With the monsoon sweeping across India from June onwards, notable national parks and nature reserves are closed to visitors. This is because the rain signals the breeding time for many species as the vegetation grows and creates ideal nurseries for tigers, leopards, elephants and birds to raise their young. Additionally, the measure ensures the safety of visitors as roads become unpassable and extreme events like landslides and floods become more likely.
Still, if you don't want to miss out on one-of-a-kind nature experiences during the summer holiday, we have compiled a list of six places in India where you can see wildlife even during the wet season.
The Sunderbans National Park, which extends till Bangladesh, is densely covered by mangrove forest and home to the saltwater crocodile and the Bengal tiger. Take the Sunderban safari, where you are taken on a boat ride across the Brahmaputra River. If the safari isn't your calling, you can visit the Tin Kona Island. Literally meaning the three-cornered island, this island is popular for spotting deer. The island is quite isolated and offers a breathtaking view, and a mixture of wild forest and estuaries only help accentuate its beauty.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Sunderbans National Park?
The ideal time to visit Sundarbans National Park is during September and May.
How Do I Reach Sunderbans National Park?
To reach the Sunderbans, fly into Kolkata, the nearest major city. From there, take a train or a bus to Canning, which serves as a gateway to the Sunderbans. Alternatively, hire a car for a more direct journey. Once in Canning, board a ferry or a boat to navigate the intricate network of rivers and estuaries leading into the Sunderbans.
Situated in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park is under the Project Tiger initiative of the Indian government. It is one of the country's premier tiger reserves and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, along with three other wildlife sanctuaries. The rainy season is one of the best times to visit this national park, as guests can spot large herds of Asiatic elephants and sight the elusive tiger from time to time.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Bandipur National Park?
March to May is the best time to visit this national park.
How Do I Reach Bandipur National Park?
Bandipur National Park is located on the highway connecting Mysuru and Udhagamandalam (Ooty), so it is best reached by car. By rail, the closest station is Mysuru Junction (MYS), 74 km away. By air, Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is the nearest airport, 252 km away.
Visiting Jawai in Rajasthan during the monsoon offers a unique opportunity for leopard spotting amidst a landscape transformed by the seasonal rains. The Jawai region is known for its thriving leopard population, which has lived in harmony with the Rabari tribe for centuries. During the rains, the landscape is transformed with freshly growing vegetation, and the resident big cats can be seen on rocky outcrops or lounging on sun-kissed boulders, creating an unforgettable moment for those who witness it.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Jawai?
The best time to visit Jawai is between October and March. The weather is pleasant during these months, making it ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife spotting.
How Do I Reach Jawai?
Take a flight or a train into either Jodhpur or Udaipur, the nearest major cities. From there, proceed by road via taxi or bus to Jawai.
Located in Karnataka, Kudremukh stands for "horse-faced," referring to a picturesque view of the side of a mountain that resembles the face of a horse. Here, leopards, tigers and sloth bears roam free. A trekker's paradise, visitors require a range officer's permission to trek within the confines of the park, including to the stunning Kadambi Waterfalls which is in full spate around this time. Other go-to places in the area include the Ganga Moola, Sringeri Sharada Peetham and Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kudremukh National Park?
October to May is the best time to visit this national park.
How Do I Reach Kudremukh National Park?
Mangaluru is the nearest city (109 km away). Upon arrival, road transport such as buses or taxis can be utilised for the remaining journey. Additionally, Kudremukh National Park is accessible by road from cities like Bengaluru, Udupi and Chikmagaluru.
Home to an extensive population of Indian elephants, Bengal tigers and Indian bison, this national park derives its name from the word naga, which means snake, and hole, referring to streams. Known previously as Rajiv Gandhi National Park and bordering Bandipur National Park, it has a rich forest cover, hills, valleys and waterfalls.
This place is also one of India's premier tiger reserves. Take a boat safari on the River Kabini from where you can spot many aquatic species. If you wish to encounter animals of greater variants or at a higher frequency, then go on a bus or Jeep safari for a more personalised experience.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Nagarahole National Park?
November to February is the best time to visit because of the cooler months.
How Do I Reach Nagarahole National Park?
Nagarahole National Park is adjacent to Bandipur and is located on the highway connecting Mysuru and Udhagamandalam (Ooty). The best mode of transport is by car. You can also consider a train or flight to Mysuru before travelling to the national park.
One of the largest national parks in the country at 3,000 sq km, the Desert National Park is a haven for migratory and resident birds of Rajasthan. It is home to exotic species of eagles, vultures, falcons and more. The endangered great Indian bustard also finds a sanctuary here.
The park comprises undulating sand dunes, jagged rocks, dense salt lake bottoms and intermedial areas. In winter, migratory raptors such Himalayan and Eurasian griffon vultures, eastern imperial eagles and saker falcons can be seen.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Desert National Park?
The best time to visit Desert National Park in Jaisalmer is during the cooler months of October to March. During this period, the desert experiences a more temperate climate, making it an ideal time for tourists to explore the vast sandy terrain.
How Do I Reach Desert National Park?
Jodhpur is the nearest city, 40 km away, with a short hour-long road journey to the park. Additionally, the national park is well-connected by road from cities like Jaisalmer and Bikaner.