If you are a wildlife enthusiast and in India, you are not going to have a drab time.
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you are not going to have a drab time visiting these amazing places on our list.
With about 100 national parks, over 500 wildlife sanctuaries and 49 tiger reserves, India is in fact, quite an interesting destination if you have a knack for the wilderness.
From the forests of Gir in the west to Sundarbans in the East and Mudumalai National Park in the south to almost all of central India is a treasure trove of animals that you usually see on TV.
Holding 70% of the world's tiger population is no less reason to boast either.
To make the job easier for you, this is a list of the top 7 forests and national parks if you are looking for a safari.
1. Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
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Tadoba National Park is located in the Chandrapur District of the Maharashtra state and is one of the 43 tiger reserves that comes under the "Project Tiger", an initiative to bring up the tiger population in India. The best time to visit is March, April, May and June, because of the heat drying up the water sources and ousting the tigers in the open looking for water. The park remains open from October to June. (Photo courtesy - Wikimedia Commons)
2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
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Even if you are not a wildlife enthusiast, you probably have heard of Jim Corbett National Park. Established in 1936 as the Hailey National Park, this is the oldest national park in India. Located in the hilly state Uttarakhand, even if not for the wildlife you should definitely visit this place for its scenic beauty and historical significance. (Photo courtesy - Wikimedia Commons)
3. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
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If you wish to see one of the world's rarest and near extinct species, the one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park should be on your to-do list. The beauty of Kaziranga and its location is justification enough for it being one of the World heritage Sites for UNESCO. (Photo courtesy - Wikimedia Commons)
4. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
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Situated in the royal land of Rajasthan, Ranthambore is only the most fitting abode for the Royal bengal Tiger. Since tigers are the main attraction for this reserve, it attracts a huge number of tourists. Open gypsy safari or an elephant safari, here, is sure to get you a rendezvous with the royal beast.
The photo is of T-24, the largest tiger of the reserve. (Photo courtesy - Wikimedia Commons)
5. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
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If you have read Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, then you should known, that the forest of Kanha inspired Kipling for the book. In a way, if you are at this national park, you can safely say that you have been part of a book that has influenced the childhood of millions, if not more.
If not for chancing upon Moegli or Bagheera, this place is sure to get you floored by its serenity. (Photo courtesy - Wikimedia Commons)
6. Gir National Park, Gujarat
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The only home to Asiatic lions, Gir National Forest, is one of the largest national park sprawling over 1412 square kms. If you wish to see the majestic beast, there is no place where you can see it living free, other than Gir. (Photo courtesy - Wikimedia Commons)
7. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
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Another in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park also is a trove for tigers and spine-chilling open gypsy safari. Although due to its proximity to Kanha, most of the tourists visit both, but Bandhavgarh is also known for the Bandhavgarh Fort and its exotic fauna. (Photo courtesy - Wikimedia Commons)
