From the soaring mountains of the Himalayas to the lush jungles in the south, India is home to some of the most amazing wildlife wonders. From tigers and leopards prowling around ancient ruins to elephants and rhinos thundering through forests, explore these 10 must-see places to witness India’s remarkable wildlife in all its glory!
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is one of the oldest and most well-known national parks in India. The park was established in 1936 as the Hailey National Park and was renamed in 1955 after the renowned hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett. The park is located in the state of Uttarakhand, in the northern part of India. It covers an area of 521 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and more.
The park has a rich history and culture and is a popular destination for both Indian and international tourists. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the park, such as safari tours, jungle walks, bird watching, and more. There are also several accommodations options available within the park for those who wish to stay overnight.
Whether you’re interested in seeing some of India’s most iconic wildlife or simply want to explore one of the country’s most scenic national parks, Jim Corbett National Park is sure to disappoint.
Gir Forest National Park
Gir Forest National Park, located in Gujarat, is the only place in the world where you can see Asiatic lions. The park was established in 1965 with the aim of protecting this endangered species. Today, there are thought to be around 600 lions living in the park.
In addition to lions, Gir Forest National Park is home to a variety of other wildlife including leopards, hyenas, deer, and crocodiles. The park covers an area of 1,412 square kilometers and is full of dense forest and open grasslands. This makes it a perfect spot for wildlife watching.
If you’re interested in seeing some of India’s incredible wildlife up close, then Gir Forest National Park should definitely be on your list!
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park, located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, covers an area of 1,334 square kilometers. The park is one of the largest national parks in India and is considered to be one of the best places in the world to see tigers in their natural habitat.
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including leopards, nilgai, wild boar, sambar deer, chital deer, and jackals. Ranthambore National Park is also home to a large number of bird species, such as the Indian peafowl, red junglefowl, common myna, and sandpiper.
Visitors to Ranthambore National Park can participate in various activities such as jeep and elephant safaris, nature walks, and bird watching.
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is one of the finest national parks in India and is home to the largest concentration of Indian rhinoceros. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kaziranga covers an area of 860 square kilometers and is located in the state of Assam.
The park was established in 1908 to protect the Indian rhinoceros from extinction. Today, Kaziranga is home to more than 2,000 rhinos, which is more than 60% of the world’s population. The park also has a large number of elephants, tigers, and other wildlife species.
Kaziranga is a must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast. The park offers a unique opportunity to see some of the most amazing animals on the planet up close and in their natural habitat.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India. The park covers an area of 437 square kilometers and was established in 1968. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and deer. Bandhavgarh National Park is also known for its large population of Asiatic lions.
The park’s highest point is the Bandhavgarh Fort, which offers views of the surrounding jungle. The fort was built in the 11th century and was once the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar. Today, the fort is in ruins but still worth a visit for its history and views.
There are four main zones for tourism in Bandhavgarh National Park: Tala, Magdhi, Khitauli, and Panpatta. Tala is the most popular zone as it has the highest density of tiger sightings. Magdhi is known for its leopard sightings, while Khitauli and Panpatta offer a more wilderness experience away from the crowds.
Whether you’re hoping to spot a tiger or just enjoy some time in nature, Bandhavgarh National Park is definitely worth a visit!
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Situated in the state of Kerala, Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most popular protected areas. The park covers an area of 925 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and jungle cats.
The park was established in 1978 as a Project Tiger reserve, and since then has been working to protect the endangered tiger population. In addition to tiger conservation, the park also focuses on protecting other threatened species such as the Asian elephant.
Periyar Tiger Reserve is open all year round, making it a great destination for wildlife lovers looking to get up close and personal with some of India’s most iconic animals. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by boat, or even on an elephant safari.
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is one of the most popular national parks in India. It is located in Madhya Pradesh and was established in 1955. The park covers an area of 940 square kilometers and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the animals that can be found in Kanha National Park include tigers, leopards, sloth bears, barking deer, chital, and sambar.
The park also has many bird species, such as the red-necked Falcon, changeable hawk-eagle, king vulture, and great hornbill.
Ways to explore Kanha include safaris, birdwatching, and photography expeditions. There are several lodging options in the park, from luxury resorts to budget guest houses.
Kanha National Park offers a unique experience of nature, wildlife, and culture.
Sunderban Tiger Reserve
The Sunderban Tiger Reserve is one of the largest tiger reserves in the world and is home to the Bengal tiger. The reserve is located in the Sundarbans, a mangrove forest in the Ganges delta. The Sunderban Tiger Reserve covers an area of 4,262 square kilometers and has a population of around 400 tigers. The reserve is divided into three core zones, which are closed to tourists, and a buffer zone, which is open to tourism.
The Sunderban Tiger Reserve was created in 1973 and is managed by the India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, whales, sharks, turtles, and snakes. Visitors to the reserve can take part in safaris, jungle walks, and boat rides.
Nagarahole National Park
Nagarahole National Park, located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is one of the country’s most popular national parks. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer. Nagarahole National Park is also a popular birdwatching destination, as it is home to over 300 species of birds. Visitors to the park can enjoy safari tours, nature walks, and boat rides.
Kabini is another popular wildlife park in Karnataka, located just to the south of Nagarahole. This park is also known for its rich biodiversity, with tigers, leopards, and Indian gaur among the animals that call this park home. Kabini also offers a range of activities such as boat rides, safaris, and trekking trails.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve
The Bandipur Tiger Reserve is a protected area in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and was established in 1974 as a tiger reserve. The park covers an area of 874 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife including tigers, elephants, leopards, and deer.
The Bandipur Tiger Reserve is located in the Western Ghats mountain range and is adjacent to the Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is accessible from the city of Mysore and is about 240 kilometers from Bangalore.
A jeep safari in Bandipur is the best way to explore the reserve and provides visitors with an opportunity to spot tigers, leopards, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat. Visitors can also opt for private tours with experienced forest guides who will provide insights into the local biodiversity. The park also offers night safaris for those seeking a more intense experience.
The Bandipur Tiger Reserve is an important part of India’s conservation efforts, as it helps protect its endangered species from poaching and illicit activities. Visitors to the reserve are reminded to respect nature and leave only footprints behind.
Conclusion
Exploring India’s wildlife wonders offers the perfect opportunity to witness and appreciate the diverse nature of its incredible landscapes, animals, and plants in their natural habitats.
From soaring snow-capped peaks or dense forests teeming with animals to tranquil lakes surrounded by bird colonies and vibrant coral reefs teaming with colorful fish—the ten places featured here are just a few of the best places in India where wildlife lovers can explore these wonders up close.
Whether you’re a photographer looking to capture stunning images or an adventurous traveler eager for a memorable experience—India is sure to serve up something special for everyone!
