Wildlife Sanctuaries Best Visited in Monsoon

 

India is a lush paradise due to the monsoon season. The trees turn green, rivers full of life and the air is plump with the smell of the earth.

Although most travellers fear visiting the wildlife during the rains, the fact is that the monsoons bring a different form of magic to many sanctuaries in the land.

The potential payoff to those who will take the plunge is beyond compare: a chance to see a rare species, spectacularly reduced crowds, and the best nature has to offer.

Mystique of Rain in the Wild

Wildlife sanctuaries in monsoon can only be described as a canvas of green. Instead of the patter of the rustling of the leaves, natural rain sounds can now be heard, and the calls of birds and animals can be better heard in the humid air.

To the photographer, there are fantastic frames to be had in the season : mist drifting through the valleys and over the hills, peacocks in play in the open fields and herds of deer on green pasture.

One cannot always see the wildlife in open display as they would see in the summer months but the excitement of seeing a tiger print on the moist soil or the sight of elephants getting down into a messy pool is rewarding enough to make the trip.

Periyar Wildlife Park, Kerala

Periyar, hidden in the wonders of the Western Ghats, is a monsoon whim. Periyar Lake fills to the brims and the rainforest around it is filled with melodies of Malabar whistling thrushes and cicadas.

At the edges of the lake, elephants are usually spotted drinking or laughing out with water. The rain creates an ethereal haze over the mountains of thick forests that are infused with essences of spices making boat rides in this place even more pleasant to take.

To visitors the monsoon also implies that the number of tourists is less hence more peaceful interaction with the environment.

Assam, Kaziranga National Park

Although Kaziranga is renowned to be a safari spot in winters, the monsoons have a completely different feel.

The strong Brahmaputra overflows some parts of the park and the grasslands are rich wetlands. It is possible to see one-horned rhinoceroses, wild buffaloes, and swamp deer that can be seen in the higher grounds gnawing at grass.

There is birdlife and storks, herons, kingfishers abound. Even though the travel during the monsoons can be a little tricky, the untamed and raw beauty of the Kaziranga in rain is an experience which cannot be forgotten by people who enjoy the wilder side of nature.

Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, Karnataka

Bhadra in Karnataka is an ideal choice among the many that are looking to seek tranquillity outside the regular tourist routes.

Monsoon changes its deciduous forests into a tropical paradise and the Bhadra River runs full might.

In the sanctuary, tigers, leopards, elephants and an unbelievable array of birds are found including malabar pied hornbills and paradise flycatchers. The rains add a touch of freshness — all the rocks are glistening, and all the leaves are fresh washed.

Jeep safaris can be bumpy and slow due to the muddy paths but it really feels like an adventure in the midst of the wilderness.

Kerala Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley (Kerala) is a remote area found to be commonly referred to as one of the remaining unequivocal strips of tropic rainforest in India. This biosphere reserve gazetted by UNESCO develops into an Emerald world during monsoon.

Kunthipuzha River swells back to life and rainforest vegetation canopy continuously drips protecting several thousands of different varieties of orchids, mosses, and ferns.

An endangered species such as the lion-tailed macaque thrives in the sanctuary that could also be seen scurrying through trees even in spite of the rain.

The monsoon season is a very penetrative experience here to nature lovers who adore trekking and bird watching.

Monsoon travelling tips to wildlife lovers

Travelling to wildlife sanctuaries during the rains is an adventure, however, one that has to be prepared.

The process of the journey will be quite comfortable wearing quick-dried clothes, taking with waterproof camera bags, or environmentally friendly rain wear.

There are several sanctuaries that close up due to excessive rains because it is not safe to visit them, therefore, prior research is called upon.

On the positive side there is the lack of the sweltering summer heat and overpowering feeling of green and life with every step.

The Reason Monsoon Wildlife Travel is worth it

The idea about going to wildlife sanctuaries during monsoon is welcoming nature just the way it is, harsh, and unrefined.

One does not guarantee the constant sighting of wildlife, but there is the excitement of surprise; that glimpse of spotted fur in the brush or the shining wings of a butterfly on a rain-mattered tree trunk or the sonorous bellow of a sambar deer resounding in the mist.

It is an experience that makes one consider that the forest is showing its secret self to those alone who dared to come in the rain.

Monsoon at the wildlife sanctuaries of India is a memorable event to any traveller who happens to prefer unpredictability.

The rains could leave you wet to the bone, but it does leave your memory wet with the kind of moment that never leaves no matter how fast the clouds roll by.