Animal lovers always look for opportunities to observe or interact closely with their favourite beasts. The beasts could be pets or wild. Visiting a forest or national park is an ideal option for them.
When it comes to exploring wildlife in India, the country does not disappoint anyone. India has 566 wildlife sanctuaries and 106 national parks. As an animal lover, you can take more than 6 months or a year if you wish to explore all of its wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
To assist you in your exploration of India’s wildlife, this post has briefly explained 15 national parks. Keep reading it till the end.
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park is the first, oldest, and most popular national park in India. It was founded in 1936 and is well known for its Bengal tiger population. Its terrain includes thick forests, open grasslands, rocky plateaus, and wetlands. The primary attention of this national park of India includes:
Elephants
Deer
Leopards
Deer
650 bird species
Rare species of amphibians and reptiles
Corbett Museum
Gariya Devi Temple
How to reach
This park is easily accessible from Ramnagar, which you can reach by train. Ramnagar is well connected to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. However, the Patanagar Airport is just 80 km away from this park.
When should I visit Jim Corbett National Park?
November to June is the ideal time to visit the Jim Corbett National Park.
2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park is well known for its one-horned rhinoceroses. It has the largest rhinoceros population and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park lies across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and has been a forest reserve since 1905. It was designated as India’s national park on 11 February 1974.
This national park is home to:
- Rhinos
- Swamp deer
- Elephants
- Tigers
- Dolphins
- 500 diverse bird species
How to reach Kaziranga National Park?
By air – Kaziranga National Park is 97 km from the Jorhat Airport, which is easily accessible from major airports in Indian cities such as Guwahati, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.
By train – Furkating Junction is the nearest railway station, which is 75 km away from the park. The junction is connected with major railway stations in India.
By road – From Guwahati, 190 km away, you can reach this park by taxi or bus.
What is the ideal time to visit Kaziranga National Park?
The ideal time to visit this national park is from November to April. The park is closed during the monsoon season, from May to October every year.
3. Nagarahole National Park, Karnataka
Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarahole National Park is one of India’s national parks with the highest number of tigers. This park features dense bamboo groves, teak trees, numerous winding streams, and fragrant sandalwood trees. This park offers a jeep safari for exploring.
The primary attractions of Nagarahole National Park are:
- Big cats
- Aquatic birds
- Indian elephants
- Crocodiles
- Leopards
- Hyenas
- Dears
- Varied endangered birds
When was Nagarahole National Park founded?
This national park was founded in 1955.
How to reach Rajiv Gandhi National Park?
By air – Mysuru Airport, a domestic airport, is around 80 km away from this park.
By road – The park is easily accessible from cities like Coorg and Mysore.
What is the best time to visit Rajiv Gandhi National Park in Mysore?
The best time to visit Nagarahole National Park is from December to April.
4. Sundarban National Park, West Bengal
Spread over 4,266 square km, this national park in India has 56 forested islands. In 1987, UNESCO recognised Sundarban National Park as a World Heritage Site. This national park is a challenging habitat for large mammals such as water buffalo and tigers.
The main attractions of this park include:
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Wild boars
- Gangetic dolphins
- Fishing cats
- Mangrove pitta
- Barn owls
- Leopards
- Spotted deer
- Saltwater crocodiles
- Boat safari
How to reach Sundarban National Park?
By air – This national park is 112 km away from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. Take a taxi or private car to reach the park.
By train – Canning Railway Station is the nearest station, 25-30 km from the park and well connected to Sealdah Station.
What is the best time to reach Sundarban National Park?
September to March is an ideal time to explore this national park. The park has very humid weather from April to August.
5. Gir National Park, Gujarat
Gir National Park is an ideal place to explore India’s wildlife, particularly the Asiatic lions, which are not found in any other park or forest. This national park features scrubland, deciduous woodlands, and grasslands. The primary attractions of this park are as follows:
600 Asiatic lions
Hyenas
Leopards
Crocodiles
Kamleshwar Dame for birdwatching
How to reach Gir National Park?
By air – Rajkot Airport is just 160 km away from this national park. The airport is easily accessible from major airports such as Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Chennai.
By train – The nearest railway station to Gir National Park is Junagadh, 65 km away.
Which time should I visit Gir National Park?
The best time to visit Gir National Park is from November to April. As far as possible, avoid visiting it in May and June. The weather is very hot.
6. Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park holds a special place among India’s national parks for its tiger population and historic ruins. It features expansive grasslands, rocky outcrops, and dense woodlands. Due to its proximity to Ranthambore Fort, it offers a historical and cultural experience alongside wildlife exploration.
The main attractions of Ranthambore National Park include:
Sloth bears
Tigers
Leopards
Malik Talao and Padam Talao lakes are for aquatic life, like crocodiles
How to reach Ranthambore National Park?
The park is 160 km away from Jaipur International Airport. Its nearest railway station is Sawai Madhopur, 11 km from the park and well connected to major cities like Jaipur and Delhi.
When should I visit Ranthambore National Park?
You should visit this national park from October to March/April. Avoid visiting it in May, June, and July as the weather is hot and humid.
7. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Western Ghats. This wildlife sanctuary is among India’s diverse protected areas. It is well known for its large population of wild elephants. While exploring this park, you can:
Witness Indian bisons, Bengal tigers, and leopards
Ride a boat to watch the wild animals drinking water at the edge
Enjoy a guided nature walk and bamboo rafting on the lakes around it
How to reach Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary?
By air – This wildlife sanctuary is 190 km away from Cochin International Airport. From there, you can easily access the park by bus or private taxi.
By train – It is 110 km away from Kottayam Railway Station, which is easily accessible from all major railway stations in India.
What is the best time to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary?
The best time to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is from September to April. In months like May, June, and July, the weather is very humid and uncomfortable.
8. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park is one of the forests that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write The Jungle Book. This national park features meadows, bamboo thickets, rolling grasslands, and a hardwood forest. The primary attractions of this national park of India include:
Bengal tigers
Indian bison
Leopards
Swamp deer (barasingha)
Hyenas
Gaurs
Wild boars
300 bird species
1000+ different types of flowers
How to reach Kanha National Park?
By air – The park is easily accessible from Jabalpur and Nagpur airports.
By train – Gondia and Jabalpur railway stations are around 130-150 km away from this national park.
By road – Take a taxi or bus from Bhandavgarh and Khajuraho to reach this park.
When should I visit Kanha National Park?
The best time to visit Kanha National Park varies depending on the purpose of the visit. You should visit it from November to March if you love to watch different bird species. To watch tigers, visit this national park from March to May.
9. Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
The Great Himalayan National Park falls among India’s national parks that nature lovers and trekkers like most. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is well-known for its dense deodar forests and alpine meadows. Its primary attractions include:
Himalayan blue sheep
200 bird species
Musk deer
Snow leopards
Stunning mountains and gorgeous rivers
Trekking trails of the surrounding valleys
How to reach the Great Himalayan National Park?
By air – Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar Airport) is 60 km away from this park. This airport is easily accessible from major airports like Delhi, Guwahati, Shimla, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
By train – The nearest railway station to the Great Himalayan National Park is Joginder Nagar. It is 143 km away.
By road – Take a bus or private taxi from Kullu, Mandi, or Manali to reach this national park.
What is the best time to visit the Great Himalayan National Park?
The best time to visit the Great Himalayan National Park is from April to June. You can visit it from September to November. Winter, from last November to February, is not good as wild animals here are usually in their natural habitats and rarely come out.
10. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Located across the Satpura hills, it is one of India’s well-known national parks. Its extensive coverage, from the huge Tawa reservoir in the north to the southernmost part of the Satpura hills, provides natural habitat to numerous birds and wild animals of India.
This national park gives you an opportunity to witness:
Gaurs
Sanbar
Spotted deer
Leopards
Black bucks, sloth bears
How to reach Satpura National Park?
By air – From the north, the park is 200 km from Bhopal Airport, which is well connected to all international airports in India.
By rail – It is around 20 km away from the Sohagpur Railway Station, which is easily accessible from Bhopal and other major railway stations.
When should I visit Satpura National Park?
You should visit Satpura National Park from October to March. February to April is an ideal time to visit it if you wish to witness large animals. Winter, from November to February/March, is ideal for birdwatching.
11. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman Islands
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is one of the best-maintained national parks in India. It has 15 forest-cloaked islands and coral reefs surrounding it. This park is a natural habitat for indigenous tribes. It’s only two islands – Red Skin and Jolly Buoy – that welcome visitors, while other islands are closed to the public.
The primary attractions of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park include:
Coral reefs
Diverse fish like clownfish and butterflyfish
Giant clams
Starfish
Rays
Snorkeling
Glass-bottom boat rides
Mangrove Forests
How to Reach Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park?
The park is 29 km away from Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, which is easily accessible from airports in Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Guwahati.
When should I visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park?
Visit it from October to February. Due to the monsoon, most activities in this national park are closed.
12. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Located in the districts of Chhindwara and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park was declared a national park in 1975 and named after the River Pench. It spans 758 square kilometres, of which around 258 square kilometres lie in Maharashtra. The primary attractions of Pench National Park include:
Leopards
250 bird species
Wild dogs
Bengal tigers
Different types of deer
Baloo (Sloth Bear)
Shere Khan (Royal Bengal Tiger)
Akela (the Indian Wolf)
How to reach Pench National Park?
By air – The Pench National Park is 88 km away from Nagpur Airport. Take a bus or a private taxi from this airport to reach this park.
By train – Seoni Railway Station is just 30 km away from Pench National Park. This station is well connected to major railway stations, including Nagpur and Bhopal.
What is the best time to visit the Pench National Park?
The best time to visit the Pench National Park is mid-February to April. However, you can explore it throughout the year, except for the monsoon.
13. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
Keoladeo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and lies between two historic cities – Jaipur and Agra. It was originally a royal hunting area and became a protected bird sanctuary in 1974. In 1982, it was designated a national park. This national park is home to:
375 different bird species
Sambar
Chital
Nilgai
Jackals
Mongoose
Leopards
Reptiles (pythons, turtles)
Amphibians
How to reach Keoladeo National Park?
By air – Keoladeo National Park is only 56 km from Agra Airport, which is well connected to major international airports in India.
By train – The park is 5 km away from Bharatpur Junction, which is easily accessible from all prominent railway stations.
What is the ideal time to visit Keoladeo National Park?
The best time to visit Keoladeo National Park is from October to March. For large mammals, you can visit this park in May and June.
14. Hemis National Park, Ladakh
Hemis National Park is one of the most searched-for national parks in India, home to snow leopards. It lies in the Himalayan cold desert. This park features deep valleys, rare Himalayan species, and rugged terrains. The primary attractions of Hemis National Park are as follows:
Snow leopards
Bharal (blue sheep)
Tibetan wolf
Eurasian brown bear
Red fox
Himalayan marmot & mouse hare
Asiatic ibex
Eurasian lynx
Golden eagles
Bearded vulture
How to reach Hemis National Park?
By air – Hemis National Park is 45 km away from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. This airport is well connected to major airports in India.
By road – After reaching Leh, take a private taxi to reach this national park.
What is the best time to visit Hemis National Park?
To watch snow leopards, visit Hemis National Park from December to February. For hiking, May to September are ideal. Plan your tour to this national park accordingly.
15. Chilika Lake Sanctuary, Odisha
Chilka/Chilika Lake Sanctuary is located on the banks of Chilka Lake, the largest brackish lake in Asia. It is home to migratory birds in the Indian sub-continent. The main attractions of this sanctuary include:
Ospreys
Sandpipers
Flamingos
Golden plovers
Sea eagles
Shovellers
Irrawaddy dolphin (endangered)
Barkudia limbless skink
Blackbuck
Spotted deer
Jackals and hyenas
Over 225 fish species
How to reach Chilika Lake Sanctuary?
By air – After landing at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, take a private taxi or board a bus. The park is around 70 km away from the airport.
By road – It is easily accessible by road from tourist sites like Puri and Konark.
By train – Rambha and Chilka are the closest railway stations. Many express trains from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bhubhneshwar stop at these railway stations.
When should I visit Chilika Lake Sanctuary?
You should visit Chilika Lake Sanctuary from November to February if you wish to watch most migratory birds. Otherwise, you can choose your own ideal time.
Conclusion
The national parks of India offer a wide range of activities apart from wildlife exploration. Based on your choice and availability, you can go on a jeep safari, a boat ride, a hike, or a nature walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wildlife in India?
India is a natural habitat to several distinguished large animals. Prominent wild animals in India are rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, gaurs, lions, leopards, etc.
How many wildlife are there in India?
India has around 93, 000 animal species and more than 45, 000 plant species. The country represents around 7 to 8 % of global diversity. Its wildlife falls in four major categories – mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects.
How many national parks are there in India?
There are 106 national parks in India.
What are the best 5 national parks in India?
The best 5 national parks in India are Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Sundarban, Kanha, and Ranthambore. Other national parks you can visit are Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pench National Park, and National Zoological Park.
Which is the 2nd largest national park in India?
The 2nd largest national park in India is Desert National Park, Rajasthan.
Which is the newest national park in India?
Similipal National Park is the newest national park in India. It lies in Odisha.
