Top 5 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
India is home to a diverse range of wildlife and boasts numerous wildlife sanctuaries that are havens for various species of animals and birds. Here are five of the top wildlife sanctuaries in India:
List of Top Tourist Attractions in India
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Jim Corbett National Park is India's oldest national park and a famous tiger reserve. Established in the year 1936 as Hailey National Park, Corbett has the glory of being India’s oldest and most prestigious National Park. It was renamed Corbett National Park after the hunter and naturalist Jim Corbett, who had played a leading role in its establishment and had died the year before. It is known for its lush forests, gushing rivers, and diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and over 600 species of birds.
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park is one of the largest national parks in Central India. Kanha National Park is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India that forms the central Indian highlands. Kanha National Park was declared a reserve forest in 1879 and revalued as a wildlife sanctuary in 1933. Its position was further upgraded to a national park in 1955. It is renowned for its efforts in wildlife conservation, particularly the preservation of tigers. It offers a picturesque landscape of meadows, forests, and streams, and is home to tigers, leopards, barasingha (swamp deer), and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is known for its historic Ranthambore Fort and its population of Bengal tigers. It is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. It is named after the historic Ranthambore Fort, which lies within the park. The park's rugged terrain, dotted with lakes and ancient ruins, provides a unique backdrop for wildlife safaris, where you can spot tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and various bird species.Its landmarks include the imposing 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, on a hilltop, and the Ganesh Mandir temple. Also in the park, Padam Talao Lake is known for its abundance of water lilies.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros.Kaziranga National Park Formed in 1908 on the recommendation of Mary Curzon, the park is located in the edge of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots – Golaghat and Nagaon district. The park is characterized by its tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense forests. it also supports significant populations of tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and various bird species. Kaziranga is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for conservation of avifaunal species. When compared with other protected areas in India, Kaziranga has achieved notable success in wildlife conservation.
Periyar National Park, Kerala
Situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Periyar National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, is in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala, southern India.It was founded as Nellikkampatty Reserve. It was consolidated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1950 after the political integration of India.This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers and a significant elephant population, as well as rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison. In the park's north, Periyar Lake is popular for boat rides. Farther north, spice plantations surround the town of Kumily.
These are just a few of the many incredible wildlife sanctuaries in India. Each sanctuary offers a unique experience and an opportunity to witness the beauty of India's diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.
