A safari during the monsoon isn’t what one would normally think of for a getaway, but given the geographical expanse of India and the different weather conditions in those geographies, many nature parks and wildlife reserves around the country are open all year round, including during the monsoon, and are stunning to visit.
Much-awaited sightings of wildlife might be harder but the monsoon safari experience is mesmerising and magical. Apart from that though, there are many other reasons to go on safari at this time of year: prices are slashed and as many don't know that parks are actually open, crowds are at a minimum. Some parks also choose to remain open through the year because closing them off to visitors and shutting the parks down completely may give poachers free rein, with no crowds. Most naturalists and park guides strongly believe that the monsoon makes the forests come alive, with rare species of plants, elephants revelling in the rain and tigers making their mark. Here are the national parks you can visit this monsoon.
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa
Ever heard of bioluminescent mushrooms? At the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern part of Goa, the advent of the monsoon season brings a wide variety of these mushrooms which can be spotted by the bluish-green or bright violet light they emit. The sanctuary is located near the town of Valpoi and the guided tour is highly recommended to witness endemic orchids, Indigenous trees, sambar deer and wild boar among others. Seen on occasion are the black panther, tiger, jungle cat and the ‘big four’ Indian venomous snakes such as the spectacled cobra and saw-scaled viper. Besides the wildlife, Mhadei offers a perfect monsoon escape with activities such as white water rafting in the Mhadei river which comes alive during this season, rock climbing at Chorla ghats, as well as monsoon trekking along the sanctuary’s hilly regions.
Website: goa-tourism.com
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Karnataka
Spread over 82.7 square kilometres, the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is home to more than 150 sloth bears and is one of India’s first sloth bear sanctuaries. Located near the town of Hampi in Karnataka, the wildlife safari can be enjoyed not only to witness the sloth bears but also a wide variety of wildlife including leopards, wild boars, jackals and hyenas in the midst of a lush green forest, long grass. The rain also brings with it dancing peacocks, yellow-throated bulbul, painted spurfowl and peafowl. With sloth bears being predominantly nocturnal creatures, the sanctuary is open in the evenings from 4-6pm each day with safaris, guided tours and machan sightings available.
Website: karnatakatourism.org
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
A favourite for all wildlife enthusiasts, the Ranthambore National Park located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan is partially open during the monsoon season. The monsoon zones include 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 and remain open all year round and include three tiger territories. The park offers a perfect blend of dense trees forming a blanket over the forest along with dry shrubs of the desert region. Tiger sightings during the season are not uncommon and can be seen along with other jungle cats such as the leopard and desert cat, jackals, nilgai and others. The monsoon travel experience at the national park should not be missed with its enthralling scenery and wildlife.
Website: ranthamborenationalpark.com
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
While most of the park is closed off because heavy rain makes the paths muddy and hard to navigate even in a 4x4, you are welcome to go on safari in the Jhirna Zone as well as the buffer area known as Sitabani Zone during this time of year. Nature is in fresh, lush bloom and you will readily spot wildlife such as deer, antelope and boar who come out to play in the rain. This is also a great time for bird watchers so train your peepers to spot Asian barbets, quail, partridge, owls, pheasants, parakeets and raptors in action hunting for prey.
Website: corbettnationalpark.in
Periyar National Park, Kerala
Located on the banks of the Periyar Lake, this park is known for its elephant population that loves its lakeside location. A four-hour drive from Kochi, this park doesn't just stay open during the monsoon, it is the season when it truly comes alive. Whether it is the herds of elephants huddled together, the many species of monkeys swinging from the trees or the bloom of orchids sprouting wild everywhere, it is the perfect time of year to explore the wilds here. And if you are worried you won't spot a tiger here (the 40 that roam these parts are elusive), keep your eyes peeled for barking deer, sambar and avian life like darters, cormorant, kingfisher, the great Malabar hornbill and racket-tailed drongos. Aside from a safari on board a 4x4, you can also take an early morning boat ride on the lake and spot herds of elephants socialising along the shore.
Hemis National Park, Ladakh
Located just outside Leh, this park is home to the elusive snow leopard. And monsoon might be the best time to visit, especially if you've had enough rainfall by then. This region of Ladakh doesn't get a lot of rainfall making it the ideal time to visit the park. Named after a monastery located within the park perimeter, Hemis is home to 200 or so snow leopards but you will have to be very patient to spot one. Much more readily seen are the great Tibetan sheep, blue sheep and Ladakhi urials the big cats feast on. The area also has red foxes, Tibetan wolves, Eurasian brown bears, mountain weasels, Himalayan marmots and mouse hares. The only way to see the wildlife is to trek through the park's many designated trails because vehicles aren't allowed inside. The trek usually takes around two days to complete and you can camp in one of the six village communities that live inside the park.
Website: tourmyindia.com
Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Just four hours from Bengaluru is this perfect monsoon getaway. The rain-soaked wilds put on a whole new look, shedding the earthy tones of brown and for hues of green to greet guests through the monsoon. While the tiger is elusive, this is the season to see the park's many elephants who like nothing better than to play in the rain. The watering holes are full and around them, you are sure to spot wild boar and bison. When it starts pouring, look out for the resident peacocks who greet the weather with a dance.
Website: bandipurnationalpark.in
Kali Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
Three hours east of Goa is this nature park that gets its name from the Kali River that flows through it. You drive through teak forests to enter the woodlands that are home to tigers, spotted and black panthers, elephants, Indian bison, sloth bear, monkeys and langurs, barking deer, small Indian civet, reptiles such as king cobra, Russel's viper and innumerable species of avifauna. And recently scientists discovered more than 4,500 butterflies including species such as blue nawab, onyx and golden tree flitter that live in the forest. The reserve has several lakes and watering holes that should be teeming with life during the monsoon season. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the many viewpoints where you can get out of your safari vehicle and take photographs of the lush vistas.
Website: kalitigerreserve.org
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
90km from Mysuru will bring you to the gates of this park that boasts the highest number of Asian elephants. The forest department operates canter safaris four times a day, even during the monsoon season. The reserve is home to more than 300 hundred species of wildlife and flora including tigers, leopards, palm civets, flying squirrels and common otters. And if you love elephants, you should head to the backwaters along the Kabini river on the southwestern end of the park. You cannot buy tickets in advance so we recommend getting to the ticket counter an hour before the safari to book yourself a spot.
Website: nagaraholetigerreserve.com
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
Four and half hours from Mangaluruis this garden of Eden is populated by tigers, leopards, elephants, jackals, monkeys, Malabar giant squirrels and many other creatures. But it's not just the wildlife. The landscape is dotted by peaks covered in lush teak forests and waterfalls that gush in the monsoon season. Located on the banks of the Bhadra Reservoir, you can enjoy watersports such as jet skiing, kayaking or a relaxing boat ride while you are here.
Website: karnatakatourism.org
A version of this article originally featured on Condé Nast Traveler India.