TOP 5 NATIONAL PARKS OF INDIA

India is blessed with mixed geographical conditions, making the place suitable for flora and fauna to flourish in wildlife. The country’s varied topographies are shelters for an extraordinary number of species on the verge of extinction, allowing them to live in their natural habitat.

The large decline in the population of wildlife species forces the government to established numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks for conversation of such species. The first national park of India was opened in 1936 as Jim Corbett National Park. Today, the country stands as a wildlife tourism hub for nature lovers with many rare wildlife species. While all of them might not be too popular, they are certainly worth a visit. Here are some of the best national parks in India.

1. Jim Corbett National Park

It was India's first national park, established as Hailey National Park in 1936; this park was later named after Jim Corbett, who was a known naturalist and hunter.

Jim Corbett national park is spread around 520 square kilometers and is dotted with lakes, marshy land, grasslands, river belts, hills, etc. The park has around 500 species of flora and fauna. One of the most visited national parks in India, famous for its wildlife safari. The park provides natural habitat to nearly 200 tigers, 300 wild elephants, whereas sloth bears, peacocks, crocodiles, otters, several species of monkeys, etc., can be found roaming freely.

It is mainly famous for Elephants, Leopards, and Tigers. The best time to visit is November to May.

2. Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park covers an area of around 1940 square kilometers. It is one of the famous tiger reserves of India. In 1973, Kanha Tiger Reserve was formed after merging two sanctuaries, namely Banjar (300 square kilometers) and Hallon (250 square kilometers), in the 1930s to protect and provide shelter to tiger species.

At present, this park serves as a natural habitat for sloth bears, wild dogs, royal Bengal tigers, antelopes, etc.

Located in Mandla (Madhya Pradesh) and is mainly famous for its Bengal tiger.

The best time to visit is October to June.

3. Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, this national park is known for a large population of one-horned rhinos, which accounts for two/thirds of the world’s total. It was established in 1908. It covers a whopping area of around 430 square km. It is spread in two Assamese districts, Nagaon and Golaghat.

Declared as a tiger reserve in 2006, this park also provides natural shelter to swamp deer, buffalo, elephants are other wild animals.

It is also a tiger reserve, and BirdLife International has recognized this park as an Important Bird Area for avifaunal species conservation.

The best time to visit the park is November to April.

4. Gir National Park

The first impression which comes to our mind when we heard the name Gir is the Asiatic lion habitat. Also named Sasan Gir, this protected forest area and wildlife sanctuary was established in 1965 and is home to several rare animals, including the Asiatic Lion. Spread in 1412 sq. km, the entire region is divided into the protected national park covering 258 sq. km and the sanctuary covering 1153 sq. km.

A species that was on the verge of extinction. Conservation projects have increased the number of these big cats. It is also the home of several other species like Indian mongoose, golden jackals, wild boars, nilgai, chital deer, four-horned antelopes, ratels, etc.

The best Time to Visit is December to March.

5. Periyar National Park

Among the most popular national parks of South India, Periyar National Park came into existence in 1982.

It is located in the western ghat of India in Pandalam and Cardamom Hill. The park is spread in around 777 sq. km; the park organizes several wildlife adventure activities, rafting, and jungle safari, which attract thousands of tourists and wildlife lovers across the globe.

The two rivers which pass through the park are Periyar and Pamba.

More than 45 reptiles’ species, 35 mammal’s species, 266 birds species, and around 160 species of butterflies can be found here, along with a good population of Bengal tigers and elephants.

The best Time to Visit is December to March.

These are just a few examples there are many wildlife sanctuaries and national park which is the hub of tourist attraction. One can visit these natural wonders during their holiday vacation to witness majestic India's natural wonders and wildlife.