Eight Best Places for Safari in the Jungles of India: From Tigers to Lions

Safari in the jungles of Sasan Gir, located in Junagadh, Gujarat, began on October 9th. This year, the start of the season was announced eight days earlier than planned.

On the very first day, visitors who arrived in the forest were able to see lions.

Usually, the main safari in the Gir forest starts annually on October 16th. However, this time the Forest Department decided to open it on October 9th. There are two reasons for this decision: firstly, the monsoon season ended earlier than expected; secondly, all necessary work related to safari routes and tracks has been completed. Thus, tourists had the opportunity to visit the jungle more than a week earlier than scheduled, as the conditions in the forest became favorable.

According to the Director of Forestry (DCF) Agnishwar Vyas from Sasan Gir, the weather in the forest is currently very pleasant. Tourists have an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife against the backdrop of greenery and natural beauty after the rains. The first day of the season was special for visitors: lionesses with cubs, as well as male lions, were spotted in the forest.

Approximately 100 tourists visited the Gir forest on the first day of the safari. Those who planned their trip for the beginning of the season gained an unforgettable experience thanks to such wildlife observations. Observing lions in their natural habitat, understanding their behavior, and feeling the surrounding forest is an integral part of the safari, which was a pleasant bonus for Gir visitors on the very first day.

Dr. Ritu, who came from Sikkim to gain safari experience in Gir, shared that it was her first trip. She saw two lionesses, three cubs, and two male lions. According to her, this experience was extremely exciting. In addition to observing lions, she had the opportunity to closely feel the natural beauty of the Gir forest. Thus, the appeal of the safari was not limited to the most famous fauna but also included the atmosphere and nature of the forest.

Since the safari started earlier, tourist interest has also increased. It is reported that bookings for the period from October 16th to 27th are fully booked. Therefore, those who wish to go on a safari in the Gir forest are advised to check the booking information in advance. The Forest Department advised tourists to use only the official website for making reservations.

In conclusion, on one hand, the safari season started eight days earlier, and on the other hand, on the very first day, tourists were able to see lionesses, cubs, and male lions. The weather is favorable, and the forest is full of greenery, making the start of the season memorable for visitors. Although the possibility of seeing wild animals depends on nature, the specialty of Gir is that the safari allows not only to see lions but also to get close to their natural habitat and the world of the jungle. This time, Gir presented tourists with a sight they will remember for a long time, already in the first days of the season.

The new tourist season at Tiger Bandhavgarh Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh state began on October 1st after a three-month pause during the monsoon period. Jungle safaris resumed in the main area of the sanctuary on this day. Before the gates opened, an official worship ceremony was held to ensure the safety of wild animals and the successful running of the season. Tourists were traditionally greeted by park and forest service staff, and the Tala gates were decorated.

The first day was memorable for visitors as tourists near the Siddh Baba area were able to spot a tigress freely moving in its natural habitat. Spectators were amazed by the sight and watched the animal's activity for a long time, capturing the moment with cameras in the safari vehicles. The tigress's visit on the very first day significantly boosted tourist enthusiasm.

Tourist activities in the main area of the sanctuary will run from October 1st to June 30th, while in the buffer zone, they continue year-round. The sanctuary administration has taken all necessary measures to accommodate guests. The process of tourists entering through the three main gates started at the scheduled time. The entry points were decorated with flowers and other decorative elements, and tourists were also briefed on the rules of staying in the park and the necessity of maintaining a safe distance from wild animals.

Bandhavgarh Sanctuary Director, Anupam Sahai, stated that special attention was paid to organizing the safari system and improving the quality of visitor experiences before the start of the new season. This time, the focus is not only on tiger watching but also on providing information about the jungles, wildlife, birds, flora, history, and geographical significance of Bandhavgarh.

In addition to being known for its tigers, Bandhavgarh attracts tourists due to its natural diversity, historical heritage, and local culture. Historical attractions such as ancient caves, temple ruins, and Sheshsaiya enrich the visitor experience. The opportunity to combine jungle safaris with viewing tigers, birds, and Indian cultural heritage makes Bandhavgarh a unique tourist destination.

The number of both domestic and international visitors to Bandhavgarh is constantly growing. According to official data, over five tourist seasons from 2021-22 to 2025-26, 950,177 tourists visited the sanctuary (of which 834,693 were domestic and 115,484 were international), generating a total revenue of 760,132,188 rupees for the state. Year-by-year breakdown shows: 2021-22 — 176,51 tourists (revenue: 12.06 crore rupees); 2022-23 — 185,825 tourists (revenue: 13.89 crore rupees); 2023-24 — 178,926 tourists (revenue: 14.15 crore rupees); 2024-25 — 196,889 tourists (revenue: 16.38 crore rupees); 2025-26 — 212,486 tourists (revenue: 19.50 crore rupees).

Sanctuary Director Anupam Sahai noted that online booking for Bandhavgarh tickets for about a month had been processed long before the start of the new season, indicating high interest and enthusiasm among tourists for this place.

Strict control is maintained over compliance with safari vehicle standards. All jeeps undergo inspection and registration, guaranteeing compliance with documentation, technical condition, and established norms. Furthermore, approximately 195 guides are trained to improve tourist awareness of the jungles and wildlife. As part of the 'Jungle School' program, guides receive information on wild animal tracks, their behavior, bird identification, vegetation, and the history of Bandhavgarh. Additionally, 105 guides are trained in English language and effective communication skills to convey wildlife information in a simple, interesting, and actionable way for visitors from different countries.

Anupam Sahai also assured that safaris will continue despite the presence of wild elephants, as all preparations for the safari have been completed. The priority in the new season is wildlife protection and tourist safety, so guides and drivers have undergone special training.