India is one of the best places in the world for wildlife safaris. From the Royal Bengal Tiger to the Asiatic Lion, from one-horned rhinos to elephants and rare birds, the country’s national parks offer a chance to see animals in their natural habitat. Here are the top 10 safari destinations you should consider.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Established in 1936, Jim Corbett is India’s first national park and the birthplace of Project Tiger. Spread across the Himalayan foothills, it is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
Safari: Jeep and canter safaris are available across six zones. The Dhikala zone is especially famous for wildlife sightings and its stunning views of the Ramganga River.
Highlights:
- Royal Bengal Tigers
- Asian Elephants
- Crocodiles and gharials
- Over 600 bird species
Best Time to Visit: November to March for cool weather and better sightings.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Once the hunting grounds of Jaipur’s maharajas, Ranthambore is now one of the most famous tiger reserves in India. Its mix of forest, lakes, and historic ruins makes it unique.
Safari: Open jeep and canter safaris take visitors across 10 safari zones. The fort and old temples inside the park add a cultural touch to the experience.
Highlights:
- High chance of tiger sightings
- Ranthambore Fort inside the park
- Leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles
- Rich birdlife
Best Time to Visit: October to June, with summer offering higher tiger visibility near water bodies.
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh has one of the highest densities of tigers in the world. The park also holds historical value with ancient caves and the Bandhavgarh Fort.
Safari: Jeep safaris operate in three core zones: Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. The Tala zone is the most popular for tiger sightings.
Highlights:
- High tiger population
- Leopards and wild dogs
- Over 250 bird species
- Ancient caves with rock carvings
Best Time to Visit: October to June, with peak sightings in summer.
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha is the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. It is one of the best-managed parks in India and known for its wide meadows and sal forests.
Safari: Morning and evening jeep safaris cover zones like Kisli, Mukki, and Kanha. The park also supports community-based eco-tourism.
Highlights:
- Royal Bengal Tigers
- Barasingha (hard-ground swamp deer)
- Leopards, wild dogs, jackals
- Lush meadows and dense forests
Best Time to Visit: November to March for pleasant weather, April-May for better tiger sightings.
Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra
Straddling two states, Pench is known for its teak forests and as another inspiration for The Jungle Book. It is a favorite among wildlife photographers.
Safari: Jeep safaris run in zones like Turia, Karmajhiri, and Khursapar. Night safaris are also allowed in the buffer areas.
Highlights:
- Tigers and leopards
- Indian wolves and jackals
- Rich bird diversity with over 300 species
- Scenic forest drives
Best Time to Visit: November to April for a mix of wildlife and pleasant weather.
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Often called the “Jewel of Vidarbha,” Tadoba is the oldest and largest national park in Maharashtra. It is famous for frequent tiger sightings.
Safari: Jeep safaris are conducted in multiple zones including Moharli, Kolsa, and Tadoba. The park is less commercial compared to others, offering a raw wilderness feel.
Highlights:
- Tigers often seen near water bodies
- Leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears
- Marsh crocodiles
- Rich butterfly population
Best Time to Visit: October to June, with summer being best for tiger sightings.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. Its wetlands and grasslands attract a wide variety of wildlife.
Safari: Visitors can enjoy jeep and elephant safaris in different ranges of the park such as Kohora and Bagori.
Highlights:
- One-horned rhinoceroses
- Asiatic elephants and swamp deer
- Migratory birds
- Tigers and wild water buffalo
Best Time to Visit: November to April, especially winter months for birdwatching.
Gir National Park, Gujarat
Gir is the only place in the world where Asiatic Lions can be found in the wild. The dry deciduous forests make it a unique safari experience.
Safari: Open jeep safaris run across multiple routes. Lion sightings are frequent, especially early morning or late evening.
Highlights:
- Asiatic Lions
- Leopards and striped hyenas
- Nilgai and chinkara
- Over 300 bird species
Best Time to Visit: December to March. The park closes mid-June to mid-October due to monsoon.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Located in the Western Ghats, Periyar is famous for its elephant herds and the scenic Periyar Lake. It offers a unique blend of wildlife and eco-tourism.
Safari: Boat cruises on Periyar Lake are the main attraction. Nature walks and bamboo rafting are also available.
Highlights:
- Asian Elephants
- Tigers, leopards, and gaurs
- Hornbills and kingfishers
- Scenic backwaters and forests
Best Time to Visit: October to March, though boat rides are possible year-round.
Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the famous swimming tigers. It is also rich in bird and reptile life.
Safari: Boat safaris are the only way to explore the creeks and mangrove-covered islands of the delta.
Highlights:
- Royal Bengal Tigers (adapted to mangroves)
- Estuarine crocodiles
- Fishing cats and otters
- Migratory birds
Best Time to Visit: November to March for pleasant weather and good wildlife viewing.
Popular Wildlife Safari Packages in India
Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of travelers plan hassle-free safaris across India. Our team handles permits, stays, and logistics so you can focus only on enjoying the wild.
India is blessed with incredible wildlife and diverse landscapes. Each park on this list offers something unique, whether it’s spotting tigers in central India, rhinos in the northeast, or lions in the west. Safaris here are not just about seeing animals but also about connecting with nature, learning from local guides, and supporting conservation.
If you’re planning a trip, choose a park that matches your interest and travel style. And if you want a hassle-free experience, we can help with permits, stays, and guided safaris so you can focus on enjoying the wild.
