Safari during the monsoon may not be on your bucket list. But it’s one of those incredible experiences that will make you wonder why you didn't go for it sooner.

Some interesting facts about the magical monsoon safari experience: the crowds are considerably lessened not to mention the prices are slashed. For wildlife photographers, rain and thunder adds drama and depth, brings the forest to life, providing wonderful photographic canvases. With the onset of the monsoon, the dry and brown vistas are rapidly transformed into lush, emerald expanses, creating a prime opportunity for an extraordinary wildlife adventure.

While most parks remain closed during these few months (June to October) as navigating through the thickets can be challenging, the thrill of a monsoon safari lies in the unpredictability of the weather and the wildlife encounters. From the lush forests of Central India and the majestic landscapes of the Himalayas to the natural wonders of Sri Lanka, each national park has its own story to tell during the monsoon season.

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

While the park is a year-round haven for tourists, it is during the monsoon that Corbett reveals its most enigmatic and lust persona. The limited safari zones open during the monsoon, primarily the Sitabani buffer zone and the Jhirna zone offer a more exclusive experience compared to the crowded tourist seasons. This allows for a more personal encounter with nature’s wonders.

Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Pench's monsoon safari is a celebration of nature's profound renewal. While the entire park is not accessible, visitors can still experience Pench's monsoon rejuvenation through restricted safari zones near the major entry gates on both sides of the park. Some of the key zones that remain accessible during monsoon: Pench Ghati Zone, Khursapar Zone, and Karmari Gate Zone.

Hemis National Park, Ladakh

A summer odyssey in Hemis is an uncharted journey into the heart of the Himalayas. While many wildlife enthusiasts seek the thrill of winter expeditions to catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard, the summer months offers a canvas of transformation. The park becomes a haven for herbivores such as urial, blue sheep, Tibetan argali, and migratory birds such as the Black-necked crane and Ruddy Shelduck.

Jawai, Rajasthan

Known for its cultural heritage and leopard population, Jawai is a sanctuary of biodiversity. Leopards are the undisputed stars of the Jawai landscape, and the monsoon offers a prime opportunity to witness these majestic cats in their element. During monsoon, Jawai Bandh attracts a myriad of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

A monsoon safari in Wilpattu National Park provides a truly unique opportunity to witness the beauty and biodiversity of Sri Lanka's wilderness in its most vibrant and dynamic state. This is when the park's iconic ‘villus’ (natural lakes) are in their full splendor and one can spot a wide variety of wildlife, including Sri Lankan leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and numerous bird species.

Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka

Renowned as a paradise for birdwatchers, Kumana transforms into a vibrant avian sanctuary during monsoon. One of the highlights of the monsoon safari in Kumana is the arrival of thousands of migratory birds from as far as Siberia and Northern Europe. From the majestic Greater Flamingos to the various species of ducks, waders, and terns, these birds flock to the park's wetlands and lagoons to escape the harsh winters of their breeding grounds, creating a spectacle of color and activity amidst the lush greenery of the monsoon landscape.