Which are the best national parks in India for wildlife encounters?
India is home to some of the world’s most biodiverse national parks, making it a paradise for wildlife photographers.
From lush wetlands to dry deciduous forests, the national parks in India offer incredible opportunities to see and photograph iconic animals - like Bengal tigers, Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, and leopards - in their natural habitats.
Top wildlife destinations in India
If you’re considering a trip to India, you may be interested to know that my small group photo safari tours there include visits to three of the most renowned national parks —Bandhavgarh, Kaziranga, and Pench – and they include personalised photography tuition and support.
Since these are popular destinations, we pre-book our India wildlife photography tours months in advance to ensure we secure the best zones for Bengal tiger encounters and sightings of other Indian wildlife.
Whether you're an aspiring photographer or a seasoned professional photographer, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to capture breathtaking wildlife images.
Which national parks in India do we visit?
The three national parks in India that I include in my guided photo safari itineraries are those I consider to be the best for wildlife sightings:
1. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Established in 1968 and later declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1993, Bandhavgarh National Park spans an area of 1,150 square kilometres.
Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, it is smaller than other Indian national parks yet boasts one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers in the world. So if you’re wondering where to see tigers in India, this is it!
Yes, Bandhavgarh National Park is synonymous with tiger sightings. It is a dream destination for wildlife photographers. A Bandhavgarh tiger safari will never disappoint!
Why Visit: Bandhavgarh natural habitats range from lush forests to open grasslands, and create the perfect environment for the sighting of animals in the wild. Apart from tigers, you may spot leopards, sambar deer, and a variety of birdlife.
Photography Tip: Early morning safaris are ideal for spotting tigers and capturing them in the soft, golden light. Keep your camera ready when we’re near waterholes — these are prime spots for wildlife activity.
Safari Highlight: My tours to Bandhavgarh National Park in India include multiple safari drives, giving you ample opportunities to track and photograph tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Important Information: Bandhavgarh National Park has undergone significant restructuring to protect its wildlife and ecosystem. Strict regulations limit the number of vehicles allowed in the park at any time, ensuring a serene experience for photographers. Gone are the days of traffic congestion; during our tours, it’s rare to encounter more than four or five vehicles at any sighting.
2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Another national park in India we visit is in the northeastern state of Assam. Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses.
The park’s vast wetlands and grasslands are also the home of elephants, wild buffalo, and hundreds of bird species, making it a natural haven for wildlife photographers.
Why Visit: The park is abundant with wildlife, and the thrill of seeing Indian rhinos in their natural habitat is an experience that cannot be beaten! The national park’s stunning natural landscapes also provide a unique backdrop for wildlife photography.
Photography Tip: The golden hour here is magical, so we’ll go on game drives to capture wildlife around sunrise and sunset.
Wildlife to Watch For: Rhinos, elephants, wild buffalo, swamp deer, and a variety of migratory birds such as pelicans and storks.
Without a doubt, a visit to this national park in India is a highlight of my photo safari tour. It offers countless opportunities to photograph Indian wildlife in its natural environment.
3. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
The third Indian national park that we visit straddles the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Pench is famous for inspiring Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
Its dry deciduous forests, meadows, and rivers are home to an impressive array of wildlife.
Why Visit: Pench National Parks’ unique terrain allows you to get sight of animals in a variety of wildlife settings.
Photography Tip: Keep an eye out for dholes (Indian wild dogs). These are fascinating photographic subjects.
Wildlife to Watch For: Tigers, leopards, deer, langurs, and over 210 bird species, including Indian rollers and crested serpent eagles.
On my tours, Pench National Park consistently surprises photographers with its charm and photographic possibilities.
Why book an Indian photo safari?
My India wildlife photography tours are designed to give aspiring and professional photographers the ultimate experience of exploring and photographing India’s national parks.
Whether you dream of photographing a tiger emerging from the forests of Bandhavgarh, a rhino wading through Kaziranga’s wetlands, or dholes hunting in the open grasslands of Pench, India’s national parks offer unforgettable experiences.
The Indian safari highlights include:
Guided Tours of Bandhavgarh, Kaziranga, and Pench: These national parks are among the best in India for wildlife photography, each offering unique opportunities to capture iconic animals.
Small Groups for Personalised Tuition: Limited group sizes ensure you’ll have space to set up your shots and receive tailored guidance.
Expert Local Knowledge: Accompanied by myself and renowned guide Karan Rana of Pugdundee Safaris, you’ll have the inside track on the best wildlife photography spots.
Knowledgeable and Experienced Drivers: Our drivers know the Indian national parks well as they have over twenty years of guiding and driving experience. They have worked with BBC and National Geographic documentary crew and have experience driving photographers so they know how to maximise the experience for us.
Balanced Itineraries: My tours are carefully planned to include plenty of time for wildlife photography and also relaxation between drives.
Book now for May 2026
At the time of writing, there are very limited spots available for a 2025 photo safari tour to India, and 2026 bookings are already being taken. Don’t wait—secure your spot today.
Look around my website to learn more about my upcoming India photo safaris. Discover when is the best time to see tigers in India, and what other wildlife you can expect at the national parks in India we visit.
Once you’re ready, get in touch to express your interest. I look forward to hearing from you.
David
