Embarking on a quest to discover the untamed beauty and ecological wonders that define India’s diverse landscape, the Trendsbunker proudly presents a comprehensive exploration of the top 10 National parks in india. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed shores of the Indian Ocean, these sanctuaries encapsulate the essence of India’s rich biodiversity.
Trendsbunker takes you on a virtual safari through the dense jungles of Jim Corbett, the vast expanse of Rann of Kutch, and the lush greenery of Periyar, among others, revealing the unique ecosystems that make these national parks a haven for an astonishing variety of wildlife. Join us on this exhilarating journey as we unveil the natural treasures and conservation success stories that make these parks not just symbols of ecological resilience, but also crucial contributors to the global biodiversity conversation.
India, a land of diverse landscapes and rich wildlife, boasts some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. From the snow-capped Himalayas to the sun-kissed deserts, these protected areas offer a haven for a myriad of species. Among the most renowned national parks are Jim Corbett National Park, known for its tigers; Kaziranga National Park, home to one-horned rhinoceroses; Ranthambore National Park, where tigers can be spotted; and Bandhavgarh National Park, famous for its dense tiger population. These parks not only provide a safe sanctuary for wildlife but also offer thrilling opportunities for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and wildlife photographers. To learn more about these incredible national parks and plan your visit, explore SEO4Trends, your go-to resource for comprehensive travel information and expert recommendations.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best National Parks in India
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Formerly known as ‘Hailey National Park’, Jim Corbett National Park is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Jim Corbett is India’s oldest national park, named after the popular British officer-hunter ‘Jim Corbett’. Renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, it’s a haven for Bengal tigers and offers a picturesque landscape for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. There are 5 safari zones in Jim Corbett named Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela and Durga Devi Zone and two buffer zones Sonanadi and Pakhro.
Established: 1936
Famous For: Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Elephants
Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park and the first under Project Tiger. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, this park is known for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. It offers opportunities for jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and bird watching, attracting nature enthusiasts from around the world. Apart from tigers, the park is home to species like sloth bears, otters, and several bird species, making it an excellent place for birdwatchers too.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, it is also famous as a Tiger Reserve. Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its vast grasslands and dense forests along the Brahmaputra River create a unique ecosystem, fostering diverse wildlife, water buffalos, elephants, and various bird species. It is also a highly visited park amongst the top 10 national parks in India.
Established: 1905
Famous For: One-horned Rhinoceros, Tigers, Elephants
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park is celebrated for its population of the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, which makes up nearly two-thirds of the global population. The park’s vast grasslands, wetlands, and forests host a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, wild buffaloes, and over 480 bird species. River safaris and jeep tours are popular activities here, offering close encounters with the park’s majestic wildlife.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Located in Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park ranks as one of the top national parks in India, this park is a prime destination for spotting Bengal tigers. The ruins within the park add a historical touch to the wildlife experience, making it a fascinating blend of nature and heritage. Ranthambore Fort dates back to the 10th century and stands as a testimony to the glorious history of Rajasthan, Padam Talao is the largest water body of all with the Jogi Mahal at the corner of this lake.
Established: 1955
Famous For: Bengal Tigers
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Key Features:
Set against the rugged backdrop of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges, Ranthambore is one of India’s largest and most famous national parks. It is especially renowned for its tiger population, with sightings often occurring during safaris. Apart from tigers, Ranthambore is home to leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and a variety of reptiles. The park is also famous for the Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located within its boundaries.
Periyar National Park, Kerala
Nestled in the Western Ghats, the Periyar National Park is the only wildlife sanctuary in South India and India. Periyar is renowned for its scenic beauty and artificial lake. Visitors can embark on boat safaris to witness elephants, sambar deer, and an array of birdlife against the backdrop of lush greenery. It is also a popular Project Tiger Reserve and also offers jeep safaris for tourists. Things to do in and around Periyar National Park include Fruitful Nature Walks, Elephant Safari, Tiger Trailing, Boat Cruise, and the trip to Cardamom Hills.
Established: 1982
Famous For: Elephants, Tigers
Best Time to Visit: September to April
Key Features:
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Periyar is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The centerpiece of the park is the Periyar Lake, which is surrounded by lush forests and offers opportunities for boat safaris. Elephants are the main attraction here, often seen bathing or playing in the lake. Apart from elephants, Periyar is also home to tigers, leopards, wild boars, and several species of birds.
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat
Known as the last refuge of the Asiatic lions in India, Gir is a vital conservation area the park is treated well and is looked after by the government forest department and various NGOs. The sanctuary also shelters leopards, deer, & various bird species, offering a unique opportunity to witness the majestic lions in their natural habitat. There are almost 210 leopards, along with animals such as Sambar, Chausingha, Chinkara, Flamingoes, Nilgai, Woodpeckers, and Crested Serpent Eagles.
Established: 1965
Famous For: Asiatic Lions
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Key Features:
Gir is the only place in the world where Asiatic lions can be found in the wild. The park’s dry deciduous forests and scrubland provide a perfect habitat for the lions, and it has successfully revived the population of these majestic creatures. Besides lions, Gir also hosts leopards, deer, hyenas, and over 300 species of birds. The park is a symbol of successful conservation efforts in India.
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Immortalized by Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” Kanha National Park, established in the year 1955, is famous for its dense forests and thriving population of Bengal tigers in Madhya Pradesh. The park’s diverse ecosystems provide a habitat for various species, making it a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts. It is also one of the well-maintained parks in India. Apart from this, the park has a good mixture of flora species. You will find a mixture of Sal & other tropical deciduous types of trees, herbs, shrubs, and climbers.
Established: 1955
Famous For: Bengal Tigers, Barasingha (Swamp Deer)
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Key Features:
Kanha is one of India’s most famous tiger reserves and is known for being the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. The park is famous not only for its tiger population but also for the rare and endangered Barasingha (Swamp Deer). The grasslands and dense forests provide an ideal habitat for a variety of animals, including leopards, wild dogs, and gaur (Indian bison). Kanha’s management is exemplary in terms of conservation practices.
Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Situated in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, & Meghna rivers, Sundarbans is the largest and oldest mangrove forest in the world. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the elusive Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodiles, & a myriad of bird species. The park comprises large endangered species of tigers, deer, & various other animals.
Established: 1984
Famous For: Bengal Tigers, Mangrove Forests
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Key Features:
The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its population of Bengal tigers, which have adapted to a unique mangrove habitat. These tigers are excellent swimmers and often traverse the waterways of the Sundarbans in search of prey. The park is also home to saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, and an abundance of marine life. Its complex network of rivers, creeks, and islands offers a distinct landscape that is unlike any other park in India.
Mudumalai National Park, Karnataka
Mudumalai, situated in Nilgiri Hills is known for its diverse topography & rich biodiversity. Elephants, tigers, and Indian bison roam freely in its deciduous forests, providing an enchanting experience for wildlife enthusiasts. It was the first sanctuary of India and an important Tiger Reserve of India. February to June is the most favorable time to visit the sanctuary. Includes wildlife species such as Gaur, Elephant, Tigers, Common Langur, Leopards, Panther, Chital, Jackal, Wild Boar, & Sloth Bear.
Established: 1940
Famous For: Elephants, Tigers, Gaur
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Key Features:
Mudumalai lies on the border of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, forming part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is known for its rich biodiversity, with large populations of elephants, tigers, leopards, and gaurs (Indian bison). The park’s dry and moist deciduous forests, along with its grassy meadows, provide a perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers are also drawn to Mudumalai for its more than 260 species of birds.
Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
A part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Located in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, Bandipur is recognized for its scenic beauty & thriving wildlife. The park is a habitat for elephants, deer, and numerous bird species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. The fauna population in Bandipur National Park includes Peafowl, Jungle Fowl, Ducks, Red Spurfowl, Herons, Woodpeckers, and Hornbills, among others.
Established: 1974
Famous For: Tigers, Elephants
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Key Features:
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur is known for its population of tigers and elephants. The park’s dry deciduous forests and scrubland are home to a variety of other species, including leopards, sloth bears, and chital deer. Bandipur is a key area for wildlife conservation and has a long history as a hunting reserve for the Maharajas of Mysore. Today, it is a major hub for wildlife safaris and eco-tourism.
Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
Located in the Chandrapur district, Tadoba is Maharashtra’s oldest national park. With dense teak forests and thriving tiger populations, it offers a captivating wilderness experience, attracting wildlife enthusiasts from across the country. This national park is spread across the vicinity of Chimur Hills. Taboada National Park houses many wildlife species like sloth bears, jackals, barking deer, langurs. Inside the national park, there is one river, Tadoba, which sustains the wildlife at Tadoba National Park.
Established: 1955
Famous For: Bengal Tigers
Best Time to Visit: March to May
Key Features:
Tadoba-Andhari is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park. It is known for its thriving population of Bengal tigers, with several sightings recorded each year. The park also shelters leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and a variety of deer species. Tadoba’s dense forests, hilly terrain, and lakes create a scenic setting for wildlife enthusiasts, while its safari trails offer exciting opportunities to spot wildlife.
Also Read: Top 10 Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
In concluding our exploration of India’s top 10 national parks, we find ourselves immersed in a tapestry of unparalleled biodiversity and natural splendor. From the majestic Himalayas to the sun-drenched landscapes of Rajasthan and the mangrove-fringed Sundarbans, each park unveils a unique chapter in India’s conservation narrative. These sanctuaries stand not only as vital habitats for endangered species like the Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros but also as crucibles for ecological balance.
As guardians of these pristine landscapes, India’s national parks play a pivotal role in fostering environmental awareness, sustainable tourism, and the preservation of our planet’s natural heritage. Through this journey, we witness the harmonious coexistence of diverse ecosystems and the tireless efforts of conservationists working towards a shared vision of a vibrant, biodiverse future for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions On Best National Parks in India:
What is the best time to visit India’s national parks?
The best time generally falls between October and March, offering pleasant weather and good wildlife visibility. However, specific timings may vary depending on the park’s location and wildlife.
What activities can I do in national parks?
Jeep safaris, elephant rides, nature walks, birdwatching, photography, and camping are popular options. Some parks offer specific activities like boat safaris or trekking.
Do I need a permit to visit national parks?
Yes, most national parks require permits, which can be obtained online or at the park entrance.
Which national park is best for tigers?
Ranthambore, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve are renowned for their high tiger densities.
Which national park is best for families?
Periyar, Jim Corbett, and Mudumalai National Parks offer diverse landscapes, boat rides, and easy accessibility, making them suitable for families.
Which national park is best for birdwatching?
Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, and Kaziranga National Park are havens for birdwatchers with diverse avian populations.
How many national park in india?
There are currently 106 existing national parks in India, covering an area of approximately 44,402 square kilometers. This represents about 1.35% of the country’s geographical area.
which is the first national park in india?
The first national park in India is Jim Corbett National Park, formerly known as Hailey National Park. It was established in 1936 and is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.
Which is the largest national park in india?
The largest national park in India is Hemis National Park, located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. Spanning an impressive 4,400 square kilometers (1,700 sq mi), it dwarfs all other parks in size and even holds the title of the highest national park in India.
