Every wildlife fanatic will probably agree with the fact that, just like the diverse cultures our country is blessed with abundant diverse wildlife as well. From snow leopards in the north to mammoth elephants in the south, to the wild cats in the west & one horned endangered rhinos in the east. Every nook and corner of India is sure to offer you something intriguing that will leave you spellbound. If you are a shutterbug who loves to capture the wild in their natural environment on your DSLR then here’s a list of places from every corner of India that you need to visit to spot and capture the wildlife.
North India
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
One of the most renowned National Park of Northern India, Ranthambore National Park is a home to the royal Bengal tigers, sloth bears, wild boars and more. Once a popular hunting grounds of the Maharaja’s of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park today is one of the most recommended places to capture the majestic predator’s a.k.a tigers in their natural habitat.
How to get there:
By Air: The nearest airport to reach Ranthambore National Park is Sanganer Airport in Jaipur. The distance between Jaipur and Ranthambore is about 180 km and there are regular flights for Jaipur from all the major cities including, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. You can take direct taxi or bus from Sanganer Airport to reach Ranthambore National Park.
By Rail: Located at a distance of 10 km from the park, the Sawai Madhopur Railway Station is nearest railway station that connects Ranthambore National Park to other important cities. On reaching there you can avail local bus, taxi, or cab to reach the Ranthambore Park.
By Road: Ranthambore National Park is well connected with all the major cities and town through state bus service and it can be reached through private buses and taxis. Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, and Jodhpur can be easily travelled from Ranthambore.
Ranthambore Weather:
Summer :( April to June) Since Ranthambore is nestled in Rajasthan, the summer months, is really hot and the temperature can go upto 48 degree Celsius. it is very difficult for most of the people to roam around the forest in the scorching heat, but if you can tolerate the hot climate then you should visit this place during this season especially for two reasons: first, generally due to such high temperature people avoid visiting this place due to which there is less crowd in this season and the second is you are likely to trace the majestic tigers mostly in and around the water bodies of this forest. Hey, but don’t forget to keep your sunscreens, scarves, glares and loads of water handy. Also it is advisable that you wear linen or cotton full sleeved attire to fight the blazing sun.
Monsoon: (July to September)The Ranthambore National Park remains closed during the monsoon months of July to September. Apart from the marshy approach roads this is also a breeding season for many animals. Hence, it’s recommended not to plan any visit during these months.
Winter: (October to March)The months between October and March is perhaps the perfect time to take a trip to the Ranthambore National Park, experience pleasant weather, complete with clusters of flowers that adorn the landscape beautifully. If you are planning your trip sometime between late December and early January, be prepared with warm woollen clothes to keep you cozy during the cold weather as the temperatures usually range between 10 degree Celsius and 27 degree Celsius during this period.
Booking Procedures:
There are ten different zones at Ranthambore National Park which can be explored through either Jeep safari (6 seater) or Canter Safari (20 seater). You can visit their website for online booking procedure which is done on the first come, first served basis.
Also, you need to pay the full amount in advance of INR 1600 per person for Jeep Safari if you are an Indian National and if you are a foreign National then INR 2600 per person. On the other hand if you opt for a Canter safari, you need to pay an amount of INR 1300 per person if you are an Indian National and INR 2100 per person if you an International tourist.
You need to remember that:
-
The booking is non-refundable and non-transferable.
-
You are required to carry the same Id card that you used while making the online booking.
-
It is mandatory for International tourist to submit their passport details while booking.
-
To avoid last minute havocs ensure to book your safari 90 days (3 months) prior your arrival.
South India
Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Nagarhole National Park, famously also called as Rajiv Gandhi National Park. Nagarhole National Park has a dense population of animals which consists of mammals, reptiles, and avifauna. Within every sq. km, one can find varied residents of the forest. Some of the main attractions of the park are Tigers, Niligiri Thar, Nilgiri Langur, Bisons, Leopards, Wild boar, Deer, Dhole (Wild Dog), Sloth Bear, Slender Loris, Male Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Giant Flying Squirrel, and Porcupines. Bestowed with blessed wildlife and beauty, impeccable scenic view of the lake and forest, this park is abundant with living life.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airports are located in Mysore and Bangalore. Bangalore is the nearest international airport to the park. It is located 236 km away from Nagarhole national park. Mysore airport is located just 96 km from the park. Tourists usually enter India via Bangalore airport and then take up a connecting flight to Mysore. From Mysore airport, a lot of cabs, buses and other transportations are available to reach Nagarhole national park.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is located in Mysore. The railway station is just 80 km away from the Nagarhole national park. There are train services from various parts of the country to Mysore. From the railway station, one can hire cab or bus to reach the park.
By Road: Buses to Nagarhole national park are available from Mysore, Bangalore, Madikere and others. Taxi services are also available. A taxi ride from Bangalore to the park would cost around INR 5,000 and from Mysore, the cost is approximately INR 2000.
Nagarhole Weather
Summers (March to May): Generally the summer’s here are warm with the maximum temperature exceeding upto 33 degree Celsius. However, if you wish to capture animals like tiger or Asian elephants taking a plunge in the water on a warm sunny day then this is the best time of the year to visit the Nagarhole National Park.
Monsoons (June-September): The weather during monsoon’s remain hot and humid. As much as many herbivores animals like elephants etc. don’t mind getting drenched in the rains, the big wild cats live up to their feline characteristics and seek shelter in order to avoid getting wet in the rains. That being said, you never know you may come across a leopard resting on the tree. Hey, but do watch your steps as the forest could get muddy.
Winters (November-February): With the temperature dropping down to a maximum of 14 degrees, winter season is ideally the best time of the year to visit Nagarhole National Park as you can capture a variety of fauna and flora on your camera.
Booking Procedure: There is no online booking procedure for Nagarhole National Park. Instead the tickets must be booked and purchased in person via any of the Forest department booking counters located at the gate of the park.
The ticket price varies for adults and kids. The ticket will cost you around INR 250 per adult. Whereas, the charges for children is INR 125 per head. Apart from this, you also need to pay camera fee for DSLR cameras. The price could vary depending on the size of the lenses. For example: if it 70 mm lens you need to pay a fee of INR 200. If the lens size is anywhere between 70 to 200 mm (millimeters) then you need to pay approximately INR 400. The camera fee could extend upto INR 1000 if the lens size is beyond 200 millimeters.
East India
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Declared as a world heritage by the UNESCO, Karizanga National Park, is one of the most sought after wildlife destination in India. Widely known for having the largest population of the iconic endangered one-horned rhinoceros in the world! Apart from this, you can also catch a glimpse of tigers, wild buffalos, Swamp deer and other amazing wildlife. This picturesque place is worth a visit and is well- connected via air, rail and road. So, if you planning a visit to Kaziranga National Park here’s how you can reach this scenic place.
How to Get There:
By Air: The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, located in Guwahati, is the best option to arrive by air from any corner of India or abroad. At the airport, hire the cab or taxi to visit the park directly or you can go to the Bus stand at the Paltan Bazaar which is around 23 km from the airport, and then take the state owned bus service or private bus to reach the park which will be cheaper than the direct cab or taxi.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Kaziranga Park is Furkating Junction that’s well connected by many trains to the major railway stations like Guwahati, Kolkata, New Delhi, etc. However, on reaching you can further use the roadways to reach the park by hiring the taxi, cab or bus services.
By Road: One can approach Kaziranga National Park located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, from NH (national highway) 37. Kohara is the nearest bus stop to reach Kaziranga. Buses which operate from Guwahati, Tezpur, Dimapur and Upper Assam pass through Kohara.
Kaziranga National Park Weather:
Summer: (February to May) Like the rest of India, Kaziranga National Park too experiences hot and humid summer. But, you are tolerant to the heat and want to get a snapshot of the wild exquisite one horned rhinos cooling themselves off by taking a dip into the nearby pond or river then this is the perfect time to visit as you will find plenty of them near the water bodies situated inside the park.
Monsoon: (June to October) June marks the commencement of the monsoon season, which is just not a good time to visit Kaziranga for a wildlife holiday. The region experiences rainfall of 2,220 mm (87 in) between June, and September, which at times lead to the flood. Approximately 3/4th western region of the park submerges due to the rising water level of the Brahmaputra.
Winter (November to February) Winters are the best time to visit Kaziranga. The weather is mild and dry. Winter is a good time for bird watching tours, elephant safari, jeep safari and camping. Come armed with a camera and get some of the glorious picture of nature and the wildlife inhabiting the park.
Booking Procedure: Kaziranga National Park is divided into 4 zones, Bagori Zone, Kohora Zone, Agaratoli Zone and Burapahar Zone. You can either book a jeep safari for all four zones which will cost you approximately INR 300 per person if you are an Indian National, if you are an International flyer or elephant safari for two zones i.e. Bagori & Kohora Zone.
West :
Gir National Park
Located in Gujarat, Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary is an abode of the majestic Asiatic lions. If you are a feline lover and want to click and capture endless pictures of this captivating creature then Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary is the place for you. It’s an experience of a lifetime to watch the king of the jungle roaming freely in its natural habitat. Spread across 1412sq.km the Gir National Park also houses marsh crocodiles, reptiles, and birds. Besides this, you will also come across many rare species such as Jackal, Striped Hyena, Langur, Porcupine, and Black-napped Hare in abundance.
How to Get There:
By Air: The nearest airports to the Gir National Park are Keshod and Rajkot airport. The Keshod airport is located around 70 km from the park, whereas the Rajkot airport is at a distance of around 160 km. You can take a cab or bus service to reach the Gir national park from either of the two airports. However, the best way to reach Gir National Park is via Diu airport. You can take a flight to Diu airport via Mumbai International airport on arrival you can hire a cab to Gir National Park.
By Rail: Junagadh and Veraval railway stations are the nearest railway station from the Gir National park, Both the railway stations are well connected to all the major location of the country by the direct trains. You can take a cab or state bus to reach Gir from any of the railway stations.
By Road: The Gir National Park is properly connected to most of the prominent cities of Gujarat via a good road. There are state bus transport service and private bus service, which offer frequent bus service to Gir from various parts of the state. The cab and taxi are also available easily at major cities in Gujarat to commute to the Gir National Park.
Gir Weather
Summer: (March-June)The Summers are very hot and humid in the whole state of Gujarat, with the temperature ranging from 24 to 42 degrees Celsius it’s really not an ideal time to plan a visit to Gir unless, you wish to catch a glimpse of the lions resting in the shade or near the waterholes in and around the park vicinity.
Monsoon: (July – October) With unpredictable rain fall and unfavorable conditions of the roads, the National Park remains inoperative from the month of June-October.
Winter: (November –February)With the temperature ranging anywhere between 10 to 22 degree Celsius, it’s the best time of the year to visit the Gir National Park as the climate is suitable for safari as you can spot diverse wildlife during winters.
Booking Procedure:
Jeep safari is the only way to explore and click the majestic lions roaming freely in their natural habitat.
All the procedures of Jeep Safari booking for Gir Jungle Trail are managed by the forest officials as per the rules of India’s forest department.
Central India
Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The popular ‘Jungle Book’ is a childhood story that most of us grew up with. While reading or watching this famous story, haven’t we once all thought of also experiencing a life like Mowgli? If you are someone who would love to enter the ‘mowgli land’ then Pench National Park is the place to be. Well, you certainly can’t dance with ‘Baloo’ the sloth bear but you can definitely watch and capture it on your DSLR. Apart from him, you can even find ‘Bagheera’ the panther, the famous ‘Sher Khan’ (Bengal Tigers) among other creatures of the wild. The Pench National Park thrives with rich wildlife which makes it one of the best wildlife photography locations in India.
How to Get There:
The Pench National Park is accessible via two states; Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh respectively. Take a look on how you reach this place via either of the states so that you can map the route of your preferred choice.
By Air: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur and Jabalpur Airport are the two top options for travelling via air. The former is a good option especially for those who are flying from International destinations while the latter is used only for domestic flyers. On reaching either of the airports, you can avail a comfortable and affordable taxi ride to Pench National Park.
By Rail: The Seoni Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Pench National Park. Located at about 30 kms from the Pench National Park, it has regular trains running in and out and is well connected to Mumbai and other cities.
By Road:When it comes to travelling via road then Seoni which is a part of Madhya Pradesh is the best way to reach the national park. The city is well connected to nearby places in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Taxis are also a good option to reach Pench as the national park is settled on the Nagpur-Jabalpur highway which is easily accessible via it.
Weather at Pench National Park:
Summer: (March to June)Generally, the temperature fluctuate anywhere between 28 degree Celsius to 48 degree Celsius during summers making this place hot and humid. Despite this, with proper gear and clothing you can enjoy a visit to the Pench National Park during this time of the season and capture the big cats as well as other animals on your camera as you see them enjoy taking a dip to beat the heat.
Monsoon: (July to September)Not at all an ideal season to visit Pench National Park, monsoon received a considerable amount of rainfall in the region. Monsoon is the breeding season of the wild animals, and hence, the park remains closed till mid-October.
Winter: (December to February)Winter without any second thoughts is the best season to visit Pench National Park as the weather remains quite pleasant and tranquil for a wildlife safari. The temperature during the months of November to February drops down with every passing day and touches to about 5 degree Celsius that makes it easy for tourists to explore the region without getting exhausted from the sweltering heat.
Booking Procedure:
You can make prior reservations for safari by simply filling up a form that’s available on their website. For entry purpose, India nationals are required to produce either of the mentioned documents like; driving license/ PAN card, passport. Whereas, foreign tourist are required to show their original passports.
These are just a few of the numerous National Parks we have in our country. As a wildlife enthusiast you certainly would be thrilled to visit each of the listed location. Undoubtedly, wildlife photography is an amazing experience. If you have already visited these or have some more interesting places to add to the list then do share them with us.
Also do let us know if you liked this article and if any of your friend or family is an avid wildlife fan then do share this article with them or maybe take your time and plan a trip to these places to experience nature and make the best memories that would be cherished forever. But hey, don’t forget to share your experiences with us.
DSLR. CameraIndiareliance digitalResource CentreSolution Boxtop destinationstripodwildlife photography
