Top 10 Wildlife Destinations in India to Enjoy Safari Tours

India is a true haven for wildlife lovers as it has many different species and habitats. You can see everything ranging from the giant Bengal tiger to the snow leopard in the country’s national parks and wildlife shelters. A jungle safari in India is one of the best ways to witness these wonders up close when yearning for adventure. However, choosing the perfect place for a jungle safari can be challenging as there are numerous wildlife destinations in India. The Machaan team has curated a list of the top 10 wildlife destinations in India for you to enjoy safari tours. So, start reading below to plan your next adventure.

Below is a list of the top destinations in India to witness the beauty of wildlife.

Karnataka’s Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is one of the most stunning wildlife destinations in India. It is a haven for nature lovers. The park is sometimes referred to as Rajiv Gandhi National Park. It is home to thick forests, calm rivers, and animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, and deer. Nagarhole should top your list when looking for the best jungle safari in India. Guests can take a jeep or boat ride through the park to get a special view of all the local plants and animals. Families and people interested in wildlife photography will love this safari.

Sakleshpur, Karnataka

Sakleshpur is known for its serene coffee estates and misty hills. However, it’s also gaining recognition as a budding location for safari tours and travels. There are a number of little forested areas and corridors that allow wildlife to move between the Western Ghats. This town does not offer a conventional safari experience like other parks. But Sakleshpur offers offbeat jungle safari tours that combine plantation walks, bird watching, and close encounters with wild species like deer, wild boars, and numerous endemic birds. Travelers seeking a peaceful yet wild retreat must visit this town. Sakleshpur is a hidden gem among wildlife destinations in India.

Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett is India’s first national park and one of the most iconic names in wildlife tourism. It is perfect for those wanting the best wildlife safari in India. Corbett offers multiple zones for jungle safari in India. However, Dhikala is the most popular. It is perfect for a solo adventurer. Also, this park is suitable for planning safari tours and travels with family.

Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan

Ranthambore is one of the best jungle safaris in India. You must visit it if spotting the Bengal tiger is on your wishlist. The park in Rajasthan provides both a wildlife adventure and an interest in its history. This is because it is close to the Ranthambore Fort. The rugged terrain and picturesque ruins make for a thrilling jungle safari tour. It’s a key stop in most wildlife safari tours in India.

Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh National Park

Enthusiasts of wildlife must visit Bandhavgarh. It is famous for having the highest number of tigers per square kilometer in India. The lush sal forests and open meadows offer excellent opportunities for a jungle safari in India. Look out for tigers, leopards, bison, and sloth bears in India’s national parks. You can opt for well-planned safari tours and travels here. Bandhavgarh delivers an exhilarating experience and stands tall among the best wildlife safari in India.

Kanha National Park, in Madhya Pradesh

Kanha National Park has inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. It is one of the biggest jungle safari in India. Many visit for the tigers. However, the area also protects the barasingha. The wide meadows, bamboo forests, and scenic landscapes offer a surreal jungle safari tour experience. Kanha is a must-visit for those crafting comprehensive India safari tours itineraries.

Assam’s Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga is home to two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceroses. It is one of the most unique wildlife destinations in India. Large numbers of wild elephants, swamp deer, and tigers live in the park’s wetlands and grasslands. Close observations of elephants are possible on Jeep and elephant safaris. It's no wonder Kaziranga is prominently featured in wildlife safari tours in India.

Gir National Park in Gujarat

Gir is the only place in the world where you can see Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. It is a highlight of any jungle safari in India. You can see leopards, hyenas, jackals, and a range of bird life in the park. Gir’s rugged terrain and dense deciduous forests make every jungle safari tour here an adventure. Gir offers a rare and exhilarating experience for those seeking unique India safari tours.

Maharashtra’s Tadoba National Park

Tadoba is one of the emerging stars in Indian wildlife tourism. It is fast becoming one of the best jungle safari in India. Frequent tiger sightings make the park famous and the park is also home to wild dogs, gaurs and crocodiles. Tadoba is a great pick if you're planning safari tours and travels to a less commercialized yet rewarding destination.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala

Periyar is in the lush Western Ghats. You can enjoy boat safaris on the Periyar Lake. It’s not like the traditional safaris you find elsewhere. Many tourists come here to watch elephants and various other animals. Though not among the biggest jungle safaris in India, its tranquil setting and rich biodiversity make it an essential stop for wildlife safari tours.

These wildlife destinations in India promise thrilling encounters with the wild. India safari tours offer something for everyone, ranging from the tiger territories of Madhya Pradesh to the rhino lands of Assam and the lion zones of Gujarat.

Book your stay at responsible properties that blend with their environment. Machaan Wilderness Lodge in Nagarhole is an exceptional choice. It offers comfortable stays in the heart of the jungle and seamless access to jungle safari tours. For a more serene yet equally engaging wildlife experience, Machaan Plantation Resort in Sakleshpur provides a blend of coffee estate tranquility and close encounters with nature. This makes it a unique option when looking for a jungle safari resort.

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and set out on a journey through the best wildlife safari in India.