A staggering 70% of the world’s tigers, 60% of Asian elephants, and approximately 12% of the world’s bird species find their home in India. Needless to say, India is a wildlife hotspot. People across the globe visit the country not only to experience its culture and traditions but also to witness the lush jungles, where wild animals roam freely. The wilderness of India has been an inspiration to many writers, filmmakers, and environmental activists. An interesting thing is that if you were to travel back in time to some fifty years ago, you would find only five National Parks in India, but today, there are 106 standing within this country.
So, if you are setting out to see the wildlife and natural landscape that this country has to offer, IamNaviagto has curated the list of best National Parks in India, that will get you started.
10 Best National Parks in India
From the rugged, mountainous terrain of Hemis National Park to the lush, dense jungles of Pench National Park, this list is all you need to plan your safaris and experience the fascinating biodiversity found in India’s national parks.
| Sr. No. | 10 Best National Parks in India | Best Time to Visit | Ticket Price |
| 1 | Jim Corbett National Park | December – May | Starts from ₹2500 |
| 2 | Kaziranga National Park | November – April | Starts from ₹100 |
| 3 | Ranthambore National Park | October – May | Starts from ₹1400 |
| 4 | Sundarbans National Park | October – March | Starts from ₹180 |
| 5 | Gir National Park | December – March | Starts from ₹5200 |
| 6 | Hemis National Park | May – September | Starts from ₹20 |
| 7 | Bandhavgarh National Park | March – May | Starts from ₹400 |
| 8 | Kanha National Park | October – May | Starts from ₹6500 |
| 9 | Pench National Park | October – May | Starts from ₹2000 |
| 10 | Periyar National Park | October – March | Starts from ₹45 |
1. Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)
As the oldest and perhaps the most popular National Park in India, Jim Corbett National Park sees as many as 3.35 lakh Indian tourists every year. The reason for its popularity? Jim Corbett has everything that one expects in the Indian forests – leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, langur, alligators (gharials), and Asian Elephants roam freely in the grasslands of this deciduous forest while rolling hills, swamps, marshes, ridges, and ravines provide a visual treat to the tourists. However, the tigers are the highlight of this park. Their sightings, although rare, are immensely satisfying.
And if you want to know more about the history and biodiversity of this National Park, there’s a Jim Corbett Museum nearby that you can explore.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/C5tqCpnFNZgDLb4m7
Timings: 06:30 am – 10:30 am & 01:30 pm – 05:30 pm (subject to seasons)
2. Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan)
A former hunting ground for the Maharaja of Jaipur, this Indian National Park is dotted with ruined forts, huge lakes, and of course, exotic wildlife. You can find here water buffalo, wild boars, striped hyenas, langurs, wild dogs, mongoose, and several species of deer. You can even sign up for birdwatching and crocodile safaris.
Inside the park, there are ancient temples, havelis (mansions), and other magnificent manmade spots. A hidden place that you must look out for is the striking Jogi Mahal, a former hunting lodge standing tall in front of a scenic lake with red sandstone bricks.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/W54DT5cv6v7Z7D1U8
Timings: 06:00 am – 09:30 am & 03:30 pm – 07:00 pm
3. Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)
In the charming state of West Bengal, two of the mightiest rivers in the world – Brahmaputra (Indus) & Ganga – meet and drain into the Bay of Bengal, creating what is widely considered the world’s largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans. This Indian National Park is famous for its aquatic wildlife and birds. You can spot (if you are lucky) Gangetic dolphins, water monitors, saltwater crocodiles, and colorful kingfishers.
And here also, just like in most of the National Parks in India, tigers lurk in the impenetrable forest. If you ever get to visit this place, you are sure to learn about the chilling accounts of the man-eating Royal Bengal Tigers that rarely seem to fear man.
Locations: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ttqxi26J6Gj5hphv9
Timings: 08:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday closed
4. Gir National Park (Gujarat)
Unofficially proclaimed as the lion’s den, the Gir National Park is the best place in India for spotting Asiatic lions. Though home to some 40 species of mammal and 300 species of birds, when you see lions in flesh and form, you will rarely look anywhere else.
What’s more interesting is that there is a separate designated zone for lions and leopards who are considered man-eaters. They have been meticulously caught by the authorities and left out in an enclosed space which you can see only on a Jungle Safari in India. Watching them roam peacefully in an enclosure with the knowledge that each has hunted down a man is an eerie experience.
Locations: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PR8dEpBoiM5jtokm6
Timings: 6:45 to 9:45 am | 8:30 to 11:30 am | 3:00 to 6:00 pm (subject to seasons)
5. Hemis National Park (Ladakh)
People flock to the Hemis National Park to catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard. Aptly named “Ghost of the Mountains”, this beautiful beast is a master of disguise, camouflaging perfectly with the landscape of this National Park in India.
Other than the snow leopard you can also spot the Eurasian brown bear Golden Eagle, the Himalayan griffon vulture, and Tibetan wolf. But when you are not spending your time watching the animals, you can marvel at the panoramic snow-capped mountains.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zrVpL1eU6PRC6SgaA
Timings: 9 am and 5 pm
6. Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Rightfully called the land of the tigers, this National Park in India is home to around 60 or so tigers that roam freely around the vast expanse of deciduous forests and grasslands. Other than tigers, you can spot over 300 species of birds and 80 species of butterflies, leopards, sloth bears, Indian wolves, and many more wildlife.
However, if you want to witness the true beauty of this Indian National Park, go to the Tala Zone where large hills hide old forts and watchtowers, and an ancient 60-foot statue of reclining Lord Vishnu provides a window to the ancient architecture of India. You can also enjoy a balloon ride over the dense forest.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/B4ncmGGi4iD4ZSh79
Timings: 06:30 AM to 11:30 AM | 03:00 PM to 05:30 PM
7. Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
Kaziranga Reserve Forest was established in 1905 as a result of conservation initiatives sparked by Curzon, the wife of the Viceroy. As the story goes, Baroness Mary Curzon voiced her displeasure at not seeing a single rhino in the wild, despite the fact that this place was once the home to more than two-thirds of the world’s population of Asian rhinos.
Now, one hundred years later, in addition to rhinos, the park serves as a breeding ground for swamp deer, water buffalo, and wild elephants. Although they are adept at hiding, tigers and leopards can also be found in tropical broadleaf woods.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/o6nGs7zZS6XB7uot5
Timings: 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM | 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM | 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM | 2:35 PM to 4:35 PM
8. Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
The main attraction of this National Park in India is undoubtedly the Bengal tiger which served as the inspiration for the Shere Khan of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. He meticulously encapsulated the deciduous forests, towering sal trees, grasslands, and bamboo groves of this forest in his novel.
You can take a jeep safari starting before dawn to see various species of mammals including langurs, sloth bears, leopards, wild dogs, and spotted and sambar deer. The forest department also offers guided nature walks along the Banjar River and buffer zones that go between two and three kilometers.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7avCx2cezhJg4g689
Timings: Sunrise to 11:00 AM & 02:00 PM to Sunset (subject to seasons)
9. Periyar National Park (Kerala)
For those who enjoy animals and adventure, Periyar National Park is heaven. Located in the folds of the Western Ghats, this National Park in India serves as the region’s oldest and most biodiverse area. It provides excellent opportunities to spot Asian elephants in their natural habitat along with other animals. For a unique experience, you can relax by a bonfire with friends or take a boat trip on the calm lake, which is surrounded by a variety of fauna and rich vegetation.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hsy7MP7E2oFu5oWWA
Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
10. Pench National Park (Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra)
For a non-touristic experience, Pench National Park is an excellent getaway. It sees fewer tourists so when you are being driven around the park, it feels like you have the whole forest to yourself.
This Indian National Park is mainly made up of teak-tree forest that provides the tigers here the perfect place to hide. Other than tigers you can also find Indian wild dog, jungle cat, wild boar, chital, jackal, hyena, and wolf.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/giGMNRrVHyonN3NG6
Timings: 06.00 am – 11.00 am & 03.00 pm – 06.00 pm (subject to seasons)
Conclusion
India’s national parks are among the greatest places for anyone wishing to get in touch with nature. They are the perfect place to find wildlife, adventure, and tranquility while also standing as the country’s efforts towards protecting its flora and fauna. These parks will be a memorable experience whether you’re a serious animal enthusiast or just want to get away from city life for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How many national parks are in India?
A. As of 2025, India has 106 national parks.
Q. Which is the largest national park in India?
A. The Hemis National Park in Ladakh is the largest national park in India, spread across 4,400 sq. km.
Q. Which is the first national park in India?
A. Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, established in 1936, is India’s first national park.
Q. Which is the best time to visit Pench National Park?
A. The best time to visit Pench National Park is from October to June, with November to February being the peak season due to pleasant weather and better wildlife sightings.
Q. What is the ticket price for a national park in India?
A. Ticket prices vary by park and safari type. Generally, entry fees range from ₹50 to ₹500 per person, while jeep safari costs can range from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the location and number of visitors.
Q. Where are the most dangerous national parks in India?
A. Some national parks in India are considered dangerous due to wildlife encounters, rough terrain, or extreme weather conditions. These include:
- Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal) – Home to man-eating Royal Bengal tigers.
- Kaziranga National Park (Assam) – Known for rhinos and occasional flooding.
- Gir National Park (Gujarat) – Only habitat for Asiatic lions.
- Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh) – Risky due to high-altitude trekking and unpredictable weather.
Also Read:
Best Places To Visit In Summer In India | Best Treks from Manali | Best Places to Visit in North India
