India is a land of diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity, offering a plethora of national parks that are a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The country has some of the most incredible and pristine natural habitats, from the majestic Himalayas in the north to the dense forests in the south. These national parks protect and preserve the region’s unique flora and fauna and provide visitors with an immersive and awe-inspiring experience.

Whether you are an avid wildlife photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone seeking solace in the lap of nature, these national parks have something to offer for everyone. Aiming to showcase India’s breathtaking beauty and remarkable wildlife, we have carefully selected a list of the top 20 national parks you must visit

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the article.

S. No.  Name of National ParkStateYear of EstablishmentArea (in sq.km)
1Jim Corbett National ParkUttarakhand1936 520
2Ranthambore National ParkRajasthan19801,334
3Kaziranga National ParkAssam1905430
4Gir National ParkGujarat19651,412 
5Periyar National ParkKerala1982 350 
6Bandhavgarh National ParkMadhya Pradesh19681,536
7Sundarbans National ParkWest Bengal1984 1,330 
8Kanha National ParkMadhya Pradesh1955 1,949 
9Tadoba Andhari Tiger ReserveMaharashtra1955625 
10Hemis National ParkLadakh1981 4,400 
11Mudumalai National ParkTamil Nadu1940321 
12Bandipur National ParkKarnataka1974874 
13Eravikulam National ParkKerala197897 
14Valley of Flowers National ParkUttarakhand1982 87.5 
15Dudhwa National ParkUttar Pradesh1977 490 
16Keoladeo National ParkRajasthan198229 
17Manas National ParkAssam19902,837 
18Sariska National ParkRajasthan1955273 
19Khangchendzonga National ParkSikkim19772,220 
20Pench National ParkMadhya Pradesh1975 758 

20 Indian National Parks You Must Visit

Indian national parks are havens for wildlife enthusiasts and offer breathtaking natural beauty and a chance to connect with nature. Here are the top national parks in India that you should visit:

1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett National Park, located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is the first national Park in India and holds a special place in the country’s conservation history. Established in 1936 during the British Raj, it was initially named Hailey National Park after William Malcolm Hailey, a governor of the United Provinces. However, in 1956, the Park was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in honor of Jim Corbett, a renowned hunter-turned-conservationist who played a significant role in its establishment.

According to nationalCorbettpark.in, January 2021, Jim Corbett National Park boasted the highest tiger population, counting 252 tigers. Notably, this Park is the inaugural site for Project Tiger, a pioneering conservation initiative aimed at safeguarding the endangered Bengal tiger. Launched in India in 1973, the Park has remained committed to tiger conservation, playing a pivotal role in recovering and protecting this magnificent species ever since.

  • Address: Jim Corbett National Park, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to February
  • How to Get There: Various transportation options are available.
  • Price: INR 4000 per jeep, with a maximum of six people allowed in one jeep.
  • Famous For Wildlife conservation, Bengal tigers, and lush natural beauty.

2. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Ranthambore National Park, located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, is one of the biggest and most well-known national parks in Northern India. Established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955, it was declared a national park on November 1, 1980, and later became one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973.

Covering an area of 1,334 square kilometers, Ranthambore National Park is known for its diverse wildlife and is particularly famous for its population of Bengal tigers. The Park’s terrain, which includes rolling hills, meadows, lakes, and creeks, provides a natural habitat for various species, including sloth bears, leopards, caracals, jackals, foxes, hyenas, and mongoose. 

Visitors to Ranthambore National Park can enjoy thrilling jeep safaris to spot wildlife and explore the Park’s rich heritage. The Park is divided into several zones, and each zone offers a unique experience and a chance to encounter the majestic tigers in their natural habitat.

  • Address: Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, India.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to June
  • How to Get There: Well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, and the nearest railhead is Sawai Madhopur Railway Station.
  • Price: INR 1800 / – Seat, Maximum 6 Persons & 2 children
  • Famous For: Bengal tigers, diverse wildlife, rolling hills, meadows, and lakes.

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3. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a famous wildlife sanctuary and one of India’s most significant protected areas. It is renowned for its population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Spanning over an area of approximately 430 square kilometers, the Park is home to various other species, such as tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and numerous bird species. The Park’s diverse ecosystem of grasslands, wetlands, and the mighty Brahmaputra River creates a stunning backdrop for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Kaziranga National Park offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the beauty and conservation efforts dedicated to preserving these incredible species.

  • Address: Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to April
  • How to Get There: Kaziranga National Park is relatively accessible, with nearby airports and railway stations. It is about a 5 to 6-hour journey from Guwahati, the nearest major city.
  • Price: Around 1200 INR for Indians and 2000 INR for foreigners
  • Famous For: One-horned rhinoceros, wild water buffalo

4. Gir National Park, Gujarat

Gir National Park, also known as Sasan Gir, is located in the Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli districts of Gujarat, India. Established in 1965, it covers an area of 1,410.30 square kilometers, with 258.71 square kilometers designated as a national park and the remaining area as a wildlife sanctuary.

The Park is famous for being the only place in the world, apart from Africa, where you can spot lions roaming freely in the wild. It is home to the endangered Asiatic lion, which was on the brink of extinction but has now seen a significant increase in population, reaching 674 lions according to the 2020 census.

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Gir National Park offers a unique habitat for mammals, reptiles, birds, insect species, and flora. The topography of the Park consists of rugged ridges, isolated hills, plateaus, and valleys.

  • Address: Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli districts, Gujarat, India.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to March
  • How to Get There: Travel by road to Junagadh or Veraval, or fly to Diu Airport and take a bus to the Park.
  • Price: Price: Rs 4200 per Jeep for Indians
  • Famous For: Asiatic lions

5. Periyar National Park, Kerala

Periyar National Park is a prominent wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India. It covers an area of 925 square kilometers, with 305 square kilometers designated as the core zone of the Periyar National Park. 

The Park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, Indian bison, sambar deer, and various bird species. It is also a significant watershed for the Periyar and Pamba rivers. The best time to visit is from November to March. The Park offers activities such as boating, jungle safaris, and trekking. Online bookings can be made for boating and other activities through the official website.

  • Address: Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts, Kerala, India.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to March
  • How to Get There: Accessible by road from major cities in Kerala. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. The nearest railway station is Kottayam.
  • Price: Adult – INR 450, Child – INR 155
  • Famous For: Adventurous activities like bamboo rafting, safari, tiger trail

6. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, India, is a renowned national park and tiger reserve. It covers an area of 1,536 square kilometers and was established in 1968, becoming a tiger reserve in 1993. The Park is known for its rich biodiversity, including a high density of tigers. 

Other wildlife species include chital deer, sambar deer, wild boar, Indian bison, and leopards. The Park offers various activities, such as jungle safaris and birdwatching. The best time to visit is from November to March. Accommodation options are available both within the Park and in nearby private hotels.

  • Address: Umaria District, Madhya Pradesh, India.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to March
  • How to Get There: Accessible by road from major cities in Madhya Pradesh. The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport, and the nearest railway station is Umaria Railway Station.
  • Price: INR 2,200 for Indians | INR 4,300 for foreign tourists
  • Famous For: Chital deer, sambar deer, wild boar, Indian bison, and leopards

7. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

Sundarbans National Park is a national park, tiger reserve, and biosphere reserve located in West Bengal, India. It is part of the Sundarbans on the Ganges Delta and adjacent to the Sundarban Reserve Forest in Bangladesh. Mangrove forests densely cover the Park and are one of the largest reserves for the Bengal tiger. It is also home to various bird, reptile, and invertebrate species, including the salt-water crocodile. 

Besides its rich wildlife, Sundarbans National Park offers several attractions for tourists. One popular spot is the Sajnekhali Watch Tower, which is excellent for spotting wildlife animals. It is situated near the Park. Bird lovers appreciate it for the variety of bird species that can be spotted there, including pelicans, plovers, lapwings, kingfishers, white-bellied sea eagles, and sandpipers. Another attraction is Kalash Island.

  • Address: West Bengal, India, on the Ganges Delta.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to February.
  • How to Get There: Sundarbans National Park can be reached by air, train, or road. The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. 
  • Price: Rs 120 per head for Indian
  • Famous For: Bengal tiger, reptile, and invertebrate species   

8. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Kanha National Park, located in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh, is one of India’s most famous national parks. Spread across about 940 square kilometers, it is known for its rich biodiversity, dense forests, and captivating landscapes. 

The Park is divided into two major zones: the core zone, the critical wildlife habitat, and the buffer zone, which surrounds the core area. Kanha National Park is home to an impressive array of flora and fauna. The Park’s dense forests consist of sal, bamboo, and mixed hardwood trees, creating a perfect habitat for diverse wildlife. 

The star attraction of Kanha is the Bengal tiger, and the Park has been successful in its conservation efforts, making it one of the best places to spot this majestic predator in its natural habitat. The Park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers, offering ample opportunities to capture the beauty of wildlife in its natural surroundings.

  • Address: Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh, India.
  • Best Time to Visit: April to June
  • How to Get There: Kanha National Park can be reached by air, train, or road. The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport, which is approximately 160 km away. 
  • Price: From INR 1200 to 2400, depending upon the zone
  • Famous For: Blackbuck, jackals, leopards, sambhar

9. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a prominent wildlife sanctuary in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, India. Established in 1955, it is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national Park, covering an area of approximately 625.4 square kilometers. The reserve comprises the Tadoba National Park and the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, with 577.96 square kilometers of reserved forest and 32.51 square kilometers of protected forest.

The name “Tadoba” is derived from the local tribal people’s praise for the God “Tadoba” or “Taru,” while “Andhari” comes from the Andhari River that flows through the region. The reserve is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including a significant population of Bengal tigers. According to the 2010 National Census on Tigers, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is home to approximately 43 tigers, making it one of the highest tiger populations in India.

  • Address: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Chandrapur District, Maharashtra, India.
  • Best Time to Visit: Winter and early summer (November to June)
  • How to Get There: The nearest airport and railway station is Nagpur; it can also be reached by road
  • Price: Entry fee varies; check the official website for details
  • Famous For: Bengal tigers, diverse wildlife, and lush forests

10. Hemis National Park, Ladakh

Hemis National Park, located in the eastern part of Ladakh district in Jammu and Kashmir, is the largest national Park in South Asia. Spread over an area of approximately 4,400 square kilometers, it is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and high-altitude cold desert environment. This Park is home to various wildlife species, including the elusive snow leopard. 

Hemis National Park is one of the best places in the world to spot these magnificent big cats. The Park’s high population of snow leopards has made it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers interested in studying and conserving these endangered creatures. Other notable mammals in the Park include leopards, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear, red fox, Himalayan marmot, mountain weasel, and Himalayan mouse hare.

  • Address: Hemis National Park, Ladakh, India
  • Best Time to Visit: Summer months (June to September) 
  • How to Get There: The nearest airport is Leh, accessible by road from Leh
  • Price: INR 20 (Indian nationals); INR 100 (Foreigners)
  • Famous For: Being home to the most Snow Leopards in the world.

11. Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu

Mudumalai National Park, located in the Nilgiri District of Tamil Nadu, is a prominent wildlife sanctuary and National Park in southern India. It is one of the first forest ranges to be declared a national park known for its diverse flora and fauna.

Mudumalai National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems. The Park is home to a wide range of flora, including moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and thorn forests. The diverse vegetation supports a thriving wildlife population.

The Park is famous for its population of Bengal tigers, which are one of the major attractions for visitors. Other prominent wildlife species found in Mudumalai include Indian elephants, leopards, Indian gaurs (bison), sloth bears, dholes (Indian wild dogs), langurs, macaques, and various species of deer, including sambar, spotted deer, and barking deer. 

  • Address: Border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, in the Ooty-Mysore route. It is located in the Nilgiri district, near the town of Gudalur.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to June
  • How to Get There: The nearest airport and railway station is Coimbatore, which is accessible by road.
  • Price: INR 15 per person for entry fee
  • Famous For: Diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and stunning landscapes

12. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Bandipur National Park, located in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, is one of India’s most beautiful and well-managed national parks. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve known for its diverse flora and fauna.

Bandipur National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems. The Park is home to a wide range of flora, including moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and thorn forests. The diverse vegetation supports a thriving wildlife population.

The Park is famous for its population of Bengal tigers, making it one of the best places in India to spot these majestic big cats. Other notable wildlife species found in Bandipur include Indian elephants, leopards, Indian gaurs (bison), sloth bears, dholes (Indian wild dogs), langurs, macaques, and various species of deer, including sambar and spotted deer. 

  • Address: Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, India
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March
  • How to Get There: The nearest airport and railway station is Mysore; it can also be reached by road
  • Price: INR 300 per person for Indians | INR 1,100 per person for foreign tourists
  • Famous For: Rich biodiversity, tigers, elephants, and diverse flora and fauna

13. Eravikulam National Park, Kerala

Eravikulam National Park is a well-known national park in Kerala, India’s Idukki and Ernakulam districts. It is situated along the Western Ghats and covers an area of approximately 97 square kilometers. Established in 1978, it is the first national Park in Kerala known for its stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.

Eravikulam National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The Park has various flora, including grasslands, shrubs, and evergreen forests. It is particularly famous for the blooming of the Neelakurinji flowers, which occurs once every 12 years and covers the hills in a vibrant blue hue.

The Park is also home to several wildlife species, including the endangered Nilgiri tahr, which is endemic to the Western Ghats. Other notable wildlife in the Park include Indian elephants, gaurs (Indian bison), leopards, langurs, macaques, sambar deer, and various bird species.

  • Address: Idukki and Ernakulam districts of Kerala, India.
  • Best Time to Visit: September to November and April to June
  • How to Get There: It is a mere 15 km from Munnar and well-connected by road
  • Price: INR 100 for Indians and INR 360 for foreigners
  • Famous For: Endangered Nilgiri tahr and scenic beauty

14. Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand

Valley of Flowers National Park is a picturesque national park in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The Park is widely recognized for its stunning meadows of endemic alpine flowers and diverse flora and fauna.

Valley of Flowers National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The Park has many alpine flowers, including the famous Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years. The vibrant colors of these flowers create a breathtaking carpet of blooms against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

The Park is also home to several rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep. Birdwatchers can spot various high-altitude birds, including the Himalayan monal pheasant.

  • Address: Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India.
  • Best Time to Visit: July to August (during the monsoon season)
  • How to Get There: The nearest railhead is located in Rishikesh at a distance of 276 km, and the nearest airport is located in Dehradun at a distance of 295 km
  • Price: INR 2500
  • Famous For: Diverse alpine flowers, scenic landscapes, and biodiversity

15. Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh

Dudhwa National Park is located in the Terai belt of marshy grasslands in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh, India. It stretches over an area of approximately 490.3 square kilometers. The Park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros.

Dudhwa National Park is known for its rich biodiversity. The Park has various flora, including grasslands, wetlands, and dense forests. It is particularly famous for its population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Other notable wildlife species in the Park include tigers, elephants, leopards, swamp deer, hog deer, barking deer, sloth bears, Indian civets, and various bird species.

  • Address: Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to May
  • How to Get There: Nearest railheads to the National Park are Dudhwa, Palia and Mailani from where you can reach the park in hired cars or buses.
  • Price: Indians: INR 50 and INR 300 for foreigners.
  • Famous For: Bengal tigers, Hispid hare, swamp deer, florican

16. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan

Keoladeo National Park, formerly the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a famous avifauna sanctuary in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India. It is recognized as one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds. The Park originated as a royal hunting reserve during the 1850s and was later declared a national park in 1982. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Keoladeo National Park is home to over 350 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The Park also supports a diverse range of flora and fauna. Notable bird species in the Park include painted storks, Siberian cranes (rare and elusive to spot), herons, egrets, ducks, geese, and many more. The Park is also home to animals such as the basking python, deer, nilgai (blue bull), and other species.

  • Address: Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan, India
  • Best Time to Visit: November to February
  • How to Get There: The nearest railway station is Bharatpur; it can also be reached by road
  • Price: Rs. 7500 onwards
  • Famous For: Birdwatching, especially during the migratory season

17. Manas National Park, Assam

Manas National Park, located in Assam, India, is a well-known national park, a Project Tiger, and an elephant reserve. It is situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and shares its border with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. The Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and variety of habitats. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve.

Manas National Park is known for its rich wildlife and diverse ecosystems. The Park has many flora and fauna, including several endangered and rare species. Notable wildlife in the Park includes the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, clouded leopard, golden langur, pygmy hog, Assam roofed turtle, and hispid hare. The Park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 450 species of birds recorded.

  • Address: Manas National Park, Assam, India
  • Best Time to Visit: October to April
  • How to Get There: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is located 91 kms away from the Park while the place is also accessible from Guwahati, Kaziranga, and Darjeeling. 
  • Price: INR 20 for Indians and INR 250 for foreign tourists
  • Famous For: Rich biodiversity, including Bengal tigers and Indian rhinoceros

18. Sariska National Park, Rajasthan

Sariska National Park, located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India, is a popular national park known for its diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes. It is situated in the Aravalli Range and covers an area of approximately 800 square kilometers.

Sariska National Park is known for its diverse wildlife and varied ecosystems. The Park has various animals, including tigers, leopards, jungle cats, hyenas, sambar deer, chitals, langurs, and many bird species. It is also known for its population of peafowl and crocodiles.

Visitors to Sariska National Park can enjoy wildlife safaris to explore the Park and spot its diverse wildlife. Jeep safaris are a popular way to navigate the Park and observe animals in their natural habitat. The Park also offers birdwatching opportunities.

  • Address: Sariska National Park, Rajasthan, India
  • Best Time to Visit: October to June
  • How to Get There: Well connected by road to Hindaun, Jaipur, and Delhi.
  • Price: Under INR 100 for Indians, INR 470 for foreigners
  • Famous For:  Bengal tigers, diverse wildlife, and hare, boars

19. Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim

Khangchendzonga National Park, located in Sikkim, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve. It is located in the center of the Himalayan range and includes plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains among its many ecosystems. The Park is named after Mount Khangchendzonga, the third-highest peak in the world.

Khangchendzonga National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity. The Park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including ancient forests, alpine meadows, and numerous species of plants, birds, and animals. It is particularly famous for its population of the endangered snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and various bird species.

  • Address: Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim, India
  • Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
  • How to Get There: Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest railway station and Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 122 km. 
  • Price: INR 350/- per head
  • Famous For: Breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, diverse flora and fauna

20. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Pench National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, India, is a renowned national park known for its rich wildlife and scenic landscapes. It is situated in the southern reaches of the Satpura Range and covers an area of approximately 257.26 square kilometers.

Pench National Park is known for its diverse wildlife and varied ecosystems. The Park has various flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, chital, wild boar, langurs, and different bird species. It is also known for its population of the endangered Indian vulture.

Visitors to Pench National Park can enjoy wildlife safaris to explore the Park and spot its diverse wildlife. Jeep safaris are a popular way to navigate the Park and observe animals in their natural habitat. The Park also offers birdwatching opportunities.

  • Address: Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Best Time to Visit: February to April and October to January 
  • How to Get There: Seoni, the closest city, is well connected by road.
  • Price: Under INR 100 for Indians with guide, INR 150 per vehicle for foreigners
  • Famous For: Diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and rich biodiversity

Conclusion

India boasts an incredible array of national parks that showcase the country’s rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes. From the iconic Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand to the remote beauty of Hemis National Park in Ladakh, each of these 20 national parks offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife and nature experience. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking solace in the tranquility of the outdoors, these parks have something to offer everyone.