India’s top 20 Wildlife Parks
Bragging about manifold wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, India is one of the countries in the world that is a natural habitat to glorious wildlife including a number of endangered and rare species. Domain to many fascinating species, India possess a good proportion of the rich biodiversity in the world. There are about 400 species of mammals, 1200 species of birds, 500 species of reptiles, 250 species of amphibians and around 3000 species of fishes, which constitute to the highest species count for any country. Indian landmass is the home comprising 160 National Parks, 18 Bio-reserves and more than 400 Wildlife Sanctuaries. India is considered best for having natural species of tigers, lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards and antelopes.
Since the inception of the very first National park in India, i.e. the Jim Corbett National Park, in 1936, India has been enhancing the wildlife for protection and conservation ever since.
From The spectacular views of the Himalayas in the north to the sun kissed beaches in the south and from the deserted terrain in the west to the mesmerizing woods in the East, India’s Wildlife is not only diverse, but a true beauty to behold.
As a matter of fact, there are special species of fauna and avifauna which are unknown to most and can only be witnessed in these National Parks or Sanctuaries. India steer big tourism for breath-taking beauty and from tourism point of view, these National Parks are at their best during Spring, with favourable weather conditions where the ample wildlife is at the peak.
Nature has so much in it to be explored including these wild spaces in India and here we are to ease your task of planning next vacation to some of the best National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India:
- Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Being the oldest National Park in India, the Jim Corbett National Park is home to the endangered Bengal tiger. The park has got its name after hunter turned conservationist and a wildlife story writer, named James Edward Corbett. Located at the foothills of The Himalayan range in Nainital, Uttarakhand, the reserve attracts great footfall over the year for its stunning landscape. A home to more than 800 species of animals and birds, the park is the largest National Park in Northern India with coverage area of around 520 sq. km.
Best time to Visit – Mid-November to Mid-June - Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan
Titled as one of the top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India, the Park is much loved place by the Wildlife enthusiasts. Encompassed with the Banas and Chambal river, and surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges, the entire region is ragtag in desert and semi-desert vegetation. Located near the town of Sawai Madhopur, along the route of Bharatpur and Kota townships, the reserve is rich with major wildlife attractions of tigers, sambar deer, peacock, leopard, chital, hyena, nilgai and wild boar. With a core area of 393 sq. km., the Park actually spreads over 1334 sq. km. along with its neighbouring sanctuaries – the Kaila Devi Sanctuary and the Mansingh Sanctuary.
Best time to Visit – November to March - Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Located in Southern India state of Karnataka, 80 km away from Mysore and around 200 km away from Bengaluru, the park is the natural habitat to elephants, four-horned antelope and few of the endangered species. Surrounded by woods, the reserve reflects its true form of wildlife in scenic beauty. Considered as one of the most loved places by wildlife photographers, the life lies in there creates the moment worth capturing. Established in 1974, the park can be visited around the year since it has got favourable climate almost every season. The landmass is covered along 874 sq. km.
Best time to Visit – October to March - Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
Being one of the man-made saturated land, now termed as The National Park. The National Park was originally called “The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary”. Near about 400 species of birds are found in a mere 29 sq. km. stretch. And rest is covered with woods for their habitat. Even though the reserve is conserved and dominated by species of birds, several animals can also be seen at close quarters.
Best time to Visit – October to February - Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Connected to Kabini river is the big wild stretch of this reserve, covering 643 sq. km. The park is majorly known for its species of elephants and Indian Bisons. The reserve is to be honoured and included in the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, for its tremendous popularity over the years. Not just animals but extremely valuable trees are found here.
Best time to Visit – November to February - Sariska National Park, Rajasthan
Located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, behind the Aravali hills, the park boasts large no. of tigers and thus, becoming The Tiger reserve in 1978. Sariska is confined beyond the reserve for its epic history.
Best time to Visit – October to March - Kaziranga National Park, Assam
A natural habitat to a dominant proportion of species of one-horned rhinos around the world. Established near the Brahmaputra river, in Guwahati, the species found here have been thriving as the landmass is so large to called habitat. Spread over 430 sq. km. The park houses to Asiatic elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers and several species of migratory birds.
Best time to Visit – November to April - Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
A must-visit place for all to admire the world beyond human-life. Apt place for wanderers and travellers. Few exotic species of animals like leopard, elephant, tiger, muntjac and porcupines are nature’s gift to the place. Located at Lakkavalli in the state of Karnataka, the place attracts great tourism for its wildlife including many bird species.
Best time to Visit – November to March - Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The park, located in the Central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is lately renowned for its rare species of Barasingha. Another perspective that makes this Park truly attractive is a point called Bamni Dadar, or the point from where the entire region (almost park cover) can be seen at once. Stretched over 940 km, the reserve is home to many endangered species of tiger, chital, leopard and other big cats.
Best time to Visit – November to June - Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
A big landmass with its scenic beauty defines the Wildlife of the Sundarbans National Park. Along with Species of animals and birds, the park constitutes to many species of reptiles which can only be seen by sailing on boat, since the region is mostly covered by numerous islands. Another interesting fact admired by many is its shared boundary with Bangladesh.
Best time to Visit – December to February - Manas National Park, Assam
Established in the late 90s’, with coverage area of 360 sq. km. Manas National Park (also known as Manas Tiger Reserve) is located at the foothills of the Bhutan-Himalayas in North-Eastern state of Assam. The Park is a natural shelter to some of the rare and endangered species like Golden Langur, Assam roofed turtle, Hispid Har and Pygmy Hod. The reserve is also considered by many enthusiasts for its adventures like river rafting.
Best time to Visit – October to April - Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh
Formerly known as Wildlife Sanctuary for consisting large no. of Barasinghas, the reserve was again termed to Tiger reserve due to gradual presence of large no. of Tigers. The park is covered in area of around 614 sq. km. Tourism for the reserve is low due to its region mostly covered with woods, hence, providing the wildlife a nature of its own. The park is also a home to several species of deer.
Best time to Visit – February to April - Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
One of the best maintained National Parks in India. The park embarked its presence in the year 1981, and later on reformed as Tiger reserve in 1994. Located near Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, which is at the distance of 57 km from the boundary, the reserve is known to be one of the best places for tourism, for its proximity to the region famous for diamonds.
The park also houses to several other species like chinkara, chital, sloth bear in its vicinity of 542 sq. km.
Best time to Visit – February to March - Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
A mesmerising part of Chandrapur district in Maharashtra, the reserve is the largest and the oldest National Park in Maharashtra. The reserve location and geographic makes it a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is more of a jungle. The Park protects and conserves several rare and endangered species of big cats, Chausingha, wild boar, hyenas and wild dogs. The region covers almost 625 sq. km. extensively.
Best time to Visit – March to May - Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Situated on the Western Ghats and shares its boundary with Tamil Nadu, the Sanctuary is one of the largest in the state of Kerala. Stretched over 90 sq. km. the Sanctuary is a habitat to various species of animals like panthers, deer, tiger and Nilgiri Tahr. The Thoovaman Waterfalls form a centre of attraction being a vital part of the forests. The place is also adventurous for its camping and trekking amidst wild.
Best time to Visit – December to April - Hemis National Park, Jammu and Kashmir
Being established at an unbelievable height of around 4000 M – 6000 M above the sea level, the wildlife sanctuary is the highest reserve all over the world. Located in East of Ladakh region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, and surrounded by the banks of Indus river makes it all the way more beautiful. The park covers the area of more than 4400 sq. km. and houses to many endangered species like the snow leopard, the red fox, the Tibetan wolf and golden eagle. The reserve never fails to reflect its charm for its stunning views.
Best time to Visit – May to October - Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa
A perfect place for bird lovers as the sanctuary has rich and diverse flora and fauna. Located amidst the Western Ghats in a town called Mollem, Goa. The Sanctuary is a habitat to a variety of species including Spotted dear, jungle cats, Malayan giant squirrels, pythons and cobras. Recommended to visit either early in the morning or late in the evening when landscape is perfect to be captured.
Best time to Visit – November to March - Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand
One of the most beautiful parks in the India. Located at the foothills of Himalayas, the landmass is uneven and gets an elevation up to 1000 M above sea level. The park has to offer stunning views for the elevation is possess. The reserve is a home to Asian elephants, barking deer, yellow throated martin and leopards. The reserve is rich in flora as well.
Best time to Visit – October to April - Silent Valley National Park, Kerala
The river flows through the park and the reserve is itself surrounded by Kundali hills, making it the gift of nature, which has to offer variety of species of flora and fauna. A sure shot to the travellers and worth their time visiting the place. Major attractions are the butterflies, flying squirrel, barking deer and sloth bear.
Best time to Visit – September to March - Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
The Sanctuary is estimated to be one of the largest in the India and Second largest in Karnataka. The park is situated at the banks of Kali river, housing varied species of Crocodiles, Black panther, Elephants, tigers and leopards. A must place for adventure-lovers as the place has more to offer than wildlife, including Bird watching, trekking and river rafting. Also, the Sanctuary is one of the most visited in the country as it is a perfect vacation spot for families.
Best time to Visit – April – June
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