We Indians are fortunate to live in a diverse topography that supports a diverse range of animals. Snow leopards, marmots, Himalayan brown bears, musk deer, blue sheep, ibex, and other animals may be found in the high Himalayas. In contrast, the regal Bengal tiger, wild boar, cheetah, barasingha, sambar, barking deer, peacock, and many other bird species can be found in lower Himalayan forests. Wildlife enthusiasts may become acquainted with the fascinating wild environment through organized jeep safaris and elephant safaris in national parks. During the monsoon season, most national parks are closed. Safaris are conducted in the morning or evening when the forest is at its most active.
Here is a list of the top ten national parks in India that provide the finest natural beauty and wildlife encounters.
1) National Park of Dudhwa
Dudhwa National Park is a 680-square-kilometer park in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur district that runs along the Indo-Nepal border. More than 450 species of resident and migratory birds are protected by tall sal trees that whisper to the sky. Crocodiles, swamp deer, and birds like thesaurus crane, Bengal florican, swamp partridge, and others live in vast marshlands, whereas tigers, rhinos, and other animals live on meadows. From November through June, the park is open. February is our favorite month to visit the park since the temperatures are mild and the sightings are many. While you’re at Dudhwa, don’t forget to go on an elephant safari in the grasslands, where you’ll see lots of rhinos. The rehabilitation of the one-horned rhino from Kaziranga is well-known in Dudhwa.
2) Tadoba National Park
The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park, encompassing 625 square kilometers. The core area’s gypsy safari will show you the natural world buried within the forest’s womb. During the safari, there is much movement to photograph—cheetahs bathing and playing, sambars eating to their hearts’ content, peacocks dancing, wild boars crossing the road, kingfishers pouncing on their prey, and so on. Also, don’t be surprised if you see a tiger eating. Wildlife enthusiasts consider Tadoba to be one of the best places to see tigers. It is home to India’s largest tiger population and is available to visitors from October to June.
3) Corbett National Park
Delhi residents enjoy weekend vacations to Corbett National Park, one of the city’s most popular weekend getaways. Nature lovers and animal enthusiasts alike enjoy visiting this park. The national park has it all: hills, rivers, woods, marshlands, and grasslands. The national park is located in the Nainital region of Uttarakhand and has an area of 520.8 square kilometers. Named for Jim Corbett, who played a crucial role in its development, it is the oldest national park in the country. Sloth bear, Himalayan goral, Indian pangolin, and langur are among the species that live in the park. The royal Bengal tiger, leopard, jungle cat, barking deer, hog deer, and cheetah, as well as sloth bear, otter, Himalayan goral, Indian pangolin, langur, and other wild creatures, call the park home.
4) Kanha National Park
At Kanha National Park, tall sal trees and dense bamboo forests, ravines, meadows, and grasslands create natural enchantment! It’s one of the most lovely parks I’ve ever seen. The regal Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, barasingha, cheetah, barking deer, wild dog, gaur, and other animals live in the jungle. During several safaris, I was fortunate enough to see a regal Bengal tiger pouncing on its prey, a tigress wandering around in her territory, an elderly lame tiger lying around, and a tigress caring for her kids in this national park! Kanha National Park is located in the Satpuras of Madhya Pradesh’s Mandla and Balaghat districts and spans 940 square kilometers. It is available to tourists from October to June, and guests can stay in the well-maintained woodland rest cottages.
5) Desert National Park
The Desert National Park is a must-see destination with an infinite expanse of sand, shattered rock formations, and a fascinating assortment of unusual flora and animals. It is one of the country’s largest national parks, covering 3162 square kilometers. The Indian bustard, an endangered species, is a major attraction. Near the Sudashri waterhole, this tall and elegant ground-dwelling bird may be seen. Despite the region’s peaceful environment, migratory and resident birds such as harriers, falcons, buzzards, vultures, and eagles call it home. Between November and January is the finest time to explore the Desert National Park.
6) Bandhavgarh National Park
While on the safari across the rocky terrains mixed with green marshes and wooded valleys, you get the sense that you’re being watched all the time. You may not be able to see the tiger or other animals, but they are indeed observing you. Bandhavgarh National Park, together with the buffer areas of Umaria and Katni, is located in the Vindhya Range of Madhya Pradesh’s Umaria district. The national park is divided into four zones: Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli, and Panpatta. This national park is breathtaking, with high hills, vast meadows, and thick woods.
7) Simlipal National Park
When you hear the rustle of leaves in the upper branches, you expect to see a bird, but during our visit to the Simlipal National Park, I was astounded to witness a gigantic squirrel hopping from one tree to another. Aside from squirrels, the park is home to various animals, including wild elephants, barking deer, gaur, tiger, leopard, jungle cat, wild boar, and others. Grey hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Indian trogon, hill mynah, parakeet, and serpent eagle are among the more than 200 bird species that may be seen here. Simlipal National Park, in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, covers 2750 square kilometers and is open from October to June.
8) Great Himalayan National Park
It’s an experience in and of itself to wake up to bird melodies amid the magnificent scenery of the Great Himalayan National Park. Trekking and camping in the wilderness with incredible vistas of the snow-capped Himalayas is an option. The national park, located in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh, has an area of 1171 square kilometers. The park was founded in 1984 and, in June 2014, was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It supports a diverse range of high-altitude vegetation and wildlife, including some endangered species. Blue sheep, marmots, snow leopards, Himalayan brown bears, and musk deer are among the species that may be seen. Between September and November is the best time to visit the park since animals begin their seasonal migration to lower altitudes.
9) Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore is a 392 sq km dry deciduous forest and open grassland meadows located in Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur region. Ranthambore National Park is located on the plateau’s edge, with the Banas River to the north and the Chambal River to the south. The ancient Ranthambore stronghold, after which the park is named, is located within the park. While visiting the park, walk up to the fort to get a birds-eye perspective of the river and woodland. Take a trip around the buffer area as well, especially if you enjoy birds. The park is open from October to June, although the months of November and May are regarded the finest for visiting.
10) Pin Valley National Park
Pin Valley in Spiti was designated as a national park in 1987, covering 9700 square kilometers. Rare birds, including the Himalayan snowcock, chukar partridge, snow partridge, and endangered species like the woolly hare, Tibetan gazelle, snow leopard, and Siberian ibex, call the park home. In and around the Pin Valley National Park, certain uncommon and endangered medicinal plants have been discovered. Between July and October, the park is open to the public. The ideal time to visit this location is during the month of August, when the weather is warm, at least during the day.
