Top 10 National Parks in India

India proudly owns 103 Biodiversity Parks protecting animal species including few exotic varieties, birds and marine life. We have penned down a few unique and invigorating national parks in India that are a must-see for every wilderness lover.

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Nanda Devi National Park, Uttarakhand

Photo by Dibyendu Ash, CC BY-SA 3.0

Amidst the valley of flowers at a height of 11,500 ft. above sea level, Nanda Devi Sanctuary is not just a protected land area for the animals there but also, it’s a hilly paradise in the lap of the mighty Garhwal Himalayas. Established atop of Nanda Devi Hill, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site since the year 1988.

The park is spread over an area of 2236.74 Km2 and rare species of fauna such as Snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan tahr, Langur, Brown bear etc. are found here. Not only this, the sanctuary is blessed with around 17 varieties of flora e.g. Ruby throat, Greg breaks, Warblers etc.

Popular for a large variety of endangered species, this heritage site receives the maximum number of nature lovers especially in the summer season which is the best time to experience the gorging beauty.
Gangotri National Park, Uttarakhand

Photo by Surajit Das

Established in the captivating locales of Uttarakhand in Uttarkashi district, is the Gangotri National Park. Spread across an area of 2390 Km2, it houses some exotic species of animals like Blue sheep, Snow leopard, Brown bear, Himalayan Thar, Black bear, Tiger, birds like doves etc.
In the lap of the majestic Himalayas, you can enjoy a trek to the park laid across rugged terrain. The route is extremely exhilarating with mesmerizing views of coniferous woods, snow-clad glaciers such as the Gomukh glacier and the rare fauna you will be able to spot. The ancient mountain Shivling Meru Bhagirathi, which is quite closer to the Gangotri glacier, is a native here. A highly recommended national park ranked after the Nanda Devi Park, a truly spectacular sanctuary we are proud to own.
Melghat Tiger Reserve, Amravati

Photo by Alosh Bennett

Tigers have reduced in numbers in the country and the Forest department in Amravati is doing exceedingly well in their efforts to protect the mighty animal.

The house of the Royal Cats is located in Chikhaldhara, in the northern territory of Amravati in Maharashtra, bordered by River Tapti and Satpura hills. It covers an area of 1600 Km2and is home to 75 tigers and 250 species of birds which are being taken care quite well. The moment you enter the park you will be amazed by the lush green surroundings dominated by deciduous trees and forests being cut off by little waterfalls. You can capture some captivating photographs here with peacocks and other beautiful birds and the take back a thrilling wilderness experience.
Hemis National Park, Jammu & Kashmir

Photo by Snow Leopard Conservancy/Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department

Hemis National park is the largest national park in the country in Jammu and Kashmir and falls under the Ladakh territory. Built at an elevation of 17000 ft. above sea level, snow leopards are found here in abundance with the presence of other endangered species like Red fox, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear etc. History has it that it was a part of the Silk route of Tibet and hence a lot of tourists visit the ancient 400-year old Hemis Monastery.

This protected area is considered the best place to glance at the snow leopards wandering in snow-clad hills and if you are traveling to Ladakh this summer, do not miss the Hemis National Park, truly a wonder in the northern part of India.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Ranthambore is the most renowned national park in Rajasthan and is located 130 Kilometers away from the pink city Jaipur in Sawai Madhopur district. Extremely popular with the wildlife photographers for its Tigers and Leopards, the expanses of the land area bordered by hills and the Chambal River.
Ranthambore National Park used to be a hunting ground for the Royals and was built neighboring to the Ranthambore Fort. You should also choose a safari to spot tigers and other animals which normally costs Rupees 700 to 800 per head. The park also has many lakes and India’s second largest banyan tree exists here since ages.
Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch

Yes, we do have a protected area for our marine life as well and Gujarat has to its credit this Gulf of Kutch, marine national park on the southern bank of Kachchh in the holy district of Dwarka.
It is the first national park dedicated to conserving endangered species of sea turtles such as Olive ridleys, Leatherbacks, Green sea turtles etc. In addition to these, whale sharks are present in the sea. A great developmental activity by Gujarat, this one has thumbs up by our marine life enthusiasts.
Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur

Photo by Bhavika

The only floating national park in the world is located in Manipur alongside Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district in Manipur, 53 Kilometers away from Imphal.

The reason why it floats is because of the floating decomposed plant species known as the phumdis. It occupies an area of 40 Km2 and initiated conservation program for the endangered Eld’s deer or Sangai that are referred to as the dancing deer in Manipur. The park area is surrounded by hills and around 6 streams flow across the unique sanctuary. You can make a trip there between October and April and the best way to take tour would be a jungle safari.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan

Photo (Cropped) by ASIM CHAUDHURI
Kaladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur is the ultimate destination if you love to watch varieties of species of birds. This UNESCO World Heritage site houses over 360 species along with few animal species like Sambar, Chital, Nilgai etc.

If you are a rising Ornithologist, then a trip to this place is bound to excite you. It also served as a Royal hunting ground for many years and then a few years ago it converted to a paradise for avifauna.
Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary, Karnataka

Did you know that we have a sanctuary to protect our very own national bird, Peacocks? In the district of Haveri in Karnataka, there are two parks for peacocks, at Bankapura fort and Adichunchanagiri. Spread over an area of 90 acres, you will spot numerous peacocks once you have entered the park and over 1000 such peacocks are being pampered there. They also have other birds like the woodpecker, doves, blue tailed beef eater, Indian Robin, kingfisher, parakeets and many more.

Do share with us your experience of capturing thousands of peacocks dancing and wandering around.
Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

Photo by juggadery

The only place in the world to spot a Royal Bengal Tiger is the Sunderban National Park situated in Gosaba, about 100 Kms away from Kolkata. Known for its largest mangrove forests on the planet, this wondrous park surrounded by estuaries has over 400 tigers and approximately 30,000 deer.

Travelers prefer boating around the area and another thing they try is catching fresh fishes and getting them cooked. Be it a new travel experience or trying a new restaurant in town, happiness is feeling close to nature with family and friends.