Are you a wildlife enthusiast or do you love jungles? It is time for you to discover the best national parks in India, which boast a rich collection and diversity of flora and fauna.
We are fortunate that every country has several secure national parks that keep the wildlife safe from rapid urbanization. India is one of those countries where you can find more than 50 amazing national parks, which are designed to conserve wild animals and birds. Although the government projects are destroying the natural balance with deforestation, these national parks can be a safe habitat for the animals living in them. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or not, here is a list of the most attractive national parks where you can visit.
- Jim Corbett National Park
The Jim Corbett National Park is located in Uttarakhand, which is also known as Dev Bhoomi or the land of gods. This is one of the coveted destinations for wildlife, and it is also the oldest national park in the country, which was established during the British colonial era. The park is spread over 520 square kilometers, and it is best known for its huge collection of majestic tigers. The park comes with a rich collection of flora and fauna, and visiting here can turn into a magical experience with safari rides.
- Gir National Park
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Gujarat, and it was established back in 1965 in order to save the Asiatic lions. This is the only place on Earth, except Africa, where you can find lions in their natural habitat and living a wild life instead of being in zoos. Other than lions, you can also find 40 different species of mammals, which make this place highly attractive for everyone. This national park spreads over an area of 1400 square kilometers, and it is one of the largest parks in India. Some people also call it the ‘Sasan Gir’.
- Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park, located in Rajasthan, India, is one of the country’s most famous wildlife reserves. Once a royal hunting ground, it is now renowned for its thriving population of Bengal tigers. The park features dry deciduous forests, open grasslands, lakes, and ancient ruins, including the majestic Ranthambore Fort. Visitors can also spot leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, and numerous bird species. Jeep and canter safaris provide exciting opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Ranthambore’s unique blend of history, biodiversity, and scenic beauty makes it a favorite destination for nature lovers and photographers alike throughout the year.
- Kanha Tiger Reserve
Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of the biggest national parks in India, which is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The park received a huge amount of popularity as you can find the majestic Bengal Tigers here in their natural habitat. Besides tigers, you can also spot Barasingha Deer, jackals, wild pigs, and leopards, who seem to be quite playful. It is highly recommended to visit the water holes, namely Sondar Tank and Babathenga Tank, where all the animals come to drink. For better documentation of the flora and fauna of the region, visit the Kanha Museum as well.
- Kaziranga National Park
The Kaziranga National Park is located in the state of Assam, which is visited by millions of people every year. Situated in the Nagaon and Golaghat districts, the park consists of 430 square kilometers of area where you can find a lot of different species of animals, birds, and trees. The park has become a UNESCO World Heritage site as it protects the endangered one-horn rhinos and 2/3 of the world’s total collection. There are many guided safari tours here that you can easily book and spend your day among the wildlife. However, you have to be good at spotting.
- Nagarhole National Park
This national park was established back in 1955, and it is located in Karnataka, a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Later on, the park was declared the 37th tiger reserve in India back in 1999. The park is home to Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, gaur, wild dogs, and many species of birds and reptiles. Its dense forests, grassy meadows, rivers, and tranquil lakes create an ideal habitat for wildlife. The Kabini River enhances the park’s scenic beauty and attracts numerous animals, especially during the dry season. Make sure to take your camera, as you can get some amazing shots.
- Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park is a well-known wildlife reserve located in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan. It is famous for its successful tiger conservation program, where tigers were reintroduced after becoming locally extinct. The park is home to leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, sambar deer, nilgai, wild boars, and a variety of bird species. Its landscape includes dry deciduous forests, rocky hills, grasslands, and ancient temples, adding historical charm to its natural beauty. Jeep safaris allow visitors to explore the park and observe wildlife in their natural habitat, making Sariska a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Periyar National Park
This is a large protected area for animals and birds that is situated amidst the Western Ghats in Kerala. Known for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity, the park is home to Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, Indian bison, sambar deer, and numerous bird species. The picturesque Periyar Lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, is the park’s main attraction, where visitors can enjoy boat safaris to observe wildlife along the shoreline. This beautiful natural park comes with dense vegetation and a lot of foliage, which makes it perfect for a diverse wildlife collection.
- Sunderban National Park
The Sunderban National Park is one of the most unique national parks, which is perhaps the closest to the sea. The national park is based on the mangrove forest that formed at the intersection of the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal. Situated at the bottom of West Bengal, a portion of the mangrove forest can be found in Bangladesh as well. This UNESCO World Heritage site is globally revered for its collection of some of the most ferocious Bengal tigers, which are also man-eaters as they hunt down the honey collectors. You can also find a lot of birds along with crocodiles, deer, monkeys, and other species.
- Rajaji National Park
The Rajaji National Park is situated in Rishikesh, and this park has gained much popularity among international tourists. Spanning over 820 square kilometers, it is one of the biggest natural parks in India, which is home to a diverse group of flora and fauna. The blend of dense forest, grassy meadows, and riverine terrains creates the perfect habitat for tigers as well as many different types of animals like deer, panther, sambhars, gorals, borals, and more than 400 different species of birds. When you visit the forest, you can also go to the Beatles’ ashram, which is also nearby and largely popular among people.
- Van Vihar National Park
Van Vihar National Park is a unique national park located beside the scenic Upper Lake in Bhopal. Established to conserve wildlife, it provides a natural habitat for rescued and captive animals while promoting environmental education. The park is home to tigers, leopards, bears, crocodiles, deer, and a variety of birds. Unlike traditional zoos, many animals live in spacious enclosures designed to resemble their natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by bicycle, enjoying its peaceful atmosphere, lush greenery, and excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, and nature appreciation.
- Khangchendzonga National Park
Khangchendzonga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. Located in the eastern Himalayas, the park is dominated by Mount Khangchendzonga, India’s highest peak. Its diverse ecosystems include glaciers, alpine meadows, forests, and rivers, supporting rare wildlife such as the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and numerous bird species. The park also holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the people of Sikkim, and a large number of visitors come to this park every year with a desire to witness the animals.
- Pench National Park
Pench National Park is a renowned wildlife reserve spread across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Named after the Pench River, which flows through the park, it is famous for its rich biodiversity and thriving population of Bengal tigers. The park also shelters leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, deer, gaur, and over 250 species of birds. Its teak forests, open grasslands, and scenic water bodies provide ideal habitats for diverse wildlife. Believed to have inspired Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’, Pench is a captivating national park where you can also find ‘Mowgli’ among the animals.
- Great Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayan National Park is the best place to enjoy the wildlife that lives in the mountain terrain. It is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh and comes with an altitude of 1700 to 5800 meters. This UNESCO World Heritage site is highly attractive for all kinds of explorers. The park has become more popular with the frequent appearances of snow leopards, musk deer, cheer pheasants, and koklas. This park can be explored on foot only, as the hilly and rugged terrain does not allow driving in the remote areas. There is no doubt that it is one of the most beautiful national parks in India.
- Namdapha National Park
Namdapha National Park is one of India’s largest and most biodiverse national parks, located in the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh. Known for its dense tropical rainforests, alpine meadows, and snow-covered mountains, the park supports an extraordinary variety of wildlife. It is one of the few places in the world where four big cats like the tiger, leopard, snow leopard, and clouded leopard are found. Other animals include red pandas, hoolock gibbons, Himalayan black bears, and hornbills. Its rich biodiversity, pristine landscapes, and remote wilderness make Namdapha a paradise for wildlife researchers and nature enthusiasts.
- Manas National Park
Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is situated in the state of Assam. Although it is a tiger reserve, you can witness a diversified collection of flora and fauna in this park. It is home to Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, one-horned rhinoceroses, wild buffaloes, clouded leopards, and the endangered golden langur and pygmy hog. The Manas River flows through the park, enhancing its natural beauty. You can make your journey more memorable with jungle safaris and rafting opportunities provided for the visitors.
- Blackbuck National Park
The Blackbuck National Park was established in 1976 in Gujarat, and most Indians know about it due to superstar Salman Khan’s cruelty. The reckless actor hunted and killed a blackbuck in this protected wildlife area, which set an example for the criminals and poachers who do the same. However, this park is highly protected now, and the Blackbucks are growing gracefully. You can also find elegant antelopes, along with nilgai, Indian wolves, striped hyenas, jackals, and numerous bird species. It is also an important wintering ground for migratory birds, including harriers and pelicans. The park’s open landscape offers excellent opportunities for witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Gangotri National Park
Gangotri, the glacier, is considered to be the birthplace of the river Ganges, and this national park is named accordingly. It is situated in Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, and it is visited by a large number of Indians every year due to its rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. While exploring this national park can be quite exciting, this high-altitude park comes with challenging hikes, and therefore, no car or jeep can offer you a safari ride. This vast, vivid, and beautiful park also offered the untouched beauty of nature, including a cinematic view of the Himalayan mountain range. It is definitely one of the most beautiful national parks in India that you should definitely visit at least once in your life.
- Panna National Park
Panna National Park is a renowned wildlife reserve located in the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh. Famous for its successful tiger conservation program, the park is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, chital, sambar deer, and many species of birds. The Ken River flows through the park, creating beautiful landscapes of forests, waterfalls, and deep gorges. Panna’s dry deciduous forests and diverse ecosystems support a wide range of flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris, boat rides, and nature walks to explore its wilderness. The park’s scenic beauty and rich biodiversity make it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Mudumalai National Park
Mudumalai National Park is one of the most unique park cum sanctuary that is located in the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. This park spans over an area of more than 321 square kilometers, and the exact location can be considered as a tri-junction between three states of the country, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. This national park is home to many animals and birds, including elephants, tigers, Indian Leopards, gaurs, and the list goes on. The natural beauty of this place and the comfortable temperature make the national park accessible throughout the entire year.
- Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park is located in Uttarakhand, which gained much attention from wildlife enthusiasts from all around the world. Situated in Chamoli district, this park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1988, and it is a neighbor to the Valley of Flowers national park. This national park is home to leopards, Indian black bears, deer, wild boars, and a large number of diverse species of birds, including the golden eagle. It is a magical forest where you can easily get lost without a professional guide, and the trees are ancient here. Starting from golden oaks, pines, to deodar and other trees, this park is a mystical forest with ancient energy.
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a unique protected area located within the bustling city of Mumbai. Known for its rich biodiversity and green landscapes, the park is home to leopards, deer, wild boars, monkeys, and numerous bird species. It features dense forests, lakes, hills, and the ancient Kanheri Caves, which showcase remarkable Buddhist rock-cut architecture. The park serves as an important ecological refuge and offers opportunities for nature walks, cycling, wildlife spotting, and sightseeing. Its combination of natural beauty, historical heritage, and urban accessibility makes Sanjay Gandhi National Park a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
- Bandipur National Park
Bandipur is another attractive tiger reserve that gained much attention among wildlife lovers. Located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, this park is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which comes with a rich diversity of animals, birds, and plants. In the park, you can witness the majestic animals like Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, gaur, deer, wild dogs, and many others. Its dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and water bodies provide ideal habitats for diverse wildlife. This national park also plays a vital role in the conservation of the Tigers while saving them from the poachers.
- Valley of Flowers National Park
The Valley of Flowers National Park is perhaps the only national park that is established to save and conserve flowers rather than animals and birds. Just like its name suggests, you can find more than 600 species of flowers here throughout the entire year except in the winter. With a huge range of flowers, this valley remains colorful and fresh in all the other seasons. However, to get the perfect view, you must arrive in the summer as the monsoon makes it difficult to trek. The journey starts from Guru Govind Ghat Gurudwara, and the trek stretches around 9 to 10 kilometers.
- Madhav National Park
Madhav National Park is a historic wildlife reserve located in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. The park comes with a rich heritage as it is part of the former royal hunting grounds of the Scindia dynasty. Its diverse landscape includes forests, grasslands, lakes, and hills, providing habitats for leopards, chital, sambar deer, nilgai, wild boars, and various bird species. The scenic Sakhya Sagar Lake attracts migratory birds and supports aquatic wildlife. Known for its peaceful surroundings and biodiversity, Madhav National Park offers visitors opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and exploring the region’s natural and cultural treasures.
- Narara Marine National Park
If you are looking for a national park that can offer you a better view of the marine animals and the ecosystem that grows under the sea and oceans, the Narara Marine National Park can help, which is situated in Jamnagar. This unique park in Gujarat has gained much attention from marine researchers and biologists as it consists of numerous species of marine animals, including birds, reptiles, fish, coral, and others. This park is considered to be extremely important for the country for its preservation efforts that secure mangroves and coral reefs.
- Keibul Lamjao National Park
Keibul Lamjao National Park is the world’s only floating national park, located on Loktak Lake in Manipur. It is famous for its unique floating meadows called phumdis and for being the last natural refuge of the endangered sangai, also known as the Manipur brow-antlered deer. The park’s wetlands, grasslands, and aquatic ecosystems support diverse flora and fauna, including migratory birds, wild boars, and various fish species. The beautiful landscape and rare wildlife make Keibul Lamjao a significant conservation area. Visitors can enjoy boat rides and wildlife viewing while experiencing the natural beauty of this remarkable wetland habitat.
- Indravati National Park
The Indravati National Park is located in Chhattisgarh’s Danterwada region, and it is quite popular for its rich diversity of flora and fauna. Named after the Indravati River, the park is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes of forests, grasslands, and streams. It is home to rare species such as wild buffalo, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, and the endangered hill myna. The park forms part of the Indravati Tiger Reserve and plays a vital role in wildlife conservation. Its dense forests and remote wilderness offer a unique experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking to explore India’s natural heritage.
- Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park is a pristine rainforest reserve located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. Known for its untouched natural beauty and rich biodiversity, the park is home to rare species such as the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, elephants, tigers, leopards, and many birds and butterflies. The lush evergreen forests, rivers, and mist-covered hills create a unique ecosystem with great ecological importance. Silent Valley played a major role in India’s conservation history through the movement that protected it from a proposed hydroelectric project. This park can be considered a haven for those who love nature.
- Vansda National Park
The Vansda National Park is situated on the banks of the Ambika River, and it is safe to say that the river is a source of life in this region. The park is stretched over a small area of 24 square kilometers, and it is quite popular for its evergreen foliage and bamboo groves. It is home to animals such as leopards, hyenas, wild boars, four-horned antelopes, and various species of birds, butterflies, and reptiles. The park’s lush vegetation includes teak, bamboo, and other tropical plants. The park is best known for its tranquility and ambient atmosphere that can captivate everyone and offer a moment to stay in touch with nature.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
This is one of the most unique marine national parks of India, situated at Wandoor in the Andaman Islands. This national park is globally famous for its diverse collection of sea turtles, dugongs (sea cows), colorful coral reef fish, and many others. In the particular season of the year, the marine turtle comes here to lay their eggs, and it is considered to be one of the most vital nesting grounds for turtles, as the number is constantly decreasing due to increasing population and tourism approaches. It is the only national park that brings you closer to the rich biodiversity of the deep oceans.
- Gorumara National Park
Gorumara is one of the most popular national parks of India, which is situated in the state of West Bengal. Located in the Dooars region, this national park receives a significant amount of rain throughout the entire year, which makes it perfect for the wildlife and flora. Since it is at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, the terrain here acts as a perfect ground for elephants, Indian bison, leopards, deer, wild boars, and numerous bird species. The park is mainly famous for its high population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, which is also an endangered species. There are also watch towers and jungle resorts to offer a thrilling experience of living among the wildlife in the forest. You can secure the place through booking, and the government sites can help in that.
