Popular National Parks in India

Kaziranga National Park, synonymous with the One-horned Rhinoceros, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the conservation of this species, which constitutes two-thirds of the world's population. The park's rich biodiversity also sustains significant populations of tigers, elephants, wild water buffaloes, swamp deer, and various bird species. Its landscapes encompass vast grasslands, marshes, and dense forests with towering elephant grass. Wildlife tourism includes a unique experience of an elephant safari, a rarity among national parks.

Periyar is a renowned wildlife sanctuary in South India, known for its diverse ecology. It is centred around Periyar Lake and provides a habitat for various wildlife species like elephants, tigers, gaurs, and sambar deer. Visitors can observe wildlife from the water and explore the wilderness through trekking trails.

Kanha National Park, located in the Maikal range of Sarpuras, is a rich biodiversity, serving as a tiger reserve. It is home to various mammal species, including the Bengal Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, Indian wild dog (dhole), and Indian Bison (Gaur). The park's flora ranges from mixed forests of sal, bamboo, and other trees to extensive grasslands. Kanha National Park played a crucial role in saving the rare hard ground Swamp Deer (barasingha) from extinction. This popular national park served as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's famous fiction, 'The Jungle Book.'

Sunderbans is not just a national park but also a biosphere reserve and a tiger reserve. As the pride of India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds numerous titles for its beauty and environmental contributions. As the largest mangrove forest in the world, it is home to the Royal Bengal Tigers and boasts a dense flora dominated by mangrove and Sundari trees. Tourists on boat rides can experience the unparalleled beauty of the area and encounter various mammals, and reptiles like estuarine crocodiles, Indian pythons, deer, wild boar, a variety of bird species, and marine life while being serenaded by melodious birdsongs in the background.

Gir National Park serves as a sanctuary for Asiatic Lions in their natural habitat. It has played a vital role in protecting these endangered species and is the only place outside of Africa where these lions can be observed. The park is home to various rare animals and birds, including Asiatic wild ass, hyenas, Gir foxes, pygmy woodpeckers, brown fish owls, and blackbucks.

Once a renowned hunting ground for the Maharajas of Alwar, Sariska Tiger Reserve now holds significance for its Bengal tiger population. It also carries a special place in Hindu mythology, believed to be where Bhima met Lord Hanuman. Nestled in the beautiful Aravali Hills, it hosts a diverse range of wildlife, including jungle cats, leopards, sambar deer, chital, wild boar, langur, and numerous bird species. The park is one of the famous bird sanctuaries, offering sightings of rare species such as bush quail, Indian peafowl, crested serpent eagle, and Indian eagle owl.

Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve derives its name from the tribal god Taru/Tadoba and the Andheri River that flows through the area. It is one of Maharashtra's largest and oldest national parks, characterized by its dominant teak trees. The presence of lakes ensures abundant water resources within the park. The hilly terrain offers shelter to the wildlife, and visitors can enjoy a wildlife safari on an open-top gypsy for a good chance of spotting Sloth Bears and Wild Dogs. The park is also a haven for native woodland bird species from Central India. It boasts a growing tiger population, with at least 80 tigers and over 200 tigers in the larger landscape, making it the country's fastest-growing tiger population.

Pench National Park is a wildlife reserve famous for its diverse wildlife and numerous species. It offers exciting opportunities for wildlife safaris, birdwatching, and nature walks, attracting nature lovers and wildlife photographers. The park derives its name from the Pench River, which flows through its boundaries, enhancing the picturesque landscape.

Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is named after the Kannada words for "snake" (Naga) and "streams" (Hole). This forest reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Western Ghats. It was once a favoured hunting ground for Mysore's rulers. Now visitors can spot various animals, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and many more. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy sightings of blue-bearded bee-eaters, Malabar trogons, and other fascinating species. The park boasts ancient teak forests and abundant rosewood.

Hemis International Park is India's largest and most famous national park, characterized by snow-covered mountains and stunning blue lakes. It is truly a unique and breathtaking sight. The park is bordered by the Indus and Zanskar Rivers and is renowned for its snow leopard sightings. It is also home to several other animals, including the Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Brown Bear, Red Fox, Himalayan Marmot, and mountain weasel. Visitors can explore the famous Hemis Gompa monastery and encounter a wide variety of sheep species.

Manas National Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, is located in the foothills of the Bhutan-Himalayas. This sanctuary is home to endangered wildlife and serves as a tiger and elephant reserve. It also provides habitat for species like the pygmy hog, Assam roofed turtle, golden langur, hispid hare, rhinos, wild buffaloes, and over 45 mammal species, including clouded leopards. Manas exemplifies the importance of involving humans in conserving this precious natural heritage. The park is traversed by the Manas River, a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra River.

Silent Valley National Park is a pristine area in India, known for its untouched South Western Ghats Mountain rainforest and tropical evergreen forests. It forms the core of the Nilgiri International biosphere reserve and is part of the Nilgiri Sub-Cluster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to various wildlife, including the largest population of Lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri Tahrs, Malabar giant squirrels, and diverse bird species. Visitors can enjoy the triple-story watchtower with panoramic views and go on scenic treks to the River Kunth. The region is locally called 'Sairandhrivanam,' meaning Sarirandhri's Forest, named after Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas.

The reserve is connected to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, and Mukurthi National Park. It harbours endangered and vulnerable species such as Indian elephants, Bengal tigers, gaurs, and Indian leopards. The sanctuary boasts a rich bird population, including critically endangered Indian white-rumpled vultures and long-billed vultures. It features diverse habitats, including swamps, grasslands, and wild relatives of cultivated plants like rice, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, solanum, guava, mango, and pepper, serving as a gene pool for cultivated varieties.

Keoladeo National Park, once a hunting ground for Maharajas, is now a popular winter haven for birds worldwide. This is one of the most popular bird sanctuaries and is home to a diverse range of creatures, with nearly 375 bird species. Located along the Central Asian migratory flyway with ample water resources, the park also offers sanctuary to endangered species like the Greater Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Palearctic waterfowl and the rare Siberian Crane along with numerous resident birds. During winter, large flocks of ducks, geese, coots, pelicans, and waders gather here. Approximately 115 bird species, including 15 heron types, ibis, cormorants, spoonbills, and storks, breed here. In a year with abundant flooding, over 20,000 birds build nests in the park.

Bandipur National Park, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is a prominent habitat for wild elephants in South Asia. It also has the second-highest tiger population in India. The park is home to a range of wildlife, including leopards, Dholes, rock pythons, mugger crocodiles, jackals, Sambar deer, sloth bears, Chital deer, mouse deer, rare flying lizards, and over 200 bird species. Its diverse flora includes timber trees like teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian-laurel, Indian Kino tree, and giant clumping bamboo, adding to its allure.

Satpura National Park is an incredible wildlife sanctuary with a rich variety of animals and birds. It became a tiger reserve in 2000 under the famous Project Tiger. The serene Denwa River serves as a peaceful border. Unlike other reserves, Satpura boasts an impressive diversity of plants, including over 1300 species, fruit trees, and medicinal herbs.

Kuno National Park is a diverse sanctuary filled with ancient forts and structures now reclaimed by the forest. The lush green vegetation is dominated by "Kardhai," "Khair," and "Salai" trees. The park is home to a wide range of winged creatures, freely roaming ungulates, carnivores, and the famous Kuno River. It houses various species like Spotted Deer, Sambar, Blue Bull, Hyena, and more. The park is also the only one in India to have Cheetahs, around 20 from Africa.

Panna National Park is a captivating land with stunning waterfalls, archaeological wonders, legends, and cultural richness. It features extensive plateaus, gorges, and the beautiful Ken River. The park is surrounded by natural boundaries and teak forests. Tigers freely roam alongside leopards, wild dogs, wolves, hyenas, and smaller cats. Sloth bears find their favourite homes in the rock escarpments and undisturbed valleys. Sambar, chital, and chowsingha are commonly spotted, while Blue Bulls and chinkara can be easily seen in the grasslands. The park also hosts over 200 bird species, including migratory birds like White-necked Storks, Bar-headed Geese, Honey Buzzards, and more.