wildlife

Summer in India is the best time to plan a safari in India's national parks and reserves, especially for wildlife spotting. Safaris in India are loved by nature lovers for the opportunity to spot the royal bengal tigers in India. The trail of exploring the Tigers of Central India is one of the most wonderful reasons for wildlife lovers to visit the country in summer. The reason is, the fact that during the summers the suffocating sun drains most of the water resources in the jungle, forcing dozens of animals to go out and look for the remaining water sources. So, if you're patient and you can wait near these water resources, you're likely to spot these animals.

So planning a trip to a nature reserve during the summer is by no means a bad idea. India also boasts numerous national parks and nature reserves where travelers are spoiled for choice.

Safari in Ranthambore National Park

One of the largest national parks in northern India, it was once famous as the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Today it is famous as a tourist attraction for spectacular safaris. The Ranthambore National Park is also known as a famous archaeological site as pictorial ruins adorn the national park. A safari in this place could turn into a real-life experience; you can spot the famous Indian tiger as well as many other wild species of India. Whether you plan A short Ranthambore getaway or an Indian itinerary, this is one of the most interesting wildlife tours.

Safari in Kanha National Park

A safari in Kanha National Park will take you on an adventurous and exciting journey into the natural habitat of the wild creatures of India. This park is actually a haven for wildlife, and this place is famous for being the home of Barasingha, the marsh deer which is also notoriously called "the jewel of Kanha". It is also one of the best managed parks in Asia, and a Kanha safari will bring you a unique experience.

Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park

The most popular wildlife sanctuary in India, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh has the highest density of tigers the country’s national animal. Besides the Royal Bengal Tigers, this park was also famous for white tigers. Other animals inhabiting the jungles are sambar, chital, wild boar, wild dog, Indian fox, leopard, bison, blue bull, antelope, nilgai and others.

Wildlife safari in Bandhavgarh includes options of jeep or elephant rides, stay at the jungle resorts, visiting the Bandhavgarh Fort and certainly exciting memories.

Periyar National Park

Settled in God’s Own Country of Kerala, Periyar National Park is one of the most popular places in for wildlife safari in India. Elephant’s and tigers are the most popular residents but there is the Indian wild dog, sambar, wild pig, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr and others.

Early morning safaris are known for the decent chance of getting close to the wildlife as is boating in the Periyar Lake where the beasts come to quench their thirst. Eco-lodges and treehouses are popular options to stay while the national park also offers the chance to explore spice plantations of Thekkady.

Jim Corbett National Park

The oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, Jim Corbett National Park is settled on the mighty foothills of the Himalayas. The residents of the jungle include tigers, sloth bear, goral, fishing cat, leopard, chital, barking deer and others. The best way to spot tigers is jeep safari in the Bijrani zone while some glimpse of the wildlife is also available from the watchtowers in Dhikala and other regions.

A wildlife corridor is all set to be developed in India. The idea is to create a wildlife corridor that starts from Ranthambore in Rajasthan, covering national parks in Madhya Pradesh. The wildlife corridor will uplift tourism in the state, and also help in development activities.

The corridor will cover Madhya Pradesh’s Madhav National Park in Shivpuri district, Kuno-Palpur wildlife sanctuary in Sheopur district, and Panna Tiger Reserve in Panna district.

There is however a delay in bringing cheetahs from South Africa to the Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary due to the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier the cheetahs were supposed to reach in the month of March, but now there is a delay of about four weeks.

Madhya Pradesh is a wonderful wildlife destination with some of the best national parks and sanctuaries in the country. Connecting these destinations with Rajasthan’s famed Ranthambore National Park is a great move to create a wholesome wildlife travel experience.

A haven for Tigers, Rajasthan's iconic Ranthambore National Park is one of the best wildlife holiday destinations in India. Located close to the town of Sawai Madhopur, the wildlife sanctuary is a wonderful getaway in the wild owing to its amazing wildlife population, a gamut of wildlife resorts and properties and an incredible tale to take home. Ranthambore's proximity to Jaipur, a popular tourist destination in North India and a point on the Golden Triangle Tour establishess its populartity among tourists in India.

Previously the hunting grounds of the royal family, it is now a reserve for many species of the animal kingdom. The winter season in India, between October and March is considered the best time to visit this park due to the pleasant weather condition when the temperature ranges between comfortable 10℃ and 30℃. During winter, animals can be seen in the broad daylight basking under the sun. 

Well, here we have listed out five more interesting reasons to visit this stunning wildlife reserve on your next trip during Winter holidays.

1. A Birdwatcher’s Haven
This stunning wildlife reserve is home to many beautiful bird species like flamingos, flycatchers, waterfowl, sarus crane, grey hornbills, cormorant, serpent eagle, bronzed-winged jacana, painted spurfowl and nightjars among others. A huge number of migratory birds flock near the enormous water bodies at the park.

2. Easy Wildlife Spotting

Here comes the fun part! You can take a safari ride through the Ranthambore National Park and spot absolutely gorgeous and elegant Bengal tigers and leopards, who roam around freely and bask under the sun during Winter season. Apart from the large tiger population, the place is replete with chital, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, rufous tailed hare, toddy cats, sloth bear, mugger crocodile and more.

3. Mesmerising Nature's Beauty

The Aravalli and Vindhya ranges pass through this iconic wildlife reserve, overlooking stunning lakes like Padam Talao, Malik Talao, Rajbagh Talao and Surwal Lake. The hilly terrains also house many ancient temples like the Chamatkar Jain Temple, Kala Gaura Temple and Amreswar Mahadev.

4. Ancient Banyan Tree – Perfect Spot For Insta-Worthy Pics

Clicking Instagram-worthy pictures have become a part of traveller’s life. Don’t you agree? There is a gigantic Banyan tree in the Ranthanthambore National Park, which is known as the second-largest banyan tree in India. It sits near the Padam Talao lake and is one of the best places to click social media-worthy pictures!

5. The ancient Ranthambore Fort

For the unversed, the Ranthambore National Park is named after the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, that is perched on the hilltop and sits within the park. Earlier, the Chauhans were on the authority of this fort. The Delhi Sulnature captured it in the 13th century. Now, it stands as a striking old-world edifice, in the middle of the wilds. It is counted among the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Ranthambore park opens in the mid of October every year. So, get your family members, siblings or friends together and enjoy a wildlife jeep safari through the stretches of the beautiful jungle.

India abounds in jungles and with it the exciting thrill of wildlife safari. The vast and diverse country is home to many wild species of the animal kingdom. Jungle safaris are very popular in India as you enjoy a wide diversity of flora and fauna. While most species of the animal kingdom abound in the landscape, there is a particular fondness for Tigers. Along with spotting the wild species in their natural habitats, get to enjoy at eco-friendly wildlife resorts, campsites, treehouses, etc. Go for jungle treks, bird watching, elephant rides, jeep rides and even boat rides which adds to the fun of the wildlife holiday.

To enjoy the pleasures of wildlife tours in India, here are the top choices:

1. Bandhavgarh National Park

The most popular wildlife sanctuary in India, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh has the highest density of  tigers the country’s national animal. Besides the Royal Bengal Tigers, this park was also famous for white tigers. Other animals inhabiting the jungles are sambar, chital, wild boar, wild dog, Indian fox, leopard, bison, blue bull, antelope, nilgai and others.

Wildlife safari in Bandhavgarh includes options of jeep or elephant rides, stay at the jungle resorts, visit to the Bandhavgarh Fort and certainly exciting memories.

2. Ranthambore National Park

Once the hunting grounds of the royal family of Jaipur, Ranthambore is the most popular option for wildlife tours in India. The favourite resident of the jungle, tigers bring visitors in huge numbers from all across the globe. The many water sources in the jungle are home to a huge number of crocodiles, nilgai, sambhar, birds and more.

Stay at the heritage jungle resorts, the very ones used by the royalty on their hunting trips is particularly exciting as is exploring the 10th century Ranthambore Fort atop a hill overlooking the wilderness.

3. Gir National Park

The exclusive home of Asiatic lions in the natural habit, Gir National park in Gujarat is among the most visit places for a wildlife getaway. Besides, the king of the jungle, there are many inhabitants such as leopards, jackals and the Indian fox. Jeep safari brings you close to the lions.

4. Kanha National Park

Said to be the inspiration of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, Kanha National Park lures quite a huge number of wildlife lovers and animal enthusiasts. Apart from spotting tigers, you can find gaur, palm squirrel, striped hyena, chinkara, mouse deer, black buck, jackal, porcupine, sambhar and others. The best way to spot tigers is by taking the early morning elephant safari from Mukki entrance of the park.

5. Keoladeo Ghana National Park

The bird sanctuary with a status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, earlier known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the best places to go for jungle safari in India. Bird watching is a pleasure here as the nature reserve is home to more than 450 species of birds including migratory species that fly in for a winter visit as far as from Siberia and other cold countries. Keeping the natural beauty intact and noises at the minimum, safari at the bird paradise is available only on cycle rickshaws.

6. Periyar National Park

Settled in God’s Own Country of Kerala, Periyar National Park is one of the most popular places in for wildlife safari in India. Elephant’s and tigers are the most popular residents but there is the Indian wild dog, sambar, wild pig, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr and others.

Early morning safaris are known for the decent chance of getting close to the wildlife as is boating in the Periyar Lake where the beasts come to quench their thirst. Eco-lodges and treehouses are popular options to stay while the national park also offers the chance to explore spice plantations of Thekkady.

7. Jim Corbett National Park

The oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, Jim Corbett National Park is settled on the mighty foothills of Himalayas. The residents of the jungle include tigers, sloth bear, goral, fishing cat, leopard, chital, barking deer and others. The best way to spot tigers is jeep safari in the Bijrani zone while some glimpse of the wildlife is also available from the watchtowers in Dhikala and other regions.

The Indian Subcontinent is nothing short of wonderful. From the mightiest mountain peaks of the Himalayas to the deep blues of the Indian Ocean, from the vast Thar Desert to its backwaters, jungles to thriving cities, there is so much to discover. When it comes to a tropical paradise, the Indian Subcontinent is blessed with Sri Lanka. The pearl of the Indian Ocean, the beautiful island country of Sri Lanka offers a glimpse into the beautiful beaches, tropical weather, heritage, culture, Buddhist traditions and more.

Explore the many mesmeric charms and the places to include in your itinerary. Sri Lanka tours has lots to suit your interest.  Whether its the cloud-piercing mountains, tea covered hill slopes, verdant greenery, diverse wildlife, sandy beaches, and amiable hospitality, there are lots of reasons that you must explore Sri Lanka, the tropical paradise of the Indian Subcontinent.

1. Colombo

The bustling capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is one of the best places to visit in the island. Famous for its rich colonial heritage, shopping centers, stylish eateries, and beautiful art galleries. Leisure travelers can pamper themselves with Ayurvedic massage. Seek to explore the underworld world at the certified diving sites.

2. Sigiriya

An iconic attraction of Sri Lanka Tourism, Sigiriya is a true treasure. Many written manuscripts record that Sigiriya has ancient roots and is actually the place described in the Indian epic Ramayana. Though mostly in ruins, the site still displays unmatched grandeur. Reach the top of this ancient rock fortress by climbing around 1,200+ (approx.) stairs in three phases. UNESCO has titled Sigiriya as a Heritage Site of Sri Lanka because it proudly sits in the middle of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, including Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura. During the hike with locals guides to understand the terraced gardens and cave temples. 

3. Nuwara Eliya

Feel like you are vacationing in the mini version of England without actually going there. Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka is the extension of the beauty of Munnar, Coorg, Ooty, Wayanad, and Darjeeling because it is the tea capital of Sri Lanka. Suppress all your stress with a hot piping cup of Dilmah chai from the colonial-style accommodation in the middle of the tea plantations. Dilmah, the world’s famous tea brand, originated from Sri Lanka, which is enough to measure the hype of this cool climate place in Sri Lanka.

Located in the central province of Sri Lanka at an elevation of 6,199 feet (1,889 meters) above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is one of the best romantic places to visit in Sri Lanka for couples due to its cool climate, like in the Munnar. However, what is icing to the cake at this tea capital of Sri Lanka is the scenic train rides that run to Kandy.

The Battered Victorian Railway Engines crawl up into the hill country through undulating tea estates, and you must stand at the open doorways and watch the sweeping views of the manicured greenery. All you just need to do is keep a tight grip on the handrails while soaking the breathtaking lushness.

Dambulla

In the fertile valley of Matale district of Sri Lanka, Dambulla is located, which is famous for its 5 cave temples that are a treasure trove of Sinhalese Buddhist Architecture. Dambulla is one of the most impressive places to see in Sri Lanka with family where several elements of Buddhism in Sri Lanka could be traced.

Here there is a Pidurangala Rock where you will enjoy the staircase hike to enjoy the commanding views of the Lion’s Rock. A hot air balloon ride in Dambulla at Kandalama Lake is a great chance for couples to exchange promises amidst the heights overlooking Sri Lanka’s top cultural and heritage attractions like a bird.

You can also go to Minneriya National Park near Dambulla for wildlife safaris. And if you are lucky and ICC events are going on, don’t miss celebrating the evening at the live-action at Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Watch the largest herd of captivating elephants in the world at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Sri Lanka with kids where they can cuddle and feed friendly elephants. At Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, these giant creatures take a bath in the River and watching them getting pampered with the tourists is one of the best experiences to cherish in Sri Lanka.

Yala National Park

Put on your binoculars, charge your cameras because Yala National Park in Sri Lanka in the southeastern corner of Sri Lanka has the highest degree of leopards in the world. Yala National Park is, without doubt, one of the best places to see wildlife in Sri Lanka for couples, families.

One must spend their half-day at Yala National Park to witness the other flora and fauna flourishing in the park. The park remains closed for maintenance from September to October first week.

You must hire a guide to understand the zones in the park because a few of the drivers speak less frequent English. Did we mention you can stay in cocooned-shaped tented logs and inhale the raw wildlife experience?

Kandy

Backpacking through Sri Lanka and missing Kandy in your itinerary is a sin because bio-diverse rainforests and tea plantations embrace the beauty of this hill station snuggled at an elevation of 500 m (approx.). The unique Temple of Tooth is the highlight of Kandy tourism which is supposedly known to house the tooth of the Buddha.

However, UNESCO has decreased Kandy, a heritage site, back around two decades because Sri Lanka Tourism considers Kandy the cultural capital of the teardrop-shaped nation.

Couples will love a romantic stroll at the shimmering Kandy Lake in the night. Behold the roaring sound of the Hulu River Waterfall cascading from the height of 75 m (approx.) if you want to enjoy some time amidst the cooling drizzles.

We forget to mention that the Kandy to Ella train ride is a rewarding train journey that takes you through the narrow tunnels and lush green tea plantations. Kandy is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in July or August because the Esala Poya Perahera is Sri Lanka’s most extravagant festival at its full hype.

Galle

Lace up your sneakers and drive around 2.5 hours (approx.) to Galle from Colombo via the country’s first modern superhighways. Galle, famous for its 17th century Galle Fort built by dutch colonists, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified city has plush resorts and hotels influenced by the Dutch style of architecture. If you are looking to enjoy some good time in Sri Lanka with your near or dear ones, Galle is a modern town bestowed with charming eateries, trinkets, shops and art galleries to explore.

Although the largest remaining European building is Sea Fort, Gale Fort is the major pull of tourism in Galle. Apart from it, couples will love to laze around the secluded beaches in Galle, including Pitiwella Beach, Jungle Beach, Unawatuna Beach and Mihiripenna Beach. Family travelers would love taking a day trip to National Museum Galle and excursions to the Sea Turtle Hatchery. A visit to the Galle in late January or early February will be an icing to the cake because Galle Literary Festival attracts locals and like-minded tourists.

With 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites under its belts, Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island nation by size, not by the encounters. You will gain larger than life experiences no matter which province in Sri Lanka you will drift.