5 best safaris in India for wildlife lovers

A wildlife getaway can be a welcome relief from the chaotic city life. India has a very prosperous and wide-ranging wildlife. Several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and bird sanctuaries can be found throughout the country. Here is a list of some of the best safaris in India for wildlife lovers.

1. Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is located in Rajasthan. Apart from being very well-known for having a huge number of tigers, it houses many species of animals like leopards, Sambars, Jackals, Hyenas, Indian Foxes, Jungle cats, Wild Boars and Sloth Bears. Various birds like Ibis, Pelicans, Egrets, Flamingos, and Parakeets can also be found here.

  • Major activities to do:
    • Enjoy the rich wildlife near Bakula.
    • Visit the Raj Bagh ruins.
    • Visit Padam Talao Lake.
    • Enjoy the view from the top of Ranthambore Palace.
    • Fly high in the hot air balloon.
  • Best way to reach:
    • By air: Jaipur Airport is the nearest airport which is a 3 hours drive from the park.
    • By train: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station is just 10 km away from the park.
  • Best time to visit: March to May
  • Famous hotels: Tree House Anuraga, Tiger moon resort, Taj Sawai

2. Gir National Park

Gir National Park is one of the key highlights of Gujarat tourism. Extremely famous for being the only place in the world that houses Asiatic lions, this park is also inhabited by approximately 32 species of mammals, 300 of species birds and 26 types of reptiles. Indian leopards, jungle cats, sloth bears, blackbucks, snakes, striped hyenas, monitor lizards, crocodiles, jackals and Indian fox are some of these species.

  • Major activities to do:
    • Go on a lion safari.
    • Go on a boat ride.
  • Best way to reach:
    • By air: The nearest airport is in Diu which is 92 km away from the park.
    • By train: Railway station in Junagadh is just 65 km away from the park.
  • Best time to visit: December to April
  • Famous hotels: The Gateway Hotel, Gir Lion’s paw resort, Gir Jungle resort

3. Jim Corbett National Park

Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is Asia’s first national park. Located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, this park is very popular for being inhabited by a lot of tigers. Apart from tigers, the park is home to a wide range of other species like Serows, Himalayan Tahr, Gorals, fishing cats, spotted deer, golden jackals, Elephants, and Sambar deer.

4. Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park in Assam houses the biggest population of one-horned Rhinoceros in the world. It is declared as a world heritage site of UNESCO. An extensive range of animal species like, elephants, panthers, bears, tigers, wild buffalos, and swamp deer, can also be found here.

  • Major activities to do:
    • Visit the nearby tea plantations.
    • Go on a safari.
    • Watch the view from the watchtowers.
    • Go boating on Brahmaputra River.
  • Best way to reach:
    • By air: The nearest airport is in Jorhat which is 74 km away from the park.
    • By train: Helem has the nearest railway station, just 30 km away from the park.
  • Best time to visit: November to April
  • Famous hotels: Infinity, IORA- The retreat, Aranya Lodge

5. Sundarbans National Park

Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal is sprawled across 54 islands and has been declared as one of the UNESCO’s World heritage sites. The park is popular for its huge population of Bengal Tigers. Many other species like fishing cats, Macaques, leopard cats, wild boars, bull sharks, Indian Grey Mongoose and dolphins also reside here.

  • Major activities to do:
    • Go on a safari.
    • Visit Crocodile Park.
    • Take in the ruins of an ancient temple from Netidhopani watchtower.
    • Go on a canoe safari.
  • Best way to reach:
    • By air: The nearest airport is in Kolkata which is 166 km away from the park.
    • By train: The nearest railway station is in Canning which is 48 km away from the park.
  • Best time to visit: October to April
  • Famous hotels: United 21 Resort, Sundarbans Tiger Camp, Royal Sundarban Wild Resort

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So, if you ever feel the need to escape the non-stop hustle and bustle to get some peace and quiet, you can visit one of these incredible places in India for wildlife lovers.

FAQs

Q. What are the charges for a safari in Ranthambore National Park?


Vehicle Charges
Indian Tourist
Canter Rs 75/-
Gypsy Rs 131/-
Foreign Tourist
Canter Rs 475/-
Gypsy Rs 530/-


Q. What are the safari timings in Gir National Park?

Gir National Park organizes 3 hours long safaris 3 times a day. The timings are as follows:

  • 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
  • 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
  • 3:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Q. How should I book safari tickets for Jim Corbett National Park?

You can book safari tickets online 45 days in advance.

Q. Are there some tips that could make my safari adventure in Kaziranga National Park smooth?

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Book the safari beforehand.
  • Don’t play loud music during the safari.
  • Always follow the guide’s instructions.
  • Don’t use strong perfumes.
  • Don’t use flashlight while clicking photos.

Q. What fees and permits are required to visit Sundarbans National Park?

Only foreign tourists need a permit to visit the park. They will have to provide their passports to gain the permit. The entry fee is Rs. 60/- for Indian tourists and Rs. 200/- for foreign tourists.