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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQs:
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.