7 national parks in India that are now open for wildlife safaris

7 national parks in India that are now open for wildlife safaris. Credit: iStock

If you’re looking for a way to create some memories that break up the monotony of urban life, what better way than to get back to nature? After a monsoon nap, these seven incredible destinations, with a diverse ecosystem that offers you the perfect opportunity to see some of our nation’s most magnificent creatures, have come back to life. Book your safaris now!

Ranthambore National ParkRajasthan

Ranthambore National Park, better known as the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, offers a jeep safari that you cannot miss. As you can guess from its nickname, Ranthambore is famous for its majestic tigers that lurk in its dry lands. While you are there, keeping your eyes peeled for danger from stingrays, keep in mind that Ranthambore is also home to different leopards, hyenas, sloth bears and a host of different birds. If that wasn’t enough, you can also explore the park’s historic Ranthambore Fort, which is a 10th-century wonder that offers stunning views.

Jim Corbett National ParkUttarakhand

Located in Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is one of the oldest and most loved wildlife sanctuaries in India. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, this sprawling park encompasses more than 200 square miles of lush forests, grasslands, and winding rivers, making it a haven for a wide variety of wildlife. The park is a prime place to spot Bengal tigers, but you can also find elephants, leopards and more than 600 species of birds. The park, named after legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, is all about wildlife conservation and offers fantastic ecotourism experiences such as jeep safaris and guided nature walks.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park, located in Assam, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its incredible biodiversity and its impressive population of Indian one-horned rhinos. Spanning around 430 square kilometers, the park features lush grasslands, dense tropical forests and wetland ecosystems, making it a haven for wildlife. In addition to rhinos, you’ll find elephants, tigers, and a variety of bird species, including many migratory ones. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the rhino population here has flourished, making Kaziranga a leading example of successful wildlife management. Visitors can hop on jeep or elephant safaris for an unforgettable experience, getting up close to the park’s rich flora and fauna while learning about the importance of conservation.

Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra

Tadoba National Park in Maharashtra, India, is a true gem for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those eager to glimpse Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. The park, which covers approximately 625 square kilometers, features a combination of dense forests, open grasslands and tranquil lakes, creating a rich ecosystem teeming with life. Established in 1955, Tadoba is one of India’s oldest national parks and has become a hotspot for excellent tiger sightings, especially in the warmer months. This park is not just about wildlife; It is also a community effort, with local people playing an important role in conservation. You can explore Tadoba on guided jeep safaris, which offer an exciting adventure as you spot its magnificent creatures in the wild.

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the best places to spot tigers in their natural habitat. It has the highest density of Bengal tigers in India and visitors have a good chance of seeing them during their safari. The rocky terrain also makes it an ideal place for tigers to rest and summers are a good time to spot these big cats near various watering holes in the park.

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Located right at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Nagarhole National Park provides tourists with the opportunity to actively view the ongoing conservation efforts being employed to preserve the flora and fauna of our ecosystem. From playful Asian elephants to gaurs, families can take nature walks that will really allow them to interact with these creatures in the wild.

Gir National Parkgujarat

If tigers aren’t your thing, why not try the dry, deciduous forests of Gir National Park? Gir National Park, home to the only population of wild lions outside of Africa, offers the opportunity to observe the majestic “King of the Jungle” in its natural habitat, along with some of its prey, such as antelopes or “chinkaras”. The park is also home to an impressive variety of birds, including vultures and Indian paradise flycatchers.