Planning a wildlife trip in India

India is covered in vast tract of forests, and is home to a variety of species of animals, birds, insects and reptiles. No wonder, it’s the land where Rudyard Kipling conceived the famous Jungle Book and roamed the belly of India to be inspired. With a number of national parks in the country, it is tough to decide which one to choose from. Here’s a handy guide on some of the most famous ones, each special for sighting different animals and offering a peek into varied landscapes.

Enjoy the company of forest inhabitants

Best time to visit: National parks are closed in the monsoon months between 15th June and 30th September. This is the time when jeep safaris are impossible in the soft muddy trails and for many animals, this is the mating season. It is only important to keep them from the prying eyes of tourists.

When to book: In general, the winter months are most popular to travel in as the plains are not blazing hot. The October to December period is especially popular for visitors, but the best sighting is usually in the slightly warmer months of March to May. This is when the vegetation is sparse and animals often come to watering holes to drink. Sighting experts and naturalists can study patterns and ensure that visitors are at the right time and place. However, book your tickets much before the season opens as the government sites for limited safaris get booked out in hours.

How to book: It is advised to book your stay and safari via a travel agent or directly with the resort, to ensure that you get a safari of your choice. The seats are coveted and options limited to you have to plan ahead. When travelling, try and maximize your mornings and evenings for being in the jungle.

Here’s a list of some of the best national forests of the country.

Ranthambore

As one of the oldest hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Rajasthan, Ranthambore still exudes a royal charm. Only, the king of the jungle, tiger, is the one at the helm. The almost 400 sq km stretch of the park is known for its tiger population along with other mammals. The famous Machli (the world’s most photographed tigress) walked these trails until 2016. Ranthambore is a great option to spend a couple of days in a heritage themed hotel and be in close proximity to the jungle. Book your safaris ahead.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

One of the 40 Project Tiger reserves of the country, Tadoba also boasts of an impressive sighting of the striped cats. Being relatively untrodden, the frequency of sighting is presumably higher. The famous Maya and her brood walk the forest. Other than the tigers, there are many other mammals and birds to spot. Leopards, sloth bears, civet cats, barking deer, Indian gaur and dholes are some of the other animals seen here.

 Bandhavgarh National Park

The saal and mixed deciduous trees of Bandhavgarh make for a stunning scape – the one that mesmerized writers like Rudyard Kipling to come and spend time here. It inspired him to write the Jungle Book that is still regarded the best forest themed book for children. Bandhavgarh’s fringes are dotted with some of India’s best jungles lodges and camps. Find a great accommodation and explore the thick jungles and its amazing flora and fauna.

Tiger family in Bandhavgarh

Bandipur National Park

An essential for wildlifers travelling to South India, Bandipur offers vivid vignettes of a dense jungle. Leopards and elephants hold sway here. The forest reserve is a stellar example of proper patrolling during the night and reducing human-wildlife interface by stopping traffic on the highway that crosses through it. There are a number of reasonable and plush accommodations around the park – perfect proximity to explore the jungle.

Kaziranga National Park

The Assam based national park is synonymous to the one-horned rhinoceros, and an essential for ardent wildlife enthusiasts. The sprawling national park is largely covered in elephant grass; you get enough of it by wading through it on actual elephants on a safari. Mornings are particularly beautiful with the soft mist caught between the grass, through which rhinos and water buffaloes look even more surreal.

The most crucial part of a wildlife-focused trip is a safari. While accommodation is also important, plan ahead to book ample and confirmed safaris and make the most of your trip into the jungles of India.