Have you observed a new wave of tourism having descended upon Indian tourists? Look around you, and you’ll see how people these days take only wildlife tours, musical journeys, wine tours, museum tours or luxury spa vacations. If you love camping in the wild amidst wild animals and birds, here are a few options of visiting some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Jim Corbett National Park in Uttaranchal
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The most famous and the foremost national park of India, the Jim Corbett National Park was founded way back in 1936. Located in the beautiful district of Uttarakhand, this park houses tigers, jackals, elephants and leopards. You’d have to be very lucky to spot the Himalayan Black Bear though. Developed over many years, the park also offers various accommodation facilities and lodges. Combine it with a quick tour of the hill city of Nainital.
Ranthambore National Park
This is another typical case of erstwhile royal hunting grounds being converted into a national park because of the danger to near extinct wildlife species. Located about 130 kms from Jaipur, you can see riveting species of jungle cats, sloth bears, tigers, hyenas, leopards and a variety of reptiles. Accessible from October to June, a great idea would be to club the Ranthambore and Bharatpur sanctuaries for a complete experience of the wild.
If you’re heading down south and are scouting for a great place to spot wildlife, then you must visit the Periyar Tiger Reserve located in Idukki, Kerala. The best known wildlife sanctuary of Southern India, this place is spread over 777 sq. kms of jungle. It’s a haven for tigers, elephants, Sambar (a deer species) and birds. If you’re game for spotting wildlife from your bedroom window, then the Lake Palace and Aranya Nivas could be two options for your accommodation. A trip between September to May should be your best bet for spotting maximum wildlife species.
Kaziranga National Park
This famous rhino sanctuary has a completely different flavour because of the difference in terrain of its location – the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Spread over 430 sq.kms of pure rhino watch, Kaziranga is also sure to delight you with a superb variety of elephants, hog deers, otters, langurs, badgers, leopard cats and much more. Satiate the bird lover in you with your binoculars pointing at the Oriental Honey Buzzard, a variety of eagles and kites. Kaziranga awaits you from November to April.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Did you know this is a manmade bird sanctuary? Also known as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, this sanctuary is located in Rajasthan. Rated as one of the finest bird parks in the world, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is home to many indigenous and migratory birds such as the Siberian Crane. The best time to visit is during the winter months. Don’t forget being patient on your trip. You know that bird watching demands a tremendous amount of patience right?
A visit to some of these wildlife sanctuaries will open you up to the fact that wildlife tourism can be so exciting and interesting. There’s no other joy like waiting in the bushes with your binoculars and finally spotting a tiger!
