10 Best Places For A Thrilling Elephant Safari In India

OT Staff

Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Odisha

Situated along the Mahanadi River Gorge, Satkosia offers elephant safaris through lush sal forests and deep valleys. It's ideal for spotting wild elephants, crocodiles, and a diverse bird population.

Oriental magpie robin at Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Odisha | Wikimedia Commons

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Wayanad offers serene elephant safaris through bamboo groves and teak forests, with chances to see herds in their natural habitat without heavy crowds.

A great tusker at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary | Shutterstock

Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal

Located in the Dooars region, Jaldapara is one of the few places in India where elephant safaris continue. Spot Indian one-horned rhinos and elephants while riding through riverine grasslands.

An elephant herd at Jaldapara National Park | Flickr: Niloy Mukherjee

Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal

A hidden gem near Bhutan’s border, Buxa offers elephant safaris through dense forests and hilly terrain. The area is rich in biodiversity, with sightings of elephants, leopards, and exotic birds.

Elephants in Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal | @NatureIn_Focus/x

Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh

This remote reserve in Northeast India lets visitors observe elephants in a pristine setting. Elephant-back patrols help conservation, and select safaris offer immersive wildlife experiences guided by locals.

Wild elephants are enjoying the rain | Shutterstock

Udanti-Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Chhattisgarh

This lesser-known sanctuary is part of the Eastern Highlands. Elephant safaris here allow a rare opportunity to observe free-ranging wild elephants in undisturbed terrain of sal forests and seasonal rivers.

At Udanti-Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary | tigerreserveudantisitanadi/instagram

Nagarhole’s Buffer Zone, Karnataka

While the core zone is now jeep-only, buffer areas near Nagarhole offer limited elephant safaris run by tribal eco-groups. The trails are rich in elephant activity, especially post-monsoon.

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka | Aasish Manoli/Shutterstock

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Kerala-Tamil Nadu Border

Famous for eco-tourism, Parambikulam offers guided elephant safaris through undisturbed jungle corridors. Home to the oldest teak plantation and wild herds, it's a quiet, sustainable safari alternative.

Scenes from Parambikulam Tiger Reserve | parambikulam_tiger_reserve/instagram

Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

Just outside Guwahati, Amchang is a surprise sanctuary where elephants roam freely. Elephant safaris are occasional and guided by forest officials, giving a rare city-adjacent jungle experience.

Meet the Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush in Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary | @cmpatowary/x

Balpakram National Park, Meghalaya

This mythical land of spirits is a rich biodiversity hotspot. Though access is limited, community-led elephant trails exist, offering an off-grid safari with scenic canyons and wild elephant encounters.

Inside Balpakram National Park | Wikimedia Commons

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