Wildlife enthusiasts can shout hurrah as tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries reopen following the monsoon season. India's network of national parks that serve as sanctuaries for wild animals temporarily shut during monsoon months to protect animals and visitors from the challenges posed by heavy rains and to let animals breed. As monsoon season ends, wildlife enthusiasts eagerly await the reopening of these reserves. Here's a comprehensive guide to the opening dates of some of India's most renowned national parks in 2023, according to Indianholiday.com. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 1. Jim Corbett National Park | Reopening date: on October 1, 2023 | Located in Ramgarh District of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is Asia's first national park and is celebrated for its biodiversity. The reserve is home to the Royal Bengal tigers, making it a premier destination to spot these incredible animals. Besides tigers, Corbett is teeming with other species, including leopards, barking deer, Himalayan black bears, chital deer, leopard cats, and Indian elephants. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
No 2. Kanha National Park | Reopening date: October 15, 2023 | Located in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park in central India served as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's iconic "Jungle Book". It's renowned for its high probability of spotting tigers in their natural habitat. This year, the reopening of the park has been delayed to October 15, from previous opening date of October 1. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 3. Bandhavgarh National Park | Reopening date: October 15, 2023 | Located in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is considered one of best when it comes to sighting Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. This park was once the exclusive home of White Tigers, although they are now extinct. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris and elephant safaris for an up-close wildlife experience. In 2023, the park's opening date has been shifted from October 1 to October 15 to boost tourism. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 4. Ranthambore National Park | Reopening date: October 1, 2023 | The Sawai Madhopur district in Rajasthan is home to the Ranthambore National Park, which formerly was the royal hunting ground of the maharajas of Amer. Tigers are a major draw for tourists, and the park offers excellent opportunities for tiger sightings. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 5. Panna National Park | Reopening date: October 16, 2023 | Panna National Park, a gem among India's natural reserves, reopens its gates to wildlife enthusiasts after the monsoon. It offers nature lovers captivating landscapes and the opportunity to witness majestic tigers in all their glory. Visitors can go on safaris, explore the lush forests, and soak in the tranquil beauty of the Panna National Park. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
No 6. Kaziranga National Park | Reopening date: November 1 | A jewel of northeastern India's biodiversity, Kaziranga National Park is set to welcome visitors from November 1. Located in Assam, Kaziranga is renowned for its thriving population of the endangered one-horned Indian rhinoceros and diverse wildlife that includes tigers, elephants, and countless bird species. Kaziranga promises an unforgettable wildlife adventure amidst the lush landscapes of Assam. (Image: PTI)
No 7. Tadoba National Park | Reopening date: October 1, 2023 | Tadoba National Park, the oldest and largest in Maharashtra, derives its name from a deity revered by local tribes. Nestled in Chandrapur district, close to Nagpur, this park is a prominent component of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, one of India's 47 tiger reserve initiatives. Encompassing a sprawling expanse of 1,727 square kilometers, including the national park itself, this wildlife sanctuary boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna. Among its inhabitants are magnificent tigers, elusive leopards, lumbering sloth bears, robust Indian bison, and a vibrant spectrum of birds. (Image: Shutterstock)
In India, the administration has been taking measures to protect wild animals and forests spread across the country. In 1973, it took a crucial step in safeguarding big cats by launching Project Tiger as the population of tigers was a cause of concern. Project Tiger has helped increase the population of tigbers in national parks and tiger reserves across the country. In case you're a wildlife enthusiasts, these are the forests you must visit to spot tigers in their natural habitat. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 8. Pench National Park | Reopening date: October 16, 2023 | Nestled in the heart of India, Pench National Park spans across the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara. Named after the Pench River, this park holds a special place among India's renowned wildlife reserves. Immortalised in Rudyard Kipling's classic 1894 tale, 'The Jungle Book,' Pench National Park gained international acclaim, transforming it into one of the world's prominent national parks during the 1970s and a sought-after tourist destination in India. Wildlife enthusiasts flock to this sanctuary in hopes of encountering Indian Wolves, sloth bears and Royal Bengal Tigers. (Image: Reuters)
No 9. Bandipur National Park | Reopening date: This park remains open all round the year | As safaris do not enter the core area. It sanctuary temporarily closes only during heavy rains. Bandipur National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, where one can sight tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, dholes, sambar deer and sloth bears. It's a haven for birdwatchers. (Image: PTI)