10 Elephant Reserves In India With The Highest Tourist Footfall

OT Staff

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

One of India’s most visited wildlife reserves, Corbett draws heavy tourist traffic for its elephant corridors and riverine grasslands. Zones like Dhikala often report frequent herds, especially during summer safaris.

An elephant in its habitat at the Jim Corbett National Park | Shutterstock

Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala

Centred around the scenic Periyar Lake, this reserve receives steady footfall throughout the year. Boat safaris and guided treks make it one of South India’s most reliable landscapes for spotting wild elephants.

Inside Periyar Tiger Reserve | Shutterstock

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur records some of the highest visitor numbers in Karnataka. Open meadows and forest edges support large herds, making elephant sightings a common safari highlight.

An elephant at the Bandipur National Park | Shutterstock

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Though famed for the one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga also shelters a robust elephant population. Heavy tourist footfall and traditional elephant safaris keep it among the most frequented wildlife reserves.

A great tusker at Kaziranga National Park | Shutterstock

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Also called Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole’s Kabini backwaters are famous for large elephant congregations. The reserve sees strong safari demand, particularly during the dry season when herds gather near water.

Elephants at the Nagarhole National Park | Shutterstock

Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu

Bordering Bandipur and Wayanad, Mudumalai forms part of a key elephant landscape in the Western Ghats. Easy access from Ooty and Mysuru ensures steady visitor numbers and regular roadside sightings.

Inside Mudumalai National Park | tej_berbalaje/instagram

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Linked to Nagarhole and Mudumalai, Wayanad is a crucial elephant corridor. Safari zones like Muthanga draw considerable tourist footfall, especially from travellers exploring Kerala’s forested hill districts.

A great tusker at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary | Shutterstock

Manas National Park, Assam

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Manas has seen rising visitor numbers in recent years. Its riverine grasslands and forest tracts support elephants, with improved infrastructure encouraging more safaris each season.

Elephants pose for a picture at Manas National Park, Assam | Shutterstock

Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand

Located near Haridwar and Rishikesh, Rajaji is one of North India’s busiest elephant habitats. The Chilla and Motichur ranges host seasonal herds, attracting a steady flow of wildlife enthusiasts.

A herd of elephants in Rajaji National Park | Rajiv_forester/Shutterstock

Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha

Among eastern India’s most visited reserves, Similipal shelters a significant elephant population. Forest drives, tribal landscapes and seasonal waterfalls help draw visitors, especially during the cooler months.

An Indian elephant (representational image) | Unsplash

Elephant Safaris Return To Corbett And Rajaji After Seven Years: A Wildlife Conservation Day Spotlight

Elephant Safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (representational photo) | Alamy
Read More