Top 10 National Parks in the Indian Subcontinent for Spotting Wildlife

The Indian subcontinent is blessed with an abundance of unique flora and fauna. Safari trips to the national parks here are increasing in popularity, not only because of the variety of endangered species they harbour, but also because of the excellent infrastructure in place to view them. 

The ten awesome hotspots listed here will make you make you jump to catch the next flight to this wildlife mecca. 

KANHA NATIONAL PARK - INDIA

( Open from October 1st to June 30. Wednesday closed)

Established in 1955, the beautiful Kanha National Park was the principal inspiration behind the writing of  Rudyard Kipling's unforgettable classic, 'The Jungle Book'. Due to the ample presence of both prey and predator there is always a great influx of tourists who flock to the four different zones for a 4x4 open jeep safari with a knowledgeable naturalist. 

This park is situated in Central India and is a pioneer in conservation techniques as reflected in the healthy tiger population found here. Other main animals you can spot are deer, Indian bison, sloth bears and the occasional leopard. 

Tip - Sighting Tigers in the dense jungles of India is quite challenging. Be sure to book your tour with wildlife experts like Far and Wild Travel for best chances of sighting this magnificent beast.

BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK - INDIA

(Open from October 1st to June 30. Wednesday only morning safari)

Set amidst the backdrop of the historical Bandhavgarh Fort from where it got its name, this park lies in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is spread over an area of 1536 square kilometres. Rich in biodiversity, Bandhavgarh is home to a large population of royal bengal tigers and hundreds of bird species which have made these Sal forests and sprawling grasslands their hunting ground. Apart from the majestic tiger, there are 36 other animal species, 250 bird species and 80 kinds of butterfly that are guaranteed to offer an exciting wildlife experience. 

Tip - You can skip the popular parks if you want to go off the beaten path in India and try one of these less crowded national parks instead. 

WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK - SRI LANKA

( Open throughout the year- sunrise to sunset)

Designated a National Park in 1938, the park lies 188 km from Colombo near the historical city of Anuradhapura on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Though the park holds nearly 30 species of mammals, those which garner maximum attention are the elephant, leopard, buffalo and the sloth bear. This park is the largest in the country and you can be the only ones on safari at many a times. Unlike other sanctuaries here, Wilpattu has a large number of scenic lakes which end up as a bonus and also offer an exciting backdrop for your wildlife photos. 

MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK - SRI LANKA

Situated in the north central part of Sri Lanka, Minneriya lies approximately 190 km from Colombo and is spread over a relatively small area of about 90 square kilometres. During the months of May to October, the park is literally flooded with elephants who congregate here for the abundant food and water available during this period. Minneriya's added charm is the sea safari where visitors are treated to sightings of blue whales and sperm whales. Leopard and sloth bear are also good target species to watch out for, during safaris.

GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK - SRI LANKA

(Open throughout the year)

Located in the Uva province 376 km northeast of Colombo, Gal Oya national park spans over an area of roughly 25,000 hectares and is the only park in the country which offers safaris both by boat and jeep. 

While the land excursions are good for spotting leopards and elephants, the boat trips from March to July provide an unusual spectacle. Herds of elephants, with their trunks up, are often seen swimming from the many islands found on the reservoir offering perfect photography opportunities.

CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK-NEPAL

( Open throughout the year)

Designated as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, Chitwan is famous the world over for its excellent sightings of the endangered one horned rhino. The park lies about 200 km from Kathmandu and can be accessed both by road (6 hours) as well as air (30 minutes). 

The park also holds a good number of Bengal tigers, elephants and sloth bears. Wildlife viewing is best from October to January as the animals tend to gather around waterholes during this period. Visitors should note that though the park is officially open round the year, almost all hotels close down during the inaccessible monsoon months.

BARDIA NATIONAL PARK - NEPAL

(Open throughout the year)

Nepal is known for its untarnished forests which cover almost half the area of the country. The 986 square kilometres Bardia National Park enjoys thick and lush greenery in a region of intense biodiversity due to minimum human interference. Apart from the rich floral wealth, the park has a healthy number of tigers and one horned rhinoceros which can be observed from the comfort of either a jeep safari or on elephant back.

ROYAL MANAS NATIONAL PARK - BHUTAN

( Open all days of the week from 530am to 630pm)

This is the oldest park in Bhutan and a worthy extension of its Indian counterpart in Assam. Home to around 40 tigers, the Royal Manas National Park also holds sufficient numbers of Himalayan black bears, clouded leopards and the rare golden langur. To reach the park one needs to travel 130 km from Paro to Zhemgang, then another 90km to Gomphu and then a hike to the entrance at Panbang.

BUMDELING WILDLIFE SANCTUARY-BHUTAN

( Open 9am to 5pm daily. Weekends closed)

Located in the north west part of Bhutan, this sanctuary is home to about 100 species of mammals and a paradise for butterfly lovers. Ornithologists throng here between the months of November and March to spot the highly endangered black necked cranes which nest here during this period. Bumdeling is also good for snow leopards, tigers and the red panda.

JIGME DORJI NATIONAL PARK-BHUTAN

( Open Monday to Friday-9am to 5pm)

Jigme Dorji spanning across an area of 4349 kms is the largest protected forest tract in Bhutan and also the most biologically rich place in the eastern Himalayas. With altitudes ranging from 1000 to 7000 meters, the plant and animal life is extremely unique and diverse. The park can be reached by a five hour ride from Paro. This alpine region is home to glacial lakes which supply water to many of the country rivers. Some charismatic species found here are the snow leopard, Takin, Black Bear, Blue Sheep and the critically endangered Red Panda. Safaris can be done both by jeep as well as on foot. There are excellent trekking routes inside the park leading to prominent peaks like Jomolhari and Tsherimgang.

The well protected National Parks of India and its neighbours ensure an uninterrupted encounter with wild animals in their natural habitat. The outdoors always serve as a good place to unwind, and with so many marvellous wildlife wonders to explore, the sub-continent is the perfect place to go for an authentic open-air jungle experience.