What is the story about?
Come October, the forests of India stir back to life. After months of monsoon closure, the undergrowth is lush, rivers are brimming, and the wildlife inside
India's forests are back in active mode. For wildlife lovers, this month brings something even more exciting: the reopening of India’s great national parks. From Rajasthan’s dry scrub forests where tigers slip between ruins, to Madhya Pradesh’s sal forests where barasingha graze in golden meadows, October is when the gates swing open and safari season begins again.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Reopening: October 1, 2025Few places capture the drama of the wild like Ranthambore. Tigers here are often seen in broad daylight, padding past ancient walls or lounging near the lakes. With enough history and wilderness to keep you occupied for days, this national park in Rajasthan is where you might find yourself watching a leopard while the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort looms in the background.
Sariska National Park, Rajasthan
Reopening: October 1, 2025Closer to Delhi, Sariska offers a quicker route into the wild. Its rocky Aravalli hills shelter leopards, hyenas, and even caracals if you’re lucky. The reintroduced tiger population has been thriving, making this compact reserve a rewarding weekend safari.
Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra
Reopening: October 1, 2025Madhya Pradesh's most famous outpost of tigers, Pench’s teak forests, winding streams, and open meadows are perfect for a long weekend. Wild dogs hunt in coordinated packs here, jackals call at dusk, and if you're not in a hurry, local villages also give a glimpse into tribal life.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Reopening: October 15, 2025The first national park of India and the birthplace of Project Tiger, Corbett is as iconic as it gets. It’s a birder’s paradise too; more than 600 species flutter through its canopy. Safaris here mean early morning drives through misty sal forests, with the Ramganga River glinting in the sun and elephants crossing your path in silence.
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Reopening: October 15, 2025If you dream of seeing a tiger, Bandhavgarh might be your best bet. The park has one of the highest densities of big cats in the country. It’s also steeped in history, with the Bandhavgarh Fort rising above the jungle, its ruins guarded by vultures circling high above.
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Reopening: October 15, 2025Vast meadows, sal forests, and crystal-clear streams: Kanha is as beautiful and rugged as national parks can get. It is also the last refuge of the hard-ground barasingha, saved from extinction through decades of conservation. Watch herds of these antlered beauties grazing in sunlit grasslands, while the shadows of tigers lurk nearby.
Also Read: From Corbett To Ranthambore: Why National Parks In India Are Closed During Monsoon
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Reopening: October 15, 2025Often overlooked in favour of central India’s more famous reserves, Tadoba is raw and wild. Its bamboo thickets and waterholes are a stage for regular tiger sightings, while sloth bears, wild dogs, and even leopards add to the thrill. For photographers, Tadoba’s golden light is unmatched.
Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Reopening: October 15, 2025Once written off after losing its tiger population, Panna is now a story of revival. Thanks to a successful reintroduction program, tigers once again prowl these forests. The Ken River cuts through the park, attracting gharials and countless bird species, while vultures nest dramatically on the cliffs.
Also Read: With 148 Tigers, Kaziranga National Park Now Has World’s 3rd-Highest Tiger Density
Do you find this article useful?
