9 best national parks and sanctuaries in India to see sloth bears

Sloth bears are one of India's most intriguing wildlife species, and while they may not be as famous as tigers or elephants, they offer a truly special wildlife experience. Though they are shy creatures, they can be spotted in various national parks and sanctuaries across India–if you are lucky enough to spot them.

The park's varied terrain, consisting of hills, dense woodlands, and open grasslands, creates a perfect environment for these bears. Sloth bear sightings are particularly frequent in the Reni Pani and Madhai zones, where they are often observed during the early morning and late evening hours.

Located near the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi, the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary was created to protect sloth bears, making it one of the best places to see them in the wild. Unlike larger national parks that focus on tiger safaris, Daroji offers a unique bear-watching experience. Though walking safaris aren’t permitted, visitors can observe the bears from a designated viewing deck.

Bears are commonly seen in the Mukki and Kisli zones, especially during the peak summer months when mahua flowers are in full bloom, making them highly active. This period, from May to July, also coincides with their mating season.

Ranthambore, renowned as one of India’s top tiger reserves, also harbors a thriving population of sloth bears. These elusive creatures are often seen in rocky terrains and dry scrub forests, particularly in zones 6, 7, and 8. The ideal time for spotting them is during the dry season, from March to June.

The park’s mix of moist deciduous forests and dry scrublands creates an ideal habitat for bears, which are frequently seen digging into termite mounds or climbing trees for honey. The Kabini backwaters area is particularly promising for bear sightings.

The park’s Moharli and Kolsa zones are the best areas for bear sightings, particularly near dry riverbeds where they dig for food. Visitors often see sloth bears moving along forest trails at dawn or dusk.

This lesser-known sanctuary was established primarily for sloth bear conservation. Unlike some of the more commercialized national parks, Jessore offers a quieter and more secluded experience for wildlife lovers.

Bandipur National Park, part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. While tigers and elephants dominate most wildlife safaris, sloth bears are frequently spotted in the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta range within the park.

Panna is one of Madhya Pradesh’s lesser-visited national parks, yet it offers excellent opportunities to see sloth bears. The Hinauta range is a hotspot for sightings, especially during the summer months when the bears are more active.