Best Wildlife Safaris in India: Top National Parks, Animals to Spot & When to Go

At Baloni Bespoke Travel, we curate tailor-made India safari holidays that blend luxury, adventure, and conservation. Whether you're a first-time wildlife lover or a seasoned safari-goer, here's our guide to the best national parks for wildlife safaris in India.

Top 5 Wildlife Safari Parks in India

1. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

  • Best for: Tiger safari in India
  • Wildlife: Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles
  • Best time to visit: October to April
  • A favorite among wildlife photographers and royalty alike, Ranthambore offers dramatic landscapes dotted with ancient ruins—perfect for spotting tigers in the wild.

2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

  • Best for: India's oldest and most iconic safari park
  • Wildlife: Elephants, tigers, leopards, gharials, over 600 bird species
  • Best time to visit: November to June (avoid monsoon season)
  • Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett is ideal for India wildlife tours with a mix of jungle, riverine forests, and grasslands.

3. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

  • Best for: Classic jungle safari experience
  • Wildlife: Barasingha (swamp deer), tigers, wild dogs, bison
  • Best time to visit: February to May
  • Kanha inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book and remains a top pick for immersive wildlife holidays in India.

4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

  • Best for: Highest density of tigers in India
  • Wildlife: Tigers, leopards, Indian bison, langurs
  • Best time to visit: March to June
  • If seeing a tiger is your goal, this is your park. The compact size and diverse terrain increase your chances of a close encounter.

5. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

  • Best for: One-horned rhinoceroses and unique northeast India safaris
  • Wildlife: Rhinos, elephants, swamp deer, wild buffalo, tigers
  • Best time to visit: November to April
  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is a must for travelers seeking rare species and off-the-beaten-path wildlife experiences in India.

Top Animals to Spot on an India Safari

  • Bengal Tiger – The star of Indian safaris, found in parks like Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh & Kanha
  • Asian Elephant – Common in Corbett and southern parks like Nagarhole
  • One-Horned Rhinoceros – Iconic to Kaziranga
  • Indian Leopard – Elusive but widespread
  • Sloth Bear, Wild Dog (Dhole), Gaur, Barasingha, and countless birds add to the thrill

Best Time for Wildlife Safaris in India

  • October to April – Peak season for safaris across most national parks
  • March to May – Hotter months but better wildlife visibility (especially for tiger sightings)
  • Monsoon (June to September) – Most parks closed due to rains

Plan Your Bespoke India Wildlife Safari with Us

At Baloni Bespoke Travel, we design personalized India wildlife itineraries that go beyond the ordinary. From luxury jungle lodges and private jeep safaris to expert naturalist guides and offbeat conservation encounters, we make sure your wildlife experience is as meaningful as it is magical.