Best National Parks in India for Family Wildlife Tours
India is a place of incredible biodiversity, with some of the most stunning national parks in the world. With over 100 national parks, India provides an opportunity to experience a unique blend of wildlife, landscape, and adventure. National parks in India are spread across diverse terrains, from the mountain range of the Himalayas to coastal mangroves. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or a passionate traveller, here’s a curated list of the best national parks in India that are sure to captivate your heart.
1. Jim Corbett National Park
Lying in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is the first and oldest national park in India. This national park is named after a hunter-turned-conservationist, Jim Corbett. This national park has the most tigers in the world. Along with tigers, Jim Corbett also features animals like fishing cats, Asian elephants, Himalayan tahr, and several other rare wildlife species. Not just fauna, this national park also has over 110 species of trees, including bamboo, ferns, climbers, grasses, and shrubs.
The park is open from November to June, while the best time to see tigers is from March to mid-June. This is one of the very few parks in India that allow overnight camping. Jeep safari is a common way to explore the Jim Corbett National Park. While exploring, you can also enjoy the views of the most spirit-delightful hills, lakes, rivers, grasslands, and waterfalls.
2. Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park, famously known as the Land of the Tiger, is situated in the present-day Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Spread over the Vindhya hills, there are more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds in the area, along with over 600 species of plants recorded. Bandhavgarh is a mixture of two words: bandhav, meaning brother, and garh, meaning fort. This name comes from the ancient fort that Lord Rama is said to have gifted to his younger brother Lakshmana, located within the park.
Until 1968, this region was the hunting range for the Maharajas of Rewa. After that, the royal family gave over the territory to the state government, which was later turned into a national park. Bandhavgarh National Park provides jeep and canter safaris, guided tours with experienced naturalists, eco-lodges, cultural experiences, and adventure sports such as trekking, cycling, and nature walks.
3. Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park, yet another gem from Madhya Pradesh, is situated in the Maikal range of Satpuras. This vibrant land inspired Rudyard Kipling, a well-known writer, to create his masterpiece "The Jungle Book." Kanha covers two revenue districts, Mandala and Kalaghat. It was declared a reserve forest in 1879 and revalued as a wildlife sanctuary in 1933.
Further, it was designated a national park in 1955. In 2000, Kanha was recognized as the best tourism-friendly national park by the Department of Tourism, Government of India.
When it was a tiger reserve, it was one of the first nine tiger reserves that was created under Project Tiger in 1973, whose objective was to ensure the survival of the tigers. Kanha National Park is also known for saving the hardground barasingha (swamp deer) from near extinction. It’s the only place in the world where this subspecies exists.
4. Ranthambore National Park
One of the largest and best-known national parks in India, Ranthambore is located in Rajasthan, in the Sawai Madhopur district. It is one of the best areas in India to witness Royal Bengal tigers in the wild, especially during the summer months when they are spotted around water bodies. The Ranthambore National Park hosts three large & serene lakes, Padma Talao, Malik Talao, and Raj Bagh, which are covered in aquatic vegetation like duckweeds, lilies, and lotus.
Apart from tigers, the national park is a natural habitat for wild animals such as jackals, cheetahs, wild boars, and deer. The second-largest banyan tree in India is located within the park too, near Padma Talao. The best time to visit Ranthambore is from October to April when the weather is pleasant, and the chances of witnessing wildlife are much higher. The park remains closed from July to September during the rainy season. This safari can be a great addition to your Taj Mahal tour or Rajasthan Tour.
5. Sundarbans National Park
Sundarbans National Park is part of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve and Biosphere Reserve and is located in the state of West Bengal, India. The park connects from all directions by river banks, tidal canals, and mudflats and is accessible only by boat. Three-quarters of the world’s largest mangrove forest – the Sundarbans – lies under the Himalayan mountain ranges between India and Bangladesh.
The name comes from the “Sundari” trees which dominate the region. The area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its unique biodiversity and ecosystem. Besides, the Sundarbans host Royal Bengal Tigers, water monitor lizards, and a variety of birds, among which are the masked finfoot and mangrove pitta. Sundarban National Park offers boat rides through twisted canals which provide an opportunity to spot Royal Bengal Tigers and crocodiles.
FAQs
1. Do I need to book tiger safaris in Ranthambore in advance?
Yes, We recommend booking at least 3-4 months before the visit, especially if you’re planning to visit after October.
2. What is the best time to visit Kanha National Park?
The best time to visit Kanha National Park for wildlife safaris is during the winter months of October to March. Other national parks in this region, such as Bandhavgarh or Pench, are best visited during this period too.
3. What is the best way to reach Ranthambore Park?
Railways are the best way to reach Ranthambore National Park. The nearest railway station to Ranthambore is situated around 14 km away. Ranthambore National Park is well-connected by road also to most of the major cities of India.
4. How can I book a customised luxury wildlife tour in India?
A luxury wildlife holiday in India of your choice can be booked via TRAVELOSEI, a leading luxury travel agency of India. Simply reach out to them at +91-9999896334 & share your requirements. Their travel experts will tailor-make your itinerary as per your preferences & vision.


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