India is blessed with incredible biodiversity, and its national parks are a treasure trove for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. From lush forests to majestic mountains, India’s national parks offer a glimpse into the country’s rich natural heritage.
There is an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty in India. It is home to some of the world’s most impressive and diverse wildlife species, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. In India, there are over 100 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that provide habitat for a variety of animals and birds. Here are the top 10 national parks in India for a safari.
This article explores the top 10 national parks in India that you must visit!
1) Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
- Established: 1936 (first national park in India)
- Famous for: Bengal Tigers, leopards, elephants
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Highlights: Jeep safaris, bird watching, river rafting
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest and one of the most popular wildlife destinations in India. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, it is a paradise for wildlife photographers and adventure lovers.
2) Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
- Established: 1980
- Famous for: Royal Bengal Tigers
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Highlights: Tiger sightings, Ranthambore Fort (UNESCO site)
Ranthambore offers an exciting blend of history and wildlife. Tigers often roam around ancient ruins, giving visitors a surreal experience of nature and heritage together.
3) Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- Established: 1905
- Famous for: One-horned Rhinoceros
- Best time to visit: November to April
- Highlights: Elephant safaris, river cruises
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is home to more than two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceroses, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
4) Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Established: 1968
- Famous for: High density of Bengal Tigers
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Highlights: Tiger tracking, ancient Bandhavgarh Fort
Known for having the highest tiger population density, Bandhavgarh offers thrilling safari experiences amid picturesque landscapes.
5) Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
- Established: 1984
- Famous for: Royal Bengal Tigers, mangrove forests
- Best time to visit: September to March
- Highlights: Boat safaris, bird watching
The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is a unique habitat that shelters tigers adept at swimming. It’s also a haven for birdwatchers.
6) Gir National Park, Gujarat
- Established: 1965
- Famous for: Asiatic Lions
- Best time to visit: December to March
- Highlights: Lion safaris, wildlife photography
Gir is the only place in the world where you can spot Asiatic lions in their natural habitat, making it a unique destination for wildlife lovers.
7) Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Established: 1955
- Famous for: Barasingha (Swamp Deer)
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Highlights: Jungle safaris, nature trails
The inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, Kanha is one of India’s largest national parks, known for its beautiful meadows and rich wildlife.
8) Periyar National Park, Kerala
- Established: 1950
- Famous for: Elephants, scenic lake
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Highlights: Boat safaris, bamboo rafting
Set around a picturesque lake Periyar offers a peaceful yet thrilling experience of encountering herds of elephants and other wildlife.
9) Hemis National Park, Ladakh
- Established: 1981
- Famous for: Snow Leopards
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Highlights: Trekking, spotting rare Himalayan species
Located in the cold desert of Ladakh,Hemis is the highest national park in India and a dream destination for those hoping to see the elusive snow leopard.
10) Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
- Established: 1975
- Famous for: Tigers, leopards
- Best time to visit: November to May
- Highlights: Wildlife safaris, jungle camps
Split between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench rich forests and diverse wildlife offer a classic Indian safari experience.
Conclusion
The Top 10 National Parks in India showcase the country’s diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife. Whether you are chasing tigers in Ranthambore, sailing through the Sundarbans, or seeking snow leopards in Hemis, each park offers a unique and unforgettable adventure.
Plan your trip to one (or more!) of these stunning parks and connect with the wild side of India.
FAQ
1) Which is the No. 1 national park in India?
Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is often considered No 1 and the best national park in India.
Founded in 1936, it is the oldest national park in India and is renowned for its tiger population, diverse fauna, and beautiful landscape.
2) Which is the biggest national park in India?
While discussing the National Parks in India, it’s important to mention that Hemis National Park in Ladakh is the largest, covering approximately 4,400 square kilometers
3) How many national parks are there in India?
Among all the National Parks in India, the country has a total of 106 national parks as of 2024, covering about 1.35% of the land area.
4) Which national park is best for tiger sighting?
In the list of famous National Parks in India, Bandhavgarh National Park and Ranthambore National Park are the best for frequent tiger sightings.
5) What is the best time to visit national parks in India?
The best time to explore the National Parks in India is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife is easier to spot.
