Top Activities to do on your National Park Trips

The mysterious world of judges is synonymous with the country of India. India is quite brimming with national parks, forest reserves and lush dense greenery, that will take you on a magical experience. It is also one of the best places to embark upon an enchanting and adventurous national park tour. Blessed with hundreds of national parks and other unexplored forests, India is quite the place to visit if you are looking for nature and some thrill.

These dense forests are the perfect escape from the concrete jungle. Instead, just take in a big breathe and allow all the freshness and the strong earthy smell take you on a journey of a lifetime.

There are quite a few national parks in India, so which one should you embark upon? There is no right answer for this one. It might depend on the place you are visiting or what kind of experience you are looking for.

To help you out, here are some of the famous and popular national park tour in India:

Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh

The beauty of the Satpura National Park, which is also located in Madhya Pradesh, is that you can experience the forest in many ways. You can embark on a walking tour, a boat tour, a jeep safari and even a night safari. This forest is spread over 1400 sq km and is flanked by the stunning and ethereal Denwa River.

On your national park tour, just enjoy the calm water sod Denwa as you sail on your gentle boat and witness the beauty of the forest.

You can also engage in bird watching in this national park.

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

One of the most popular national parks in India is the Kanha National Park. Known for its tiger population, this national park tour is quite the rave. It covers about 1900 sq km and is located in Madhya Pradesh. The national park is divided into core and buffer zones.

Kanha national park is one of the best places to spot the striped cats. There was a time when some of the tigers used to walk side by side with safari jeeps.

This national park is also home to the Swamp deer, bears, and a plethora of other birds and animals.

Gir National Park, Gujarat

Located in Gujarat, the Gir National park is most popular for its lion sightings. One of the few places in India where these maned cats are found, the Gir forest is quite a thrilling national park tour.

Frequented by both international and domestic tourists, the Gir National park is home to Asiatic lions, pythons and also vultures.

The Gir National park has a more rustic and rugged feel rather than lush green trees. You will find a lot of dried-out trees, and sand-like soil as your jeep takes those winding and narrow turns. The real essence of the forest is felt when you spot the majestic kings of the forest, as their manes fly with the wind. It is quite something to spot the Asiatic lions.

The atmosphere too is quite surreal and even eerie at times. Which is exactly how a safari through a national park should feel like.

Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand

One of the most mesmerising and peaceful national parks, the Rajaji National Park is truly quite beautiful. Located in Uttarakhand, this national park tour is quite stunning if you are visiting the northern side of India. Here you can stroll through the enchanted forest, as the birds start to sing their songs and the leaves began to rustle. The Rajaji National Park is the kind of forest, where you would like to get lost in.

Rajaji National park is mostly known for its rare birds. Just keep your eyes peeled and you will find some of the most colourful, vibrant and quince birds just hiding behind that tree or sitting inside that grove.

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Another popular national park, the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. It will scare you, amaze you and eventually make you fall in love with it. One of the oldest national parks in India, The Jim Jim Corbett National Park has a fair bit of history to it.

The highlights of this enchanted forest include elephants, tigers and deer. It is brimming with about 50 species of mammals and 580 species of birds.

The best way to witness all that this national park has to offer is by embarking on a jeep safari. If you are looking for some adventure on your national park tour, then you can also opt for a walking tour in the buffer zones.

Nameri National Park, Assam

Located on the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is an offbeat national park is the jewel of the northeast. Brimming with the Jia Bhoroli river and its little tributaries, the Nameri National Park is must visit place on your National park tour in India.

You can simply walk through this forest and witness the tranquillity of this forest. Watch as the animals go about their lives and spend some time at the Nameri Eco Camp.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

The Kaziranga National Park is not only the pride of Assam but also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This national park tour will show you the ins and outs of this charming forest, as you witness the unique one-horned rhinos here. This national park is also home to tigers, elephants, and water buffaloes.

The best way to explore this national park is by a jeep safari. Your guide will drive you to the hotspots as you try and spot the brimming flora and fauna of this forest

Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal

Situated on the foothills of the snow-capped Himalayas, the gorgeous Jaldapara National park is quite a revelation on your National Park tour. Blessed with the one-horned rhino, this forest is spread over 200 sq km ad is close to other forest reserves like Chilapata Forest, Buxa Tiger reserve and Gorumara National Park.

If you are planning to come here on your National park tour, then stay at the blooming Hollong tourist lodge. This lodge is situated right amid the wilderness. Some of the animals like bison, deer and even wild boars just stroll in the main courtyard of this resort.

The exotic birds flying all day over your head is quite an enchanting and wonderful way to wake up in the morning.

Jeep Safari

One of the most common ways of exploring the dense forest on your National park tour, Jeep Safaris are quite the rave. Not only are these safaris the most convenient, but also quite safe. You can zoom past the beautiful trees and watch as the animals go about their daily routine from the comforts of your jeep. Almost all national parks in India have a Jeep Safari, but you should book them in advance.

Night Safari

While this might sound a bit scary, it is quite thrilling and will show you the other side of the forest. On your national park, opt for a night safari to enter the jungle in its more terrifying time. With pitch darkness, watch as the night birds come out and the hyenas let out their laugh. Night Safaris are not available in all national parks in India, so ask your guide.

Boat Rides

If you are visiting the surreal national park that is located close to a water body, then you should embark on an enchanting boat safari. This is most common in the Sunderbans, as your boat gently sails through the lush green forests, while you admire the fishes in the clear waters. You can also spot birds and animals coming near the water to drink, while you float on the serene river.

Trekking Trails

Another adventurous way of exploring the deep dark national parks of India is by simply walking. While it might seem dangerous, the guides are well adept to the surroundings, and they will help you follow a safe path. You can spot the animals and birds up close, crush the leaves by your feet, and admire the colorful flowers that dot your way. The Satpura national park is known for its walking safari.

Tips for National Park Tours

• Do not disturb the animals on your national park tour.
• You should not carry food or try and feed the animals in any way on your tour.
• Always take a guided tour and do not venture out alone in a national park.
• Try and avoid the night time as much as you can, till you have booked a night safari.
• Every national park in India has something different to offer, choose what you wish to see and experience and accordingly pick your destination.
• Do not litter the jungle, or play loud music. You are supposed to be as quiet and silent as possible on your national park tour.
• The best way to witness the brimming wildlife in these national parks is by carrying a pair of binoculars. This will also help you catch the fluttering birds.
• Do not wear flashy clothes. Keep your dress colours as muted as possible, as bright coloured clothes can scare the animals.
• Always follow your guide’s instructions. Do not try and get too close to the wild animals
• Jeeps can be hired based on sharing or private. See which one you prefer. It should cost about 500 INR per person if you are opting for a private safari.
• Try and avoid animal rides, since it is quite cruel towards the animals and are declining due to animals rights.
• If you are heading out on a night safari, then always carry a scarf or warm clothing, as temperatures tend to drop and the cold wind starts to blow.
• Finally, do not always expect to see tigers or lions or elephants. Sometimes you might on be able to see any of them on your national park tour. Just enjoy the surreal atmosphere, the scary vibe and the enchanting trees coupled with irregular streams.

There are many other national park tours in India in which you can embark to witness the rich biodiversity of the country. Some of the other popular ones are Bondla national park in Goa, The Sunderbans in West Bengal, Pench national park in Madhya Pradesh, Madhumalai in Karnataka, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, and many more. Each national park will give you a unique experience. And it will take you on a journey into the laps of nature.