National parks in India are a dream come true for a wildlife lover. The country has an unbelievable playground of flora and fauna, and these parks will provide an opportunity to experience nature in its most basic form. Even a seasoned traveler or a visitor can get a rare treat of these parks, as you encounter some of the rarest species.
When you are scheduling your next vacation, you want to know when the best time is to visit each of these parks and all the other amazing wildlife India offers; it should be on your list to visit. Also, many Indian wildlife tour packages provide a whole experience that you can select. This is the ultimate guide with our list of the top 21 national parks in India you must consider as a nature lover and explorer.
Table of Contents
List of The Top 21 National Parks In India
1. Manas National Park, Assam
Manas National Park in Assam is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve. The reserve is well known for the rare golden langur and the red panda and is characterized by its enthralling scenery, natural landscape, and rich biodiversity. Sitting on the elephant, you can see both tigers and rhinos. Another thing that the park is well-known for is that it has been able to keep the most endangered species in India, as cited in the IUCN Red Book. FYI, the Anurag-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the biggest in India.
- Best Time To Go: October to April
- Price: Indians INR 20 and foreign tourists INR 250
- Distance to the airport: It is located at an approximate distance of about 173-174 km from the airport
- Famous for: Assam macaque, HoolockGibbons
2. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Bandipur National Park is a lush green park situated on the boundaries of Karnataka, Nilgiris, and it is the jewel of Nilgiris, otherwise known as a protected reserve area in the year 1974. This place has recently acquired immense popularity in the national parks on the Indian map, with a lush canopy of deciduous forests that shelter diverse wildlife and vegetation.
At the same time, the park has undertaken a few steps to safeguard the animals and keep the park clean and prosperous. It is covered with teak and sandalwood trees, and this is India’s first-ever Biosphere Reserve. The park, also known as the Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu, has a very high population of endangered species.
- The best season to go: October – May
- Pricing: Indians INR 300 per person | Foreign tourists INR 1,100 per person | Camcorder associated INR 200. Safari is included in the entry fees.
- Distance to the airport: It lies about 214-215 km away from the airport
- Famous for: Elephant, Gaur
3. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in North India, and it is spread over an area of 392 sq km. It lies under Project Tiger, and since 1974, it has served as a sanctuary for the Royal Bengal Tigers. Another fortress is located on the park premises and is a favorite attraction in the national park. Other animals that can be also found inside the zoo besides tigers are bears, leopards, jackals, elephants, striped hyenas, bison, monkeys, and different kinds of deer.
- Best time to go: October-May
- Price: per Indian (Canter) 510 INR, per Foreigner (Canter) 1250 INR, per Indians (Gypsy) 750 INR, per Foreigner (Gypsy) 1350 INR
- Famous For: Various snake species
4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Probably, Bandhavgarh is the largest tiger reserve in India. This reserve is in Madhya Pradesh in a lovely forest and is renowned as the place with the most excellent density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world. Indeed, you would also get to spot these magnificent creatures more often than in any other tiger reserve in the country, so this is a must-visit place for all wildlife lovers. Besides 44-49 tigers (as per the latest tally), there are also more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds in this park.
- Ideal visiting time: October to June
- Price: Indian (INR 2200) | Foreign tourists (INR 4300) (This is the price for 6 people and includes a guide and vehicle)
- Famous for: The most Royal Bengal tigers
- Distance: It is situated about 199-200 km away from the airport
5. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park is one of the national parks in India, and its nearest city, Nainital, is one of the favorite hunting grounds for people seeking to roam and hunt tigers. The other animals that should be seen here are various deer species, such as leopards, jackals, red foxes, black bears, sloth bears, and monkeys. Jeep safaris are also to be taken early in the morning, and the tourists can book afternoons.
Did you know it is the first national park in India? Furthermore, the park is subdivided into four distinct areas, popularly referred to as Durgadevi, Dhikala, Jhirna, and Bijrani, which are spread over an area of 520 square kilometers.
- The ideal time to visit: November- June
- Cost: 4000 rupees per jeep, and not more than 6 people in one jeep.
- Famous For: Red fox, black bear, jackal
- Distance to the airport: This will be about 125-126 km to the airport.
6. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park has become a household name as the sanctuary of the so-called Big Five animals: Rhinoceros, Tiger, Elephant, Wild Buffalo, and Swamp Deer. This reserve contains bilateral common hilly animal and bird species; unlike Hemis, it is the highest national park in India. The park, which covers 378 sq km, also shelters bears, leopards, and various species of local and migratory birds, but the biggest attraction is still the horned Rhino.
- Best time to go: November to April
- Price: 1200 INR (Indians), 2000 INR (foreigners)
- Nearness to the airport: It is around 113-114 km from the airport
- Famous For: UNESCO World Heritage Site
7. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Over 1,945 sq km, Kanha National Park is one of the first national parks in India that works under Project Tiger to have tiger reserves. It is also one of India’s national parks, serves as the refuge of the Barasingha, and is said to be one of Asia’s most well-maintained National Parks. Moreover, this island has been split into two parts, Banjar and Hallon, after the rivers pass through this land. Plus, it has distinct zones such as Kisli, Sarhi, Mukki, and Kanha Zone.
- Best season to go: November to June
- Price: INR 1200-2400 based on zone
- Distance to the airport: It is about 130-131 km far to the airport
- Famous For: Blackbuck jackals, leopard, sambhar
8. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan
The Sariska National Park is a Royal Bengal Tiger sanctuary situated in Rajasthan. It has sprawled over an 866 sq km area, supporting a rocky landscape. This forest has scrub thorns, which enable the elusive king of the jungle to be seen by the tourists without much difficulty. Moreover, other animals that may be found here are the leopard, striped hyenas, wild boars, jackals, serpent eagles, monkeys, and hares, among other forms of deer. Tourists can visit the park using jeep safaris. The visitors can also rent a hide at a watering hole to witness wildlife at close observation.
- Best visiting time: October to June
- Price: INR 100 (Indian), INR 470 (Foreign)
- Distance to the airport: It is about 110-111 km to the airport
- Famous in: Serpent eagles, hare, boars
9. Gir National Park, Gujarat
The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated in Gujarat, is among the best destinations to see wild Asiatic lions in their natural environment. It was the hunting ground of the Nawabs of Junagadh and, in 1990, was converted into a sanctuary. When it began, there were only 12 lions here, and the number is now about 600.
Some other animals one may find here are also sambar, chinkara, chital, porcupine, wild boar, and black buck, among others. This place has jeep safaris; tourists enjoy their early mornings, afternoons, and nights. Thus, this is one of the most well-known national parks in India that you simply cannot afford to miss!
- Best time to go: December-March
- Cost: 4500 INR per jeep, not more than 6 people permitted per jeep.
- Distance to the airport: It is about 70-72 km to the airport
- Famous For: Sambhar, porcupine, black buck
10. Periyar National Park- Kerala
The Periyar National Park in Thekkady, Kerala, is the best-safeguarded reserve in India and covers an area of 257 square miles. Plus, you will enjoy different species in the beautiful park, such as the mighty elephants and king tigers, among other fish, reptiles, and birds. The park is famous for its silence, meadows, and a wonderful mixture of adventures and beauty. It is furthermore likely to be the largest national Park in India. You can indulge yourself in boat cruises, jungle safaris, eco-tourism, and its various alternatives such as Bamboo Rafting, Jungle Patrol, Bamboo Grove, Periyar Tiger Trail, Jungle camp, Border hiking, Jungle Inn, and Bullock Cart discoveries.
- Best Time To Visit: November to February
- Price: INR 33 Adult, INR 5 Child, INR 450 Foreigner adult, INR 155 Foreigner child
- Distance to the airport: The distance is about 140-141 km.
- Famous For: Wildlife activities such as bamboo rafting, safari, tiger trail
11. Sundarban National Park, West Bengal
The Sundarban National Park is a Tiger and Biosphere Reserve on the West Bengal Ganesh Delta. A popular destination here is its mangrove forest, which is the hallmark of the place and has made it one of the top-visited national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India. Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, wild boars, foxes, leopard cats, giant turtles, Ganges river dolphins, and many other kinds of mammals and reptiles, as well as a vast number of local and migratory birds, could be seen. It is also possible to get around and across the park by boat only; no jeep safari or walking tours are provided
- The best time to go is December to February. The park is open between September and March
- Price: Indians can enter free of charge, but you should expect to hire a boat at a minimum of 1000 to 2000 INR a day
- Distance to the airport: It is about 112-113km from the airport
- Famous for: Leopard cats, Hyena
12. Mahatma Gandhi National Park, Andaman And Nicobar Islands
It is possible to state that Mahatma Gandhi National Park is among the most significant national parks in India. This is located 25 km away from the capital of Andaman, i.e., Port Blair, where a wide diversity of flora and fauna is found. This national park, named after Mahatma Gandhi, is also called Marine Life, and it has the most exquisite looks ever witnessed, not excluding the blue skies and the white sandy beaches. It is also possible to snorkel and dive in the park.
- The best time to visit: November- January
- Cost: INR 500 per individual boat transfer, snorkeling INR 50 for entry
- Proximity to the airport: The distance is about 29-30 km from the airport
- Famous for: Marine life and water adventures
13. Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan
When you love birds, the Keoladeo National Park is the best. It has many scarce bird species, and all the bird-watching lovers seek it. Keoladeo National Park is a sanctuary which is located in the north of the Indian state of Rajasthan. There is no better place to visit if you love birds, and so the Keoladeo National Park is the best choice. This is a rare bird with a flock found in this national park in India, attracting all those who love watching birds.
- Best Time to Go There: November-February
- Distance to the airport: The distance to the airport is about 54-55 km.
- Famous For: Bird feeding and breeding resort
14. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
This beautiful national park is situated in the Mysore district of Karnataka, close to Bandipur National Park, which has abundant flora and fauna. It houses nearly 250 species of birds and a group of animals, namely Elephant, Tiger, Jackal, Gaur, Panther, Sambar, Mongoose, Spotted deer, Sloth Bear, Civet cat, and Hyena. It also has rich green forests, shallow valleys, and slopes; hence, it is a heaven to everybody who loves nature and needs serenity.
- Best Time To Go: April to May
- Price: Indian (Adult): INR 50, Foreigner: INR 150, and Still Camera: INR 50
- Distance to the airport: Its distance to the airport is about 98-99 km
- Famous For: King Cobra, Krait, Indian rock python
15. Betla National Park, Jharkhand
It is one of the oldest tiger reserves in India, which was developed way back in 1974; however, the biodiversity of this park is innumerable, and it continues to provide an incomparable experience to all wildlife enthusiasts. The Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Sloth, Wild Bear, Sambhar, Nilgai, Kakar, Mouse Deer, and Langurs are also found in the huge forest that spreads over 250 sq. km. The park, which is found on an average elevation of 1000 ft, has also excellent roads that intersect within the thick jungle with excellent sight of the habitats to have an incredible safari.
- Best time to visit: November-April
- The nearest airport is at a distance of 157 km in Ranchi, and the nearest railhead is 15 km, i.e., Barwadih Junction.
- Price: INR 10 (Indians) or INR 200 (foreigners)
- Notable for: among the first national parks to fall under the Project Tiger. Bison, elephant, tiger, leopard, and Axis (Latin name of spotted deer) make an acronym called Betla.
16. Valmiki National Park, Bihar
Valmiki National Park is another central national park found at the Nepal-India border. Plus, the park falls within the biogeographic area of the Gangetic Plains and is the only national park in Bihar. It is a massive park that is flourishing with wildlife. The area is also known to be one where the number of Bengal tigers is excessive. You may explore the nature trail in this forest and camp in the jungle.
- Best time to visit: October to May
- How to reach: The closest railroad station and airport are at Patna, 200 km away.
- Price: 1500 INR
- Famous as: Nepal border trek, watch towers, Rohua Nala
17. Madhya Pradesh- Pench National Park
The Pench National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, is another park worth visiting and home to the Royal Bengal Tigers. The park also offers adventure lovers rafting services. The famous novel The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling is also set there. Indeed, it is one of the well-known Indian national parks. Even though the park has fewer than 50 tigers, sightings are recorded daily. Moreover, other animals likely to be seen here are deer, elephants, wild boars, wolves, sloth bears, leopards, foxes, striped hyenas, and so much more.
- Best months to visit: November- May
- Distance from the airport: It is about 120-121 km to the airport
- Cost: Indians INR under 100 with a guide, foreigners INR 150 per car
- Notable animals are: Striped hyena, leopard, sloth bear
18. Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand
Rajaji National Park at the Shivalik Mountains is highly dense in flora and fauna, thus making it a fantastic holiday destination for nature lovers and wildlife fans. The Rajaji National Park is well known for its wildlife, particularly the tigers and the elephants. It was recently gazetted as a Tiger Reserve by the Government of India. The park is also a haven for flora and fauna. It is a perfect holiday place for every nature lover and wildlife admirer who may want to see tigers and King cobras, Asian Elephants, panthers, bears, pythons, Wild Boar, Kakar, Monitor lizards, Chital, Sambar, and Wild Cats.
- Best time to go: Mid-November- Mid-June
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, and the closest railhead is Rishikesh, at 35 km and 18 km, respectively, to the park.
- Price: Indian Nationals: INR 750 per person, Foreign Nationals: INR 1500 per person
- Famous For: Panther, python, Kakar, sambar
19. Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
Great Himalayan National Park, located in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh, is where different wildlife species are found. It currently has 375 species of fauna,31 species of mammals, and 181 species of birds. In 1999, it became a national park. Some fairs are held in this lovely park in April, May, August, and September. The park also provides an excellent recreational spot for city-weary tourists and nature lovers.
- The Best Time To Visit: April to June and December to February
- Distance to airport: It is situated about 60-61 km away from the airport
- Price: Indian Nationals: INR 50, Foreign Nationals-INR 200, Indian Students-INR 30, and Foreign Students-INR 100
- Famous For: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site
20. Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu
Mudumalai National Park, located in the state of Tamil Nadu, is considered both a national park and a wildlife sanctuary. Furthermore, you will get rejuvenated with the green natural surroundings. Regarding wildlife, you may have a rendezvous with Asian elephants, golden jackals, striped hyenas, and leopards. It is a fantastic venue to come into the lap of nature.
- Best time to go: October to May
- The way to get there: You can take a cab from the Coimbatore airport or the railway station.
- Price: INR 15 per person entry fee
- Distance to the airport: It is near to 35-36 km to the airport
- Famous For: Asian elephants, golden jackals, striped hyenas, and leopards
21. Dachigam National Park (Jammu And Kashmir)
Want to know about national parks in Kashmir? We have a suggestion! The Dachigam National Park. It is the national park where you can find some of the animals that you can sight here to including Hangul (Kashmir Stag), which is recognized to be a scarce species, jackal, marmot, Himalayan black bear, leopard, etc., and the location of this national park is at a distance of 22 kilometers from Srinagar.
- Best time to go: November-June
- How to reach: The nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station, which is 15 km away, and Srinagar Airport, which is 22 km away.
- Price: Nil
- Distance to the airport: It lies about 22-23 km away from the airport
- Famous for: Home of Hangul or the Kashmir Stag.
The Bottom Line
India also has one of the widest and most spectacular National Parks in India; hence, it is a perfect place to go if you love wildlife. Whether you want an adventure-packed safari or a peaceful getaway into nature, India gives you all of it. Plus, each park also has its optimum period to visit; however, most of the cooler months of October to March are best, where wildlife activities are concerned. The wildlife in India is among the most valuable wonders of the country, and by reserving one of the numerous Indian wildlife tour packages, a visitor will find it easy to explore the country. Therefore, book it and start an adventure of a lifetime with the wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Parks In India
The Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India. It was established in 1936 under the name Hailey National Park. The purpose of the park was to bar the poaching of tigers.
The Manas River forms the name of the Manas National Park of Assam.
Some popular tiger national parks are Jim Corbett, Sariska National Park, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Nagarhole National Park, and Kaziranga National Park.
Famous parks in northeast India are Kaziranga National Park, Namdapha National Park, Orang National Park, and Nameri National Park.
The National Wildlife Database of May 2019 says that there are 104 national parks in India. They consist of 40501.13 square kilometers. This is 1.23 percent of the geographical size of the whole country.
No state in India exists without a national park.
The smallest national park in India is the South Button Island National Park of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is 0.03 square kilometers in size. It looks like a rock popping out of the surrounding waters.
The largest Indian national park in Jammu and Kashmir is called Hemis National Park. It occupies approximately 3350 square kilometers of surface. You will get a variety of animals, such as elephants and deer.
