Discover the Wild Side Night Safaris of India That Will Blow Your Mind
Wildlife safaris in India are enchanting. It is an exhilarating opportunity to watch majestic animals like never before. However, nothing screams adventure quite like a jungle night safari. With up to 70% of species most active from dusk till dawn, these after-dark adventures reveal the fascinating nightlife of the wild. So, when the sun sets and the forests slip into darkness, a whole new world comes alive. The stealthy prowlers, the shy nocturnal hunters, and the eerie calls of the wild make it an experience like no other.
India is home to some of the most thrilling night safaris in India, offering an unmatched rendezvous with nature after dusk. From the famous tiger safari India Ranthambore to the mysterious landscapes of Tadoba National Park, these safaris in India are your golden ticket to witnessing wildlife like never before. So, buckle up, grab those night-vision binoculars, and let’s dive into the best safari tours under the moonlit skies.
In this Blog
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
If you’re looking for the best safaris in India, then you must visit the Bandhavgarh National Park. This national park in Madhya Pradesh is known for its high density of Bengal tigers and is a dream come true for wildlife lovers. One of the most thrilling things in Bandhavgarh is the jungle night safari cause it’s unmatched. The dense forest literally transforms into a moonlit wonder, giving the game park an eerie feel.
The night safaris in India’s Bandhavgarh National Park is conducted in the Parasi & Pachpedi zones from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, offering visitors a rare chance to witness the park’s nocturnal wildlife in action. As your jeep traverses through the forests, you can encounter the stealthy Indian leopards hiding in the undergrowth, jungle cats on the hunt, and civets rushing across the paths. The forests echo with the distant howls of jackals and the occasional alarm calls of spotted deer, hinting at the presence of a lurking predator.
Apart from tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park is home to a variety of other wildlife that thrives in the night. You may see a sloth bear trudging on the road or an Indian fox sneaking away silently. Each stir of the jungle at night feels different, and every movement offers an added sense of adventure.
For people who yearn for a surge of adrenaline, the Bandhavgarh National Park night safari is not an opportunity to be missed. You won’t just witness wildlife, this will be an opportunity for you to engulf yourself in the raw and undisturbed beauty of the forest at its most mystical.
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
If you wished to enter the world of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, then a Kanha National Park safari at night is a remarkable opportunity to get close to Mowgli’s world. This gigantic and magnificent forest is well known, not only for its population of tigers but also barasinghas (swamp deer), and diverse wildlife, takes on an almost mythical aura after dark.
The jungle night safari at Kanha National Park operates between 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm in the Khatia Buffer Zone & Khapa Gate. Here, guests can get an opportunity to observe some elusive wildlife. The anticipation is high as you ride through the rough trails with the jungles own headlights cutting through the thick branches. Normally, the silence is broken by the constant hooting of the owls, distant wolf calls and the gentle brushing of leaves as something shifts close by.
Kanha is one of the top night safaris in India because it is is popular for spotting golden jackals, leopards and even the rare rusty-spotted cat, one of the smallest wild cats in the world. If luck is in your favour, you might witness wild boars foraging, porcupines navigating the underbrush, or even an Indian hare frozen in the beam of your flashlight. Kanha Kisli region in specific is famous among wildlife lovers and bird watchers due to the high rate of owls and nightjars and flying squirrels.
A Kanha National Park safari at night is the perfect opportunity for wildlife photographers and adventure seekers to explore a side of the jungle that few get to see. It’s a thrilling, spine-tingling journey through the unknown, where every sound and shadow keeps you on edge.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
When it comes to legendary wildlife destinations, Jim Corbett National Park is an icon. Also, as the first national park in India, it has been synonymous with thrilling safari tours, especially for those hoping to spot the elusive Bengal tiger. But while most visitors explore Corbett during the day, the real magic begins after sunset when the jungle wakes up in a way few ever get to witness.
While most national parks do not allow night safaris, Jim Corbett National Park allows these in buffer zones near Jhirna, Dhela, and Sitabani from 7 pm to 10 pm. These forests are full of wildlife and if you are lucky, while driving through the dark, you might see elephants feeding on grass under the moon, or a leopard quietly resting on a rock waiting for deer. Navigating through Corbett at dark is scary, however, the sudden yet sharp hooting from the owls and crumpling of leaves in the distance give a safe indication that a predator is on the move.
The most jaw dropping factor about the night safaris in India’s Jim Corbett is undoubtedly the ability to spot striped hyenas. As they are mostly dormant during the day, they can only be seen while in search of food at night. This park also contains civet cats, small-clawed otters, and even porcupines that tend to emerge after dark. Bird lovers will find this park appealing during night time as they can spot mottled wood owls, brown hawk owls, and Indian nightjars. This park indeed is a paradise for all the wanderers that seek adventure in the darker side of nature.
For wildlife lovers who crave an experience beyond the usual, Jim Corbett’s night safari is a surreal adventure where the forest whispers its most intriguing secrets under the cover of darkness.
Tadoba-Andhari National Park, Maharashtra
If you’re looking for one of the best safaris in India experiences, then Tadoba National Park should be at the top of your list. Known for its thriving Bengal tiger population, Tadoba is one of India’s most famous tiger reserves. If watching a tiger during the day gives you a thrill, wait until you see one during a nighttime jungle safari! A Tadoba safari is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
The night safari in Tadoba is in the Junona buffer zone close to the Moharli gate as well as Palasgaon. It lasts for 3 hours from 7 pm to 10 pm. During the course of the night safari, you will be able to spot a bear drowsily strolling across the middle of a path, or a tiger stealthily parading down the jeep tracks. With the darkness making it impossible to determine what could be around, everything becomes a lot more exciting.
Tadoba is also home to an incredible variety of nocturnal animals, including civet cats, jungle cats, and Indian palm civets. The night is filled with the sounds of crickets, frogs, and the occasional deep growl of a tiger, creating an atmosphere of raw wilderness that few places in India can match. A Tadoba National Park night safari is an experience that redefines wildlife adventures – mystical, unpredictable, and utterly exhilarating.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
When it comes to tiger safaris India, Ranthambore is action packed. Few things compare in sheer thrill than exploring Ranthambore National Park in the dark. This legendary wildlife sanctuary, once a key hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, today is one of the best safaris in India. While daytime safaris in Ranthambore are famous for their incredible tiger sightings, the Ranthambore safari at night takes the adventure to an entirely new level, it is where the forest comes alive in ways that few have ever seen.
As compared to the much sought after Ranthambore safari during the day when visitors explore the wildlife rich zones, the night safari provides rare views of the distant and seldom seen aspects of the park. It is carried out in the buffer zones which are situated close to the main park and gives wildlife enthusiasts a chance to witness creatures who remain hidden during the day and can only be seen at night.
A wide variety of nocturnal animals are endemic to the forests of Ranthambhore National Park. Indian civets, rusty spotted cat, palm civets, and shy leopards are only a few of the many creatures that could be seen while jeeps drive through the moon lit trails. The ambience is filled with the faint sounds of owl, jackal, and tiger growls.
During the night safari, for those fortunate enough, a tiger could be seen patrolling its territory and might create an unforgettable encounter. While tigers are primarily diurnal, their activity patterns during nocturnal hours are equally fascinating. They can be spotted stealthily roaming their territory.
Safaris With StayVista: Where to Stay
Imagine being surrounded by the call of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the scent of earth as you wake up in the wild – all while enjoying the rustic luxury of India’s most mind-blowing jungles. You can choose from the tribal exuberance of Bhills Kabeela, Rustic Respite’s raw and earthy vibes, or the serene haven of Pandav Greens located in Madhya Pradesh. Each retreat makes sure to combine comfort with nature. Other locations such as Green Embrace and SVP Farms in Nagpur provide a peaceful getaway from the chaos of everyday life cocooned in the soothing sounds of nature and deep forests. If you find yourself in the state of Rajasthan, The Foothills and Jungle Retreat make the fierce awe-inspiring landscape of Rajasthan closer to you. Sands of Thar will immerse you in the beauty of the desert. These jungle retreats are not simply a ‘stay’ but an opportunity to relish in the beauty of India’s jaw-dropping landscapes.
Tips for a Memorable Night Safari
- Dress appropriately: Wear dark, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. The nights can get chilly, so layering is a good idea.
- Carry essentials: Pack insect repellent, a flashlight (with a red filter to minimize disturbance), and a camera with low-light capabilities to capture the magic of the night.
- Listen and observe: Pay attention to the sounds and smells of the jungle. Keep noise to a minimum to enhance your chances of wildlife sightings.
- Respect the rules: Follow your guide’s instructions and adhere to park regulations. The welfare of the animals and the preservation of their habitat are paramount.
Image credits: Vickey Chauhan via Wikimedia
