Have you always dreamed of venturing into the Indian wilderness?
Do the forests and their inhabitants create an exciting tour option that you find hard to resist?
Well, then you must certainly explore the national parks in India. India is well-known for its natural abundance which will overwhelm you. The rich flora and fauna of the country attract millions of people from across the globe.
Today India is a well-known tourist destination in the entire world and if you ask whether it is a wildlife photographer’s delight to visit India or not then you’ll have your questions answered loud and clear. The deep dense forests of India have lured many in the past and they continue to do so in the present as well.
For the record, India is the home to many endangered animals in the world such as the legendary Bengal Cats that rule the Indian forests and the Asiatic Lions are just found in a small part of India and nowhere else in the world. These two species of cats are the major crowd pullers.
There are near about 110 beautiful national parks in India among which we are going to look at the top 10 national parks that will enthral the wildlife enthusiasts.
- Jim Corbett National Park –
Nestled in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand lies this gem of a forest. The rich biodiversity of the place is known to all. The place is famous for Bengal cats, elephants, leopards, etc. You will find River Ram Ganga flowing through this National Park. You will find exotic bird species around this place. The watercolour landscape will just take your breath away, it seems like a painting and is a very hot spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Ranthambore National Park –
This National Park is located in Rajasthan, a few kilometres away from the town of Sawai Madhopur. Machli also called the Lady of the Lakes was the most famous tigress of this park. If you haven’t been to Ranthambore yet, this is your chance man… just visit the park and get lost in its beauty. You will get to behold the majestic Ranthambore fort too which is just lovely.
- Bandhavgarh National Park –
This Park in central India is truly the Land of valorous tigers like Charger, B1, B2 and now our very own Mr X. This lovely jungle is Located in the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh lies this beautiful forest. Apart from the Bengal tigers, you will find Leopard, Sambhar, Cheetal, various species of birds, Langur and a lot of other animals. The most interesting part is the historical and mythological significance of this Park. If you are lucky enough you will get to behold the famous Bandhavgarh fort also there is “Seshsaiyaa” a monolithic structure of lord Vishnu resting of Sesh Naag (serpent with seven heads) this structure dates back to the 10th century AD during the reign of Kalchuri dynasty.
- Gir National Park –
Located in Gujarat lies this beautiful forest which is famous for its resident, Asiatic Lions. These lions are now only found in India and every year, tourists flock in Gir just to get a glimpse of his majesty. The kind and its subjects live in this forest harmoniously. Apart from Asiatic lions, you will find leopards, antelopes and a lot of other animals and birds… this place truly is a wildlife lover’s heaven. So plan your vacation today itself.
- Pench National Park –
This one is again located in Madhya Pradesh and is another gem as far as tiger density is considered. However, it is worth mentioning that Collarwali or the ‘Empress of Pench’ (a tigress) has made this forest pretty popular because she has set records in reproducing…which means she has given birth to 26 cubs… she truly is a supermom and you’ve got to see her… she is this elegant lady with lovely fur. Apart from tigers leopards, antelopes and other species are also found in Pench. By the way, remember the Seoni wolf-pack from Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book”? You’ll find them in Pench as Rudyard Kipling too got inspired by the beauty and bounty of the forest and the inspiration helped him to write such a wonderful book which we cherish and will keep on cherishing till the end of time.
- Kaziranga National Park –
The long elephant grass, the beautiful landscapes and the treasured animals all come together to make this forest a wildlife lover’s paradise. Kaziranga is located in the flood plains of River Brahmaputra. The forest is well-known for the one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic wild buffaloes, the western hullock gibbon, swamp deer or ‘barasingha’ and a wide range of amazing and exotic bird species that will enthral you. If you are true wildlife enthusiast then Kaziranga must be there in your ‘to-do’ list.
- Kanha National Park –
Another treasure trove from Madhya Pradesh is Kanha. This forest is well-known for the hard ground Barasinghas found here. The dense forest of Kanha is famous all over the world as you get to see so many animals and birds here. The Animal that rules here, obviously, is the Bengal Tigers and for wildlife enthusiasts, it is always a pleasure to watch the magnificence of this incredible cat which, with its awe and charm can take your heart away to some other world. If it is your first time in the Indian Wilderness then hold your breath because the King of the jungle will totally blow your mind.
- Sundarban National Park –
Welcome to the mysterious mangroves… Sundarbans is precisely a labyrinth of 102 swampy islands with intricate networks of creeks and canals everywhere. Among these only 48 islands are deep forests. Here you will get the taste of beholding the much-fabled swamp cats (tigers) from the boat because in Sundarban land safari isn’t done owing to the fact that it is a mangrove forest. You will get to see other lesser cats, mammals and rare birds here. The forest is very different from other forests in India.
- Periyar National Park –
Let us now move a little bit downwards… towards the southern parts of India. In Kerala lies this beautiful lush green forest which is again a very well-known tourist spot. Periyar is well known for tigers and the beautiful landscape. You can go for an amazing boat ride in the Periyar Lake. Apart from tigers, there are macaques, bison, elephants, antelopes, and a great lot of bird species to keep you hooked throughout. This park is situated in Thekaddy which is very near to Alleppey so if you get some time to visit the beautiful backwaters too and enjoy the experience of staying in the houseboats cruising through the backwaters all day long.
- Bandipur National Park –
This is situated on the borders of Karnataka. This is a hidden treasure in the Nilgiri hills. The deciduous forest and the thick canopy will make you lose yourself in this mystical forest. The forest is known for the Tigers, Sloth bears, Dholes, Leopard, Indian Giant squirrel, elephants, Mouse deer, etc. The best part is the park remains functional round the year so you can visit the park any time you want to quench your thirst for an amazing wildlife experience.