Monsoon arrives in India as a welcome relief from the scorching heat, transforming the once-parched brown landscapes into myriad shades of green. While some national parks and wildlife sanctuaries close their doors during this season, a select few let visitors enjoy the verdant landscapes, lush foliage, gushing streams and waterfalls in a whole new light. While the traditional safari experience may be different, a monsoon adventure presents a whole new side of India’s wildlife sanctuaries. From spotting rare flora and fauna to embarking on adventure and watersport expeditions, a monsoon safari in India brings you closer to nature in a different setting.
Best months for a monsoon safari in India
The rainy season, in most parts of India, lasts from July to September, which is the ideal time for a thrilling monsoon safari in the country.
Explore India’s best monsoon safaris
Periyar National Park, Kerala
Periyar National Park takes on a variety of emerald hues during the monsoon, making it the perfect time to start your wildlife exploration. It is one of the only national parks in India that remains open throughout the seasons, including the monsoons. From June to September, the park receives heavy rainfall, swelling up streams and rivers and giving new life to the waterfalls. A birdwatcher’s haven during monsoons, Periyar National Park is home to a variety of domestic and migratory birds during this season. There is plenty to see and do here, even if you miss spotting the elusive tigers during your monsoon safari.
Things to do: Go on a river cruise, go hiking with a local guide, and enjoy overnight camping
Nearby hotels: Thondiyar Estate Bungalow by LexStays, Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, and Periyar View
How to reach
By air: Madurai Airport is approximately 152 km away.
By train: Kottayam railway Station is approximately 101 km away.
Book your stay at Thondiyar Estate Bungalow by LexStays via Booking.com
Book your stay at Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club via Agoda.com
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh National Park is a majestic place to visit in any season, promising near-sure sightings of wild animals, including tigers, leopards, foxes, jackals, hyenas, and sloth bears. While the core safari zones of the park are closed during the rainy season, the buffer zones remain open for exploration. With pleasant temperatures and a verdant landscape offering breathtaking views of the grasslands and forests, a monsoon safari becomes all the more thrilling.
Planning a wildlife trip to Madhya Pradesh? Check out our guide to Panna National Park.
Things to do: Explore Bandhavgarh Fort, spend time at Baghel Museum, and visit the Three Cave Point
Nearby hotels: Tiger Trails Resort, Tiger Lagoon Bandhavgarh National Park, and Bundela Bandhavgarh by Octave
How to reach
By air: Jabalpur Airport is approximately 184 km away.
By train: Umaria Railway Station is approximately 32.5 km away.
Book your stay at Tiger Trails Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at Tiger Lagoon Bandhavgarh National Park via Agoda.com
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
A lush green spectacle to behold, Jim Corbett National Park during the monsoon season is vastly different from its summer and winter versions. With torrential rains washing away roads and safari tracks in the main zones, only the buffer zones of Jhirna and Sitabani remain open for visitors. Even if you miss spotting tigers, you might still get a glimpse of wild boars, antelopes, deer, and a large variety of domestic avian species. It is, in fact, a great time for birders to spot peacocks, parakeets, quail, and owls in the wilderness.
Elevate your trip with our extensive guide on how to reach Jim Corbett.
Things to do: Go fishing, enjoy river rafting, and indulge in rock climbing
Nearby hotels: Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Jim Corbett, ZANA – A Luxury Escape, Dhikuli, Jim Corbett, and Saraca Resort & Spa Corbett
How to reach
By air: Pantnagar Airport is approximately 76 km away.
By train: Ramnagar Railways Station is approximately 1 km away.
Book your stay at ZANA - A Luxury Escape, Dhikuli, Jim Corbett via Booking.com
Book your stay at Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Jim Corbett via Agoda.com
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa
Spectacular scenery on your monsoon safari and river rafting expeditions mark a visit to the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa. Populated by tigers, panthers, bears, Sambar deer, venomous snakes, and more, this sanctuary also houses a unique range of avian species, from the Malabar grey hornbill to the grey-headed Bulbul. The monsoon season is also when the gushing Mhadei River becomes the perfect spot for white-water rafting. Another major attraction of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary during monsoons is the bioluminescent fungi that rear their heads after a bout of heavy rains.
Things to do: Go hiking on the numerous trails in the sanctuary and enjoy rappelling
Nearby hotels: Hillside Retreat, Ponda, Goa; The Postcard Velha, Goa; and Treebo Rock Valley
How to reach
By air: Goa International Airport is located within Goa.
By train: Vasco Da Gama Railway Station is approximately 67 km away.
Book your stay at Hillside Retreat, Ponda, Goa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Treebo Rock Valley via Agoda.com
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Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Karnataka
Bringing with it some respite from the fiery-hot summers, the monsoon at the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary completely transforms the rocky, dried-out landscape into a vibrant forest. Unlike other national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, where the rains dwindle chances of spotting rare wildlife, the chances of spotting sloth bears increase here (bears love getting rain-soaked) in the monsoons. Keep in mind that safaris at the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary are conducted only during the evenings due to daytime heat, even if you are looking for a monsoon safari.
Things to do: Spot endemic species of birds and enjoy panoramic views from the machans
Nearby hotels: Evolve Back Hampi, Heritage Resort Hampi, and Royal Orchid Central Kireeti-HAMPI Hospet
How to reach
By air: Hubballi Airport is approximately 171 km away.
By train: Hospet Junction is approximately 17 km away.
Book your stay at Evolve Back Hampi via Booking.com
Book your stay at Heritage Resort Hampii via Agoda.com
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Monsoon is the best time to visit Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, which is in full bloom during the season. Streams and waterfalls swell up to several times their size, ensuring splendid views in every direction. While Zones 1 to 5 remain closed during the monsoon season, from July 1 to September 30, zones 6 to 10 remain open for visitors to embark on a pleasant monsoon safari. Indulge in myriad wildlife encounters here, from tigers to migratory birds to deer.
Things to do: Explore Surwal Lake, enjoy the water lilies of Padam Talao, and indulge in birdwatching
Nearby hotels: Raj Palace Resort, The Baagh Ananta Elite, and Anantvan Ranthambore By Asapian Hotels
How to reach
By air: Jaipur International Airport is approximately 167 km away.
By train: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station is approximately 11 km away.
Book your stay at Raj Palace Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Baagh Ananta Elite via Agoda.com
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve remains partially open during the monsoon season, with its main zones closed and buffer zones open to visitors. It is home to the world’s largest population of Asian elephants, well-known for their penchant for playing in the water. With streams and lakes swelling up exponentially during this season, the entire national park becomes their playground. Apart from elephants, you can also spot jackals, bears, hyenas, and a variety of birds, including peacocks, Malabar grey hornbill, and Racket-tailed drongo among others.
Things to do: Enjoy trekking and explore nearby viewpoints for panoramic shots
Nearby hotels: Jungle Hut, Avadale Masinagudi, and The Nest Inn Resort
How to reach
By air: Coimbatore International Airport is approximately 127 km away.
By train: Ooty Railway Station is approximately 42 km away.
Book your stay at Jungle Hut via Booking.com
Book your stay at Avadale Masinagudi via Agoda.com
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
Boasting some of the most beautiful landscapes you can expect to see during monsoons, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal place to spot tigers, leopards, elephants, and Malabar Giant Squirrels, even on a monsoon safari. If you embark on a safari right after light rains, there are high chances of spotting herds of elephants near the filled-to-the-brim watering holes, playing and bathing.
Things to do: Go kayaking, enjoy a boat ride, and walk along the Bhadra Reservoir
Nearby hotels: The Serai Chikmagalur, The Blossom Resort – Chikmagalur, and The Grand Retreat – Chikmagalur
How to reach
By air: Shivamogga Domestic Airport is approximately 23 km away.
By train: Kadur Junction is approximately 52 km away.
Book your stay at The Serai Chikmagalur via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Blossom Resort – Chikmagalur via Agoda.com
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Tips for a monsoon safari in India
- Remember that these are national parks, not zoos, and animal sightings are not guaranteed.
- In case of heavy rainfall, even pre-booked safaris may get cancelled.
- Keep a raincoat or poncho handy as chances of rain while on a monsoon safari are high.
- Wear clothing that covers your legs and arms to avoid getting stung by insects and leeches.
- In case visitors are allowed to get off the safari vehicle for photos and self-exploration, do not stray too far from the group.
- Carry waterproof bags and covers for your phones, and other electronic items.
- Pay attention to the guide’s instructions.
- Carry a change of clothes.
- Wear comfortable, quick-drying shoes.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Do not carry any snacks on your safari. Not only does it promote littering, but wild animals might become interested in you upon smelling the treats.
(Feature image credit: mudumalaitigerreserve)
Related: Kaziranga National Park: Decoding The Best Time To Visit India’s Natural Wonder
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, it is safe to go on a safari during monsoons in India. Many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, or their buffer zones, which are open during the rainy season, do not experience torrential rainfall.
Mornings and early evenings are considered the best times of the day for a monsoon safari.
While tigers and leopards might seem elusive, elephants and bears can be easily spotted during the monsoon season. Additionally, a huge variety of reptiles and birds can also be spotted.
Make sure to carry rain covers and bags for your valuables, such as phones, chargers, cash, and cards.
On your monsoon safari, wear clothing that covers your legs and arms to avoid getting stung by leeches and insects. Carry antibiotic ointments and insect-repellents with you.
Most national parks and wildlife sanctuaries have plenty of accommodation options available nearby, from hotels and homestays to resorts and private villas.
Most national parks in India do not require visitors to purchase special permits for a monsoon safari.
Yes, it is completely safe as well as enjoyable for children to participate in a monsoon safari.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelEsha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
