10 Best Weekend Wildlife Escapes Near Indian Cities Within 4 Hours

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Keoladeo Ghana (Bharatpur) — Near Delhi

Around 180 to 190 kilometres from Delhi, this UNESCO-listed bird sanctuary shelters more than 370 species, including migratory birds. It is perfect for birdwatchers, photographers, and peaceful boat rides through its wetlands.

Common Parakeet at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur Rajasthan | Wikimedia Commons

Sariska Tiger Reserve — Rajasthan near Delhi and Jaipur

Located about 220 kilometres from Delhi, Sariska is home to tigers, leopards, nilgai and langurs. Its rugged dry forests, valleys and waterholes make for exciting safaris alongside heritage fort ruins.

A male tiger sits at Sariska Tiger Reserve | Shutterstock

Ranthambore National Park — From Jaipur

At roughly 160 kilometres from Jaipur, Ranthambore is famous for tiger sightings, dry forests, and the striking Ranthambore Fort. The park offers an accessible and rewarding safari experience.

A tiger roars as another one looks on in Ranthambore National Park | Shutterstock

Jim Corbett National Park — Uttarakhand from Delhi

Just over 240 kilometres from Delhi, Corbett is India’s oldest national park. Dense forests, grasslands and riverbanks shelter tigers, elephants and diverse birdlife, making it a favourite for safaris and nature lovers.

A tiger among the grasslands of Jim Corbett National Park | Shutterstock

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve — Maharashtra near Nagpur

Only 160 kilometres from Nagpur, Tadoba is one of India’s best tiger reserves. Along with tigers, it supports leopards, sloth bears and crocodiles, offering an untamed and less touristy wilderness.

Nayantara from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | Shutterstock

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary — Near Coimbatore and Bengaluru

About 150 kilometres from Coimbatore and under five hours from Bengaluru, Mudumalai forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is known for elephants, gaurs, tigers and a wealth of bird species.

A mahout on an elephant in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary | Shutterstock

Bannerghatta Biological Park — Near Bengaluru

Just 30-40 kilometres from Bengaluru, Bannerghatta is ideal for a quick escape. With a zoo, safari park, and butterfly enclosure, it offers close encounters with lions, tigers and other wildlife.

A Macaw at Bannerghatta Biological Park | Shutterstock

Karnala Bird Sanctuary — Near Mumbai

Situated around 50 kilometres from Mumbai, Karnala is home to more than 200 bird species. The sanctuary also features a trek to Karnala Fort, offering panoramic views of the lush surroundings.

Black-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher at Karnala Bird Sanctuary | amberkar_vivek/instagram

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary — Karnataka near Bengaluru

About 250 kilometres from Bengaluru, Bhadra is a Project Tiger and Elephant reserve. Its forests and riverbanks are habitats for elephants, tigers, leopards, spotted deer, and an abundance of birdlife.

A River tern at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary | Shutterstock

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary — Western Ghats near Bengaluru and Kodagu

Roughly 280 kilometres from Bengaluru, Brahmagiri lies in the Western Ghats. Evergreen forests and grasslands support elephants, lion-tailed macaques, sloth bears and tigers, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

People at Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary | capture_fadi/instagram

10 Amazing Wildlife Experiences To Have In Periyar National Park

Periyar Lake was formed when the Mullaperiyar Dam was erected in 1895 | Shutterstock
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