If you’re looking for a new way to experience India’s wild side, a night safari might just be the adventure you’re after! As the sun sets, the jungle comes alive with creatures that you won’t typically see during the day. From leopards in their natural habitat to owls under the night sky, a night safari offers a whole new world to explore. Ready to swap daylight for moonlight? Let’s dive into some of India’s best night safaris, each one packed with unique experiences and unforgettable sights!
Best Night Safaris In India
1. Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Panna National Park’s night safari, also known as the ‘night patrol,’ offers a chance to explore the park’s nocturnal wildlife. It operates in the buffer zones, not the national park’s core areas, and is a non-sharing experience, making it a more personal and immersive opportunity. The safari runs for about 2 to 3 hours after sunset and provides a unique chance to see animals that are rarely spotted during the day. Here, you can expect to encounter leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and jungle cats. This night safari is a unique way to learn about animal tracking in the dark and is also a budget-friendly option compared to a day safari.
Where: Madhya Pradesh
When: 6 pm – 9 pm (subject to change)
2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
The Jim Corbett National Park is extremely popular in India for its immersive wildlife safari experience. Though the night safaris aren’t conducted inside the core area, it still promises an exciting experience. It allows the visitors to explore the border areas of the park where wildlife like tigers, elephants, and leopards roam around under the stars. Imagine hearing animals in the dark and spotting their eyes glinting up in the headlights of the safari vehicle. It certainly adds an element of mystery and excitement to this nighttime adventure.
Where: Near Reliance Petrol Pump, Village Shivlalpur Pandey, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand
3. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
As amazing as the day experience, the night safari at Pench National Park is magical. It takes place in the buffer zone and introduces visitors to nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, jackals, owls, and more. During the torchlit drive, the park’s nocturnal wildlife truly comes alive. This night safari offers a rare opportunity to see wildlife beyond the usual tiger sightings, making it one full of surprises perfect for those looking for a unique adventure.
Where: Turia, Tehsil: Kurai, near Turia gate, Madhya Pradesh
When: 6 pm – 9 pm
4. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
If you’re looking forward to uncovering the hidden world of a jungle, Satpura National Park’s night safari is just the right adventure for you. Filled with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, the safari will allow you to spot leopards, flying squirrels, and sloth bears in their natural habitat. The safari takes place in the buffer zones of Parsapani and Sehra and also offers the chance to spot elusive creatures like the rusty-spotted cat, the world’s smallest wild cat.
Where: Madhya Pradesh
When: 6 pm – 9 pm
Also Read: Assam 7-Day Itinerary: Where To Go, What To See, Budget And More
5. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The Bandhavgarh National Park is known for its stunning landscape and rich biodiversity. However, its night safari is a whole different experience. During the mystical hours, the elusive creatures in this national park become more active. During this night safari, you can explore the buffer zones of Dhamokhar, Panchpedhi, and Manpur to spot creatures like leopards, civets, jackals, and sloth bears. Each of the buffer zones here offers a unique experience, making it a must-try for adventure seekers.
Where: Tala, Madhya Pradesh
When: 7 pm – 10 pm
6. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
One of India’s most famous national parks, Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, offers a night safari that brings you up close with the jungle‘s mysterious side. As soon as the sun sets, the Khatia and Khapa buffer zones are open for you to spot creatures like jungle cats, flying squirrels, and owls. Kanha National Park is particularly known for its Tigers, and spotting them at night is rare. However, this night safari lets you observe the park’s rich nocturnal wildlife that you certainly don’t want to miss.
Where: Madhya Pradesh
When: 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
7. Jhalana Leopard Safari, Rajasthan
Known for its amazing leopard sightings, the Jhalana Leopard Safari in Jaipur is one of the best places for wildlife enthusiasts. After the sun sets, the night safari here takes you into the wilderness for about two and a half hours. It is a thrilling experience where you can spot creatures like hyenas, foxes, and even jackals. The safari certainly offers you a chance to see leopards in their natural habitat, turning the experience into a magical one. Imagine coming across these majestic creatures under the starry sky; there’s truly no better way to make a night adventurous.
Where: VR4M+28P, Calgiri Marg, Malviya Nagar Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur
When: 7 pm – 10 pm
8. Bannerghatta Biological Park, Karnataka
The Bannerghatta Biological Park near Bangalore offers a unique night safari experience. Here you can explore the park’s beautifully maintained environment that showcases the nocturnal wildlife in a controlled setting. The park is home to creatures like leopards, tigers and bears. The leopard safari here is one of the biggest highlights, giving you an excellent chance to spot these animals in the dark.
Where: Bannerghatta Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka
When: 6 pm – 9 pm
These night safaris across India offer you a chance to get up close to the nocturnal wildlife in the country.
Cover Image Courtesy: Pench Jungle Camp/Website and Jhalana Panther Safari/Website
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