10 Best Safari Destinations in India: Ticket Prices, Safari Costs and How to Book

Tigers in the Himalayan foothills, rhinos on Assam's floodplains and lions in Gujarat's dry forests make India one of the world's best wildlife countries. Planning a trip is harder than choosing a park, because costs, zones and booking windows vary widely. Here are 10 of the best safari destinations in India, with safari costs, the best time to visit and how to reach each, followed by a short booking guide.

10 Best Safari Destinations in India: Ticket Prices, Safari Costs and How to Book

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

India's first national park, founded in 1936, mixes sal forest, grassland and the Ramganga River.

• Cost: ₹7,000–₹8,500 per jeep (six people); guide about ₹900 extra.

• Best time: November–June.

• Reach: Ramnagar, 6–7 hours from Delhi.

How to book:

• Official portal: corbettonline.uk.gov.in

• Carry the same photo ID you booked with.

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Tigers roam among ruins, lakes and a fort, and the open terrain makes sightings easier.

• Cost: ₹1,900–₹2,500 per person (shared); private jeep ₹11,000–₹15,000+; canter ₹1,300–₹1,500.

• Best time: October–June.

• Reach: Sawai Madhopur, 3.5 hours from Jaipur.

How to book:

• Rajasthan Forest Department portal: fmdss.forest.rajasthan.gov.in

• Booking opens 90 days before the safari.

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Said to have inspired The Jungle Book, Kanha has sal forests, meadows, tigers and barasingha.

• Cost: ₹7,500–₹10,500 per jeep in core zones.

• Best time: November–June.

• Reach: Jabalpur airport (160 km) or Raipur (250 km).

How to book:

• MP Forest Department portal: forest.mponline.gov.in

Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh

A quiet Terai park on the Nepal border with tigers, elephants, rhinos and swamp deer.

• Cost: ₹5,800–₹6,500 per jeep (six people).

• Best time: November 15–June 15; closed in the monsoon.

• Reach: Lucknow, 4–5 hours away.

How to book:

• UP Ecotourism official portal: upecotourism.in; the field director advises booking in advance.

Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand

Near Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun, Rajaji is known for elephants and over 300 bird species. Tigers are rare.

• Cost: Jeep ₹2,500–₹4,200 per vehicle; entry ₹150–₹200 per person; guide ₹800–₹1,200.

• Best time: November–June.

• Reach: 4.5–5.5 hours from Delhi; Jolly Grant airport.

How to book:

• Official site: rajajitigerreserve.uk.gov.in, with jeep safaris across five zones.

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Among India's best parks for tiger sightings, with an old fort on site.

• Cost: ₹7,500–₹8,500 per jeep per safari.

• Best time: November–June.

• Reach: Umaria railhead; Jabalpur about four hours.

How to book:

• forest.mponline.gov.in

• The popular Tala zone has few permits per drive, so book 90+ days ahead.

Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra

Teak forests and the Pench river shelter tigers, leopards and wild dogs, in country linked to Mowgli's world.

• Cost: ₹7,500–₹8,500 per jeep.

• Best time: November–June.

• Reach: Nagpur, roughly two hours.

How to book:

• forest.mponline.gov.in

• Night safaris run at Pench and must be pre-booked.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Maharashtra's oldest and largest tiger reserve, known for dependable sightings.

• Cost: ₹5,800–₹12,800 per core-zone jeep.

• Best time: November–June.

• Reach: Nagpur, about three hours.

How to book:

• Official site: mytadoba.mahaforest.gov.in

• Slots open 120 days ahead; peak-season dates go within minutes.

Gir National Park, Gujarat

The only wild home of Asiatic lions, explored by open jeep on safaris of about three hours.

• Cost: Permit fee, a ₹400 guide and a gypsy at ₹2,500–₹4,500 depending on seats.

• Best time: December–March; closed 16 June–15 October.

• Reach: Rajkot or Keshod airport; Junagadh is about 65 km away.

How to book:

• The only official site is girlion.gujarat.gov.in.

• One e-permit covers six people plus one child; guide and gypsy are paid separately.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2,400 one-horned rhinos, plus elephants and swamp deer.

• Cost: About ₹2,500–₹4,000 per jeep depending on the zone, plus entry and guard fees.

• Best time: November–April.

• Reach: Around five hours from Guwahati.

How to book:

• Online portal: kazirangasafari.in; create an account with your mobile number.

• Jeep safaris run in the Kohora and Bagori ranges.

Note: Prices are approximate and vary by season, zone and day. Confirm on the official site before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is the best safari destination in India for tiger sightings?

Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Corbett and Tadoba are among the popular choices for tiger safaris.

Which safari destination is best for seeing Asiatic lions?

Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only wild home of Asiatic lions.

How much does a safari cost in India?

Costs vary by park, zone and vehicle, ranging from around ₹1,900 for shared safaris to over ₹15,000 for some private jeep bookings.

When is the best time for a safari in India?

November to June is the main safari season for several parks, while Kaziranga is best visited from November to April.

How should I book an Indian wildlife safari?

Use the official forest or tourism portal for the park and check the zone, permit, ID and vehicle requirements before paying.