Disappearing animals of India: head to the best parks
India is renowned for its biodiversity, particularly its wildlife. Here, you can encounter numerous incredible representatives of wild flora and fauna.
They are prominently featured in the numerous national parks situated across various parts of the country. The finest Indian national parks are highlighted in NewsBytes.
One of the most renowned parks is the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, spanning an area of 1,412 square kilometers and serving as the sole wildlife sanctuary in India that harbors endangered Asian lions. Owing to its rugged terrain, the park boasts 300 bird species, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching. Besides Asian lions, the sanctuary is home to nilgai, leopards, chinkara, crocodiles, and more.
Another celebrated national park, Jim Corbett National Park, is situated in Uttarakhand and was established in 1936 by a British tiger hunter. Apart from being a renowned tiger reserve, it holds the distinction of being India's first national park. Encompassing an area of 1,318.54 square kilometers, the park features five primary safari zones. Elephant rides are quite popular here. Visitors can also spot serow, goral, Himalayan tahr, and golden jackal while exploring the park.
Kaziranga National Park is renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serving as the sole natural habitat of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Encompassing 429.69 square kilometers, it is situated along the picturesque Brahmaputra River. Visitors can explore the forests via elephant rides or boat safaris. The optimal time to visit is from November to April.
Similarly, Ranthambore National Park ranks among the most popular national parks in India, covering an area of 1,334 square kilometers and famed for its majestic tiger population. Nestled amidst the Chambal and Banas rivers, the park features attractions such as Padam Talao Lake and the historic Ranthambore Fort. From October to June, visitors may also encounter leopards, jackals, and sloth bears.
Another notable national park, Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal, is renowned for housing the world-famous Royal Bengal Tiger amidst a vast coastal mangrove forest. Encompassing an area of 4,624 square kilometers, visitors can partake in boat safaris, stay in houseboats, and experience eco-friendly village stays. The park is also home to endangered Ganges dolphins and estuarine crocodiles. The best time to visit Sundarbans is from September to May.
For the best vacation in India, find out where you can find clean beaches. TravelWise publishes a list of places with the "blue flag" award in India.