National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Uttarakhand
Blessed with dense forests, alpine meadows, and rich biodiversity, Uttarakhand is one of India’s most important wildlife regions. From the Terai grasslands to the high Himalayan ecosystems, these protected areas preserve rare species and offer unforgettable jungle experiences to nature lovers.
National parks are designated area marked for conservation for wildlife, especially endangered species of flora and fauna. Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is India’s first and oldest national park. These wildlife reserves are not only significant for 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 Uttarakhand
The crown jewel of wildlife tourism in the state is Jim Corbett National Park, famous for its population of the Royal Bengal Tiger and diverse birdlife. High-altitude reserves like Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park are UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for rare Himalayan flora and breathtaking landscapes.
Uttarakhand is home to abundant species of flora and fauna, some of which are rare and endangered. Wildlife tourism in is a significant aspect of Uttarakhand tourism. Jim Corbett National Park is one of well-known places to visit in Uttarakhand and popular among wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and bird watchers.
Other popular national parks in Uttarakhand include Nanda Devi National Park which is home to the enchanting Valley of Flowers. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is another popular destination for bird watching and wildlife safari. Gangotri National Park and Askot Musk Deer sanctuary are other wildlife treasure chests in Uttarakhand.
| Name | Founded | Area Sq Km | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve | 1988 | 5860.69 | Chamoli - Pithoragarh - Bageshwar |
| Corbett National Park | 1936 | 521 | Nainital - Pauri |
| Govind National Park | 1980 | 472.08 | Uttarkashi |
| Nanda Devi National Park | 1982 | 624 | Chamoli |
| Valley of Flowers | 1982 | 87 | Chamoli |
| Rajaji National Park | 1983 | 820 | Dehradun - Pauri - Haridwar |
| Gangotri National Park | 1989 | 2390.02 | Uttarkashi |
| Govind Wild Life Sanctuary | 1955 | 485 | Uttarkashi |
| Kedarnath Wild Life Sanctuary | 1972 | 975.20 | Chamoli - Rudraprayag |
| Askot Wild Life Sanctuary | 1986 | 600 | Pithoragarh |
| Sona Nadi Wild Life Sanctuary | 1987 | 301 | Pauri |
| Binsar Wild Life Sanctuary | 1988 | 47 | Almora |
| Vinog Mountain Quail Wild Life Sanctuary | 1993 | 11 | Dehradun |
| Asan Wild Life Sanctuary | 2005 | 4.44 | Dehradun |
| Jhilmil Wild Life Sanctuary | 2005 | 3.83 | Haridwar |
Apart from safaris and trekking, visitors can also enjoy bird watching, nature walks, and eco-tourism activities in parks like Rajaji National Park and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, making Uttarakhand a paradise for wildlife photographers and adventure seekers alike.
For tourists who are in awe of nature and wildlife, they prefer Jim Corbett tour packages that include stay at a resort in Jim Corbett as well as jungle safari to catch the glimpse majestic Bengal tiger. Valley of Flowers trek takes one into the Nanda Devi National Park.
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.
