3 Most Underrated Safari Destinations in India—Where You Can Spot Bengal Tigers, Snow Leopards, and Indian Rhinos

Travel + Leisure

10 hours ago

Safari-goers to India tend to head for famous reserves like Ranthambore National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park. But as a travel advisor who has been curating trips to the country for almost two decades, I believe that lesser-known parks offer something more intimate: deeper solitude, dramatic landscapes, and truly wild encounters.
These parks aren't just scenic; they are critical sanctuaries for endangered species like the greater one-horned rhino and snow leopard. It may require more effort to reach these hidden gems, but you'll be rewarded with a safari that sustains local communities and promote ecotourism. Here are three of my favorites. Cottages at Diphlu River Lodge.
Located in northeastern India against the beautiful backdrop of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga is a conservation success story. It is home to the world's largest population of greater one-horned rhinos—more than 2,600. Travelers can take Jeep safaris through a vibrant wilderness where wild water buffalos, elephants, and barasingha (a rare indigenous species of deer also known as 'swamp deer') roam freely. With a high tiger population and more than 450 species of birds, Kaziranga is one of India's most biologically diverse parks.
When to Go: December to April; February and March for peak sightings and fewer crowds.
Where to Stay: Diphlu River Lodge has rustic-chic cottages and strong conservation credentials. Infinity Resorts Kaziranga is a riverside property offering nature-focused excursions. A royal bengal tiger at Sundarbans Tiger Reserve.The Sundarbans, a remote, hauntingly beautiful mangrove delta formed by the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, is unlike any other park in India. Accessible only by boat, the park is home to Bengal tigers that have adapted to swimming and are often referred to as the 'man-eaters of the mangroves.' You may spot locals wearing face masks on the backs of their heads to avoid being ambushed from behind by tigers. There are also boat safari that go through flooded forests teeming with saltwater crocodiles, mudskippers, and rare masked finfoots.
When to Go: December to March for the best weather and tiger activity.
Where to Stay: Sunderban Tiger Camp is a rustic, eco-minded base with local tour guides. A river at Hemis National Park, Ladakh.
Kum Seong Wan/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Hemis sits in the high-altitude region of Ladakh in India's far north. It's one of the last great strongholds of the elusive snow leopard, and the only park in India where safaris are done on foot. In winter, expert trackers lead you deep into snowy valleys where sightings of these 'ghost cats' are possible.
Along the way, spot Himalayan ibex, Tibetan wolves, and endangered Himalayan brown bears. Wildlife viewing doesn't get more rugged or rewarding than this.
When to Go: December to February for the best chance of seeing snow leopards.
Where to Stay: Rumbak Wildlife Lodge offers authentic Ladakhi hospitality and stunning views. As a community-owned eco-lodge, it supports snow leopard conservation. Lungmar Remote Camp is an intimate camp in leopard territory.
India's national parks offer more than wildlife and scenic adventure;hey provide insight into the country's cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy yak butter tea with Ladakhi herders, explore tribal villages in Assam, or hear honey-harvesting legends in the Sundarbans. Other cultural experiences include Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas and ancient temples in central forests.
Whether you are an experienced safari-goer or a first-timer, these lesser-known parks promise a deeper connection to the land, its people, and their stories.
Rumit Mehta is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in India trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Mehta by contacting him at [email protected] .