An Overview Of 23 Most Famous National Parks In India

Posted on Monday, November 4th, 2024 by shipra Leave a Comment

From wildlife sanctuaries to hill stations, India’s national parks are perfect getaways for every type of traveler. The most known national parks in India not only have diverse wildlife but also hold significant historical value. Since the establishment of the first national park, these green sanctuaries have been dedicated to conserving flora & fauna, offering breathtaking landscapes & pretty views. The remarkable beauty of these vital national parks makes them top travel destinations, providing plenty of opportunities for safaris & wildlife spotting. But do you know which tiger reserve in India is considered the largest & most visited national park? Stop your search for the best “parks near me” & explore some of the most popular ones.

List Of Top 23 National Parks In India For Your Next Vacation

1. Anshi National Park – Karnataka

Located in the beautiful Western Ghats, Anshi National Park is one of the well-known national parks in India. It is famous for its wildlife, dense forests, & unique plant life. Also called Kali Tiger Reserve, this impressive national park in Karnataka is home to various species, including Black Panthers, Leopards, Sloths, Wild Boars, Bisons, & Jackals. You can also spot the rare green pigeons here, along with many insect-eating birds like warblers. Covering an area of 1,300 square kilometers, this national park features a mix of scrub forests & rainforests, making it one of the most important national parks in India.

Nearby Airport:  Hubli Airport (IATA: HBX)

Top Sights In Anshi National Park: Sathodi Falls, Kadra Dam, Anashi Falls, and Shivapura Hanging Bridge

Best Time To Visit: November to May

Entry Timings: (6:00 am to 8:30 am) and (4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Entry Fees: Not applicable except INR 400/person for Anshi National Park Safari

2. Bandhavgarh National Park – Madhya Pradesh

Originally a hunting ground for Uday Singh II of the Rewa Kingdom, this picturesque national park in Madhya Pradesh now serves to protect a diverse range of plants & animals. Nestled in the remote areas of Central India, Bandhavgarh National Park offers a wonderful combination of grasslands that draw many visitors, particularly those eager to see tigers! You can experience breathtaking views of wildlife by taking a safari ride through the park. The ideal time to visit is between November & February when the weather is cooler, providing a pleasant break from the heat.

Nearby Airport:  Lucknow Airport (IATA: LKO)

Top Sights: Bandhavgarh Hill, Shesh-Saiya, Bandhavgarh Ancient Caves, Climbers Point, and Baghel Museum

Best Time To Visit: November to February

Entry Timings: (6:00 am to 11:30 am) and (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm)

Entry Fees: INR 1750

3. Bannerghatta National Park – Karnataka

Located just 21.3 km from Bangalore city, Bannerghatta National Park is among the top 10 national parks in India, showcasing a rich variety of flora & fauna. Established as a national park in 1974, it was once part of Project Elephant, a national initiative aimed at conserving wildlife in India. Today, Bannerghatta National Park is a significant wildlife sanctuary that also acts as a rescue center for wild elephants who have endured mistreatment. Additionally, this national park in Karnataka is home to numerous species, including gaur, tigers, deer, jackals, bears, and wild boar.

Nearby Airport: Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR)

Top Sights: Mariapura Lake, Jigani Lake, and Tobo Hill Top

Best Time To Visit: October to June 

Entry Timings: (9:30 am to 5:00 pm) and (10:00 am to 4:30 pm) except Tuesday’s

Entry Fees: INR 80

4. Dachigam National Park – Jammu And Kashmir

Nestled among beautiful mountains & greenery, Dachigam National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. This beautiful national park in Jammu & Kashmir is well-known for providing a home to many animal & bird species, including some that are endangered. The park is famous for its population of wild animals, such as the endangered hangul (the state animal), snow leopards, bison, & musk deer. In addition, you can spot various bird species, including the cheer pheasant & Himalayan monal, while exploring Dachigam National Park.

Nearby Airport: Jammu Airport (IATA: IXJ)

Top Sights: Mahadev Peak, Zabarwan Range, Marsar Lake, and Sarband Lake

Best Time To Visit: April to October 

Entry Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Entry Fees: INR 25

5. Dudhwa National Park – Uttar Pradesh

Also known as Dudhwa Tiger Reserve due to its significant tiger population, this national park in Uttar Pradesh is one of the largest in India. Dudhwa National Park is located along the Indo-Nepal border & covers three districts: Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, & Kishenpur. The park is home to various wildlife, including the Hispid hare, barasingha, sambar deer, sloth bears, jackals, jungle cats, & many others. The best time to visit is during the winter months, as summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring up to 45 degrees Celsius.

Nearby Airport: Lucknow Airport (IATA: LKO)

Top Sights: Kishanpur Wildlife Reserve, Kataraniaghat, and TUTC’s Jaagir Lodge

Best Time To Visit: Mid-November to March

Entry Timings: (7:00 am to 10:00 am) and (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm)Entry Fees: INR 50

6. Eravikulam National Park – Kerala

Located about 13.3 km from Munnar, Eravikulam National Park is the first national park in Kerala. It gets its name from the Eravikulam mountain ridge, which is home to many rare & endangered species. Established as a national park in 1978, it spans a 97 sq km forest ecosystem dedicated to protection & conservation. With approximately 132 bird species & 26 mammal species, Eravikulam National Park is one of the well-known national parks in India, offering a diverse range of flora & fauna for visitors to enjoy. It is also the largest national park in Kerala, surrounded by the Himalayas, waterfalls, and dense vegetation.

Nearby Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK)

Top Sights: Kurinji Trail, Lakkom Waterfalls, Lakkom Log House, and Cascade Walk

Best Time To Visit: (April to June) and (September to November)

Entry Timings: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Entry Fees: INR 125 (for Indians) and INR 420 (for foreigners)

7. Jaldapara National Park – West Bengal

Established as a national park in May 2012, Jaldapara National Park is one of the top 10 national parks in India & is home to the second-largest population of Indian rhinoceroses in Peninsular India. Located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, this beautiful park is surrounded by alluvial floodplains & the foothills of Bhutan. Visitors can spot a wide variety of wildlife here, including Indian leopards, elephants, barking deer, sambar deer, one-horned rhinos, gaurs, & wild boars. Another interesting aspect of this national park in West Bengal is its diverse birdlife, which includes species like the white-winged wood duck, black stork, & Pallas’s fish eagle. 

Nearby Airport: Bagdogra International Airport (IATA: IXB)

Top Sights: Buxa Tiger Reserve, Dooars Tea Estates, and Buxaduar Trekking

Best Time To Visit: September to December

Entry Timings: (5:30 am to 8:30 am) and (9:00 am to 2:00 pm)

Entry Fees: INR 50 (for Indians) and INR 200 (for foreigners)

8. Jim Corbett National Park – Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, is the first national park in India. Named after Jim Corbett, a famous hunter turned wildlife conservationist, the park offers everything you could want, from wild animals to exotic plants, thick forests, & pretty scenery. It is also the 9th largest national park in India, covering an area of 520.8 sq km, where visitors can enjoy safari rides. The park stretches from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Terai region, home to elephants, sloth bears, wild boars, & Bengal tigers. Jim Corbett National Park is one of the top 10 national parks in India, where you can stay overnight & experience life surrounded by endangered species.

Nearby Airport: Dehradun Airport (IATA: DED)

Top Sights: Sitabani Wildlife Reserve, Lohachaur Tourism Zone, Hanuman Dham, Kosi River, and Corbett Falls

Best Time To Visit: December to March 

Entry Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry Fees: INR 200 (for Indians) and INR 900 (for foreigners)

9. Kaziranga National Park – Assam

Kaziranga National Park, home to two-thirds of the world’s Indian one-horned rhinoceros population, is a must-visit destination in Assam. In recent years, it has become a top spot for wildlife enthusiasts in India & has the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers. The park is also known for a variety of other species, including the Asiatic water buffalo, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, golden langur, swamp deer, & hispid hare. Additionally, Kaziranga National Park is recognized as one of the important national parks in India & has been designated as a World Heritage Site.

Nearby Airport: Guwahati Airport (IATA: GAU)

Top Sights: Kaziranga Orchid Park, Kakochang Waterfall, Tea Estate, and Kaziranga Adventures

Best Time To Visit: November to April

Entry Timings: (7:00 am to 9:30 am), (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm) and (5:30 pm to 7:30 pm)

Entry Fees: INR 100 (for Indians) and INR 650 (for foreigners)

10. Manas National Park – Assam

Manas National Park, a Project Tiger reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, near the India-Bhutan border. The beautiful Manas River flows through the heart of this park, making it a popular destination for tourists. This national park in Assam is home to over 380 bird species, 55 wild animal species, & 50 reptile species. Notable animals found here include Indian tigers, Indian leopards, Asiatic water buffalo, Asian elephants, Asian golden cats, & many more. 

Nearby Airport: Guwahati Airport (IATA: GAU)

Top Sights: Bogamati Picnic Spot, Mathanguri, Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Chowki Picnic Spot, and Mathanguri Bungalow

Best Time To Visit: October to May

Entry Timings: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm

Entry Fees: The half-day fee charge is INR 50 (for Indians) and INR 500 (for foreigners)

11. Nagarhole National Park – Karnataka

Nagarhole National Park, designated as the 37th Tiger Reserve in India, is located in the Kodagu & Mysore districts of Karnataka. The park’s name comes from the word “naga,” meaning snake, & “hole,” as this area is home to many snakes, including cobras, vipers, & kraits. This national park in Karnataka is part of a wildlife corridor that connects other important national parks in India, such as Bandipur, Wayanad, & Mudumalai, making it easier for animals to move between these parks. Some of the notable species found here include Bengal tigers, four-horned antelopes, golden jackals, barking deer, & sloth deer. 

Nearby Airport: Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR)

Top Sights: Kuruvadweep, Irpu Falls, Rameshwara Temple, Day tour Kabini Wildlife Safari

Best Time To Visit: April to May

Entry Timings: (6:45 am – 8:45 am) and (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm)

Entry Fees: INR 300 (for Indians) and INR 1100 (for foreigners)

12. Namdapha National Park – Arunachal Pradesh

Namdapha National Park, the fourth largest national park in India, is located in the Eastern Himalayas within the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Spanning an area of 1,985 sq km, it is home to 1,300 species of flowering plants, 70 mammal species (including 13 endangered), seven venomous reptiles, and 425 bird species. Notable predators that can be seen in Namdapha National Park include the Malayan sun bear, Asiatic black bear, red panda, red fox, & Asian palm civet.

Nearby Airport: Dibrugarh Airport (IATA: DIB)

Top Sights: Miao Museum, Deban Forest Rest House, Inspection Bungalows and Bulbulia drive-through

Best Time To Visit: October to April

Entry Timings: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entry Fees: INR 50 (for Indians) and INR 350 (for foreigners)

13. Panna National Park – Madhya Pradesh

Located in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park is an award-winning wildlife-watching destination known for its excellent maintenance. Covering an area of 209 sq mi, the park is traversed by two beautiful rivers, the Vindhyachal and the Ken. As a part of Project Tiger, it offers wildlife enthusiasts the chance to see a variety of wild animals. Some of the rare species found here include the Bengal tiger, sambar deer, Indian leopard, nilgai, chital, sloth bear, and Asian palm civet, along with 200 species of birds. Additionally, the park is home to other feline species like the jungle cat and leopard cat.

Nearby Airport: Khajuraho Airport (IATA: HJR)

Top Sights: Pandav Caves and Falls, Panna Tiger Reserve, Jungle Camp, and Kimasan Waterfalls

Best Time To Visit: October to June 

Entry Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry Fees: INR 50 (for Indians) and INR 500 (for foreigners)

14. Papikonda National Park – Andhra Pradesh

Situated between the foothills of the West Godavari & East Godavari districts in Andhra Pradesh, Papikonda National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Known primarily as a bird park, it is one of India’s significant national parks, ideal for visiting in 2022 to observe a wide variety of rare mammals & bird species. Declared an “Important Bird & Biodiversity Area” in 2016, the park is home to several endangered species, including the yellow-throated bulbul, Oriental darter, pale-capped pigeon, great thick-knee, Alexandrine parakeet, & more.

Nearby Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (IATA: HYD)

Top Sights In Papikonda National Park: Papi Kondalu Hills, Gandi Pochamma Temple, 

Best Time To Visit: November to March

Entry Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry Fees: INR 10 (for adults) and INR 5 (for children)

15. Pench National Park – Madhya Pradesh

Pench National Park, one of India’s significant national parks, is a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts, especially known for its high tiger population. This park, which also includes a tiger reserve, spans 257.26 sq km with the serene Pench River flowing through it. Winner of the “Best-Management Award,” Pench is famous for its vegetation & diverse flora. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including Indian leopards, Bengal tigers, jackals, sloth bears, Indian wolves, jungle cats, & Indian gaur, making it a truly memorable experience. Be sure to check the Pench National Park entry fee before planning your visit!

Nearby Airport: Nagpur Airport (IATA: NAG)

Top Sights: Turia Gata, Kohka Lake, Kuwara Bhivsen Temple, Karmajhiri Gate, and Alikatta

Best Time To Visit: March to May and November to February

Entry Timings: (7:30 am – 10:30 am) and (3:00 pm – 5:30 pm)

Pench National Park Entry Fees: INR 15 (for Indians) and INR 150 (for foreigners)

16. Pin Valley National Park – Himachal Pradesh

Pin Valley National Park, the closest park to Kaza, is nestled in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh & is home to a rich variety of flora & rare wildlife. Located 249 km from Manali, adding a visit to this park to your Manali trip can make your experience even more exciting. The park also houses several villages where residents maintain traditions & cultures passed down through generations. Among the unique wildlife species you can spot here are snow leopards, Siberian ibex, black bears, leopards, musk deer, & Tibetan foxes.

Nearby Airport: Chandigarh International Airport (IATA: IXC)

Top Sights: Pin Parvati Pass Trek, Bhaba Pass Trek, Pin River Beach, and Kungri Monastery

Best Time To Visit: May to October

Entry Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 om except for public holidays

Entry Fees: Free

17. Rajaji National Park – Uttarakhand

Rajaji National Park, a famous tiger reserve in Uttarakhand, is home to over 500 bird species & a variety of wildlife. You can spot animals like Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, jungle cats, & striped hyenas here. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy seeing species such as kingfishers, woodpeckers, peafowls, pheasants, & barbets. Visitors are advised to take necessary precautions as the park is a dense, wild sanctuary. It’s important to follow all guidelines when visiting national parks or wildlife sanctuaries to ensure a safe & enjoyable jungle safari experience.

Nearby Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL)

Top Sights: Chilla Barrage, Jhilmil Jheel, and The Wild Book Retreat 

Best Time To Visit: November to June

Entry Timings: (7:30 am – 10:00 am) and (2:30 pm – 5:00 pm)

Entry Fees:  INR 150 (for Indians) and INR 600 (for foreigners)

18. Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Maharashtra

Sanjay Gandhi National Park, one of India’s most visited national parks, is a green retreat near Mumbai, attracting over 2 million visitors each year. Known for its rich wildlife & biodiversity, it is home to more than 250 species of migratory birds, 40 mammal species, & 1,000 plant species. Wildlife such as Indian flying foxes, grey langurs, Indian leopards, Asian palm civets, & Bengal tigers thrive here, along with reptiles like cobras, pythons, crocodiles, & Ceylonese cat snakes, making it a must-visit for nature lovers & wildlife enthusiasts. 

Nearby Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (IATA: BOM)

Top Sights: Kanheri Caves, Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, Waterfalls, Van Rani, Tulsi Lake, and Vihar Lake

Best Time To Visit: October to April 

Entry Timings: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm

Entry Fees: INR 58 (for adults) and INR 31 (for children)

19. Simlipal National Park – Odisha

curious about which animal Simlipal National Park is famous for? This UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve, located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, is famed for its population of Bengal tigers. The park’s name, “Simlipal,” means “home of lions” (with “Simi” meaning lion & “Pal” meaning home). Besides Bengal tigers, the park also shelters a wide variety of wildlife, including leopards, Indian bison, Asian elephants, sambars, gaurs, & chitals. Simlipal’s scenic beauty is enhanced by its many waterfalls, with the 100 ft-high Chandrapur Waterfall being one of the most popular.

Nearby Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (IATA: CCU)

Top Sights: Devkund Waterfalls, Uski Waterfall, SimliPal Tiger Reserve, and Safari before sunset

Best Time To Visit: October to December and April to May

Entry Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entry Fees:  INR 30 (for adults) and INR 40 (for children)

20. Sundarban National Park – West Bengal

A biosphere reserve, tiger reserve, and the 8th largest national park in India, Sundarban National Park is a sanctuary for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, this beautiful park in West Bengal is home to over 400 Bengal tigers, along with many endangered species, aquatic mammals, reptiles, birds, & avifauna. The park’s extensive mangrove forests are also teeming with crocodiles, making it a unique wildlife experience. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Sundarban through camp stays or has cruises, with winter being the ideal season for a tour.

Nearby Airport: Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (IATA: IXA)

Top Sights: Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, Mangrove Eco Garden, Tin Kona Island, Sundarban Wild Safari, and Sudhayakhali Watch Tower

Best Time To Visit: September to March

Entry Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm except for Sundays

Entry Fees: INR 60 (for Indians) and INR 200 (for foreigners)

21. Valmiki National Park – Bihar

Valmiki National Park, the first & only national park in Bihar, is also a designated tiger reserve. Known for its serene atmosphere, rich plant life, & diverse wildlife, this park covers an area of about 346 square miles. It is home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles, aquatic mammals, & other wildlife species. The park’s green forests offer breathtaking scenery, making it a great spot for nature lovers. During the dry season, you can also witness herds of elephants roaming freely, making winter the perfect time to visit this picturesque park.

Nearby Airport: Jayprakash Narayan International Airport (IATA: PAT)

Top Sights: Bheriyari Watch Tower, Bhikhna Thori, Rohua Nala, Kapan, and Manor Trek 

Best Time To Visit: October to December 

Entry Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entry Fees:  INR 200 (for Indians) and INR 330 (for foreigners)

22. Ranthambore National Park – Rajasthan

Ranthambore National Park, one of the largest in India, has been a protected area since 1957. It gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2013 & was designated a tiger reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger. The park is named after the ancient Ranthambhore fort located within its boundaries. Originally established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 by the Indian government, it has since become one of the most significant national parks in the country, drawing visitors for its rich history & diverse wildlife.

Nearby Airport: Jaipur International Airport (IATA: JAI)

Top Sights: Ranthambore Fort, Trinetra Ganesh Temple, Safari Tours, and Rajiv Gandhi Regional Musem of Natural History

Best Time To Visit: April to June

Entry Timings: (7:00 am to 10:30 am) and (2:30 pm to 6:00 pm)

Entry Fees: INR 100 (for Indians) and INR 800 (for foreigners)

23. Bandipur National Park – Karnataka

Bandipur National Park, one of Karnataka’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries, is also among India’s largest & most significant national parks. Its name, “Bandipur,” comes from the Tamil word for a hunting trap, an enclosure used to capture wild animals. Before India’s independence, the area was ruled by the Muslim Nawabs & the Wodeyars of the Mysore Kingdom. In 1882, the forest region was designated as a reserved forest to safeguard the watersheds around the Gunjavalli & Baba Budangiri ranges. Today, it is a declared Tiger Reserve & remains a well-known national park in India. 

Nearby Airport: Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR)

Top Sights: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Gopalswami Hills, Bandipur Tiger Safari, Muthanga Wildlife Safari, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time To Visit: November To June

Entry Timings: 6:30 am to 5:30 pm

Entry Fees: INR 250 per person

Get ready to book your domestic flights and start planning your next adventure to these incredible national parks in India, guaranteed to offer you an unforgettable experience! Call us at +91-800-023-5865, and our travel experts at Travanya will assist you in creating the perfect travel itinerary. If you think we’ve missed any significant national parks in India, please let us know in the comments. We love hearing from our readers and will continue to update our list with more national parks and wildlife-watching destinations across India!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many national parks are there in India?

A: India is home to approximately 104 national parks, which showcase a diverse range of flora, aquatic mammals, reptiles, and endangered species.

Q: Which state in India boasts the most national parks?

A: Madhya Pradesh holds the record, featuring nine well-maintained national parks within its boundaries.

Q: Can you name two national parks located in West Bengal?

A: Two prominent national parks in West Bengal are Sundarban National Park and Jaldapara National Park.

Q: Where is the Valley of Flowers National Park situated in India?

A: The stunning Valley of Flowers National Park is found in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its enchanting floral landscapes.

Q: Who is responsible for declaring national parks in India?

A: National parks in India are designated by the State Government with the approval of the National Board of Wildlife.

Q: What is the largest national park in India?

A: Hemis National Park in Jammu & Kashmir is the largest national park in India, covering an impressive area of 4,400 km².

Q: Which national park in India has the highest tiger population?

A: Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is known for having the highest number of tigers, estimated to be between 400 and 500.