October marks the return of the safari season at several of India’s well-known tiger reserves after the monsoon break. While reopening dates vary by r…
1/91. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra | Safari season: From October 1 | Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve resumes its regular core-zone safari schedule from October 1. The official reserve website lists morning entry from 6 am and evening entry from 2:30 pm during October. The reserve also operates safaris in several buffer zones, with timings varying by season and zone. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
2/92. Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh | Safari season: From October 1 | Kanha’s 2026-27 permit schedule covers safari dates from October 1. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department lists revised timings for October and November, with morning entry at 6 am and evening entry at 3 pm. The reserve’s core tourism zones include Kanha, Kisli, Mukki and Sarhi. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
3/93. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan | Safari season: From October | Ranthambore is among Rajasthan’s best-known wildlife destinations, and its tourism season runs from October to June, according to Rajasthan Tourism. The reserve is located around Sawai Madhopur and is known for its dry-deciduous landscape, lakes, grasslands and tiger habitat. Safari permits are handled through the Rajasthan Forest Department’s wildlife tourism booking system. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
4/94. Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan | Safari season: From October 1 | Sariska Tiger Reserve reopens for tourism from October 1 after its monsoon closure. The Rajasthan Forest Department permits entry and stay from October 1 to June 30, with timings varying between winter and summer. (Image: Shutterstock)
5/95. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh | Safari season: From October 15 | Bandhavgarh’s official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department page lists October 15 to June 15 as the best period to visit the reserve. Its tourism zones include the core areas of Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli, along with buffer tourism zones. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
6/96. Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh | Safari season: From October 15 | Pench Tiger Reserve’s official information lists October 15 to June 30 as the best period to visit. The reserve has tourism zones including Turia, Karmajhiri and Jamtara. Pench is spread across Madhya Pradesh’s Seoni and Chhindwara districts. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
7/97. Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh | Safari season: From October 15 | Panna Tiger Reserve also lists October 15 to June 15 as its best visiting period. The reserve’s tourism zones include Madla and Hinauta. The Ken River and the reserve’s dry deciduous forests form an important part of its landscape. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
8/98. Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand | Safari season: From October 15 in several zones | Corbett’s tourism zones have different operating periods. The official Corbett Tiger Reserve website lists Bijrani as open from October 15 to June 30, while Dhela, Jhirna and Garjiya operate through the year. For 2026, the reserve administration has announced online bookings for day visits to Dhela, Jhirna and Garjiya for October 15-27, with subsequent bookings to follow the existing system. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
9/9What travellers should know | October does not mean that every safari zone in every reserve reopens on the same day. Opening dates, timings and permitted tourism zones can differ between reserves and even between core and buffer areas. Travellers should check the respective forest department or reserve website before booking, especially for safari permits, entry gates, timings and any temporary restrictions. (Image: Canva)
