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Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that are opened even in Monsoon to provide a unique safari experience

While many national parks are closed during the monsoon season that starts from June to September due to heavy rainfall and floods, but there are some wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India that offers a unique safari experience. During the monsoon season, the surroundings are covered with lush greenery; there is increase in bird activity, and sightings of rare wildlife.

For nature lovers it is one of the best times to witness the lush greenery, the landscape looks refreshing and offers a breathtaking experience. Although some places are unsafe to travel during the monsoon but there are some places which are permitted and are safe to travel.

Here is why you should explore during the monsoon season.

  • Lush Greenery and Breathtaking Landscapes: The forests turns into greenery, and refreshing, completely making the landscape look stunning.
  • Rich Birdlife and Migratory Species: With the arrival of the monsoon many wildlife sanctuaries turn into a paradise for bird watching. Tourists can also opt for bird watching tours India during the monsoon season.
  • Fewer Tourists and Peaceful Experience: The national parks are less crowded with tourists.
  • Great for Photography: The stunning scenery comprising of verdant forests, clouds, rainfall, misty hills and refreshing environments make it the perfect scene for taking photos.
  • Unique Animal Behavior: Also animals are most active during the monsoon season and for some animals it is also the breeding season.
  • Thriving Water Sources: The level of water in the water, lakes and waterfall increases, making boat safari one of the best experiences.

Some national parks and sanctuaries that remain open during the monsoon and why they are worth visiting:.

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Location: Thekkady, Kerala

Why Visit in Monsoon?

  • Evergreen beauty: During the monsoon season, it transforms into lush-green rainforest 
  • Water-based safaris: You will have a wonderful time enjoying boating on Periyar Lake amidst misty mountains. Have the best Wildlife Trips India!

Common wildlife: Elephants, tigers, and Malabar giant squirrels are often spotted.

Top Experiences:

  • Trekking and Bamboo Rafting: Navigate through the jungle either trekking through the trails or opt for bamboo rafting navigating through the river.
  • Boat Safari on Periyar Lake: Enjoy boat safari watch the herds of elephant’s drinking water by the shore.
  •  Spice Plantation Tours: Visit the spice plantations, for which the region is famous for.

Safari Types:

  • Boat Safari (Best in Monsoon): Enjoy boat safari, spot the elephants, tigers, deer, and otters along Periyar Lake.
  • Jeep Safari: Available in some buffer zones for deep jungle exploration.
  • Bamboo Rafting Safari: A unique ride, ideal for bird watching and admiring the landscape.
  • Trekking Safari: Guided tours are available; you will have to trek through the rainforests.

Entrance charge:

  • For only entry Indian nationals are charged INR 45 for adults and INR 20 for children
  • For only entry foreign nationals are charged INR 300 for adults and INR 150 for children. 
  • Extra charge: Additional activities, such as boat rides, bamboo rafting and guided treks.

How to reach?

  • By Air: The closest airports are Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu (located at a distance of 140 km away), and Cochin International Airport (located at a distance of 145 km away).
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Kottayam, located at a distance of 114 km from Thekkady, which is the neighboring town of the sanctuary.
  • By Road: From Major cities like Kochi, Madurai, and Kottayam, regular buses and taxis head to Thekkady.

2. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary (Part of Nagarhole National Park), Karnataka

Location: Near Mysore, Karnataka

Why Visit in Monsoon?

  • Spectacular landscapes: During the monsoon season, it comprises of Misty forests, full rivers, and thriving flora.
  • The common wildlife that you can spot here are black panthers, tigers, and large elephant herds.
  • Picturesque river safaris are available, offering a unique experience with monsoon views.

Top Experiences:

  • Jeep Safari & Boat Safari: Have a wonderful exploring the wildlife and the jungle by jeep or boat.
  • Photography Heaven: Enjoy taking photos of Misty forests
  • Luxury Riverside Lodges: Have a wonderful stay in a beautiful jungle resorts.

Safari Types:

  • Boat Safari: Enjoy boat safari along the Kabini River, spot the crocodiles, otters, and birds near the water sources
  • Jeep Safari: Available in some zones, lets you navigate deeper into the jungle, have a close encounter with the tigers, leopards, and elephants.
  • Night Safari: Available in some buffer zones, have a close encounter with the nocturnal wildlife like civets and porcupines.

Entrance charge:

  • For only entry Indian nationals are charged approximately INR 200 for adults and INR 100 for children
  • For only entry foreign nationals are charged approximately INR 1,000 for adults and INR 500 for children. 
  • Extra charge: Additional activities and guided treks.

How to reach?

  • By Air: The closest airports are Mysore Airport in Karnataka (located at a distance of 60 km away), and Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (located at a distance of 220 km away).
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction, located at a distance of 60 km from Kabini.
  • By Road: From Major cities like Mysore, and Bangalore, regular buses and taxis head to Kabini.

3. Tadoba National Park (Buffer Zone), Maharashtra

Location: Chandrapur, Maharashtra

Why Visit in Monsoon?

  • Here only the buffer zones are opened, core zones remain closed.
  • It is home to a large number of tigers, and is one of the best spots for spotting the tigers in the rainy season.
  • Lush green forests, enchanting landscape and active wildlife.

Top Experiences:

  • Jeep Safari in Buffer Zone: Enjoy jeep in the buffer zone which is opened even during the monsoon season, have a close encounter with the tigers, leopards and sloth bears.
  • Bird watching Paradise: During the Monsoon many migratory birds visit this park, making it one of the best spots for opting for bird watching tours India.
  • Rainforest Experience: As the jungle is in full bloom, visitors will have a thrilling experience navigating through the jungle.

Safari Types:

  • Canter Safari: Enjoy Canter safari for large group safari.
  • Jeep Safari: Available in some Buffer zones, lets you navigate into the jungle, have a close encounter with the tigers, sloth bears, and wild dogs.
  • Walking Safari: Available in some zones to explore the jungle.

Entrance charge:

  • For only entry Indian nationals are charged approximately INR 100 for adults and INR 50 for children
  • For only entry foreign nationals are charged approximately INR 1,000 for adults and INR 500 for children. 
  • Extra charge: Additional activities like Safari and guided treks.

How to reach?

  • By Air: The closest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur (located at a distance of 140 km away).
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Chandrapur Railway Station, located at a distance of 45 km from Tadoba National Park.
  • By Road: From Major cities like Nagpur, regular buses and taxis head to Chandrapur, located at a distance of 45 km from Tadoba National Park.

4. Rajaji National Park (Chilla Zone), Uttarakhand

dudhwa national park

Location: Near Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Why Visit in Monsoon?

  • Chilla Zone remains open for safaris.
  • Lush forests and flowing rivers enhance the beauty.
  • Elephants, leopards & Himalayan birds are active.

Top Experiences:

  • Enjoy Jeep Safari in Chilla Zone; here you can spot herds of elephants and deer.
  • Have a relaxing experience, enjoying scenic jungle walks through the misty forests.
  • For a spiritual experience, opt for Ganga Aarti in Haridwar

Safari Types:

  • Jeep Safari: Available in Chilla Zone, during the monsoon season, lets you navigate into the jungle, have a close encounter with the tigers, elephants, leopards, and deer.
  • Walking Safari: Available in some zones to explore the jungle.

Entrance charge:

  • For only entry Indian nationals are charged approximately INR 200 for adults and INR 100 for children
  • For only entry foreign nationals are charged approximately INR 1,000 for adults and INR 500 for children. 
  • Extra charge: Additional activities like Safari and guided treks.

How to reach?

  • By Air: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (located at a distance of 35 km away from Chilla Range).
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar Railway Station, located at a distance of 9 km from Chilla Range.
  • By Road: From Major cities like Delhi, Haridwar and Rishikesh, regular buses and taxis are available.

5. Manas National Park, Assam

Location: Assam (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Why Visit in Monsoon?

  • One of the national parks in Assam which is opened even in Monsoon, when Kaziranga is closed.
  • Visit the lush tea gardens, Monsoon Rivers and blooming flora.
  • Home to golden langurs, wild water buffalo, and rhinos.
  • Visiting Manas in the monsoon is one of the best Wildlife Trips India offers.

Top Experiences:

  • Enjoy Jeep Safari and River Rafting, have a close encounter with the tigers, rhinos and elephants.
  • Opt for Elephant Safari for navigating through the monsoon forest.
  • Enjoy Bird watching, spot different exotic birds and river dolphins.
  • You will be able to bordering villages of Bhutan, as Manas National Park is situated in the international of India and Bhutan.

Safari Types:

  • Boat Safari: Enjoy boat safari in Manas River, spot river dolphins, crocodiles, and migratory birds.
  • Jeep Safari: Available in some zones for deep jungle exploration, witness the tigers, rhinos, and wild buffalo.
  • Elephant Safari: A unique ride, ideal for navigating through the tall grasslands and watching the wildlife closely.

Entrance charge:

  • For only entry Indian nationals are charged approximately INR 100 for adults and INR 50 for children
  • For only entry foreign nationals are charged approximately INR 650 for adults and INR 400 for children. 
  • Extra charge: Additional activities like Safari and guided treks.

How to reach?

  • By Air: The closest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (located at a distance of 170 km away).
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Barpeta Road Railway Station, located at a distance of 22 km from Manas National Park.
  • By Road: From Guwahati and Barpeta Road, regular buses and taxis head to Manas.

6. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Dandeli wildlife sanctuary, (karnataka)

Location: Karnataka

Why Visit in Monsoon?

  • Offers the best adventurous and wildlife experience.
  • Provides the best opportunity to witness the black panthers, Malabar giant squirrels and hornbills.
  • As the beautiful Kali River flows through this national park, it offers one of the best breathtaking landscapes.

Top Experiences:

  • Enjoy Jeep Safari and Bird watching tours
  • Opt for White Water Rafting on Kali River, one of the best activities for adventure lovers.
  • Visit Syntheri Rocks’ ancient caves, have a historical experience exploring the Limestone Caves

Safari Types:

  • Boat Safari: Enjoy boat safari along the Kali River, spot the crocodiles, otters, and kingfishers
  • Jeep Safari: Available in some zones, lets you navigate deeper into the jungle, have a close encounter with the black panthers, elephants, and hornbills.
  • Walking Safari: Available in some zones, navigate through the jungle with guides.

Entrance charge:

  • For only entry Indian nationals are charged approximately INR 100 for adults and INR 50 for children
  • For only entry foreign nationals are charged approximately INR 1,000 for adults and INR 500 for children. 
  • Extra charge: Additional activities like Safari and guided treks.

How to reach?

  • By Air: The closest airport is Hubli Airport in Karnataka (located at a distance of 75 km away).
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Alnavar Junction, located at a distance of 32 km and Londa Junction, located at a distance of 48 km from the Park.
  • By Road: From Hubli, Dharwad, and Belgaum, regular buses and taxis head to Dandeli.

7. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Bhadra wildlife sanctuary ( karnataka)

Location: Chikmagalur, Karnataka

Why Visit in Monsoon?

  • One of Karnataka’s best kept secrets with monsoon misty hills and dense forests.
  • Home to tigers, gaurs and elephants.
  • During the Monsoon season the water level of Bhadra River increases and surroundings look scenic.

Top Experiences:

  • Have a thrilling experience exploring the jungle on a Jeep Safari through the Rainforest and misty trails. 
  • Enjoy amazing Boat Safari on Bhadra River, spot the crocodiles and different birds.
  • Have a spectacular tour of Coffee Plantations, offering enchanting experience.

Safari Types:

  • Boat Safari: Enjoy boat safari along the Bhadra River, spot the crocodiles, fish eagles, and other aquatic life.
  • Jeep Safari: Available in some zones, lets you navigate deeper into the jungle, have a close encounter with the tigers, gaurs, and elephants.
  • Trekking Safari: Available in some zones, navigate through the jungle with guides.

Entrance charge:

  • For only entry Indian nationals are charged approximately INR 100 for adults and INR 50 for children
  • For only entry foreign nationals are charged approximately INR 1,000 for adults and INR 500 for children. 
  • Extra charge: Additional activities like Safari and guided treks.

How to reach?

  • By Air: The closest airport is Mangalore International Airport (located at a distance of 180 km away).
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Chikmagalur, located at a distance of 30 km from the Park.
  • By Road: From Chikmagalur and Mangalore, regular buses and taxis head to Bhadra.

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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