Last-minute Friendship Day travel plans: National parks near Delhi/NCR to spot Big Cats with your buddies
Friendship Day’s around the corner, and if you’re still thinking of doing the usual café + Instagram carousel combo, we suggest you add some more crazy things this time. We are thinking of swapping that overpriced frappe for a wild weekend chasing actual wild cats.
This is our idea this year to celebrate this day differently and create memories of lifetime. If you are also thinking on the similar lines, hit the road to one of these national parks near Delhi/NCR, where you might just lock eyes with a leopard, or if you’re really lucky, a tiger.
Here are some national parks you can hit last-minute for a big cat weekend that’s all thrill.
Read more: One snake per square metre: How this Snake Island turned no-go zone teeming with thousands of snakes
Ranthambore National Park , Rajasthan
This can be definitely called the king of weekend wildlife getaways, which is Rajasthan’s OG tiger territory. Formerly the royal hunting grounds of the Maharajas, this park is now one of India’s most popular tiger reserves.
While all 10 safari zones remain open for wildlife safari from 1 October to 30 June every year, during monsoon (July to September), 6 to 10 zones of the park usually remain open for tourists for jungle safari, as per ranthambhorenationalpark.in.
The backdrop? Ancient banyan trees, crumbling forts, and open meadows that look like they were designed by a big cat stylist. Book a safari online, and you are good to go.
Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
Short on time? Sariska can be your best pick. Just a few hours from NCR, it’s often overlooked,but that’s great for you, because fewer people, equals to more peace. It’s less commercial than Ranthambore, but don’t let that fool you: tigers have been reintroduced here and are thriving. Keep your eyes peeled near watering holes, and don’t be surprised if you spot a leopard casually sunbathing.
As per the tourist.rajasthan.gov.in, the core zone of this park will remain closed from 1st July to 30th September 2025. Only the Sariska / Tehla - Kalighati - Umri Tiraha route will remain open. For booking, it can be made offline at the ticket window under the 'Current' quota only.
Read more: 10 Indian hill stations cooler than your Switzerland substitutes
Jawai Leopard Reserve, Rajasthan
Forget tigers, this one’s all about the leopard drama. Nestled between granite hills and rural hamlets, Jawai is one place where you get to spot leopards without much hassle. The cats here live in natural caves, and oozes character. If you’re planning a thrilling leopard safari to witness these majestic cats in this region, Jawai Bandh promises a memorable experience.
This is our idea this year to celebrate this day differently and create memories of lifetime. If you are also thinking on the similar lines, hit the road to one of these national parks near Delhi/NCR, where you might just lock eyes with a leopard, or if you’re really lucky, a tiger.
Here are some national parks you can hit last-minute for a big cat weekend that’s all thrill.
Read more: One snake per square metre: How this Snake Island turned no-go zone teeming with thousands of snakes
Ranthambore National Park , Rajasthan
This can be definitely called the king of weekend wildlife getaways, which is Rajasthan’s OG tiger territory. Formerly the royal hunting grounds of the Maharajas, this park is now one of India’s most popular tiger reserves.
While all 10 safari zones remain open for wildlife safari from 1 October to 30 June every year, during monsoon (July to September), 6 to 10 zones of the park usually remain open for tourists for jungle safari, as per ranthambhorenationalpark.in.
The backdrop? Ancient banyan trees, crumbling forts, and open meadows that look like they were designed by a big cat stylist. Book a safari online, and you are good to go.
Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
Short on time? Sariska can be your best pick. Just a few hours from NCR, it’s often overlooked,but that’s great for you, because fewer people, equals to more peace. It’s less commercial than Ranthambore, but don’t let that fool you: tigers have been reintroduced here and are thriving. Keep your eyes peeled near watering holes, and don’t be surprised if you spot a leopard casually sunbathing.
As per the tourist.rajasthan.gov.in, the core zone of this park will remain closed from 1st July to 30th September 2025. Only the Sariska / Tehla - Kalighati - Umri Tiraha route will remain open. For booking, it can be made offline at the ticket window under the 'Current' quota only.
Read more: 10 Indian hill stations cooler than your Switzerland substitutes
Jawai Leopard Reserve, Rajasthan
Forget tigers, this one’s all about the leopard drama. Nestled between granite hills and rural hamlets, Jawai is one place where you get to spot leopards without much hassle. The cats here live in natural caves, and oozes character. If you’re planning a thrilling leopard safari to witness these majestic cats in this region, Jawai Bandh promises a memorable experience.
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