The Ultimate Guide to National Parks in India

The varied landscapes and climatic conditions in India offer natural habitats to about 400 species of mammals. Known for its rich biodiversity, India is home to many unique species – the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Asiatic Lion, the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, the White-footed Fox, and the Asiatic Elephant amongst others.

With over a hundred national parks to choose from, a wildlife sojourn in India is an adventure. You can opt for the adrenaline rush of a jeep safari, or take it slow with an elephant ride.

 A Bengal Tiger peeks through the foliage

Corbett: India’s oldest national park

Named after the famous author and hunter turned conservationist – Jim Corbett, the Corbett National Park was the first in India to come under the fold of Project Tiger initiative.

 Grasslands at Corbett National Park

The landscape is dramatically diverse, the Himalayan foothills loom large on the horizon, the river Ramganga flows through the park, and a jungle safari transports you from amber tinted tall grasslands to dense foliage in no time. A treasure trove for bird enthusiasts, one can spend hours trying to recognise the chirping, the forests here are always ‘alive with the sound of music.’

Pench: The legend of Mowgli

The forests of Pench are said to have inspired the much loved ‘The Jungle Book’. In the year 1831, a wolf child was found in these jungles and the accounts published spurred Sir Rudyard Kipling’s imagination. It is believed he travelled to these jungles as well.

Birds at Pench National Park

The forest cover in Pench National Park is not too dense with a mix of dry deciduous forests, shrubs and grassy patches. It is interspersed with striking Kulu trees, their silvery white trunks lending a ghostly appearance. A tiger reserve was established in 1992, and the national animal of India is frequently spotted. The forest is also home to leopards, sloth bears, wolves, hyenas, wild dogs and deer amongst others. Several migratory birds visit the forest too and can be spotted around the water bodies.

Gir: For the Asiatic lion

Located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, the Gir Forest National Park is your choice for watching an Asiatic lion in the wild.

 CC 2.0 / Arian Zwegers

The conservation efforts here started as early as 1900 when the lion population had dwindled down to 20. Today, more than a 500 lions roam the jungles, and a pride of lions can be easily seen on a safari. Apart from the lions, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles are found in the forests. Online permits for jungle trails need to be booked in advance, else they can be physically obtained at the Sinh Sadan Orientation Centre.

Watch out for the spectacular night sky in Gir; bedecked with thousands of glittering stars.

Kaziranga: Bastion of the One-horned Rhinoceros

Spread over the flood plains of India’s largest river, the Brahmaputra, Kaziranga has been recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. The mighty river lends a distinct character to the topography – a mix of grasslands, marshy patches, and tropical forests.

The One Horned Rhinoceros at Kaziranga National Park

Once a game sanctuary, Kaziranga has been the centre of intensive conservation efforts to save the One-horned Rhinoceros from the brink of extinction. Apart from the Rhino, you can spot wild water buffaloes, hog badgers, porcupines and perhaps, a tiger as well. Bird watchers are also bound to get lucky, with close to 500 avian species in the park including hornbills, pelicans, herons, babblers, weaver birds, thrushes, eagles, etc.

Hemis: For the elusive snow leopard

If adapting to cold is not a deterrent for you, trekking in the Hemis High Altitude National Park in Ladakh promises a wildlife experience like no other.

CC 2.0 / Sumeet Mondal

While the density of snow leopards is high, chances of encountering the ‘grey ghost’ are low as the animal is shy and gets camouflaged in the high rugged snow clad cliffs. The region also serves as a natural habitat for the Ladakhi Urial, the Asiatic Ibex, and the Tibetan Wolf. Situated north of the Himalayas, the region houses the 400-year-old Tibetan Buddhist Hemis monastery.

CC 2.0 / Enric Güell

Ranthambore: Home of many legendary Bengal tigers

Among India’s more famous national parks, Ranthambore is known for its dry deciduous habitat. Located in the state of Rajasthan, the forest has been home to many legendary tigers, including Machali, who was believed to be world’s oldest and most photographed Bengal tigress at the time of her death in 2016.

CC 2.0 / Rohit Varma

Inside the park area, is the imposing 700 feet high Ranthambore fort. One can also visit ancient Hindu and Jain temples. A banyan tree, believed to be second largest in India, can be seen near Padma Talao, the biggest lake in the park. Besides tigers, look out for leopards, wild boars, hyenas, spotted deer, and many more.

 Ranthambore National Park

Nagarhole: Along the misty backwaters of Kabini river

A former hunting ground of the Mysore royalty, Nagarhole (also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park) is located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka.

A wild elephant at Nagarhole, Rajiv Gandhi National Park

It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot. An early morning boat ride on the Kabini backwaters is a unique experience; the sky is flushed pink, and a blanket of mist settles on the tranquil waters. You may be able to watch tigers, leopards, wild elephants or deer on the banks. Local villagers also rely on these backwaters for their commute and can be seen moving around in basket-shaped round coracle boats. Chances of bird sighting are aplenty — you can see ospreys, serpent eagles, orioles, and kingfisher.