The wildlife of India is diverse and its national parks and biosphere reserves are home to many endangered wildlife species like Royal Bengal Tigers and Red Panda, the vulnerable one-horned Rhinoceros and Snow Leopards, and critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, among many other species of flora and fauna. India boasts 104 national parks, 551 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 131 Marine Protected Areas, 18 Biosphere Reserves, 88 Conservation Reserves and 127 Community Reserves, covering a total of 1,65,088.57 sq km. In total, there are 870 Protected Areas which make 5.06% of the geographical area of the country.
The oldest national park in India is Corbett National Park. Sprawling in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, this national park was established in 1936. It is spread in 520.82 sq km area, and is home to a rich flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tigers. India's first biosphere reserve was established in 1986 and is called Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This reserve includes Wayanad, Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai, Nilambur, Silent Valley protected areas situated in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The Great Rann of Kutch, with an area of 12454 sq km, is the largest biosphere reserve in India. On the other hand, with an area of 4400 sq km, Hemis National Park in Ladakh is the largest national park in India.
Blessed with rich biodiversity, the region boasts renowned wildlife havens like Jim Corbett, Rajaji National Park, Ranthambore, Dudhwa, Keoladeo National Park, and Sariska, standing as crown jewels that draw wildlife enthusiasts with their diverse ecosystems. Each destination is a living example of India's commitment to conservation and ecotourism. From the iconic Bengal tiger sightings in Ranthambore to Dudhwa's rare swamp deer, witness majestic wildlife roam freely in their natural habitat in Northern India's wildlife reserves.
View MoreFrom the dense forests of Bandipur and Nagarhole to the picturesque landscapes of Periyar and Madumalai, Southern India's wildlife sanctuaries offer an incredible wildlife jungle safari experience amidst diverse flora and fauna. Dandeli, with its riverine habitats, adds a unique dimension to the adventure. Eravikulam, adorned with rolling hills, unveils the charm of the Nilgiri Tahr. Southern India's wildlife is a haven for nature enthusiasts, where every reserve narrates a story of conservation.
View MoreThe eastern part of India is an enchanting wildlife exploration destination and is home to a biodiversity-rich haven fostering conservation efforts and diverse ecosystems. Home to popular national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, East India boasts treasures like Kaziranga, renowned for rhino conservation, and Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal, where the mangrove expanse teems with life. Assam's Orang and Manas add to the region's allure, sheltering elephants and a myriad of flora and fauna. East India's wildlife narrative unfolds amidst lush landscapes, echoing with the trumpets of elephants and the majestic presence of rhinos.
View MoreThe diverse and vibrant wildlife is found in the wildlife reserves of Western India. Maharashtra boasts the thriving Tadoba, a jewel in West India's wildlife crown, while Gujarat hosts the iconic Gir National Park, home to the majestic Asiatic lions. The enchanting Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra and the Pench Tiger Reserve offer glimpses into the rich flora and fauna of Western India. From the royal lions of Gir to the elusive tigers of Tadoba, West India's wildlife beckons, inviting enthusiasts to explore its unique landscapes and contribute to the conservation of these precious ecosystems.
View MoreInternationally renowned as the 'Heart of Incredible India,' the central region, primarily Madhya Pradesh, stands as the most popular wildlife treasure getaway. Recognized as the 'tiger state,' Central India boasts incredible flora and fauna diversity, with its crown jewels being Kanha, Panna, Pench, and Bandhavgarh, renowned for their thriving tiger populations. Recently, cheetahs were relocated from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park, making it the best place for cheetah sightings in India. Madhya Pradesh's central landscapes offer a unique blend of biodiversity, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a mesmerizing experience with nature's majestic creatures amid pristine forests and rolling hills.
View MoreThere are around 104 national parks in India spread across the country's length and breadth. These wildlife parks are home to a variety of animals and birds, and some of them are the safe shelters for unique and threatened animals like one-horned rhinos and Royal Bengal Tiger.
State/Union Territory | Total National Parks | National Park Name | Establishment Year |
Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 9 | Campbell Bay National Park | 1992 |
Galathea Bay National Park | 1992 | ||
Mahatama Gandhi Marine (Wandoor) National Park | 1982 | ||
Middle Button Island National Park | 1987 | ||
Mount Harriett National Park | 1987 | ||
North Button Island National Park | 1987 | ||
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park | 1996 | ||
Saddle Peak National Park | 1987 | ||
South Button Island National Park | 1987 | ||
Andhra Pradesh | 3 | Papikonda National Park | 2008 |
Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park | 2005 | ||
Sri Venkateswara National Park | 1989 | ||
Arunachal Pradesh | 2 | Mouling National Park | 1986 |
Namdapha National Park | 1983 | ||
Assam | 5 | Dibru-Saikhowa National Park | 1999 |
Kaziranga National Park | 1974 | ||
Manas National Park | 1990 | ||
Nameri National Park | 1998 | ||
Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park | 1999 | ||
Bihar | 1 | Valmiki National Park | 1989 |
Chhattisgarh | 3 | Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park | 1981 |
Indravati (Kutru) National Park | 1982 | ||
Kanger Valley National Park | 1982 | ||
Goa | 1 | Mollem National Park | 1992 |
Gujarat | 4 | Vansda National Park | 1979 |
Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park | 1976 | ||
Gir National Park | 1975 | ||
Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) National Park | 1982 | ||
Haryana | 2 | Kalesar National Park | 2003 |
SultaNational Parkur National Park | 1989 | ||
Himachal Pradesh | 5 | Great Himalayan National Park | 1984 |
Inderkilla National Park | 2010 | ||
Khirganga National Park | 2010 | ||
Pin Valley National Park | 1987 | ||
Simbalbara National Park | 2010 | ||
Jammu and Kashmir | 4 | City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park | 1992 |
Dachigam National Park | 1981 | ||
Kishtwar National Park | 1981 | ||
Jharkhand | 1 | Betla National Park | 1986 |
Karnataka | 5 | Anshi National Park | 1987 |
Bandipur National Park | 1974 | ||
Bannerghatta National Park | 1974 | ||
Kudremukh National Park | 1987 | ||
Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park | 1988 | ||
Kerala | 6 | Anamudi Shola National Park | 2003 |
Eravikulam National Park | 1978 | ||
Mathikettan Shola National Park | 2003 | ||
Pambadum Shola National Park | 2003 | ||
Periyar National Park | 1982 | ||
Silent Valley National Park | 1984 | ||
Madhya Pradesh | 9 | Bandhavgarh National Park | 1968 |
Fossil National Park | 1983 | ||
Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park | 1975 | ||
Kanha National Park | 1955 | ||
Madhav National Park | 1959 | ||
Panna National Park | 1981 | ||
Sanjay National Park | 1981 | ||
Satpura National Park | 1981 | ||
Van Vihar National Park | 1979 | ||
Maharashtra | 6 | Chandoli National Park | 2004 |
Gugamal National Park | 1975 | ||
Nawegaon National Park | 1975 | ||
Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) National Park | 1975 | ||
Sanjay Gandhi (Borivali) National Park | 1983 | ||
Tadoba National Park | 1955 | ||
Manipur | 1 | Keibul-Lamjao National Park | 1977 |
Meghalaya | 2 | Balphakram National Park | 1985 |
Nokrek Ridge National Park | 1986 | ||
Mizoram | 2 | Murlen National Park | 1991 |
Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park | 1992 | ||
Nagaland | 1 | Intanki National Park | 1993 |
Odisha | 2 | Bhitarkanika National Park | 1988 |
Simlipal National Park | 1980 | ||
Rajasthan | 5 | Mukundra Hills National Park | 2006 |
Desert National Park | 1992 | ||
Keoladeo Ghana National Park | 1981 | ||
Ranthambhore National Park | 1980 | ||
Sariska National Park | 1992 | ||
Sikkim | 1 | Khangchendzonga National Park | 1977 |
Tamil Nadu | 5 | Guindy National Park | 1976 |
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park | 1980 | ||
Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park | 1989 | ||
Mudumalai National Park | 1990 | ||
Mukurthi National Park | 1990 | ||
Ladakh | 1 | Hemis National Park | 1981 |
Telangana | 3 | Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | 1994 |
Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park | 1994 | ||
Mrugavani National Park | 1994 | ||
Tripura | 2 | Clouded Leopard National Park | 2007 |
Bison (Rajbari) National Park | 2007 | ||
Uttar Pradesh | 1 | Dudhwa National Park | 1977 |
Uttarakhand | 6 | Corbett National Park | 1936 |
Gangotri National Park | 1989 | ||
Govind National Park | 1990 | ||
Nanda Devi National Park | 1982 | ||
Rajaji National Park | 1983 | ||
Valley of Flowers National Park | 1982 | ||
West Bengal | 6 | Buxa National Park | 1992 |
Gorumara National Park | 1992 | ||
Jaldapara National Park | 2014 | ||
Neora Valley National Park | 1986 | ||
Singalila National Park | 1986 | ||
Sunderban National Park | 1984 |
Launched by the Government of India in 1973, Project Tiger aimed to safeguard the endangered species of tigers in the country. Notable Tiger Reserves in India include:
Summer (April - May) is the best time to visit the Indian national parks and tiger reserves for an exhilarating wildlife photography experience. In destinations like Corbett, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Panna, the summer temperature and climate create the perfect conditions for wildlife sightings, especially tiger photography. These renowned national parks in India not only offer respite from the scorching heat but also provide a unique opportunity to witness diverse flora and fauna.
While many national parks close during the monsoon season (July to September) for safety reasons, some, like Corbett and Ranthambore, partially open their gates for safari. Periyar in Kerala, Valley of National Parks in Uttarakhand, and Hemis National Park in Ladakh, offer a unique monsoon experience, with lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife. Witness the magic of nature as it comes alive during the rains, making these destinations ideal for an offbeat monsoon adventure. Embrace the tranquility and verdant landscapes while exploring the distinct beauty of these selected national parks that welcome visitors even when the heavens open.
The winter season (October to March) marks the peak of wildlife tourism as all national parks and tiger reserves open their gates. This period is ideal for jungle safaris, offering the best chance to witness diverse fauna in their natural habitats. Coveted parks like Corbett, Ranthambore, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Kaziranga, Gir Forest, and Tadoba become havens for wildlife enthusiasts. Embrace the crisp air and the thrill of spotting majestic creatures against the winter landscapes, making it the perfect time to embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure in some of the most visited and cherished national parks across India.
Most of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India are open between October and June. In the monsoon season, most of the wildlife reserves close down between July and September. The best time to visit the national parks in India are between October and March, when the weather is pleasant in most parts of the country. The average winter temperature in India ranges between 0℃ - 20℃ in North, Northwest, Northeast, and Central India, and 18℃ - 25℃ in South India. There are some national parks in India that remain open/partially open in the monsoon season.
As per the latest data of Tiger Census Report 2022, India is home to 3,167 tigers approx.
India has 104 national parks and 551 wildlife sanctuaries in India as of 2018-19.