A complete guide to the wildlife sanctuaries in India

India has a rich flora and fauna that contribute immensely to the country’s rich biodiversity. This country is blessed with several ecozones and pleasant climates that have helped in retaining the wildlife till today. It boasts several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that have ensured a safe habitat for many wildlife species. These parks have also gained eminence for being outstanding places for animal lovers to unwind in the lap of nature. 

Being an animal lover myself, I visited several wildlife sanctuaries in India and not only were they pleasing to the eyes but also rejuvenated me from daily life stressors. Since several hotels and wildlife resorts have sprung up through the state tourism departments, I did my hotel booking in advance and had a relaxing time in the modern equipped rooms. You can also do the same on your adventure getaway and enjoy the best of wildlife sanctuaries in India. That being said, given below are some of the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India that you can visit to quench your adventure thrill. 

Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand

Govind wildlife sanctuary is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. Situated in Uttarakhand, this wildlife sanctuary spreads over a sprawling area of 953 square kilometres and is covered with thick green forest. This place is home to the rare Snow Leopard, which you might get a glimpse of if you are lucky. Fortunately, I could witness the snow leopard on my visit and also captured several shots that made my friends speechless. Here, they provide safari options too around the afternoon and evening hours. Govind is also a well-loved destination for barbecue picnics and trekking. However, prior permission needs to be sought before heading out for these activities. Besides snow leopard, it is also home to other animals such as Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, the Himalayan Serow and the Tragopan. The entire area is nestled against a majestic backdrop of snow-clad peaks. 

Hemis National Park, Jammu and Kashmir

Located in the biker’s paradise, Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, Hemis National Park is a splendid wildlife sanctuary located in the north of India. Although it is a bit difficult to reach, the stupendously breathtaking sights are worth all the effort. The Park houses six villages that offer comfortable homestays for a homely holiday. I stayed in one of these villages and learned a lot about this place from locals. The lofty mountains engulfed by thick forests of pine and subalpine birch contribute to the aesthetics of this place. A section of its boundaries is marked by the confluence of the mighty Indus and Zanskar rivers and thus is a treat for the eyes. Hemis National Park is home to the rarest species of mammals such as Shapu (Urial), Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, Himalayan Rosefinch, Tibetan Snowfinch, Fork-tailed Swift and the Himalayan Snowcock. 

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India. It has been awarded the status for acknowledging the vast unfiltered habitability it provides for the inhabitant beasts. Surrounded by lush green hills and dense forests, Kaziranga is a popular spot among tourists from all over the world. It is home to the rare one-horned Rhinoceros and also houses some of the deadliest tiger reserves in the country. Since I had never seen a Rhinoceros before, I was absolutely delighted with its first sight. This place is also considered unique for the large numbers of migratory birds that come here. Apart from the common provision of safari jeeps for expeditions, Kaziranga also facilitates elephant rides at the break of dawn.   

Sundarban National Park, West Bengal

The largest marshland which is home to almost 400 Royal Bengal tigers, Sundarbans is located in the southern region of West Bengal and Bangladesh. The portion lying within the national boundary has been proclaimed as a National Park. Sunderbans is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is vehemently popular among tourists and adventure seekers. Several hotels, resorts, retreats, and jungle camps have come up to facilitate reasonable and comfortable accommodation here. The whole area had been declared a Biosphere Reserve in the year 1989 and is home to several other beasts other than the tigers. These include the Jungle Fowl, Giant Lizards, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, and migratory birds. I remember when we set out for the Sunderban trip, I was not in a good mood. But when I came here and saw the wildlife and the land filled with Sundari trees, I immediately realized that I took the best decision of my life. 

Dandeli (Anshi) Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Situated by the mighty Kali River in Karnataka, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is reportedly the second largest of its kind. Some of the rare species of animals that can be found here include elephants, tigers and a significant number of Black Panthers. Since the Park is not spread over a vast area, spotting the rarities is not too difficult in Dandeli. River rafting and other water sports are often conducted in the Kali River here under supervision and serve as an excellent spot for trekking and camping. I tried camping here with my friends and was quite delighted by the experience.

With the extensive list above, we hope you have made up your mind which ones to visit first. So, start planning for the trip already and pre-book the hotels to avoid unwanted hassles on reach.