Summary: Planning an exciting wildlife safari? Explore the top 5 national parks in India: Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, and Gir. These are famous for tigers, lions, elephants, and rhinos. Find out the best time to visit, safari timings, ticket prices, and travel tips to help you plan your dream jungle getaway with ease.
India’s wildlife is full of fun and energy, spread across thick forests, wide grasslands, and ancient sites. India has over 100 national parks, making it one of the best places in the world to see animals in their natural homes. The national parks in India are not just green spots, they are rich natural spaces where you can see incredible wildlife up close. Today, more and more people like wildlife lovers, photographers, families, and solo travellers come to experience this wild beauty.
A safari in India is more than a trip. It lets you experience nature closely and see why saving it matters. Imagine spotting a Royal Bengal Tiger quietly walking through the early morning mist, watching a one-horned rhino eat in peace, or seeing the last Asiatic lions living freely in the wild. You can also learn about local ways of life, culture, and food while visiting a national park. This makes your trip all about protecting nature and having fun at the same time.
But with so many amazing parks, how do you choose? Here is our guide to the best national parks in India, where you can see beautiful landscapes and amazing wildlife experiences.
While India’s wildlife parks have unique charms year-round, the period from October to June is generally considered prime time for wildlife sightings.
Here is a seasonal guide:
Get ready to discover some of the best wildlife parks in India. Each one has its own special landscape and amazing animals to see.
Set in the Vindhya Hills, Bandhavgarh is more than just a national park it is a place full of stories. This park has many Bengal tigers, making it a thrilling place to see them. But you’ll also find lots of other animals here. The park is rich in history, with old caves and the grand Bandhavgarh Fort watching over the forest.
Bandhavgarh has a rich history linked to the Ramayana and the Maharajas of Rewa, with many ancient temples and historic sites around the park. The land here is a mix of thick Sal trees, open grasslands, and bamboo, creating a beautiful setting for spotting wildlife. Every safari feels like walking through a real-life scene from The Jungle Book.
The park operates from 15th October to 30th June. Popular Safari zones are Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli zone.
Morning Safari:
Evening Safari:
Note: The park remains closed for evening safaris every Wednesday and on Holi.
Note: Canter safaris are available only in the Magadhi and Khitauli zones and are typically booked on a first-come, first-served basis at the park gates.
Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Indian Gaur, Striped Hyena, Wild Boar, and over 200 bird species.
Also Read: Khajuraho Temples Travel Guide 2025: Myths, Marvels & Must-Sees
Jim Corbett National Park started in 1936 as Hailey National Park, is the first national park in India. Spanning over 1,280 sq. km, in the Himalayan foothills, the park has a rich landscape of hills, rivers, grasslands, and forests. The land here has many types of plants and animals living together.
Corbett is known for having the highest tiger density in the world, making it vital for tiger conservation. Named after Jim Corbett, a famous hunter-turned-conservationist, the park is home to Bengal tigers and many other animals. It attracts visitors all year, as various zones remain open during different times of the year.
A safari here takes you through different landscapes, each offering a new and exciting wildlife experience.
The park has different zones, and each one opens during specific times of the year. The duration of each safari ride is around 3 hours.
Note: Prices are subject to change; refer to the official website for the latest rates.
Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Indian Gray Mongoose, Leopard, Crocodiles, Asiatic black bear, and over 500 bird species.
Ranthambore blends royal history with wild adventure like no other place. Ranthambore, once a royal hunting spot, is now a famous wildlife park in Sawai Madhopur. It lies between the Aravalli and Vindhya hills, with the Banas River to the north and the Chambal River to the south.
The area has dry forests and grassy meadows, with rocky hills, lakes, rivers, and old ruins like forts and mosques. This mix of nature and history makes it a great place to see both animals and birds.
Safari zones are numbered 1 to 10. Zones 1–5 are part of the original park, while Zones 6–10 lie in the buffer region but still offer quality wildlife experiences. Zones are allocated randomly for jeeps, though preferred zones can sometimes be requested for canters.
Note: Timings may vary based on the season; it is recommended to check the official website for current schedules.
Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Indian Jackal, Sloth Bear, Indian Grey Mongoose, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Crocodile, and various bird species.
Kaziranga National Park in Assam has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. On February 17, 2005, Kaziranga National Park celebrated its 100th anniversary. This park is one of the top places to spot the rare one-horned rhino. It sits on the Brahmaputra floodplains and is bordered by hills and tea estates. As the dry season sets in, Kaziranga’s grasslands open up, revealing hidden trails and water bodies. The clear views and golden lighting make the park especially scenic for photographers and nature lovers.
Safari Zones in Kaziranga are
Bengal Tiger, Greater One Horn Rhino, Swamp Deer, Elephant, Water Buffalo, and over 450 bird species.
If you want a closer look at wildlife, an elephant safari is a great choice. Riding a trained elephant, you can go through grasslands and thick forests where jeeps can’t reach. Elephants move quietly, so you can see animals like the one-horned rhino up close without scaring them. The ride lasts about an hour and runs twice a day, but it is popular, so book early.
The boat safari in the Agoratoli and Bhomoraguri ranges takes you along the Brahmaputra River, where you might see river dolphins and animals near the water. A boat safari offers a calm and peaceful way to explore the wildlife without big crowds.
Visit the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park near Kohora to see many beautiful flowers and learn about the local culture.
Also Read: Discover India’s Top 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is a unique and vital conservation area. It is the only place in the world where you can see Asiatic Lions in their natural habitat. The park is spread across an area of about 1,412 square kilometres. Gir has a rough and wild landscape with dry forests, bushes, and grasslands, making it a safe home for lions.
Gir has over 2,300 types of animals and is the only place where Asiatic Lions live in the wild since 1884. A safari in Gir lets you see great success in protecting wildlife, where lions that were almost extinct are now living and growing strong.
Gir Jungle Safari is closed from 16th June to 15th Oct every year. Permits must be booked online through the Gir National Park permit booking website. Permits are limited and sell out very quickly, often months in advance.
The total cost for a safari in Gir National Park comprises three components:
E-Permit Fee:
Saturday/Sunday/Festival Days:
Safari Vehicle Charges (to be paid directly to vehicle owners):
Guide Charges (to be paid directly to guides):
Note: Each e-permit allows a maximum of 6 adults and one child (3–12 years).
Asiatic Lion, Striped Hyenas, Nilgai, Leopards, Wild Boar, Jackal, Samba Deer, and many bird species.
Also Read: Let’s See What Gujarat Is Famous For!
The sound of rustling leaves, trees, and the chance to see a tiger or rhino in the wild, these are moments you will never forget. The national parks in India connect you with nature and show why protecting wildlife is so important.
Whether you want to follow tiger trails in Bandhavgarh, explore the wild history in Ranthambore, see elephants in Corbett, spot rhinos in Kaziranga, or meet lions in Gir, your adventure will be one to remember.
Flamingo Travels will guide you in planning your ideal jungle adventure. We handle bookings, choose the best safari zones, and make sure your trip to the best national parks in India is smooth and exciting. We are ready to make your wildlife dream trip come true. Get in touch and start your journey! Check out our India Tour Packages today!
The ideal time for a wildlife safari in India is from October to June when national parks are open to the public. For the highest chances of spotting animals like tigers, leopards, and elephants, visit between March and May. Animals gathers near waterholes during the summer.
To enjoy your trip fully, spend 2 to 3 days in one national park. This gives you time for more safaris in different zones, helping you see animals like tigers, lions, or rhinos. Many travellers also add nearby sightseeing or cultural visits to make the most of their jungle trip.
Yes, jungle safaris in India are generally safe for families with children. All safaris are guided by trained professionals, and jeeps or canters follow strict park rules. Just ensure kids remain seated, wear hats, sunscreen, and do not make loud noises during the safari.
You can book safaris online through the official websites of each national park or through authorized tour operators. It is advisable to book well in advance, especially for core zones.
Most national parks in India remain closed during the monsoon season – mid-June to mid-October due to heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and breeding season. However, a few parks do remain open partially or in buffer zones, offering limited safari experiences. For example – the Jhirna zone in Gir National Park operates year-round.
Nikita Karia has eleven years of experience working in the B2B travel trade, focusing on international destinations. Thus, writing tourism content comes naturally to her. She has traveled across countries- like Singapore, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and South Africa.
Additionally, she has a flair for writing about healthcare, technology, mental health, education, and e-commerce. Her purpose of the write-up is to simplify the contents in a way that resonates with the reader. When she is not writing, she enjoys tweaking her gardening skills
