The best national parks in India for wildlife safaris

What is it: One of India's oldest safaris, now with a Lohara buffer zone

Why we love it: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is one of the country's most populous tiger reserves, with roughly 115-120 tigers who are known for their personalities. Matkasur, Waghdogh (Scarface), Choti Tara, Chota Matka, Mowgli, and more live here. Also: the TATR has dense tropical dry deciduous forests, grasslands, waterbodies, rolling hills, deep valleys, and rugged terrain, making your ride interesting.

What to see: Bengal tigers (duh!), leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs called dhole, and Indian gaur

Best months to visit: Birders will love November to February, but the best tiger sightings happen in March to June

Where to stay: Svasara Jungle Lodge, Camp Serai Tiger, WelcomHeritage Tadoba Vanya Villas Resort & Spa

Price: ₹5,800 onwards (core) or ₹6,000 (buffer) for Mon-Fri; ₹6,800 (core) or ₹7,000 (buffer) for Sat-Sun

How to book: mytadoba.mahaforest.gov.in is the official booking site. Cruiser safaris have to be booked offline.

Timings: 6am-10am & 3pm-6pm; 7.30pm-10.30pm for select zones.

Address: Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, India

Nearest airport: Nagpur Airport, 120km away

Time Out tip: The Kolara zone is better than Moharli. Advance booking rates vary between these two; check accordingly.

What is it: India's first national park, now home to 260+ tigers

Why we love it: Himalayan foothills, riverine belts, elevation up to 1,100 metres, sal forests and flora and fauna – Corbett is prized amongst eco-tourists. There are over 617 plants, 580 birds, 50 mammals and 25 reptile species. Hercules, Paarwali (Paro), and Sharmilee usually steal the show, photograph-wise – but locals also say that despite the large numbers, only lucky people spot a tiger at Corbett!

What to see: Bengal tiger, Sambhar deer, elephants, leopard, sloth bears, chital, jackals, and more

Best months to visit: December to February

Where to stay: Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, Aahana Resort, The Riverview Retreat

Price: ₹4,800 onwards, check the website for zones and gates.

How to book: corbettgov.org is the official booking website.

Timings: 6am-9.30am, 1.30pm-5.30pm.

Address: Nainital district and Pauri Garhwal districts, Uttarakhand

Nearest airport: Pantnagar, 80km away; Dehradun Airport, 182km away; Bareilly Airport (which is my recommendation), 150km away.

Time Out tip: We prefer the early morning safaris. Also, check for night stay options on the official portal.

What is it: The real-life inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book!

Why we love it: Once-home of the 'supermom' Collarwali tigress who birthed 29 cubs, Pench now has about 130 tigers. The leopard population's thriving as well. The teak forests here are famed and host 300 bird species. If you're one for nocturnal adventures, then definitely go for a night safari here. The Runi Jhuni nature walking trail is perfect for observing wildlife from close quarters. Some resorts also offer stargazing experiences.

What to see: Tigers, Indian leopards, wild boars, golden jackals, nilgai, chinkara, Indian peafowl, and more

Best months to visit: Big cat enthusiasts should go between March and May; birdwatchers can stick to between January and April.

Where to stay: Pench Jungle Camp Resort, Saj in the Forest, Jamtara Wilderness Camp

Price: Mon-Fri: ₹2,000, Sat-Sun: ₹2,300

How to book: forest.mponline.gov.in or safaribooking.mahaforest.gov.in.

Timings: 6am-11am, 3pm-6pm.

Address: Seoni and Chhindiwara district, Madhya Pradesh & Nagpur district, Maharashtra

Nearest airport: Nagpur Airport, 110km away; Jabalpur Airport, 250km away

Time Out tip: You'll have to book your safari 120 days in advance and check the days on which certain gates remain closed.

What is it: A UNESCO World Heritage site with the world's largest Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros population

Why we love it: A birding hotspot, Kaziranga National Park also has 500 species of orchids. With swampy lagoons, tall elephant grass, dense forests and the Brahmaputra river running through it, the terrain itself is outstanding. Rare sightings include that of the elusive golden tigers (strawberry tigers) and Eastern Swamp deer. Safari options here include jeep, elephant, boat or even on foot.

What to see: Golden tigers, one-horned rhinos, wild water buffaloes, Asian elephants, Eastern Swamp deer, Binturong, hoolock gibbon, Gangetic river dolphins, and more

Best months to visit: November to April for all sightings; but visibility is the best in March and April

Where to stay: The Diphlu River Lodge, Infinity Resorts Kaziranga, Agoratoli Eco Tourism Resort

Price: Elephant safaris are at ₹1,500 onwards; jeep safaris' prices are different for each zone but they're at ₹4,200 onwards.

How to book: kazirangasafari.in is the official website.

Timings: 7am-10am, 1.30pm-3pm. Elephant safaris are from 5.30am to 7.30am.

Address: Golaghat, Nagaon, and Sonitpur districts, Assam

Nearest airport: Jorhat Airport, 105km away; Guwahati Airport, 225km away

What is it: A 10th-century fort and a UNESCO World Heritage site overlook a forest that's home to rich wildlife

Why we love it: Breathtaking views of the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges mean the Ranthambore safari's reputation precedes itself. Here, tigers are spotted even during the day. Machli, Queen of Ranthambore, is one of the world's most photographed tigresses, and it’s believed that more than half of the tigers here are her descendants. Padam Talao, Malik Talao, and Raj Bagh Talao are considered the best viewing spots.

What to see: Bengal tigers, sambhar deer, sloth bears, crocodiles, Indian leopards, striped hyenas, spotted deer, and more

Best months to visit: Big cats roam freely April and June; for easy sightings, stick between October to November or February to March

Where to stay: Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Aman-i-Khas, Taj Sawai Ranthambore

Price: Jeep safaris: ₹1,800-₹2,200; Cantar safaris: ₹1,300-₹1,700.

How to book: forestrajasthan.com is the official website.

Timings: Can vary. Most days, it's 6am-9.30am and 3.30pm-7pm.

Address: Sawai Madhopur district, Rajasthan

Nearest airport: Jaipur Airport, 166km away.

Time Out tip: Jogi Mahal has India's largest Banyan trees. 

What is it: Two national parks connected through one boat ride

Why we love it: Kabini’s the land of leopards. The thrill of spotting difficult-to-track black panthers is second to very little else. The park’s also part of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, where safaris run all year round, but Kabini's main allure lies in the backwaters forest safari operated by the Karnataka Forest Department on the Kabini river. The river cuts through two national parks: Nagarhole and Bandipur. You could do the jeep safari, but I would recommend this as it offers views that you'll otherwise miss.

What to see: Elephants, crocodiles, otters, tigers, leopards, crested serpent eagle, kingfishers, storks, red-whiskered bulbul, and more

Best months to visit: January to May

Where to stay: Kabini River Lodge, Evolve Back Kabini

Price: ₹600 onwards for coracles; ₹2,000 onwards for boats

How to book: ticket.nagaraholetigerreserve.com is the official website

Timings: For boat safaris: 6.30am-9.15am, 3.30pm-6.15pm.

Address: Mysore district, Karnataka

Nearest airport: Mysore Airport, 90km away; Bangalore Airport, 270km away

Time Out tip: During low water levels or heavy rainfall, boat safaris might be suspended. Some lodges include boat safari in their packages.

What is it: A safari where you can catch tigers swimming!

Why we love it: The chance for a boat ride through the world's largest tidal mangrove forest. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Biosphere Reserve and a tiger reserve. There are 78+ species of mangrove fauna to be seen here!

What to see: Royal Bengal tigers, crocodiles, spotted deer, migratory birds, and more

Best months to visit: September to March

Where to stay: Sundarban Tiger Camp, Royal Sundarban Wild Resort, Hotel Sonar Bangla

Price: ₹1,500 onwards

How to book: Through tour operators

Timings: 8.30am-4pm.

Address: South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal

Nearest airport: Kolkata Airport, 112km away

Time Out tip: Make way to watchtowers like Sudhanyakhali and Dobanki for the best views.

What is it: The only place outside Africa where the Asiatic lion can be seen in its natural habitat

Why we love it: It’s a chance to see the beloved Devraj and 890 other Asiatic lions! It’s also home to the critically endangered white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture.

What to see: Asiatic lions, Indian leopards, chousinghas, chitals, marsh crocodiles, chinkaras, langurs, 300+ species of birds.

Best months to visit: December to March

Where to stay: Aramness Gir, Woods at Sasan, Gir Jungle Lodge, Gir Serai

Price: Permit is at ₹800 onwards; jeeps are for ₹1,000 per person onwards | Devaliya Safari Park rates vary

How to book: girlion.gujarat.gov.in is the official website.

Timings: 6.30am-9.30am & 3pm-6pm (timings may vary).

Address: Junagadh and Gir Somnath districts, Gujarat

Nearest airport: Rajkot Airport, 160km; Ahmedabad Airport, 350km away

Time Out tip: The Gir Jungle Trail requires advance permits.