India is not only sacred temples, vibrant cities or latent spirituality in every corner. India is also a jungle. It is the rustle of leaves in the forests, the roar of tigers in the distance, the leisurely flight of a heron over a sacred river. India is a land deeply alive, where nature and the divine walk hand in hand.
This country is home to one of the world's largest networks of national parks, with habitats as varied as the mangroves of the east, the rainforests of the south, the central plains or the forests of the Himalayas. Each of these national parks in India is a world unto itself: a jewel of biodiversity, a refuge for endangered species and a transformative experience for those who dare to explore them.
In this article, I want to take you on a virtual journey through the India's most fascinating and representative nature parks. I have grouped them by regions, I give you practical recommendations, the animals you will see and that spark that turns a safari into a spiritual experience. Because in India, even in the jungle, the magic never ceases to amaze you.
When to visit national parks in India?
Most of the national parks in India follow a seasonal calendar strongly influenced by the weather. In general, they remain closed during the monsoon seasonwhich goes from June to SeptemberThe main reason for this is the heavy rains and the need to conserve the habitat. The best time to visit national parks in India is between October and AprilThe climate is drier, cooler and more pleasant for both animals and visitors.
During the winter months (December to February), visibility is excellent, and in summer (March to May), although the heat is intense, sightings tend to increase as the animals move closer to the water points.
Hop in the Jeep and put on your best safari hat ☀️, we start the adventure 🦏🐅🐘.
NATIONAL PARKS OF NORTHERN INDIA
Rajaji National Park (Uttarakhand)
Located at the base of the Himalayas, in close proximity to the holy cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar, Rajaji National Park is one of the most magical places in northern India. This vast sanctuary is home to a significant population of 🐘Asian elephantsin addition to leopards 🐆, sloths and crocodiles🐊 that inhabit its rivers. Its green and mountainous landscapes invite silence and contemplation. It is possible to tour it by jeep or on guided hikes, and is ideal for those who want a more intimate experience with nature. The best time to visit is from November to June, avoiding the monsoon.
Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and one of the most emblematic. Founded in 1936, is named after the legendary British conservationist Jim Corbett and is famous for being a pioneer in the protection of the Bengal tiger 🐯. Here, among forest-covered hills, crystal-clear rivers and open meadows, live elephants 🐘, leopards 🐆, sloths 🐻, jackals and more than 600 bird species 🐦.
It is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. The park is divided in different zones, being Dhikala one of the most spectacular. It offers jeep safaris, guided walks and lodging inside the park. The best time to visit is from November to June. The summer months are ideal for spotting tigers near the waterways.
Sariska National Park (Rajasthan)
Just a few hours from Delhi and Jaipur, Sariska is an ideal getaway for those who are short on time and dream of seeing a tiger. This park is located in the Aravalli Hills, and although small, it offers an amazing experience between leopards 🐆, hyenas, deer 🦌 and nilgai antelopes. Its dry vegetation and its ancient ruins give the landscape a mysterious air and enchanting. Sariska has the advantage of being less touristy than other more famous parks, making it a hidden gem for those seeking authenticity and connection with the local wildlife. The best time to visit is between October and March.
Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan)
Ranthambore is, without a doubt, one of the most emblematic parks in India. Its fame is based on the high probability of spotting 🐯 tigers 🐯 in the wild, but also in its breathtaking landscape dotted with ancient ruins and fortresses emerging through the vegetation. Seeing a tiger strolling among the remains of a temple is an experience not easily forgotten.
The park is also home to leopards 🐆, crocodiles and more than 300 species of birds 🐦🕊️. It is an ideal destination for those who are new to safaris, with a excellent infrastructure and multiple lodging options. Safaris are conducted in jeeps or open trucks, and it is advisable to book in advance. The park is open from October to June. The warmer months are ideal for sightings.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan)
Declared UNESCO World Heritage SiteThis sanctuary is a true paradise for bird lovers 🐦🕊️. In winter, it receives thousands of migratory birds including Siberian cranes, storks, pelicans and more than 350 other species of birds that turn the Bharatpur sky into a living spectacle. It is best to tour the park by bicycle or rickshaw, accompanied by a guide to help identify the birds. The experience is silent, serene, and deeply enriching. It is ideal to visit between November and Februarywhen migratory birds are in full splendor.
NATIONAL PARKS OF CENTRAL INDIA
Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
In the heart of India lies Kanha, a park that looks like something out of a fairy tale. In fact, was the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book".. Here, among salt forests and golden meadows, inhabits the elusive Bengal tiger 🐯 but also the barasingha deer, leopards🐆, jackals and a myriad of birds 🐦🕊️. The park is very well managed and is ideal for those looking for a comfortable but authentic safari. The chances of sightings are highand the natural environment is simply breathtaking. The best time to visit is from October to June, April and May are excellent to see felines.
Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Bandhavgarh is one of the best places in the country for spotting tigers, it is home to one of the highest densities of this species. Its mountainous and jungle-like terrain, dotted with ancient ruins and mysterious cavesgives it an almost mythical air. Here you come not only to look for the big cat, but also to explore the history hidden among ancient trees. It is a smaller park, which increases the chances of close encounters with wildlife. Ideal for photographers and travelers with a passion for wildlife. Recommended from October to Junewith more sightings in summer.
Panna Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)
Panna is a lesser-known reserve, but no less fascinating for that. Located near the temples of Khajuraho, the experience is one that unites spirituality, art and nature. Here inhabit tigers 🐯, leopards 🐆, crocodiles 🐊, wolves 🐺 and colorful birds 🐦 that flit between cliffs and waterfalls. Its landscape is diverse, with forests, rivers and rocky areas. It is ideal for those who are looking for a park off the beaten track, and wish to support conservation in an area that has worked hard to recover its tiger population. The ideal season is from October to Aprilwhen the weather is milder.
NATIONAL PARKS OF WESTERN INDIA
Sasan Gir National Park (Gujarat)
Sasan Gir is unique in the world: the only place where the Asiatic lion still lives in the wild. This park, located in the state of Gujarat, is a testimony of conservation success, and walking along its trails is a unique opportunity to see this majestic feline in its natural habitat. In addition to the lions, the park is home to leopards 🐆, hyenas, jackals, deer 🦌, crocodiles 🐊 and a wide variety of birds 🐦. It is a park with good infrastructure and management, ideal for travelers interested in different biodiversity. The best time to visit is from December to Aprilbefore the heat becomes extreme.
NATIONAL PARKS OF EASTERN INDIA
Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)
In the Ganges delta, where the river merges with the sea, its located the Sundarbans National Park, one of the most unique ecosystems in India. This immense mangrove forest is home to the legendary swimming tiger. The Sundarbans, which moves silently between canals, islands and swampy forests. Accessible only by boat, touring the Sundarbans is a deeply spiritual and adventurous experience. You can also see crocodiles 🐊, otters, 🐍 snakes 🐍 and hundreds of birds 🐦. It is ideal for those seeking a more intimate contact with wild nature. The best season is between November and Februarywhen the weather is cooler.
NATIONAL PARKS OF NORTHEAST INDIA
Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
Kaziranga is UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most emblematic parks of the Indian northeast. Here lives the indian one-horned rhino 🦏, a majestic and endangered species that finds its sanctuary in these lands. In addition, there are tigers 🐯, elephants 🐘, wild buffaloes and a wide variety of birds 🐦. It can be toured by jeep or even elephant, which offers a unique perspective of the environment. It is a very well organized park with a beautiful landscape of grasslands, rivers and wetlands. The best time to visit is from November to April.
NATIONAL PARKS OF SOUTHERN INDIA
Periyar National Park (Kerala)
Located in the Western Ghats, Periyar National Park is a sanctuary of tranquility where elephants roam freely near lakes and overgrown hills. The experience here is different, as the main tour is by boat on the Periyar Lake, allowing you to spot animals from the water. It is also home to tigers 🐯, deer 🦌, wild boars 🐗 and many, many birds. 🐦. Its serene atmosphere makes it ideal for those seeking nature and spirituality. Recommended among November and March.
Bandipur National Park (Karnataka)
Bandipur is part of the vast ecological belt of the Western Ghats and is known for its population of tigers 🐯 and elephants 🐘. Its dry forests are habitat to leopards, sloth bears, deer and exotic birds. It is one of the best managed parks in the south, and its easy access from Mysore or Ooty. It offers jeep safaris and lodging within the reserve. The best time to visit is between October and May.
Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka)
Also part of the Nilgiri belt, Nagarhole is a gem for safari lovers. Here have been recorded more than 250 tigers 🐯, as well as elephants 🐘, sloth bears 🐻 and a rich birdlife. Its landscapes of rivers, forests and hills create a privileged environment for sighting. Less crowded than other parks, it is perfect for those looking for a deeper experience. Recommended between November and April.
Muthanga National Park (Kerala)
Muthanga is located in the Wayanad region and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is a lush environment inhabited by elephants 🐘, deer 🦌, bison 🦬 and a remarkable diversity of birds 🐦. The safaris are conducted by jeep and the park is accessible from charming rural villages. It is ideal for those who wish to combine ecotourism and local culture. The best time is between October and March.
Iduki National Park (Kerala)
In the heart of Kerala, Iduki is one of the wildest and least explored parks. Here, silence reigns, interrupted only by the songs of birds or the rustling of branches. Its dense vegetation shelters leopards 🐆, elephants 🐘, langurs and tropical birds. 🐦. Because of its difficult access, it is perfect for explorers looking for an authentic experience. Recommended from November to February.
Peechi National Park (Kerala)
Peechi is a small park but very rich in biodiversity, located near the city of Thrissur. It is home to tigers 🐯, leopards 🐆, elephants 🐘, deer 🦌 and numerous bird species. 🐦. Its proximity to civilization makes it ideal for a day trip. There are also hiking trails and walks along the nearby reservoir. The best season to visit is from October to March.
Peppara National Park (Kerala)
Located close to the capital Trivandrum, Peppara is a park with little tourism and perfect for trekking in the humid jungle of southern India. It is home to elephants 🐘, bison 🦬, wild boars 🐗 and tropical birds. 🐦. Its atmosphere is dense 🌴, wild and completely immersive. It is an excellent choice for lovers of the rawest nature. Recommended between November and February.
Frequently Asked Questions about National Parks in India
Where to see tigers in India?
India is one of the best countries in the world to see tigers in the wild. The parks with the highest probability of sightings are Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Ranthamborein the center and north of the country. These parks offer daily safaris, with good infrastructure and experienced guides. If you dream of coming face to face with India's big cat, these destinations should be on your list.
When to go to National Parks in India?
The best time to visit national parks from October to April. In winter (December to February) the weather is cool and visibility is excellent. In summer (March to May), although it is warmer, animals move closer to water points, increasing the chances of sightings. Most parks close during the monsoon (June to September).
What does it take to go on safari in the National Parks in India?
To go on safari you need a prior reservation (very important in popular parks), an official ID (such as a passport), and a choice between a shared or private jeep safari. Some parks also offer canter safari (open truck). It is always advisable to book in advance and check available times according to the season.
How much does a safari in India cost?
The price varies according to the park, the type of vehicle and whether it is shared or private. In general, a shared jeep safari costs from 20 to 40 euros per person. A private jeep can cost between 80 and 120 euros per group. In very touristy parks such as Ranthambore or Bandhavgarh, prices may be somewhat higher. In addition, the park entrance fee varies according to nationality.
How many safaris can be done in one day? National parks in India
Most parks allow two safaris per day: one at sunrise and one at sunset. Some parks, depending on the season and affluence, allow a third one at noon, although it is not common. You can do the two main ones if you book in advance.
What to wear during a safari? National parks in India
The ideal is to carry comfortable clothing and neutral colors (beige, green, brown)that blends in with the environment. In winter it is very cold in the mornings, so bring a coat, hat and gloves. In summer, light clothing and sun protection. Closed shoes and mosquito repellent are essential.
Is there accommodation inside the national parks in India?
Yes, in many parks there are lodges, resorts and eco-friendly accommodations both inside and outside the park. The best known such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore or Periyar have excellent options for all budgets. Booking in advance is key, especially in high season.
Do I need travel insurance to visit national parks in India?
Yes, I see it as a must. Although safaris are safe, a good travel insurance will cover you in case of accidents, cancellations or unforeseen medical problems. Remember that you will be in remote areas, so having adequate assistance is essential to travel with peace of mind. I always travel with insurance HeyMondo,, that offers the best coverage and prices. In addition, as a reader of Mi Viaje a la India you get a discount of 5% on this link.
When the Silence of the Forest Speaks to You
Touring India's national parks is not just about seeing wild animals. It is to open a door to the sacredness of life in its rawest and most natural form. It is to leave behind the noise of the modern world to meet the deep heartbeat of the Earth. Watching a tiger in the fog, listening to the rustle of a branch under the feet of an elephant or following an Asiatic lion hiding in the undergrowth, are experiences that remain engraved in the soul.
India invites you to look at nature with reverence, as part of a sacred whole. And its national parks, as diverse as their landscapes and cultures, are outdoor temples where one can reconnect with life and with oneself.
So if you are planning a trip to India, reserve a place in your itinerary to immerse yourself in its jungles, listen to its primitive sounds and let nature whisper its secrets to you. Because In India, even the deepest of forests is full of wisdom.
I hope you enjoyed this article about national parks in India and that it will be useful for you to organize your wildest trip to India. Enjoy the adventure!
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