Best National Park Vacation Packages
Best National Park Vacation Packages: A remarkable way to immerse oneself in the splendor of Earth is by exploring national parks. Many of these parks exist with the primary purpose of safeguarding and preserving the natural wonders our planet harbors, such as Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park, created to provide a new home for animals displaced by human activities.
From awe-inspiring landscapes to untamed beauty, endangered wildlife, and diverse ecosystems, visiting a national park offers a firsthand encounter with the wonders of nature.
Whether you seek solace in nature, wish to explore wildlife, conquer majestic mountains, trek forgotten trails, or simply marvel at sights untouched by human hands, national parks stand as unparalleled destinations in the world.
To celebrate the beauty of our planet, we’ve compiled a list of the best national parks worldwide, presented in no particular order, showcasing some of Earth’s most striking features.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Named after the British hunter and naturalist Jim Corbett, this national park stands as India’s oldest. Established in 1936, it spans 520.8 sq km of dense, deciduous forests in the foothills of the Himalayas. Pantheists find delight in its rolling hills, ridges, ravines, and vast expanses of savannah, open grasslands, swamps, and marshes.
The native forest groves of sal and sacred fig host over 600 species of birds. Beyond its 50 mammal species, the park shelters leopards, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, langur monkeys, and gharials (fish-eating crocodiles). While tiger sightings are rare, elephant herds frequent the verdant grasslands and water sources.
The park offers a range of outdoor adventures, including river rafting and mountain biking. Visitors can explore the Corbett Museum for insights into Jim Corbett himself. For further details on outdoor activities, guests can inquire with their hotels or tour operators.
Kaziranga Wildlife Park, Assam
If you ever come across a gathering of one-horned rhinoceroses here, you owe your gratitude to Baroness Mary Curzon. Stretching across the plains of the Brahmaputra River in northeast India for about 430 sq km, Kaziranga Wildlife Park is the haven for over two-thirds of the world’s population of these rhinos.
However, their numbers had dwindled to near extinction until Curzon, the wife of the Viceroy, voiced her disappointment when she failed to spot a single rhino in the wild.
Curzon’s influence spurred conservation efforts, leading to the establishment of Kaziranga Reserve Forest in 1905. A century later, the park not only serves as a sanctuary for rhinos but has become a breeding ground for wild elephants, water buffalos, and swamp deer.
Tigers and leopards stealthily roam the tropical broadleaf forests, showcasing their mastery of disguise. Birdwatchers flock here to observe both endemic and migratory birds, including Blyth’s kingfishers and white-bellied herons.
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Spread across 940 square kilometers, this national park boasts deciduous forests, majestic sal trees, bamboo groves, and expansive grasslands. The captivating scenery served as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, with the renowned Bengal tiger, Shere Khan, taking the spotlight in this natural haven.
The park’s commitment to conservation has successfully revived the population of swamp deer from the brink of extinction. A road within the forest pays homage to George Schaller, the conservationist who shared his experiences in The Deer and the Tiger.
Embark on an open-topped 4WD safari, beginning before sunrise, to traverse the enchanting pathways bordered by towering sal and bamboo trees. Keep a keen eye out for langurs, sloth bears, leopards, wild dogs, and the striking sambar and spotted deer.
For a closer connection with nature, the forest department offers guided nature walks along buffer zones and the scenic River Banjar, featuring birdwatching opportunities and occasional elephant sightings.
Originally inhabited by the Baigas and Gonds tribal communities, the esteemed guardians of the forests, visitors can explore their villages to gain insight into their rich rituals, customs, and traditions. Last Wilderness Foundation conducts tours to facilitate a deeper understanding of these indigenous cultures.
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Legend has it that Bandhavgarh, an ancient fortress nestled in the Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh, has roots as old as the epic Ramayana itself. Although inaccessible to modern travelers, the fort is said to have been constructed by Lord Ram for his brother, Lakshman.
However, the intrigue doesn’t end there – the region is steeped in tales of a legendary white tiger, with Mohan, the last of its kind, now preserved and displayed in the palace of Maharaja of Reva.
What once served as royal hunting grounds has transformed into a national park, encompassing 716 square kilometers of diverse mixed deciduous forests and sprawling grasslands. Over 300 species of birds and 80 species of butterflies grace the skies, while the land below is home to an array of mammals, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian wolves, caracals, gaurs, langurs, and various deer and antelope species.
For a unique perspective of the park, adventurous souls can embark on hot air balloon safaris. On solid ground, the Tala Zone remains a favorite among tigers, with one notable hideout being a 1000-year-old carved sculpture portraying a reclining Lord Vishnu beneath the protective canopy of a seven-headed snake.
A nearby pool, particularly bustling in summer, becomes a watering hole for wild cats. Adding to the mystique, Badi Guha, a dark natural cave, serves as a den for tigers and plays host to a bat population. The park is divided into three zones, with Tala being the premier destination for unparalleled wildlife sightings.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Forts stand as enduring symbols of Rajasthan’s identity, and at the heart of this national park lies the remnants of a majestic bastion.
Encompassing approximately 1334 sq km of deciduous forests and expansive grasslands, the park once served as the exclusive hunting grounds for the Jaipur Maharaja, who established Sawai Madhopur, the main entrance town to the park. The erstwhile royal hunting lodge has metamorphosed into a luxurious hotel.
While tigers and leopards take the spotlight, encounters with water buffaloes, wild boars, striped hyenas, langurs, wild dogs, mongooses, and various deer species are more common. Guided tours unfold aboard open-top jeeps, and the presence of three enchanting lakes mirrors the untamed beauty of the wilderness.
Within the park, scattered remnants of temples, havelis (mansions), vaults, and water tanks provide a peek into Rajput heritage. The ancient ruins, dating back 1000 years, are interspersed in the forests and often serve as covert shelters for the majestic big cats.
During safaris, keep an eye out for the captivating Jogi Mahal, a former hunting lodge crafted in red sandstone, alongside crumbling arches, pillars, domes, and broken steps near the lakes Raj Bagh Talao and Padam Talao. The forest department extends offerings beyond traditional safaris, including bird-watching and crocodile safaris.
Which is No 1 national park in India?
Jim Corbett National Park
01. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttrakhand. Named after famous hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett from Hailey National Park in 1936 and Ramganga in the mid-1950s. Project Tiger is incomplete without Jim Corbett National Park as it is amongst the first and the finest National Parks in India.
Formerly recognized as ‘Hailey National Park,’ Corbett National Park stands as a renowned sanctuary for Bengal tigers and a myriad of other wildlife species.
Established in 1936 with the primary goal of safeguarding the majestic Bengal Tigers, it holds the distinction of being the country’s oldest park. An ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts, it also offers a captivating eco-tour experience amidst splendid natural wonders.
The park bears the name of the distinguished British officer and hunter, ‘Jim Corbett.’ Renowned for its scenic beauty and untamed wilderness, it lures visitors from across the globe. Corbett National Park has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries produced in India.
Divided into five safari zones, namely Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Durga Devi Zone, along with two buffer zones, Sonanadi and Pakhro, it provides diverse landscapes for exploration.
For an immersive experience, accommodations within the Jim Corbett vicinity are available. Booking a stay in one of the forest rest houses situated in Dhikala, Dhela, Jhirna, and Bijrani safari zones allows visitors to be close to the heart of the park’s natural wonders.
Which is the 2nd largest national park in India?
Desert National Park
Second Largest National Park in India: Desert National Park. Desert National Park located in Thar Desert of Rajasthan, close to places called Jaisalmer and Barmer, is the second biggest national park in India with an area of about 3,162 sq. km. The Desert National Park consists of 20% sand dunes
Located in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, in close proximity to Jaisalmer and Barmer, the Desert National Park stands as the second-largest national park in India, covering an expansive area of approximately 3,162 sq. km.
Comprising 20% sand dunes, this park is renowned for hosting the great Indian Bustard, a species found in significant numbers within its boundaries. Apart from its diverse wildlife, the Desert National Park is home to a unique collection of rare fossils of animals and plants. The optimal time to explore this national park is during the period between November and January.
In India, national parks fall under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) category II protected areas. The inception of India’s first national park dates back to 1936, now recognized as Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. By 1970, India had only five national parks.
Subsequent significant steps were taken with the enactment of the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 and the initiation of Project Tiger in 1973, aimed at preserving the habitats of conservation-reliant species. Presently, India boasts a total of 106 national parks. Further legislative measures were introduced in the 1980s to fortify wildlife protection efforts.
Which is the 1st largest national park in world?
Northeast Greenland National Park (Greenlandic: Kalaallit Nunaanni nuna eqqissisimatitaq, Danish: Grønlands Nationalpark) is the world’s largest national park and the 10th largest protected area (the only larger protected areas consist mostly of sea).
Situated high in the mountains of Ladakh, India, Hemis National Park stands as the largest national park in the country and ranks among the world’s most extensive national parks. This expansive reserve is a sanctuary for numerous endangered mammal and bird species.
Hemis National Park serves as a protected area for the conservation of threatened mammals, including snow leopards, leopards, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolves, Eurasian brown bears, and red foxes.
Renowned as a habitat center for Shapu or the Ladakhi Urial in India, the park also hosts other smaller mammals such as the Himalayan marmot, mountain weasel, and Himalayan mouse.
Additionally, it provides a haven for various bird species, including the golden eagle, Lammergeier vulture, and the Himalayan griffon. The ideal time to explore this national park is from May to September.
Why is national park famous?
The main objective of places like National parks is the conservation of biodiversity. These parks comprise many kinds of plants that help the environment by providing clean water and fresh air.
Situated high in the mountains of Ladakh, India, Hemis National Park stands as the largest national park in the country and ranks among the world’s most extensive national parks.
This expansive reserve is a sanctuary for numerous endangered mammal and bird species. Hemis National Park serves as a protected area for the conservation of threatened mammals, including snow leopards, leopards, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolves, Eurasian brown bears, and red foxes.
Renowned as a habitat center for Shapu or the Ladakhi Urial in India, the park also hosts other smaller mammals such as the Himalayan marmot, mountain weasel, and Himalayan mouse.
Additionally, it provides a haven for various bird species, including the golden eagle, Lammergeier vulture, and the Himalayan griffon. The ideal time to explore this national park is from May to September.
Which national park is unique?
Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
Khangchendzonga National Park is India’s only UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site. Unique geography, vegetation and the fact that Mount Khangchendzonga is surrounded by legends and mythologies, all this makes the national park a pretty unique place.
National parks play a crucial role in shielding wildlife and their habitats from human impact and destruction. These designated areas serve as secure spaces for animals to thrive, ensuring their survival and reproductive efforts.
Additionally, national parks safeguard locations of natural beauty, harboring various endemic species unique to those areas. Moreover, these protected areas hold significance for Aboriginal people, preserving places essential to their cultural heritage.
The primary goal of national parks is to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. Within these parks, diverse plant species play a vital role in enhancing the environment by promoting clean water sources and maintaining fresh air quality.
India is renowned for its abundant and diverse wildlife in lush green landscapes. The country boasts a remarkable array of wildlife, including powerful tigers, majestic lions, regal elephants, elusive snow leopards, one-horned rhinoceroses, numerous deer species, melodious birds, and more.
Witnessing these creatures in their natural habitats is a truly cherished experience. Embark on wildlife tours across India, with notable destinations like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Kaziranga, Sunderbans, Kanha, Tadoba, and Kerala.
Explore the untamed beauty of national parks and sanctuaries in India, where you can spot these fascinating species thriving in their native environments. These jungles offer a haven for thrilling adventures, promising an adrenaline-packed experience. Prepare for an exciting journey with carefully curated wildlife tour packages in India, ensuring you encounter the wonders of the wild.
