Are you one of those people who have only seen a tiger on TV or in a picture book? If you're nodding yes, it's time to plan a trip to a national park like Jim Corbett or Ranthambore. Visiting wildlife sanctuaries is a fantastic way to connect with nature, especially for animal lovers. The experience is adventurous, meditative, and deeply immersive. However, if you're planning a trip during monsoon season, keep in mind that certain core parts of national parks are closed. Still, there are certain open zones that remain safe and look absolutely magical in the rain.
Why Are National Parks Closed During Monsoon?
The closure of core areas in national parks like Ranthambore during the monsoon follows guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The aim is to allow forests to recover naturally and provide safe breeding grounds for wildlife. Here's a detailed explanation of why parks shut down during this season:
Safety Concerns
Heavy rainfall during monsoon makes trails slippery, floods certain areas, and increases the risk of landslides, posing dangers to both tourists and forest staff. Closing off the core zones ensures everyone's safety.
Facilitating Wildlife Breeding
The monsoon season is crucial for the reproductive cycles of many species. Tigers, elephants, leopards, and various birds use this time for mating, nesting, and nurturing their young in a peaceful environment. It is best to limit or restrict tourist movement during this time.
Natural Rejuvenation
The rainy season helps forests regenerate. The break from tourism also allows vegetation to thrive and ecosystems to restore balance. Many national parks implement a rotational system, periodically opening and closing each zone throughout the year to balance conservation goals.
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5 Indian National Parks That Are Open During Monsoon
Not all national parks are closed during monsoon. In fact, it can be a great time to visit many vibrant wildlife destinations. Take a look:
1. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Although the core areas are closed, the buffer zones of the park remain accessible during monsoon. Covered in dense greenery thanks to the rains, these zones offer a beautiful glimpse into the wild. Animals you might spot includes leopards, sloth bears, jackals, wild dogs, and sambar deer.
2. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
A favourite among wildlife lovers, Ranthambore is partially open even during the rains. Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 remain open year-round and include territories of several tigers, offering a chance to witness these majestic animals in lush surroundings.
3. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
This national park is incredible during monsoon. This UNESCO World Heritage Site opens in June and is at its most spectacular during the monsoon. As the rains fall, the valley transforms into a vibrant carpet of over 600 species of flowers, including orchids, poppies, marigolds, primulas, daisies, and anemones.
4. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
While the core areas are closed, tourist can still enjoy monsoon safaris in the Jhirna Zone and Sitabani Buffer Zone. These areas remain open and are lush at this time of year. You can even spot wildlife including deer, antelope, wild boar, and other animals in the rain.
5. Periyar National Park, Kerala
If you are visiting Kerala during monsoon, add Periyar national park to your list. Situated on the banks of Periyar Lake, this park remains open during the monsoon and is absolutely vibrant and wonderful this time of the year. You'll find herds of elephants and monkeys making the most of this cooling season.
Also Read: 6 Unforgettable Wildlife Adventures In India That Kids Will Talk About For Years
While many national parks close parts of their territory for important ecological reasons, the monsoon doesn't mean you have to cancel your wildlife adventures. Several parks remain open during monsoon and offer an unforgettable, offbeat experience of the wild in its most natural state. So pack your rain gear and let nature take the lead.
