India's national parks are a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into diverse ecosystems teeming with incredible creatures. But beyond the famed likes of Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh lie hidden gems waiting for exploration.
Often overshadowed, Ntangki National Park boasts a rich tapestry of life spread across 200 square kilometres. This park, celebrating its centenary in 2023, is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering encounters with diverse species of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Step aside, Bandhavgarh! Kanha National Park caters to tiger aficionados seeking a glimpse of India's magnificent big cat in its natural habitat. Excellent infrastructure enhances your wildlife viewing experience, making it perfect for spotting a variety of animals.
Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the stark beauty of the Thar Desert at Desert National Park. This park, crucial for wildlife conservation, harbours a fragile ecosystem teeming with migratory and resident birds. Dinosaur fossils estimated to be 60 million years old add intrigue to this unique landscape.
Encompassed by rivers, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is a haven for biodiversity. One of the vastest swamp forests in the northeast, it shelters a diverse range of flora and fauna, including marine life facing habitat loss. Explore this unique ecosystem and witness nature's resilience.
Calling all underwater enthusiasts! The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, India's first marine park, offers a vibrant world beneath the waves. Explore a network of estuaries across 21 islands and marvel at the dazzling array of colourful fish inhabiting the rich coral reef ecosystem.
Embark on a majestic journey through the mountainous realm of Khangchendzonga, home to the world's third-highest peak. Here, wildlife viewing takes on a new dimension as elusive creatures like the red panda and the Himalayan black bear (inspiration for Baloo in The Jungle Book) might grace you with a glimpse amidst the stunning alpine landscape.
Dedicated to the conservation of critically endangered species, the National Chambal Sanctuary is a crucial wildlife haven. Take a boat safari down the Chambal River and witness the gharial, the red-roofed turtle, and the Ganges river dolphin in their natural habitat. Keep your ears peeled for the symphony of birdlife that fills the air.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Himalayan National Park is a haven for biodiversity. This park, boasting over 375 fauna species, offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to encounter various animals- it is a true paradise for nature lovers.
Escape the crowds and explore the sprawling Terai grasslands of Dudhwa National Park. Home to the majestic Bengal tiger and a variety of endangered birds, reptiles, and mammals like the one-horned rhinoceros, Dudhwa offers exciting safaris on elephant back or jeep.
A testament to conservation efforts, Silent Valley National Park lives up to its name. One of the last remaining evergreen rainforests in Kerala, it offers a haven for diverse flora and fauna. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this protected area and appreciate the local community's commitment to preserving this ecological treasure.
So, ditch the usual suspects and embark on an adventure to these hidden gems. India's national parks offer experiences beyond compare, waiting to be discovered by the intrepid explorer.
