Why Are National Parks In India Closed During Monsoons? Credit: iStock
India’s national parks, teeming with diverse wildlife and boasting stunning landscapes, are a major tourist draw. But every year, as the monsoon season sweeps across the country from June to September, most parks in India are closed to visitors. This temporary closure is a multi-pronged strategy that works to the benefit of conservation efforts that are underway across India. Here are a few reasons why most national parks in India choose to close their gates to travellers:
Wildlife Conservation
The monsoon season signals the arrival of breeding time for many species inside India’s national parks. Abundant rain fuels vibrant vegetation, creating ideal nurseries for tigers, leopards, elephants, and birds. To safeguard this critical breeding period, the parks close, minimising human disruption that can hamper breeding efforts and long-term health of animals inside the park.
Visitor Safety
Many national parks in India are hit by the dramatic shift in weather during the monsoon that brings heavy rains, which can trigger landslides and cause flash floods. Park roads and trails, often nestled amidst dense forests or hilly terrains, become slippery and treacherous. Hence, closing the parks during this unpredictable time minimises the risk of accidents and ensures visitor safety.
Park Maintenance
For park officials and government agencies, monsoon also marks a period where they can work on upgrading park infrastructure, which may or may not have been damaged during monsoons. The closure of parks allows park authorities to focus on repairs and maintenance for the upcoming season.
Currently Closed National Parks In India
Kaziranga National Park, Assam: Home to the one-horned rhinoceros, this park closes from May to October, making the monsoon a non-ideal time for safaris due to potential flooding.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan: This renowned tiger reserve closes its doors to visitors from July 1 to September 30. However, Zone 6 to 10 of Ranthambore National Park will be open for jungle safaris during the monsoon season.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand: While some zones remain open year-round, the popular Dhikala and Bijrani zones close during the monsoon months (June to October/November) due to high chances of flooding.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh: If you’re planning a tiger safari, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve has recently closed its gates to travellers.
Opening Dates Of Major National Parks
Kanha National Park – 15 October
Jim Corbett: 1st October
Bandhavgarh National Park – 15 October
Ranthambore National Park- 1 October
Panna National Park – 16 October
Pench National Park – 16 October
Kaziranga National Park – 01 November
Hazaribagh National Park – 1 October
Sanjay National Park– 1 October
Keibul Lam Jao National Park –1 October
Nokrek National Park – 1 October
Satpura National Park– 1 October
Marine National Park – 15 October
Namdapha National Park – 01 November
Blackbuck National Park – 15 October
Jaldapara National Park – 15 September