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The National Parks in India play a vital role in conserving the rich biodiversity of India and providing shelter to the countless species of flora and fauna. There are around 106 national parks which makes India a nation that is committed to preserving the environmental aspect. If you want to know how many national parks are there in India? To answer this there are around 106 national parks that are spread across various Terrains all over India. Among these national parks, there are the top 10 national parks in India which include some iconic names like Ranthambore National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, and Periyar National Park. In India, there is a national park that protects a unique ecosystem at Keibul Lamjao National Park which is the only floating National park in India that is located in Manipur in the Northeastern part of India. The names of national parks in India often overlap among different national parks and sanctuaries in India. These national parks offer a glimpse into the rich natural heritage of India. A visit to all National parks in India is an incredible journey that will take you through the diverse ecosystem of India and will let you witness the fascinating dense forests, mesmerizing grasslands, and wetlands of India.
1. Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is home to one-horned Rhinos. It is one of the best national parks in India in terms of flora and fauna. It is nestled in the Assam state. In 1985, it was awarded the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. One can spot one-horned rhinos, Asiatic elephants, wild water buffalo, leopards, Sambar, Macaque, Sloth bear, black bear, and Royal Bengal tigers. This national park is also officially listed as a Tiger Reserve and is home to one of the world’s largest populations of tigers. Visitors can enjoy safaris that can be undertaken both during the day and night during the open tourist season. One can even enjoy elephant rides here. The best time to explore Kaziranga National Park is between October to June.
2. Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is located in the central region of Madhya Pradesh. It is the largest National Park in central India and is ranked as one of the best parks in Asia. One can spot around 22 species of large mammals, the royal Bengal tigers, wild dogs, wild cats, foxes, sloth bears, hyenas, langurs, wild boars, jackals, pythons, cobras, krait, leopards, and other varieties of snakes. Kanha National Park is home to one of the rarest species of deer- Barasingha.
It is one of the best tiger reserves in India. Enjoy a wildlife safari that attracts visitors from all over the world. Visit this park between November and March as the weather is salubrious during these months.
3. Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is the first national park in India which is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It was established in the year 1936 as Hailey National Park and is named after Jim Corbett who was a famous hunter and naturalist hence it is one of the oldest national park in India. It is famed for holding the endangered Bengal tiger. It is home to more than 650 species of rare and migratory birds. The major attraction at Corbett National Park is Dhikala, a forest lodge that is located on the border of Patil Dun Valley and is loved for its stunning location and rich culture. It remains closed from July to October during the monsoon season but Jhirna, Dhela, and Sitabani tourism zones remain open for tourists throughout the year.
Safaris here are organized in all the zones in two shifts by the forest officials. Enjoy jeep safaris here and spot the wild animals. Visit this national park between November to February during the winter season.
4. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is one of the best tiger reserves in India. It is famed for its tiger reserves and the variety of flora and fauna found. The Ranthambore fort and the surrounding hills and valleys make Ranthambore a traveler’s delight. Get a chance to spot numerous animals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and several exotic species of flora and fauna. One can even spot wild cats like leopards, Caracals, Rusty Spot Cats, Fishing Cats, and jungle cats.
The national park opens from October to June. The winter months October to December is the best time to explore this park.
5. Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world and the best-protected reserve in India. It is nestled in Thekkady in Kerala state. The national park is covered by lush evergreen and deciduous forests that are home to numerous animals like- deer, elephants, sambar, Nilgiri Langurs, fishes, and birds. The major attraction here at this park is boating at the pristine lake, trekking through the dense forests, Jungle patrolling, Border hiking, Bamboo Grove, Bamboo rafting, Periyar Tiger Trail, Jungle Inn, Jungle Camp, and Bullock Cart discoveries. Enjoy Jeep Safaris here. The full-day safari starts in the early morning hours and the last trip starts at 3 in the evening.
Visit this stunning national park in the months between November to February. The weather in these months is salubrious and one can even spot some migratory birds.
6. Manas National Park
The Manas National Park has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO and is renowned for playing a major role in Project Tiger Reserve. It is the only tiger reserve in the whole area and is also home to golden langurs and red pandas. One can even find wild water buffalo. Spot here Assam Roofed, Indian leopard, Panthers, Barking deer and some other animals too. The forest officials arrange rides on elephants from Mathanguri for visitors to Manas. So enjoy Spotting rhinos and tigers while sitting on an elephant here. It holds around 380 species of birds, 3 species of amphibians, and 50 species of reptiles. Visit Manas National Park between October to April as the weather is salubrious. Avoid the monsoon season which is from June to September.
7. Bandipur National Park
The stunning Bandipur National Park is located in Karnataka. It was built as a reserve in the year 1974 under Project Tiger and thereafter it became a major tourist attraction. Spot a wide range of wildlife here- elephants, hornbills deers, pythons, sloth bears, panthers, and many other animals too. This national park is neighbors with the Nagarhole and Wayanad wildlife sanctuaries. Enjoy Gypsy safari, boat safari, and Elephant safari here.
Boat safari takes one along the Kabini River. The serene landscape, as well as the wildlife, can be enjoyed on this boat ride. Visit this national park between October to March. Monsoon season is also the apt time to visit, which is between July and September.
8. Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is the world-renowned tiger reserve that is known to hold the highest density of Bengal tigers in the world. It was a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Rewa. It holds almost 22 species of mammals and 250 species of avifauna. Enjoy jeep safari, canter safari, and elephant safari here in this national park.
Visit this astounding National park between the months of mid-October to June end. One can also plan a visit between November to February as it is the peak season due to the pleasant weather. This national park is closed in the monsoon season which is from July to September.
9. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
Sariska National Park is located in Neemrana. It is one of the best national reserves for Tigers in the whole country. This national park served as a hunting ground for the rulers in the past until it was brought under the Govt’s protection in 1958. It is known for its majestic royal Bengal tigers. It is home to several animals like the Leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambhar, Four-horned Antelopes, Crocodile, Rhesus monkeys & several birds too.
Explore this sanctuary by Gypsy and Canter Safari and witness the wildlife at its best. The best time to visit is from October to May as the weather is pleasant. The sanctuary remains closed between 1st July and 30th September. It also remains closed on major national holidays.
10. Gir National Park
Gir National Park is located in Talala Gir in Gujarat and is the only remaining home for Asiatic lions. Grab a chance to spot a leopard, Chausingha spotted deer, hyena, sambar deer, and chinkara apart from Asiatic lions. There are 2375 different species of fauna with 38 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles, and around 2000 species of insects.
Enjoy a jeep safari here and spot a variety of species here, which is a thrilling experience. This Park closes every year from 16th June to 15th October. Explore this national park in the winter season which is from November to February. This time is also considered best to go on jungle safaris and roam around and spot animals.
11. Sundarban National Park
Sundarban National Park is located in West Bengal. It is a tiger reserve and a biosphere reserve that offers a complete nature circle to visitors from Royal Bengal tigers to gushing rivers and pretty estuaries. It is renowned for hosting the biggest mangrove forests in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds a large variety of birds and reptiles including the salt-water crocodile. Grab a chance to spot jungle fowl, spotted deer, wild boar, Siberian ducks, a giant lizard, and many more other animals too. Enjoy a cruise boat tour that is available here.
The 2-night cruise operated by the West Bengal government takes the visitors to Sudhanyakhali, Sajnekhali, Jhinga Kali, and Dobanki watchtowers. The apt time to explore this national park is between September to March when the weather is pleasant and is very apt for exploring.
12. Wandoor Marine National Park
Wandoor Marine or Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is located on the south-western coast of the Andaman Islands. It is a marine life conservation area. This sanctuary holds a group of 12 islands that are located in a labyrinthine shape and are home to the most exquisite marine life including the corals and resting sea turtles among other species. It was established in 1983 to conserve the marine life of the areas. The major attraction here is the coral reefs. Plan a visit here from Late December until April as the weather is quite comfortable.
13. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary- that is a treat to the eyes of wildlife and nature lovers. This Sanctuary is home to several animals like- Deer, Panthers, Indian Tigers, Indian Bison, Asiatic Elephants, and other animals. One may also spot owls, cuckoos, Jungle Fowls, Babblers, peacocks, and other bird species. The Sanctuary is spread over an area of 344 sq Km. It is divided into 4 ranges- Sulthan Bathery, Muthunga, Kurichit and Tholpetty. Indulge here in a thrilling jungle safari ride. October to February is the most perfect time to explore this sanctuary.
14. Keoladeo National Park
Keoladeo National Park is located in the Bharatpur region of Rajasthan. It holds over 370 species of animals and birds. Get a chance to spot here- hornbill Nilgai, Chital, Sambar, Indian Porcupine, Jungle cats, and Jackals. Every year thousands of migratory birds like green Sandpipers, and cranes visit the park during winter. This park offers well-defined treks that can be covered on foot or by rickshaws. The most perfect time to explore this national park is between October to February.
15. Nagarhole National Park
The Nagarhole National Park or Rajiv Gandhi National Park is in the district of Mysore, Karnataka. This national park is best known for its rich wildlife including flora and fauna. One can find countless species of animals like- Jackal, Elephant, Panther, Gaur, Sambar, Mongoose, Hyena, Sloth bear and other varieties of animals too. It is also home to several reptiles like- the king cobra, Indian Rock python Monitor lizard, and Toads.
Explore this national park through its jeep safari and spot some elephants, deer, bison, and bird species too. Explore this national park from October to May as it is considered to be the apt time.
16. Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Tadoba Tiger Reserve is situated in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. It is a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers. It is the oldest and largest reserve and inhabits around 88 tigers and is rich in wildlife and lush green vegetation. Apart from Tigers, you can also get a chance to spot leopards, sloth bears, gaur, jungle cats, and many other animals.
Enjoy the jeep safari here and enjoy the thrilling experience. The park remains open throughout the year. Explore this national park between October and June when the weather is pleasant. March and June are the times when one can spot tigers easily. The park remains closed between July and September.
17. Pench National Park
Pench National Park is a major tourist attraction in Madhya Pradesh. It has a rich habitat of biodiversity and is home to rare and endangered species. Spot some wild animals here like- bison, sambar deer, striped hyena, Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, and wild cat. Explore this national park in an open jeep jungle safari that is available both day and night. One may even enjoy the boat safari. February to June is the perfect time to spot wildlife. October to February is also considered to be the apt time as the weather remains pleasant.
18. Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand
Rajaji National Park is spread over three districts of Uttarakhand- Dehradun, Haridwar, and Pauri Garhwal. It is renowned for its wildlife, especially tigers, and elephants. Grab a chance to spot Panther, bear, Chital, king cobra, tiger, and Asian elephants. Enjoy jeep safari or elephant safari here organized by the forest department. One can even spot the migratory birds, especially after the monsoon. Visit this park from 15th November to 15th June as the park is closed in the other months.
19. The Himalayan National Park
The Himalayan National Park is located in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh. It is home to diverse species. It was declared a national park in 1999. One needs to obtain a permit to visit this park. It can be obtained at the Shamshi head office and the range offices at Ropa in Sainj Valley and Shairopa in Tirthan Valley. There are around 375 species of fauna, 31 species of mammals, and 181 species of birds. This national park provides a trekking facility to the visitors, and Kullu Valley is the starting point.
The most perfect time to visit this park is during the summer season from April to June and the winter season is from December to February.
20. Mudumalai National Park
Mudumalai National Park was established in the year 1940 and was the first national park in Southern India. It is situated on the banks of river Moyar and the north-western side of the Nilgiri hills. Spot some animals here like- leopards, tigers, striped hyenas, sloth bears, Asian elephants, and golden jackals. Enjoy jungle jeep safari and elephant safari here and it is a prominent attraction here. Visit this national park in the months between October to May. The weather during these months is salubrious.
21. The Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is in Jammu and Kashmir. This national park is surrounded by lush green environs, pretty flora, and some of the rarest fauna. This park is the habitat of the endangered Hangul or Kashmir Stag- the only species of Red Deer to be found in India. One may even spot Himalayan black bear, a species of exotic Himalayan bird. Enjoy a jeep safari here and witness wildlife at its best. Visit this park in the months from April to October. In winter the upper part of the National Park gets entirely covered in snow that makes it inaccessible.
22. Panna National Park
Panna National Park is located in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh. It is the 22nd tiger reserve in India and the fifth in the Madhya Pradesh state. One may spot here- wild cats, tigers, deer, and antelope. It is also home to more than 200 species of birds. This national park is renowned worldwide for its plentiful wildlife and avifauna. The major attraction here is the jeep safari that passes through the dense teak forests. The apt time to explore this park is from November to April as the weather during these particular months remains salubrious.
23. Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park is located in the Lakhimpur-Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh on the Indo-Nepal border. It is home to rare and endangered species including tiger, Hispid hare, swamp deer, Bengal florican, and leopard. This national park offers jeep safaris to explore the national park but if one is in favor of hiring jeeps or minibusses from outside to explore van hire. An elephant ride is another superb option to explore the national park. November to April months are the most perfect months to explore this park. This national park remains closed from June to October the monsoon months as it is inaccessible and is the breeding time for most animals inhabiting the region.
24. Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park is in the higher ranges of the Himalayas in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state. It is a world heritage site with a unique topography, climate, and soil and supports diverse habitats, species, communities, and ecosystems. One may spot here- snow leopard, Bharal, Common Langur, brown bear, goral, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Musk deer, and Serow. The best time to explore this national park is between April and the end of October.
25. Desert National Park
Desert National Park is nestled near the town of Jaisalmer. It is among the largest of its kind in the county and encompasses an area of 3162 sq km. Get a chance to spot camels, desert foxes, Bengal foxes, chinkara, wolves, desert cats, and Blackbuck. One may even spot the rarest species of birds- the great Indian bustard. Indulge in an adventurous jeep safari here that is entirely a memorable experience. Visit this national park from October to March.
26. Hemis National Park
The stunning Hemis National Park is situated at an altitude ranging between 3300 and 6000 meters above sea level. It was founded in 1981. It is home to rare snow leopards. One can even spot animals like- ibex, Shapu, and Bharal here. Hemis National Park is one of the Largest national parks in India, which is spread over an area of 3352 square kilometers. This national park is renowned for being the highest in the world. This park is also known for its trekking and hiking options. It also sites the 400-year-old Hemis Monastery. The vehicular movements here are banned. Trekking is the most perfect option to go around the park. One significant route is the two-day Markha Valley trek that stretches between the Skiu and Rumbak valleys. May to September is the most perfect month to visit this national park.
27. Kanchenjunga National Park
Kanchenjunga National Park is named after the third-highest mountain peak in the world and is located in the lap of the majestic Himalayas in the North of Sikkim. This place is truly a paradise for trekkers. It is home to the most endemic and rare species of flora and fauna including the Snow leopard and Himalayan Tahr. One can witness the several glaciers inside this park with the Zemu glacier being the most significant one. Entry to this park is restricted and regulated. An inner-line permit is needed and is obtained by the Indian Nationals and a restricted area permit by the foreign Nationals issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The best time to explore this park is from March to May and September to mid-December.
1. Jeep Safaris
Jeep is the ideal vehicle to experience safaris in the national park of India. A maximum of six visitors are allowed to sit in the jeep beside the guide and the driver. It is very comfortable.
2. Elephant Safaris
Elephant Safaris are one to two hours in duration. It is awesome sitting on the back of the Elephant and encountering the wildlife.
3. Boat Safaris
It is indeed the most perfect safari. The boats get close to the birds and then the boatmen cut the engines for you to peacefully spend time with the birds.
4. Walking Safari
It is indeed a very perfect way to encounter wildlife. One gets a chance to walk in the buffer zone of the park. At times you can encounter prey animals and predators during the walking safari.
Rules to visit a National Park
Each country and its National Park has its regulations. In most of the national parks, one needs to sign in and out to ask for information and advice from the park guards.
1. Respect Mother Nature
Spotting wildlife is pretty awesome but yes wildlife is wild so do not approach wildlife including nesting birds to a point that disturbs the animal Do not feed or touch animals. Do not use flash photography that may disturb animals.
2. Stay on designated trails
Some national parks allow camping outside designated areas so make sure to check with the local visitor center as some areas require special permission in advance. Do not create new trails or follow short-cut paths.
3. Take all the safety measures
If planning to head off into the wild, take food, water, raincoat, torchlight, and warm clothes. Be sure your phones are charged and ideally have a backup battery.