India is a land of diverse ecosystems that are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, the country offers numerous national parks and sanctuaries where they can capture stunning images of some of the most majestic creatures on Earth.
Here, I have compiled a list of the 11 best places for wildlife photography in India, each offering a unique opportunity to witness and photograph the beauty of nature up close.
1. Ranthambore National Park
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Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is famous for its tiger population and diverse bird species. The park’s rugged terrain and ancient ruins add a unique charm to wildlife photography.
How to Get There
Ranthambore National Park is located around 180 km away from Jaipur, the nearest airport. Visitors can hire a cab or take a train to Sawai Madhopur, the nearest railway station, and then reach the park via local transport.
Weather
The ideal time to visit Ranthambore National Park for photography is from October to June, with the winter months of December to February offering pleasant weather and clear skies.
2. Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is known for its high density of tigers and diverse wildlife. The park’s lush greenery and ancient caves provide a picturesque backdrop for wildlife photography. Bandhavgarh National Park is a prime location for capturing these majestic big cats in their natural habitat.
How to Get There
Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. The nearest airport in Jabalpur is approximately 190 kilometers away. You can also reach the park by train, with the nearest railway stations being Umaria and Katni.
Weather
The best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park for wildlife photography is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.
To get complete information about Bandhavgarh National Park: Click Here
3. Jim Corbett National Park
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If you are an avid wildlife photographer looking to capture India’s diverse flora and fauna, Jim Corbett National Park is a must-visit destination.
Named after renowned hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, this national park is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is one of the oldest national parks in India.
How to Get There
Jim Corbett National Park is well-connected by road from major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Dehradun. The nearest railway station is Ramnagar, which is around 12 kilometers away from the park. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 50 kilometers from the park.
Weather
Jim Corbett National Park experiences a subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit for wildlife photography is from November to June when the weather is pleasant, and animals are easily spotted near water bodies.
4. Kanha National Park
Before launching on your wildlife photography adventure in Kanha National Park, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the park’s rules and regulations. The park is renowned for its abundant population of Bengal tigers, making it an ideal destination for capturing striking images of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Spread across a vast expanse of approximately 940 square kilometers in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife including leopards, wild dogs, and barasingha. The park’s lush forests and open grasslands provide a picturesque setting for capturing stunning photographs.
How to Get There
Kanha National Park is accessible by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is in Jabalpur, approximately 175 kilometers away, while the closest railway station is in Jabalpur as well. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.
Weather
The best time to visit Kanha National Park for wildlife photography is during the dry season from October to June when animals congregate around water sources, increasing your chances of capturing unique and dramatic wildlife moments.
To get complete information about Kanha National Park: Click Here
5. Great Himalayan National Park
Some call it the hidden gem of India, the Great Himalayan National Park is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This national park is known for its diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and challenging treks. It was established in 1984 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
How to Get There
The nearest airport to the Great Himalayan National Park is in Bhuntar, which is around 50 kilometers away. The closest major railway station is in Pathankot, from where you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park. The park is well-connected by road, and there are regular buses from major cities in Himachal Pradesh.
Weather
The best time to visit the Great Himalayan National Park is from April to June and September to November, as the weather is pleasant during these months.
The monsoon season, from July to August, should be avoided due to heavy rains and landslides. Winter, from December to February, brings snowfall and cold temperatures, making it a challenging time to visit.
6. Panna National Park
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Panna National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh. This wildlife sanctuary is known for its dense forests, stunning waterfalls, and a wide array of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
How to Get There
Panna National Park is easily accessible by road from major cities like Khajuraho, which is around 24 kilometers away. The nearest airport is in Khajuraho, while Satna is the closest railway station.
Weather
The best time to visit Panna National Park is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for wildlife sightings.
To get complete information about Panna National Park: Click Here
7. Gir National Park
One of the most renowned wildlife sanctuaries in India, Gir National Park is located in the state of Gujarat and is famous for being the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lions in the world. The park was established in 1965 and covers an area of 1412 sq km, encompassing diverse flora and fauna.
How to Get There
Gir National Park is easily accessible by road and air. The nearest airport is located in Rajkot, approximately 160 km away from the park. Visitors can also reach the park by train through the Junagadh Railway Station, which is around 65 km from the park.
Weather
The best time to visit Gir National Park is from December to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for wildlife viewing. Summers are extremely hot with temperatures soaring above 40°C, while monsoons are humid and not recommended for visiting the park.
8. Pench National Park
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Despite being one of the lesser-known national parks in India, Pench National Park is a hidden gem for wildlife photography enthusiasts.
Located near Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, Pench is renowned for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. The park is named after the Pench River, which flows through its boundaries, adding to the scenic beauty.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, wild dogs, and various species of deer and birds. The riverbanks offer great opportunities for capturing intimate moments of wildlife.
How to Get There
Pench National Park is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is in Nagpur, approximately 92 km away. Regular buses and taxis are available from major cities like Nagpur and Jabalpur to reach the park. The nearest railway station is at Seoni, which is around 30 km from the park.
Weather
The best time to visit Pench National Park for photography is during the dry season from November to May. The weather is pleasant during this time, with cooler mornings and evenings that are ideal for wildlife sightings and photography.
Get complete info about Pench National Park: Click Here
9. Periyar National Park
Many wildlife photographers consider Periyar National Park in Kerala as one of the best places in India to capture stunning images of wildlife. The park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including a large population of elephants and rare species like the Nilgiri langur and lion-tailed macaque.
How to Get There
Periyar National Park is located in Thekkady in the Idukki district of Kerala. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, which is about 140 kilometers away. The closest railway station is Kottayam, about 114 kilometers from the park. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.
Weather
The best time to visit Periyar National Park for wildlife photography is during the winter season, from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The monsoon season, from June to September, should be avoided as heavy rainfall can make photography challenging.
10. Sariska National Park
Nestled in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Sariska National Park is known for its pristine landscapes and diverse wildlife. This protected area serves as a haven for numerous species, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
How to Get There
Sariska National Park is located approximately 107 kilometers from Jaipur and can be reached by road in about 2-3 hours. The nearest railway station is in Alwar, around 36 kilometers away. International travelers can reach Sariska via flights to Jaipur Airport.
Weather
Sariska experiences extreme temperatures with scorching summers and chilly winters. The best time to visit is during the winter months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
11. Sundarban National Park
Notoriously known as the largest mangrove forest in the world, Sundarban National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Located in West Bengal, Sundarban is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
One of the main attractions of Sundarban is its population of Bengal tigers, which are adapted to swimming in the saline waters of the region. Besides tigers, the park is also home to animals like spotted deer, wild boar, and crocodiles. The unique ecosystem of the mangrove forests provides a fantastic backdrop for capturing stunning wildlife photographs.
How to Get There
Sundarban National Park can be reached by taking a flight to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a train to Canning, which is the nearest railhead to the park. From Canning, one can take a boat ride to reach the Sundarban islands.
Weather
The best time to visit Sundarban National Park is during the winter months of November to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for wildlife sightings. The summers can be hot and humid, making it challenging to explore the park.
The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall, which can lead to flooding in the mangrove forests.
Final Thoughts
I hope that you enjoyed this list of best places for wildlife photography in India that offers a diverse range of flora and fauna for photographers to capture.
Whether it’s the majestic tigers of Kanha National Park or the lush greenery of Panna National Park, each location provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of nature up close. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike will find these parks to be a haven for capturing stunning images of India’s rich biodiversity.
It’s important to keep in mind safety protocols and respect for the wildlife while exploring the park for photography. Happy Clicking!
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