Best Things to Do in India:
Explore 6 Top Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated April 2025
When looking for unforgettable things to do in India, exploring its wildlife sanctuaries and national parks should be at the top of your list. The country is home to an incredible variety of landscapes — from misty Himalayan forests to tropical southern jungles — where rare animals roam freely in their natural habitats.
Across India, hundreds of protected parks and sanctuaries preserve tigers, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and exotic bird species, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s wild and untamed side. Each destination combines breathtaking scenery with rich biodiversity, making it perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
Here are six of the best wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India, where you can experience the raw beauty of nature and discover some of the most remarkable things to do in India for wildlife enthusiasts.
Encounter the Bengal Tiger – Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Located in the heart of India, Kanha National Park is the crown jewel of Madhya Pradesh, a state filled with temples, forts, lakes, and breathtaking natural reserves. Established in 1955, Kanha spans an impressive 940 square kilometers, making it one of the largest and most popular national parks in Central India.
This vast wilderness is home to lush forests, bamboo groves, rocky plateaus, serene lakes, and open meadows, offering travelers an unforgettable experience of India’s raw and untamed nature. But what truly makes Kanha famous is its most celebrated resident — the majestic Bengal tiger, a powerful symbol of India’s wildlife heritage.
What You’ll See
Kanha is a dedicated tiger reserve, part of India’s Project Tiger initiative aimed at protecting this endangered species. Over the years, the park’s conservation efforts have paid off, and the chances of spotting a Bengal tiger in the wild are now higher than ever.
Besides tigers, visitors can also encounter Indian wolves, sloth bears, barasingha (swamp deer), wild boars, antelopes, and a variety of bird species that make the park a true paradise for nature lovers.
Things to Do
There are plenty of things to do in Kanha National Park beyond tiger spotting. The park offers guided jeep safaris, wildlife photography tours, and nature walks that reveal its ecological diversity. For overnight stays, you’ll find everything from eco-lodges and jungle camps to luxury resorts with private pools, often nestled deep in the wilderness.
Just remember — in Kanha, sharing a quiet evening on your balcony might include a surprise visit from a wandering fox or deer.
Highlights
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers
How to get there: The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport (about 160 km away) or Nagpur Airport (260 km). From there, private taxis and local transfers are available.
Approx. cost: Entry and safari packages start around ₹2,000–₹4,000 INR ($25–$50 USD) per person.
Tip: Visit between February and June for the best chance of spotting tigers when waterholes attract more animals.
Protecting the Asian Elephants – Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
Covering an area of about 640 square kilometers, the reserve is home to not only tigers but also the largest population of Asian elephants in India, a species classified as endangered. The dense forests and river valleys create a thriving ecosystem where leopards, wild dogs, deer, bison, and countless bird species coexist.
The park is also famous for its reptile diversity, including green vine snakes, Indian pythons, vipers, and large monitor lizards. Those with a fear of reptiles may want to skip certain trails — this is true wilderness at its best.
Things to Do
There are many things to do in Nagarhole National Park, from jeep safaris and boat rides on the Kabini River to multi-day wildlife packages that include accommodation and guided tours. Many travelers book packages from Bangalore or Mysore, which include transfers, meals, and safaris over several days.
Accommodation options range from forest bungalows and riverside lodges to luxury resorts with private decks overlooking the jungle. Falling asleep to the sounds of the wild and waking up to the call of distant elephants is an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts
How to get there: Nearest cities are Mysore (90 km) and Bangalore (220 km). Both offer organized transfers and guided safari packages.
Approx. cost: Entry and safari tours start around ₹2,500–₹5,000 INR ($30–$60 USD) per person.
Tip: Visit between October and May for the best wildlife viewing and comfortable weather.
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The Kingdom of the Indian Rhino – Kaziranga National Park, Assam
The northeastern state of Assam is famous for its lush tea plantations, producing nearly 55% of India’s tea, and for its stunning natural beauty along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, near Bhutan and China. Among its many natural treasures lies Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries.
What You’ll See
Spanning over 400 square kilometers, Kaziranga is best known as the home of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, harboring more than two-thirds of the world’s remaining population of this endangered species. The park’s diverse landscape includes swamps, tropical forests, rivers, and wetlands, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Visitors can also spot a remarkable range of species, including Royal Bengal tigers, golden jackals, swamp cats, langurs, eagles, falcons, and turtles. Kaziranga is also home to record-breaking reptiles — the reticulated python, the world’s longest snake, and the king cobra, the world’s largest venomous snake.
Things to Do
There are countless things to do in Kaziranga National Park, from classic jeep and elephant safaris to specialized tours like rhino tracking, birdwatching, gibbon tours, and tea plantation visits. The park also offers photography packages designed for those looking to capture India’s wildlife in its most authentic form.
For accommodation, visitors can choose between eco-lodges, forest camps, or luxury resorts overlooking the park’s wetlands.
When to Visit
The park is closed from May to October due to the monsoon season, when heavy rains flood much of the region. The best time to visit is between November and April, when safaris operate daily and the weather is pleasant.
Kaziranga is open 24 hours a day for registered visitors, but safaris typically run in two shifts: early morning and late afternoon.
Highlights
Best for: Wildlife lovers, nature photographers, and adventure travelers
How to get there: The nearest airport is Jorhat (97 km) or Guwahati (217 km), both with road connections to the park.
Approx. cost: Entry and safari packages start around ₹2,000–₹3,500 INR ($25–$45 USD) per person.
Tip: Book your safari early — the rhino-watching tours are extremely popular during peak season.
The Hunting Grounds of the Maharajas – Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
The majestic state of Rajasthan, once the land of India’s royal Maharajas, is filled with palaces, forts, deserts, and national parks. Among its most famous attractions is Ranthambore National Park, a vast and historic wildlife reserve known for its thriving Bengal tiger population and regal past.
Located about 130 kilometers from Jaipur, Ranthambore was once the private hunting ground of the Maharajas and royal families. Today, it spans nearly 400 square kilometers, offering one of the best chances in India to see Bengal tigers in their natural habitat.
What You’ll See
The park’s landscape is a mix of dense forests, rocky hills, lakes, and ancient ruins, creating a dramatic backdrop for wildlife viewing. Alongside the tigers, you can spot hyenas, leopards, deer, wild boars, sloth bears, monkeys, and crocodiles basking near the water.
It’s one of the few places in India where wildlife and history intertwine — the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands proudly within the park, watching over the jungle below.
Things to Do
There are plenty of things to do in Ranthambore National Park, including jeep safaris, tiger-spotting tours, and birdwatching excursions. Visitors can also explore the Padam Talao Lake, the park’s largest water body, best visited at sunrise or sunset when animals gather to drink and bathe.
For a deeper cultural experience, stop by the Ranthambore Museum of Natural History, which offers fascinating insights into the region’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
Accommodation options range from eco-lodges and forest bungalows to luxury resorts that combine comfort with the serenity of nature — a perfect retreat after a day of exploring.
Highlights
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and history lovers
How to get there: The nearest city is Sawai Madhopur, about 10 km away, connected by train and road to Jaipur and Delhi.
Approx. cost: Safari packages start from ₹2,500–₹4,000 INR ($30–$50 USD) per person.
Tip: Visit between October and June for the best weather and maximum chance of tiger sightings.
The Only Place with Wild Lions – Gir National Park, Gujarat
The western state of Gujarat, bordered by the Arabian Sea, is one of India’s most ecologically diverse regions, with nearly ten percent of its land covered in forests. Among its many natural treasures lies Gir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only place on Earth where lions still live in the wild outside of Africa.
What You’ll See
Established in 1965, Gir National Park covers an area of 1,400 square kilometers, including 250 square kilometers of protected parkland and the rest designated as forest conservation zones. In the 19th century, the area served as a hunting ground for Indian royalty and British officers, which nearly led to the extinction of the Asiatic lion.
Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the population has rebounded — from just 12 lions at the park’s founding to around 600 today.
Beyond lions, the park is home to Indian leopards, jungle cats, porcupines, honey badgers, hares, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. The ecosystem is a living example of successful wildlife restoration and protection in modern India.
Things to Do
There are plenty of things to do in Gir National Park for wildlife lovers. Visitors can join jeep safaris and night tours focused on lions, leopards, and birdlife, or explore the nearby forest villages for a glimpse of local culture.
Accommodation options range from simple forest cottages to luxury jungle resorts, all offering close access to the park’s main safari zones.
Highlights
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers
How to get there: The nearest airport is Diu Airport (63 km) or Rajkot (165 km). Regular trains and buses connect from Ahmedabad.
Approx. cost: Entry and safari packages start from ₹2,500–₹5,000 INR ($30–$60 USD) per person.
Tip: Visit between December and March for the best wildlife viewing and pleasant weather.
The Land of Tigers – Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra
Located in the heart of India, the state of Maharashtra is the country’s second most populated and third largest by area, with a population of more than 112 million people and nearly ten percent of India’s total landmass. Among its many natural attractions lies the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, a compact yet thriving reserve that became an official tiger sanctuary in 2013.
What You’ll See
Named after an ancient temple found at its center, Nagzira Sanctuary covers about 150 square kilometers, making it smaller and more accessible than many of India’s larger national parks — but just as exciting. The dense forests are home to more than 30 species of mammals, 150 species of birds, and over 30 species of reptiles.
Visitors can encounter Bengal tigers, leopards, rhinos, wild boars, deer, wolves, and countless smaller creatures that make this forest come alive with sound and movement. Because of its compact size, the chances of spotting wildlife here are particularly high.
Things to Do
There are plenty of things to do in Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, including day and night jeep safaris that take you deep into the forest.
Daytime safaris focus on spotting tigers and rhinos, while nighttime tours reveal a different world of owls, hyenas, and deer. Many visitors describe the sanctuary as one of India’s best-kept secrets — a peaceful, immersive experience for true nature lovers.
When to Visit
Nagzira is open from October to June and closed during the monsoon season in July and August. The best time to visit is between February and May, when temperatures are warm, vegetation is sparse, and wildlife sightings are frequent.
Highlights
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts and adventure travelers
How to get there: The nearest airport is Nagpur Airport (120 km), with easy taxi connections to the park.
Approx. cost: Entry and safari tours start from ₹2,000–₹3,000 INR ($25–$40 USD) per person.
Tip: Early morning safaris offer the best chance to spot tigers in action — book in advance, as spaces are limited.