Explore the Wild Side of North India with National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Witnessing wild animals in their natural habitat is a different kind of feeling and many of us love that. Going to the forests and having an encounter with them is actually not a very safe idea, but we can afford to visit national parks and wildlife sanctuaries for sure. There are in fact several such national parks and sanctuaries in India that you can visit to, especially if you live in North India. Whether you are going on a safari with your friends, or taking your kids to see the wild from a close proximity, it can be a wonderful experience. These are some of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in North India that you can visit.

7 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in North India

1. Dachigam National Park
2. Jim Corbett National Park
3. Rajaji National Park
4. Nanda Devi National Park
5. Dudhwa National Park
6. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Sariska Tiger Reserve

1. Dachigam National Park

Dachigam National Park is located at a height of 1700m to 4300m above sea level and covers an area of 141 sq. km. You will get to see some of the most beautiful flora and wide variety of fauna here. Some of the animals that you can see here include Himalayan brown bear, leopards, Himalayan grey langur, and even Pygmy owlet. 

• Where: Jammu & Kashmir
• Best time to travel: April to October

2. Jim Corbett National Park

The oldest national park in the country, Jim Corbett National Park is famous for housing the Royal Bengal tiger. Apart from tigers, you will be able to see many other animals and over 650 species of migratory birds. Covering an area of 500 sq. km, the national park is divided into five zones, which include Jhirna, Bijrani, Dhikala, Domunda and Sonanandi. For some of the zones, you would need permits. Zones like Jhirna, Dhela and Sitabani remain open for tourism all through the year. The other zones remain closed in between July and October. This is one of the national parks where you can stay overnight.

• Where: Uttarakhand
• Best time to travel: October to June

3. Rajaji National Park

The famous Tiger sanctuary in North India, Rajaji National Park is one of the many places where you will be able to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. The sanctuary covers three districts, namely Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal. The area has also gained limelight for being rich in valuable fossils which are as old as 10 million years. Some of the wild animals and reptiles that can easily be spotted here include Tigers, Asian Elephants, Bears, Panthers, Chitals, Sambars, Wild Cats, Wild Boar, Kakars, Monitor Lizards, King Cobras, Pythons, etc.

• Where: Uttarakhand
• Best time to travel: Mid-November to Mid-June

4. Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park received its status of a national park in the year 1982 so that the flora and fauna in the region can be well-protected.  You can find several species of plants, trees, mammals, birds and butterflies in this national park. Apart from the flora and fauna, the view of the national park is simply breathtaking and a prominent tourist attraction. 

• Where: Uttarakhand
• Best time to travel: May to October

5. Dudhwa National Park

Dudhwa National Park is one of the destinations where you can head to witness wildlife. From Tiger to Leopard, from Barasingha to Swamp deer, there are so many animals to spot here. You can also find birds here such as owls, bulbuls, kingfishers and woodpeckers, barbets, orioles and bee-eaters. You can opt for Elephant rides here.

• Where: Uttar Pradesh
• Best time to travel: December to April

6. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are planning for road trips to the wildlife sanctuaries in North India, do not forget visiting Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated at a close proximity to Almora town, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is just the apt place for nature aficionados. The sanctuary is home to numbers of plants and animals, and more than 200 species of birds. There are several things to do here apart from just looking at the wild animals. You can stay overnight at the government rest house located in the premises of the sanctuary. There are also other private properties that offer overnight stays to the tourists. What is unique about the sanctuary is that you will not get jeep or safari to take tour of the area; instead you have to walk on foot to explore the forest. The place is excellent for the trekkers.

• Where: Uttarakhand
• Best time to travel: All through the year

7. Sariska Tiger Reserve

Spread across an area of 881 sq. km, Sariska Tiger Reserve is filled with flora and fauna. You will find wide variety of plants and trees here. And if you are an animal lover, you will have some awesome time here. Some of the animals that you can spot here include Indian leopard, caracal, Javan mongoose, wild boar, striped hyena, chital, sambar deer, nilgai, jungle cat, golden jackal, small Indian civet, etc. it is also a wonderful place for the bird-watchers. 

• Where: Rajasthan
• Best time to travel: October to June

All these places present an excellent opportunity to experience wildlife up and close. The animals at the sanctuaries are usually accustomed to human presence; however, you should always exercise caution since they are wild animals and may act in unpredictable ways. The best way to visit these national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is by taking a car there since all of them are easily accessible by roads. You can opt for car rental services by Revv on a per day basis for a quick and well-maintained ride and keep the overall trip budget in check.