Delhi has a lot to offer in terms of a rich architectural and cultural history, museums, restaurants and clubs. However, if you want to get away from the madding crowd and spend some time in the lap of nature, you could visit one of the wild life sanctuaries close to Delhi. Both Ranthambore and the Jim Corbett National Park were in focus for the implementation of Project Tiger.

Jim Corbett National Park
This is India's oldest national park and is famous as a tiger sanctuary. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, the park is home to the endangered Bengal tiger. Spread over 520 square kilometers, the park offers hundreds of varieties of flora and fauna. And the park’s numerous ravines and streams make for a splendid adventure. Apart from tigers, you could also hope to see leopards, wild elephants, foxes and deer. You could either take an elephant safari into the forest or a jeep safari. An elephant safari may be something of an exotic experience for you, and you should try it once. However, this kind of safari is rather slow. For going into the depths of the forest, a jeep safari is preferable.

Location – Nainital district of Uttarakhand (or Uttaranchal)
Distance from Delhi - 290 kms
Best time to visit: end-November to May. The main park is closed from mid-June to mid-November.

Ranthambore National Park
This national park is surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and is spread around the Ranthambore Fort. So, whether you are seeking scenic beauty or you’re interested in historic forts or you are an animal lover, the Ranthambore National Park has something for you. Apart from tigers, you could hope to see jackals, mongooses, leopards, sambars and nilgais.

Location – Near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan
Distance from Delhi – 430 kms by road
Best time to visit: November to May. The main park is closed from June to October.