India boasts a rich flora and fauna, thriving across its diverse topography and varied climates. Each region is famous for specific wildlife or plants rare elsewhere. North India, with its abundant terrain, is home to numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, offering travelers a chance to experience its natural diversity. Comfortable lodges and resorts are available for accommodation during your wildlife excursions.
Some of the popular wildlife destinations in North India include:
Corbett National Park
Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park in the foothills of the Himalayas is India’s first national park. It is famous for tigers, leopards, and elephants. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris, elephant safaris, horse safaris, bird safaris, fishing safaris, trekking, camping, and nature walks. Must-see sites include the Museum at Dhangarhi Gate and Corbett Museum at Kaladhungi.
Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur is world-renowned for its diverse bird species. Home to around 400 species, including the Siberian Crane, the park hosts pelicans, geese, ducks, cranes, larks, and more. Other animals include deer, jackals, blackbuck, fishing cats, blue bulls, and monkeys. Best visiting season is October to March.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
One of the largest national parks in North India, Ranthambore is famous for its tiger population. Visitors may also spot leopards, hyenas, chital, nilgai, blackbucks, and sloth bears. Attractions include Jogi Mahal and scenic lakes. Best visiting seasons are October–March and April–June.
Sariska National Park
Declared a national park in 1979, Sariska in Alwar district is a prominent tiger reserve. Earlier a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Alwar, it hosts tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, jungle cats, and hyenas. Other attractions include Kankwari Fort, an ancient Shiva temple, and a palace.
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book and is renowned for having the largest tiger population among Indian parks. Other species include barasingha, jackals, chital, gaur, and monkeys. Bamni Dadar offers a stunning sunset viewpoint.
Wildlife tourism in India has grown rapidly, offering diverse options for visitors and making the country a prime destination for nature enthusiasts.
