With summer holidays around the corner, many families are already planning their next getaway. Instead of crowded tourist spots or city attractions, why not head into the wild this year?
Summer is considered one of the best seasons for jungle safaris in India, as animals frequently gather around water bodies, making wildlife sightings easier. From majestic tigers to elephants, deer and leopards, several national parks offer unforgettable safari experiences for both children and adults.
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India currently has over 100 national parks and 58 tiger reserves. Here are three jungles where your chances of spotting a tiger are especially high.
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is located near Nainital in Uttarakhand. It's India's first national park. Spread across 520 square kilometers, this national park has approximately 8 safari zones. Nearly 200 tigers reside here. Besides tigers, elephants, leopards, nilgai, and sambar deer can also be spotted.
Tourists can go on jungle safaris twice a day here. During summer, safaris run from 5:45 AM to 9:45 AM and from 3 PM to 7 PM. Six people can sit in one jeep. The cost per jeep ranges from ₹6,500 to ₹9,500.
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is located in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. It's one of North India's largest and most famous tiger conservation projects. There are approximately 10 safari zones here, of which zones 1 to 5 are known as core zones. However, tigers and other wildlife can also be seen in zones 6 to 10.
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This national park has approximately 92 tigers. Besides tigers, leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, sambar deer, chital deer, nilgai, etc., can be spotted. During summer, safaris run from 06:00–09:30 AM and 03:00–06:30 PM. The cost per person ranges from ₹1,450 to ₹2,400.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. If you visit Bandhavgarh during summer holidays, you'll definitely spot tigers. There are 6 safari zones in total – 3 core zones and 3 buffer zones. Bandhavgarh has approximately 70-75 tigers.
Along with tigers, wildlife like leopards, wild elephants, Indian bison, sambar deer, barking deer, nilgai, wild boar, and sloth bears can also be seen. During summer, jungle safaris run from 06:00–11:30 AM and 03:00–06:30 PM. The cost per jeep ranges from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000.
