Winter – November To February
Winter is one of the best times to visit wildlife sanctuaries across India. With pleasant temperatures and animals venturing out to bask in the sun, it’s an ideal season for safaris.
The cooler weather makes the experience enjoyable because you won’t have to battle the scorching summer heat.
Best Sanctuaries To Visit In India During Winter:
1. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Best Time: Between October and March
Time:
- Morning Safari: 6:30 am to 10:00 am
- Afternoon Safari: 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm
How to reach:
- Nearest airport: Jaipur International Airport
- Nearest railway station: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station
Unique Spotting:
- Fishing Cat
- Desert Fox
- Hanuman Langurs
- Tigers
- Caracals
- Asian Palm Swifts
- Mynas
- Snub-nosed Marsh Crocodiles
2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Best Time: Between November and February
Time:
- Morning Jeep Safari: 6:00 am to 9:00 am
- Evening Jeep Safari: 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm
- Morning Canter Safari: 6:00 am to 11:30 am
- Evening Canter Safari: 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm
How to reach:
- Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport
- Nearest railway station: Haldwani Railway Station
Unique Spotting:
- Royal Bengal Tigers
- Asian Elephants
- Indian Foxes
- King Cobra
- Great White Pelican
- Sambar Deer
- Leopards
3. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Best Time: Between November and February
Time:
- Morning Safari: 7:30 am to 11:30 am
- Afternoon Safari: 1:30 pm to 4:35 pm
How to reach:
- Nearest airport: Jorhat Airport
- Nearest railway station: Furkating Junction Railway Station
Unique Spotting:
- Gaur
- Wild Buffaloes
- Indian Rollers
- Fish Eagles
- One-horned Rhinoceros
- Macaques
Summer – March To June
Although summer temperatures can be challenging, they offer excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings. Animals are drawn to water sources due to the heat, so you’re more likely to spot them near lakes, rivers, and ponds.
Best Sanctuaries To Visit In India During Summer:
1. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Best Time: Between March and June
Time:
- Morning Safari: 6:00 am to 9:30 am
- Evening Safari: 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm
How to reach:
- Nearest airport: Khajuraho Airport
- Nearest railway station: Katni Railway Station
Unique Spotting:
- White Tigers
- Barking Deer
- Nilgai
- Wild Boar
- Chausingha
- Chinkara
2. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra
Best Time: Between March and June
Time:
- Morning Safari: 6:00 am to 11:00 am
- Evening Safari: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
How to reach:
- Nearest airport: Nagpur Airport
- Nearest railway station: Seoni Railway Station
Unique Spotting:
- Crow Pheasant
- Peafowl
- Whistling Teal
- Wagtail
- Munia
- Waterfowl
- Crimson-Breasted Barbet
- Red-Vented
3. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Best Time: Between March and May
Time:
- Morning Safari: 6:00 am to 10:00 am
- Evening Safari: 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm
How to reach:
- Nearest airport: Jabalpur Airport
- Nearest railway station: Gondia Railway Station
Unique Spotting:
- Tiger
- Panther
- Chital
- Barasingha
- Blackbuck
- Wild Pig
- Jackal
- Wild Dog
Monsoon – July To September
Monsoon might not be the most popular time for wildlife safaris, as many parks close due to rain. However, it’s a great time for lush landscapes and birdwatching, as the showers bring vibrant foliage, and several bird species, both local and migratory, can be easily spotted.
This is because monsoons mark the start of a season of hatching, nesting, and singing in the world of birds.
Best Sanctuaries To Visit In India During Monsoon:
1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Best Time: June to September for monsoon
Time:
- Boat safari: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm (with 15-30 mins halt between each safari)
- Nature walks: 7:00 am to 10:00 am; 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Border hike and bamboo rafting: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Trekking: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
How to reach:
- Nearest airport: Madurai Airport
- Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station
Unique Spotting:
- Brahmini Kites
- Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
- Black–Necked Stork
- Indian Elephant
- Leopard
- Indian Wild Dog
- Barking Deer
- Mouse Deer
2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Best Time: June to September for monsoon
Time:
- Jeep Safari: 7:00 am to 10:00 am; 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Nature Walks: 7:00 am to 10:00 am; 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
How to reach:
- Nearest airport: Karippur Airport
- Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station
Unique Spotting:
- White-Rumped Vulture
- Himalayan Griffon
- Asiatic Elephant
- The Four-Horned Antelope
- Malabar Giant Squirrel
- Sambar Deer
Summing Up
Each of India’s wildlife sanctuaries offers a unique glimpse of nature. Whether you’re chasing tiger sightings in the summer, enjoying birdwatching in the monsoon, or exploring serene landscapes in winter, each presents its own unique adventure.
If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit wildlife sanctuaries in India, this seasonal guide will help you find the answers and more.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are some frequently asked questions about best time to visit wildlife sanctuaries in india:
Q1. How Many Wildlife Sanctuaries Are There in India?
There are about 573 wildlife sanctuaries in India. These sanctuaries protect a wide range of ecosystems and species, offering a safe haven for both flora and fauna. Each sanctuary plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, and they are an important part of India’s conservation efforts.
Q2. Which Is The Largest Wildlife Sanctuary In India?
The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is India’s largest wildlife sanctuary by size, covering an area of approximately 7,500 square kilometers. On the other hand, Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam is largest in terms of their conserved species. It is renowned for its large population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Q3. Which Is The Smallest Wildlife Sanctuary In India?
The smallest wildlife sanctuary in India is the Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra, covering an area of approximately 5.14 square kilometers. Despite its small size, it is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Indian Peafowl (Peacock), Nilgai (Blue Bull), and Wild Boar, along with many bird species, making it an important site for conservation and nature enthusiasts.
Q4. What Is The Best Time To Visit Gir?
The best time to visit Gir National Park in Gujarat is during the winter months (from November to March). During this period, the weather is cooler and more comfortable for wildlife safaris, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C.
