Lush green canopies, dramatic skies, mist-drenched trails, and animal sightings that feel like rare blessings—safari adventures during the monsoon are full of unexpected beauty.
While some national parks close during the rains, several forest zones remain open, offering unique monsoon experiences you won’t find in peak tourist months.
Here’s a curated guide to 7 monsoon safari experiences across India that are worth getting drenched for.
1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Location: Thekkady, Kerala
Experience: Jungle Safari by Boat
Periyar doesn’t shut down for the monsoon. In fact, the rains turn its lake-centric ecosystem into a lush, cinematic paradise. Take a boat safari on the serene Periyar Lake, where elephants, gaur, and sambar deer often gather at the banks. With mist hanging low over the Western Ghats and the scent of wet earth, it’s a tranquil escape into Kerala’s wild soul.
Best time: June to September
Highlight: Boat ride through rain-fed forests and chance encounters with wild elephants.
2. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Location: Chandrapur, Maharashtra
Experience: Core-zone safaris in limited areas
One of the few tiger reserves partially open during monsoon, Tadoba offers safaris in buffer zones even when the core is closed. With fewer crowds and high chances of tiger sightings (thanks to reduced human interference), it’s a thrilling, slightly offbeat monsoon getaway.
Best time: July to September (buffer zone only)
Highlight: Monsoon mist mixed with the roar of a tiger—pure adrenaline.
3. Kaziranga National Park, Assam (Offbeat Monsoon Escape)
Location: Assam
Experience: Birdwatching and rural eco-stays
While Kaziranga officially shuts down during peak rains, the surrounding wetlands come alive with migratory birds, swamp deer, and the elusive wild buffalo. Eco-resorts and homestays around the park offer guided nature walks and river cruises. It’s more of a slow-travel experience than a traditional jeep safari—but no less thrilling.
Best time: June to August (weather permitting)
Highlight: Rainy marshlands filled with birdsong and misty tea gardens.
4. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Location: Kodagu-Mysore border, Karnataka
Experience: Rain-soaked jungle drives
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole transforms during monsoon into a thriving rainforest. While not all safari gates remain open, Kabini (a section of the park) offers limited safaris even in the rains. Expect close encounters with elephants, leopards, and the occasional black panther—all against a lush green backdrop.
Best time: Late June to September (check availability)
Highlight: Photographers’ paradise for spotting big cats in contrast with green monsoon hues.
5. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Location: Pachmarhi Hills, Madhya Pradesh
Experience: Canoe safaris and walking trails
Unlike many parks, Satpura offers walking safaris and canoeing—a rare treat in Indian wildlife tourism. During monsoon, the dense forests and quiet river routes provide a surreal, immersive jungle experience. It’s less about tiger spotting and more about connecting deeply with nature.
Best time: July to September (buffer zone only)
Highlight: Unique boat-and-foot safari combo in a rainforest-like setting.
6. Chilika Lake & Mangalajodi Wetlands, Odisha
Location: Chilika Lagoon, Odisha
Experience: Monsoon birdwatching safari
Chilika isn’t a jungle, but its vast wetlands during monsoon are a wildlife marvel. Hundreds of migratory birds, including flamingos, herons, and painted storks, flock here during rains. A boat safari through the peaceful backwaters of Mangalajodi lets you witness this monsoon migration drama up close.
Best time: July to early September
Highlight: Birdwatching from a canoe while the skies rumble and rains shimmer on the lake.
7. Amboli Ghat Herping Safari, Maharashtra
Location: Sindhudurg, Maharashtra
Experience: Nighttime amphibian and reptile safari
A hidden gem for monsoon wildlife lovers, Amboli in the Western Ghats offers herping safaris—searching for frogs, snakes, and reptiles. Led by local naturalists, these nighttime treks unveil rare species like the Malabar gliding frog, bioluminescent fungi, and colorful shieldtails.
Best time: Mid-June to August
Highlight: Magical, rain-soaked forest nights with frogs croaking and fireflies glowing.
Monsoon safaris aren’t just about sightings—they’re about feeling the forest come alive. The symphony of raindrops on leaves, the glint of dew on spiderwebs, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife in misty settings make these journeys unforgettable.
