Continuing our quest to bring to you the best national parks of India to showcase its diversity not just when it comes to culture, heritage and tradition but also when it comes to the diverse range of flora and fauna this immaculate subcontinent of wonders has to offer.

List of 13 Best National Parks in India

1. Keibul Lamjao National Park (Manipur)

Situated in the district of Bishnupur in Manipur, Keibul National park is a small national park that spans over just an area of 40 sq. km. Although smaller than other national parks, this place has its own value for being the only floating national park in the world. If you recognize Manipur by Loktak Lake, which is covered in lotus flowers, then you will definitely love this place. Created in 1966, and initially prescribed as a wildlife sanctuary, the national park is a natural habitat for the endangered species of Eld’s deer. The national park truly holds a testament to the saying “big things come in small packages”.

2. Murlen National Park (Mizoram)

Mizoram is one of the most exclusive and reclusive north eastern states of India. The park covers an overall area of 100 sq. km. placed very close to Chin Hills and over 250 kms from Aizawl, this national park displays semi-evergreen and sub montane types of forests and green cover. This has to be one of the most offset national parks of India which is also located right adjacent to another wildlife sanctuary. Home to a huge variety of unique types of flora and fauna, including different types of bamboo trees and even medicinal plants, this national park is a must visit if you wish to see the hills’ nature in its full bloom.

3. Gir Forest National Park (Gujarat)

When you think about Gujarat then there are many things and interesting points of interest that may flood your mind like the statue of unity, the Great Rann Of Kutch, Dwarkadhish Temple, Kankaria Lake, Porbandar and so much more! If you are an adventure enthusiast, Gir forest national park will definitely cross your mind. This only home of the unique Asiatic Lions is popular worldwide. This national park offers a haven for these lions which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Going on jeep safaris, indulging in awesome nature photography and bird watching there is so much one could do here that you will fall short of places to visit and would spend all your holidays exploring more and more of Gir.

4. Indravati National Park (Chhattisgarh)

Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh is the beautiful hub spot for rare animals in Chhattisgarh. Located on the bank of the thriving Indravati River, it is a haven for the unique wild buffalo population. The park also owes its name to the river that only flows through the park but it is also a natural source of water for the animals living there. In 1981 under the tiger project of India which was aimed at preserving the tiger population this wildlife sanctuary was converted into a national park. This is one of those rare national parks that should be explored during the winter month of December.

5. Simlipal National Park (Odisha)

Similipal National Park and tiger reserve is situated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Covering an area of over 2,500 sq. km. the reserve comprises 3 main protected areas including an elephant reserve. The name of this national park has been derived from the availability of too many red silk cotton trees thriving and growing in this part of India. Home to a massive range of animals like Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Gaur and Chausingha, this is also the7th largest national park in India. Ever since 2009, this park is also a part of the UNESCO world network of biosphere reserves.

6. Tadoba National Park (Maharashtra)

Located in the district of Chandrapur in Maharashtra, Tadoba is the state’s oldest and largest national park. The name of the park is derived from the god Tadoba that is worshipped by the local tribes residing within the lines of the national park. This largest forest reserve and national park covers an overall area of 600 sq. km. and is covered in dry deciduous and tropical types of trees. Although predominantly the forest has dry land and grasslands, patches of green trees and bamboo thickets grow all over the national park. The most famous medicinal plant that grows in abundance here is the one that says it can cure Parkinson’s disease. Some of the key species of animals include Bengal Tiger, Small Indian Civet, Barking Deer, Sambar, Indian leopards and so much.

7. Mrugavani National Park (Telangana)

Covering an area of over 1,000 acres, this iconic national park of Telangana is situated at Chilkur. It is especially known for its remarkable collection of over 600 different types of plant life. The wonder doesn’t stop there, it is also a home for over 300 different types of spotted deer, Russell’s viper, forest cat, Indian hare, Indian rat snake and many more. Ever since it was declared a national park in 1994 the park can be easily accessible through the samre route you use to reach Chilkur Balaji Temple. It is also very popular as a destination for birdwatching.

8. Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka)

Nagarhole is situated across Mysore and Kodagu districts in Karnataka. It is considered to be one of India’s premier tiger reserves which is also located adjoining Bandipur tiger reserve and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Being a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, which is one of the most highly protected parts of India, it has also come under the consideration for being listed under UNESCO world heritage site. The park is made up of small streams, rolling green valleys, waterfalls and a thriving forest cover. The environment of the forest is perfect for a wide selection of fauna including tiger, elephant, Indian leopard, deer and many more.

9. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (Goa)

Goa has a lot going for itself when it comes to being one of the top beach destinations in India. However being home to ancient forest cover it invites animals and birds from all over the world to thrive in perfection. Netravali wildlife sanctuary is a must visit sanctuary in Goa if you wish to give your regular Goan Holiday a twist of adventure. Located in the south eastern end of goa, it covers an area of over 200 sq. km. and is one of the vital corridors of the iconic Western Ghats. There are numerous perennial streams that feed the plants, trees, animals and birds in the national park.

10. Sri Venkateswara National Park (Andhra Pradesh)

One thing to define the iconic national park is miles and miles of lush green cover. Sri Venkateswara is a national park and a biosphere reserve with a total area cover of over 350 sq. km. The park is mainly known for its numerous gushing waterfalls. A part of the hills which is made up of hills called Seshachalam Hills has been declared as a biosphere reserve in 2010 which in turn makes this national park highly protected and important. The national park receives a lot of rain annually which feeds the water sources here. It is home to over 170 different species of birds accompanied with numerous collections of flora and fauna. It is truly a wonderful place for all adventure and nature enthusiasts.

11. Anamalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu)

Anamalai was earlier known as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, draws its name from being located on the Anaimalai hills. Encompassing over an area of 950 sq. km. The park was initially named after the first female prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi and was later on renamed Anamalai tiger reserve because it was turned into a tiger project in an attempt to conserve the tiger population. Being a part of the Western Ghats one can be sure to come across a massive variety of flora, fauna and even birds and insects. There is even an elephant camp there where you can go with your family and interact with these gentle giants that are the pride of any national park.

12. Silent Valley National Park (Kerala)

Located on the lovely Nilgiri Hills of Kerala and spanning across an area of over 140 sq. km. this national park is home to some of the most unique collections of flora and fauna. It has some of the most undisturbed paths of the south Western Ghats rainforest and the tropical rainforest region. You may already know that ever since 2007 Western Ghats has been a part of the UNESCO world heritage site. Silent valley has the largest population of lion tailed macaques which is one of the most endangered species of primate in the world. Did you know that in 1973, plans of setting up a hydroelectric power plant were cancelled when the project faced massive protest from the environmentalists leading to the save silent valley movement?

13. Campbell Bay National Park (Lakshadweep)

Campbell bay national park can be your next favorite spot. Located in ‘great Nicobar’ which is also the largest island of Nicobar, the national park is placed on the eastern part of the Indian Ocean which is about 200 kms away from the northern end of Sumatra. It was termed as a national park in 1992, as a part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. The climate here remains hot and humid throughout the year which makes it an ideal breeding ground for numerous flora and fauna. The sprawling cover of tropical and mangrove forests is mainly famous for its variety of orchids and several other such beautiful flowering plants. It is a bird watcher’s paradise along with aquatic life creatures such as Andaman wild pig, olive Ridley Turtle, fruit bat and so much more!