National Parks in India: A comprehensive guide

India with its towering mountains, dense forests and tropical jungles by the sea is a haven for wildlife. In fact, owing to this biodiversity India can proudly proclaim to be one of the countries in the world that has the largest number of national parks and reserves. National parks in India are currently numbered at 107 and there are more than 560 wildlife sanctuaries now.

The question that is frequently asked by many travellers is: Which is the best national park in India? The reality is that every park is beautiful in its own way. It can be the excitement of tiger sightings at Kanha Tiger Reserve and the royal surroundings of Ranthambore National Park, or the expanse of wilderness in Hemis National Park, India’s largest national park, that can take your breath away. Add to that ethical safaris, luxe stays in the heart of nature and authentic experiences that you will not get elsewhere.

In this article, we will give you a detailed account of the most well-known national parks in India and how, apart from biodiversity, you can expect luxury and hospitality of an exalted kind.

A quick chart on the national parks in India

National Park	Best time to visit	Things to Do	Famous For
Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand)	Nov–Mar, Apr–Jun	Jeep safari, birdwatching, rafting	First NP in India, Bengal tigers
Ranthambore (Rajasthan)	Oct–Apr	Tiger safari, fort visit, photography	Dense tiger population, Ranthambore Fort
Kanha (Madhya Pradesh)	Nov–Mar, summer for tigers	Safari, tribal visits, stargazing	Jungle Book inspiration, barasingha
Kaziranga (Assam)	Nov–Apr	Jeep/elephant safari, boating	One-horned rhinos, UNESCO site
Gir (Gujarat)	Dec–Mar, Apr–May	Lion safari, birding	Only home of Asiatic lions
Sundarbans (West Bengal)	Dec–Feb	Boat safari, crocodile & dolphin spotting	Mangroves, swimming tigers
Hemis (Ladakh)	May–Sep, Jan–Feb (snow leopards)	Trekking, monastery visits, stargazing	Largest NP in India, snow leopards
Tadoba (Maharashtra)	Oct–Jun, peak Mar–May	Jeep & night safari, birding	High tiger density
Nagarhole (Karnataka)	Oct–May	Safari, Kabini River boat rides	Elephants, big cats
Pench (Madhya Pradesh)	Oct–Jun	Jeep safari, birdwatching, camping	Jungle Book setting, rich wildlife
Silent Valley (Kerala)	Dec–Apr	Trekking, birdwatching, forest walks	Last untouched rainforest, lion-tailed macaque
Singalila (West Bengal)	Apr–Jun, Oct–Dec	Trekking (Sandakphu), birdwatching	Red pandas, Himalayan views
Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh)	Nov–Apr	Jeep safari, hiking, birdwatching	“Forest of Flutes”, bamboo forests, tigers
Dibru Saikhowa (Assam)	Nov–Apr	Boat safari, dolphin spotting, birding	Feral horses, river dolphins, 350+ bird species
Kanger Valley (Chhattisgarh)	Nov–Mar	Cave exploration, jungle walks, waterfalls	Limestone caves, tribal culture

Top 10 National Parks in India

Apart from veritable flora and fauna, exquisite birds and animals, India also has a rare gem. Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is the world’s only floating national park. It is built as an island on “phumdis” (floating vegetation) and is home to the rare dancing deer or Sangai. This park is a living example of the diversity and special characteristics of Indian natural inheritance.

All the national parks in India have their signature characteristics. You could be going tiger safaris in the jungles of Madhya Pradesh or spotting rhinos in Assam, every place will offer a different experience. In some national parks you can spot tigers in some others snow leopards and one even has the most famous lions in the world.

Here’s a closer look at the top 10 national parks in India that should be on every wildlife enthusiast’s bucket list.

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

National Parks in India: A comprehensive guide

In the Indian national park list the Jim Corbett national park is on top because in 1936 this park was established as the first national park in India. It is also the birthplace of Project Tiger that has helped India become the leader in tiger conservation in the world.

Why it’s famous: There are 225 tigers here making it the highest density of tigers in a national park in India. It also has wild elephants, along with gharials.
Special experiences: Jeep rides, ornithology (there are over 600 species of birds here), and rafting in the river Kosi.
Best time to visit: November to March, because weather is pleasant and between April to June, for tiger sighting.
How to reach: Pantnagar Airport (50 miles); most of the visitors arriving from the USA tend to fly into Delhi and drive (5- 6 hours) from there.
Where to stay: Aahana Resort (luxury), Taj Corbett Resort and Spa (luxury), and the forest lodgings at the Dhikala Zone.

Also read: Astrotourism alert! Best places for stargazing in India – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Ranthambore tiger park is where erstwhile royalty in India used to go hunting at one point of time. But now there has been a spurt in tiger population here because of conservation efforts and 88 tigers, some of whom are rather famous in the world, call Ranthambore their home. Without doubt, this is one of the best National Parks in India now. Within 3 to 4 hours tourists can reach Jaipur from Ranthambore by road, so both destinations are extremely popular for international travellers.

Why it’s famous: It’s easy to spot tigers here and some people have even spotted 10-15 tigers in a single day. The beautiful Ranthambore Fort (UNESCO bio Park) is located here.
Special experiences: Tiger safaris, walking in ancient ruins and photography tours.
Best time to visit: Oct-April has nice weather, April-May is the best time to spot tigers although it’s a bit warm then.
How to reach: Ranthambore is only 100 miles from Jaipur and Ranthambore National Park to Jaipur is one of the popular routes covered in India.
Where to stay: Aman-i-Khas (luxury), Oberoi Vanyavilas (luxury), and eco-lodges in Sawai Madhopur.

Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book has Kanha Tiger Reserve as its backdrop. So you can imagine how famous this national park is. Forests, streams, sal and bamboo trees and sloth bears, leopards and langurs still make Kanha look like a page out of Jungle Book.

Why it’s famous: A majestic tiger population, the barasingha (swamp deer), is an endangered animal here.
Special experiences: Following tigers during a safari, touring the Baiga and Gond tribal villages, eco-lodges, stargazing.

Best time to visit: It is between November and the end of March when the weather is glorious. Summer is when you can see more tigers but the heat is not for the fainthearted.
How to reach: Travelers coming to India from the US usually fly to Delhi or Mumbai. From there one can take a flight to Raipur Airport or Jabalpur Airport.
Where to stay: Taj Banjaar Tola (luxury), Kanha Earth Lodge (luxury), and guesthouses with fascinating history.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO-declared world heritage site and the ideal destination to see the Indian one-horned rhino. A large part of the park is covered with 6-8 feet tall elephant grass that gives the whole reserve its characteristic look.

Why it’s famous: The biggest concentration of the one-horned rhino in the world, as well as elephants and the presence of swamp deer.
Special experiences: Jeep safaris, elephant safari to locate the rhinos and boating on the Brahmaputra River.
Best time to visit: Visit from November to April, it is closed during monsoon.
How to reach: Guwahati Airport (140 miles) has one flight every day to Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Where to stay: Diphlu River Lodge (luxury), IORA – The Retreat (luxury) and eco-camps.

Gir National Park, Gujarat

In the entire world, Asiatic lions exist in only one place, and that is Gir National Park. The park has rugged terrain, dry deciduous forests and it is home to hyenas, leopards and more than 300 kinds of birds.

Why it’s famous: The only spot on earth which remains the natural habitat of the majestic Asiatic lion. It also has leopards and hyenas.
Special experiences: Lion safaris, bird-watching and experiencing Maldhari tribal culture.
Best time to visit: From December to March, April to May is hot but perfect to catch a glimpse of lions.June onwards the rains hit and the park remains closed till October.
How to reach: Rajkot Airport (150 km) or Somnath Airport (45 km).
Where to stay: The Fern Gir Forest Resort (luxury), Lion Safari Camp (luxury), Woods at Sasan (luxury) and forest lodges

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

Sundarbans National Park is the largest mangrove forest park in the world, which is full of sundari trees which have roots visible above water and elusive tigers. Add to this an intricate labyrinth of creeks and tidal waterways, which enhances the raw beauty of this wilderness.

Why it’s famous: UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the place of the famous and legendary swimming Royal Bengal tiger.
Special experiences: Boat safaris in mangrove creeks, saltwater crocodile spotting and dolphin spotting.
Best time to visit: The best months to visit are December-February as the weather is cool.
How to reach: Kolkata, the closest international city, is 60 miles away by road. Ferries are used to reach the mangroves.
Where to stay: Eco resorts in Gosaba, Sunderban Tiger Camp (luxury) and Sundarban Tiger Land Resort (mid range).

Do check out: Forest Bathing in India: Explore the healing power of the woods – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Hemis National Park, Ladakh

Hemis is the largest national park in India, which is spread over an area of more than 4,400 sq.km and is also one of the highest-altitude parks in the world.

Why it’s famous: The best location to see the snow leopard, as well as ibex, blue sheep, and golden eagles.
Special experiences: Snow leopard tracking, trekking to high altitude and visiting monasteries.
Best time to visit: Best time to visit is May-September to trek, July – August ideal for snow leopard expeditions because weather is warmer and meadows are green.
How to reach: Leh Airport (with link to Delhi); roads are passable only in summer.
Where to stay: Traditional Homestays to experience the authentic Ladakhi life and House of Rumbak Wildlife Lodge (luxury).

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Tadoba, sometimes referred to as the Jewel of Vidarbha, is regarded as one of the finest destinations in India to view wild tigers. In 2010 the park had a population of 15 tigers which has gone up to 115 in June 2025, making it one of the most popular haunts for tiger safaris in India and also one of the toppers in the India national parks list.

Why it’s famous: It has a lot of tigers and leopards, sloth bears and wild dogs and a variety of birds.
Special experiences: Enjoy jeep safaris, see tigers, bird-watch at Tadoba Lake, night safaris and also stay in jungle lodges along the park gates.
Best time to visit: October to June. During the warm months March – May when they come to waterholes, tigers can be spotted.
How to reach: The nearest airport is at Nagpur (140 km). Chandrapur is the nearest rail station (45 km).
Where to stay: There are jungle resorts, eco-lodges and forest guesthouses outside Moharli and Kolara gates. Stay in WelcomHeritage Tadoba Vanya Villas Resort & Spa (luxury), Trees N Tigers (luxury) and Waghoba Eco Lodge (luxury).

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Located in the Western Ghats, Nagarhole or Rajiv Gandhi National Park is a park well known for its elephant and tiger population. Interwoven with streams, dense teak and sandalwood forests and open meadows, Nagarhole offers one of India’s most scenic and wildlife-rich safari experiences.

Why it‘s famous: A good site to watch elephants, tigers, leopards and a variety of birds.
Special experiences: A special experience in Nagarhole is taking a boat safari on the Kabini River, where you can watch herds of elephants, gaur and even tigers come to drink at the water’s edge while flocks of birds soar above.
Best time to visit: October to May. The summer (March – May) is the best time to watch animals around the water.
How to reach: Mysuru is the nearest airport (95 km) and Bengaluru (220 km).
Where to stay: Kabini River Lodges, Orange County Kabini (luxury), Kaav Safari Lodge (luxury) and Regenta Kabini Springs Resort (luxury).

Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

The Pench river flowing through the Pench National Park and grasslands where tigers, leopards and wild dogs roam, create a wild ambience that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world.

Why it’s famous: People usually do the Pench- Kanha-Bandhavgarh circuit since these three national parks are closeby. Pench has around 53 tigers and it’s easy to spot a few on any trip.
Special experiences: Jeep Safari to spot tigers, bird watching, walks and evenings in the jungle cozied up by the campfire.
Best time to visit: October- June weather is good, but the hot summer months March-May are more conducive for tiger spotting.
How to reach: Local airports include Nagpur (130km) and Jabalpur (200km)..
Where to stay: To get the best experience it is necessary to stay in a Pench National Park resort. Such choices are luxury lodges like Taj Baghvan, Pench Tree Lodge or eco-stays like Jamtara Wilderness Camp.

Do you want to go tiger spotting or exotic birds fascinate you? We will tailor your safari accordingly. Talk to us.

Offbeat & lesser-known national parks in India

In addition to renowned parks, these lesser-known parks have caves, rainforests and even some have coral reefs.

Kanger Valley National Park, Chhattisgarh

The Kanger Valley National Park in the heartland of tribal India is renowned due to the limestone caves, water streams and pristine forests.

Why it’s famous: The fascinating limestone caves of Kutumsar and Kailash, the Tirathgarh Waterfall and rich tribal culture. Wildlife has tigers, leopards, peacocks and hill myna.
Special experiences: Caves and jungle walks and seeing the rare bats and birds.
Best time to visit: November-March is the time for great weather.
How to reach: The nearest airport is Raipur (160 miles) with access to domestic flights.
Where to stay: Jungle lodges in Jagdalpur and local community-run eco-stays.

Silent Valley National Park, Kerala

Sometimes referred to as the last unclaimed rainforest in the country, Silent Valley National Park is set deep in the Nilgiri Mountains. It is characterized by undulating terrain with steep escarpments, rolling plateaus, and valleys carved by the Kunti River.

Why it’s famous: Home to lion-tailed macaque, malabar civet, and over 1,000 flowering plants. Endangered monkeys are found here, too.
Special experiences: Go hiking in the evergreen forests, bird watching (200+ species), and relax in nature.
Best time to visit: December-April is good as it is the trekking and wildlife viewing season.
How to reach: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (40 miles).
Where to stay: Chandramala Jungle Resort (luxury), Silent Valley Resort (luxury), eco-resorts and homestays.

Also read: Silent & mindfulness meditation retreats in India – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Singalila National Park, West Bengal

Singalila National Park is located in the Himalayas and has some of the best trekking routes in India, along with exotic wildlife.

Why it’s famous: Home to the endangered red panda and known for its panoramic views of Kanchenjunga.
Special experiences: Sandakphu-Phalut Trek, birdwatching (satyr tragopan, blood pheasant), and blooming rhododendron, wild flowers in the spring.
Best time to visit: April-June (wildflowers in full bloom). October-December offers clear skies and great views.
How to reach: 50 km from Bagdogra Airport. Delhi to Kolkata flights are available.
Where to stay: Habre’s Nest (luxury), Vamoosetrail Tumling (luxury), village homestays, and lodges are some of the stay options that can be considered. Camps can also be rented during trekking.

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is also known as the Forest of Flutes, as there are tall bamboo forests in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. It is a peaceful place to watch tigers and ideal for nature lovers.

Why it’s famous: Tigers, leopards, swamp deer and over 300 species of birds can be seen here.
Special experiences: Relaxed jeep safaris, birdwatching and hiking in bamboo forests.
Best time to visit: November-April. May-June is hot but offers the best chances of spotting tigers.
How to reach: Nearest airport is Bareilly (56 km). Pilibhit also has a railway station.
Where to stay: Forest lodgings,Tiger Manor Resort (luxury) and eco-resorts around the park can be considered for the stay.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam

Dibru-Saikhowa is an underrated beauty of Assam, known for its riverine forests and wild horses.It is the best place in India to watch birds.

Why it’s famous: It is home to wild horses, river dolphins and over 350 bird species.
Special experiences: Boat safari on Brahmaputra, dolphin spotting and birdwatching tours.
Best time to visit: Visit during a stretch of pleasant weather in November to April as there are high chances to see wildlife.
How to reach: Nearest airport is Dibrugarh (40 km). The closest railway station is Tinsukia (12 km).
Where to stay: Guesthouses, Hotel Centre Point (luxury), local eco-camp and homestays in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh.

Check this out: Leisure Trip: The ultimate guide to relaxation and stress-free travel – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Why Choose Flying Squirrel Holidays?

We make your Indian wildlife safari hassle-free and you will go back with the best memories.

We specialise in customised wildlife tours in India.
We will arrange the permits for entry into the national parks.
We will book your stay in an eco lodge or 5-star resorts in national parks in India.
We integrate culture and adventure along with safaris to give you the best experiences.

From the largest national park of India, Hemis, to the mystical Sundarbans, national parks in India are rich not only in biodiversity but have ample history too. Travelling to India to visit the best national parks does not only mean a vacation, but it means promoting conservation and restoring lost touch with nature.

With Flying Squirrel Holidays, your Indian wildlife safari will not be just a trip; it will be a life-altering experience.

Call us at +91 33 4052 5777 or go to www.flyingsquirrelholidays.com for further details.

FAQs

Do I need permits to visit national parks in India?
Yes. Entry permits are required for all national parks and tiger reserves. These can be booked online in advance or arranged through your travel operator.

When is the best time to visit India’s national parks?
Most parks are open from October to June, with peak wildlife sightings in the dry months (February–May). Parks usually remain closed during the monsoon (July–September).

Which national parks are most famous for tiger safaris?
Top tiger reserves include Ranthambore (Rajasthan), Kanha (Madhya Pradesh), Tadoba (Maharashtra), and Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand).

What kind of safaris are available?
Safaris are usually conducted in open jeeps (gypsies) or canters (larger safari vehicles), accompanied by trained guides and naturalists. Some parks also offer walking safaris and boat safaris.

Can I book safaris on arrival?
It’s strongly recommended to book safaris well in advance (often 60–90 days), as slots are limited and sell out quickly, especially in tiger reserves.

Are luxury accommodations available inside or near the parks?
Yes. Many reserves have luxury jungle lodges and boutique resorts that blend comfort with immersive wilderness experiences.

Is it safe to go on a safari in India?
Absolutely. Safaris are guided by trained naturalists, and strict safety rules are followed. Tourists are not allowed to leave vehicles inside core zones.

What should I wear and carry on a safari?
Wear neutral-colored clothing, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Carry binoculars and cameras, but avoid bright colors and loud noises.

Can I see wildlife other than tigers?
Yes. India’s national parks are rich with biodiversity, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, wild dogs, barasingha, and over 1,200 species of birds.

Are national parks accessible for international tourists year-round?
Yes, but access depends on the season. Winter and spring are most popular, while monsoon closures apply to many tiger reserves. Always check with your tour operator.