As the post-monsoon safari season begins in October, here’s a list of some of the national parks and sanctuaries to explore for the best seat in the house
Greater one-horned rhinoceros. Pic courtesy/Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve
Don’t miss this sanctuary in Assam, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a gem for wildlife enthusiasts bordered by the Brahmaputra River. The grassy meadows, lakes and forests boast an impressive range of animals, from tigers, elephants and various avian species, to wild water buffaloes and the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Log on to Diphlu River Lodge, diphluriverlodge.com
Also check out: Sundarban Tiger Reserve sundarbantigerroarresort.com)
Ranthambore National Park
A sloth bear. Pic courtesy/Ranthambore National Park
Having served as a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur long ago, the deciduous forest in Rajasthan is now a popular choice for tiger safaris. Offering ease of tiger-spotting with its vast dry meadows, the park also provides glimpses of leopards, sloth bears, and reptile species, including snakes and the snub-nosed marsh crocodile. For history buffs and scenery lovers, the park boasts of the centuries-old Ranthambore Fort atop a hill, a Ganesh temple, and the Padam Talao Lake.
Log on to Khem Villas, khemvillas.com
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
A tigress and her cubs roam in Tadoba reserve. Pic courtesy/Waghoba Eco Lodge
This popular wildlife sanctuary, located in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, comprises a teak and bamboo forest. It offers sights of langur monkeys, Nilgai (Indian blue bull), and of course, the tiger. Avian enthusiasts can go birdwatching for a wide range of species, including peacocks, eagles, and Malabar Pied Hornbills.
Log on to Waghoba Eco Lodge, waghobaecolodge.com
Also check out: Pench Tiger Reserve (Pench Jungle Camp, penchjunglecamp.com); Melghat Tiger Reserve (Melghat Tiger Retreat, @melghattigerretreat)
Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Elephants at Bandipur. Pic courtesy/Bandipur Safari Lodge
Located near the Nilgiris, in the Mysuru and Chamarajanagar revenue districts of Karnataka, this sanctuary is a mix of scrub jungle, dry deciduous and tropical mixed deciduous forest, resulting in an array of flora and fauna, mainly iconic large mammals such as tigers, elephants and Great Indian Gaur.
Log on to Bandipur Safari Lodge, bandipursafarilodge.com
Also check out: Kabini, Nagerhole National Park (thebisonresort.com), Periyar Tiger Reserve (KTDC Periyar House, ktdc.com)
Kanha National Park
Indian Gaur at Kanha. Pic courtesy/Kanha National Park
This lush, emerald-green Sal and bamboo forest in Madhya Pradesh is an unmissable destination for tiger safaris. While the Royal Bengal Tiger is the star, amidst the expansive meadows and dense foliage, you can expect to find the unique Barasingha (swamp) deer, wild boars, jackals, packs of elusive dholes (wild dogs), and the Great Indian Gaur (Indian bison). Also, look out for water birds along the park’s streams and the famous Shravan Taal.
Log on to Kipling Camp, kiplingcamp.com
Also check out: Bandhavgarh National Park (Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge, bandhavgarhjunglelodge.com)
Corbett Tiger Reserve
Tigers at Jim Corbett. Pic courtesy/Corbett Tiger Reserve
The famous park in Uttarakhand, named after the legendary hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, is a perfect safari retreat at the onset of winter. Apart from the Royal Bengal Tiger, you can spot crocodiles, majestic elephants, the Indian Grey Mongoose, an abundance of Chital and Sambar deer, and a plethora of butterfly species at the Butterfly Park. If you prefer birdwatching, look out for various Kingfishers and Asian Paradise Flycatchers, in particular.
Log on to Jim’s Jungle Retreat, jimsjungleretreat.com
Also check out: Rajaji National Park (Wild Brook Retreat, wildbrookretreat.com)
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