Nearly one-fourth of the total land in India is classified as forest and tree cover. There are 106 national parks spread all over the country. These are protected areas meant mainly to conserve flora and fauna and support the local communities by generating revenue from tourism.

India has much to offer people passionate about nature and wildlife regarding the environment and diversity. If you love the outdoors and like exploring national parks, this blog will surely interest you.

This blog will focus on the top 5 national parks from all four directions of India in 2022. It will also highlight the first national park in India and the largest national park in India. Keep reading and get to know details like where to stay, timings, entry fee, the best time to visit and what to expect there.

1. JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK (NORTH)

Jim Corbett is the first National park in India and was established in 1936 in the Nainital district, Uttarakhand, to protect the Bengal tigers. There are five safari zones: Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela and Durga Devi Zone, and two buffer zones, Sonanadi and Pakhro. You can spot the Royal Bengal tiger, leopard cat, Indian grey mongoose, and yellow-throated martens. Details relevant for you to plan your trip:-

• The entry fee is ₹ 200/- for Indians and ₹ 900/- for foreigners.
• How to explore- Gypsy/Jeep Safari (6 people), Canter Safari (16 people), and Elephant Safari (4 people).
• Where to stay- OYO HOME 86411 Jim Corbett Home Stay, OYO 3854 Corbett Call, and OYO 70424.
• Timings
  Summer safari- 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ,and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  Winter Safari- 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The best time to visit – March to June
• What to expect- Jeep Safari, Camping, Trekking, Fishing, Mountain Biking, River Crossing, Elephant Safari, Rock Climbing, Visiting Corbett Waterfall.

2. KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK (EAST)

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is located in Kaziranga, Assam. It is the only natural habitat of the one-horned rhinoceros. You can also spot tigers, water buffaloes and elephants. Below are details which will help you plan your trip:-

• The entry fee is ₹ 100 for Indians and ₹ 650 for Foreigners.
• Where to stay- OYO Flagship 83584 Ritu Regency and OYO 27059 Hotel Grand city.
• Timings- The park is open 24 hours, seven days a week.
• The best time to visit – November-April
• What to expect- Jeep safari (₹ 3500 – ₹ 4500 for Indians and ₹ 7500 – ₹ 8500 for foreigners), Elephant safari (₹ 950 for Indians and ₹ 1950 for foreigners), Boat Safari (₹ 2000-3000/boat).

3. Hemis National Park (NORTH)

If you also love hills alongside wildlife, this place in Ladakh is a must-visit. It is the largest national park in India. This park is unique as it is snow-clad throughout the year. Some more details are given below:

• Entry fee- ₹ 20 for Indians and ₹ 100 for foreigners
• How to explore- Via foot as no vehicles are allowed
• Where to stay- OYO 14535 Horpo Guest House and OYO 36662 Bikamp at Leh.
• Timings- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The best time to visit – May to October
• What to expect- Snow leopard, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolf, and the red fox. The Ladakhi Urial, also called Shapu, can only be found here.

4. Ranthambore National Park (WEST)

Situated in Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, this national park takes immense pride in its majestic Tigers. Adventure inside the park is maximised due to the presence of the Ranthambore forts and a lake named Padam Talao. At the corner of this lake is the wonderful Jogi Mahal. Some more details are given below:

• Entry fee- ₹ 100 for Indians and ₹ 650 for Foreigners
• How to explore- Via Jeep (20 seaters) and Canter (6 seaters) Safari.
• Safari prices-
  Half day- ₹ 37,000 for Indians and ₹ 52,000 for Foreigners.
  Full-Day- ₹ 69,000 for Indians, ₹ 92,000 for Foreigners.
• Where to stay- OYO 27623 The Vinayak Ranthambore and OYO 27077 Park resort.
• Timings- 06.30 am – 10.00 am & 02.30 pm – 06.00 pm
• The best time to visit: October – June
• What to expect- Jeep Safari, Canter Safari, monkeys, gazelles, mongooses and a range of gorgeous birds.

5. Eravikulam National Park (SOUTH)

Kerala’s Idukki and Ernakulam districts are home to this national park along the western ghats. It is Kerala’s first national park. You can spot the Nilgiri Tahr here. Other animals found here include leopards, tigers, elephants, etc.

Apart from these, this park is home to a unique flower named Neelakurinji that blooms once every twelve years. You can also do a bit of trekking and spot wildlife.

• The entry fee is ₹ 125 for Indians and ₹ 420 for foreigners. ₹ 45 for the normal camera and ₹ 335 for the video camera.
• How to explore- Safari buses are provided by the forest department to take visitors to the top of Rajamala, and they need to hike the remaining 2 km.
• Where to stay- OYO 77946 Skylark and OYO 10644 M S Holiday Resort.
• Timings-
  Safari timings in Winter: 6:30a.m.-10:30a.m. & 2p.m.-6p.m.
  Safari timings in Summers: 6a.m-10a.m.and 2:30p.m.-6:30p.m.
• The best time to visit – September-November and April-June (Closed in February and March annually)
• What to expect- Breathtaking views of the Anamudi hills, Tea Gardens, and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Conclusion

Based on these details you can plan your next trip to one of these places of natural wonder. Hope you get a glimpse of the best of these places and make the most of your time.

OYO