Nearby Attractions
Nainital Hill Station
Corbett Waterfalls
Car Rental Service
Wildlife sanctuary in India
A Complete Guide to India Safari Tours & Tiger Safaris
India is a paradise for wildlife lovers, offering some of the most diverse and thrilling wildlife experiences in the world. From the snow-capped Himalayas to the sun-drenched plains, the rich variety of wildlife in India is protected within hundreds of national parks and sanctuaries. Each wildlife sanctuary in India is a treasure trove of biodiversity—home to majestic Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and an incredible array of birdlife. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of an India tiger safari through the dense forests of Ranthambore or Bandhavgarh, or a peaceful birdwatching retreat in the wetlands of Bharatpur, there is an adventure for every nature enthusiast. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best forest safari in India, spotlighting the top destinations for India safari tours that promise unforgettable encounters with the country’s iconic wildlife.
Top Wildlife Sanctuaries and Safari Parks in India
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
- Location: Nainital District, Uttarakhand
- Famous For: Bengal Tigers and Asian Elephants
- Flora and Fauna: Sal trees, riverine forests, leopards, wild boars, gharials, over 600 bird species
- Best Time to Visit: November to June
- Unique Feature: Oldest national park in India and part of the Project Tiger initiative
Travel & Taxi Info:
Nearest Town: Ramnagar (12 km)
Taxis and private drivers available from Delhi (260 km), Nainital, or Haldwani
2. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Location: Sawai Madhopur District, Rajasthan
Famous For: Royal Bengal Tigers
Flora and Fauna: Dhok trees, panthers, marsh crocodiles, wild boars, sambar, peacocks
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Unique Feature: A fort inside the park listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Travel & Taxi Info:
Nearest Station: Sawai Madhopur (11 km)
Taxi services available from Jaipur (180 km) and Kota
Nearby Attractions
Ranthambore Fort
Padam Talao (lake)
Surwal Lake
3. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Location: Mandla and Balaghat Districts
- Famous For: Barasingha (swamp deer)
- Flora and Fauna: Sal forests, leopards, wild dogs, tigers, over 300 bird species
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
- Unique Feature: Basis for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book
Travel & Taxi Info:
Nearest Airport: Jabalpur (165 km)
Car rentals and taxis are available from Jabalpur, Nagpur, and Raipur
Nearby Attractions
Bamni Dadar (Sunset Point)
Kawardha Palace
Tribal villages
4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Location: Umaria District
Famous For: Highest density of Bengal Tigers
Flora and Fauna: Mixed forests, tigers, leopards, spotted deer, over 250 bird species
Best Time to Visit: October to June (April–May best for tiger sightings)
Travel & Taxi Info:
Nearest Station: Umaria (35 km)
Taxis available from Jabalpur (170 km)
Nearby Attractions
Bandhavgarh Fort
Shesh Shaiya (Lord Vishnu Statue)
Tala Jeep Safari Village
5. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- Location: Golaghat and Nagaon Districts
- Famous For: One-horned Rhinoceros
- Flora and Fauna: Tall grasslands, elephants, tigers, wild buffaloes, swamp deer
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Unique Feature: UNESCO World Heritage Site with the highest rhino population
Travel & Taxi Info:
Nearest Airport: Guwahati (193 km)
Taxis and private drivers available from Tezpur and Jorhat
Nearby Attractions
Majuli Island
Kakochang Waterfalls
Assamese Tea Gardens
6. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
- Location: South 24 Parganas
- Famous For: Royal Bengal Tigers and Mangrove Ecosystem
- Flora and Fauna: Mangroves, estuarine crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins, monitor lizards
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Unique Feature: Largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO site
Travel & Taxi Info:
Nearest Town: Canning (45 km from Kolkata)
Taxis and boat transfers available from Kolkata
Nearby Attractions
Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary
Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project
7. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Location: Thekkady, Idukki District
Famous For: Elephants and Boat Safaris
Flora and Fauna: Evergreen forests, leopards, Nilgiri langurs, tigers, gaurs
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Unique Feature: Boat safari on Periyar Lake
Travel & Taxi Info:
Nearest Cities: Kochi (150 km) and Madurai (136 km)
Taxis, buses, and private drivers are easily available
Nearby Attractions
Spice Plantations
Kathakali and Kalaripayattu shows
8. Gir National Park, Gujarat
- Location: Junagadh District
- Famous For: Asiatic Lions
- Flora and Fauna: Dry deciduous forests, leopards, hyenas, jackals, crocodiles
- Best Time to Visit: December to March
- Unique Feature: Only natural habitat of Asiatic lions in the world
Travel & Taxi Info:
Nearest Airport: Rajkot (160 km)
Taxis available from Rajkot, Junagadh, and Somnath
Nearby Attractions
Somnath Temple
Girnar Hills
Taxi Services for Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
Toyota Glanza – For Budget Wildlife Getaways (2-3 Pax)
Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families. Ideal for short wildlife escapes. Compact, fuel-efficient & comfortable.
Toyota Innova – Family-Friendly Safari Trips (4-6 Pax)
Great for family tours to national parks. Spacious boot for safari gear and luggage. Smooth ride even in remote locations.
Innova Crysta – Premium Jungle Rides (4-6 Pax)
A luxurious option for small groups. Enhanced legroom & comfort for long drives. Popular for Ranthambhore, Bandhavgarh, etc.
Tempo Traveller – Wildlife Group Tours (9–17 Pax)
Ideal for group safaris and educational wildlife tours. Available in AC & Non-AC. Pushback seats & ample luggage space.
Urbania Van – Premium Group Safari Travel (10–17 Pax)
Stylish interiors, high roof, and modern features. Great for forest reserves with long road access. Preferred by corporate wildlife retreat groups.
Luxury Bus – For Large Wildlife Expedition Teams (25–45 Pax)
Suitable for large groups, school/collegetours. Equipped with entertainment systems & pushback seats. Safe and comfortable for long-distance forest travel.
Travel Trips
Booking Taxis
Opt for trusted local providers or apps like Savaari, MakeMyTrip, or connect with reliable tour operators for private cars with experienced drivers.
Multi-Destination Trips
Planning to explore more than one place? Hiring a private driver for your entire journey offers comfort, flexibility, and better value.
Safari Booking
Book your safari permits in advance, especially during weekends or peak wildlife seasons — it saves time and ensures your preferred slot.
Luggage & Clothing
Pack light and neutral-toned clothes for safaris. Don’t forget binoculars, a good hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent to stay protected and comfortable.
Combine Your Safari with Sightseeing
Pair your wildlife adventure with cultural or scenic spots near each sanctuary:
Wildlife safaris in India are more than just spotting animals – they are an immersive experience into nature, culture, and conservation. Each sanctuary offers a unique glimpse into India’s natural heritage, making it a must-visit for every travel enthusiast.
Ready for a wild adventure? Pack your bags, book your safari, and let the roar of the jungle be your guide.
