India offers certain experiences rarely found in any other part of the world. And the cherishable wildlife indeed tops the list. From snow-capped mountains to evergreen forests, the numerous national parks here form a rich biodiversity. Whether nature enthusiasts or wildlife lovers, all want to indulge in the experience these national parks offer. Planning a trip to India’s popular national parks? We’ve got you covered. In this blog, you’ll explore thelargest national parks in India – and see why preserving wildlife isn’t just important, but deeply rewarding.
Top 10 Largest National Parks in India
Let’s explore some of the famous national parks in India and discover factors that make them stand out. From Hemis National Park in Ladakh to Sundarban National Park in West Bengal, each of them has something remarkable to offer:
1. Hemis National Park, Ladakh
Located in the cold Ladakh desert, this is the largest national park in India. It has an altitude ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 meters that covers an area of 4,400 sq km. Surrounded by backdrops of gorgeous mountains and serene rivers, this location is visually appealing. The best time to visit this national park is from May to September for trekking. Winter months are ideal for sightings of snow leopards.
Hemis National Park is known for:
- Being the largest habitat for snow leopards
- Providing a safe space for snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and ibex
- Being famous for their red foxes and blue sheep
- Offering excellent trekking opportunities to all adventure seekers
Being a home to rare medicinal plants
2. Desert National Park, Rajasthan
This exquisite national park is located in the Thar Desert near Jaisalmer. It is known for being amongst the most unique national parks in India. It covers an area of 3,162 sq km. The entire ecosystem of this park is a blend of dunes, rocky lands, and sparse grasslands. The best time to visit is from October to March.
Desert National Park is known for:
- Providing refuge to desert foxes and monitor lizards
- Home to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard
- Rich in fossils that date back 180 million years
3. Gangotri National Park, Uttarakhand
A serene Himalayan reserve, this covers an area of 2,390 sq km. Located in the upper catchment of the Bhagirathi River, it marks the origin of the River Ganga. The best time to visit Gangotri National Park is between April and October.
Gangotri National Park is known for:
- Snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and bharal are commonly found.
- The park includes the famous Gaumukh Glacier, source of the Ganges.
- Pilgrimage sites like the Gangotri temple are nearby.
- It houses diverse alpine flora that attracts tourists and trekkers.
4. Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
It is located in the Eastern Himalayas and covers an area of 1,985 sq km. It is also among the most diverse and top national parks in India. The best time to visit this national park in Arunachal Pradesh is from November to March.
Namdapha National Park is known for:
- Being a home to rare species like the red panda, clouded leopard, and Hoolock Gibbons
- It is one of the few parks where four big cat species coexist: snow leopard, leopard, clouded leopard, and Bengal tiger
- Housing over 425 bird species, including hornbills and Himalayan woodpeckers
- Having dense tropical rainforests, rivers, and alpine meadows.
5. Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
Named after the third-largest mountain in the world, this national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a unique landscape, filled with plains, glaciers, valleys, lakes, and mountains. The best time to visit this national park is from March to May and September to mid-December.
Khangchendzonga National Park is known for:
- Red pandas, Himalayan tahr, snow leopards, and black bears
- Majestic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga
- Popular for trekking routes like Dzongri and Goechala.
6. Guru Ghasidas National Park, Chhattisgarh
This national park is among the newest additions to the list of national parks in India. It is located in the northern part of the Sanjay National Park and covers an area of 1,441 sq km. The best time to visit this national park is between November and June.
Guru Ghasidas National Park is known for:
- Rich biodiversity, including leopards, tigers, sambar deer, and sloth bears
- Located in a transitional zone between the Eastern Ghats and the Satpura range
- Scenic forests, waterfalls, and tribal culture.
7. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is amongst the best wildlife destinations in India. It is especially renowned for its mangrove forests, attracting tourists from all over the world. Sundarbans National Park covers an area of 1,330 sq km. The best time to visit this Sundarbans is from November to February.
Sundarbans National Park is known for:
- The only mangrove habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger
- Unique fauna like saltwater crocodiles, river dolphins, and spotted deer
- A network of rivers and tidal waterways is ideal for boat safaris.
8. Indravati National Park, Chhattisgarh
Named after the Indravati River, this national park is famous for its dense forests and varied wildlife. It covers an area of 1,258 sq km. The best time to visit Indravati National Park is between December and June.
Indravati National Park is known for:
- The last known habitat of wild water buffalo in Central India
- Tigers, leopards, gaurs, nilgais, and sloth bears
- Dense Sal and Bamboo forests create a lush green cover.
9. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains one of the last areas undisturbed by human presence. It is amongst the top national parks in India, housing plenty of fauna and bird species. The best time to visit this national park is between November and April.
Kaziranga National Park is known for:
- Home to two-thirds of the world’s population of one-horned rhinoceroses
- Other wildlife includes elephants, wild water buffaloes, swamp deer, and tigers
- A haven for birdwatchers with numerous migratory birds.
10. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India. It covers an area of 1,318 sq km and is famous for housing diverse wildlife species. It is particularly known for serving as a safe space for the Royal Bengal Tiger. The best time to visit this incredible national park is from November to June.
Jim Corbett National Park is known for:
- Rich tiger population, along with elephants, leopards, and gharials.
- Scenic landscapes of grasslands, rivers, hills, and dense forests.
- Popular for jeep safaris and bird watching.
Conclusion
India’s range of national parks is a true gem for all nature and wildlife lovers. If you are in for a mesmerising experience coupled with diverse wildlife, visiting the largest national parks in India is the right way to go. These national parks are custodians of some of the world’s most endangered and rare species. They serve not only as tourist destinations but also as vital conservation centres. The rich landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable experiences await you!