Tenzin Chodon
Hemis is India’s largest national park spanning 4,400 sq. km. It spreads across Ladakh’s high-altitude valleys and is known for having the highest density of snow leopards in the world.
Stretching across the Thar Desert near Jaisalmer, this park features sand dunes, rocky plains and grasslands, and shelters the most critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
High in the Garhwal Himalayas, this vast park surrounds the Gangotri Glacier. Alpine meadows, glaciers and forests support species like Himalayan tahr and snow leopard.
One of India’s richest biodiversity zones, Namdapha spans tropical forests to high mountains. Interestingly, it is the only Indian park where tiger, leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard coexist.
Spanning 1,784 sq. km., this UNESCO World Heritage Site features glaciers, alpine lakes and sacred landscapes. The park protects rare species including red panda, snow leopard and Himalayan black bear.
Part of the Sanjay-Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve landscape, this park features extensive sal and bamboo forests of central India. The wilderness is home to tigers, leopards, elephants and rich forest biodiversity.
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Sundarbans National Park forms the world’s largest mangrove forest. It is globally known for its rare population of swimming Royal Bengal Tigers.
Located in the forests of Bastar, Indravati is one of central India’s most important wildlife habitats. Here, visitors may sight endangered wild water buffalo, Indian gaur, tigers and dense tropical forests.
Set along the scenic Godavari River hills, Papikonda is known for its dense forests and rugged terrain. Those who visit the area can often spot tigers, leopards, gaur and diverse birdlife.
Among India’s best-known wildlife reserves is Kanha National Park, which has inspired The Jungle Book. It is a major conservation success story for the rare barasingha or swamp deer.