India is famous for its vast and varied terrain and is blessed with the best of nature. India is home to some unique flora and fauna species which makes it a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. If you are a wildlife enthusiast and nature lover, then you must check out the top 10 wildlife sanctuaries in India. Boasting rich biodiversity and varied geographical features, these sanctuaries are home to numerous rare and endangered wildlife species. Right from the Northern state of J&K to the southernmost top of India, almost every Indian state is home to some of the most abundant wildlife sanctuaries.
The wildlife sanctuaries and the parks located in India are home to some of the rare and exotic species of animals such as one-horned rhinoceros, snow leopards, royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic lions and many more.
Top 15 wildlife sanctuaries in India
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
- Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
- Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa
- Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat
- Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu And Kashmir
- Gir National Park and Sasan Gir Sanctuary, Gujarat
- Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh
- Sundarban National Park – West Bengal
- Satpura National Park – Madhya Pradesh
- Eravikulam National Park – Kerala
- Pench National Park – Madhya Pradesh
- Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
1. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
Address: Tarikere, Lakkavalli, Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Timings: 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 400
Nearest Airport – Mangalore Airport
Closest railway station– Kadur, Hassan
Ideal Time to Visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: March-May
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka is a very big park that is an ideal place for adventure seekers. The park can be visited on a safari to see animals living in their natural habitat. Also, the Bhadra River flows inside this park which is a favorite spot for all wildlife enthusiasts and photographers to click photos of the animals of the jungle who visit the place for drinking water. Some of the animals you can spot here include Tigers, Elephants, Indian Rock Pythons, King Cobra, Bison, Gaur, Leopards, Sambar, Boars, Chital, Deer, Great Black Woodpecker, etc.
2. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Address: Chandrapur, Maharashtra 442401
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person, INR 50 per vehicle, and INR 100 for a guide
Nearest Airport – Nagpur Airport
Closet Railway Station– Chandrapur Railway Station
Ideal Time To Plan Visit here: October to March
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Project is a popular tiger reserve situated in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. It is among the oldest and largest wildlife sanctuaries in the country. The reserve is home to many species of herbivore and carnivore animals living in this evergreen forest. Other than a huge range of animal species, this reserve is also home to some rare plant species such as the axle-wood, Black Plums, Arjun, and Palas.
The wild animals living in this park include Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, , Gaur, Nilgai, Spotted Deer, Jungle Cats, Sloth Bears, etc.
3. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Location: Udumalpet Road, Munnar, Kerala
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 (for Indian residents), INR 100 (for foreigners), and INR 150 (for heavy vehicles).
Closest Airport – Cochin Airport
Nearest Railway station – Pollachi and Aluva railway stations
Best Time To Visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: November to March
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is also listed among the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in the country. The sanctuary is situated on the Western Ghats and shares its border with the Tamil Nadu from the Anamalai Hills. This is a huge wildlife sanctuary holding much significance in the hearts of all wildlife lovers visiting Kerala. This dense forest also has a diverse ecosystem, different medicinal herbs, and plants. Travelers can opt for a wildlife safari besides hiking and trekking thanks to the Thoovanam Waterfalls.
Some of the common fauna found here include Spotted Deer, Indian Elephants, Tigers, Nilgiri Tahr, Mugger Crocodiles, Panthers, Grizzled Giant Squirrels, Star Tortoise, to name a few.
Must Read – 5 Beautiful National Parks in Kerala
4. Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Location: Nainital district, Ramnagar. Uttarakhand 244715.
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 200 (for Indian nationals), INR 1000 (for foreign nationals.
Nearest Airport – Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Railhead – Ramnagar Railway Station
Ideal Time To Visit: October to May
Among all the national parks in the nation, Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest and thus named among the Top 10 wildlife sanctuaries in India. The park was established in 1936 with the purpose to protect the imposing Bengal Tigers. Located at the foothills of the great Himalayas of Uttarakhand, this national park is an ideal place to visit for wildlife lovers. The park got its name from the famous wildlife story writer -Jim Corbett. Here in this park, several wildlife documentaries have been shot to raise awareness about the stunning Bengal Tigers.
Corbett National Park is truly a remarkable wildlife sanctuary where one can easily spot endangered and rare animals, enjoy waterfalls, pay homage at temples, etc. Also, you can have an amazing camping experience here.
Must Read – Top 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries of Uttarakhand
5. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa
Location: Goa
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry charges: INR 10 per person (adult), INR 3 per person (student)
Closest Airport – Dabolim Airport
Closest Railhead – Colem railway station
Ideal Time To plan a Visit to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: November to March
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the small town of Mollem in Goa. The sanctuary is located amidst scenic Western Ghats and picture-perfect forests. The place holds a prominent place among other wildlife sanctuaries in India as it holds both historical and geographical importance. This place is also frequently visited by birdwatchers as well for exploring a diverse array of avifauna. Adventure seekers can also climb the Devil’s Canyon Viewpoint to get wonderful views of the whole park.
This wildlife sanctuary is famous for animals like Slender Toris, Jungle Cats, Gaur, Sambar, Leopards, Spotted Deer, etc.
6. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Location: Golaghat and Nagaon district
Nearest Airport – Jorhat Airport
Nearest railway station– Jakhalabandha Railway Station
Best Time To Visit Kaziranga National Park, Assam: November to February
Wildlife Tour – 7 Nights 8 Days Wildlife Tour of Assam
Kaziranga National Park is the only natural habitat of the endangered One-Horned Rhinos in India and worldwide. The park is located in the Golaghat district of Assam and is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries to be visited to explore the wildlife of Northeast India. It is also among the best wildlife sanctuaries of India.
Apart from being home to One-Horned Rhinos, this park also has many tigers and other wildlife species. Due to the significant number of tigers, Kaziranga National Park has been declared a Tiger Reserve Forest in 2006. Other kinds of wild animals found here include Elephants, Wild Buffaloes, Swamp Deer, etc. The travelers visiting this place during the winter season also get a chance to witness a large number of migratory birds.
7. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat
Location: Rann, Dholavira, Kutch, India
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: INR 250 for Indian residents while its INR 1200 for foreigners.
Closest Airport – Bhuj Airport
Nearest Railhead – Bhuj railway station
Ideal Time To plan a Visit to Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary: November – April
If you are under an impression that wildlife sanctuaries can be only in forests and mountains, then you are wrong. If you want to explore a wildlife sanctuary located in the white desert, then do visit the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary is located less than 100 km away from the city of Bhuj and is spread on a huge land of almost 7505 sq. km. It is one of the most stunning wildlife sanctuaries in India. The kind of fauna seen in Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary include Indian Porcupines, Flamingos, Greater Flamingos, Wild Ass, Spiny Tailed Lizards, Black-necked Storks, etc.
8. Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu And Kashmir
Address: Leh District, Jammu, and Kashmir
Closest Airport – Leh Airport
Nearest Railhead – Jammu railway station
Ideal Time To Visit Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary: May and October
This sanctuary is located at a high altitude area on the easternmost side of Leh district in Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the important wildlife reserves in the country and is a shelter for the migratory population of the rare Tibetan Antelope or Chiru. Located amidst the magnificent mountain, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in India. The kind of medicinal vegetation found here include Ephedra gerardiana, Arnebia Euchroma, Bergenia Stracheyi, Hyoscyamus Niger, etc.
Tibetan Antelopes, Bharal, Wild Yaks, Snow Leopards, Lynx, Wolves, Tibetan Gazelle, Himalayan Ibex, Shapo, Red Fox, Himalayan Mouse Hare, etc. are some of the common wild animals found here.
Must Read – List of Top 7 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Jammu and Kashmir
9. Gir National Park and Sasan Gir Sanctuary, Gujarat
Location: Mayurnagar Halwad Road, Dhrangadhra, Gujarat 363310
Timings: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: INR 300 for Indians; INR 1500 for international tourists
Nearest Airport – Bhuj Airport
Nearest Railhead – Bhuj railway station
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Gir National Park and the Sasan Gir Sanctuary of Gujarat are the only wildlife sanctuaries in India where you can spot Asiatic Lions. The park which was built in September 1965, today is one of the largest and elegantly preserved place for Asiatic Lions. Many rivers and streams also flow through this national park.
10. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh
Address: Dibang Valley, Roing, Arunachal Pradesh 792101
Nearest Airport – Dibrugarh Airport
Nearest Railway station– Tinsukia railway station
Located away in the Anini district of Arunachal Pradesh, the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is known for being home to different kinds of animals and plants. If you are a wildlife lover and birdwatcher, then make sure to visit this place. This wildlife sanctuary is listed among the Top 10 wildlife sanctuaries in India and one of the major tourist hotspots in the state. Enriched with abundant natural beauty and scenic views of snowy mountains, sparkling streams, deep gorges, and dense jungles, it is a must-visit place to be included in your trip.
Tigers, Gongshan Muntjac, Mishmi Takin, Red Gorals, Musk Deer, Red Pandas, Asiatic Black Bear, Sclater’s Monals, etc. are some of the most common kinds of wild animals found here.
11. Sundarban National Park – West Bengal
Situated in West Bengal, Sundarbans National Park, a Tiger and Biosphere Reserve on the Ganges Delta, attracts visitors with its signature mangrove forest. This unique park, one of the most visited national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, is home to Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles, wild boars, foxes, leopard cats, turtles, Ganges River dolphins, and a plethora of birds. Navigating the park is exclusively by boat, offering a distinct experience, with tigers showcasing their swimming prowess in saline waters.
Address: West Bengal
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: Entry for Indians is free; boat hire costs between INR 1000 to 2000 for a day.
Closest railway station: Kolkata Airport
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Best Time to Visit: December- February
12. Satpura National Park – Madhya Pradesh
Address:
Timings: 8-5
Entry Fees: Ranges from INR 2750 to 7000, depending on the chosen route.
Nearest Airport:
Closest railway station:
Ideal Time to Visit:
Encompassing 524 sq km, Satpura National Park in Madhya Pradesh boasts a unique terrain with sandstone peaks, dense forests, gorges, and ravines. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot leopards, wild boars, bears, blackbucks, various deer species, and numerous birds. The park offers jeep and elephant safaris, as well as boating and walking tours, with overnight camping options on some routes.
13. Eravikulam National Park – Kerala
Address: Munnar, Kannan Devan Hills, Kerala
Timings: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Indians is typically INR 100, and for foreigners, it is around INR 360.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Closest railway station: Aluva Railway Station
Ideal Time to Visit: September- December
Spread across 97 sq km, Eravikulam National Park in Munnar protects the endangered Nilgiri Thar and offers a picturesque landscape. Home to elephants, deer, jackals, leopards, tigers, otters, mongoose, and a variety of birds and butterflies, the park also features the highest peak in South India, Anamudi Peak. A unique attraction is the blooming of the Neelakurinji plant, occurring once every 12 years, transforming the forest into a deep shade of blue. Safari buses provide an opportunity to enjoy the rolling hills and wildlife, while early morning and evening treks offer a more immersive experience.
14. Pench National Park – Madhya Pradesh
Address: Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry Fees: For Indians the entry fees is INR 100; for foreigners, it is INR 150 per vehicle.
Nearest Airport: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur
Closest railway station: Seoni railway station
Ideal Time to Visit: November- May
Pench National Park, a haven for Royal Bengal Tigers and the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” is a must-visit destination in Madhya Pradesh. Rafting adventures add an extra thrill to the park’s allure, making it one of India’s renowned national parks. While the tiger population is modest, sightings are frequent. Other wildlife includes deer, elephants, wild boars, wolves, sloth bears, leopards, foxes, and striped hyenas.
15. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Address:
Timings: 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM; 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Entry Fees: Ranging from INR 1200 to 2400, depending on the chosen zone
Nearest Airport: Jabalpur Airport
Closest railway station: Gondia
Best Time to Visit: November – June
Encompassing an expansive area of over 1,945 sq km, Kanha National Park stands as one of India’s pioneering tiger reserves under Project Tiger. Recognized among the nation’s prominent parks, it serves as a haven for the Barasingha and is acclaimed as one of Asia’s meticulously maintained National Parks. The park is divided into two distinct sections, Banjar and Hallon, named after the rivers meandering through its expanse, with designated zones including Kisli, Sarhi, Mukki, and Kanha Zone.
In addition to the majestic tiger, visitors can anticipate encountering a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, jackals, leopards, striped hyenas, monkeys, and various deer species such as black buck, swamp deer, chital, and sambhar. To explore the park’s wonders, jeep safaris are readily available.
Conclusion
India is home to many different kinds of flora and fauna species thereby making wildlife sanctuaries a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. The existence of many thick forests in the country serves as the habitat of a huge number of wildlife species. From north to south and from east to west, India has a plethora of wildlife sanctuaries all over it.
So when there is so much more to explore in the wild spaces of India, what are you waiting for? Start making your plans to visit these wildlife sanctuaries of India with Honeymoon Bug’s customized wildlife tour packages.
Faqs About India Wildlife Sanctuaries
Which are the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in India?
Some of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in India include:
- Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.
- Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal.
- Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
- Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan.
- Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
- Bandipur National Park in Karnataka.
Which is the top wildlife sanctuary in India?
Jim Corbett Wildlife Sanctuary is the first wildlife sanctuary in India which was established in 1875.
Which is the largest tiger reserve in India?
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India. Located in the Nallamala forest, the reserve is spread across five districts including Kurnool District, Prakasam District, Guntur District, Nalgonda District, and Mahabub Nagar District.
Which state has the maximum number of wildlife sanctuaries?
Andaman and Nicobar Island has the maximum number of wildlife sanctuaries. As per the National Wildlife Database, this union territory has 96 wildlife sanctuaries.
What is the largest mangrove forest in the world, and where is it located?
The Sundarbans, located in West Bengal, is the largest mangrove forest in the world.
Which national park in Madhya Pradesh is famous for being the setting of "The Jungle Book"?
Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh is known for being the setting of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.”
Where can you find the Nilgiri Thar and the blooming Neelakurinji plant?
Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar and hosts the blooming of the Neelakurinji plant once every 12 years.
