The Wildness Of The Indian National Parks Are Calling Out For You

When the call of the wild is too loud to ignore, follow it down the dusty trails and lush wooded environs of India’s best national parks, says Aparna Sundaresan

Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat

Main Attraction – The Asiatic Lion

Additional Attractions – Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Chital, Nilgai, Vultures, Crested Serpent Eagle

Best Time to Visit – March to May

Activity Checklist – Go on a jeep safari with a guide

Be Careful!
Smoking is forbidden within the park environs, as is walking and hiking.

Fun Fact
Gir is the only place in Asia where pure Asiatic Lions are found; the area is thus heavily protected.

Getting There – Diu / Junagadh
Places to Stay – Hotel Green Park, Sukhsagar Gir Resort

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Main Attraction – Great One-horned Rhinoceros

Additional Attractions
Swamp Deer, Water Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Indian Muntjac, Storks, Vultures

Best Time to Visit – February and March

Activity Checklist

• Ride  the jeep and elephant safaris
• Visit the coffee and rubber plantation nearby at Karbi Anglong

Be Careful!
Opt for government operated safaris over privately operated ones as private operators have been known to cheat tourists by shortening the duration of safaris.

Fun Fact
Kaziranga became a protected region on the urging of Mary Victoria Leiter Curzon, wife of the infamous viceroy Lord Curzon after she failed to see a single rhinoceros in the area.

Getting There– Jakhalabandha/Guwahati

Places to Stay – United 21 Grassland, Dhanshree Resort

Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan

Main Attractions
Openbill Stork, Painted Stork, Black Necked Stork, Woolly Necked Stork

Additional Attractions
Migratory waterfowls, Sarus Crane, Northern Pintail, Tufted Duck, Common Pochard

Best Time to Visit – October to February

Activity Checklist

• Go bird watching either during sunrise or sunset
• Trek through the park either on foot or on a bicycle. Rickshaw rides are also available on hire
• Visit the nearby Bharatpur Museum Which is a syncretic blend of Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture

Fun Fact
Keoladeo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been named after a Keoladeo (Shiva) temple within its boundaries.

Getting There– Bharatpur Junction/Jaipur

Places to Stay – Hotel Spoonbill & New Spoonbill, Swaraj Resorts

Periyar National Park, Kerala

Main Attraction – Elephant

Additional Attractions – Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Indian Wild Dog, Nilgiri Tahr

Best Time to Visit –March and April for elephants; October to February for the rest

Activity Checklist

• Nature walk and hike through the forest
• Bamboo rafting
• Night time jungle patrol

Be Careful!
Only the northern precinct of the park is open to the general public. Don’t attempt to wander farther.

Fun Fact
Periyar lake, situated at the northern end of the park, is a man-made lake.

Getting There– Kottayam/Madurai

Places to Stay – Bamboo Grove, Periyar House

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Main Attraction – Royal Bengal Tiger

Additional Attractions
Barasingha, Indian Wild Dog, Jackal, Black Buck, Indian Gaur, Storks, Teals, Pond Heron

Best Time to Visit –March and April

Activity Checklist

• Visit the Kanha museum for an informative introduction to the region and the park
• Go on an elephant safari to see the animals in their natural habitat
• Go on a nature trail and do some bird watching

Be Careful!
Wear clothes in colours that match the environs, like green and brown, so that animals are not immediately aware of human presence during a safari.

Fun Fact
Kanha National Park was Rudyard Kipling’s inspiration to write Jungle Book.

Getting There– Jabalpur

Places to Stay – RTDC Hotel Vinayak, Hotel Sanctuary Resort

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Main Attraction – Tiger

Additional Attractions
Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazelle, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards

Best Time to Visit – March to June

Activity Checklist

• You may need to go on several safaris to spot a tiger
• Visit the Bakula region to see tigers and cubs come to the watering holes
• Explore Ranthambore Fort within the Park boundaries which has lent Park its name
• Also stop at the Jogi Mahal within the Park to avail of its tourist facilities

Getting there – Sawai Madhopur/Jaipur

Be Careful!
If travelling during winter, carry adequate winter wear as the region becomes freezing cold at night.

Fun Fact
Ranthambore Fort was built in the 10th century and was coveted by rulers due to its strategic position between north and central India.

Indian national parks have been a major attraction for many outsiders due to its nature and wildlife. If you have never been to these national parks, you are missing out the true magic of nature. Visit these parks and get lost in its serenity.