuary (Odisha)
Open year-round.
Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, hosting millions of migratory birds and rare Irrawaddy dolphins. The lake's unique ecosystem supports flamingos, white-bellied sea eagles and numerous fish species. Boat tours offer opportunities to spot dolphins and explore the lake's many islands.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat)
Open year-round.
A paradise for bird watchers, this vast lake attracts numerous waterfowl species. The sanctuary's shallow waters and surrounding marshlands provide perfect habitats for flamingos, pelicans and over 250 bird species. Traditional boat rides with local guides offer intimate bird watching experiences.
Manas National Park (Assam)
Open October to May.
A UNESCO World Heritage site straddling India-Bhutan border, known for its rare and endangered species. The park's semi-evergreen forests and grasslands shelter unique wildlife including golden langurs, pygmy hogs and hispid hares. Visitors can enjoy river rafting, elephant safaris and guided nature walks.
Little Rann of Kutch (Gujarat)
Open mid-October to mid-June.
Unique desert sanctuary, home to the endangered Indian wild ass and numerous bird species. This vast salt desert transforms into a wetland during monsoons, attracting flamingos and pelicans. The stark landscape offers excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing. Jeep safaris are the primary mode of exploration.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan)
Open year-round.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as Keoladeo National Park, spans 29 square kilometres of wetlands and woodlands. Home to over 370 bird species including rare migratory waterfowl from Siberia, Tibet and China, it also shelters sambar deer, nilgai and wild boar. Visitors can explore through cycle rickshaws with trained naturalists on foot or by bicycle, ensuring peaceful wildlife viewing experiences.
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