11 Epic Wild Safaris in India

When it comes to experiencing wildlife, India aces it. The country’s vast and varied geography has afforded it a complex web of flora and fauna. Here’s a list of such epic Safaris in India:
1. Hemis National Park, Ladakh
The snow-covered mountains and extremely cold weather are enough to lure some, and for others, there is the thrill of sighting the elusive snow leopard. Hemis National Park in Ladakh is a high altitude area with verdant pine forests and beautiful meadows. The park is home to animals that live and thrive in such chilly climates such as the snow leopard, ibex, blue sheep, snowcocks and the Tibetan argali sheep. The park is shut in November due to the heavy snowfall.
Best Time to Visit: March to September
2. The Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
The park is home to the royal predators dwelling in the royal land of Rajasthan. Tigers being the main attraction of the park easily fetch the interest of wildlife photographers. While enjoying a safari in Ranthambore, you will be enthralled by the sight of these cats prancing freely and absorbing the warmth of the desert. In addition to the tigers, there are various other wild beings like Sloth Bears, Wild Boars, Sambar and so on that lure tourists.
Best Time to Visit:  March to May
3. Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Originally known as Hailey National Park, was established in 1936 and is India’s first national park. Visitors flock to this park to witness the tiger in all its majestic beauty and Royal Bengal Tigers. This park is also renowned for being home to various rare species of mammals, reptiles and birds. One can spot the barking deer, spotted deer, sambar and chinkara on jungle safari to this national park. Crocodiles are another major attraction in Jim Corbett. 
Best Time to Visit: November to June
4. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam is a project tiger reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is located on the borders of Assam and Bhutan and is roughly a four-hour drive away from Kaziranga. The wildlife sanctuary is also home to animals like the pygmy hog and the Indian elephant. Guided safari tours are conducted here where you can spot these animals. Inside the sanctuary, you can sign up for rafting excursions and wildlife camps.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
5. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this national park has the largest population of the one-horned rhino in the entire world. Located in Assam, and surrounded by lush tea plantations, the Kaziranga National Park offers a must-try safari. The park is known for its conservation efforts and one can spot elephants, wild buffalos, and swamp deer here. 
Best Time to Visit: November to April 
6. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
This picturesque, 192,000-acre wildlife sanctuary located in the lap of the Western Ghats in Kerela, offers a lush environment for its inhabitants. There are plenty of tigers to see apart from birdwatchers who enjoy the park for its tropical species. One can also boat around the park to see the animals up real close like the elephants.
Best Time to Visit: September to December 
7. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Pench National Park is located on the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The park sprawls over 400 square kilometres and is known mostly as a tiger reserve. Apart from the tigers, the national park is also known to shelter nilgais, leopards and wild boars.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
8. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Popular for the tigers, but if you’re not into them then head to Sundarban National Park for the dense mangroves. This marshy landscape is a perfect safe haven for wildlife, especially for tigers that hide around in the trees and coves around the 54 islands. The park spills over to Bangladesh and is also equally popular for its crocodiles. 
Best Time to Visit: October to April
9. The Sasan Gir Wildlife, Gujarat
The sanctuary’s landscape is characterized by rough scrublands and dry forests. The sanctuary is home to Asiatic lions. This particular species of a lion can only be found in the Gir sanctuary. A safari here is exciting and exhilarating. Besides the Asiatic lions, you can also spot fellow predators such as leopards, jackals and the Indian fox. The park remains shut during the monsoon season.
Best Time to Visit: December to April
10. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The sanctuary famous for its rugged terrain along with the dense jungle makes it the perfect habitat for the wild animals to flourish and makes for a challenging safari through the park for the adventure lover in you! Some of the animals you can spot here are the Spotted Dear, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Black Buck, Sambar, Four Horned Antelopes, Porcupine, Smooth Otter so make sure your camera has plenty of space to capture it all.
Best time to visit: October to April
11. Nanda Devi National Park, Uttarakhand
With a neighbour like the gorgeous valley of flowers, the Nanda Devi National Park may be one of the prettiest in the country. Great for treks and walks (you could try a hike up the Nanda Devi Peak), the national park is famous for its Asiatic black bear, blue sheep and the Himalayan musk deer. 
Best Time to Visit: June to September