20 National Parks in India for Camping & Jeep Safari (2024)Almost every big city has a zoo, but seeing the animals behind bars and in access-controlled enclosures gets boring after a while. The real fun is still in seeing the animals in their natural surroundings, being wild! Fortunately, there are numerous national parks in India where you can do that. An added benefit about visiting such places is the prospect of camping in the wilderness, under the stars. So, get ready, as we bring to you a list of the best national parks for camping and wildlife tours:
1. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park | #1 of 20 Best National Parks in India
The first national park of India certainly deserves the first place on our list. Located in the terai region of Uttarakhand, it was specifically created to protect the Bengal tiger, in 1936. Its lush hills all around, thick forest cover and wide, open grasslands are prime big cat territory. Moreover, the park is home to around 650 species of birds, so remember to bring a camera. All five zones of Corbett National Park — Dikhala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Durgadevi and Dhela — are open for tourists.
- Area: 1,318.54 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, gharial, elephant, spotted deer, leopard, barking deer
- Other Prominent Species: Pallas’ fish eagle, crocodile, gharial
- Visiting Months: 15th November to 15th June
- Entry Fee: ₹200 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar (1 km)
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar airport (82 km)
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2. Gir Forest National Park
Gir Forest National Park | #2 of 20 Best National Parks in India
This has to be the most unique protected territory in India, because this is the only home of the Asiatic lion, the true king of the jungle, in the world. Located in the Gir Somnath, Junagadh and Amreli districts of Gujarat, it is a vast scrub and savannah forest, the kind in Africa that is inhabited by lions. As per estimates, the area has more than 2,000 species of wildlife, so all nature lovers are in for a definitive treat.
- Area: 1,412 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Asiatic lion, leopard, jungle cat, striped hyena, Bengal fox, golden jackal, spotted deer, four-horned antelope, sambar, chinkara, blackbuck, wild boar, nilgai
- Prominent Bird Species: Bonelli’s eagle, tawny eagle, king vulture, crested serpent eagle, painted stork, crested hawk eagle, pelican
- Visiting Months: 16th October to 15th June
- Entry Fee: ₹150 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Junagadh (77 km)
- Nearest Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (336 km)
3. Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park | #3 of 20 Best National Parks in India
One of the best places India to see the tiger, Ranthambore National Park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. This is where the world’s most famous tiger, Machhli, thrived; she has been featured in various National Geographic and Discovery Channel documentaries. Moreover, the national park is home to Ranthambore Fort, which gives this place a historical significance. Apart from seeing the various structures within the fort, you might also be able to see tigers, many of whom either live or are frequent visitors here.
- Area: 1,334 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, desert fox, chinkara, sloth bear, wild boar, golden jackal
- Prominent Bird Species: Peafowl, sarus crane, kingfisher, owl, crested serpent eagle, pelican, stork, flamingo
- Visiting Months: 1st October to 30th June
- Entry Fee: ₹100 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Sawai Madhopur (14 km)
- Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport (182 km)
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4. Bandhavgarh National Park
Bhandavgarh National Park | #4 of 20 Best National Parks in India
One of the most famous tourist destinations in Central India, this is another national park with a fort. It is one of the best places to see the tiger in India, because, as per reports, there are eight of these big cats per every square kilometre here. Elephant and jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening through the four tourist zones of the protected territory: Magadhi, Tala, Panpatha and Khitauli. The vegetation here is typical of the Deccan Plateau region: dry deciduous forests with open grasslands.
- Area: 1,536 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, leopard, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, barking deer, four-horned antelope, gaur, chinkara, Bengal fox, golden jackal, striped hyena
- Prominent Bird Species: Sarus crane, Egyptian vulture, crested serpent eagle, lesser adjutant, black vulture, changeable hawk eagle, white-backed vulture, long-billed vulture
- Visiting Months: 25th October to 30th June
- Entry Fee: ₹250 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Umaria (33 km)
- Nearest Airport: Rani Durgawati airport, Jabalpur (177 km)
5. Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park | #5 of 20 Best National Parks in India
If any place is bestowed with the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is definitely worth a visit. The honour is well deserved because Kaziranga is one of the last strongholds of the endangered one-horned rhino (the rhinos in Africa are two-horned). The dominating feature of this protected territory is the wide, open grasslands, known as doors in the local language. Apart from these iconic animals, the park is home to several other large mammals, including the Indian elephant; the wild water buffalo, easily distinguishable by its massive horns; and the gaur (Indian bison), which weighs 1,500 kg on average.
- Area: 430 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: One-horned rhino, Indian elephant, wild water buffalo, gaur, swamp deer, hog deer, tiger, leopard
- Prominent Bird Species: Ruddy shelduck, bar-headed goose, kingfisher, Eurasian eagle owl, Pallas’ fish eagle, Himalayan griffon, cinereous vulture
- Visiting Months: 1st November to 30th April
- Entry Fee: ₹50 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Nagaon (74.5 km)
- Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (213 km)
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6. Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park | #6 of 20 Best National Parks in India
Located high up in the Himalayas, this national park has little vegetation, as it is located amidst a cold desert. With an average altitude of more than 10,000 feet above sea level, it is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and ardent trekkers. Its main highlight is the elusive snow leopard, the largest population of which in the world exists here. With snow-covered mountains, regardless of the month, and clear, starry night skies, it is an amazing place to set up a tent.
- Area: 4,400 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, Himalayan brown bear, blue sheep, Tibetan sheep, Ladakhi urial, red fox
- Prominent Bird Species: Himalayan griffon vulture, golden eagle, lammergeier
- Visiting Months: Year-round (extra caution advisable for winters)
- Entry Fee: ₹20 onwards
- Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh (48 km)
7. Sundarbans National Park
Sundarbans National Park | #7 of 20 Best National Parks in India
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this great swamp forest is one of the few places on earth where tigers are as comfortable swimming in rivers as they are running on land. Unlike most national parks in India, the way to navigate this one is on boats, not feet or jeeps. With so many small distributaries of the Ganga snaking their way through the mangrove forest, you never know what natural jewel you will find.
- Area: 1,330 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, leopard cat, fishing cat, fox, spotted deer
- Other Prominent Species: Stork, saltwater crocodile, white-bellied sea eagle, grey-headed sea eagle
- Visiting Months: November to March
- Entry Fee: ₹60 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Sealdah Station (115 km); Howrah Junction (124 km)
- Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (119 km)
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8. Periyar Tiger Reserve
Periyar Tiger Reserve | #8 of 20 Best National Parks in India
Arguably the most famous national park in South India, Periyar Tiger Reserve is named after the Periyar River, the longest in Kerala. It is everything that the Western Ghats embody: lush hills, trekking trails, lakes, rivers and diverse wildlife. Apart from enjoying jeep safaris, you could just sit on the shores of Periyar Lake, on gently sloping hills, and enjoy a picnic. The entire region is known for its endemic wildlife, which has earned the Western Ghats a place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
- Area: 305 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, gaur, dhole, elephant, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, Indian giant squirrel
- Prominent Bird Species: Blacked-necked stork, great hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, rufous-bellied eagle, Sri Lankan frogmouth
- Visiting Season: Year-round
- Entry Fee: ₹155 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Madurai (138 km)
- Nearest Airport: Madurai airport (151 km)
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9. Great Himalayan National Park
Great Himalayan National Park | #9 of 20 Best National Parks in India
One of the recent additions to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, the Great Himalayan National Park embodies the very essence of the world’s highest mountain range. Its elevation ranges from around 5,000 feet to more than 19,500 feet, so the entire diversity of the Himalayan vegetation is visible. At the lowest altitudes are subtropical pine forests, beyond which lie the temperate coniferous forests, dominated by deodars, spruces and firs. Further up, the conifers are replaced by subalpine grasslands and meadows.
- Area: 754 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, bharal, Himalayan tahr, goral, musk deer, blue sheep, red fox
- Prominent Bird Species: Monal pheasant, lammergeier, golden eagle, Himalayan griffon vulture, eagle owl
- Visiting Months: October to June
- Entry Fee: ₹150 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Shimla (196 km)
- Nearest Airport: Shimla airport (205 km)
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10. Blackbuck National Park
Blackbuck National Park | #10 of 20 Best National Parks in India
As the name suggests, this national park in Gujarat was created to protect the blackbuck, a species of deer. Another reason to visit this protected territory is that it is one of the handful of places in the country to see the Indian wolf (different from the Himalayan wolf). Unlike Corbett and Kaziranga, which boast greenery, this place features a vast carpet of tall, golden grass, with few trees here and there. This may be one of the smaller protected territories in the country, but, in no way, is it less worthy of a visit.
- Area: 34.08 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Blackbuck, Indian wolf, striped hyena, golden jackals, wild boar, nilgai, hare
- Prominent Bird Species: Bustard, eagle, crane, stork, falcon
- Visiting Season: Year-round (October to March recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹20 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Bhavnagar (45 km)
- Nearest Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (151 km)
11. Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore
Bannerghatta Biological Park | #11 of 20 Best National Parks in India
A perfect concoction of rich vegetation and exotic wildlife, Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bangalore is a treat for nature and wildlife lovers. The thrill of watching Royal Bengal tigers, Indian wolves, barking deer and other animals up close is what attracts many to this national park. Bannerghatta is also home to over 100 species of birds, thanks to a wide variety of trees here that provide cool shelter to the avifauna. The park organises elephant, jeep and bus safaris for tourists looking to explore the place and admire wild animals from close quarters. The park is ideal for overnight camping as well, with many campsites dotting the borders of Bannerghatta.
- Area: 27 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, leopard, jackal, fox, wild boar, sloth bear, spotted deer, striped hyena, blackbuck, nilgai, bonnet macaque, pangolin, slender loris, giraffe, hamadryas baboon
- Other Prominent Species: Monitor lizard, python, Russell’s viper, krait, flamingos, pelicans, peacocks, laughing dove, Asian koel, rainbow lorikeet
- Visiting Months: Year-round (November to June recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 80 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Bangalore City Railway Station (24 km)
- Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (72 km)
12. Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu
Mudumalai National Park | #12 of 20 Best National Parks in India
Nestled in the north-western corner of Nilgiri plateau, Mudumalai National Park is one of the most popular attractions in the region. It is perched at an elevation of about 1266 metres and is surrounded by many forests and wildlife reserves. The national park, which is also a tiger reserve, is home to over 100 tigers and many endangered species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. You can explore the national park on the back of an elephant or in a vehicle. A safari through the moist deciduous and tropical evergreen forests will be especially memorable. If you are lucky enough, you can spot many animals roaming around freely, so keep your cameras handy. Campers visiting the national park can also set up a tent amidst the wildlife of Mudumalai.
- Area: 321 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, leopard, monkeys, grey langurs, golden jackal, sloth bear, striped hyena, Nilgiri Marten, stripe-necked mongoose, Asian elephant, sambar deer
- Other Prominent Species: Long-billed vulture, white-rumped vulture, Malabar grey hornbill, white-naped woodpecker, crested serpent eagle, Indian cuckoo, mugger crocodile, Goan day gecko
- Visiting Months: Year-round (February to June recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 30 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Coimbatore Junction (128 km)
- Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (128 km)
13. Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka
Kudremukh National Park | #13 of 20 Best National Parks in India
Scenic and serene, Kudremukh National Park is one of the best places to visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The national park is situated in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, at an altitude of 1894 metres above sea level. It is surrounded by majestic hills and lush greenery and is home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. Leaping leopards, endangered lion-tailed macaques and wild dogs are the highlights of this park. Kudremukh is a paradise for birdwatchers as well, as you can spot over 200 species of birds here, including some rare and migratory ones. What’s more, the park boasts beautiful trekking trails, milky white waterfalls, lush plantations and natural pools.
- Area: 600 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, Malabar giant squirrel, sloth bear, barking deer, gaur, sambar, wild pig, chevrotain, muntjac
- Prominent Bird Species: Malabar whistling thrush, Malabar trogon, great pied hornbill, imperial pigeon, red-whiskered bulbul
- Visiting Months: Year-round (October to February recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 200 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Bantawala Railway Station (28 km)
- Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (91 km)
14. Eravikulam National Park, Kerala
Eravikulam National Park | #14 of 20 Best National Parks in India
Boasting an altitude of 2258 metres, with verdant tea plantations as the backdrop, Eravikulam National Park is one of the most popular attractions in Kerala. This park is a natural habitat for the exotic mountain goat, Nilgiri Tahr. The park was initially built to protect this endangered animal. Another thing that makes Eravikulam National Park famous is the Neelakurinji flowers here that bloom only once in 12 years. The park is home to endemic butterflies and about 19 species of amphibians as well. In addition to wildlife spotting, adventure enthusiasts can enjoy trekking and camping in pristine wilderness.
- Area: 97 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Lion-tailed macaques, Indian muntjac, golden jackal, wild dog, jungle cat, Nilgiri langur, dhole
- Prominent Bird Species: Nilgiri pipit, black-and-orange flycatcher, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Nilgiri flycatcher, white-bellied shortwing, Kerala laughingthrush
- Visiting Months: April to January
- Entry Fee: ₹ 125 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Aluva Railway Station (116 km)
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (117 km)
15. Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand
Valley of Flowers National Parks | #15 of 20 Best National Parks in India
Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Valley of Flowers is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Besides featuring meadows of endemic alpine flowers and shrubs, this national park is home to some rare and endangered wildlife species. And if you are in luck, you can also spot snow leopards here. The trek to Valley of Flowers National Park from Govindghat is a different experience altogether. Along the 40 km route, you can catch glimpses of mountain streams, gushing waterfalls and rare flora and fauna. The unmatched charm of the national park has earned it a place in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ list as well.
- Area: 87 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Himalayan black bear, grey langur, red giant flying squirrel, Himalayan weasel, red fox, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan goral, blue sheep
- Other Prominent Species: Himalayan vulture, yellow-billed and red-billed choughs, koklass pheasant, Himalayan pit viper
- Visiting Months: June to October (July to September recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 150 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station (264 km)
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant International Airport, Dehradun (281 km)
16. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
Keoladeo National Park | #16 of 20 Best National Parks in India
Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park is a manmade avifauna reserve in Rajasthan. This beautiful habitat, with over 370 species of birds, is a treat for ornithologists and birdwatchers who visit the park often to spot many resident and migratory birds. And that’s not all, Keoladeo is home to some mammals, amphibians and reptiles as well. About 380 species of flora add to the beauty of this bird sanctuary and make it a must-visit. The park has well-defined pathways that can be explored on foot or in cycle-rickshaws, with rickshaw pullers as trained guides. Keoladeo, which was a duck-hunting ground for the Maharajas in the 19th century, was declared a national park in 1982 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
- Area: 29 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Chital deer, nilgai, blackbuck, wild boar, Indian porcupine, leopard, golden jackal, striped hyena
- Other Prominent Species: Basking python, painted stork, Siberian crane, greater spotted eagle, imperial eagle, cormorant, heron, spoonbill
- Visiting Months: Year-round (August to November recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 75 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Bharatpur Junction (26 km)
- Nearest Airport: Kheria Airport, Agra (56 km)
17. Sariska National Park, Rajasthan
Sariska National Park | #17 of 20 Best National Parks in India
Surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan, Sariska National Park is a unique combination of rocky landscapes, dry deciduous forests, grasslands and scrub-thorn arid forests. The park is a famous tiger reserve, as you can spot the popular Bengal tiger here along with many other species. Sariska is famed for being the first tiger reserve in the country that relocated tigers successfully. Tigers from Ranthambore were relocated to Sariska to repopulate the national park. Apart from the wildlife, Sariska also houses different species of birds and flora, much to the delight of nature lovers. What’s more, there are many camping sites near the national park for those looking to wake up to the chirping of birds amidst lush and natural environs.
- Area: 881 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Jungle cat, Indian leopard, golden jackal, nilgai, small Indian civet, ruddy mongoose, Indian hare, grey langur
- Prominent Bird Species: Crested serpent eagles, golden-backed woodpeckers, harbours quail, peafowl, Indian eagle-owl
- Visiting Months: Year-round (October to May recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 80 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Alwar Junction (40 km)
- Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport (110 km)
18. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park | #18 of 20 Best National Parks in India
Located amidst the Maikal Range of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is a key tiger reserve zone in the country. The park is a major attraction among tourists who love natural surroundings and wildlife safaris. From crystal-clear waterbeds and lush meadows to rich flora and fauna, Kanha has a lot to offer. The national park boasts of a rich tiger population and is home to many other animals and about 300 species of birds. Make sure you take a jeep or elephant safari in the park to encounter tigers and other animals up close as the experience is truly amazing. And if you are looking to spend more time in the wilderness, you can enjoy camping here as there are many options in the vicinity.
- Area: 940 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, chital, panther, blackbuck, gaur, wild pig, sloth bear, hard ground barasingha, barking deer
- Other Prominent Species: Malabar pied hornbill, crested serpent eagle, emerald dove, python, Russell’s viper, Indian cobra, Indian monitor
- Visiting Months: Mid-October to June (November to February recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 250 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Nainpur Railway Station (51 km)
- Nearest Airport: Jabalpur Airport (130 km)
19. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Pench National Park | #19 of 20 Best National Parks in India
A prominent attraction in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park is a delight for both nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to many wild animals, including some rare and endangered ones. The ferocious Bengal tiger draws many tourists to Pench. In fact, the national park reportedly houses around 50 tigers within its lush woods. It also has around 210 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, 13 species of reptiles and some amphibians. You must go for a trek, jungle walk, or jungle safari to spot different animals and birds here as the experience is unmissable. You can also spend a couple of days camping here.
- Area: 758 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Bengal tiger, sambar, chital, nilgai, jackal, wild boar, Indian leopard, four-horned antelope, jungle cat, striped hyena, barking deer
- Prominent Bird Species: Magpie robin, peafowl, junglefowl, lesser whistling teal, herons, wagtail, racket-tailed drongo, crimson-breasted barbet
- Visiting Months: Mid-October to June
- Entry Fee: ₹ 15 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Ramtek Railway Station (37 km)
- Nearest Airport: Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (103 km)
20. Kanchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
Kanchendzonga National Park | #20 of 20 Best National Parks in India
Kanchendzonga or Kanchenjunga is a popular national park and biosphere reserve in Sikkim. Snuggled in the Himalayan Ranges, this magnificent park boasts a varying elevation, from 1829 metres to over 8550 metres above sea level. Kanchendzonga houses many rare and endemic species of fauna. The national park is a natural habitat to many mammals, birds and reptiles, including the snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, Asian emerald cuckoo and green pigeon. And during your visit to the national park, you can also experience the thrill of mountain camping as there are many options in the vicinity. Thanks to the unique landscape and biodiversity, this high-altitude park is also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as the first Mixed Heritage site in the country.
- Area: 1784 square kilometres
- Prominent Mammal Species: Himalayan tahr, Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopard, sloth bear, Tibetan wild ass, serow, goral, musk deer, dhole
- Prominent Bird Species: Green pigeon, blood pheasant, osprey, satyr tragopan, lammergeier, Himalayan griffon, Tibetan snowcock, sunbird
- Visiting Months: Year-round (March to May recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 300 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Junction (110 km)
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra International Airport (109 km)
These national parks of India give a vague idea about the country’s ecological, wildlife and geographical diversity. Other than these ones, the famous places in India for wildlife tours and camping include Kanha, Pench, Panna, Nagarhole, Valley of Flowers, Desert, Bandipur, Manas, Bannerghatta and Eravikulam national parks. So, as soon as the lockdown is properly lifted, you have got to visit these places for a tryst with nature.
