4 Southern Indian National Parks You Must Experience For A Nature Retreat

If you have a passion for wildlife, chances are you've explored numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. These locations provide an unparallelled experience with nature, bringing you intimately close to wild creatures.

For those captivated by the enchanting world of birdwatching and the excitement of spotting animals in their natural environments, the national parks of South India extend an invitation to pack your bags and embark on an adventurous journey. Therefore, if you are considering a nature-centric excursion, these wildlife sanctuary safaris in South India are a must-visit for enthusiasts.

Nagarhole National Park In Karnataka

Nestled between the Mysuru plateau in Karnataka and the Nilgiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu, (dishes of Tamil Nadu) Nagarhole National Park, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, derives its name from the Kannada term for 'Serpent River.' Covering an expanse of 848 sq km with an additional 204 sq km buffer zone incorporated in 2012, the park is a crucial conservation area under Project Tiger and Project Elephant. Renowned as a significant tiger reserve, Nagarhole boasts the world's largest herd of Asiatic elephants, in addition to wild dogs, leopards, bears, chital, and wild pigs.

The rich green forests and meandering streams create an optimal habitat for various bird species, including migratory birds. The recommended visitation period is from October to February. Accommodation options include Mayookham Resort and Getaway Villa Homestay, with park timings from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. Ticket prices are INR 150/person for Indians and INR 1,500/person for foreigners. For travel, Mysore Airport is approximately 98 km away, and Mysore Junction is around 89 km away by train.

Eravikulam National Park In Kerala

Initially designated as the Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975 with a primary focus on preserving the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, the park achieved national park status in 1978, owing to its ecological, zoological, and faunal significance. Renowned for its abundance of rare flora and fauna, the Shola grassland system within the park is a habitat for orchids, wild balsams, leopards, and Indian bison.

A notable feature is the presence of Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a purplish-blue-hued flower that blooms once every twelve years. The park actively promotes ecotourism through trekking and jungle camp activities, providing opportunities for visitors to spot elephants, vultures, Bengal tigers, gaur, Indian leopards, and a diverse array of birds. The recommended visitation period is from September to February, with a ticket price of INR 125/person. For travel, Kochi Airport is approximately 135 km away, and Aluva Railway Station is around 120 km away by train.

Don't Miss:Romantic Hotspots To Visit In Delhi NCR For Valentine's Day Celebrations

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy Park In Telangana

The Kasu Brahmananda Reddy Park, also known as KBR National Park, stands as a serene haven for nature enthusiasts amidst the vibrant ambiance of Banjara Hills in Hyderabad (facts about Hyderabad). Established in 1994 and granted national park status in 1998, this sprawling 1,425 sq km park provides a tranquil escape from urban life, paying tribute to the late Chief Minister Kasu Brahmananda Reddy.

Formerly part of the Nizam of Hyderabad's estate, the park carries historical significance. Boasting around 600 tree and plant species, along with 20 reptile species, 20 mammal species, and at least 15 butterfly species, it offers a delightful experience for city travellers. The recommended time to visit is from December to June, with park hours from 5:00 am to 9:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm daily. Ticket prices are INR 20/adult and INR 10/child. For transportation, Begumpet Airport is approximately 7 km away by air, and Hyderabad Airport is around 8 km away by train.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve In Tamil Nadu

Previously recognised as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, the Anamalai Tiger Reserve stands as the largest and one of the most renowned sanctuaries in South India. Housing endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, Indian elephant, smooth-coated otter, Sambar deer, and Indian pangolin, the reserve is a haven for bird-watchers, featuring over 250 avian species. The optimal time to visit is from December to May, offering accommodations at The Mudhouse Marayoor and Wish Leisure Luxury Boutique Hotel & Resorts.

The reserve operates from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm daily, with ticket prices set at INR 30/adult and INR 20/child (5 to 12 years) for Indians, and INR 300/adult and INR 200/child (5 to 12 years) for foreigners. For travel, Coimbatore International Airport is approximately 75 km away by air, while Pollachi Railway Station is around 35 km away by train.

Don't Miss:Valentine's Day 2024: 5 Must-Visit Places For A Perfect Art Date In Delhi

Credits: Instagram