One of the highlights of visiting India is the country’s natural reserves and fauna, which is why the national parks are an incredible way to witness this environmental beauty as it’s protected and maintained.
India is where 80% of the world’s tiger population resides. Amid a shocking discovery that the numbers were dwindling, India’s tiger reserves were set up in 1973 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. According to the World Wildlife Fund the wild tigers saw an increase in their population between 2010 and 2016 from 3,159 to 3,890.
These national parks and reserves are an excellent way to watch these majestic animals up close, while also supporting efforts to protect and conserve them and their environment. Here are some of the top parks and reserves to visit.
Wild Tiger in the Park (Encounter Asia)
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park was the first of its kind in India, established in 1936 during the time of the British Raj. It was also the first to be part of the Project Tiger Initiative. It is 201 sq miles of hills, and hosts a variety of wildlife and local flora (exactly 10 types of trees, 50 species of mammals, 580 bird varieties and 25 different reptiles). Aside from tigers, there’s also leopards and elephants roaming the area which is a safari favorite.
Ranthambore National Park
Close to the Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, this former royal hunting ground is now protected land for tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles. Within Ranthambore National Park
is Ranthambore Fort, with some of the most incredible views of the local flora. Avid photographers should not miss this site as it’s where the best images of tigers can be captured.
A leopard relaxes in a tree
Kaziranga National Park
These parks are not only home to tigers but also to a wide array of wildlife such as the one-horned rhinoceros and river dolphins. You can also find gray pelicans and migratory birds in Kaziranga. This protected area is located in the state of Assam in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River.
Gir Forest National Park
This sanctuary is located in Gujarat, and hosts Asiatic lions, leopards, and antelopes. You can take a safari to see these great animals in their habitat or take a guided tour into the forest, which is home to vultures and pythons. Crocodiles and birds also frequent the area.
Wild Rhinoceros (Encounter Asia)
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Located in the mountainous area of southern India, Periyar National Park is a sanctuary space to tigers, elephants, rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards, and Indian bison. The lake located north of the park gives the chance for a boat ride to view the area from another perspective and the nearby town of Kumily has spice plantations where visitors can include a different experience to their trip.
Rajiv Gandhi National Park
Nagarhole National Park, as it’s also known, exists in the state of Karnataka. The park, which has sandalwood and teak trees is home to tigers, elephants, and a myriad of bird species. Closeby, visitors can also schedule a trip to the Irupu Falls.
Wildlife in the Park (Encounter Asia)
Eravikulam National Park
This park is mostly known for being the home of the Nilgiri Tahr mountain goats, as it strives to protect and preserve these animals. The views found in this park are incredibly breathtaking given the elevation, making it something nature lovers should experience. Anyone visiting the Kerala region should consider stopping at both Eravikulam and Periyar Tiger Reserve as part of their trip.
Silent Valley
Another national park in Kerala, Silent Valley hosts a large population of lion-tailed macaques. Aside from the endangered primates, there are Nilgiri langurs, tigers, leopards, clivets, sloth bears, and sambar deer. This park is an ideal spot for bird watchers as visitors can see at least 170 different kinds of birds.
Photo by Petchie Colina
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
The white-winged wood ducks is one of the most endangered animals, with only about 800 left in the world. This park was dedicated to the protection of this bird but also hosts other animals such as water buffalo, black-breasted parrotbill, capped langurs, and, of course, tigers.
The Orang National Park
Also known as the mini version of Kaziranga National Park, Orang hosts the greater one-horn rhinoceros, pygmy hogs, elephants, water buffalo, and bengal tigers. Among the reptile population of the park are seven species of turtle and tortoises, and several kinds of pythons and cobras.
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