National Parks in India

A national park is a protected area dedicated to the conservation of animals and diversity, and where activities such as development, forestry, fishing, hunting, and grazing on cropland are prohibited. The government has the authority to classify an area as a national park if it has sufficient ecological, geomorphological, and natural value. Even individual ownership rights are prohibited in certain parks. Their limits are well structured and well-defined. They are generally tiny reserves, ranging in size from 100 to 500 square kilometers. The preservation of a particular floral or faunal species is emphasized in national parks.

In this article, we will discuss various national parks of India with their location, area, and the minority of the species lying there.

Various National Parks

In India, there are 103 National Parks. The most National Parks are Madhya Pradesh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (9 each). Every year, millions of visitors visit India's national parks and animal sanctuaries because of the magnificent natural beauty. We will discuss the national parks, but we will go through the most visited and famous national parks briefly.

Let's start with the most relevant ones among all.

1. Corbett National Park

Corbett was India's first national park, founded in 1936 by famous tiger hunter Jim Corbett. It is based at Ramnagar in the district of Nainital and state Uttarakhand. It takes about three-hour of drive from Nainital district and a seven-hour of drive from Delhi. The park is vast and divided into five zones. Jhirna, one of the zones, is opened all year. During the rainfall (Mansoon), the rest of the park is closed. There aren't many opportunities to view a tiger at Corbett, but other species are observed, and elephant tours are available. Stay in the Dhikala zone of the reserve for the maximum animal watching. If you're a foreigner, expect to pay twice as much for lodging, with the lowest private cabins at a forest rest house costing approximately 2,500 rupees per night.

2. Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore is an amazing combination of history and natural beauty. It was a mighty fort, established in the 10th century and treasured by numerous emperors due to its strategic location between north and central India located within the park. The park's terrain is made up of stony plains and mountain peaks. This national park is the home of a wide range of flora and animals, including around 30 tigers. Due to its proximity to Delhi and the fact that tigers are fairly easy to view, this park is highly popular. However, the park's popularity has resulted in congestion and poor tour management, which is a concern that should be addressed and resolved.

3. Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park, commonly known as Kanha Tiger Reserve, is a vast grassland area and woodland in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is the location for Rudyard Kipling's iconic novel “The Jungle Book” and is densely forested with saal and bamboo woods and lakes, streams, and open grasslands. Many endangered species have been preserved in this huge park and are also widely known for their research and conservation activities. The park is noted for its barasingha (swamp deer) and a diverse range of other animals, birds, and tigers. It's ideal for those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors.

4. Pench National Park

The Pench River, which passes through the park from north to south and is located in the lower southern portions of the Satpuda Hills, the Pench National Park is named after this river. On Madhya Pradesh's southern border with Maharashtra, it is located in the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara. Pench National Park occupies 758 square kilometres, with Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park covering 299 square kilometers and the Mowgli Pench Sanctuary covering 464 square kilometres. The current tiger reserve has a long and glorious history. Ain-i-Akbari has a description of its natural abundance and diversity. The original location of Rudyard Kipling's most famous book, The Jungle Book, was Pench Tiger Reserve and its surroundings.

5. Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is a protected region in Assam, India's northeastern state. The one-horned rhino lives in lakes and grasslands, which make Kaziranga National Park the ideal environment. There is the world's biggest population of these prehistoric-looking animals, as well as almost 40 major mammals. Elephant safari are also available to get the beautiful view this beautiful national park. Guwahati, on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in northeast India, is about six hours away.

6. Bandipur National Park

The Nilgiri Protected Area includes Bandipur, a national park in Karnataka, India. It was originally the maharajas of Mysore's royal hunting grounds. Because it is located on the road from Mysore to Ooty, this large 870 square kilometer park attracts many visitors. It is home to tigers. However, they are rarely seen. On tour, you're more likely to encounter deer and monkeys (and, if you're lucky, you may see elephants too).

7. Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh. This biodiverse park's central Tala zone is known for its large population of royal Bengal tigers. Bandhavgarh is recognized for its breathtaking scenery and the greatest population of tigers of any Indian park. The park has dense green valleys and rough highland landscapes, as well as an ancient fort situated on cliffs up to 800 meters (2,624 feet). Despite its remote location, this park gives one of the best chances of sighting tigers.

8. Sundarbans National Park

One of West Bengal's most tourist hotspots, the Sundarbans, is the world's biggest mangrove jungle. The Indian portion consists of 102 islands, with just slightly more than half of them inhabited. The Sundarbans can only be reached by boat, and exploring it in this manner is a beautiful experience not to be missed. However, don't expect to see any tigers. They're quite cautious and prefer to stay unseen in reserve. Staying in eco-friendly village lodgings and participating in community-based tourism are highlights.

9. Nagarhole National Park

In the Karnataka districts of Kodagu and Mysore, the majestic 247-square-mile Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is located. The Nagarhole National Park, located west of the Kabini River and surrounded by dense forest and this River flows between Bandipur and Nagarhole, and elephant herds may often be seen along its banks. There are some exceptional luxury safari lodges on the Kabini side of Nagarhole. In brief, we can say it is India's finest national park.

10. Great Himalayan National Park

The Great Himalayan National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, making this one of Himachal Pradesh's most beautiful tourist hotspots. This conservation area is located in the western portion of the Himalayan Mountains in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The park comprises approximately 900 square kilometers and is divided into four valleys. It's a component of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, with twenty-five forest types and a rich species composition, including a number of endangered species. As a result, the location is extremely important for biodiversity protection. Trekkers love it out because of its isolated, rough, and arid landscape, but only the fittest and most daring can go deep into the middle.

11. Satpura National Park

Satpura National Park, another big national park in the state of Madhya Pradesh in Hoshangabad District. Its name comes from the Satpura mountain range and has a total size of 524 km2. It is among one of the few protected forests in India that tourists are allowed to wander through. It's a spread atmosphere lacking the typical crowds of visitors. With mountains, waterfalls, and old rock art, the mountainous environment is extremely spectacular. It isn't easy, but you'll be pleased at the end with a cool dip in the waterfall. Other activities offered inside the park include cycling, vehicle safaris, night safaris, and boat trips. This park is a fantastic spot to appreciate nature if you don't worry about seeing a tiger.

12. Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai National Park, located near Ooty in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri region, has a border with Kerala and Karnataka. Gudalur is the closest city to the sanctuary. Mudumalai is 100 kilometers from Mysore, 39 kilometers from Ooty, and 3 kilometers from Gudalur. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway service's Udagamadalam station, which is about 64 kilometers distant, is the closest railway station to Madumalai. A tiger reserve has been declared to this national park. According to reports, around 260 birds and elephants, tigers, deer, monkeys, wild boar, bison, and leopards exist. Many of the farms in and around Mudumalai provide tree house accommodation.

13. Valley of Flowers National Park

The Valley of Flowers National Park, located against the majestic Himalayan Mountains, offers tourists an amazing vision and a unique experience. The Valley of Flowers National Park has been declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans 87 square kilometers in Uttrakhand's Chamoli district and is one of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve's two main zones. Valley of Flowers, as the title indicates, is a place where nature is in full bloom, providing a beautiful experience. Orchids, primulas, poppies, marigolds, daisies, and anemones are only a few exotic flowers (over 600 kinds). Parts of the park are covered with sub-alpine birch and rhododendron woods. The journey to the valley is filled with breathtaking sights such as waterfalls and roaring rivers.

14. Periyar National Park

The Periyar National Park, in the Western Ghats, is in South India and India's unique national forest with an artificial lake running through the forests. It is well-known for its natural beauty and tourism. It is also a famous Project Tiger Reserve that provides visitors jeep tours. A boat trip on the lovely Periyar Lake will add to the enjoyment. Popular activities in and around Periyar National Park include fruitful nature walks, elephant safaris, tiger tracking, boat cruises, and a visit of the Cardamom Hills.

15. Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Sasan Gir Sanctuary in Gujarat, is India's only shelter for Asiatic Lions. The park, which has incredible vegetation and animals, is well-cared by the government forest department and numerous non-governmental organizations. The park was founded on September 18, 1965. It is one of the most extensive and well-preserved habitats for Asiatic Lions. Aside from Asiatic Lions, the forest is home to around 210 leopards. Animals such as the Sambar, Chausingha, Chinkara, Flamingos, Nilgai, Woodpeckers, and Crested Serpent Eagles can also be seen. From October through June is the greatest time to visit this site.

16. Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is a must-see attraction for everyone visiting Kerala. It is located in Kerala's Idukki district, at the peak of the Western Ghats. The endangered Nilgiri Tahr may be found in this national park, which spans 897 square kilometers. Leopards, tigers, and elephants are among the other species that may be seen in Eravikulam National Park. Apart from animals, this national park is well-known as the home of Neelakurinji, a one-of-a-kind flower that blooms just once every twelve years. In addition, Eravikulam National Park is home to Anamudi Mountain, the tallest peak in the south. You can have a little climbing fun while seeing animals.

17. Manas National Park

For its natural splendour, Manas National Park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in Assam and is considered one of the best biodiversity hotspots in North East India. A variety of endangered and unusual creatures may be found in the park. Tigers, golden langurs, elephants, rhino, red pandas, and other species may be found in this biosphere reserve. The Manas River passes through the national park that bears its name. Aside from wildlife, you may go river rafting, explore tea farms, and go on a vehicle safari to see wild creatures.

18. Dudhwa National Park

Another well-known Tiger Reserve in India is Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh. This national park is ideal for people who wish to see beautiful wild animals and colourful birds in one location. Tourists may not be aware of Dudhwa National Park, yet it is home to Gangetic Dolphins, Tigers, Hog Deers, alligators, and other species. If you reside in or around Uttar Pradesh, you must go to this national park to see the undiscovered animals.

19. Panna National Park

In 2007, this well-known Indian national park won an achievement in honor of its excellence. India's fifth tiger reserve and the 22nd overall also, for once, was the favorite hunting site of the Panna royal family. Panna National Park is located in the Madhya Pradesh districts of Panna and Chhatarpur. It presently has a total area of 542.67 km2. A wide variety of animals and fauna may be found here. Plan a visit to Panna National Park to see antelope, wild cats, chinkara, and Sloth Bears, among other animals. Beautiful waterfalls may be seen within the national park. The Kern River is a great place to go boating.

20. Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley National Park is a must-see on any list of India's greatest national parks. It has a tremendous amount of biodiversity. This national park, located in Kerala's Palakkad district, may be visited as part of a Kerala vacation. Here, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of rare vegetation and animals. Silent Valley National Park, on the other hand, is not large, covering only 89 square kilometers (approx.). However, you may see lion-tailed macaques, tigers, and clever Indian civets here. In addition, Silent Valley National Park is home to over 1000 blooming plant species, 108 orchids, 13 fish species, and much more.We discussed 20 national parks that are the most famous and best-visiting sites. We will see a few remaining national parks with their locations. Let's discuss some more National parks in short.

We discussed 20 national parks that are the most famous and best-visiting sites. We will see a few remaining national parks with their locations. Let's discuss some more National parks in short.