The popular animals found in India are the ferocious Bengal Tiger, incredible Indian Lion, Black bear, Apes, , Monkeys, Snakes, Crocodiles, Buffaloes, Asian Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Swamp Deer, One-Horned Rhinoceros, Indian Gazelle (Chinkara), Goats and Leopards. Elephants provide the maximum excitement while exploring India. India is also famous for the largest number of bird species; out of the1300 species of birds found in India, 42 are endemic.
There are more than 500 wildlife sanctuaries and 103 National Parks in India, which attract travellers and tourists from all over the world. Be it the popular Asiatic Lion, the Royal Bengal Tiger the Flying Fox or the Nilgai you are sure to catch a glimpse of the most unique animals which are otherwise only heard of. A major attraction for tourists from all corners of the globe the wildlife sanctuaries in India are apt places for the ornithologists, wildlife photographers, researchers and simply the animal and plant lovers. In order to experience the exotic flora and fauna of the numerous wildlife sanctuaries in India you have to visit any of the few mentioned below.
Some of the major wildlife sanctuaries are Corbett National Park, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, Neyyar Sanctuary, Blackbuck National Park, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and so on. There are some hotels, resorts or guesthouses to cater to the lodging needs of tourists. One can see these sanctuaries accompanied by a guide, provided by the local travel agents.
Out of the 34 biodiversity rich spots in the world, three lie in India; they are the Western Ghats, the Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Burma region. There are 18 biosphere reserves in India. These aim at securing the ecosystem by stopping irresponsible interference of humans with the ecosystem and also to conserve the endemic and endangered species. Out of these 18, 4 are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The protected area, in India, covers almost 5% of total geographical area of the country. Scattered all across the country, these sanctuaries and parks offer a spectacular treat to the visitors with their beautiful landscapes, amazing rock formation and diverse range of flora and fauna. Most of these sanctuaries were originally private hunting grounds of the former Indian aristocratic families.
Paying a visit to India's wildlife sanctuaries is something that one should not rule out when on a holiday to this country. To a great extent, the wildlife depends on the flora or the vegetation in the region. The vegetation in the North Indian forests is mainly deciduous and coniferous.
The two main animal parks in Northern India are the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and the more famous Jim Corbett National Park which is home to India's endangered Bengal Tiger, along with as many as 488 unusual plants and 650 animals. Around 37 different types of dragon fly have been found there. The spectacular riverine belts, hills leading into the Himalayas, marshlands and grasslands enthral the visitors.
The diverse floral count at Jim Corbett is absolutely astonishing; according to botanical survey of India Corbett has 600 species of plants including Sal, Khair-Sisso, Chir Pine and Bamboo forests. Flowering trees like Kachnar (white tom pink flowers), Semal (giant red blooms), Dhak (bright and eye pleasing orange flowers) also called the flame of the forest, Amaltas (bright yellow chandelier like blooms) and Madaar or Indian Coral (red flowers) provide a vibrancy to the region.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal place for bird lovers and ornithologists. Over 200 species of native and exotic migratory birds flock here and the area has been declared an "Important Bird Area by Bird Life International". Blackbirds, Forktail, Laughing Thrush, Nut-hatchers, Parakeets and Pheasants can be seen. It is also famous as the home to endangered species likes Indian Red Fox, Jackals, Porcupines and Pine martens; besides leopard, Black Himalayan Bear, Wild boars, Kakars, Monkeys. One can watch plenty of birds and animals during trekking in forest.
These sanctuaries and forest reserves are home to several endangered species of animals and birds.
The Indian elephant is a sub-species of the Asiatic Elephant and has been enlisted as 'endangered' by IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is marked as the most protected area for the elephants and the tigers.
The Royal Bengal tiger, the national animal of both India and Bangladesh is listed as 'endangered' on the IUCN Red List. There are about 50 tiger reserves in India; including the Sunderban National Park, Jim Corbett, Dudhwa, Bandhavgarh etc. Tiger reserves are the best places to catch a glimpse of this big cat. The Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is one of the largest tiger reserves of India.
The Snow Leopard is another 'endangered' species of the big cat family. It is a native of the Himalayan ranges and can be spotted at the Hemis National Park, Jammu and Kashmir; Great Himalayan National Park (World Heritage site) in Himachal Pradesh; Gangotri National Park,Uttarakhand; Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim; and Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is known to be home to the Indian one-horned Rhinoceros.
Dudhwa National Park is another park made famous by its huge swamp deer population.
The wildlife sanctuaries of India also include the bird sanctuaries, like the one at Bharatpur in Rajasthan. Different species of birds that one can find over here is truly fascinating. The Great Indian bustard, Himalayan monal, pheasant, lammergiers, choughs, white-bellied sea eagle, white breasted swiftlet, fruit pigeons and griffon vultures are just some of the species that you can get to see here. Keoladeo National Park also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a World Heritage Site, a Ramsar Wetland Site and also identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International. The 'critically endangered' Siberian Crane which used to visit the Keoladeo National Park during winter months is extinct already it seems. These birds have not been sighted at Bharatpur since 2001.
Visits to wildlife sanctuaries bring one closer to nature. Visitors can enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of these parks while walking past the tall trees during forest tours and trails. A large number of guided wildlife safari tours are available which one can avail of in order to ensure getting the best sightings possible, although there is no guarantee.
So, for a holiday filled with excitement make sure you check out the wildlife sanctuaries in India. You are sure to have an experience that is worth cherishing.
Wildlife in North India
Naturally blessed this part of India is home to the vast Himalayas and the great Gangetic Plains. Due to its favourable climatic conditions and topographical diversity North India supports a rich mix of flora and fauna. North India provides shelter to some of the finest and the rarest wildlife in its sanctuaries. Some of the species unique to this part of the country are; bluesheep, Himalayan marmots, snow partridges, snow leopards, goats like ibex, Himalayan wolfs, makhor, etc. The list of most frequented wildlife sanctuaries in North India include; Corbett National Park, Ranthambore National Park, and Bharatpur National Park.
Wildlife in East India
If you really want to see animals in their natural habitat then a trip to the wildlife sanctuaries in East India is a must for you. Unique and diverse the wildlife of East India attracts millions of tourist from different parts of the globe. Home to some of the finest endangered species like Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog, the One-horned Rhinoceros and the Wild Buffalos the wildlife in this part of the country is very different from the rest of India. The two most important wildlife sanctuaries in East India are the Sundarbans and the Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wildlife in South India
Wildlife in West India
Ideal for the wildlife enthusiasts the western part of India supports a prominent part of India's wildlife. Supporting the growth of a distinct flora and fauna this part of India resides more than 40 mammals' species and about 450 bird species. Blessed in terms of topography and climate West India is home to some of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in India. There are about 300 Asiatic Lions in the Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated in Gujarat. The other important wildlife sanctuaries in West India include; Dhangadhra Sanctuary the Velavadar National Park Marine National Park and Sanctuary and many more.
Wildlife sanctuaries in India
Jim Corbett National Park: Said to be India's most beautiful wildlife reserve, Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, this National Park is spread over an area of 1318.54 sq. km. Home to a rich ecosystem the Jim Corbett consists rolling grasslands interspersed with rivers and valleys. An ideal place for bird watchers and nature lovers this national park in North India is the residing place of the endangered Bengal Tiger. Consisting of a diversified flora and fauna this sanctuary in India is home to about 600 different species of plants, over 650 species of birds and animals which includes gharial, elephant, chital, sambar, wild boar , King Cobra, Indian Pangolin nilgai, muntjac, common musk shrew, and the flying fox.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in the mighty Western Ghats the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is said to be heaven for nature lovers. Set amidst the picturesque surroundings and vast tracts of lush greeneries of Kerala this wildlife sanctuary in South India is the adobe of some of the rarest endangered species in the country. Beautiful as it is this wildlife sanctuary offers enthralling views of nature and includes a host of wildlife attractions like Barking Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog, Deer, Mouse and very rarely, a Tiger. There are also a number of birds that inhabit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which include Darters, Kingfishers, Cormorants and the Malabar Hornbill.
Gir National Park: Spread over an area of 1412 sq km the Gir National Park lies in the Gujarat Peninsular region of India. Known to be the only habitat of the world renowned Asiatic Lion, this wildlife reserve in western India is every nature lovers' dream. Consisting of a seamless blend of valleys, rivers, dense deciduous forests and swampy grasslands this national park is considered as one of the top wildlife habitats in the country. Apart from the Asiatic Lions this wildlife reserve is also famous for species like; Grey Musk Shrew, Flying Foe, Hare, Hedgehog, Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Ratel, Porcupine, Fox and Jackal. The peafowl is the most important bird found here. Kamleshwar Dam provides a large water body for marsh crocodiles, reptiles and birds.
Sariska National Park: Counted as one of the most frequented wildlife reserves in India, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Extending over 800 sq km of vast green milieu and encompassing certain important historical monuments, dating back to 10 century, within the vicinity of the park this wildlife sanctuary is definitely eye candy to nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The biosphere of this wildlife sanctuary includes rocky landscapes, dry deciduous forests, and hilly cliffs. Sasrika is said to be ethereal for bird watchers with some of the rarest feathered species like Grey Partridge, white breasted Kingfisher, golden backed woodpecker and the Sand Grouse. Some of the wildlife that reside in this sanctuary are; Four-horned antelope, hyena rhesus macaque, leopard, languor and the jungle cat.
Sunderbans National Park: Synonymous with wildlife and wildlife sanctuaries in India the Sunderbans National Park is the undisputed gem in the crown of the eastern part of India. It is situated in the world's largest Delta this wildlife reserve in India spreads over an area of 4264 square km of impenetrable mangrove forests. Bestowed with the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site the Sunderbans in Eastern India is known to be the largest tiger reserve in the country. Idyllic for bird gazers and nature lovers the Sunderbans is home to species a multitude of species apart from the Royal Bengal Tiger like; Jungle Cat, Flying Fox, Chital, Wild boar and Pangolin.
Ranthambore National Park: When talking about National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India Ranthambore National Park needs a definite mention. Ranked as one of the largest and most reputed national park in North India this wildlife sanctuary is situated in Rajasthan. Said to be the once famous hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur this National Park sprawls over 1,334 sq km of terrain. Offering a gamut of flora and fauna and home to species such as the sambar, hyena, sloth bear, leopard, nilgai, dhole and lots more this is a place worth a visit.
List of top Wildlife Sanctuaries/Nation Parks in India
| S.No. | Name | Located at ( District, State) | Established Year | Area in Km | Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corbett National Park (Jim Corbett National Park) | Nainital, Uttarakhand | 1936 | 521 km2 | The imposing Bengal Tigers |
| 2 | Ranthambore National Park | Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan | 1980 | 392 km2 | Majestic Tigers |
| 3 | Bandipur National Park | Gundlupet, Chamarajanagar District, Bandipur, Karnataka | 1974 | 874 km2 | Tiger, Asian elephant and many types of biomes |
| 4 | Keoladeo Ghana National Park | Bharatpur, Rajasthan | 1905 | 28.7 km2 | Avifauna Birds |
| 5 | Nagarhole National Park | Kodagu district and Mysore district, Karnataka | 1988 | 642.39 km2 | Tigers, Indian bison and elephants |
| 6 | Sariska National Park | Near Kraska, Alwar District, Sariska, Rajasthan | 1955 | 866 km2 | Bengal tigers |
| 7 | Kaziranga National Park | Kanchanjuri, Assam | 1908 | 430 km2 | One horned Rhinos, Tigers and Wild Buffaloes |
| 8 | Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary | Chikkamagaluru town, Karnataka | 1951 | 492.46 km2 | Tiger, |
| 9 | Kanha National Park | Madla/ Balaghat districts, Madhya Pradesh | 1955 | 940 km2 | Tigers |
| 10 | Sunderbans National Park | Dayapur, Gosaba, West Bengal | 1984 | 1,330.12 km2 | Bengal tigers |
| 11 | Bandhavgarh National Park | Badhavgarh, District Umaria, Madhya Pradesh | 1968 | 1,536 km2 | White tiger |
| 12 | Gir National Park and Sasan Gir Sanctuary | Junagadh District, Gir Somnath District and Amreli District Gujarat, India | 1965 | 1,412 km2 | Asiatic lion |
| 13 | Periyar National Park | Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta, Kerala state, India | 1982 | 305 km2 | Asian Elephants, Periyar Lake |
| 14 | Pench National Park | Turia, Seoni Dist, Kurai, Madhya Pradesh | 1983 | 758 km2 | Inspired Rudyard Kiplingto write 'The Jungle Book', While Tigers |
| 15 | Manas National Park | Fatemabad - Mathanguri Road, Jyoti Gaon, Assam | 1990 | 490.3 km2 | wild water buffalo, Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog |
| 16 | Dudhwa National Park | Palia Kalan, Uttar Pradesh | 1977 | 542.67 km2 | Tiger and swamp deer |
| 17 | Panna National Park | Panna and Chhatarpur districts, Madhya Pradesh, India | 1981 | 625.4 km2 | tiger |
| 18 | Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | Chandrapur, Maharashtra, India | 1955 | 90.44 km2 | Tiger |
| 19 | Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary | Munnar - Udumalpet Road, Munnar, Kerala | 1984 | 1,171 km2 | Endangered grizzled giant squirrel |
| 20 | The Great Himalayan National Park | SaiRopa, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh | 1984 | 866.41 km2 | Globally threatened,musk deer and the western horned tragopan |
| 21 | Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary | Uttara Kannada District , Karnataka India | NA | 2.36 km2 | Crocodiles, great hornbill and Malabar pied hornbill |
| 22 | Silent Valley National Park | Mannarkkad, Palakkad District, Kerala | 1905 | 820 km2 | Lion Tailed Macaque |
| 23 | Rajaji National Park | Dehradun, Uttarakhand | 1983 | 107 km2 | Asian elephants, Bengal tigers |
| 24 | Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary | Caranzol, Goa | 1978 | 4,400 km2 | Snakes, particularly the king cobra and black panther |
| 25 | Hemis National Park | Leh, Jammu and Kashmir | 1981 | 101 km2 | Snow leopards , gompas and holy chortens |
| 26 | Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary | Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bay of Bengal | NA | 7506.22 km2 | Elephants |
| 27 | Kachchh/ Kutch Desert WLS | Great Rann of Kutch, Kutch district, Gujarat, India | 1986 | 5000 Km2 | Greater flamingo |
| 28 | Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary | Andhra Pradesh | 1976 | 4953.71 km2 | " Largest habitat for pelicans, also Babblers, Flamingos, Open Billed Stork etc |
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| 29 | Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary | Leh District, Jammu and Kashmir, India | 1987 | 4,149 km2 | Chiru or "Tibetan Antelope, ibetan gazalle, Himalayan ibex |
| 30 | Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary (Wild Ass WLS) | Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India | 1973 | 3,568 km2 | Endangered Indian Wild Ass/ ghudkhar |
| 31 | Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary | Dibang Valley , Arunachal Pradesh, India | 1991 | 6.14 km2 | rare species - mishmi takin, asiatic black bear, gongshan muntjac, red panda, red goral and musk deer |
| 32 | Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam WLS/ Rajiv Gandhi WLS | Nalgonda & Mahaboobnagar, Telangana | 1978 | 861.95 km2 | Bengal tiger |
| 33 | Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary | Kurnool District, Rollapadu, Andhra Pradesh | 1988 | 783 Km2 | Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican |
| 34 | Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary | Andhra Pradesh | 1978 | 282 km2 | Tiger, Wild water buffalo was seen here till 1980s, but appears to be extinct in this region |
| 35 | Pakhui/ Pakke Tiger Reserve | Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, India | 1977 | 26.22 km2 | Large cats - tiger, leopard and clouded leopard |
| 36 | Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary | Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh, India | 1989 | 6.05 km2 | Elephant , Tiger, giant flying squirrel |
| 37 | Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary | Lower Dibang Valley district, Arunachal Pradesh | 1980 | 20.98.62 km2 | Bengal tiger, hoolock gibbon, leopard and clouded leopard. |
| 38 | Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary | Arunachal Pradesh | 1989 | 681.99 km2 | Birdwatcher's Paradise. Main attraction is Bugun liocichla , Asian elephant, capped langur (endangered), red panda, gaur, Asiatic black bear, Arunachal macaque |
| 39 | Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary | Udalguri District& Baksa District Assam, India | 1980 | 551.55 Km2 | Pygmy hog, hispid hare (both protected) |
| 40 | Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary | Karbi Anglong district, Assam | 1952 | 607.70 km2 | hoolock gibbons and golden langurs, hot springs |
| 41 | Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary | Jorhat, Assam | 1997 | 608.55 km2 | Western hoolock gibbon and 15 species of apes |
| 42 | Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary | Munger district, Bihar | 1976 | 485.20 Km2 | Tigers, panthers, birds |
| 43 | Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary | Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh | 1975 | 1,027.53 km2 | Tiger, leopard, bison |
| 44 | Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary | Narmada district of Gujarat | 1982 | 975 km2 | Python, pangolin, Flying squirrels |
| 45 | Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary | Surajpur District, Chhattisgarh | 1978 | 2073 km2 | Elephant |
| 46 | Shenbagathoppu Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary | Virudhunagar and Madurai districts, Tamil Nadu | 1988 | 423.55 km2 | Grizzled giant squirrel (vulnerable species), Periyar Tiger |
| 47 | Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary | Karnataka, India | 1987 | 219 Km2 | popular for Mahseer fish, birds |
| 48 | Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary | Chamoli & Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | 1972 | 975 km2 | Endangered Himalayan musk deer |
| 49 | Hastinapur WLS | Meerut, Hapur, Bijnore and Amroha, in Uttar Pradesh, India | 1986 | 2073 km2. | Twelve - Horned Deer or "Baara Singha", the State Bird - Saaras [Crane],crocodiles, turtles, playful Ganga Dolphins, Birds |
| 50 | Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary | Satara, Maharashtra | 1985 | 423.55 km2 | Royal Bengal Tiger and King Cobra |
| 51 | Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary | Alwar District, Rajasthan | 1955 | 219 Km2 | Bengal tigers, leopards |
| National Park and Sanctuaries |
Last Updated on : March 04, 2024
