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Wildlife exploration in India in September for a refreshing experience: Find out which wildlife parks are open

India is home to rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystem with many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. And visiting in September to explore these wildlife sanctuaries and national parks after the monsoon season offers one of the best refreshing experiences. Marking the transition from the monsoon season to autumn, the rain-drenched forests are at their most vibrant, levels of water in the rivers are full, and wildlife is active, is a sight to behold.

However, the monsoon continues in some parts of the region and in some wildlife sanctuaries and national parks due to monsoon-related maintenance it remain closed during this time.

Fortunately, there are several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks which are opened in September and provide excellent safari experiences in the midst of lush green landscapes.

Here is a short guide to find out which wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are opened in September, which you can include in your Wildlife Holiday Packages India and some extra tips for you to enjoy a thrilling adventure:

Why Explore Wildlife in India in September?

Although September is not expected to be the best time for wildlife safari as most of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are closed, but it offers many benefits:

  • Lush Greenery: Due to the monsoon rains, the jungles rejuvenate with more leaves on trees, shrubs and bushes and the forests become more densely populated, making them appear breathtakingly more beautiful than ever.
  • Active Wildlife: Wildlife is more visible as they come out of the densely populated forested areas to feed and explore.
  • Fewer Tourists: As tourists think that September is off-season for safari, so less tourists visit. 
  • Pleasant Climate: The temperature in September is moderate, making safari experiences more comfortable.

Now, let’s find out about the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India that are open in September.

Top Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks Open in India in September

In September some national parks are fully opened, while some are partially opened, here is a list of the best options for you to explore the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India:

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Why Visit?

It is one of the few wildlife sanctuaries in India that is opened throughout the year, even during the monsoon season. It may remain closed only if extreme rainfall alert in the park arises. Known for its charming beauty and high density of elephants and many other wild animals, this is one of the best national parks to visit after the monsoon season.

What’s Open in September?.

The entire wildlife sanctuary remains opened throughout the year.

Safari Options

  • Boat Safari: Explore the jungle on a boat navigating through Periyar Lake and spot wildlife.
  • Jeep Safari: Available only in some buffer zones.

Wildlife to Spot

  • Asiatic elephants
  • Leopards
  • Malabar giant squirrels
  • Indian bison (gaur)
  • Various Bird species like the Malabar hornbill and great Indian hornbill

2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Why Visit?

This is the oldest and the first national park of India, named after the famous tiger hunter, Jim Corbett. It is Home to a high density of Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and more than 650 bird species. It is one of the best spots for opting for tiger tours India.

What’s Open in September?

  • Jhirna Zone and Dhela Zone remain opened throughout the year. Only during heavy rainfall it remains closed.
  • The core zones .i.e. Dhikala, Bijrani, and Durga Devi are closed till the month of October.

Safari Options

  • Jeep Safari: Available only in some open zones.
  • Nature Walks: Guided nature walks in designated buffer areas, keeping in mind the safety of the visitors.

Wildlife to Spot:

  • Royal Bengal tigers
  • Asiatic elephants
  • Various species of deer (sambar, spotted deer)
  • Sloth bears
  • Peacocks and eagles

3. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Why Visit?

This is one of the famous tiger reserves in India, having high density of tigers due to its conservation efforts, making it easier to spot the tigers. So even if you are visiting in September, Tiger Tours India, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve offers great opportunities for wildlife lovers to spot tigers, which you must include in your tiger tours India.

What’s Open in September?

  • Only buffer zones .i.e. Agarzari, Kolara, and Devada remains open even in September.
  • The core areas of the park remains closed until October. Only after the monsoon season is over it opens.

Safari Options

Jeep Safari: Available only in some buffer zones.

Wildlife to Spot

  • Leopards
  • Royal Bengal tigers
  • Sambar deer
  • Sloth bears
  • Wild dogs (Dholes)

4. Manas National Park, Assam

Why Visit?

Due to its rich biodiversity, densely populated forests and diverse animal population, Manas National Park is a UNESCO-listed wildlife reserve.

One of the highlight of the park is that it is situated in the border of Assam in India and Bhutan, giving you an international experience, as you can visit the nearby villages of Bhutan as well, all you need is a permit for the day.

What’s Open in September?

  • Depending on the water level and rainfall alert, only some buffer zones are opened.
  • The core zones of the park remains closed.

Safari Options

  • Jeep Safari: Available only in some buffer zones, limited access in drier areas.
  • Boat Safari: Enjoy a mesmerizing boat tour on the Manas River.

Wildlife to Spot

  • Royal Bengal tigers
  • Wild elephants
  • Golden langurs
  • Leopards
  • Various birds species like Bengal floricans (endangered bird species)

5. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

kaziranga national park

Why Visit?

Due to its diverse ecosystem and home to the one-horned rhinoceros (only place in the world where they are largely populated), Kaziranga is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, home to other wild animals like tigers, elephants, and a variety of birds.

What’s Open in September?

  • Only some buffer zones are available for safari, but core areas remain closed due to flooding, 
  • In some waterlogged sections of the river Boat safaris operate.

 

Safari Options

  • Boat Safari: Available to explore the floodplains, navigating through the river flowing through the jungle.
  • Jeep Safari: Available only in some sections of the park during the month of September, as rainfall still occurs in Assam.

Wildlife to Spot

  • One-horned rhinoceroses
  • Tigers
  • Asiatic elephants
  • Wild buffalo
  • Swamp deer
  • Birds like pelicans, storks, and hornbills

6. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Nagarhole National Park

Why Visit?

Nagarhole National Park is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is known for high density of elephants and tigers. The landscape of the park is breathtaking with thick forests, rivers and waterfalls.

What’s Open in September?

Some zones of the park remain open.

Safari Options

  • Jeep Safari: Available only in some zones of the park.
  • Boat Safari: Enjoy a boat tour on the Kabini River, offering breathtaking views of the jungle.

Wildlife to Spot

  • Indian bison (gaur)
  • Asiatic elephants
  • Tigers
  • Wild boars
  • Malabar pied hornbills

7. Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Why Visit?

This amazing national park is located in Mudumalai in the Western Ghats and is blessed with stunning landscape, lush greenery and home to large number of tigers, elephants and different bird species.

What’s Open in September?

Only some buffer zones are available for safari. Most remain close due to rainfall.

Safari Options

  • Jeep Safari: Available only in some buffer zones of the park.
  • Elephant Safari: Available only in some zones. Get a chance to explore the forest and wildlife up close.

Wildlife to Spot

  • Tigers
  • Leopards
  • Indian bison
  • Asiatic elephants
  • Peacocks

8. Valmiki National Park, Bihar

Why Visit?

This is an offbeat destination, but if you want to have a close encounter with the tigers, you can head to this national park which is the only tiger reserve in Bihar.

What’s Open in September?

Only some buffer zones are available for safari, but core areas remain closed due to heavy rainfall and flood.

Safari Options

Jeep Safari: In September only some zones are available for safari.

Wildlife to Spot

  • Royal Bengal tigers
  • Leopards
  • Hyenas
  • Sloth bears

Tips for Wildlife Exploration in September

  • Pack smartly, know what you might require in September like lightweight rain gear, insect repellent, waterproof shoes or boots, carry binoculars, etc.
  • Check Park Availability, whether it is opened or closed, as some zones remain closed due to heavy rainfall.
  • Be Prepared for Rain, as it may still rain in some regions like Assam
  • Choose the Right Safari, for example jeep safari are best for sighting tigers, and boat safaris are best for only water-based parks.
  • Maintain a safe distance from the wild animals; avoid making loud noises as it may scare the animals and unwanted scenes might happen, etc.

Opt for the best Wildlife Holiday Packages India for an immersive wildlife exploration. The wildlife sanctuaries and national parks mentioned above offer the best wildlife tour in September, keep them in your wish list.

Planning your trip to India? Contact our travel expert for personalized itineraries and seamless travel experiences. Discover the beauty of India with Gov. approved India Tour operator send your enquiry :https://wildlife-travel-india.com/tour-enquiry

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