Known For : Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Jeep Safari Ranthambore Ranthambhore Fort
This is one of the best tiger reserves of the country, known to have "friendly" tigers and chances of sighting one here is reasonably better than many other tiger reserves of India. Along with this Ranthambore has one of the richest flora and fauna making it an absolutely must visit area
Best Time: October to Apr
Known For : Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park Corbett Waterfall River Rafting in Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park, set amidst the foothills of Himalayas, houses a variety of flora and fauna including rare ones such as tigers and is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Best Time: Mid October to Mid June
The Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is a beautiful forest with wildlife and vegetation in abundance. Formerly a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Rewa, this National Park is world-renowned as a tiger reserve.
Bandhavgarh is known to have the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world and the frequent sightings of royal tigers make this national park a must-visit for all wildlife enthusiasts. In 2012, around 44-49 tigers were living in the park. There are more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of avifauna.
Best Time: October to June
Home to the largest population of the one-horned rhino on earth, Kaziranga National Park is one of India’s national treasures in terms of flora and fauna. Located in the state of Assam in North-Eastern India, its total area is shared by the districts of Nagaon, Golaghat and Karbi Anglong placing it roughly at the centre of the state. Approximately around five hours by road from Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park stands tall as the epitome of successful wildlife conservation in India. In 1985, it was awarded the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Best Time: October to June
Located in a central region of Madhya Pradesh it is the largest National Park in central India and has been ranked as one of the best parks in Asia. Among the 22 species of large mammals, the royal Bengal tigers are a major attraction. One of the Tiger Reserves in India, the present-day area stretches over the 940-kilometre square which is divided into two sanctuaries: Hallon and Banjar.
Best Time: October to June
Gir National Park is the only remaining home for the Asiatic Lions that are almost a definition to this park in Gujarat, which has a lot more to offer.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Marichjhanpi Ghoramara Island New Moore Island
Known for hosting the biggest mangrove forests in the world, Sundarbans National Park is located in West Bengal, India. It is also a Tiger Reserve and a Biosphere reserve that provides a complete nature's circle to the tourist right from 'Royal Bengal tigers' to roaring rivers and beautiful estuaries. Sundarbans National Park is a part of Sundarban delta that is covered with Mangrove Forest and the largest population of the Bengal Tigers. It is a UNESCO world heritage site with a large variety of birds and reptiles including salt-water crocodile.
Best Time: September to March
Known For : Gopalaswamy Hills Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Situated in the state of Karnataka, Bandipur National Park was once the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Mysore. It was later established as a reserve in 1974 under project tiger and these deciduous forests rich in wildlife have become a popular tourist attraction since then. It is 80 km from Mysore enroute Ooty which is a popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. Due to a lot of wildlife casualties due to speeding vehicles, a ban on traffic between 9 PM to 6 AM has been established to ensure the safety of the animal population.
Best Time: October to May
The Periyar National Park in Thekkady, Kerala, is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world and the best-protected reserve area that one can lay eyes on in India. Famous for its gorgeousness, greenery and stillness, the park is the dwelling place of abundant significant species, including the royal tigers and majestic elephants apart from other reptiles, fishes and birds. This National Park is an amazing coming together of nature, adventure and beauty. A place which allows you the peace and serenity you so desire, an opportunity to be one with nature and just a normal sighting of a Tiger or two, Periyar National Park is full of beautiful sights and sounds.
Nestled in the Aravali Hills over an area of about 800 sq. Km covering the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, cliffs and rocky landscape, lays the Sariska National Park, now known as The Sariska Tiger Reserve. This area was once hunting preservation of The Maharaja of Alwar. The Reserve is known for its majestic Royal Bengal Tigers. In 1978, it was given the status of Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger. It is the first tiger reserve to relocate the Tigers (from Ranthambore) successfully. As it lies in the lap of Aravali Hills, it holds an abundant amount of mineral resources like copper.
Which of these wildlife sanctuaries in India have you visited? Let us know in the comments below!