List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in India for a Thrilling Experience

India is a popular travel destination with lots of options for tourists to explore. From east to west, north to south, the country is home to a massive wildlife species, boasting rich biodiversity and varied geographical features. As you travel to different cities in India, you will be awestruck by the variations in flora and fauna. A wildlife sanctuary in India is a must to have an adventurous experience. The animals, especially the rare ones, are found wandering freely in these protected wildlife places in India. With a large number of wildlife species and lush greenery, there is no wonder why India is a dream destination for tourists and wildlife lovers. Here is a list of some of the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India that can give you an adrenaline rush and a memorable holiday experience.

Kanha National Park

Also famous as the Kanha-Kisli National Park, Kanha National Park is one of the largest national parks in India. Situated in the Maikal Range of Satpura in Madhya Pradesh, this national park falls in two districts - Balaghat and Mandala. Best known for grassy fields and evergreen Sal forests, this wildlife sanctuary in India is home to around 43 species of Mammals, 300 species of birds, 500 species of Insects and 26 species of Reptiles. While the Barasingha is the main protected species, some other common animals found in this wildlife park are Tiger, Bear, Indian Python, Dhole, Leopard, etc. The major highlight of this park is the Bamni Dadar, a sunset point offering a striking background of the sunset against grazing Sambhars and Gaurs.

Jim Corbett National Park

Established in 1936, the Jim Corbett National Park is among the oldest and most-visited wildlife parks in India. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, this national park is home to a huge variety of plants and wild animals, including Royal Bengal Tigers, Sambars, Indian Hog Deers, Elephants, Asiatic Black Bears and more. Spread over 1318.54 sq. km in the picturesque landscapes of Almora, Pauri Garhwal, and Nainital, this national park is a paradise for wildlife lovers in India. Named after the renowned naturalist and conservationist Jim Corbett, this park is densely populated with diverse trees and plantations along with a flowing Ramganga River inside the park. If you wish to get thrilled during your trip to a wildlife sanctuary in India, make sure to experience the jungle safari here.

Ranthambore National Park

Situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park spreads over a total area of 1334 sq. km. Surrounded by the Chambal and Banas Rivers, the Ranthambore National Park has a striking landscape consisting of small hills, lush forests, greenery and valleys. Initially established as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955, the park became part of Project Tiger in 1973 and later included two neighbouring sanctuaries - Keladevi Sanctuary and Swai Mansingh sanctuary. In November 1980, it became a national park of India, attracting nature and wildlife lovers from around the world due to the gorgeous sightings of Bengal tigers. This famous sanctuary in India also serves as a perfect home for animals like Sambar, Leopard, Wild Boar, Nilgai, Hyena, etc. The Ranthambore National Park also consists of many famous heritage sites like the Jogi Mahal, Rajbagh ruins, Ranthambore Fort and Ancient temple, Padam Talao, Malik Talao, and many other attractions of India.

Sundarbans National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sundarbans National Park is one of the major tourist attractions in India. Situated in 24 Parganas district, about 110 km from Kolkata, West Bengal, Sundarbans National Park is the largest mangrove forest in the world, covering an area of 1,330 kilometres. The name of this national park has been derived its name from Sundari trees, which are dominant in this mangrove area. First, the park was declared the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in 1973, a wildlife destination in 1977 and later a national park in 1984. One of the best wildlife destinations, the Sundarbans National Park is home to more than 400 Royal Bengal tigers, Indian Grey Mongooses, Pangolins, Flying Foxes, Leopard Cats, Fishing Cats, Chital, Wild Boars and more. Here, you can enjoy a wildlife safari and grab the chance to witness a Royal Tiger cross your way.

Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary

Next on the list of the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, is situated in the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. Fondly known as the largest Flamingo City in the world, Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary was mainly established to protect the nesting ground of the flamingo or Greater Flamingo in Gujarat. In addition, this wildlife sanctuary in India is home to a wide range of water birds and animals such as Fox, Blackbucks, Nilgai, White Pelicans, Chinkara, Hyenas and more. Extreme salt deposits in the area give the Kutch sanctuary a clean white surface, attracting tourists with its unique and striking appearance. As the sanctuary covers an area of the Indo-Pak border, some parts of this park are not open to the public.

Nagarhole National Park

Nestled between the Nilgiri Mountains of Tamil Nadu and the Mysuru plateau in Karnataka, Nagarhole National Park is famous for one of the high-density tiger populations in India after Kaziranga and Corbett Tiger Reserves. Covering an area of 847.981 sq. km, Nagarhole National Park received the position of a National park in 1983. However, it was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1999 due to its tiger-predator ratio. This national park is connected with Mysore reserve forests, many waterfalls, valleys, and more. Also called the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole is also home to many other animals like Sambar Deer, Leopards, Elephants, Barking Deer, Indian bison and more. One of the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, Nagarhole National Park, must be in your tour plan to Karnataka.

Kalakkad Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the best wildlife places in India, Kalakkad Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its thick population of elephants and tigers. Nestled in the majestic Western Ghats, this wildlife sanctuary was established in 1988, covering a rambling area of 895 sq. km. A tropical evergreen forest, the Mundanthurai sanctuary was declared the first Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu and the 17th Tiger Reserve of India. The Kalakkad Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary is home to above 266 species of birds, 150 species of plants, 77 mammals, 37 amphibia, 81 reptiles, 33 fishes and many astonishing wild species like Tiger, Leopard, Python, Monitor Lizard, King Cobra, Pit Viper etc. This wildlife sanctuary in India is also an ideal destination for trekking that you should enjoy with prior permission and proper guidance.

Dudhwa National Park

Another name in the list of the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, Dudhwa National Park, is located in the areas of Lakhimpur and Kheri districts of Uttar Pradesh, near the Indo-Nepal border. It covers an area of 1,284.3 km, comprising of the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Dudhwa National Park. This wildlife sanctuary in India represents dense forests, grasslands and marshes in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh. Today, it is considered the last viable home to the rare Royal Bengal Tiger in the state, swamp deer, hispid hare, Indian one-horned rhinoceros, etc. Dudhwa is an ideal and protected wildlife area for more than 16 species of reptiles, 38 species of mammals and many species of birds. If you are looking for the best attractions in India with exciting wildlife and natural beauty, you can plan to visit Dudhwa National Park in Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh.

These national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India are amongst the most bio-diverse in the world. So, when planning a vacation full of fun and adventure, heading to one of these wildlife sanctuaries in India is something you should not miss out on. To make travel planning easier, you can choose the best India tour package that includes at least one or two wildlife places in the country.