BEST WILDLIFE DESTINATION

EDITOR’S CHOICE West Bengal

The Sundarbans is one of the main reasons why our editor has picked West Bengal as the best wildlife destination in India. Sprawling mangroves create a unique ecosystem where crocodiles, the royal Bengal tiger, brahminy kite, and chital thrive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the 24 Paraganas district and is best explored on boat. The Bengal Dooars region is home to the Chapramari Sanctuary, where one can spot animals like elephants and barking deer, while the Jaldapara National Park is the place to spot the rare and endangered one-horned rhinoceros. wbtourism.gov.in

Gujarat

Gujarat is blessed with four national parks and 21 wildlife sanctuaries. Its forests, waterfalls, and rivers contribute to a landscape that helps beasts of the wild thrive. Gir National Park is the home of the Asiatic lion, while the Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch is where visitors can spot the chestnut-coloured Indian wild ass. From October to March, the latter region also sees a huge bird population, including flamingoes. The Velavadar Blackbuck National Park in Bhavnagar is unmissable for its signature species of antelope, while Jamnagar’s Marine National Park boasts dolphins, kingfishers, corals, and mangroves. gujarattourism.com

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is widely known as a haven for wildlife. Is it any wonder that Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book was inspired by the Pench National Park? A part of Project Tiger, it is also home to more than 285 types of birds and a large population of leopards. Seven of India’s nine vulture species are found in Panna National Park. The state also provides protection to the ghariyal, a reptile indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. Kanha is MP’s largest National Park, while Bandhavgarh boasts the highest density of royal Bengal tigers in the world. mptourism.com