Safari Bliss: Top National Parks for Nature Lovers and Thrill Seekers

There is no doubt that India is known as the land of unparalleled biodiversity. Everywhere you go, you will have encounters with the wild; whether it is the western Ghats’ lush jungles or the Himalayas, every corner of India impresses with its wildlife. To protect and conserve this rich biodiversity, a few national parks have been created in India. Here you can experience the splendor of wildlife while enjoying the thrill of safari adventures. These are the best national parks in India to head to once for enjoying the thrilling national safari.

Top National Parks for Nature Lovers and Thrill Seekers

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

The oldest and most famous national park in India, Jim Corbett National Park came into existence in 1936 as Hailey National Park. It was later renamed in honor of the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist, Jim Corbett. It is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand and is known for its thriving tiger population. So, if you want to spot the tigers, this is the best place to be. 

• Take either the elephant or jeep safari to spot one of the most beautiful and majestic big cats in the wild and experience their superiority.
• The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, as there are over 600 species of birds you will find here, including the elusive Himalayan griffon and the vulnerable Indian vulture.
• Apart from tigers, you can also spot elephants, wild boars, leopards, sambars, and other species of deer.

Best Time to Visit: November to June

Best for: Tiger Safari, Bird Watching, and Scenic Beauty

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and this beautiful national park is nestled on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is known for its population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. With the wetlands, dense forests, and vast grasslands, this offers an exceptional and one-of-a-kind wildlife experience.

• Kaziranga is home to 70% of the world’s population of one-horned rhinoceroses. Taking an elephant safari to witness these animals up close is one of the best experiences ever. 
• There are also many other animals here, like tigers, wild boars, elephants, and many species of deer. It is a haven for wildlife photographers.

Best Time to Visit: November to April

Best for: One-Horned Rhinoceros Safari, Wetland Ecosystem, and Elephant Rides

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Bandipur National Park is a prominent national park in Karnataka. It is home to the apex predators—tigers; in fact, it has the second-largest population of tigers in India. It, along with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Nagarhole National Park, is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is also a habitat for wild elephants—the largest one in South Asia. Apart from tigers, you will spot other animals like sloth bears, Indian elephants, dhole, leopards, and more. 

• Take a jeep, bus, or canter safari as per your convenience to enjoy the wildlife here.
• It is one of the best places to watch the avian species in the South, along with reptiles.

Best time to visit: October to March

Best for: Tigers, leopards, avian species, and safaris.

Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu  

One of the most prominent national parks in Tamil Nadu is the Mudumalai National Park. It is nestled at the tri-junction of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and you will find many species of animals here, like tigers, deer, and leopards. As you take a safari here, you will see the beautiful backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills, making your wildlife safari a beautiful experience. 

• Birdwatching is one of the best experiences here, as you can see birds like Malabar grey hornbills, crested serpent eagles, and Malabar trogons. 
• It is dominantly a tiger reserve on River Moyar’s bank and is also home to pythons, crocodiles, turtles, and more. 
• If you want to spot leopards, this is the right national park to head to.

Best time to visit: October to February

Best for: birds, crocodiles, tigers, and leopards.

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Ranthambore National Park is nestled in the Vindhya and Aravalli mountain ranges in Rajasthan. It is one of the best places for witnessing the beautiful Royal Bengal Tiger. The natural habitat for tigers makes it one of the best places for tiger enthusiasts to visit here. Moreover, there are other species of animals too, and the private safari experience is simply the best.

• Tiger safari is the best thing to do here. The open terrain and the safari trails, which are well-maintained, offer you the best chance of spotting tigers.
• The other wildlife here include leopards. Hyenas, species of birds, wild boar, and more. You can also see forts and temples here. 

Best Time to Visit: October to April

Best for: Tiger Sightings, Ancient Fort Ruins, and Desert Wildlife

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Nagarhole National Park, or Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is known for its rich wildlife. The dense forest cover and varied topography here make it a haven for nature lovers looking for some peace and quiet. It is near Bandipur National Park; the two parks are separated by the Kabini River. The rare sighting of a ‘black panther’ makes this a must-visit park. The other animals here you will find include sambars, mongooses, sloth bears, and many avian species. It is also home to many reptile species like Russel’s viper, Indian rock, toads, vine snakes, and more. 

• The limited number of tourists makes it a wonderful safari experience.
• The cub of a black panther was spotted recently, intriguing people. 

Best Time to Visit: October to April

Best for: Tiger sightings, rare sights of black panthers and vine snakes. 

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is known for its scenic beauty, Periyar Lake, and the rich biodiversity running through the park. It is a great place for anyone looking to witness wildlife in a beautiful setting. The sanctuary is also home to wild elephants, and tourists can take a ride on these and enjoy a safari. 

• The variety of animals here, like tigers, sambars, wild boar, leopards, and bird species, appeals to all nature lovers.
• The nearby spice plantation is also quite an important place to head to.

Best Time to Visit: October to June

Best for: Elephant Safari, Spice Plantations, and Boat Safari

Gir National Park, Gujarat

The Gir National Park in Gujarat is one of the most beautiful wildlife places and the only place to have the massive numbers of Asiatic lions in the wild. The unique dry and deciduous forests and savannas make Gir a perfect place for enjoying a safari experience in the wild. There are over 500 Asiatic lions here, so taking a lion safari is one of the best things to do.

• The wildlife here includes lions, leopards, jackals, crocodiles, and hyenas.
• Do explore the nearby villages and towns for a beautiful experience.

Best Time to Visit: November to March

Best for: Asiatic Lion Safari, Dry Forests, and Cultural Heritage

Ending note… 

India’s national parks are a paradise for all thrill seekers and nature lovers. All these national parks, like Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole, or Bannerghatta, provide visitors the best opportunities to indulge in wildlife safaris to encounter some of the most iconic species, like the tigers or leopards, here. Apart from these, you can spot reptiles like monitor lizards or crocodiles or different types of snakes along with multiple avian species. So, it is time to pack your bags, take your binoculars, and head on an adventure safari that will stay with you a lifetime.