National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Uttarakhand
National parks are designated areas marked for conservation for wildlife, especially endangered species of flora and fauna. These wildlife reserves are not only significant for the conservation of 'wild nature' for posterity but also as a symbol of national pride. National parks are almost always open for visitors.
Browse through the List of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Himachal
| Wildlife Sanctuary | District |
|---|---|
| Bandli | Mandi |
| Chail | Solan |
| Chandra Tal | Lahul & Spiti |
| Churdhar | Sirmaur |
| Daranghati | Shimla |
| Dhauladhar | Kangra |
| Gamgul-Siyabehi | Chamba |
| Kais | Kullu |
| Kalatop-Khajjiar | Chamba |
| Kanawar | Kullu |
| Khokhan | Kullu |
| Kibber | Lahul & Spiti |
| Kugti | Chamba |
| Lipa Asrang | Kinnaur |
| Majathal | Solan |
| Manali | Kullu |
| Nargu | Mandi |
| Pong Dam Lake | Kangra |
| Rakchham-Chitkul | Kinnaur |
| Renuka | Sirmaur |
| Rupi-Bhaba | Kinnaur |
| Sechu-Tuan Nalla | Chamba |
| Sainj | Kullu |
| Shikari Devi | Mandi |
| Shimla Water Catchment | Shimla |
| Talra | Shimla |
| Tirthan | Kullu |
| Tundah | Chamba |
| Gobind Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary | Bilaspur |
| Naina Devi Wildlife Sanctuary | Bilaspur |
| Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary | Kullu |
| Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary | Solan |
Himachal Pradesh has many national park and wildlife sanctuaries which are rich in flora and fauna. These National Parks and Eco-Reserves provides a very good opportunity to the visitor to enjoy and experience the wilderness.
| National Park | District |
|---|---|
| Great Himalayan National Park | Kullu |
| Pin Valley National Park | Lahul & Spiti |
| Inderkilla National Park | Kullu |
| Khirganga National Park | Kullu |
| Simbalbara National Park | Sirmaur |
Get answers to questions about your travel plan. Here you'll find helpful information about activities, travel tips, safety guidelines, and seasonal recommendations.
Q: How many national parks are there in Uttarakhand?
A: Uttarakhand has six major national parks — Jim Corbett, Rajaji, Nanda Devi, Valley of Flowers, Gangotri, and Govind National Park. These parks protect rare wildlife, Himalayan flora, and diverse ecosystems.
Q: Which is the most famous national park in Uttarakhand?
A: Jim Corbett National Park is the most famous. Established in 1936, it is India’s oldest national park and is known for Royal Bengal Tigers, jungle safaris, and bird watching.
Q: What is the best time to visit national parks in Uttarakhand?
A: The best time is from November to June when weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. High-altitude parks like Valley of Flowers are accessible mainly from June to October.
Q: Is safari available in Uttarakhand national parks?
A: Yes, jeep safaris are available in parks like Jim Corbett and Rajaji, allowing visitors to explore forests and spot animals like tigers, elephants, deer, and birds.
Q: Why is Valley of Flowers National Park famous?
A: It is famous for alpine meadows filled with colorful flowers during monsoon and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Valley of Flowers trek is very popular among nature lovers.
Q: What wildlife can be seen in Uttarakhand national parks?
A: You can see Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and hundreds of bird species across these parks.
Q: What is the difference between a national park and a wildlife sanctuary?
A: National parks are strictly protected areas focused on conservation, while wildlife sanctuaries allow limited human activities. Examples include Binsar and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
Q: Which national parks in Uttarakhand are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
A: Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park have UNESCO World Heritage status due to their unique Himalayan ecosystem.
Q: Is Rajaji National Park good for wildlife tourism?
A: Yes, Rajaji National Park is known for elephants, dense forests, and scenic landscapes, and is easily accessible from Haridwar and Dehradun.
Q: Can wildlife tourism be combined with trekking in Uttarakhand?
A: Yes, visitors can combine jungle safaris, bird watching, and trekking in places like Valley of Flowers and Gangotri National Park.
Q: Are national parks in Uttarakhand safe for tourists?
A: Yes, parks are safe when guidelines are followed. Safaris are conducted by trained guides, and tourists should use authorized permits and respect wildlife rules.
