Are you also looking for a trip where you can gather pulsating travel experiences then why don’t you plan a wildlife tour in Uttarakhand? Uttarakhand tour packages play a vital role and are the best way to let out our free, wild, and young side out by planning a wonderful trip to this Northern state. There is a number of gorgeous national parks in Uttarakhand that you can explore to witness the most serene side of the state and below mentioned are the top 10 national parks that you must visit when you are in the city. This beautifully compiled Uttarakhand national park list is perfect to plan your next holiday with your family, friends, or for a solo trip where you can enjoy witnessing the rich biodiversity and several animal species that are on the verge on extinction.

List of 10 National Parks in Uttarakhand

• Jim Corbett National Park
• Rajaji National Park
• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nanda Devi National Park
• Valley of Flowers National Park
• Gangotri National Park
• Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary
• Askot Sanctuary
• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
• Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

01. Jim Corbett National Park

One of the oldest national parks in India and habitat to endangered Bengal tigers, Corbett National Park is one the most striking elements of increasing the tourism rate of Uttarakhand. This hugely spread national park is an important part of Corbett Tiger Reserve that has been established amidst the backdrops of the gorgeous Himalayas in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna species including tigers and also to more than 650 species of migratory and rarely found birds and this all catches the eyes of the travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers. It is one of such tiger reserves in the country that allows the travelers for an overnight stay and offers them a perfect opportunity to enjoy the wildlife safaris. This beautiful national park is believed to have been established in 1936 and was named as Hailey National Park but later on, it got renamed after Jim Corbett, a famous naturalist and hunter.

Best Time to Visit Corbett National Park: Except the Jhirna and Sitabani Zones, other zones of the park are not opened throughout the year, so it is important to know about the most recommended time for you visit and this all depends on what are you looking for in the region. The Dhikala zone where you can find the highest number of cubs and tigers is the most coveted amongst all zones and is opened between 15 November and 15 June. Similarly, Durga Devi Zone is opened between November and June, and Bijrani Zone remains opened from October to June. Be informed that the parks are closed at night and you are not allowed to camp inside the premises.

02. Rajaji National Park

Encompassing the majestic Shivalik Ranges, Rajaji National Park is abundantly rich in fauna and flora species and proves to be a great holiday destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Popular for its wildlife especially for elephants and tigers, Rajaji National Park has recently been announced as the Tiger Reserve by the government of India. The park has been named after C. Rajagopalachari, the park has been spread over 3 distinct districts of Uttarakhand including Pauri Garhwal, Haridwar, and Dehradun, and is also enriched with valuable fossils that are believed to be 10 million years old. The forest area is pretty famous for Tak, Sal, and other shrubs and is a perfect place where you can rich diversity and the wilderness of the Himalayan lives. One can spot Panther, Chital, Monitor Lizard, Bear, Asian Elephants, and many more animals by covering the 34 km long Jungle track.

Best Time to Visit: It is best to explore this beautiful national park between 15th November and 15th June as the park remains closed for the rest of the time.

03. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated not very far from Almora (a popular tourist destination), Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is reckoned as a paradise for nature lovers and the explorers. Tucked amidst the huge mountains of Kumaon, Binsar is neither a town nor a village as it is entirely a forest region. Established in the year 1988 with a motive to preserve the broad-leaved oak trees of the Himalayas has now become a home to more than 200 species of birds and various species of plants and animals. The most interesting and the loved part of this destination is that everything is found real and authentic here. Another striking feature of this sanctuary is that there is a government rest house established here and a few private accommodations are also available here, so you don’t need to worry about your night stay.

Best Time to Visit: It is best to explore Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary during spring and early summer months. In this period, the rhododendrons are in full bloom and the weather is also quite pleasing and favorable during these months.

04. Nanda Devi National Park

Established in the proximity to Nanda Devi, the second highest peak in India, Nanda Devi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Renowned as one of the most diverse regions in the world, Nanda Devi National Park is home to some of the rarely found flora and fauna species and besides being abundantly rich in flora and fauna, this national park is blessed with panoramic landscapes and coupled with the richness of biospheres and this makes it different from other national parks in the country. apart from witnessing wildlife experiences, you also get an opportunity to indulge yourself in several adventure sports activities including hiking, trekking, etc. and is indeed a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts to let them enthralled. Badrinath Temple, Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib are a few of the other appealing sites located nearby the region. However, it is not as easy to visit this park as according to the rule, only 10 persons are allowed to enter the park in a day, so it is better to fix your visit date in advance.

Best Time to Visit Nanda Devi National Park: Unfortunately, one cannot explore this national park throughout the year as it is opened only for half a year i.e. from 1st of May to 31st of October.

05. Valley of Flowers National Park

Established in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Valley of Flowers is a picturesque national park that enhances the beauty of the Western Himalayas. The destination is believed to have been discovered in 1931 and has been enlisted amongst several UNESCO World Heritage Sites where travelers from all around the world come to spend their holiday. Located almost 300 km to the north of Rishikesh, Valley of Flowers is worldwide famous for its wild untamed blooms encircled by gorgeous white peaks. This gorgeous park is also very much reckoned for its huge collection of medicinal herbs and it is believed that Lord Hanuman brought Sanjeevani (to save Lakshman’s life) from this place only. In simple words, we can say that it is a perfect place to enjoy watching numbers of cascading waterfalls, paddocks, and streams and to let yourself immersed in the beauty of this surreal place.

Best Time to Visit: Due to its insane location (tucked at a huge elevation), the park remains opened for a few months of a year i.e. from June to October, so plan your trip accordingly.

06. Gangotri National Park

Nestled amidst the lush green meadows and coniferous forests, Gangotri National Park is the biggest national park in Uttarakhand. It is home to almost 15 species of mammals including pheasants, snow leopard, blue sheep, and many more and also 150 species of birds and makes it one of its kind parks in the area. Being the originating point of River Ganga, Gangotri doesn’t only attract wildlife enthusiasts but also travelers having religious faith and belief as here you can take a dip into the holy river Ganges and cleanse away all your committed sins. Also, the destination offers its travelers with the scintillating views of the gorgeously flowing rivers which are quite enough to calm down the chaos within.

Best Time to Visit Gangotri National Park: Likewise other national parks, Gangotri National Park is also recommended to be visited between April and October.

07. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary

Of all other national parks in Uttarakhand, Govind Pashu Vihar National Park is pretty unique and is famous for its exceptional flora as it constitutes of remedial plants and besides being home to flora species, the park is also popular for boasting a great collection of fauna species including some rarely found animal species that are on the verge of extinction. This wildlife sanctuary is believed to have been established in the year 1955 as an important part of the magnificent Upper Tons Valley. Due to its elevated location, safari rides are not possible in this park, visitors have to trek along the valleys to explore this park and in this way, you don’t only get wildlife experiences to love but also get an opportunity to get indulged in wildlife sports activities. After you are done with the exploration of this hugely national park, if you are left with time and energy then you must visit a few of its nearby attractions like Ruinsara Lake and Har Ki Dun.

Best Time to Visit Govind Pashu Vihar National Park: May to October is the most recommended time to plan your visit as the winter months receive heavy snowfall.

08. Askot Sanctuary

A true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and Botany lovers, Askot Sanctuary is bestowed with a huge collection of flora and fauna species. Nestled at a huge elevation of almost 5412 meters above the sea level and at a distance of 54 km away from Pithoragarh, the destination is bounded by rich and magnificent surroundings. One can enjoy spotting several species of animals including Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deers, Koklas, Pheasants, Chukors, Snow Leopards, Chirs, etc. Apart from being home to various animal species, Askot Sanctuary is also blessed with many temples where devotees from different nooks and corners of the country flock to seek the blessings of the deity.

Best Time to Visit: Similar to other elevated national parks, Askot Sanctuary is also considered best to explore between May and October.

09. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

Popularly called as Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary and Kedarnath Vanya Jeev Prabha, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its rich floral species and is believed to have been established in 1972. The sanctuary got its name after the magnificent Kedarnath Temple, one of the most eminent destinations of Shiva worshippers and a cherished dream of each Hindu devout. One must be aware that to enter into the shrine of Kedarnath, one has to cover a trekking distance of 14km from Gauri Kund and this entire trekking trail passes through this wildlife sanctuary. It is also believed to be the largest protected or preserved region in the Western Himalayas and is home to the endangered species of musk deer. Besides collecting wildlife experiences by visiting this national park, one can also enjoy witnessing the astonishing views of the lush green valleys, majestic glaciers, grasslands, colorful butterflies, dense forests, and exotic varieties of colorful and scented flowers.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Sanctuary: Being established at an extreme location, the sanctuary is not accessible throughout the year and it is best to explore this national park between May and June and then from September to November so that you can avoid obstacles arouse due to heavy rainfall and snowfall.

10. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

A major portion of the Rajaji National Park, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 11 km ahead of the Library End Road in Mussoorie and is quite famous for its picturesque locations and panoramic landscapes. If you are one of those wildlife enthusiasts who are keen to gather information about rare and endangered species of birds, plants, and animals then Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect place to quench your thirst for enjoying wildlife experiences. Also, if you are a nature lover and looking for an opportunity to go on a refreshing walk amidst the excellent trail of pine-clad slopes encircled by the gorgeous Himalayan peaks. It’s insane and hugely elevated location makes it a perfect place to get indulged in a few adventure activities too, so it is the right choice of holiday for adventure enthusiasts too.

Best Time to Visit Benog Wildlife Sanctuary: Although the sanctuary remains open throughout the year it is best to explore the destination between April and November.

However, the list of interesting national parks in Uttarakhand doesn’t end here but we are compiling only 10 of the most popular national parks in the state. If you are excited and eager to know about a few more such national parks in Uttarakhand then do follow us, share this post, and pen down your feedback in the below comment box.