Popular National Parks in India

Let’s know about some of the best Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks to plan an amazing Wildlife Safari in India –

Interesting Facts about wildlife of India

• Paradise of Tigers and Lions – Around the year 1973-74, India had the wealth of only 9 Tiger Reserves but today India is blessed with 53 Tiger Reserves. Government with the assistance of the (WWF) Worldwide Fund for Nature, launched The Project Tiger in 1972 for the conservation of tigers. Due to its strict implementation and proper maintenance of the habitats of tigers, India has the highest density of tiger population in the world. Apart from Tigers, India is the only natural habitat for lions besides Africa. Gujarat’s Gir National Park is the natural habitat for Asiatic lions in India. In 1972 the government also launched Gir lion Project for the conservation of Lions in Gujarat in 1972.
• Land of One-Horned Rhinoceros- India is the only habitat of one-horned Rhinoceros. You can see the sizable population of this endangered species in the marshy lands of Kaziranga and Manas which is in Assam and Jaldapara in West Bengal.
• Rich Biodiversity Hotspots – India has rich biodiversity. Out of 36 biodiversity hotspots, 4 are present in India i.e. The Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region and the Sundaland. We will also add Sundarbans and the Terai-Duar Savanna grasslands for sheltering unique faunal and floral species. India is also one of the 18 megadiverse nations of the world.
• Here nature and culture go hand in hand- India boasts of rich biodiversity and mesmerizing cultural heritage due to which tourists from all across the globe come here and enjoy its rich cultural and natural treasures. The practices and rituals in Indian biodiversity have a great significance. It is linked to socio-cultural practices of the land. The most interesting fact about India’s biodiversity is that about 8% of the world’s biodiversity is found only in India.
• Wealth of endemic species – India has a wealth of around 33% of endemic species which means these species are not found anywhere else in the world.

Interesting Facts on the Indian National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Where to Find Lions and Tigers? Gir National Park is the only habitat for Asiatic Wild lions in India. If you want to see white Tigers, then Nandankanan Zoo is one of the best Zoological Park to see white tigers.

Kashmir Stag also known as Hangul is a very endangered central Asian red deer species in Dachigam National Park of Kashmir. It is also in the IUCN List of critically endangered species.

• Kaziranga National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site in Assam is very popular for sheltering the most endangered species of One-horned Rhinoceros. It also has the highest density of Tigers in the world.
• Jim Corbett National Park – Not Only it has a sizable number of tiger population but also it is very famous for sheltering the population of Mugger crocodile and King Cobra which are endangered species. There are also more than 600 species of Birds in this reserve. It is the oldest tiger reserve of India. The very popular conservation project- The Tiger project was launched here in 1972.
• Sundarban Tiger Reserve is very popular for its Man eater tigers. It has the highest density of Tiger population in India. Critically endangered species like Ganges and Irrawaddy dolphins, Batagur Baska and estuarine crocodiles can also be seen in this reserve. The Most amazing sight of the tigers swimming in the saline waters of the riverine of Sundarban. Sundarban is also the largest delta in the world. It comprises 10,200sq km of Mangrove forests spread over India and Bangladesh.
• Bandhavgarh National Park– The stories of this park will enchant you forever. Do you know that whiter tigers of the world have their origin in Bandhavgarh National Park? Don’t miss the Bandhavgarh Fort which looks magnificent even in ruins amidst the dense jungle.
• Birth of Jungle Book- Pench National Park protects 4 endangered species of vultures, leopards, and Tigers and many more creatures will enchant you here. Its beauty mesmerized an English author Rudyard Kipling so much. He made the wilderness of Pench the background of his famous book – The Jungle Book.
• Kanha National Park will showcase the sizable population that protects the endangered species of Barahsingha. It is also very popular for Tiger Sightings.
• The Great Himalayan National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, conserves 4 globally threatened mammals, 3 globally threatened birds and a large number of medicinal plants. This is just the tip of an iceberg. The rarest of all living pheasants, endangered species like Western Tragopan, Himalayan Tahr and Himalayan Musk are also found here.
• Hemis National Park- Located in the western bank of Indus River, Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary will leave you enchanted forever with its snow leopard sightings. It is also known as Snow Leopard Reserve. You will also see rare shapu, Tibetan argali, Bharal, Ladakh urials etc.
• Keibul Lamjao National Park- In the southwestern bank of Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district lies the beautiful Keibul Lamjao National Park. The most interesting fact about this park is that it is the only floating park in the world. It is also the last habitat of brow-antlered deer (Sangai) in the world.
• Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch – Marine National Park is the first marine wildlife sanctuary of India. You will see exotic marine creatures, beautiful coral reefs, 7 unique species of Mangroves which protects endangered species such as Painted Stork, Darter and Black-necked Ibis and sea turtles like Green Sea, Oliver Riddley & Leather Back etc.

Wildlife Travel Tips for Visiting Indian National Parks

If you have decided to spend your vacations by enjoying a wonderful wildlife safari in India, then you must also know some useful hacks for safe and fun filled wildlife holidays. Jungles always fascinate us. Noone knows what’s in the deepest folds of the dark dense wilderness. It will grip your senses with its breathtaking charm but there are the masters of camouflage hovering everywhere like air. You must know some precautions to enjoy the best wildlife holidays in India- Here is a list of some useful tips to plan your trip to the Indian National Parks-

• Carry your original Photo ID proof which has been used to make online wildlife reservations. You will not be able to enter any National Parks with your Photo ID.
• We will always recommend looking outside the box. Wildlife travel is not only about tiger sightings. There are a variety of floral and faunal species waiting to welcome you in different ecosystems of India. Never get upset if you don’t get a chance to see a tiger. Instead enjoy every moment of your wildlife holidays. However, if you really wish to see majestic tigers then consider the months of summer. That’s the best time for tiger sightings in India. They feel thirsty and come near the water bodies of the forests. It will give you a good chance to click beautiful pictures.
• If any specific place of the reserves requires permits, then you must take it in advance. Always plan your trip and itinerary in advance with the genuine travel operators.
• The wet and dry tropical weather of India might frustrate you if you are not accustomed to it. Always check the weather conditions before visiting Indian National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Consider light color or bush-colored clothes in summer and jumper jackets, scarf, or woolens for winter season. Always carry lightweight boots for comfortable walking. You must also carry a basic first aid kit with you which contains band aids, paracetamol, aspirin etc. Also carry mosquito repellents and sunglasses.
• Always consider government travel guidelines and warnings about National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries and follow all the rules for your safety.

Visiting Wildlife Destinations in India is not only about exploring various species of flora and fauna. It’s also about knowing the cultural value associated with it. You cannot know the real essence of India if you haven’t explored its Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks. The recreation and aesthetic values and a great opportunity to observe and learn the best things from nature makes Indian National Parks the best places to visit in India. At least once in a lifetime you should consider visiting the Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Indian National Parks?

Wildlife tourism in India typically commences in October and extends until June, coinciding with the opening of most national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. They subsequently close at the end of June for the monsoon season every year. This period is widely considered the best time for exhilarating jungle safaris.

However, the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Except during the monsoon, each season has its own charm. For specific purposes such as tiger sightings, summer is ideal. Tigers often frequent water bodies during this time, providing excellent photo opportunities. Winter, particularly in November and February, is also excellent for tiger sightings, although mornings can be very cold—be sure to carry hats and gloves for comfort.

Winter is also optimal for birdwatching. During the monsoon, most national parks remain closed as it is the breeding season for wild animals. However, several buffer zones remain open throughout the year.

For those keen on visiting during the monsoon, some parks like Valley of Flowers National Park, Hemis National Park, Periyar National Park, and the Buffer Zones of Corbett National Park are accessible.

When do Indian National Parks open and close? 

Indian National Park remains open throughout the year October to June except monsoon season July- September and Mid-October. Its breeding time for animals so the parks remain closed. Sometimes the months of opening and closing vary due to unexpected events or weather conditions.

Which are the best National Parks for Tiger Sightings in India?  

India is a popular Tiger safari destination. Loved by nature lovers, couples, solo tourists and adventure lovers, the wild forests of India are a wonderful option for a relaxing recreation amidst nature. The specialty of Indian Wildlife destinations is that most of the national parks here are very popular for tiger sightings as India has the highest density of tiger population in the world. Abundance of tigers makes Wildlife tourism in India thrilling and enchanting. Some of the popular National Parks for Tiger sighting in India are –

• Sundarban National Park
• Panna National Park
• Pench National Park
• Kaziranga National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Ranthambore National Park
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Kanha National Park
• Periyar Tiger Reserve
• Bandipur Tiger Reserve
• Sariska Tiger Reserve

What are the best Wildlife Reserves in India for bird watching?

India is one of the best birding destinations in the world. Exploring birds is a very thrilling activity as it’s not easy like tiger or lion sightings. You need to look for a long time with patience to spot amazing bird species and when you spot unique birds the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment is something else. There are a variety of bird species in India some of which you will find nowhere else. Tourists mostly come to India in the month of October, November, and April to see the unique bird species.

Some of the best bird watching Wildlife reserves in India are-

• Keoladeo National Park
• Little Rann of Kutch
• Kaziranga National Park
• Namdapha National Park
• Eaglenest Bird Sanctuary
• Ranthambore National Park
• Kanchenjunga National Park
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Sundarban Tiger Reserve
• Western Ghats
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Which are the best National Parks in India for Lion Safari?

Apart from Tigers, Lions safaris are also very popular in India. India has a sizable population of lions in the world. In fact India is the only country to have a good tiger and lion population in the world apart from Africa. Did you know India is the only habitat for Asiatic lions besides Africa? Tourists enjoy Lion Safari as much as they enjoy Tiger safari. According to the 2020 census the population of Lions registered an increase of 25% in the last five years. India has a significant amount of Lion population. Some of the best National Parks for lion safari are –

• Gir National Park
• Etawah Safari Park
• Dadar and Nagar Haveli Wildlife safari
• Shimoga Zoo and Safari
• Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary

Which are the must visit National Parks in South India?

South India is an ideal destination for a wonderful and soothing wildlife holiday. The grasslands of Nilgiris, unspoiled rainforests, and the cool tropical climate shelter a diverse range of floral and faunal species. Some of the most popular National Parks in South India include:

• R Hills wildlife Sanctuary
• Kudremukh National Park
• Eravikulam National Park
• Mathikettan Shola National Park
• Mukurthi National Park
• Guindy National Park
• Periyar National Park
• Bandipur National Park
• Mudumalai National Park
• Bannerghatta National Park
• Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary