India, with its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. And with the onset of winter, you get to witness the unique charm in the wilderness, making it an ideal time to embark on thrilling wildlife safaris. From majestic tigers to rare birds, these safaris offer a front-row seat to India’s natural wonders.
However, before embarking on any wildlife safari, do check the specific timings and regulations of each national park.
Wildlife Safaris as Tourist Destination In India
These safaris promise an immersive and thrilling experience for those seeking to connect with nature in its purest form, as the winter season casts a magical spell on India’s wildlife sanctuaries.
So, if you’re up for an exciting safari, these are some of the best wildlife safaris you can take in India in the winter:
Top Wildlife Safaris To Travel During Winter
So, if you’re up for an exciting safari, these are some of the best wildlife safaris you can take in India in the winter:
1. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Known for its flourishing populace of Bengal tigers, Ranthambore Public Park in Rajasthan is a top objective for untamed life safaris. The park’s numerous ecosystems can be explored comfortably during the winter months, from October to March. In addition to tigers, you might see leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of birds.
Top Things To Do In Ranthambore National Park
- Jeep Safari In The Jungles
- Bird Watching At Ranthambore Park
- Breathe Easy In Kachida Valley
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Stroll At Padam Talab
- Witness The Glorious Jogi Mahal
Popular Wild Animals In Ranthambore National Park
The popular wild animals in Ranthambore include Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Hanuman langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Rufoustailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy cat, Coomon Yellow Bats, Desert Cats.
How To Reach There
By Air: The nearest airport to reach Ranthambore National Park is Sanganer Airport in Jaipur. The distance between Jaipur and Ranthambore is about 180 km and there are regular flights for Jaipur from all the major cities including, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, etc.
By Rail: The nearest railway station that connects Ranthambore National Park to other important cities is Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, which is located at a distance of 10 km from the park. The tourists can avail of local bus, taxi, or cab to reach Ranthambore Park smoothly.
By Road: Ranthambore is well connected with all the major cities and towns through state bus service and it can be reached through private buses and taxis. Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, and Jodhpur can be easily traveled from Ranthambore.
2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park and a haven for wildlife lovers. The winter months are ideal for safaris as the park’s lush landscapes are complemented with a pleasant climate. Keep an eye out for Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and numerous bird species.
Top Things To Do In Jim Corbett National Park
Sightseeing, River Crossing, Rappelling, Mountain Biking, Trekking, Fishing
Popular Wild Animals In Jim Corbett National Park
Apart from Royal Bengal Tiger Corbett is also home to a sizeable population of the endangered Asiatic elephant and other critically endangered species including the Ghariyal. Some of the other known mammal species residing in Corbett include Asiatic Black Bear, Hog Deer, Walking Deer, Sambar, Sloth Beer, Yellow-throated marten, Otters, and many more. Corbett also hosts a diversity of aqua fauna and birdlife with approximately 600 species including the great pied hornbill.
How To Reach There
By Flight – Corbett National Park doesn’t have an airport of its own. The nearest airport to the town is the Dehradun Airport, Uttrakhand, located at a distance of 156 km from NH34. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, is the nearest international airport located at a distance of 243 km.
By Train – The nearest railway station to Corbett National Park is in Ramnagar, located around 12kms away. It is connected by regular trains to New Delhi which further connects it to all major cities in India. Ranikhet Express and Sampark Kranti are the most preferred trains to travel between Delhi and Ramnagar.
By Bus – Many buses, ranging from Government to Private and AC to Sleeper, ply down to Corbett from Delhi, Ramnagar, Dehradun, Gaushala, and Kotdwar, the major connecting links to Corbett.
3. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the one-horned rhinoceros. From November to April, the park’s diverse flora and fauna can be seen at their best during the winter. In addition to rhinos, wild elephants, tigers, and a wide variety of water birds may be seen.
Top Places To Visit in Kaziranga National Park
- Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
- Kaziranga National Orchid & Diversity Park
- Ethnic Village (Karbi Anglong District)
- Hathikuli Tea Estate
How To Reach There
By Rail to Guwahati/Jorhat:
One can reach by railways to Guwahati, which is well connected to the rest of India. From Guwahati, one can, then, go by road to Kohora. There are also trains to Jorhat from Guwahati/ Dibrugarh. One can alight at Jorhat and drive by road to Kohora.
By Road from Guwahati:
Kohora is the main tourist hub for Kaziranga. It’s on the National Highway 37 (NH 37) which is linked to Guwahati on the west and Jorhat on the east. From Guwahati, it can directly be reached by road (NH 37).
By Air to Guwahati/ Jorhat / Dibrugarh/ Silchar:
The most convenient way to reach Kohora is to take a flight to Guwahati for all those coming from outside North-east India. Guwahati has regular flights to and from Delhi, Kolkata, Imphal, Agartalla, Bagdogra, Dibrugarh, Silchar and Jorhat.
4. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Bandipur National Park in southern India is a treasure trove that can be explored. It is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Wildlife safaris can be enjoyed in comfort in the winter. Investigate the recreation area to experience groups of Indian elephants, gaurs, and assuming that you’re fortunate, the tricky Indian panther. Additionally, the park is a haven for birdwatchers.
Top Things To Do In Bandipur National Park
Safari, Explore the Riverside, Trekking, Hill Station Visits, Moyar Canyon
Top Animals Of Bandipur National Park
Birdwatching is a common pastime around the park, with peafowl and vultures being among its most commonly sighted birds. The reptile inhabitants of the park include the Indian rock python, flying lizards, vipers, and more. There is a multitude of other species including butterflies, ants, beetles, and amphibians that make up the rest of the fauna in Bandipur National Park.
How To Reach There
By Air
Book a ticket to Kempegowda International Airport at Bengaluru which serves domestic flights from all major Indian cities and International flights from London, New York, Thailand, Singapore, Dubai etc. Take a connecting flight to Mysore or book a cab from Bengaluru airport to Bandipur, which is located about 217 km away.
By Road
5. Gir National Park, Gujarat
As the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lions, Gir National Park in Gujarat is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. The winter season, from November to March, is the best time to spot these majestic big cats. The park also houses diverse wildlife, including leopards, deer, and numerous bird species.
Top Things To Do In Gir National Park
- Forest Safari In Gir
- Bird Watching In Gir
- Shopping In Gir
- Tribal Festivals In Gir
- Beach Visit Near Gir
Top Animals Of Gir
They are the Asiatic lion, Indian leopard, jungle cat, striped hyena, golden jackal, Bengal fox, Indian gray mongoose, honey badger, ruddy mongoose, and striped hyena. Group of Female Asiatic Lions, Male, Cubs in Gir National ParkThere are 201 female lions, 109 male lions, and 213 cubs in Gir National Park.
According to the estimate, there are 300 species of birds have been recorded. They are Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus, Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga, Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis, Oriental White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis, and Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus.
How To Reach Gir National Park
By Air
The nearest airports to the Gir National Park are Keshod Airport and Rajkot Airport. The Keshod airport is located around 70 km from the park, whereas the Rajkot airport is at a distance of around 160 km.
By Rail
Junagadh and Veraval railway stations are the nearest railway stations to the Gir National Park, located at around the same distance from the park. Both railway stations are on the main railway line of the state and are connected to all the major locations of the country by direct trains.
By Road
Roadway traveling is always an appealing journey and the best than any other commuting option. The conditions of the roads in Gujarat are comparatively good and the road journey can be comfortable and enjoyable in the state. The Gir National Park is properly connected to most of the prominent cities of Gujarat via a good road.
6. Periyar National Park, Kerala
Settled in the Western Ghats, Periyar Public Park is eminent for its pleasant scenes and different untamed life. The colder time of year season, from November to February, is the best time for safaris. Investigate the recreation area by boat to observe crowds of elephants, sambar deer, and a periodic tiger or panther.
Top Things To Do In Periyar National Park
- Clouds Walk – It is a 3 to 4-hour guided walk taking participants to vantage points of the park. Right from the vantage point, one can enjoy a 360-degree view of the grasslands.
- Jungle Patrol – Patrolling the Periyar Tiger Reserve at night with the guards is quite thrilling. Since the activity is about roaming in an eco-development zone, visitors are expected to be disciplined.
- Periyar Tiger Trail – It is a trekking and camping program for 2 nights and 3 nights. The trail covers an area of 20 to 35 km.
- Bamboo Rafting – The Rafting and hiking program takes one through some of the most verdant areas of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The tour is guided by two professional guides and panoramic views on the way are a visual treat.
- Jungle camp – This is a tented accommodation program regione featuring film shows and trekking.
Top Animals Of Periyar National Park
Also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, this is a great place to spot Bengal tigers. You might spot Indian elephants, Nilgiri langurs, wild pigs, and Nilgiri Tahrs as well. Periyar National Park is a treasure for bird lovers too. Malabar grey hornbill, blue-winged parakeet, Nilgiri wood pigeon.
Best Places To Stay
Since the Periyar National Park is among the best places to visit in Kerala, you can find plenty of stay options right here. There are hotels, tree houses, homestays, and resorts for travelers with different budgets.
Mid-budget suggestions – Hotel Ambadi Idukki, Periyar Meadows Leisure Hotel Kumily, and Bougainvilla Homestay
Luxury stay suggestions – Rangerwood Nature Castle and Cardamom County
How To Reach Periyar National Park
- By Road – Kumily is the nearest town and various state-run and privately-owned bus services ply between Kumily and other neighboring towns such as Kottayam and Ernakulam.
- By Train – The nearest railway station to Periyar Forest is located in Kottayam, at a distance of 97 km. This is one of the major railheads of Kerala and is well-connected to different cities in the state, and outside.
- By Air – Cochin International Airport and Madurai Airport are two of the closest airports to Periyar National Park; located at the distance of 150 km and 159 km respectively. One can opt for direct cabs, or board state-run buses to reach Periyar National Park.