National parks in India are the crown jewels of a country teeming with a vibrant cultural and colorful landscapes to match. India is one of the most populous nations in the world, but it’s also one of the biggest countries in regards to land mass. Much of that land has been allocated to national parks, so those seeking to explore beyond India’s densely-populated major cities can quickly discover a deep connection with nature when they visit this remarkable subcontinent.
Disclaimer: this compilation, while extensive, does not cover each and every one of India’s national parks–because there are over a hundred! Helpful information for planning your trip, including India’s most popular as well as lesser-known and more remote national parks, is all included.
Kanha National Park
Kudremukh National Park
Kaziranga National Park
How Many National Parks are in India?
India has 106 national parks.
Where Are India’s National Parks?
National parks in India are scattered throughout the country. India has six major regions which are divided into 28 individual states. Each of India’s 28 states is home to at least one national park, with some boasting as many as ten!
How to Get to National Parks in India
Because India is such a vast country, getting to its national parks requires a bit of research and planning. Depending on how remote the area is, you may need to plan several hours and perhaps even an overnight stay in your plans to reach some national parks. Buses, trains, and group tours from major cities and to the most popular national parks are available. Do your research and be patient while navigating language barriers and unexpected transportation delays.
Many in-park lodging options offer transportation services and organize safaris and other excursions through affiliated partners. Look for B-Corp certified and sustainability-accredited lodging and tour operators when booking.
Popular National Parks in India
Whether they’re close to major cities or made famous by movies, these are some of India’s most popular national parks. Keep scrolling for more off-the-beaten-path national parks.
Jim Corbett National Park
India’s first national park, Jim Corbett National Park, hasn’t always been one of the country’s most visited outdoor sanctuaries. Over the years it has grown in recognition and is one of the only national parks that allows overnight stays.
Ranthambore National Park
Due to its close proximity to Delhi, Ranthambore National Park is one of India’s most visited national parks. While the park is beautiful, crowd management efforts are ongoing at the park. If you have the time, consider one of the more remote or lesser-known parks near New Delhi instead.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Most people come to Bandhavgarh National Park for one thing: tigers. It makes sense since this is where India’s first white tiger was discovered. Bandhavgarh is also where you’ll find the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers in the world, as well as a plethora of other impressive wildlife.
Kanha National Park
The indescribable beauty of Kanha National Park is said to be the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. More recently, the award-winning National Geographic film Land of the Tiger was filmed in Kanha. The documentary highlights the extraordinary lives of Royal Bengal Tigers living in the park’s wilderness.
India’s Least Visited & Less Crowded National Parks
Beat the crowds and find your own corner of paradise at these lesser-known national parks in India.
Keibul Lamjao National Park
One of the most unique national parks in the world is Keibul Lamjao National Park. This buoyant ecosystem on Loktak Lake is the only national park of its kind in the world. With an abundance of marine and amphibious life, Keibul is also home to the rare sangai deer.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary packs a six-credit punch as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, national park, tiger reserve, biosphere reserve, elephant reserve, and important bird area. Located at the intersection of the Himalayan foothills and Manas River, Manas boasts a rich ecosystem for dozens of wild species to flourish.
Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere & National Park
Only accessible by boat, the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere & National Park is made up of 21 small islands and coral reefs teeming with mesmerizing marine life. This national park in India is located off the coast of the southern state of Tamil Nadu near Sri Lanka.
Great Himalayan National Park
Untraveled loves a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is why Great Himalayan National Park comes highly recommended as an area of immense environmental and ecological significance. This region of the western Himalayas is also home to some of the world’s most threatened species, including snow leopards, serows, and musk deer.
Ranthambore National Park
Spanning across five states, Dudhwa National Park is credited with the revival of the nearly-extinct swamp deer and barasingha populations. The park is also home to India’s first tiger preserve. Additionally, it’s recognized for its sustainable initiatives including ongoing conservation efforts and responsible tourism initiatives.
Orang National Park
Orang National Park (sometimes spelled orange) is a far less-crowded equally as impressive alternative to nearby Kaziranga National Park. Visitors can still spot the same extraordinary wildlife here such the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Hemis National Park
The rocky terrain and sweeping grasslands of Hemis National Park provide the perfect habitat for a variety of rare wildlife. It’s a designated snow leopard reserve, and Tibeten Wolves also stalk these lands.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is renowned as the national park in India with some of the most significant numbers of wild elephants. India’s most northwestern population of Asian elephants and the largest population of elephants in the state of Uttarakhand live in Rajaji.
Jawai National Park
Known as the “Land of Leopards,” Jawai National Park is famous for its leopard population. A variety of sustainable lodging and responsible safari activities are available for visitors.
