Top 10 Must-Visit National Parks for Nature Lovers

India is known for its diverse ecosystem and landscape, ideal for nurturing the many flora and fauna here. Whether it is the snow-capped mountains, home to snow leopards and polar bears, or tropical rainforests in the South, home to tigers, elephants, and sloth bears. The conservation of these animals is the first aim of the forest department. This is the reason there are various national parks in India. These parks provide visitors, whether they are avid wildlife photographers, trek enthusiasts, or animal lovers, the opportunity to explore the flora and fauna. Along with this, they also get to enjoy the serenity that the nature has to offer here. If you are interested in exploring the best national parks in India, here is a list.

The Best National Parks in India

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

One of the oldest and most famous national parks in India is Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially if you want to spot the apex predator, Bengal Tigers. But that is not all; you can also spot other animals here, like 50 species of mammals, 600 species of birds, and many amphibians and reptiles. Thus, it is one of the best and richest biodiverse parks in India. 

The park has many zones, like the Dhikala zone, the major attraction here for its tiger sightings. You can also take a jeep safari near the Ramganga River, providing an opportunity for spotting tigers, leopards, elephants, and other species of deer. The dense forests, riverbanks, and grassland offer you a chance to explore a diverse landscape.

Highlights:

• Bengal Tigers
• River Ramganga
• Jeep Safaris

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

From the north, let's head to South Karnataka, home to one of the most prominent national parks in India. Situated in Gundulpet Taluk, Chamarajanagar district, it has the second-highest population of tigers in India. Along with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Nagarhole National Park, it is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is the largest protected area in Southern India and the largest habitat of wild elephants in South Asia. The park is known for its tiger sighting, but there are also other animals like leopards, dhole, sloth bears, chital, Indian elephants, and more. Exploring the national park in the morning or late afternoon safari is the best way to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna here. 

Highlights

• High chance of spotting tigers
• Safaris: bus, canter, and jeep.
• 100+ avian species. 

Kaziranga National Park, Assam 

An important wildlife conservation area of India is Kaziranga National Park in the northeastern state of Assam. It is a haven for the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros. These animals are found in large numbers here, and wildlife lovers come from every area to see these magnificent creatures. A UNESCO World Heritage site, you will find other animals like wild elephants, tigers, swamp deer, and multiple species of local and migratory birds, especially in the winter months. One of the most unique parts about this park is the elephant safari for exploring the wildlife in its natural habitat. 

Highlights:

• One-horned Rhinos
• River Brahmaputra
• Elephant safaris

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Also known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi National Park,’ Nagarhole National Park is popular for its rich wildlife. The varied topography and dense forest cover make it a paradise for all nature lovers seeking solitude. It is nestled in Mysore, Karnataka, and you will also find another national park calling you home with Bandipur National Park situated on its southern boundaries. The Kabini River in the north separates the two parks. Tigers and the rare sighting of a ‘Black Panther’ are the biggest appeal. Though, you will also see other animals like jackals, tigers, panthers, elephants, sambars, mongooses, civet cats, sloth bears, and multiple avian species. Moreover, the vegetation and plantation here also support many reptiles like Indian Rock, Russel’s Viper, vine snakes, toads, and more. 

Highlight

• Safaris
• Limited number of tourists, increasing chances of spotting rare animals. 

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal 

The Sundarbans in West Bengal is one of the largest tidal and halophytic mangrove forests. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a unique park known for its complex network of mudflats, dense mangrove forests, and tidal waterways. The diverse ecosystem makes it the perfect habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger. 

The other species you will find here include crocodiles, spotted deer, bird species, saltwater crocodiles, and more. Boat safari is one of the most exclusive ways to explore the wildlife, including the birds, boasting migratory species too.

Highlights:

• Mangrove Forests
• Estuarine Ecosystem
• Boat tour

Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu 

Another important national park in the south is Mudumalai National Park, situated on the tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It is part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve and is home to many species like elephants, leopards, tigers, and deer. The backdrop of Nilgiri Hills makes exploring the park via wildlife safari a beautiful experience. If you are into birdwatching, the species here include Malabar trogons, Malabar grey hornbills, and crested serpent eagles, which are part of the park.

It is a tiger reserve on the bank of the River Moyar and is also home to crocodiles, pythons, turtles, and more.  

Highlights: 

• Indian leopard
• Variety of birds
• Safari 

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan 

Ranthambore National Park is one of the best parks in Rajasthan for spotting tigers. The park’s lakes, open grasslands, and dry deciduous forests are an ideal setting for viewing the wildlife. The park is also home to other animals like sloth bears, leopards, hyenas, and other deer species. 

Apart from the park, you can go visit the Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adding more to your wildlife experience. You can take a jeep safari to view the numerous zones allowing visitors to spot the animals.

Highlights:

• Dry deciduous forests
• Jeep safaris
• Forts 

Bannerghatta National Park

It is another beautiful national park, situated just 22 km from Bangalore. The Bannerghatta National Park is a sanctuary, home to many flora and fauna. It spans over 104.27 sq km, and this national park came into existence in the year 1971. The park is divided into 10 zones, including a butterfly park (over 40 species of butterflies), a children’s park, a crocodile farm, a snake park, the Bangalore forest division, a zoo, an aquarium, and a prehistoric animal park. The jungle safari is marvelous and exciting, exposing you to the best animals preying or enjoying themselves in their natural habitat. The bus or jeep safari is an experience all wildlife lovers must have. 

Highlights:

• Proximity to Bangalore
• Butterfly park with over 40 species of butterflies
• Ancient temples

Gir National Park—Gujarat

Gir National Park is located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat and is the only place in the world where Asiatic lions can be found in the wild. Once on the brink of extinction, the lion population in Gir has rebounded, and today the park is a safe haven for these majestic creatures.

Apart from lions, Gir is home to a wide range of wildlife, including leopards, sambar, chital, and several species of birds. Jeep safaris are the best way to explore the park and observe the diverse flora and fauna. Gir is also known for its dry deciduous forests, acacia trees, and scrubland, which create a unique habitat for its wildlife.

Highlights:

• Asiatic Lions
• Jeep Safaris
• Open grasslands

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, located in Maharashtra, is one of the best places to spot tigers in India. The reserve is a mix of dense forests, open grasslands, and large reservoirs, providing a perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife. In addition to tigers, Tadoba is home to leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, and numerous species of birds.

The park is known for its well-maintained safari trails and has become a popular destination for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts. It is one of the less crowded tiger reserves, which makes for a more intimate wildlife experience.

Highlights:

• Tigers
• Deciduous forests 
• Jeep safaris

Things to remember when heading to the national park

Stay alert.

It is your responsibility as a tourist to stay vigilant to ensure you do not end up in a spot where the animals can injure you.

Be respectful.

Be respectful towards the animals and their habitats. Do not feed them or throw things (like stones) at them or anything.

Book in advance

It is best to book your safari tickets in advance. 

Conclusion 

The national parks in India are a paradise for nature lovers. It offers a rich variety of wildlife, ecosystems, and landscapes to explore. From exploring Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks in Karnataka and spotting the apex predator, Royal Bengal Tigers, to heading to Kaziranga National Park to spot one-horned rhinos, every national park in India offers unforgettable experiences. Moreover, the wildlife is just one thing; the beauty of these national parks is also the vegetation and the nearby surroundings, explored by one of the many safaris. These parks are the best options for anyone looking to explore the diverse wildlife of India.