Is there anything more adventurous than a jungle safari? Does batting eyelids with the Great Indian Tiger excite you? If your answer is yes, then our list of top 7 National Parks in India is a must read for you!
India is not only the diverse land of exceptional architectural marvels but also enthralling National Parks blessed with beautiful species of wildlife, however a jungle safari always takes the cake. Although there are several animals in Indian wildlife parks, rendezvous with tigers will be the high point of your jungle safari! Be sure to take a look at the Best Properties to Stay Amidst India’s Best National Parks for the Ultimate Forest Experience!
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Formerly known as ‘Hailey National Park’, Jim Corbett National Park is located in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand and is one of the oldest national parks in India. Enclosed with deciduous forests, the national park is a famous refuge for the Royal Bengal Tigers and home to various animals such as elephants, rhinoceros, leopards, deer and black beer.
Best Time To Visit: March – June
How To Explore Jim Corbett National Park: Gypsy/Jeep Safari, Canter Safari, and Elephant Safari
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 200 (approx.) per person; Foreigners: INR 900 (approx.) per person
Note: Jim Corbett National Park 4 zones remain closed between monsoon seasons. Only the Jhirna, Sonanadi, and recently opened Pakhro zone remains open.
2. Sunderbans National Park, West Bengal
Located in the Sunderbans Delta in India, Sunderbans National Park is densely covered by mangrove forests and is one of the largest reserves for the Royal Bengal Tiger and home to a variety of birds, reptiles and invertebrate species such as salt water crocodile. The main reason for the popularity of Sunderbans National Park is the home to the Royal Bengal Tigers. You might see a Bengal tiger prowling his prey while cruising through the waterways in a boat.
Best Time To Visit: October-March
How To Explore Sundarbans National Park: Boat Safari
Entry Fee: You need a permit to enter Sundarbans National Park. It is available at the Divisional Forest Office.
Note: Sunderbans National Park offers only boat safari to the visitors.
3. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Popularly known for its tiger population, Ranthambore tiger reserve located in Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan offers a unique blend of nature and history. The park has derived its name from the 1000 year old Ranthambore fort which stands within the premises of the park and it is the first Project Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan and counted among India’s best national parks. Other animal species in the park include sloth bear, wild boar, langur, marsh crocodile, Sambhar and spotted deer.
Best Time To Visit: October – June
How To Explore Ranthambore National Park: Jeep Safari, Canter Safari
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 100 per person; Foreigners: INR 650 per person
4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Once the hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Rewa, Bandhavgarh National Park is home to the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers with 50+ tigers. It is also the natural habitat of white tigers and is one of the prime international tourist attractions amongst the nature lovers. Apart from the animal species found here include Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Sambhar, Indian Bison and Deer, the park is quite famous for the exotic collection of bird species.
Best Time To Visit: October-February, and March-June
How To Explore Bandhavgarh National Park: Gypsy/Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 75 per person; Foreigners: INR 500 per person
5. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Located in the Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is one of the finest tiger reserves in India which is spread over an area of 940 sq kms. It is one of the best spots for tiger viewing in the world! A drive through the dense forests will offer you a sneak peek into the real jungle life. Other major attractions include sloth bear, Indian wild dog, Indian wolf, gaur, sambar, Nilgai, golden jackal, Bengal fox, smooth cotted otter, striped hyena and Indian hare.
Best Time To Visit: April-May
How To Explore Kanha National Park: Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari
Note: The wildlife sanctuary is open for tourism from 16th October to 15th June every year.
6. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Considered to be the haven for Royal Bengal Tigers, this national park is also the same place where the famous author Rudyard Kipling’s took inspiration to write Jungle Book. There is a pristine river Pench that flows through the park that serves the water for the creatures living inside the national park. Other major sightings include wild boar, striped hyena and sloth bear. The best thing about Pench National Park is you can go for a night safari.
Best Time To Visit: November-February, and March-June
How To Explore Pench National Park: Gypsy/Jeep Safari
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 15 per person; Foreigners: INR 150 per person
7. Tadoba National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Spread across the vicinity of Chimur Hills, Tadoba National Park is famous for its tiger population and is considered one of Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national parks. Tadoba National Park’s other name is “Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve” – India’s 47th Tiger Reserve in India. Other wildlife species include sloth bears, jackals, barking deer, langurs, etc. Inside the national park, there is one river – Tadoba, which sustains the wildlife at Tadoba National Park.
Best Time To Visit: April-May, and November-February
How To Explore Tadoba National Park: Jeep/Gypsy Safari, Elephant Safari
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
Note: Jeep safari and elephant safari charge hikes on special days.
Visit these top tiger reserves situated in the northern and central part of the country and encounter nature at its best and have an incredible and unforgettable experience!
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