Popular National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries of India
The list of national parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries in India is a long one. National Parks in India and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Indian are protected natural habitats for conservation of biodiversity. National Parks in India being less accessible to the public distinguishes it from the sanctuaries. The largest national park in India is Hemis National Park in Jammu and Kashmir, covering 4400 square-kilometers.
Here is list of some popular National Parks in India & wildlife sanctuary in India.
Rajaji National Park
This national park is located in Uttarakhand in Shivalik Ranges and is the unification of a triad of National Parks. Wildlife species include Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Jungle cat, striped hyena, among others. With over 500 species of birds, it is a bird-lovers delight. Kingfishers, woodpeckers, the great pied hornbill, etc. can be spotted here. Easily accessible to cities including Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun, best time to visit is from November to March. The nearest railway station is 24kms away at Haridwar.
Bannerghatta National Park
Karnataka is home to several unique species in the world. Bannerghatta National Park, 22kms from the Bangalore Airport, shelters about 30 lions. Other wildlife species include Bengal Tiger, White Tiger. Bison, Deer, etc. Best time to visit is between September and January.
Ranthambore National Park
Located in the in Sawai Madhopur District in Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is one of the top 10 national parks in India. A tiger reserve, it is packed with visitors between November and May, when tigers can be easily sighted. Other fauna includes nilgai, wild boar, leopard, etc. The nearest town and railway station is Sawai Madhopur, 11kms away.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Established in 1968, Bandhavgarh National Park is situated in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Known for high density of tigers, the fauna includes Bengal Tiger, nilgai, the gaur, etc. Jabalpur is the nearest city and houses the nearest airport. Visit between October and January for migratory bird watching or during January to February for animal sightings.
Kaziranga National Park
Although a tiger reserve locate in Assam, it is mainly famous for its population one-horn rhinos. Recognize as an important bird area, other important species include water buffaloes and elephants. Crisscrossed by four rivers including the Brahmaputra, it is a World Heritage Site. Furkating, 75kms away, is the nearest railway station whereas Jorhat Airport, 97kms away, is the nearest airport. Bokakhat is the nearest town at a distance of 23kms. The best time to visit the Kaziranga Park is between November and April. It is one of the top 10 national parks in India.
Tadoba National Park
Maharashtra is extremely rich in flora and fauna, and thus a home to various national parks of India. It houses Tadoba National Park, which is one of the integral tiger reserves in India. Open for visitors between October and June, it is located in Chandrapur District, the nearest railway station being Chandrapur. With 80 tigers under its care, it is an integral part of the Project Tiger. Covered mainly with teak and bamboo, species spotted apart from tigers include anthers, barking deer, sloth bears, hyenas, etc.
Eravikulam National Park
Located in the state of Kerala, it is a shola-grassland ecosystem at high elevation amidst Western Ghats. Its tourism zone is called Rajamalai, where visitors encounter the beautiful grasslands, apart from Anamudi peak, Lakkom and Atukkad waterfalls, Echo point etc. in the vicinity of the park. The closest railway station is Aluwa, 120kms from Munnar. Best time to visit is April to June or around September.
Kanha National Park
It is the largest national park in Central India. Located in Madhya Pradesh, it is an important tiger reserve, The Bengal Tiger being the most significant. Other wildlife species include Indian Wild Dog, barasingha, the sloth bear and the leopard. Best time to visit the park is between November and June. Jabalpur Airport and Jabalpur Railway Station are the closest airport and railway station respectively.
Pench National Park
Shared between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, around 1200 species reside in Pench National Park, which adds to the list of tiger reserves in India. Rafting in the Pench Sea flowing midway through the park, is a prime attraction. Located near the airport and railway station of Nagpur, it attracts visitors in the winter season. Wildlife spotted includes Bengal Tiger, Indian leopard, barking deer, wild dog, etc.
Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Experience the thrill of tracking the glory of Asian lions, established in 1965, in Gir Forest National Park, which spreads in a total area of 1412 square kilometres. This park is home to Asiatic Lion and it is consider one of the most important, protected areas. Also known as Sasan-Gir, it is located near Gujarat’s Talala Gir. Apart from majestic lions, it is also home to leopards, dull bears, golden galls, sambhar, chinkara and Indian clobbers. There are 38 species of mammals, 300 types of fish, 37 species of reptiles and 2000 species of insects. Do not forget to take pesticides with you while travelling to fall.
Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park is located in Karnataka. It is a tiger reserve in India. Sheltering numerous tigers, it is a home of hundreds of other species of animals and birds including leopards, Indian elephant, four-horned antelope, dhole, jackals, peafowls, etc. It is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries of India. 80kms from Mysore airport and 20kms from nearby town of Gundalpet, it is an important part of Niligiri Biosphere Reserve. It is flooded with visitors between November and April.
Great Himalayan National Park
Having a diverse National Park at an altitude of 1500-6000 meters is enough to visit the Great Himalayan National Park! This park was established in 1984 in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh. This is typically 1171 sq km. Spread over the area of, and home to more than 375 species and various vegetation species. The best part about this park is that you can find endangered Snow Leopard species, and discover the Himalayas in its ancient beauty!
Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park Located in Lakhimpur Kheri District of Uttar Pradesh, it includes the Terai several endangered species. Wildlife include tigers, swamp deer, and rhinoceros. Between November and May is the ideal time to visit this park.
Jim Corbett National Park
It is the oldest and the best national park in India, located in Uttarakhand. With a tiger population of around 70, it was the first national park in India under Save the Tiger initiative. It is rich in flora and fauna, housing more than 600 species of birds, 100 species of trees, 50 species of mammals, and variety of ecosystems including Sal forests, mountains, etc. Safaris and treks are important attractions, apart from the wildlife which includes tigers, spotted deer, sambar deer, elephant, tawny fish owl, among others. Well connected to cities like New Delhi, Kanpur and Lucknow, the closest town is Ramnagar. Best time to visit is between June and November.
Sundarbans National Park
This national park is unique because it spreads in two countries, Bangladesh and India. Due to the collection of dense mangrove forests. The vibrant forest gives you the opportunity to see wild cats, crocodiles, snakes, flying foxes, wild pigs, and pangolin species. Enjoy one of the largest residences for Royal Bengal Tiger and explore variety of flora and fauna!
Guindy National Park
It is a small national park in Tamil Nadu housing blackbucks, spotted deer, jackals, etc. attracting visitors in bulk. Kasturba Nagar station is the nearest railway station, a km away.
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