The different climatic regions in the country are home to a variety of flora and fauna, making India a choice destination for animal lovers, wildlife photographers or anyone who is happy to watch nature in her wild, unrestrained beauty. India boasts 104 national parks and 551 wildlife sanctuaries, most of which also have nearby accommodation facilities.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Situated in the desert state of Rajasthan is one of the most famous national parks, with its chief attraction being the Royal Bengal Tigers. The park has a large tiger population, and used to be home to Machli, often called India’s most famous tigress. Spanning over 1,334 square kilometres, it also hosts sloth bears, wild boards and sambars to name a few.
Things to do:
Safari Rides: You can go for safari rides that start at 6:30 AM and 2:30 PM, with each ride lasting for about three hours.Visitors can take multiple tours, as tigers are spotted rarely.
Ranthambore Fort: One of the central forts in Indian history, the Ranthambore Fort is a majestic fortress built in the 10th century. Towering over the park at 700 feet, it also has three red Karauli stone temples, in addition to a Digamber Jain temple.
Padam Talao: The largest of the lakes inside the park, the Padam Talao also has a red sandstone structure at its edge that was once used as a hunting lodge – the Jogi Mahal. A majestic banyan tree, considered to be India’s second largest, also stands by the lake.
Best time to visit:
October to June while tiger sightings are most common between March and May.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
The oldest national park in India is also the first to be established in Asia (1936). In addition to a number of animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Hog Deer, Otter, to name a few, the park also has an abundance of flora – particularly the Sal trees. The Ramganga River that flows through the park also boasts of a diversity of marine life. A popular ecotourism destination, the park is also a hub for adventurous activities like river rafting, rock climbing and so on.
Things to do:
Camping: Jim Corbett National Park allows its visitors to camp overnight. In addition to a number of activities you can indulge in within the limits of allowed regions, you can also make the most of your wildlife experience with a longer stay.
Jungle safari: Jungle safaris are very popular with visitors, especially jeep safaris. They are conducted in buffer zones throughout the day, and you can choose between canters (for larger groups) or jeeps, and even trained elephants which are conducted mostly during early mornings.
Bird watching: The Durga Devi Zone is very popular among bird watchers and wildlife photographers, as it hosts a large number of local and migratory birds.
River rafting: Kosi river in Jim Corbett National Park is a perfect choice for river rafting. Its meandering ways ensure that you will have a truly adventurous experience. However, it is possible only in the months of monsoon – from July to September.
Best time to visit:
November to June
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Nestled in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain, this national park in Assam is the single largest and undisturbed area in the plain. Regarded as one of the finest wildlife refuges in the world, its relatively isolated location allows nature to flourish on its own. Hosting two-thirds of the population of the world’s rhinos, the Kaziranga National park also harbors significant populations of other threatened species like tigers and bears, in additions to aquatic species like the Ganges River Dolphin.
Things to do:
Safari: You can either go by jeep or on the back of an elephant – both options hold wonders of their own.
Nature march: What better way to explore a forest than to venture out on foot? Behold the wild on foot, and also pay a visit to the coffee and rubber farms of the close by Karbi Anglong.
Birdwatching: Being home to many migratory birds, birdwatchers will surely have the time of their lives in the Midrange National Park.
Best time to visit:
The park is open from November to April, mid-November to mid-April are the best times.
Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
The Sunderbans National Park is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It is also home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, and hosts a huge array of wild species in addition. The estuarine not only provides for a great landscape, but also for a varied variety of wildlife that is unique to the region. It is also well connected to Kolkata as well as nearby towns.
Things to do:
Safari: Sunderbans National Park offers only boat safari to the visitors. Jeep safaris are not conducted here. The safari timing is from 8:30 AM in the morning till 4:00 PM in the evening. The entry of boats after 6:30 PM is prohibited. Although the park remains open throughout the year, however, winter season is the best time to visit it.
Sajnekhali Watch Tower: It is situated in close proximity to the park, and can hold around 20 people at once. It is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Kalash Island: If you visit during the winter, you may spot Olive Ridley turtles making their way to the island for nesting. You can also spot a number of coastal birds.
Henry Island: Take a stroll on the beach, or explore the mangrove forests around this region. You will also find a fisheries department with over 50 ponds here.
Best time to visit:
The period from October to March is the best time to visit, as it is lovely weather.
Hemis National Park, Ladakh
Visit this park to experience the serene beauty of the Himalayan subtropical pine forests, the alpine shrubs and the tundras. The prime attractions of this park are the Shapu sheep and the snow leopard, species that are not found in any other part of the country. Other endangered species are also found here like the Tibetan wolf and red fox. It is also the largest national park in the country.
Things to do:
Hemis Monastery: Standing on the foothills of the Indus River is the Hemis Monastery, which has a vast collection of artefacts and stupas. The Hemis Museum shop also sells many souvenirs and curios.
Treks: You can trek from the Monastery to the Gompas located nearby, each with its own specialties but all with a serene, meditative appeal.
Best time to visit:
May and early October is the best time, as post November jeep safaris and most trekking routes will be stalled due to heavy snowfall. If you visit between June and July, sync your dates with the Hemis Festival.
