Valmiki National Park Travel Guide - Best Time to Visit

Winter months usually provide the best travel conditions.

Valmiki National Park is the only national park in the state and forms part of the larger Valmiki Tiger Reserve.

Visitors may see tigers, leopards, deer species, and diverse forest wildlife.

The Desert National Park near Jaisalmer offers a starkly different experience, focusing on species that have adapted to the harsh Thar Desert. It is the last refuge of the Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard. You can also see desert foxes, chinkara (Indian gazelle), and a variety of eagles and vultures. The vast, undulating sand dunes and the unique desert flora provide a hauntingly beautiful landscape that is quite different from the dense jungles seen elsewhere in the country.

Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, or brown) to blend in with the surroundings; avoid bright colors or strong perfumes. Essential gear includes a good pair of binoculars, a camera with a telephoto lens, a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Depending on the season, carry a windcheater or light woolen layers for early morning drives, which can be surprisingly chilly. Don’t forget your original ID proof, as it is mandatory for park entry and safari verification.

Ranthambore in Rajasthan is world-famous for its dry deciduous forests and the majestic ruins of the Ranthambore Fort that provide a dramatic backdrop for tiger sightings. Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is another premier destination, being India’s oldest national park and offering a unique mix of hilly terrain and riverine landscapes. Both parks have high tiger densities, but Corbett also offers the unique experience of staying in forest rest houses deep within the park boundaries.