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Into the Wild: India’s Best Wildlife Destinations
Written by Varsha Rao
Unearth your sense of adventure across India’s best wildlife destinations.
If your idea of an ideal vacation involves a certain amount of thrill, a dash of adventure and a sprinkling of nature, India’s national parks are waiting for you. There are more than 100 national parks and 500+ wildlife sanctuaries to choose from in India, each boasting a plethora of unique wildlife.
Tigers in Kanha, leopards in Tadoba, elephants in Periyar, snow leopards in Leh, colourful marine life in the Andamans… India is teeming with exotic fauna. This is your guide to India’s best wildlife destinations.
Ranthambore: Home of the Royal Bengal Tiger
They say tigers walk with humans in the Ranthambore National Park, a place highly regarded for its generous population of striped cats. Tucked away in northwest Rajasthan, on the fringes of the Thar Desert, the park was once the hunting grounds of the Jaipur royal family; today, it’s a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
A safari here is one for the bucket list: get into an open-air jeep and make your way through the rugged forest trails – the national park boasts one of the country’s largest stretches of hardy dhok trees – all while keeping your eyes peeled for the region’s abundance of wildlife, including serpent eagles, sarus cranes, leopards, sloth bears, antelopes and the elusive Bengal tiger. Don’t miss out on visiting the historic Jogi Mahal, a royal hunting lodge, home to the second-largest banyan tree in India (estimated to be over 700 years old).
Best time to visit: October to March
Where to stay: The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore
Tadoba: Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park
One of India’s lesser-known wildlife destinations, Tadoba-Andhari National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Maharashtra. The park derives its name from ‘Tadoba’ or ‘Taru’, a highly revered local chieftain who was killed in a tiger encounter, and the Andhari River. Set in the Deccan peninsula, the park’s teak and bamboo forests hide Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison, antelopes and more. The park’s perennial water body, Tadoba Lake, which quenches the thirst of the resident animals, is also home to marsh crocodiles. In addition to safaris, you can enjoy a boat ride on the pristine Irai Lake, and go on a birdwatching tour near Tadoba Lake and visit Sevagram, Mahatma Gandhi’s abode for almost a decade.
Best time to visit: March to May
Where to stay: Tadoba Jungle Camp
Kanha: Big cats galore
Nestled in the Satpura Range of Central India, Kanha National Park is one of India’s best wildlife destinations. The largest national park in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha is scattered across 2,200sqkm and is dotted with dry and deciduous trees, forests, meadows and sparkling streams. Filled to the brim with tigers, leopards, mongooses, wild boars, hyenas and 300+ exotic bird species, Kanha guarantees amazing wildlife sightings. Don’t forget to visit the one-of-a-kind Kanha Museum, where you’ll learn about the intricacies of the national park and discover interesting artefacts of the Gond and Baiga tribes. Plus, nature trails, trekking, camping, village tours and more await you here.
Best time to visit: October to June
Where to stay: Kanha Jungle Camp
Periyar: Perfect for a close encounter with elephants
Perched high on the Western Ghats, Kerala’s Periyar National Park teems with evergreen tropical forests, mist-cloaked mountains and centuries-old artificial lakes, home to herds of wild Asian elephants. Once the hunting grounds of the Travancore kings, it is now a protected tiger and elephant reserve, with close to a thousand of the gentle giants calling Periyar home.
Unlike most other wildlife safaris, the park offers more than jeep safaris – set sail on Periyar Lake and glimpse interesting flora and fauna as they flock to the water, including leopards, sambar deer, wild boars and plenty of birds.
Best time to visit: September to March
Where to stay: Niraamaya Cardamom Club
Bandhavgarh: Meet tigers and leopards
Embark on the wildlife adventure of a lifetime in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh. Spread over a biodiverse area of 105sqkm and garlanded by the Vindhyas, Bandhavgarh derives its name from the Indian epic, Ramayana. Legend has it Bandhavgarh was gifted by Lord Rama to his brother, Laxman, post the battle of Lanka. Regale yourself with more legendary tales and myths as you explore the ancient fort, treasury and temples here. Wildlife lovers will enjoy sighting tigers relaxing in their natural habitat, along with leopards, nilgais, gaurs, and barking deer. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Baiga Adivasis community or get your adrenaline pumping with cycling trails, nature treks and more.
Best time to visit: October to June
Where to stay: Syna Tiger Resort
Leh-Ladakh: Camels outside the desert
If you’ve had your share of tigers and elephants and are looking for something new for your next wildlife sojourn, Leh-Ladakh is the answer. Here, expect to stumble upon exotic animals such as snow leopards, blue sheep, Bactrian camels and more. A haven for wildlife photographers, Leh-Ladakh is truly one of a kind. Make your way to Hemis National Park to try your luck at spotting the elusive snow leopards. The cold desert sanctuary of Changthang is perched on a plateau and houses two gorgeous lakes, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. Snow leopards, Tibetan wild ass and black-necked cranes call this high-altitude reserve home. If you thought camels could only be found in the desert, think again! Head to the serene Nubra Valley for a one-on-one encounter with Bactrian camels.
Best time to visit: April to July
Where to stay: The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Marine life and mountains
If you can pull yourself away from the crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches and tranquil islands of this archipelago, there’s a treasure trove of flora and fauna waiting to be unearthed. Perched adjacent to Wandoor Beach, in the capital of Port Blair, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is widely renowned for its colourful underwater life. The coral reefs here bloom with butterfly fish, scorpionfish, giant robber crabs and more, making it a perfect spot for snorkelling enthusiasts. If you head north, you’ll find Saddle Peak National Park, a popular trekking spot that features Andaman’s highest peak. Expect to find Andaman hill myna, saltwater crocodiles, Andaman teal, wild pigs, dolphins and water monitor lizards.
Best time to visit: October to May
Where to stay: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans
Eager to explore more of India? Read Starry Night: Best Places to Stargaze in India
