Exploring India's Largest National Parks

The love for wildlife runs deep in our hearts—there’s something magical about hearing the distant roar of a tiger, spotting a majestic lion in its natural habitat, or watching flocks of birds take to the skies. For those who appreciate nature's raw beauty, India's national parks provide a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Stretching across mountains, deserts, forests, and mangroves, these parks protect some of the planet’s most extraordinary species while showcasing the breathtaking diversity of India’s landscapes. Among them, the biggest national parks stand out as sprawling sanctuaries where nature reigns supreme, offering visitors an unforgettable journey into the wild.

Hemis National Park, Ladakh

Size: 4,400 sq km

Hemis National Park, located in the freezing desert of Ladakh, is India's biggest national park. Known as the "Snow Leopard Capital of the World," it is a haven for hikers and wildlife aficionados. Besides the rare snow leopard, the park is home to Tibetan wolves, Himalayan marmots, and blue sheep. Its rocky terrain and high-altitude location make it an unrivalled destination for adventure and wildlife.

Desert National Park, Rajasthan

Size: 3,162 sq km

Located in the midst of the Thar Desert, this park shows a distinct environment dominated by sand dunes and rocky outcrops. Despite the harsh circumstances, the Desert National Park has a rich wildlife, including the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. Dinosaur fossils dating back more than 180 million years contribute to the ancient appeal of this fascinating place.

Gangotri National Park, Uttarakhand

Size: 2,390 sq km

Gangotri National Park, nestled in the majestic Himalayas, is well-known for its scenic beauty and spiritual importance. The park includes the Gangotri Glacier, which is where the Ganges River originates. It protects Himalayan wildlife like snow leopards, black bears, and musk deer, making it a popular destination for eco-tourists and spiritual seekers alike.

amdapha National ParkN, Arunachal Pradesh

Size: 1,985 sq km

A biodiversity hotspot, Namdapha National Park is one of the most ecologically diverse parks in India. It ranges from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows, making it home to species like clouded leopards, red pandas, and hoolock gibbons. Namdapha is also a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 425 species of avifauna.

Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim

Size: 1,784 sq km

Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is named after the world's third-tallest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga. This park boasts breathtaking scenery as well as a diverse wildlife population that includes snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, and red pandas. The pristine wilderness and dramatic peaks make it a haven for trekkers and nature lovers.

Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park, Chhattisgarh

Size: 1,440 sq km

This relatively unknown jewel in central India is part of the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve. Guru Ghasidas National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and wild boars. Its untouched landscapes and dense forests are ideal for visitors seeking to explore off-the-beaten-path wildlife sanctuaries.

Gir National Park, Gujarat

Size: 1,412 sq km

Gir National Park, home to the majestic Asiatic lions, is a must-see trip for wildlife spectators.  The park’s dry deciduous forests and grasslands also support species like leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles. Gir’s thriving population of lions has made it a global conservation success story.

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

Size: 1,330 sq km

The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world's biggest mangrove forest and home to the endangered Royal Bengal tiger. Visitors can explore the labyrinthine rivers to see crocodiles, monitor lizards, and a variety of bird species. The park's distinct ecology is as fascinating as it is critical to India's natural heritage.

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Size: 1,318 sq km

Jim Corbett, India's first national park, is known for its tiger conservation efforts. This park, located in the Himalayan foothills, is well-known for its lush woods, scenic rivers, and abundance of animals. Apart from tigers, tourists may see elephants, leopards, and more than 650 bird species.

Editor’s Wild Card Picks

India is blessed with several other national parks that, while not as vast, are equally enchanting. Parks like Kaziranga (Assam), famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses, and Periyar (Kerala), known for its scenic beauty and elephants, further showcase India’s incredible biodiversity.

So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and let the wild call of India’s national parks lead you to an unforgettable adventure.