Looking to experience the wild side of India? This guide will take you to the best places to witness the incredible diversity of India’s wildlife, from Bengal tigers to elephants and exotic birds. Discover where to go for a thrilling safari adventure or a peaceful nature retreat.
Table of the Best Places to See Wild Animals in India
Kaziranga National Park: The Land of Rhinos
Location: Assam, India
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses. The park also hosts tigers, elephants, and water buffalo, making it one of the most diverse wildlife sanctuaries in India.
How to Get There: The nearest airport is Jorhat Airport (approx. 97 km away), and the closest railway station is Furkating Junction (approx. 75 km away). From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to the park.
- Fun Fact: Kaziranga is home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinos, with over 2,400 individuals.
Ranthambore National Park: The Realm of the Bengal Tiger
Location: Rajasthan, India
Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places in India to spot Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. It also features ancient ruins and a fort, adding a touch of history to your wildlife adventure.
How to Get There: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport (approx. 160 km away). The nearest railway station is Sawai Madhopur (approx. 11 km from the park). Taxis and buses are readily available.
- Fun Fact: Ranthambore was once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, and its landscape is dotted with ruins of old hunting lodges.
Sundarbans National Park: Home of the Elusive Mangrove Tiger
Location: West Bengal, India
Sundarbans National Park, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is home to the famous Bengal tiger. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a labyrinth of rivers, creeks, and islands that provide a unique habitat for a variety of species.
How to Get There: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata (approx. 100 km away). From Kolkata, take a train to Canning, and then a boat or road transport to the park.
- Expert Source: The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) notes that the Sundarbans are crucial for tiger conservation due to their unique ecosystem and protection efforts.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The Jewel of Kerala
Location: Kerala, India
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is known for its picturesque lake and lush greenery. It’s a top destination for those who want to see elephants in the wild.
How to Get There: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (approx. 190 km away). The nearest railway station is Kottayam (approx. 114 km away). Taxis and buses can take you to the park.
- Fun Fact: Periyar Lake is man-made, created by the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam in the 19th century, and now serves as a vital water source for the wildlife.
Bandhavgarh National Park: Big Cat Territory
Location: Madhya Pradesh, India
Bandhavgarh National Park has one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers in the world, making it a great place for tiger sightings. Visitors can also spot leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of deer species.
How to Get There: The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport (approx. 200 km away). The closest railway station is Umaria (approx. 32 km away). Taxis and private cars are available.
- Fun Fact: Bandhavgarh’s ancient history includes a fort that dates back more than 2,000 years. Legend has it that Lord Rama gave this fort to his brother Lakshmana.
Jim Corbett National Park: India’s Oldest Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park and is known for its Bengal tigers, elephants, and diverse birdlife.
How to Get There: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (approx. 80 km away). The closest railway station is Ramnagar (approx. 5 km away). Local taxis and buses are available.
- Expert Source: According to the Corbett Foundation, the park has played a significant role in the success of India’s tiger conservation efforts.
Gir National Park: The Last Refuge of Asiatic Lions
Location: Gujarat, India
Gir National Park is the only place in the world where you can see Asiatic lions in the wild. The park is also home to leopards, hyenas, and a variety of birds.
How to Get There: The nearest airport is Rajkot Airport (approx. 160 km away). The closest railway station is Junagadh (approx. 65 km away). Taxis and buses are available.
- Fun Fact: Gir Forest is also known for its crocodile breeding farm, where conservationists work to increase the population of these reptiles.
Kanha National Park: Inspiration for ‘The Jungle Book’
Location: Madhya Pradesh, India
Kanha National Park is one of India’s largest national parks and a stronghold for tigers, leopards, and the endangered Barasingha (swamp deer).
How to Get There: The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport (approx. 170 km away). Gondia railway station (approx. 145 km away) is the closest station. Taxis and buses are available.
- Fun Fact: Kanha is often called the “Land of the Jungle Book” due to its striking resemblance to the fictional forest depicted in Kipling’s stories.
Nagarhole National Park: Elephant Country
Location: Karnataka, India
Nagarhole National Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and offers excellent elephant sightings, along with tigers, leopards, and rich birdlife.
How to Get There: The nearest airport is Mysore Airport (approx. 96 km away). The closest railway station is Mysore Junction (approx. 90 km away). Buses and taxis are available.
- Fun Fact: Nagarhole’s name comes from the Kannada language, where “Nagara” means snake and “Hole” means stream, referring to the winding rivers that snake through the park.
Hemis National Park: The Kingdom of the Snow Leopard
Location: Ladakh, India
Hemis National Park is one of the best places in the world to see snow leopards. It’s India’s largest national park and features rugged landscapes and challenging terrain.
How to Get There: The nearest airport is Leh Airport (approx. 50 km away). Leh can be reached by road from major cities in northern India, though the journey can be long and difficult.
- Expert Source: The Snow Leopard Trust works closely with local communities in Ladakh to promote snow leopard conservation and ensure sustainable coexistence.
Explore India’s Rich Wildlife Heritage
From the dense jungles of Bandhavgarh to the snowy peaks of Hemis, India offers incredible opportunities to witness wild animals in India. Whether you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the rare Asiatic lion or the elusive Bengal tiger, the country’s national parks provide a unique way to connect with nature and experience the wonders of its diverse wildlife.
