9 Best Night Safari In India For A Thrilling Wildlife Adventure

An image resembling night safari in Sunderbans, a destination for night safari in India.

Night Safari in India offers a rare chance to see the wild come alive after sunset. Many animals that stay hidden during the day emerge at night, making it an exciting experience. Guided tours take you through dense forests, where you may spot leopards, hyenas, foxes, and owls moving in the dark. The thrill of hearing distant calls and catching glimpses of glowing eyes adds to the adventure. With expert guides leading the way, the experience brings a new perspective on wildlife, offering an unforgettable journey into nature’s lesser-seen side.

Top 9 Night Safari Experiences In India

Here is a list of the top 9 night safari experiences in India, offering a unique way to explore the wilderness at night:

1. Night Safari At Bandhavgarh National Park

An image of Bandhavgarh National Park, one of the best places for night safaris in India.

Photo: Tom Thai / Wikimedia Commons

Night safari at Bandhavgarh National Park allows one to observe nocturnal wildlife in motion. The safari takes place in buffer zones such as Dhamokhar, Panchpedhi, and Manpur, with additional options in Parasi and Pachpedi. Visitors may spot leopards, hyenas, and various night birds. The distinctive sounds of insects and birds create an immersive atmosphere. The experience offers a rare chance to witness wildlife activity after sunset, making it one of the best night safaris in India.

Location: Madhya Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: October – February
Price: ₹6,500 – 7,500

2. Night Safari At Kanha National Park

An image of view of the Kanha National Park, a famous spot for night safari in India.

Photo: Ashishmahaur / Wikimedia Commons

Night safari at Kanha National Park is one of the best destinations for night safaris, and it offers a rare chance to witness the region’s nocturnal ecosystem. The safari is conducted in the buffer zones of Mukki and Khatia, where visitors may spot civets, porcupines, and owls. Occasionally, leopards and tigers can be seen moving through the shadows. The dense sal forests and meadows create an ideal habitat for night-dwelling creatures.

Location: Madhya Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: October – June
Price: ₹7,000 for Indian citizens; ₹ 10,000 for foreigners

3. Night Safari At Pench National Park

An image of Pench National Park, one of the best places for night safari in India.

Photo: Ishani Mehta / Wikimedia Commons

The night safari at Pench National Park, known as the “Wolf Safari,” offers one of the best night safari experiences in India. Visitors can observe wolves, jackals, nilgai, deer, and nocturnal birds. The safari occurs in the 484 sq km buffer zone surrounding the core forest. The region’s dry deciduous forests and open grasslands make it an ideal environment for night exploration. One of the unique highlights is stargazing at a waterhole, where wildlife activity continues under the open sky.

Location: Madhya Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: November – February
Price: ₹6,000 – 12,000

4. Night Safari At Tadoba National Park

An image of Tadoba National Park, a famous tourist destination for night safaris in India.

Photo: Asif N Khan / Wikimedia Commons

The night safari at Tadoba National Park lets one observe the park’s diverse wildlife after dark. Visitors may encounter tigers, leopards, wild boars, bison, and civet cats, as these animals become more active at night. The safari takes place in the buffer zones, where the terrain of dense forests and open grasslands offers an ideal setting for nocturnal species. The night safari allows for sightings of animals navigating their territories, often in search of food or water.

Location: Maharashtra
Best Time To Visit: October – June
Price: ₹7,000

5. Night Safari At Jim Corbett National Park

An image of the Jim Corbett National Park, a popular tourist destination in India.

Photo: Dushyant Kaushik / Wikimedia Commons

The night safari at Jim Corbett National Park takes place on the park’s roads, offering a unique opportunity to observe reptiles such as snakes and pythons. Visitors can also spot nocturnal mammals, like wild boar, porcupines, and smaller predators. The route covers areas near the park’s riverbeds and forested zones, where wildlife is most active after dark. The safari provides a rare chance to observe these species in their natural habitat, often hidden during daytime safaris.

Location: Uttarakhand
Best Time To Visit: November – February
Price: ₹7,500

6. Night Safari At Satpura National Park

Interior of the Satpura National Park, a famous place for night safaris in India.

Photo: Davidvraju / Wikimedia Commons

The night safari at Satpura National Park offers a distinct and immersive wildlife experience, taking visitors through dense forests and rugged hills home to leopards, sloth bears, and Indian giant squirrels. Unlike other parks, Satpura’s safari is often slower-paced, allowing for careful observation of nocturnal wildlife in their natural environment. The safari focuses on spotting lesser-known creatures like owls, civets, and jackals and tracking signs of bigger predators.

Location: Madhya Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: October – April
Price: ₹6,000 for Indian citizens; ₹8,000 for foreigners

7. Night Safari At Panna National Park

An image of Panna river of the Panna National Park, a famous tourist place in India.

Photo: Anurag nashirabadkar / Wikimedia Commons

The night safari at Panna National Park takes visitors through the park’s extensive buffer zone, where the terrain of dense forests and rocky outcrops offers a perfect environment for nocturnal wildlife. Hyenas, jackals, and porcupines are commonly spotted, along with several species of owls and other nocturnal birds. The rugged landscape, marked by cliffs and dry riverbeds, allows animals to remain hidden during the day and become more active after sunset.

Location: Madhya Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: November – March
Price: ₹6,000

8. Night Safari At Gir National Park

An image showing a view of the Gir National Park, one of the best tourist spots in India.

Photo: Daniel Romanson / Wikimedia Commons

Night safari at Gir National Park offers a unique experience of witnessing nocturnal wildlife in the park’s diverse habitats. Visitors may spot leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, and various owl species, each adapted to the darkness for hunting and foraging. The dry deciduous forests, rocky outcrops, and scattered shrubs provide an ideal environment for these animals. The safari also allows visitors to hear the calls of the Indian fox or spot nocturnal birds perched in the trees.

Location: Gujarat
Best Time To Visit: November – February
Price: ₹600 for Indian citizens; ₹1,600 for foreign tourists

9. Night Safari At Rajaji Tiger Reserve

An image of view of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, a famous place for night safaris in India

Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India and NCF / Wikimedia Commons

Night Safari at Rajaji Tiger Reserve offers an immersive experience as visitors explore the reserve after dusk. As night falls, the dense forests and open riverbanks become ideal for spotting wildlife. Visitors may see leopards moving through the underbrush or elephants grazing by the riverbanks. The reserve’s diverse nocturnal creatures, such as civets and foxes, are active now, offering a glimpse into their behaviour.

Location: Uttarakhand
Best Time To Visit: November – June
Price: ₹3,000 – 5,000

Night Safari in India offers a thrilling and unique chance to explore the wilderness after dark. As nocturnal animals come out, visitors can witness wildlife in its natural environment, making for an unforgettable experience. Each safari gives a different view of the jungle, from leopards to owls. Book your next night safari through TripXL and enjoy India’s wildlife in a new way.

Cover Photo: Hu Chen / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most national parks and reserves offering night safaris provide parking spaces near the entry points. It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.
Pets are generally not allowed during night safaris to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife. It's best to leave pets at home when going on a safari.
It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and carry warm layers, as the temperatures can drop during the night.
Photography is allowed, but the use of flash is usually prohibited as it can disturb the animals. Always check with the safari guide for specific guidelines.
Most parks allow children to join night safaris, though age restrictions and safety guidelines may vary. It’s best to confirm with the park authorities before booking.

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