Saddle Peak National Park

Saddle Peak National Park is a protected area in India.

Saddle Peak National Park at a Glance

Location
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India, South Asia
Coordinates
13.162512, 93.018710
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Saddle Peak National Park

Nearest airport: Diglipur INS Kohasa (VODX), 9 km away.

Nearest international airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), 172 km away.

Wildlife in Saddle Peak National Park

Home to 36 recorded species including 14 waterbirds, 9 iconic birds, 6 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds, 1 reptiles, 1 big herbivores.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Saddle Peak National Park

8 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Saddle Peak National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Saddle Peak National Park for optimal wildlife viewing, and what unique species might I encounter?

The dry season, typically from October to March, offers the best conditions for wildlife spotting as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is less dense. Visitors often have the chance to observe the elusive Saddle Peak Leopard, various deer species like the Indian Muntjac, and a rich diversity of resident and migratory birds unique to this region.

What kind of safari experience can I expect at Saddle Peak National Park, particularly regarding crowd levels and vehicle types?

Saddle Peak National Park offers a remarkably tranquil and intimate safari experience, distinguished by its very low visitor numbers compared to other Indian parks. Safaris are primarily conducted in open-top jeeps, ensuring unobstructed views and a peaceful atmosphere conducive to excellent wildlife photography without the usual crowds.

Beyond the general health advisories, what specific safety precautions should I take while exploring Saddle Peak National Park?

It is highly recommended to always hire an an authorized park guide for all safaris and treks to ensure your safety and enhance your wildlife viewing experience. Always stay within designated areas and follow your guide's instructions, especially concerning encounters with wild animals and navigating the park's varied terrain.

Are there accommodation options available within or near Saddle Peak National Park, and what are the typical entry and safari costs?

Accommodation options range from comfortable forest rest houses managed by the park authorities to charming eco-lodges and guesthouses in nearby villages. Entry permits and safari vehicle charges are generally considered modest and competitive, making it an accessible option for a unique Indian safari experience.

What makes Saddle Peak National Park a unique safari destination compared to other popular parks in India?

Saddle Peak National Park stands out for its pristine wilderness and the opportunity for a truly off-the-beaten-path safari, free from the heavy tourist traffic found elsewhere. Its unique 'peak' topography contributes to distinct micro-habitats, supporting a specialized ecosystem and offering a serene, immersive nature experience.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.