India is a place where you can never explore enough; whether it’s culture, sport, nature, or wildlife, travelers will not leave without experiencing something unique and different every single time. National parks in India are no less rich in spectacular wildlife and nature; you will fall in love all over again, and if you’re an animal lover, you absolutely can’t miss national parks. So, pack your bags and visit these spectacular national parks.
Here is the list of national parks in India you must visit:
1. Kaziranga National Park
The UNESCO world heritage site located in Golaghat, Assam, has the world’s two-thirds population of one hundred rhinos. The park is home to swamp deer, elephants, and wild water buffaloes. With tropical evergreen forests and tropical wet forests, Kaziranga national park has the stunning beauty of flora and fauna.
2. Ranthambore National Park
Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of India, Ranthambore national park is one of the prominent in northern areas. Another tiger reserve of India has several wild animals, namely, leopard, marsh crocodiles, etc.; apart from wildlife; the site has beautiful scenic lakes like Padam and malik Talao, Raj Bagh Talao. With 40 mammal species, 320 bird species, 40 and 50 species of reptiles, and butterflies, you can spend your vacations in nature’s beauty.
3. Kanha National Park
Madhya Pradesh’s most prominent national park, also known as Kisli national park, is one of the tiger reserves in India. An attractive tourist destination is a significant population of sloth bears, Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, wild dogs, and barasingha. April to May is the best time to visit the park, but scorching heat is too difficult to handle for many. Kanha national park is undoubtedly one of the most stunning places you will see in India, with small bamboo trees and grassy meadows during summers.
4. Nagarhole National park
The Nagarhole national park is named after Nagarhole or Cobra River Passing through the rich tropical forest, also known as Rajiv Gandhi national park. Located in Hunsur, Karnataka, the park is included in the UNESCO world heritage site and is home to various habitats, including wild boar, chital, antelope, and deer. Due to dense wilderness and vegetation, you can explore various species of fauna. However, tourists can occasionally spot jungle cats, mongooses, European otters, grey langurs, etc. The park also contains some distinctive tribal habitats of Karnataka.
5. Gir National Park
Located in Gujrat, Gir national park is the only place in the world where Asiatic lions exist. Gir’s ecosystem makes it preferable for other habitats such as deer, antelope, jackals, leopards, etc., while artificial and seasonal rivers are home to various crocodiles. With 300 bird species, the park attracts remarkable tourists every year. Apart from flora and fauna, Gir national park is home to the distinctive Maldhari community. Tourists can explore the livelihood of the community and national park. Even though the park is crowded from December to March, it is the best time to visit spectacular beauty.
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6. Periyar National Park
Perfect example of nature’s wildlife and scenic beauty; Periyar national park is located in Kerala. one of the most popularly recognized national parks of south India is adorned with a beautiful 100 years old artificial lake. Known for its western Ghat forest and elephant wilderness, the park is home to sambar deer, Wild Boar, and numerous elephants. Tourists often take a boat cruise in Periyar lake.
7. Sundarbans National Park
Located in West Bengal, Sundarbans national park is famous for its tiger population. Their unique habit of swimming in saline waters attracts numerous tourists every year. Although you can visit throughout the year, if you specifically want to see Bengal tigers swimming, then November to February is the time to visit.
8. Nanda Devi Biosphere and valley of flowers national park
The world heritage site located in the northern part of India is situated around the majestic mountain peak of Nanda Devi. This breathtaking region includes two zones—the Nanda Devi Biosphere and the Valley of Flowers—both known for their exceptional biodiversity. You can witness rare wildlife such as the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, and a variety of unique plant species. Among the top national parks to visit in India, this one stands out for its serene beauty and the stunning views of the Alaknanda River that will leave you in awe.
9. Jim Corbit National Park
The Jim Corbit is the first national park established in India, near Nainital hill station, famous for the tiger population. The pleasant climate in the hills allows tourists to visit throughout the year; however, winters are the best time to visit Jim Corbit. Visitors can explore various flora and fauna species such as leopards, tigers, deer, elephants, and other wildlife.
10. Pench National Park
With the largest population of tigers, the national park is the most exciting place to visit. The famous ” Jungle Book” was inspired by Pench national park in Madhya Pradesh. You can see various animal species such as jungle cat, Gaur, leopard, crow pheasant, four-horned antelope, etc.
11. Manas National Park
The UNESCO world heritage site is home to 20 endangered animal species, including the golden langur. Park allows you to capture the beauty of hog deer, water buffalo, sambar, Binturong, Himalayan palm civet, black deer, and flora species such as elephant apple, broken bones, etc.
12. The great Himalayan National Park
UNESCO world site in Himachal Pradesh is the most stunning place to explore numerous species of flora and fauna. Fishes, reptiles, mammals, 528 bird species, and amphibian species make it one of the best national parks. It Comprises Himachal’s 26% flora; the park allows you to explore different plant species.
13. Tadoba National Park
Home to a significant tiger population, Tadoba National Park in Maharashtra is one of the best destinations for an exhilarating tiger safari. As one of the top national parks to visit in India, Tadoba also offers the chance to witness a wide variety of wildlife, including wild dogs, leopards, Gaurs, and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife photographers alike.
14. Bandipur National Park
Bandipur is the largest protected area in south India and a part of the Nilgiri biosphere in Bandipur national park. If you are an elephant lover, then this place is for you. The road passing between the jungle lets you see flora and fauna such as elephants, peacocks, red-headed vultures, Indian rock pythons, giant squirrels, etc.