Buffer Zone Safaris Still Open in Bandhavgarh National Park, Pench, Kanha, Tadoba, and Corbett National Park | Travel

By Pune Media On Jul 22, 2025

Wildlife Watch: 5 National Parks In India Where Buffer Zone Safaris Are Still Open. Credit: iStock

Core zones of many national parks across India shut down during the monsoon (usually June/July to September), but that doesn’t mean your wildlife adventures have to pause. Several national parks allow buffer zone safaris throughout the year, even in the off-season. These areas offer excellent sightings, fewer crowds, and a chance to support local communities.

Buffer zones are forest areas surrounding the core zones of a national park or tiger reserve.

What Is A Buffer Zone?

Buffer zones are forest areas surrounding the core zones of a national park or tiger reserve. While they are less protected, they are still rich in wildlife and allow regulated tourism during months when the main park is closed. Many animals roam freely between core and buffer areas, especially during the monsoon.

Here are five national parks in India where you can still go on safaris in the buffer zones:

Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand

Buffer Zone: Sitabani

While most of Corbett’s famous zones like Dhikala and Bijrani close during monsoon, Sitabani remains open and is a scenic buffer zone with elephants, leopards, and rich birdlife. It’s also home to ancient temples which you can go and explore using private vehicles also (with permission).

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Buffer Zone: Dhamokhar, Panpatha, and Johila

Even when the famed Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli core zones are shut, Bandhavgarh’s buffer zones remain open. These areas are known for frequent tiger sightings, sloth bears, leopards, and vibrant birdlife, especially post-rain when the forest turns lush green. What’s more, the forest department offers night safaris in Bandhavgarh, which take place between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m in Parasi & Pachpedi zone.

Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra

Buffer Zone: Rukhad, Teliya, and Khursapar (Maharashtra side)

Spread across two states, Pench’s buffer zones are fantastic alternatives during the monsoon. The Khursapar gate (on the Maharashtra side) is especially rewarding for wildlife lovers, often serving as the stage for tiger and leopard sightings. Pench too offers night safaris in buffer zones, especially in Tikadi Buffer which is near Karmajhiri gate and Khawasa buffer.

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Buffer Zone: Khapa, Khatia, Sijora

While Kanha’s core zones are revered, its buffer zones offer equally rich biodiversity. These areas allow jeep safaris year-round and are dotted with sal forests, meadows, and streams that come alive in the rains. Night Safari in Kanha is from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Khatia buffer zone & Khapa Gate.

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Buffer Zone: Agarzari, Dewada, Junona, Kolara

One of India’s most reliable tiger reserves, Tadoba’s buffer gates are open throughout the year, even in the core-zone closure period. These zones see frequent tiger movement, and many travellers report better sightings here than in the core.

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