An India safari is a unique experience, with each national park offering distinct scenic views, diverse landscapes, and many plant and animal species endemic to the country. Since the enactment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the nation has successfully raised the population of Royal Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and one-horned rhinos.
It has more than 100 national parks, many of which offer wildlife safaris to spot the Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhino, and other iconic species in the wild.
But planning an Indian safari from Europe means navigating flights, visas, permits, and park selection. This guide breaks down what to consider, from visa requirements to national parks worth adding to your itinerary.
Table of Contents
What is the Best Time for an Indian Safari?
There are mainly three seasons in India: summer, monsoon, and winter. The monsoon, from July to September, is when most national parks close their core zones. This is an important period for forests to regenerate and animals to breed. You should avoid these months, as you will not be able to fully explore Indian wildlife. This leaves you with summers and winters.
Tigers as well as other animals, including leopards, elephants, and deer, are the most active in the winter, starting from October and lasting till February. During these months, the forest vegetation rejuvenates after the monsoon, while thousands of birds migrate to India from the Arctic and Siberia to escape the cold.
Moreover, in winter, daytime temperatures across various Indian national parks range from 10°C to 25°C. This is an ideal time for an Indian safari if you want to enjoy lush green forests, see wild animals in action, and have a comfortable overall experience.
Summers in India, from March to June, can be extremely harsh, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. But these are the most rewarding months for tiger spotting.
Tigers and other wildlife gather around water sources to escape the heat. This makes it easier for your travel guides to predict their movements. Additionally, the dried-up forest allows you to spot animals from a great distance.
What are Some of the Best Safaris in India?
India’s terrain changes with every national park you visit, each home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Each of these parks offers a distinct wildlife experience worth building your itinerary around. Here are some safaris worth considering:
| National Park | Location | Distance from Delhi | Ideal Travel from Delhi | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Corbett National Park | Uttarakhand | 255 Km | Taxi to Ramnagar – Primary gateway to park (5 hours) | Oldest tiger reserve, rich birdlife |
| Ranthambore National Park | Rajasthan | 361 Km | An approximate 5-hour journey via Train or cab | Tiger sightings against a historic fort backdrop |
| Kaziranga National Park | Assam | 2098 Km | Flight to Jorhat Airport (3 hours), then cab to Kaziranga National Park (1h 30 min) | One-horned rhino |
| Bandhavgarh National Park | Madhya Pradesh | 851 Km | Flight to Jabalpur Airport (1h 30 min), then a taxi (4.5 hours) to Bandhavgarh National Park | Highest density of Royal Bengal tigers |
| Kanha National Park | Madhya Pradesh | 1097 Km | Flight to Jabalpur Airport (1h 30 min), then a taxi (4 hours) to Kanha National Park | Barasingha conservation success |
1. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park, named after British-Indian conservationist Edward James Corbett, is India’s oldest tiger reserve. This is also the place that pushed the country’s wildlife conservation movement.
Located in the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand, the park has over 600 species of birds, including the great pied hornbill, crested serpent eagle, and migratory birds from Central Asia. Apart from tigers, it also inhabits Asian elephants, gharials, otters, leopards, and endangered reptiles like king cobra and mugger crocodiles.
2. Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park lies between the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges, in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. It once served as the hunting ground of royalty, which was banned by the Government of India in 1971.
Later, in 1973, the park was incorporated into the Project Tiger as “Ranthambore Tiger Reserve”. It is the habitat of not just tigers but also jackals, hyenas, swamp crocodiles, wild boar, and a wide variety of deer.
3. Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is in the northeastern state of Assam. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 for being the last unmodified natural area in eastern India. It brought back Indian one-horned rhinos from the brink of extinction and now holds the largest population of the species with over 2000 animals.
Apart from this, it also provides habitat to tigers, Asian elephants, wild water buffaloes, eastern swamp deer, capped langur, hoolock gibbon, and plays a crucial role in the conservation of globally threatened migratory bird species.
4. Bandhavgarh National Park
The Bandhavgarh National Park is known for the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers. But it also includes various monuments and cultural heritage sites, including:
- The Bandhavgarh Fort, built in the 10th century
- The Seth Dhani Temple
- A building dedicated to the Varaha avatar of Lord Vishnu
The park has about 39 caves, which make it one of the best breeding grounds for tigers and provide refuge as they grow old. It is also the ancestral home of all the white tigers.
5. Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandla and Balaghat districts. The area was declared a reserved forest in 1897, notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1933, and finally became a national park in 1955. In 1973, Project Tiger brought it under tiger reserve status.
Kanha National Park is famous for two things: a healthy population of Royal Bengal tigers and its role in saving the hard-ground barasingha (swamp deer) from extinction. It is also home to leopards, Indian wild dogs (dhole), sloth bears, gaur, wild boar, nilgai, chital, and sambar, along with a wide variety of birds.
Flights, Domestic Travel, and Safari Permits
Finalising the month for safari is an easy part of planning. The difficulty comes when you have to book flights, domestic travel, and safari permits.
Flights
Travelling from Germany, the Netherlands, France, or any other EU country to India requires carrying a valid passport and an Indian visa. You can obtain an e-visa for India through an online portal without visiting an embassy.
From major airports including Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam (AMS), and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), one-way flights to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) generally begin at about €400 for Economy. First Class tickets can cost €4,500 or more.
Domestic Travel
All the major national parks in India require further travel from Delhi airport. You can either book a domestic flight to the nearest airport or travel there by train, bus, or cab. There are many national parks and tiger reserves that are only a few hours’ drive from Delhi, such as Ranthambore National Park, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, and Jim Corbett National Park.
Safari Permits
Most national parks in India only allow a fixed number of visitors each day. This ensures that the habitat for wild creatures is not disturbed by excessive human activity. You must apply 4-6 months in advance to secure a safari permit for your preferred sanctuary and zone. This is exactly the kind of lead time our team manages on your behalf.
Permits can be booked online through e-servicing portals of national parks. You need to fill in your name, age, and gender as mentioned in the passport and choose your preferred vehicle and zone. Options for vehicles include gypsy, suitable for small groups seeking a personalised experience or a canter for a shared safari. The safari permit book price can cost anywhere between €45 and €66.
Hotels
Finally, you need to book hotels or stay near the national park. Prices can vary depending on whether you want a budget or luxury hotel.
There are more than 50 tiger reserves in India, along with 100+ national parks. As such, booking permits, hotels, and airport transfers can be overwhelming. Booking your Indian tiger safari with Jungle Revives means all these things are handled by our experts, so that you can focus on spotting tigers across the parks.
What to Pack for India Safari?
A productive and comfortable Indian safari requires that you pack the following essential items.
- Neutral coloured clothes in shades of brown and olive with full sleeves and long trousers
- Binoculars
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- First aid items and personalised medication
- Power bank
Why Book Your India Safari With Jungle Revives?
Planning an India safari involves more than picking a park, especially for first-time travellers. You also need to navigate flights, permits, lodgings, and other essentials. This is where Jungle Revives comes in.
1. Personalised Itineraries
We start by understanding your preferences. Whether you want to explore a single wildlife sanctuary, have a tiger-focused game drive, combine a wildlife safari with a cultural tour, or go straight for wildlife photography tours, we curate an itinerary that caters to your specific needs.
2. Hassle-Free Booking
Our safari planning experts handle obtaining safari permits for the best zones, booking comfortable jungle lodges, and arranging travel from the airport to your planned national parks.
3. Expert-Led Safaris
All our safaris are led by carefully vetted naturalists and local experts in the most productive safari zones, ensuring better chances of spotting tigers on the game drive.
4. Conscientious Practices
Our wildlife safaris always keep nature first, following ethical practices on the tour. We regularly engage in conservation initiatives to help protect wildlife and preserve their natural habitat.
Ready to embark on your India Safari? Get in touch with Jungle Revives to start planning today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which months are most suitable for an India Safari?
The best months for an India Safari are between October and June. The winter that lasts from October till February offers the most comfortable climate, while summer, from March till June, is ideal for high tiger-spotting.
How much do flights to India from European countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and France cost?
Flights from major European airports like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport typically start at €400 per person for economy and go up to €4500+ for first class.
What are must-have luggage items for India wildlife safari?
For a comfortable and safe India safari, your luggage should include neutral-toned clothing, binoculars, hats, sunglasses, closed-toe walking shoes, and any personalised medications.
Which national park safaris are closest to Delhi?
The national parks closest to Delhi include Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand, and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
How far in advance should I book safari permits in India?
Most national parks only allow a fixed number of visitors each day. So, you’ll need to book permits 4-6 months in advance to secure your preferred zone and vehicle. Jungle Revives manages this entire process for you, so you don’t have to worry about missing a booking window.
