11 Best National Parks For Jungle Safari In India: A Guide to Witness the Wildlife Closely (2024)
India is home to numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that offer jungle safari tours, making it one of the most exciting ways to safely witness wildlife closely in their natural habitat. This article provides a guide to the 11 best national parks in India for jungle safaris, starting with Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, India’s first national park established in 1936, famous for its Bengal Tigers and a wide range of crocodiles. The article then moves on to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, where visitors can experience a great jungle safari and spot the leopard, jackal, fox, and mongoose. Other national parks on the list include Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, and Satpura National Park, each with its unique topography and range of fauna and flora. The article includes information about jungle safari prices and the best time to visit each of these parks. Wildlife enthusiasts and those looking for adventure are sure to find this guide helpful in planning their next jungle safari in India.
11 Best National Parks For Jungle Safari In India: A Guide to Witness the Wildlife Closely
This article is for you if you have been longing for a jungle safari in India. Here, we will guide you about the 11 best national parks for jungle safari in India. So, gear up for a happening safari ride and explore the wild.
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is India’s first national park and was established in 1936. Rich in fauna and flora, the national park is known for its majestic beauty. It is famous for Bengal Tigers. Other animals that can be spotted in Jim Corbett National Park are spotted deer, barking deer, sambar, tigers, chinkara, etc. A jungle safari in the National Park is all that you want to witness these amazing creatures. Another major attraction in Jim Corbett National Park is the wide range of crocodiles.
Jim Corbett Safari Price:
Jeep Safari Prices- Rs. 4500/- for Indians and Rs. 7500/- for Foreigners
Elephant Safari Prices- Rs. 3500/- for Indians and Foreigners
Canter Safari Prices- Rs. 1200/- for Indians and Rs. 3000/- for Foreigners.
Best Time To Visit Jim Corbett: November to June
2. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
One more fine national park in India where you can experience a great jungle safari is Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. The main attraction of this national park is tiger, however, you can also spot the leopard, jackal, fox, and mongoose. Known for its vast range of fauna and also flora, Ranthambore National Park provides you with a wonderful option to go on a jungle safari. Embarking on the safari you can see the blue bull antelope, nilgai, sambar deer, and antelope. So, why not take steps ahead and explore this national park on an adventurous jungle safari?
Ranthambore National Park Jungle Safari Price:
Ranthambore Jeep Safari Price- Rs. 1500/- for Indians and Rs. 2900/- for Foreigners
Ranthambore Canter Safari- Rs. 1200/- for Indians and Rs. 2300/- for Foreigners.
Special Safari for a full-day price- Rs. 57000/- for Indians and Rs. 72000//- for Foreigners
Special Safari for a half-day price- Rs. 46000/- for Indians and Rs. 56, 000/- for Foreigners.
Best Time To Visit Ranthambore: October to June.
3. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, which dates back to 2000 years, is a famous national park offering adventurous jungle safari. Tourists from all over the world visit this place to witness the high density of Royal Bengal tigers that it safeguards in it. Moreover, one can also spot many other animals like nilgai, chital, chinkara, wild boars, jackals, Indian bison, etc. Numerous species of birds including green pigeons and browed fantails can also be spotted in Bandhavgarh National Park. So, all these make this a must-visit national park in India for experiencing jungle safari and witnessing the fascinating range of wildlife from close.
Bandhavgarh National Park Safari Prices: Rs. 6500/- for Jeep Safari
Best Time To Visit Bandhavgarh National Park Safari- October to June
4. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Spread across an area of 940 sq. km, Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is a vast expanse of grassland and forest that is home to numerous tigers and other animals like jackals, wild pigs, chinkara, etc. A jungle safari in this national park will give you an amazing chance to spot the Royal Bengal Tigers along with Barasinga, wild dogs, and more. So, what makes you wait anymore? Book your jungle safari trip in this renowned National Park in Central India.
Kanha National Park Jungle Safari Price: Rs. 6500/- for Indians and Rs. 9500/- for Foreigners for each of the four zones.
Best Time To Visit: October to June
5. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Satpura National Park is another majestic national park in Central India and is located in Madhya Pradesh. This park is known for its unique topography. The lush forest and huge landmass make it a perfect habitat for several animals. This is heaven for wildlife enthusiasts as it is home to various species of animals including leopards, deers, sloth bears, blackbucks, antelopes, sambar, porcupines, etc. The best thing about Satpura National Park is the jungle safari that it provides for wildlife lovers. You can enjoy the safari witnessing the incredible wild creatures in their natural habitat.
Satpura National Park Junge Safari Price:
Jeep Safari via Keria Route- Rs. 2750/- (Single Person)
Jeep Safari via Lagda Route- Rs. 3050/- ( Single Person)
Jeep Safari via Churna Route- Rs. 6070/- ( Single Person)
Best Time To Visit: October to April
6. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Located in the southern range of the Satpura range and divided by the river Pendi into two equal parts is the Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh. A jungle safari in this national park will let you explore some of the most amazing variety of wildlife including Sambha, Gaur or Indian Bison, Cheetal, and Nilgai. You can also witness the four species of endangered vultures, which are the white-rumped vultures, white scavengers, King vultures, and long-billed vultures. So, make a plan to Pench National Park and enjoy a fascinating jungle safari to the wild.
Pench National Park Jungle Safari Prices: Rs. 3000/- ( Jeep/gypsy safari) along with a guide.
Best Time To Visit Pench National Park Safari: February to April.
7. Gir National Park, Gujarat
Lying in the Western region of India is the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is also known as Sasan Gir. It is a forest, national park, and wildlife sanctuary near Talala Gir in the western Indian State of Gujarat. Half of the national park is covered by teak forest, amla, khair trees, etc. This national park is the only place outside Africa where lions can be seen in their natural habitat. Apart from the Asiatic Lions, some other animals that can be spotted here are striped hyenas, wild boars, Indian spotted deer, and Chital. Birds like Malabar whistling thrush and Paradise flycatcher can also be seen in this national park while on a safari. So, to witness all these spectacular animals and birds in their natural habitats, you should go on a jungle safari tour in Gir National Park.
Gir National Park Jungle Safari Prices: Per Jeep, it is Rs. 4500 to Rs. 4800/- for Indians and Rs. 12000 to Rs. 15000/- for Foreigners.
Best Time To Visit Gir National Park: December to March
8. Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
The Taboda National Park in Maharashtra is one of the popular national parks in West India and is mostly visited by wildlife enthusiasts quite often. This national park is known not only for its wide range of animals but also for its beautiful surrounding with a lake and beautiful forests and massive hills. However, the best thing about Taboda National Park is the jungle safari that the national park offers. Some of the animals that you can spot while on a safari ride are hyenas, barking deer, etc.
Taboda National Park Safari Prices:
Jeep Prices On Weekdays- Rs. 750/-
Jeep Prices On Weekends- Rs. 1000/-
Mini-bus Prices On Weekdays- Rs. 1500/-
Mini-bus Prices On Weekends- Rs. 2000/-
Best Time To Visit Taboda National Park- October to June
9. Periyar National Park And Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
The South Indian state of Kerala houses Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary which is known for its natural beauty because of the western ghats that surround it. Spread across an area of 192, 000 acres of land and blessed with dense green forest and wildlife, this is surely one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife sanctuaries in India.
You can find tigers, elephants, sambhar deer, leopards, Indian bison, and many other animals here. A jungle safari will be the most convenient yet exciting way to spot all these animals here. Apart fom safaris, you can also go on boat rides within the park.
Periyar National Park Jungle Safari Prices: Rs. 2000/- per person for Jungle Safari
Best Time To Visit Periyar National Park And Wildlife Sanctuary: September to January
10. Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal
Coming to the national parks with jungle safaris in east India, Sunderbans Wildlife Sanctuary has risen to fame being the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sunderbans are part of the world’s largest delta, formed by the river Ganga, Brahmaputra river, and the river Meghna.
We will keep you informed that Sundarban forests can be explored only via water transport. So, you can take small or large boats from Godkhali Port and explore the wildlife on the boat safari. The safari boats are well-equipped with proper seating chairs. So, you need not have to compromise your comfort while you are on a jungle safari in the Sundarbans.
You can come across tigers, chital deer, rhesus monkeys, swamp deer, Hog deer, Rhinoceros, etc when you go on a jungle safari in this place. You can also spot the Ridley Sea Turtle, Estuarine crocodiles, and monitor lizards in Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary. So, do not think any further and prepare yourself for a magnificent safari ride in this heaven of wildlife.
Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary Jungle Safari Prices: The safari charge would be around 800/- or slightly more including the boat charges and guide fees. You need to charge Rs. 200/- extra for the video camera( optional).
Best Time To Visit Sundarbans: September to March
11. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
The Kaziranga National Park in Assam, which lies in the northeast region of India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is spread across an area of 420 sq km and homes the one-horned rhinoceros. This national park protects the highest number of rhinoceros in the world. One can also find animals like panthers, elephants, and bears, and the best way to spot these animals is on your jungle safari.
Kaziranga National Park Jungle Safari Prices: Jeep Safari charges are Rs. 3800/- to Rs. 4500/- (per single jeep)
Best Time To Visit: November to April.
Final Words
Full of surprises and thrills, these national parks in India offer you a great scope to enjoy jungle safaris and witness a wide range of fauna in their natural habitat. May it be the Jim Corbett National Park in North India or the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the South, may it be the Sundarbans National Park in East India or the Gir National Park in West, or the Kanha National Park in Central India and Kaziranga National Park in North East, India is the land that is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and for those who love to experience wildlife in an adventurous jungle safari. So, what makes you wait anymore? Get ready for an amazing jungle safari in any of these exclusive National parks in India and admire the wildlife and nature at its best.