National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in India
India being a large country holds a vast area of land. The Indian land flaunts its biodiversity throughout the country and thus has made a place among the top biodiversity places in the International Platform.
The Western Ghats, the Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and Sunda Land of India, make the most talked about biodiversity hotspot of the world. Thus, Nature and wildlife lovers from across the world often find the Indian land a piece of paradise.
India is famed for holding more than 120 national parks, 18 Bio-reserves, and more than 500 wildlife sanctuaries in total. These reserves hold thousands of species, hard to be mentioned on a page
Indian landmass being vast sees different climatic and ecological conditions in its various zones. Thus houses varieties of wildlife.
The Northern part of India is a land of varieties of forests, So it sees nearly 500 species of mammals, 2000 varieties of birds, 30,000 types of insects, and many kinds of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles.
The eastern part of India is a lowland-highland transition zone where the highest diversity of biomes or ecological communities can be found. The exact documentation of the fauna is difficult here due to the remoteness of this region. But the region holds some of the noticeable endangered species of the world.
The western part of India beats the world in its variety of flora and fauna. Adorned with dense forests, this zone holds a wide range of wildlife.
The southern zone is adorned with an astonishing variety of wildlife. Pertaining to the excellent climatic conditions, this zone houses some of the exotic marine life and also an array of other animals. Also here are some of the important Tiger wildlife sanctuaries of India.
List of 10 Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand – Oldest National Park of India
Established back in 1936 in Uttarakhand, with the aim of protecting the extinguishing population of Bengal Tigers, this park holds the prestige of being the oldest and one of the best National parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India. The location as well as the inclusion of the park makes it a must-visit place in India.
Best Time to visit Jim Corbett National Park – November to February (winter season)
How to reach Jim Corbett National Park – well accessible by roadways to the nearby cities
Safari in Jim Corbett National Park – Jeep and elephant ride
Tourist attractions – Tigers and birds
Entry Fees – 1,500 – 4,500 INR
2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam : Largest Population of Indian One-Horned Rhino’s
This place in Assam is famed for its one-horned Rhinos and pulls the wildlife enthusiasts all over the year. The Kaziranga national park is located in Assam is a mighty park that also holds the prestige of being the Tiger Reserve forests and aims in protecting and repopulating them in their natural habitat.
Best Time to visit Kaziranga National Park – November to April
How to reach Kaziranga National Park – easily accessible by road from the nearby airport (Jorhat Airport, 97 km) and railway station (Guwahati).
Safari in Kaziranga National Park – Jeep and Elephant ride
Tourist attractions – Big 5- one-horned rhino, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, Asian elephant, and royal Bengal tiger.
Entry Fees – 1500- 3600 INR
3. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh – Largest National Park in Central India :
Established in 1955 to ensure the wildlife conservation, it is the most loved and revered wildlife destination in Madhya Pradesh. The park is famous wildlife sanctuaries in India famed for its Tigers and Barasingha (Swamp Deer).
Best Time to visit Kanha National Park – October to June
How to reach Kanha National Park – well connected by road to the nearest airport and railway
Safari in Kanha National Park – Jeep and Elephant safari
Tourist attractions – Barasingha, Tigers, and varieties of birds
Entry Fees – 500- 2500 INR
4. Gir National Park, Gujarat – Only Abode of Asiatic Lions :
Located in the lands of Gujarat, Gir national park and wildlife sanctuary in India is famed for its exclusive resident- The Asiatic Lions. The Park was established in 1965 and is known since then for its bond to these endangered lion species.
Best Time to Visit Gir National Park – October to June
How to reach Gir National Park – well connected to nearby railway and airport by roadways
Safari in Gir National Park – Jeep safari
Tourist attractions – Asiatic Lions, leopards, red-headed vultures, and the Indian python.
Entry Fees – 400-500 INR
5. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka :
Tucked in the stunning locations of Karnataka, this park makes one of the most loved wildlife reserves in India. The plethora of flora and fauna here is enough to keep one mesmerized.
Best Time to visit Bandipur National Park – October to May
How to reach Bandipur National Park – arrive by Cab from nearby cities of Mysore, Bangalore, or Bandipur.
Safari in Bandipur National Park – Gypsy, Bus, Elephant, Boat safari
Tourist attractions – Indian elephants, gaurs, tigers, sloth bears, muggers, Indian rock pythons, four-horned antelopes, jackals, and dholes.
Entry Fees – 250-3500 INR
6. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan :
Home to the numerous Wild animals, the Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan makes one of the ideal wildlife interaction destinations of India. Leopard, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Sambar and Hyena are the limelight seizers of the park.
Best Time to visit Ranthambore National Park – January to June
How to reach Ranthambore National Park – easily accessible by roadways from nearby cities of Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, etc
Safari in Ranthambore National Park – Gypsy and Canter
Tourist attractions – Tigers
Entry Fees – 1000- 48,000 INR
7. Manas National Park, Assam : Home of Wild Water Buffalo
The state of Assam holds these well-protected national parks wildlife sanctuaries in India for numerous endangered species. Look for the endangered species of Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, and Pygmy Hod here. Do try river rafting here.
Best Time to visit Manas National Park – October to April
How to reach Manas National Park – easily assessable by road from nearby cities of Guwahati, Kaziranga, Darjeeling, Shillong, Siliguri, etc.
Safari in Manas National Park – Jeep safari and elephant rides
Tourist attractions – golden langur, Wild water buffalo, and the red panda
Entry fees – 1000- 2000 INR
8. Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh : Sanctuary of Swamp Deer
Established in 1958, it is a famed National park of Uttar Pradesh. The park initially aimed at the conservation of the Swamp Deer but later jumped to serve other endangered species as well. The park also sees itself as a popular Tiger Reserve.
Best Time to visit Dudhwa National Park – December to April
How to reach Dudhwa National Park – arrive at Palia to get a bus or cab to the park
Safari in Dudhwa National Park – Jeep, Bus, Elephant, camel ride
Tourist attractions – Tiger, Hispid hare, Swamp deer, Bengal Florican, Leopard
Entry Fees – 100- 1000 INR
9. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh : Large Population of Royal Bengal Tiger
Located in Madhya Pradesh, this Park is famed for its big cats- Tiger and Leopards. Spot White Tigers, Leopards, and Deer are among the many other wild animals.
Best Time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park – October to June
How to reach Bandhavgarh National Park – Arrive at Umaria and take a cab to the park
Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park – Jeep, Canter, and Elephant ride
Tourist attractions – Royal Bengal Tigers
Entry Fees – 500-1200 INR
10. Periyar National Park, Kerala : A Significant Elephant Reserve
This national Park in Kerala is famed for its beauty, location, inclusions, and serene environment. The artificial lake, Western Ghats, and a wide array of flora and fauna make the place serene.
The park offers numerous activities to the visitors and flaunts its wild ones like Elephants, Deer, Nilgiri Tahrs, Langurs, etc
Best Time to visit Periyar National Park – September to April
How to reach Periyar National Park – The Park can be easily reached by cab or bus by the nearby cities
Safari in Periyar National Park – boat cruises, jeep, and elephant ride
Tourist attractions – Jungle Patrol, Border hiking, Bamboo Grove, Bamboo Rafting, Periyar Tiger Trail, Jungle Inn, Jungle camp, and Bullock Cart discoveries.
Entry Fees – 25-300 INR
Mark against these top wildlife sanctuaries of India, backpack quickly, and get ready to explore these hidden treasures of nature.