The monsoon season, often perceived as a lull in wildlife tourism, surprisingly unveils a unique and enchanting side of India's wilderness. While several national parks close their core zones during this period, a selection of others remains open, offering remarkable safari experiences with fewer crowds and landscapes painted in vibrant shades of green. The rains bring a fresh perspective to the jungle, increasing the chances of unique animal sightings. Here are six wildlife safaris you can enjoy even during the monsoon:
Periyar National Park, Kerala: Nestled in the heart of Kerala, Periyar National Park remains accessible throughout June and the monsoon season. Its location in a protected monsoon region allows it to flourish during the early rains. Instead of jeep safaris, experience the park through boat safaris on Periyar Lake. The rains transform the lake-centric ecosystem into a lush paradise where elephants, gaurs, and sambar deer gather along the banks. Mist hangs low over the Western Ghats, creating a tranquil and cinematic escape into Kerala's wild soul.
Bandipur National Park, Karnataka: Located a short drive from Bengaluru, Bandipur National Park stands out as an exceptional monsoon destination. The early monsoon showers revitalize the forests, bringing them alive with animal activity. Witness large herds of Asiatic elephants roaming freely amidst the lush greenery. While tiger sightings might be less frequent, the overall experience is rewarding, with fewer crowds than during peak season months.
Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka: Adjacent to Bandipur, Nagarhole (also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park) offers a similar monsoon experience. Expect lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards, dholes (wild dogs), sloth bears, various deer species, and mongoose. Birdwatching is also excellent during this time.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka: For another monsoon wildlife getaway in Karnataka, head to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Chikmagalur. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The monsoon brings abundant water sources, attracting a variety of animals like gaurs, sloth bears, and potentially tigers.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan (Buffer Zones): While the core zones (1 to 5) of Ranthambore National Park close during the monsoon, zones 6 to 10, the buffer zones, remain open. This provides an opportunity to experience the magic of Ranthambore during the rainy season. The forest transforms into a green haven with flowing streams and waterfalls. Tiger sightings in the buffer zones are known to increase during this time.
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra (Buffer Zones): Tadoba is one of the few tiger reserves that partially remains open during the monsoon. While the core zones might be closed, safaris in the buffer zones are usually available. With fewer tourists and reduced human interference, there are still good chances of spotting tigers, along with other wildlife.
When planning a monsoon safari, remember that safaris may be limited to certain zones or times due to weather conditions. Always check the park's official website or contact local tour operators for the latest information and booking details. Embrace the rain, pack accordingly with waterproof gear, and prepare for a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience. Also, big cats (tigers, leopards) come out more often than not, to mark their territories as rain washes out their urine smell which is used for territory marking.
