Top 5 National Parks in Uttarakhand

1. Jim Corbett National Park

Plethora of wildlife and abundant natural beauty in Uttarakhand is a main reason why huge numbers of tourists come to this state every year. The state is bestowed with ample of greenery where a rich biodiversity exists. As a whole, the state has six national parks and four wildlife sanctuaries covering nearly 14 per cent of the total geographical area. Jim Corbett National Park is one of the oldest National parks in India and very popular destination for wildlife lovers. Visited by tourists throughout the year and offers some of the captivating sights and sounds for visitors.

Facts & Figure About Corbett National Park

* The Project Tiger was launched in 1973 and Corbett National Park become the first such Tiger Reserve in the country
* Flora found in the Corbett National Park includes approx 488 different species of plants
* Top elevation of the park ranges from 1300 ft to 4000 ft
* Sprawl over an extent of 520 sq .km, its whole area comprises of hills, marshy depressions, riverine belts, grasslands and large lake
* Corbett and its adjoining area is a home to more than 650 species of residents and migratory birds

Safari Zones of the Corbett National Park: The park administrator has divided the area into five different safari zones in order to promote tourism in the region. There areas are segmented as a core area or buffer zone of the park where wildlife lovers can cherish the magnificent beauty of the park. The Jeep/Elephant safari zones are named as BIjarani Safari Zone, Jhirna Safari Zone, Dhela Safari Zone, Dhikala Safari Zone, Durga Devi Safari Zone and Sitabani Safari Zone.

2. Rajaji National Park

Located along the foothills of Shiwalik mountain ranges of the Himalaya, Rajaji National Park is bestowed with rich flora and fauna. It offers wonderful holiday destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Sprawl over 820 square kilometers and three districts of Uttarakhand – Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. Named after C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), noted leader of the Indian freedom struggle. This popular national park in Uttarakhand provides shelter to three sanctuaries i.e. Chilla, Motichur and Rajaji. It is a great destination for bird lover as this park has around 400 species of birds like Great Hornbill, Black-Bellied Tern, Scaly Thrush and many more. This National Park has been given the status of Tiger Reserve by the government of India. Final approval was granted to Kudremukh (karnatka) and Rajaji (Uttarakhand) for declaring as a Tiger Reserve in 15th April 2015. And Rajaji National Park became the second tiger reserve in Uttarakhand after Corbett Tiger Reserve.

3. Valley of Flowers National Park

Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand is like a paradise on earth. With a vast range of exotic flora and some endangered species of fauna such as Asiatic black beer, snow leopard, blue sheep, black deer and many more; this is the place which best for nature lover, admirer, photographer and botanist. The breathtaking beauty of this place is unique in its own way. It is located in north Chamoli.

Entry Fees:
1. INR 150 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners (for three days)
2. Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Best Time to Visit:
The months of June to October are the most suitable time to explore Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand.

Things to Do at Valley of Flower National Park:
1. Visit the Pushpawati river bed
2. Visit the Pushpawati river bed
3. Visit the Pushpawati river bed

4. Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park is also located in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. It is not only the best national parks in Uttarakhand, but also a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site. With an unique and exotic range of flora and fauna such as Brahma-Kamal and Bharal (the blue mountain goat), this place has exceptional experiences for you in store.

And while you are visiting Nanda Devi National Park, make sure your camera is completely charged and so are you on energy, because the restricted entry to this place makes it only once in a lifetime opportunity.

Entry Fees: NA
Timings: 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: The months of May to October are the most suitable time to explore Nanda Devi National Park.

Things to Do at Nanda Devi National Park:
1. Trekking
2. Witness the spectacular glaciers
3. Admire the famous peaks around the park

5. Gangotri National Park

Surrounded with coniferous forests and lush green grasslands, Gangotri National Park is the biggest national park of the state. It provides shelter to some 15 species of mammals such as snow leopard, pheasants, blue sheep and many more, and 150 species of birds that make it one of the popular national parks in Uttarakhand.

Gangotri being the place of origin of River Ganga, this national park offers brilliant views of the flowing rivers, which are quite enough to sooth your eyes and rejuvenate your mind and body.

1. Entry Fees: INR 150
2. Entry Fees: INR 150

Best Time to Visit: An ideal time to explore Gangotri National Park is the months from April to October.

Things to Do at Gangotri National Park:
1. Nature walk
2. Sightseeing
3. Capturing the unique species of mammals