10 best wildlife exploration spots in India as safari season begins

Sep 26, 2024

By: Ayush Mehrotra

Safari season starts in October

As October ushers in the start of safari season in India, the jungles come alive with lush greenery, creating a striking and dramatic backdrop. It’s the peak time for tiger safaris and wildlife exploration, offering an unforgettable experience in the wild.

Credit: Unsplash

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Famous for its tiger sightings, Ranthambore offers thrilling safaris amidst ancient ruins. October to March is the best time to visit as the weather is pleasant, and wildlife is active in the dry deciduous forests.

Credit: Unsplash

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

India's oldest national park, Corbett is home to tigers, elephants, and diverse birdlife. The park reopens in October after the monsoons, offering mesmerising safaris along its riverine landscape and dense jungles.

Credit: Unsplash

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Kanha’s lush meadows and dense sal forests provide a scenic backdrop for tiger sightings. This park is also the inspiration for 'The Jungle Book.' October is perfect for clear skies and vibrant wildlife activity.

Credit: Unsplash

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. The park comes alive in October, with safaris offering views of rhinos, elephants, and swamp deer against the backdrop of the Brahmaputra River.

Credit: Unsplash

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Known for its high tiger density, Bandhavgarh is a prime spot for tiger safaris. October sees the park's flora in full bloom, making it ideal for wildlife photography and exploration of ancient forts within the park.

Credit: Unsplash

Gir National Park, Gujarat

The only place in the world to spot Asiatic lions in the wild, Gir reopens for safaris in October. Its dry deciduous forests provide the perfect terrain for close encounters with the majestic lions and leopards.

Credit: Unsplash

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

Famous for its elusive Royal Bengal Tigers, the Sundarbans offers a unique mangrove forest safari. October marks the beginning of cooler weather, ideal for boat safaris through the dense waterways in search of tigers and saltwater crocodiles.

Credit: Unsplash

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

A less-crowded destination for tiger sightings, Tadoba offers a serene wildlife experience. October brings refreshing post-monsoon greenery, enhancing the beauty of this tiger reserve, which is home to diverse fauna, including sloth bears and leopards.

Credit: Unsplash

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Periyar’s rich biodiversity and scenic boat safaris along its lake make it a unique wildlife experience. October is a prime time to explore its mist-covered hills and spot elephants, sambar deer, and rare bird species in the Western Ghats.

Credit: Unsplash

Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Another inspiration for 'The Jungle Book,' Pench is renowned for its large tiger population and beautiful forests. Safaris here in October offer cooler temperatures and a great chance to witness wildlife in action along riverbanks and meadows.

Credit: Unsplash

10 serene coastal villages in India to visit this October