Take an opportunity to move away from the urban jungles i.e. the metropolitans of India, and wander through the wilderness. India is endowed with geographical divides that are ideal habitats for a variety of flora and fauna. Here’s a list of places you should travel this year to witness and experience the beautiful wildlife of India. Collect memories and write your own version of The Jungle Book with short trips to these wild havens.
Corbett National Park
A five-hour drive away from Delhi, situated in the foothills of Himalayas, this national park is a place that looks like a live chapter right out of the pages of jungle book. Apart from the wildlife, you can get a glimpse of the beautiful banks of Kosi river, Kalagarh dam, the clear night sky, and the Corbett fall. Famous for the Royal Bengal tigers and Great Indian elephants, this national park is a must visit safari experience.
Things to know: Drinking alcohol and eating non-vegetarian food is not allowed in the park. Also, harming any flora or fauna species in the park is a serious offense.
Best time to visit: From November 15 – June 15.
Park Timings: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location:
Jim Corbett National Park, Nainital District, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand 244715
Kaziranga National Park
The park with the largest population of horned rhinos in the world, Kaziranga is surrounded by gorgeous tea plantations. Situated in Assam, this national park looks like the source of inspiration for stunning pieces of literature on flora and fauna.
Things to know: Every range of the park holds its own specialty. For example, the central range of the park offers the elephant safari, whereas the northeastern zone boasts of beautiful waters and amazing boat rides.
Best time to visit: November to April
Park timings: Elephant Safaris – 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., then 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jeep Safaris – 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. then 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location:
Kaziranga National Park, Kanchanjuri, Assam 784177
Sunderbans National Park
Flushed with a rich wildlife album, like Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, the Sunderbans are both amazing and adventurous for a short trip in the wild. This West Bengal national park is known for species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, crocodiles, bull sharks, primates, and different species of snakes. One of the best wildlife experiences in India, Sunderbans is notorious for its vigilant tiger species.
Things to know: For safety purposes, it is strictly advised not to get down in the water or at the river bank in Sunderbans. Bringing personal boats in the national park requires lengthy and time-consuming procedures.
Best time to visit: April to June if you want a glimpse of the tigers as they come out in search of water, otherwise from December to February as the weather is pleasant during these months.
Location:
Sunderbans National Park, Dayapur, Gosaba, West Bengal 743370
Ranthambore National Park
Park
Ranthambore National Park
One of the best spots to see a tiger in its natural turf, Ranthambore national park enjoys tigers moving around, lazing by the lakes, and hunting in their territory. A three-hour drive from Jaipur, this national park is a cherished experience for wildlife lovers.
Things to know: The temperature at the park can drop to two degrees Celsius at night during November to February.
Best time to visit: November to March
Park Timings: 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the morning and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location:
Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001
Accessibility & Audience:
Family FriendlyServices & Activities:
Guided ToursAtmosphere:
Outdoors, Instagrammable, Photo Opportunity, Scenic, Touristy, HotBandhavgarh National Park
Home to the famous white tiger, a trip to this national park is an adventure. Other major attractions in the park include a bird tour and a 14th-century fort. The bio-diversity of this park includes grassy swamps, rocky hills, sharp ridges, and open meadows.
Things to know: The Khujaraho temples are very close to the park. Plan a tour to these erotic temples with your adventure trip.
Best time to visit: February to May
Park timings: Winter – 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Summer – 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location:
Bandhavgarh National Park, State Highway 10, Near Petrol Pump, Badhavgarh, District Umaria, Tala, Madhya Pradesh 484661
© Demian Smit / Pexels
Hemis National Park
This adventure trek in eastern Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir is a safari in heaven. A jungle story written on white surfaces of snow, the Hemis National park is home to many exotic and endangered species. One can easily come across a snow leopard, an Asiatic Ibex, red fox, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan marmot, or Blue sheep in this beautiful valley.
Things to know: There are no hotels near the national park. However, the villages nearby provide a number of homestay options for the visitors. There is also a Hemis monastery nearby that has rooms to stay.
The park is open at all times and you can visit the natural haven anytime you want.
Location:
Hemis National Park, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir 194302
Pench National Park
A paradise for bird watchers, Pench National Park is home to a huge diversity of wildlife. One can easily spot a leopard, deer, sloth bear, porcupine, or a jungle cat among other animals in this national park. Located in Madhya Pradesh, this jungle story is filled with captivating views and scenic landscapes that leave the visitors spellbound.
Things to know: The park is open from October 16th to June 30th every year. The tiger reserve is closed during the months of July and September due to heavy rainfall.
Best time to visit: February to April
Park Timings: 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location:
Pench National Park, Near Turia Gate, Post:- Turia, Seoni Dist, Kurai, Madhya Pradesh 480661
India’s wildlife is a book filled with fascinating species, stories, and scenic beauties that unfold for those who are patient. You might come across Bagira, Baloo, or Sher Khan in these captivating views and trips. Adventure, inspiration, fear, excitement, and fun, “The Jungle Book” of India is how you perceive it to be.
