Top 5 Wildlife Sanctuaries In India (2020)

India is a haven of biodiversity. The top 5 wildlife sanctuaries in India are home to several species that are endemic to the Indian subcontinent. From tigers to elephants, rhinos to bears, cobras to hornbills and more… here is a list of Tiger Safari India’s top five wildlife sanctuaries in India that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.

#1) Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh – Central India

Prime tiger territory, Kanha is one of the largest national parks in Central India. It is thick with shrubs, climbers, and creepers running over tree branches, which creates a dense canopy of greenery, punctuated by several lakes and water holes. Naturalists believe that as tiger numbers start to dwindle, Kanha (along with Corbett and Nandhaur) will remain one of the last tiger populated jungles. The Kanha-Pench tiger corridor is one of the healthiest and safest passages of migration for these felines and as a result, strong and resilient genes proliferate here.

Kanha National Park has over 500 hard ground swamp deer, thanks to a massive conservation effort. It also has a sizeable population of Gaur (The Indian Bison) and Leopards. The dense foliage and grass is a perfect habitat for these stealthy animals to stalk their prey. The other major predator in Kanha is the Wild Dog, known locally as the Dhole. Primates and reptiles are plentiful and the birding in Kanha is mind-blowing. There are over 300 species of birds in Kanha. One constantly sees flashes of color as Teals, Hornbills, Warblers, Bee-Eaters, Barbets and many other birds cross your line of vision. Several birds of prey, especially eagles, abound in Kanha as well.

#2) Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh – Central India

Thick bamboo groves are interspersed by groves of Sal and Mahua trees whose scent mingles with the jungle’s earthy fragrance. Bandhavgarh blends several species of vegetation, including tropical moist and tropical dry deciduous forest. As a result, it has become a breeding ground for over 600 species of flowering plants. Over thirty-five species of mammals, 250 species of birds, 75 species of butterflies, and of course, the ultimate predator – the tiger.

Today, Bandhavgarh national park has one of the highest population densities of the tiger in the world. It is a key reserve for the Project Tiger wildlife conservation initiative. The Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), Bengal Fox, Leopards, Mongooses, Hyenas, and Jackals are the other predators that roam the forest. It is also rampant with several species of deer, wild boar, squirrels, bandicoots, and primates. Bandhavgarh is a Raptor haven. Bird lovers, beware. You may never leave this enchanted forest. From Sapphire Flycatchers to Golden Orioles, the Indian Hornbill to the Hoopoe, it’s a kaleidoscope of vivid hue and cry.

#3) Corbett National Park, Uttaranchal – North India

Corbett’s landscape and legend lend itself to the wildlife lover’s imagination. It is the oldest national park in India. This park is named after Jim Corbett national park, who was ironically a big game hunter turned ardent conservationist, who spent several years in the area and came to call it his own. This park is a natural habitat for herds of elephants, tigers, the Asiatic Black Bear, Leopards, and several other species.

It was also the first ​park to launch the Project Tiger wildlife conservation program and is one of ​the thirteen parks that make up the World Wildlife Fund for Nature’s Terai ​Arc Landscape program. Corbett is critical for the survival of three of the ​Indian ​subcontinent’s big game species, which include the tiger, the Asiatic ​Black Bear and the Asian Elephant.

Several species of deer, otters and the extremely rare Himalayan Pangolin inhabit this terrain. Corbett has its fair share of reptiles and its star species include the King Cobra and large breeds of Pythons that are capable of eating prey as large as a deer. Several migratory birds flock here in the winter months and you can often find herons, ducks, and egrets. One of the rarer inhabitants of the bird family that is found in Corbett is the Great Indian Hornbill. It is the largest among the eight species of Hornbill that are found on the Indian Subcontinent and is a majestic bird – especially when it is in flight.

#4) Tadoba National Park

Tadoba is a dense and deep jungle, and one of the best places in India spot the tiger. Lush and full of greenery, the enormous water body deep within the park is an ideal and idyllic spot to wait and view its wildlife. Tadoba is fantastic for birding, especially waterfowl. It’s also home to an unusual population of rare spider species – some of which are only found here! Tadoba is also home to several rare and exotic species of butterflies and a host of extremely unique insects.

Tadoba is a thick Teak forest, and its terrain is undulating, as it stretches across the Chimur Hills. Several species of trees with innate medicinal properties also grow wild in this forest. A variety of felines, large and small, as well as marsh crocodiles, pythons, cobras, vipers, terrapins, and the star tortoise, are found here.

#5) Ranthambore National Park

The dry deciduous forests of Ranthambore, interspersed with some of India’s largest and oldest Banyan trees, evoke an aura of romance. Scrubby foliage and thorny brush give way to grasslands, which make up this beautiful wilderness. Nestled within the Aravalli mountain range, it has over 500 species of plants and is a thriving ecosystem.

Ranthambore national park is teeming with wildlife and is one of the best-known parks for tigers. The park is also full of other species of flora and fauna, particularly deer, primates, birds and crocodiles. Over two hundred species of birds have been recorded, both resident and migratory. The parks, many water bodies draw a large number of birds to their banks. Waterfowl like pelicans, storks, ibises, and cormorants are often seen, especially in the winter season.

The five top wildlife sanctuaries in India are so amazing that they warrant more than one trip! So pull out those binoculars, pack those bags and give us a buzz. Your Tiger Safari India experience of a lifetime awaits.

Tiger Safari Tour in Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in India. Its terrain varies from dense forest to open Terai grassland to dry riverbeds and the slopes of the Himalayan foothills.

Corbett’s biodiversity is immense. The variety of flora and fauna in the park are enormous and it’s truly a nature lover’s paradise. Corbett has one of the largest numbers of tigers in India! It’s also got large populations of Asiatic elephants, Himalayan bears, sloth bears, leopards, and a variety of bovine herbivores, primates, avians and reptiles – particularly cobras and pythons. Due to the enormity of its terrain, the park is divided into several zones, each of which have their own beauty and charm. That’s why one needs at least 4-5 days to explore the park thoroughly and explore the varied landscapes and biodiversity of each zone.

Zone 1: BIJRANI

The Bijrani zone is by far the most popular, due to its easy proximity to the entrance of the park at Ramnagar. Bijrani is full of tall Terai grass, commonly known as cure. These grasslands are ideal territory for the tiger to make itself at home. Bijrani is a little drier than some of the other zones, but tall grasses are interspersed with dense copses of Sal, and several streams and waterbodies. The views are stunning. 

The sense of serenity is unbelievable. Animals are frequently sighted in Bijrani. One often spot tigers and elephants here. An abundant prey base of deer and antelope make this a terrific hunting ground for felines. Sloth bears feed on termite mounds and while the Himalayan Bear is drawn to the nectar of the Mahua trees. Safaris in Bijrani are usually by jeep and there are several tracks that the jeeps can take. Bijrani is open between October and June.

Zone 2: DHIKALA

Dhikala is one of our favorite zones for its abundant wildlife. It’s the largest zone and one of the most picturesque with large tracts of chaur grass, rivulets, streams and dense tree cover. This zone is teeming with wildlife and one usually spots elephants, tigers, birds and several species of deer, moneys and other smaller creatures. Dhikala is one of the zones that lies deepest within the territory of Corbett. 

The landscape is stunning and simply being in this jungle is worth the trip. To keep traffic to a minimum, the forest department only allows safaris in a Canter (16 seater van) in this zone. We do recommend an overnight at the Dhikala Forest Lodge. While it may not be fancy, it’s certainly comfortable and affords true wildlife enthusiasts a great chance of spotting animals. Dhikala is only open between November and June.

Zone 3: JHIRNA

Jhirna is near the southern border of Corbett. It’s got a great prey base which makes it a favorite hunting ground for tigers. Jhirna is also known for it’s wild Himalayan bears, a species that is often feared more than the tiger by locals! Jhirna’s biodiversity is varied and several species inhabit the area. One of the things we like about Jhirna is that it’s open throughout the year. Jeep safaris are possible.

Zone 4: DHELA

Dhela is another zone that has opened up relatively recently for tourists. The jungle here is mixed, made up of various indigenous trees like Sal, Haldu, Rohini, Kusum, Behra, and more. The landscape is interspersed with patches of grass and dry riverbeds. Dhela is a natural habitat for several species, including tigers, leopards, elephants, bears, deer, monkeys and more. The buffer area of the Dhela zone is ideal for bird watching, thanks to the mixed vegetation that grows here. One of the other highlights is that the buffer zone offers walking and bicycle safaris through the forest. The other reason we like Dhela is that it is open year round.

Zone 5: DURGA DEVI

Farther into the park, along the northeast border of its territory, lies Durga Devi. This zone has a raw, wild appeal, which is further enhanced by the Ramganga and the Mandal rivers. In addition to the felines, elephants and birds that inhabit the rest of the park, this area is also known for its marine life – especially it’s otters and the Wild Mahseer. Fish eating birds are often found here, including Raptors like the Gray Headed Fishing Eagle. One can enjoy a jeep safari in this zone.

Corbett is also bordered by other sanctuaries such as Sitabani and Marchula, where one can explore as well. Contact us at info@tigersafariindia.com to plan your Corbett safari experience today!