Contents
1. Hemis National Park, Ladakh 2. Similipal National Park, Odisha 3. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal 4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh 5. Gir National Park, Gujarat 6. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan 7. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand 8. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh 9. Periyar National Park, Kerala 10. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
India is home to some of the world’s most diverse and breathtaking national parks, offering a glimpse into its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Here, we explore the top 10 national parks, highlighting their unique features, total area, biodiversity, and how visitors can plan their tours and stays.
1. Hemis National Park, Ladakh
- Total Area: 4,400 km²
- Biodiversity: Largest national park in South Asia, known for its high-altitude ecosystem.
- Notable Wildlife: Snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and blue sheep.
- Tour & Stay: Trekking and wildlife spotting tours. Homestays and guesthouses are available in nearby villages.
- Booking: Hemis National Park Private Tourism Site
2. Similipal National Park, Odisha
- Total Area: 2,750 km²
- Biodiversity: Dense forests, open grasslands, and a variety of flora and fauna.
- Notable Wildlife: Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and gaur (Indian bison).
- Tour & Stay: Jeep safaris, nature walks, and tribal village visits. Eco-friendly resorts and guesthouses are available.
- Booking: Similipal National Park Official Website
3. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
- Total Area: 2,585 km²
- Biodiversity: Largest mangrove forest in the world, rich in marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
- Notable Wildlife: Bengal tigers, estuarine crocodiles, and Gangetic dolphins.
- Tour & Stay: Boat safaris are the primary way to explore. Eco-friendly accommodations are available in nearby villages.
- Booking: Sundarbans National Park Official Website
4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Total Area: 1,536 km²
- Biodiversity: Dense forests and diverse wildlife, with one of the highest tiger populations in India.
- Notable Wildlife: Bengal tigers, white tigers, leopards, and deer.
- Tour & Stay: Jeep safaris and elephant safaris are popular. Numerous lodges and resorts are available in the vicinity.
- Booking: Bandhavgarh National Park Official Website
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5. Gir National Park, Gujarat
- Total Area: 1,412 km²
- Biodiversity: The only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion.
- Notable Wildlife: Asiatic lions, leopards, and a variety of antelope species.
- Tour & Stay: Lion safaris are a major attraction. Various lodges and hotels are situated near the park.
- Booking: Gir National Park Official Website
6. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
- Total Area: 1,334 km²
- Biodiversity: Rich in flora and fauna with a mix of deciduous forests and open grasslands.
- Notable Wildlife: Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of birds.
- Tour & Stay: Popular for tiger safaris. Accommodations range from heritage hotels to tented camps.
- Booking: Ranthambore National Park Official Website
7. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
- Total Area: 1,318 km²
- Biodiversity: Over 580 bird species, 50 mammal species, 25 reptile species.
- Notable Wildlife: Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, and crocodiles.
- Tour & Stay: Jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and guided tours are available. Accommodation options range from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses within the park’s buffer zone.
- Booking: Corbett National Park Official Website
8. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Total Area: 940 km²
- Biodiversity: Known for its lush meadows and dense forests.
- Notable Wildlife: Bengal tigers, leopards, and the endangered Barasingha (swamp deer).
- Tour & Stay: Jeep safaris are the main attraction. Various resorts and lodges are available.
- Booking: Kanha National Park Official Website
9. Periyar National Park, Kerala
- Total Area: 925 km²
- Biodiversity: Rich in evergreen and deciduous forests with abundant wildlife.
- Notable Wildlife: Elephants, tigers, and a variety of bird species.
- Tour & Stay: Boat cruises on Periyar Lake, guided nature walks, and jeep safaris. Eco-lodges and resorts are available.
- Booking: Periyar National Park Official Website
10. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- Total Area: 430 km²
- Biodiversity: Over 40 mammal species, including the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world.
- Notable Wildlife: One-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and wild water buffalo.
- Tour & Stay: Elephant rides, jeep safaris, and boat rides on the Brahmaputra River. Various lodges and eco-camps are available nearby.
- Booking: Kaziranga National Park Official Website