When the silence spreads in the forest after the hustle and bustle of the day, that is when the real adventure begins. Glowing eyes, whispering winds and mysterious sound – this is the experience that makes “Night Safaris in India” special.
If you also want to feel the mysterious world of the forest in the silence of the night, then these amazing night safaris of India can become a memorable journey for you.
Table of Contents
What is a Night Safari?
The world of the forest takes on a different form in the darkness of night. When the sun sets and the day animals start resting, many mysterious nocturnal creatures become active. The purpose of night safari is to provide an opportunity to see this amazing night life up close.
While safari tours are common in daylight, in night safaris, travel is done on specific routes within the forest with torches or limited light. In this, silent safaris are done with specially trained guides so that the animals are not disturbed and you can experience their natural behaviour.
The main difference between night safari and day safari is that most of the herbivorous animals are active during the day, while at night predators and nocturnal animals such as leopards, hyenas, wild cats, lions and owls can be seen.
The trend of night safaris in India is gradually increasing, and today many national parks and sanctuaries are providing this unique experience to tourist. If you are a natural lover and want to experience real jungle adventure, then you must experience night safaris in India once.
Top 7 Night Safaris in India
There are many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that offer a wonderful experience of night safari in India. Here we will talk about selected 7 best night safari destinations, which are a unique combination of adventure and natural beauty.
1.Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Satpura National Park, located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the few places where the real thrill of night safaris in India can be experienced. The dense forests of Satpura, up and down hilly paths and tranquil lakes make this park very special.
While wildlife like tigers, leopards and deer are easily visible during the day, the atmosphere here changes completely at night. During the night safari, you can see nocturnal creatures like sleuth bears, wild cats, porcupines and many types of owls. The night safari here is very limited and controlled, so that there is no interference in the wildlife and you can enjoy this unique aspect of nature peacefully.
Best time to visit: October to April, when the weather is pleasant and animal’s activity is also high.
How to Book: Night Safari can be booked through the official website of the park or the local forest department (MP Forest Department Official).
2.Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Pench National Park is located on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, this national park is inspired by Kipling’s famous novel “The Jungle Book” and it is a great destination for a night safari. This park is not only famous for tigers, but night safaris in India are also becoming increasingly popular among adventure lover.
When the night deepens, every corner of the forest comes alive with a different life. During the night safari, you can see leopards, porcupines, wild dogs and a variety of nocturnal birds like owls and nightjars.
Best time to visit: November to May, when the grass is less and animals are easier to see.
How to Book: Night safaris slots can be easily booked through MP Tourism or local safari operators. Some special zones here are open exclusively for night safari, where only limited vehicles are allowed to enter.
3.Jhalana Leopard Safari, Rajasthan
Jhalana is located very close to the city of Jaipur and it is one of the few places where you can experience the thrill of real jungle without travelling much away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This place if no less than a treasure for lovers of night safaris in India. The dense forest of Jhalana is especially famous for leopards, and seeing these predatory cats roaming in the open at night is a wonderful experience.
Apart from this, rare glimpses of jackals, hyenas, nilgai and nocturnal birds can also be seen here. The biggest attraction of Jhalana Safari is that the chances of seeing leopards here are quite high, making it one of the most successful night safaris in India.
Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is cool and ideal for safari.
How to Book: Booking can be done easily through the official website of Rajasthan Tourism Department or Jhalana safari Park.
4.Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra
Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled in the lap of the Sahyadri mountain range, here you can see a unique confluence of nature’s peace and mysterious nights. For lovers of night safaris in India, this sanctuary is a lesser-known but extremely beautiful place.
This sanctuary is nestled between dense forests, high mountains and the banks of the Koyna River, this area comes alive at night. During the night safari here, India gaur (wild buffalo), leopard, porcupine, jackal and many rare nocturnal birds can be seen.
Best time to visit: October to February, when the weather is cool and most comfortable for travel.
How to Book: Booking is available through approved guides and tour operators of the Maharashtra Forest Department. The area of Koyna is part of the Biosphere Reserve, so while doing safari here, you will experience the real and untouched.
5.Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Panna Tiger Reserve is spread across Chhatarpur and Panna districts of Madhya Pradesh, it is one of those amazing places in India where the night forest seems like a mysterious story. Famous for its spectacular tiger safari, Panna is now slowly becoming popular for night safaris in India as well.
During the night safari, when the forest is immersed in darkness, wild cats, porcupines, Indian jackals, and various nocturnal birds start their activities. Not only the animals but also the amazing view of the banks of the Ken River and the forest shining in the moonlight give a magical feeling.
Best time to visit: November to March, when the weather is cool and clear, making it easier to see the animals.
How to Book: Booking can be done through the official booking porta of Panna Tiger Reserve.
6.Manas National Park, Assam
Manas National Park is one of the most beautiful and biodiversity-rich sites in Assam, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The experience of night safari here is very unique, because at night the forest turns into a mysterious world.
Manas holds a distinct identity among night safaris in India, where you can see rare golden langur, leopard, wild buffalo, elephant and many types of nocturnal creatures. The light cool breeze and the whisper of the forest make this experience even more exciting.
Best time to visit: November to April, when the park reopens after the monsoon and the weather is favourable for safari.
How to Book: You can easily book night safari through Assam Tourism Department. It is famous not only for its wildlife but also for its beautiful grasslands, dense forests and tributaries of the Brahmaputra, which make the night safari even more special.
7.Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh
Pakke Tiger Reserve is a hidden gem for night safari lovers, it is nestled in the dense and mysterious forests of Arunachal Pradesh. The night safari here offers a very calm and wonderful experience, where you can feel the real, untouched form of the forest.
Pakke is special in the list of Night Safaris in India because here you get to see leopards, flying squirrels, porcupines, different types of owls and many rare nocturnal creatures. Spending the night in this forest surrounded by the tribal culture of Arunachal is a unique combination of adventure and spiritual peace.
Best time to visit: November to April, when the weather is clear and favourable for travel.
How to Book: There is no official portal for direct booking, here you can get information from Arunachal Tourism and booking is done through local guides.
Also Read: 10 Most Beautiful Forests in India
Tips for an Unforgettable Night Safari
The thrill of the forest in the silence of the night is different, but for a great experience it is very important to keep some important things in mind. If you want to enjoy night safaris in India to the fullest, then these tips can make your safari memorable:
- Wear the right clothes: Wear light, comfortable but full-sleeved clothes, so that you can get protection from mosquitoes and insects and can also face the change of weather.
- Stay calm and be patient: Animals move slowly at night and can be easily scared, so maintain silence in the vehicle and avoid loud noises.
- Use camera and torch carefully: If you want to take photos, do not use flash. Use torch as little as possible and in the right direction so that the animals do not get uncomfortable.
- Listen to the guide: Professional guides understand the behaviour of the forest. Following their advice helps in safety as well as seeing more creatures.
- Take your garbage with you: Do not leave plastic or other garbage in the forest. Follow responsible tourism so that natural balance is maintained.
- Choose the right rime: The night safari experience on a moonlit night or around the new moon varies. Plan the safari according to the weather and moon conditions.
- Choose a safe vehicle: Use only authorized and safe safari vehicles that follow the forest rules.
Keeping these simple but important tips in mind will make your night safari not only exciting, but also completely safe and memorable.
Safety & Responsible Tourism
As exciting as it is to roam in the jungle in the dark of night, it is also full of responsibility. Taking care of safety and environmental protection during night safaris in India is not only our responsibility, but it is also very important for the will-being of the forest and wildlife. Below are some important precautions and rules of responsible tourism:
- Carry Safety Equipment: Always carry a small first aid kit, water bottle, and a light jacket if necessary, during the safari.
- Do not tease or disturb wildlife: Chasing animals, shining bright lights or making noise to see them is completely wrong.
- Control of light and sound: Bright lights and noise can scare wildlife and affect their behaviour. Use torches or fog lights very carefully.
- Never get off the vehicle: Not matter how spectacular the scenery is, leaving the vehicle in the forest can be extremely dangerous.
- Maintain natural balance: Do not break plants, go off the trails and do not leave any garbage in the forest. Adopt the principle “Only footprints, no litter”.
- Respect fellow travellers: Make the experience of the travellers sharing the safari pleasant as well – keep the peace and give everyone an equal opportunity to see.
- Follow local rules and guidelines: Every forest has its own specific guidelines. It is best to follow the principles of eco-tourism.
Only when we respect the rules of the forest do we get to see its true magic – and our trip becomes a true success.
Conclusion
In the silence of the night, the life of the jungle weaves a different story, which can only be experienced through night safaris. The experience of night safaris in India brings adventure, curiosity and a deep connection with nature. Be in the dense forests of Satpura or the mysterious valleys of Manas National Park – every safari tells an untold story.
But this adventure also comes with a responsibility – to respect the wildlife and their habitat. Only when we remain safe, aware and responsible during the safari, can we truly enjoy this amazing wonder of nature.
So, get ready to be a part of these magical nights on your next trip – and immerse yourself in the most mysterious and beautiful aspects of nature!
FAQ Section
1. What is Night Safari?
Answer: Night Safari is a special type of jungle tour, which is done at night. In this, tourists can see night active wild animals like leopard, owl, jackal and other nocturnal animals in their natural state.
2. Which is the best place for Night Safari in India?
Answer: In India, Satpura National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Jhalana Leopard Safari (Rajasthan) and Pench National Park (Madhya Pradesh) are counted among the best and popular places for Night Safari.
3. Which animals do you get a chance to see during Night Safari?
Answer: During Night Safaris in India, you get an opportunity to see leopard, jackal, wild cat, porcupine, owl, Nilgai and many types of nocturnal birds.
4. What precautions should be taken in Night Safari?
Answer: It is very important to remain silent, not to flash the camera, follow safety rules, avoid excessive light and noise and follow the guide’s instructions completely.
5. Do we need to book in advance for Night Safari in India?
Answer: Yes, safari slots have to be booked in advance in most of the Night Safari destinations in India like Satpura, Pench, and Jhalana, as night safaris are conducted with limited vehicles and advance booking is necessary.