Not every weekend has to be a blur of online shopping, endless errands, or yet another binge-worthy series. Sometimes, your mind craves something deeper, something earthy and elemental. Think: the crunch of dry leaves beneath your boots, the haunting call of a distant animal, or the heart-racing thrill of spotting a creature in the wild. (Image: Canva)

India, blessed with a rich tapestry of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, offers just the right kind of nature therapy, no long leaves or exhausting travel required. These six destinations are wild enough to stir your soul, yet close enough to make for a spontaneous weekend escape. (Image: Canva)

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal: Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Jaldapara is a lush haven just a few hours from Siliguri or Jalpaiguri. Its floodplains and sal forests shelter one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, and barking deer. The highlight? A misty, early morning elephant safari that feels straight out of a nature documentary. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka: A scenic drive from Bengaluru leads to Kabini’s tranquil backwaters and dense forests. While elephants roam freely, it’s the elusive black panther and stealthy leopards that steal the show. Add guided jeep safaris and fog-kissed mornings, and you’ve got the perfect antidote to city stress. (Image: Canva)

Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha: For those who prefer the offbeat, Bhitarkanika’s mangrove maze offers a boat-bound adventure through winding creeks. Just a few hours from Bhubaneswar, this delta is home to India’s largest population of saltwater crocodiles, along with monitor lizards, migratory birds, and pythons. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra: Straddling two states, Pench is a serene wilderness easily reached from Nagpur or Jabalpur. Famous for its Bengal tigers and teak forests, it’s also a harmonious habitat for sambars, langurs, and spotted deer. The landscape, immortalised in The Jungle Book, promises a storybook escape. (Image: Canva)

Bera, Rajasthan: Forget palaces and dunes, Bera offers rugged granite hills and wild leopards. Just a few hours from Udaipur, this village is one of India’s best spots to observe leopards in their natural habitat. No fences, no crowds; just raw, untamed beauty. (Image: Canva)

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala: Set in the spice-scented hills of Thekkady, Periyar blends jungle thrills with hill station calm. Glide across Periyar Lake on a bamboo raft, spotting elephants and bison along the shore. With cool air and the scent of cardamom in the breeze, it’s a sensory retreat like no other. (Image: Canva)