Skip the tiger chase and dive into India’s lesser-known wildlife wonders—without burning a hole in your wallet. From coastal mangroves to desert safaris, SavePlus India curates the best offbeat jungle getaways, packed with travel hacks, cashback tips, and seasonal offers. Explore these hidden gems while spending less and experiencing more with India’s smartest savings companion!

Bhitarkanika Mangrove Forest, Odisha

Bhitarkanika is India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem and remains one of the country’s most underrated wildlife destinations. Home to rare saltwater crocodiles, it offers river safaris through dense mangrove tunnels. Unlike expensive tiger reserves, Bhitarkanika provides an immersive jungle experience at an affordable cost. The landscape is dotted with creeks, estuaries, and mudflats. Nature lovers can spot turtles, birds, and reptiles throughout the year. It’s a paradise for photographers, birdwatchers, and eco-tourists looking to explore India’s coastal biodiversity.

• Sail through mangrove-lined creeks and spot crocodiles, monitor lizards, and snakes resting along the banks.
  
  
• Visit the turtle nesting beaches at Gahirmatha where Olive Ridleys arrive in thousands during the winter.
  
  
• Explore bird islands where kingfishers, open-billed storks, and brahminy kites soar and nest in abundance.

Cost: Entry ₹50; Boat safari ₹100–₹300; Local guesthouses from ₹700/night

Pro Tip: Visit in November–February and book eco stays on OTDC using Paytm cashback offers.

Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Gujarat

Located near Bhavnagar, Velavadar is a serene national park of open grasslands and home to India’s iconic blackbucks. The sanctuary is quiet, less commercialized, and ideal for solo travellers and wildlife photographers on a budget. Wolves, hyenas, and jackals also roam this golden terrain. Mornings and evenings are best for blackbuck sightings as they move in herds. The absence of heavy vehicle traffic allows you to enjoy uninterrupted wilderness views. It’s Gujarat’s best-kept wildlife secret.

• Spot blackbucks leaping gracefully through golden fields in one of the best grassland ecosystems in India.
  
  
• Catch predators like wolves and hyenas in action during early mornings or at watering holes.
  
  
• Photograph diverse migratory birds like harriers, pelicans, and larks that thrive in this habitat.

Cost: Entry ₹40; Local bus from Bhavnagar ₹50–₹100; Lodges from ₹900/night

Pro Tip: Visit during the migratory season and use Cleartrip hotel promo codes for booking stays.

Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Satpura is a peaceful and relatively untouched wildlife destination offering a mix of walking, jeep, and canoe safaris. Tucked away in Hoshangabad district, it delivers a close-up and raw jungle experience. It's less commercial than Bandhavgarh and Kanha, making it ideal for budget travellers. The landscape is hilly, forested, and bordered by the Denwa River. Walking safaris are a major draw and allow visitors to interact with nature more intimately. Sloth bears, leopards, and wild dogs are common sightings here.

• Join a guided walking safari where you can track animals, spot pugmarks, and enjoy nature undisturbed.
  
  
• Experience canoe safaris on the Denwa River as you float through the jungle and spot wildlife from the water.
  
  
• Explore quiet jeep trails that offer glimpses of sloth bears, sambars, and sometimes leopards.

Cost: Entry ₹125; Guide ₹300; Forest rest houses from ₹900/night

Pro Tip: Book via MP Tourism portal using UPI apps like PhonePe for extra cashback.

Gulf of Mannar Marine Park, Tamil Nadu

The Gulf of Mannar is India's first marine national park, protecting over 3,600 species of flora and fauna. Located off the coast of Rameswaram, it offers coral reefs, dugongs, and rich marine biodiversity. Ideal for underwater photography, this region supports snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides. The pristine beaches and low tourist density make it a peaceful alternative to commercial destinations. A short boat ride from Mandapam jetty takes you to small uninhabited islands. It’s perfect for marine wildlife enthusiasts.

• Snorkel near coral reefs to see vibrant fish, anemones, and sea urchins in crystal-clear waters.
  
  
• Catch a glimpse of dugongs—gentle sea cows—that feed on seagrass beds near the shallow coastlines.
  
  
• Observe marine birds and turtles that rest and nest on the protected islets scattered around the area.

Cost: Boat ₹250–₹400; Entry usually included; Budget hotels from ₹600

Pro Tip: Use Paytm Flights cashback during off-season travel to Rameswaram for maximum savings.

Desert National Park, Rajasthan

Spanning over 3,000 sq km, this desert sanctuary is located near Jaisalmer and showcases the vibrant biodiversity of the Thar Desert. The park is among the few places in India where you can spot the endangered Great Indian Bustard. Despite its arid landscape, the area hosts a surprising variety of mammals and reptiles. Camel rides and village tours add a cultural layer to your wildlife trip. It’s ideal for winter travel when the weather is cooler. Starry desert nights make camping unforgettable.

• Watch the Great Indian Bustard roam the dunes, especially during early mornings near Sudasari enclosures.
  
  
• Spot chinkaras, desert foxes, and lizards blending perfectly into the sandy terrain of the Thar.
  
  
• Enjoy camel rides and folk music as part of desert eco-tourism packages run by locals.

Cost: Entry ₹100; Shared safari ₹500; Homestays from ₹500

Pro Tip: Use IRCTC SBI card offers for train bookings and Ajio travel deals for desert-ready apparel.

Chambal River Safari, Uttar Pradesh

The Chambal River, once feared for dacoits, is now a serene habitat for gharials, dolphins, and migratory birds. Located near Agra, it’s a great offbeat extension to your Taj Mahal itinerary. The clean, unpolluted river attracts ecotourists and birdwatchers from across India. Boat safaris are the main attraction and are run by locals. The tranquil surroundings make it a unique experience. The region supports community-based tourism, making it affordable and socially responsible.

• Take a boat safari to spot gharials—long-snouted crocodiles basking on sandbanks in clear view.
  
  
• Watch Gangetic dolphins surfacing playfully in the shallow, pollution-free waters of the river.
  
  
• See rare birds like skimmers, herons, and flamingos flocking to the riverbanks and wetlands.

Cost: Boat ₹1500 (split among 6–8); Lodging from ₹600/night

Pro Tip: Combine with an Agra visit and use PhonePe UPI deals on local travel apps for cashback.

Agumbe Rainforest, Karnataka

Located in the Western Ghats, Agumbe is a biodiverse paradise famed for king cobras and amphibians. Often compared to Cherrapunji, it receives heavy rainfall and is known for lush landscapes. Nature enthusiasts and herpetologists frequent the region for reptile studies. Local trekking groups offer guided trails into the forest. The Agumbe Rainforest Research Station supports eco-tourism and volunteer stays. The area also features cascading waterfalls and misty valleys that are stunning in the monsoon.

• Join herpetology treks where you may spot king cobras, flying snakes, and colorful frogs in the wild.
  
  
• Trek to nearby waterfalls like Barkana Falls and Onake Abbi, surrounded by dense tropical cover.
  
  
• Stay in homestays or research lodges that offer forest views and local Malnad cuisine.

Cost: Guided trek ₹300–₹500; Homestay ₹700–₹1000

Pro Tip: Buy rain gear using Amazon Monsoon Sale offers before heading into the wettest zone in Karnataka.

Manas National Park, Assam

Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, Manas offers an alternative to crowded Kaziranga. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for rare wildlife and pristine scenery. You can spot golden langurs, wild elephants, and migratory birds across its diverse terrain. Jeep safaris and forest stays are cheaper here, making it ideal for budget-conscious travellers. The park lies near the Bhutan border, adding cultural richness to the experience. It’s best visited in winter and spring.

• See wild elephants and buffaloes roaming in herds through open meadows and riverine forests.
  
  
• Spot golden langurs and clouded leopards—two of the region’s rarest animal species.
  
  
• Photograph scenic mountain backdrops and enjoy birdwatching with over 450 bird species recorded.

Cost: Entry ₹100; Jeep ₹1000–₹1200; Lodge from ₹600

Pro Tip: Book flights to Guwahati via Flipkart SuperCoins + HDFC credit card offers for reduced fares.

Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh

Although it's designated a tiger reserve, Pakke is better known for hornbills and lush evergreen forests. It’s among the few reserves with successful community conservation. Situated in East Kameng, it offers affordable eco-lodges and treks. Visitors can explore untouched forest trails with tribal guides. Hornbill nesting season is a major highlight. Birdwatchers and conservationists often visit here due to its untouched serenity and biodiversity.

• Spot four species of hornbills nesting in tall forest trees during breeding season.
  
  
• Enjoy tribal-guided forest walks where you can see exotic flora and butterflies.
  
  
• Stay in forest lodges run by locals offering authentic Northeast Indian meals.

Cost: Entry ₹100–₹200; Stay ₹500–₹800

Pro Tip: Reach via Guwahati using Ixigo with Paytm wallet offers to cut transport costs.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka

Located near Mysuru, this is Karnataka’s most accessible bird sanctuary and ideal for family day trips. The sanctuary sits on a river with small islets where birds nest. You can spot painted storks, pelicans, herons, and kingfishers from close range. Boat rides offer the best views of these migratory birds. It's a peaceful retreat, especially during January to March. Entry and boating costs are minimal, making it extremely pocket-friendly.

• Take boat rides to observe nesting birds from just a few meters away as they feed their young.
  
  
• Visit during migratory season when flocks of pelicans and storks arrive from distant lands.
  
  
• Combine with Mysore Palace sightseeing for a full-day, low-cost excursion.

Cost: Entry ₹70; Boat ₹100

Pro Tip: Use Swiggy coupon codes for affordable packed lunches before entering the sanctuary.

Conclusion

India offers far more than tiger safaris when it comes to wildlife—and budget travel. With local insights, promo codes, and seasonal hacks from SavePlus India, you can explore jungles, wetlands, deserts, and coasts without breaking the bank. Plan smart, travel light, and let India’s wild side welcome you—without ever compromising your wallet.

FAQ

Are these wildlife destinations open all year round?
Most parks close during monsoons (July–September). Always check state tourism sites before visiting.

Can I book wildlife stays online?
Yes, use platforms like MPTourism, EcoTourism Odisha, or travel apps like MakeMyTrip.

Are there any group travel discounts?
Yes, most safaris and boat rides become significantly cheaper when costs are split in a group.

Which budget-friendly wildlife trip is best for kids?
Ranganathittu and Gulf of Mannar are kid-safe and educational.

How can I save more on travel bookings?
Use SavePlus India’s coupon codes, wallet offers, and seasonal discounts listed across major portals.