India is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The wilderness here is impressive, with wildlife sanctuaries in India being protective havens for endangered animals and other species. India, with its rich biodiversity and natural resources, has over 523 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. These national parks and wildlife sanctuaries cover 4% of the country, a massive effort by everyone involved to keep the animals thriving and safe.
These include wildlife sanctuaries like Jawai National Park, Corbett National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and more. These national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are not just a place to spot the animals; it is their habitat where they roam freely, hunting their prey or simply lazing around.
The blog below shares the list of wildlife sanctuaries in India and the animals found there to make sure wildlife lovers and photographers fulfill their desires. From finding Bengal Tigers to lions to leopards to red pandas to giant squirrels, reptiles, and over 1200 bird species, every wildlife sanctuary or national park here offers you the best wilderness experience. Apart from the animals, the flora here will mesmerize you, and you will also get to explore the different species of plants here.
List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
India is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in the world. These sanctuaries are spread across the country, offering a haven for various species of animals and birds. Here’s a list of some of the top wildlife sanctuaries you should visit:
Jawai Bandh Leopard Safari, Pali, Rajasthan
Jawai Bandh in Pali, Rajasthan is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. , offers one of the most unique and thrilling leopard safari experiences in India. The region is a rugged landscape of hills, arid scrub, and man-made lakes, providing a natural haven for the elusive Indian leopard. The area is dotted with caves and craggy outcrops, where leopards frequently rest or seek shelter. Unlike many other national parks, the leopards here have become accustomed to human presence, which makes for exciting wildlife encounters.
The safari, conducted in open jeeps, takes visitors through the wilderness, where sightings of leopards are common, especially during early mornings or late afternoons. Besides leopards, the region is home to a variety of other wildlife, including crocodiles, nilgai, and various bird species. The local Rabari herders live in harmony with the wildlife, and it is often possible to witness a mix of rural life and natural beauty. Jawai’s semi-desert landscape and its cultural richness, including its ancient temples and forts, make it a perfect blend of adventure and exploration.
- Location: Jawai Bandh Leopard Safari, Jawai Bandh, Pali District, Rajasthan 306126, India.
- Timings: 5:00 am to 8:00 am (morning) and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (evening)-summer; 6:00-9:00 am (morning) and 4:00-7:00 pm (evening)-winter
- Unique species and features: The main attraction here is the high likelihood of spotting leopards. Along with them, you can also see crocodiles, wild foxes, hyenas, sloth bears, and many migratory birds.
- Best time to visit: November to February
- How to reach:
- Nearest Airport: Udaipur Airport- 130 km
- Nearest railway station: More Bera- 5 km from Jawai
- By Road: It is well-connected to major Rajasthan cities by road.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park, nestled in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, just 200 km away from the capital city of Jaipur, is one of the best wildlife destinations. It is a famous wildlife safari in Rajasthan. It is a haven for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts, an ideal zone for relaxing. Exploring the wildlife in an open jeep safari adds a beautiful touch to your wilderness experience. The park’s background of Ranthambore Fort adds a beautiful historic touch to your photographs. Apart from tigers, other species you will see here include leopards, wild boars, crocodiles, vultures, peafowl, and spotted deer sambar.
It is one of the premier national parks in India, with many resorts near the park offering the best amenities, including playgrounds for kids, picnic spots, and hiking trails. Known as one of the revered places for Bengal tigers, you will also find 40 species of mammals, 320 bird species, and 40 reptile species. Moreover, Ranthambore National Park will expose you to over 300 species of plants. Since the area covering the forest is smaller than most of the other parks, spotting tigers here is a bit easier, making it one of the best spots for wilderness enthusiasts.
- Location: Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001, India.
- Timings: 7 am to 10:30 am
- Unique species and features: Caracal, sloth bear, crocodile, Indian wild boar and more. Ranthambore fort, Ganesh Temple and safaris.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- How to reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport- 200 km
- Nearest railway station: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station.
- By Road: It is well-connected to major Rajasthan cities by road.
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh and India, especially for spotting tigers. It has a high density of tigers, increasing your chances of seeing them. Spanning 1,500 sq km, it features varied landscapes from rocky cliffs and grassy meadows, offering a picturesque backdrop to wildlife safari.
Bandhavgarh Fort is the park’s core area, and the structures date back to over 2,000 years. It adds an element of mystique to the park’s charm. It is primarily known for being the home of Bengal tigers, with the Tala zone offering their highest sightings. Other wildlife here includes leopards, jackals, Indian bison, and a wide variety of birds—over 250 species and more. It is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in India due to its efforts to conserve the population of tigers. One of the most unique animals you will find here is the white tiger, a rare sight for many.
- Location: Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, in the Umaria district, Tala Village.
- Timings: 5:30 am-10 am, 4 pm-7 pm (Wednesday-closed)
- Unique species and features: white tigers, foxes, grey mongooses, chinkaras, wild boars, serpent eagles, pythons, and more. Its best feature is the high chance of spotting the tigers here.
- Best time to visit: April to June (especially for spotting tigers)
- How to reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jabalpur Airport—200 km
- Nearest railway station: Umaria Railway Station—35 km
- By Road: There are no buses running from Jabalpur to the national park. However, you can take a private taxi towards the national park.
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
A part of Kanha Tiger Reserve, it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve spread over 940 square kilometers of bamboo forests and lush sal. It also has grasslands and vast meadows with a variety of animals calling this wildlife their home, including wild dogs or dholes, leopards, rare swamp deer—the pride of Kanha, Bengal tigers, and more. This national park is a major player in streamlining India’s tiger conservation efforts, as it is a model for other parks. There are many safari zones here, each having its distinct character, from open grasslands to dense forests.
Visitors here can spot sloth bears, tigers, and many bird species, including vultures and colorful Indian rollers. Kanha’s rich biodiversity and beauty make it a paradise for photographers. Jeep safaris are one of the best ways to explore the diverse landscape of the park. The abundant wildlife here makes it a perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts all over the world.
- Location: Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh, India
- Timings: 5-10 am, 3:30 pm- 6 pm
- Unique species and features: Indian crested porcupine, barasingha, Indian wild dog, python and more. Swamp deer-’The Jewel of Kanha’ is the best feature here.
- Best time to visit: October-June
- How to reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jabalpur Airport- 150 km
- Nearest railway station: Jabalpur railway station-165 km from Jawai
- By Road: It is well-connected to major Rajasthan cities by road.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park is one of the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a famous wildlife sanctuary of India. It spans over 1,000 sq km and is famous for being home to one-horned rhinoceros, two-thirds of total population. Situated near Brahmaputra river banks, it is known for its diverse and rich landscapes.
The landscape has tall glass and forested areas and you will also find animal species like tigers, wild buffalo, elephants, swamp deer and multiple bird species. So, both animal and wildlife enthusiasts will love being here. It is also known for the best elephant safaris and is also a bird conservation site. It was also declared a tiger reserve in 2006. Apart from the safaris, the cultural and folk program is also quite famous here.
- Location: Kaziranga National Park, Golaghat and Nagaon Districts, Assam 785609, India.
- Timings: 7:30 AM – 10 AM | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Unique species and features: Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, and Pangolins. Elephant feeding, boating and birdwatching.
- Best time to visit: November to April
- How to reach:
- Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport- 204 km
- Nearest railway station: Furkating junction- 48 km
- By Road: Take national highway 27 to reach Guwahati and then to the park.
Gir National Park, Gujarat
A famous wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, Gir National Park is the only place in the entire world home to the majestic Asiatic lions. The Gir Forest has a diverse vegetation and wildlife consisting of rocky hills, grasslands, and dry deciduous forests.
One of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India, it is known for being home to 600 lions with other species like sambar deer, chousingha, wild boar, nilgai, striped hyenas, and four-horned antelopes. The bird species here are also incredible, as you will spot animals like Bonnelli’s eagles, kingfishers, flamingos, great horned owls, and more. Jeep safari is one of the best ways to explore the wildlife here.
- Location: Gir National Park, Talala Gir, Junagadh District, Gujarat 362135, India.
- Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
- Unique species and features: Golden jackal, wild boar, chinkara, thousands of species of insects. Trekking, jeep safari, and birdwatching.
- Best time to visit: December-April
- How to reach:
- Nearest Airport: Diu Airport—63 km
- Nearest railway station: Junagarh Railway Station-77 km, Sasangar Railway Station-26 km.
- By Road: The excellent roads connect different cities of Gujarat to Gir National Park in Gujarat.
Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Sundarbans is known as one of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Ramsar sites. It is a mangrove forest situated on the Ganges Delta and is the largest reserve for Bengal tigers. It is one of the best destinations to find saltwater crocodiles with a large variety of birds, reptiles, and invertebrate species. In 1973, it was given the title of Tiger Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary in 1977, and a national park in 1984, a UNESCO site in 1987, and a Ramsar site in 2019. Spanning over 16,900 sq km. Sundarbans derives its name from the Sundari tree, found in abundance here.
One of the greatest wildlife destinations in India, it is known for tigers, surely. But that is not the only animal you will find here. Apart from tigers, you will see chital, jungle cats, foxes, mongooses, wild boars, macaques, fishing cats, reptile species, birds, and marine mammals. Oh! Do not forget to bring your binoculars to spot the multiple species of birds here.
- Location: Sundarbans National Park, South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal 743370, India.
- Timings: 8 am to 6 pm (Monday-Friday); 10 am to 4 pm (Saturday-Sunday)
- Unique species and features: King Cobra, South Asian River Dolphins, Mangrove Whistler, and more. Half of it is in Bangladesh and has the largest area of mangrove forests.
- Best time to visit: October-March
- How to reach:
- Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport, 127 km.
- Nearest railway station: Seldah, 48 km from Cannings-Sundarbans.
- By Road: It is connected to nearby cities of West Bengal via roads.
Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
One of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park spans over an area of 874 sq km. It used to be a hunting ground for Mysore’s Maharaja. It is home to many endangered species of animals. One of the largest protected areas in South India, surrounded by three different wildlife areas, is the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. These wildlife sanctuaries include Mudumalai National Park, Nagarhole National Park, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
The park also sees the Moyar River flowing in the south and Kabini in the north. The flora here consists of four-horned antelopes, muggers, sloth bears, jackals, dholes, tigers, gaurs, and Asian elephants. The best plant species you will find here include Indian laurel, rosewood, teak, Indian kino tree, and giant clumping bamboo.
- Location: Bandipur National Park, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka 571126, India.
- Timings: 6-8 am, 2:30-4:30 pm.
- Unique species and features: sloth bears, tigers, Indian kino trees, and more. Safaris.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- How to reach:
- Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport—170 km
- Nearest railway station: Mysore Railway Station—80 km.
- By Road: Local buses connect major nearby cities to Bandipur. From Bangalore to Bandipur, the total road distance is 225 km, covered through the Bangalore-Mysore highway.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
The oldest and most famous wildlife sanctuary in India, Jim Corbett is known for being a safe haven for Bengal Tigers. The other animals you will find here include sloth bears, langurs, leopards, elephants, crocodiles, chital, monitor lizards, and so on. Corbett is also home to over 650 species of birds thriving in the ecosystem rich in grasslands, riverine belts, marshes, and lush hills. Another name for the park is ‘The elephant corridor’ because of the enormous population of elephants found here.
The national park is part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, the birthplace of Project Tiger for the Indian subcontinent. The park lets you explore the wilderness in an open jeep and canter safari, providing you a memorable experience of witnessing 400 species of animals and over 500 species of plants.
- Location: Jim Corbett National Park, Ramnagar, Nainital District, Uttarakhand 244715, India.
- Timings: 6 am-9:30 am, 3 pm-6 pm.
- Unique species and features: Jeep safari, canter safari, nature walks, Bengal tigers, dragonflies, and more.
- Best time to visit: November to June
- How to reach:
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar—76 km
- Nearest railway station: Ramnagar—12 km
- By Road: NH34 connects Corbett National Park via Delhi and other major cities.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is known for its thick greenery and picturesque mountain ranges. Periyar Valley in the southern region, Western Ghats. The Periyar Tiger Reserve spans over an area of 777 sq. km and houses different wildlife species of flora and fauna. From rare to endangered species of animals, you will find thousands of animals here. These include Asian elephants, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri tahrs, Nilgiri martens, wild pigs, and more. There are 27 species of amphibians and 38 species of birds, along with reptiles like the Malabar pit viper or gray jungle fowl.
The name of the valley comes from the River Periyar, which originates in the remote forest of the reserve. The activities included in Periyar wildlife sanctuary are trekking, bamboo rafting, jungle inn, jungle camp, border hiking, and boat safari in the nearby lake, ideal for exploring the wildlife.
- Location: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady, Idukki District, Kerala 685536, India.
- Timings: 6 am to 7 pm.
- Unique species and features: Salim Ali’s fruit bat, Southern Birdwing, Evershed ace, and Nilgiri langur. 1,965 flowering plant species and an artificial lake.
- Best time to visit: March to May
- How to reach:
- Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport—140 km
- Nearest railway station: The Kottayam railway station—110 km
- By Road: It is well-connected with other neighboring cities via state and national highways like NH 85, NH 183, NH 44, and SH 8. The highways connects you to Kumly, 4 km from the national park.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
The largest wildlife sanctuary in India is the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the ‘Great Rann of Kutch’ in Kutch, Gujarat. In February 1986, it was declared a sanctuary, and due to its size, it is the largest one. It is spread over 4,954 sq km. It is known for being home to a great number of flamingos in the attached ‘Flamingo City.’
1. Jim Corbett National Park: It is located in Uttarakhand and is the oldest national park, known for its rich biodiversity, especially Bengal Tigers. Spanning over 520.8 sq km, it also has beautiful hills, grasslands, and lakes and is ideal for bird watching and safaris.
2. Kaziranga National Park: It is located in Assam and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. With a rich biodiversity of tigers, wild water buffaloes, elephants, and many bird species, it is one of the best parks for wildlife protection and conservation in India.
3. Bannerghatta National Park: A famous wildlife sanctuary in India situated in the state of Karnataka, this wildlife reserve is known for its range of fauna like lions, elephants, and tigers. It also has a butterfly park, biological reserve, and a zoo, perfect for both locals and tourists. The safari experience is simply amazing.
4. Nagarhole National Park: A famous wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, it is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is known for spotting elephants, leopards, and tigers. The park also has a serene ambiance with unique wildlife-watching experiences.
A wildlife sanctuary is particularly designed for protecting animals. A national park, on the other hand, protects both animals and plants. Also, they both differ in size; national parks are larger than sanctuaries. National parks protect more varieties of animals and ecosystems and require special permits. But the same isn’t true for wildlife sanctuaries.
India is home to 573 wildlife sanctuaries covering 123,762.56 sq km, 3.76% of the total area of the country. Also, in the protected area network report, there are approximately 218 proposed sanctuaries.
Approximately 1200 species of birds are found in India, including the migratory ones. The best wildlife sanctuaries in India include:
1. Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh: The bird species you will find here include painted storks, lovebirds, rosy pelicans, cockatiels, and more.
2. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan: It is known for migratory and water birds like wagtails, pelicans, ducks, eagles, hawks, pipits, and more.
3. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat: It is known for water birds like coots, grey-lag geese, open-billed storks, and cranes.
4. Mayani Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra: It is known for being home to the stunning Siberian flamingoes amidst other 400 varieties of birds like common spoonbills, painted storks, coots, and more.
The most famous wildlife sanctuary in India is Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. The oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, established in 1936, it is one of the most protected havens for Bengal tigers. Also, situated in lower Himalayan regions, the views from the wildlife sanctuary are simply incredible.