With the monsoon sweeping across India every July, notable national parks across the country shut down. All well-known parks are closed during this time of the year. But with over a 100 national parks dispersed across the nation, with plans to establish further, there are many other parks that are still open for visits, with safaris plying in buffer areas only.
Make your way from across the west of India to the east to the state of West Bengal. The Sunderbans National Park, which extends till Bangladesh, is densely covered by mangrove forest and is home to the salt-water crocodile and of course, the Bengal Tiger. Take the Sunderban safari, where you are taken on a boat ride across the Brahmaputra River. If the safari isn't your calling, you can visit the Tin Kona Island. Literally meaning the three-cornered island, this island is popular for spotting deer. The island is quite isolated and offers a breathtaking view, and a mixture of wild forest and estuaries only help accentuate its beauty.
Getting There: To reach the Sunderbans in India, fly into Kolkata, the nearest major city. From there, take a train or a bus to Canning, which serves as a gateway to the Sunderbans. Alternatively, hire a car for a more direct journey. Once in Canning, board a ferry or a boat to navigate through the intricate network of rivers and estuaries leading into the Sunderbans. Ensure to plan your trip during the dry season for easier access and safer navigation.
Situated in the state of Karnataka, the Bandipur National Park is under the Project Tiger initiative of the Indian Government. It is one of India's premier Tiger reserves in the country and forms Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with three other wildlife sanctuaries. The rainy season is also the best time to spot large herds of Asiatic elephants, while the tigers can also be regularly spotted here.
Getting There: Bandipur National Park is located on the highway connecting Mysore and Ooty and the best mode of transportation is by car. By rail, the closest station is Mysore, 65 kilometers away. By air, Bangalore's Kempegowda International Airport is the closest airport at nearly 204 kilometers away.
Visiting Jawai in Rajasthan during the monsoon offers a unique opportunity for leopard spotting amidst a landscape transformed by the seasonal rains. The Jawai region, known for its thriving leopard population, becomes particularly captivating during this time, as the landscape is transformed with freshly growing vegetation and the resident big cats can be seen on rocky outcrops or lounging on sun-kissed boulders, creating unforgettable moments in the heart of the wilderness. Although not a protected national park or reserve yet, this area has a fascinating history of co-existence with big cats, worth exploring. Located 100 kms from Udaipur, Jawai is accessible by road.
Getting There: Fly into either Jodhpur or Udaipur, major cities in Rajasthan, which are the closest airports to Jawai. You can take a train to either Jodhpur or Udaipur railway stations, which are well-connected to major cities across India. From there, proceed by road - hire a car, take a bus, or arrange for a taxi from Jodhpur (170 kms) or Udaipur (140 kms) to reach Jawai.
Another national park located in Karnataka, Kudremukh stands for 'horse-faced' referring to a picturesque view of the side of a mountain that resembles the face of a horse. Leopards, tigers, sloth bears, among many others occupy the park. The Kudremukh National Park is also remembered for the Kadambi Waterfalls. A trekker's paradise, a range officer's permission is required to trek within the confines of the park. Around the park, attractions like the Ganga Moola, Sringeri Sharada Peetham, and Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple are other go-to places when in this area.
Getting There: Mangalore International Airport serves as the nearest airport, situated about 130 kilometers away. Alternatively, travelers can opt for rail transport, with Mangalore Railway Station being the nearest, located approximately 100 kilometers from the park. Upon arrival, road transport such as buses or taxis can be utilized for the remaining journey. Additionally, Kudremukh National Park is accessible by road from cities like Bengaluru, Udupi, and Chikmagalur.
Home to a extensively large population of Indian Elephants, Bengal Tigers, and Indian Bisons, the park derives its name from naga, meaning snake, and hole, referring to streams. Known previously as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, it has a rich forest cover, hills, valleys and waterfalls, and it borders the Bandipur National Park. The Nagarhole National Park is another one of India's premier tiger reserves. Unique to this park is the boat safari on the river Kabini from where you can spot extensive amounts of aquatic species. In addition, if you wish to encounter animals of greater variants or at a higher frequency rate, then we'd recommend the bus safari at Rs.150 per person or the even the Jeep safari (available only from Jungle Lodges and resorts Kabini) for a more personalised experience.
Getting There: Nagarhole National Park is adjacent t Bandipur and is located on the highway connecting Mysore and Ooty. The best mode of transportation is by car. By rail, the closest station is Mysore, 65 kilometers away. By air, Bangalore's Kempegowda International Airport is the closest airport at nearly 204 kilometers away.
One of the largest national parks in the country, the Desert National Park is a haven for migratory and residents birds of the desert. It is home to exotic species of eagles, vultures, falcons, and many more. The endangered Great Indian Bustard also seeks a sanctuary around these areas. The park, located between Jaisalmer and Barmer, is spread over 3,000 square kilometers. Rajasthan tourism, in 2016, also introduced the wildlife safari within the confines of the national park at Rs. 50 per person.
Getting There: For air travellers, Jodhpur Airport stands as the nearest, merely 40 kms away, with a short hour-long road journey to the park. Rail passengers can alight at Jodhpur Railway Station, around 60 kms from the park, and then continue their journey via road transport. Additionally, the park is well-connected by road from cities like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner, offering travellers the flexibility of buses or taxis for the 1-2 hour drive to the park's entrance, ensuring convenient access.