The unbridled roar of a tiger, the feline grace of a leopard, the majestic march of a herd of elephants, all these are the elements that make for a thrilling experience. To watch wildlife in their natural habitats must indeed be one of the most satisfying experiences for anybody. When it comes to wildlife, India is blessed with a wide range of species that inhabit the country spanning its length and breadth. Here is what we think are the top 7 wildlife destinations in India, featured in random order.

Sariska

Rajasthan, a state that conjures up images of unending stretches of sand and camels plodding along into the sunset, is also home to some of the best wildlife destinations of India. One of them is Sariska National Park. The Park occupies an area of about 866 Square Kilometers and is home to the famed Bengal Tigers apart from other wildlife. Sariska is located about 107 kilometers from Jaipur and about 200 kilometers from Delhi. The dry and deciduous jungles of Sariska with varied landscape ranging from grasslands to rocky cliffs and dotted with Dhok trees is an ideal haven for some of the best wildlife species. Apart from the Bengal Tiger, Sariska is home to the Indian Jackal, Leopard, Hyena, Chinkara, Nilgai, Chital and other species of wildlife. Sariska is a veritable Eden where these animals live in natural harmony. The wildlife is also tinged with a royal hue as the lands earlier used to be the hunting grounds of the Alwar Royal family and still holds within its fold the Sariska Palace which used to be the Royal hunting lodge of yore. Sariska Tiger Heaven would be an ideal camping ground to launch one’s “wild “experiences in Sariska.

sariska

Corbett

Jim Corbett, the man whose name is synonymous with Tigers was one of the key drivers behind the setting up of the Hailey National Park. This Park was later named as Jim Corbett National Park in his honour. This is the oldest National Park in India as situated in the picturesque district of Nainital in Uttarakhand. Stretching over an area of over 500 Kilometers across some beautiful landscape including rivers and lakes, the Park is home to Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, and others. The Park also comes alive to the chirping of over 586 species of birds, which include migratory as well as resident birds. If you are looking for a true wildlife retreat, then Corbett is an ideal destination. Nature comes alive in all its beauty at Corbett and Corbett Treetop Riverview is the ideal place to immerse oneself in the beauty of the sights and sounds of Corbett.

corbett

Thekkady

God’s own country, Kerala, which entices tourists with its romantic back waters and hypnotic natural charm also, is home to one of the most magnetic wildlife natural reserves in India. Yes, we are indeed talking about the Periyar National Park, which offers an idyllic and scenic backdrop to some thrilling wildlife sightings. A vast area of 925 Square Kilometers is home to Tigers and Elephants apart from other rare Flora and Fauna. The Park houses more than 140 species of Orchids and is also is noteworthy for playing host to some rare white tigers. Additionally, the destination also has other attractions in and around Thekkady you can check out. The Periyar National Park is situated at a distance of about 120 Kilometers from the city of Kochi. Thekkady Woods n Spice is an ideal place to start your jungle adventure in Thekkady.

Thekkady

 Kaziranga

The exotic land where flows the mighty Brahmaputra river, Assam, is also home to the Kaziranga National Park which in turn is home to more than two-thirds of the world population of the One-Horned Rhinoceros. 1651 massive Rhinos roam the land in languorous splendour, while tigers, elephants, wild water buffaloes and Swamp deer give them company. The landscape consists of vast swamps and marsh land which is dissected by four rivers including the Brahmaputra. Kaziranga National Park is situated about 193 Kilometers from Guwahati. Your date with the One-Horned Rhino in Kaziranga is definitely on the cards.

kaziranga

 Kanha

Mowgli, Shere Khan, Baloo and other characters come alive in Kanha, as Rudyard Kipling is supposed to have been inspired by this place to write the famous Jungle Book. Kanha lies right in the centre, the heart of India, in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The reserve stretches for a massive 940 square Kilometers and is home to tigers, leopards, sloth bear and the Indian Wild Dog. Kanha National Park also blooms with more than a 1000 species of flowers. Heading to Kanha to meet the Bengal Tiger is easy as the place is well connected to the major cities of India.

kanha

Sunderbans

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most important Mangrove forests in the World, a Tiger reserve and a Biosphere reserve, a unique ecosystem. The Sundarbans, is all this and much more. It is indeed a treasure trove of Natural surprises and phenomena. The Sundarbans covers a massive area of 10,000 Square Kilometers, some of which lies in Bangladesh. The forests of the Sundarbans are criss-crossed by an intricate network of waterways which renders remote corners of the forest accessible by boat. A cruise on the waterways is a unique experience and the thrill of spotting wildlife from the confines of the boat something that cannot be described in words. The Sundarbans is home to more than 334 species of Plants and wildlife in the form of Leopards, boars, Deer, Crocodiles, Monkeys also walk the land. One can getaway to the beautiful forests of the Sundarbans from Kolkata.

Sunderbans

Gir

In the State of Gujarat, as you travel 43 Kilometers from the historic Temple Town of Somnath, the melodious and rhythmic sounds of Garba fade away and what you hear is the chilling and blood curdling roar of the Asiatic Lion. The Gir Forest National Park houses more than 500 Asiatic Lions and this incidentally is their sole home. The Lions have Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Leopards, Cobras and many other mammals and reptiles for company. A visit to Gir to pay your respects to the King of the Jungle is definitely a royal experience.

gir

If reading about these destinations has sent your adrenalin pumping, then it is time to hoist your backpack onto your shoulders and set off to savour some really wild experiences with us at Sterling Holidays or book an exclusive wildlife package with us.