5 National Parks In India To Spot The Rare And Adorable Red Panda

Red pandas are super cute, right? They look fluffy, have thick fur, a raccoon-like face, and those white markings that make them truly unique. Their round eyes and small noses often make us want to see them in real life. Isn’t that true? Over time, these animals have become endangered due to several reasons. Deforestation, human encroachment, and climate change are some of the major ones. Fortunately, serious efforts are being made to increase their population. If, like us, these adorable red pandas fascinate you and you want to see them in the wild, here are five national parks in India where you might spot them sleeping or munching on bamboo!

5 National Parks For Red Panda Sightings In India

1. Singalila National Park, West Bengal 

Singalila National Park in West Bengal is one of India’s prime places to spot the adorable yet elusive red panda. Here, these animals are often seen munching on bamboo or resting on tree branches while watching visitors with curious eyes. The park’s beautiful mountain landscape also makes it famous for Himalayan Black Bears, clouded leopards, pangolins, and more.

2. Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim

Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim is not just known for stunning Himalayan views. It is also home to red pandas. Interestingly, this park is India’s only mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is recognised for its biodiversity, rich flora and fauna, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Apart from red pandas, visitors may also spot snow leopards, sheep, and several other rare species.

3. Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal 

India has another national park where wildlife lovers can spot bushy-tailed red pandas. Neora Valley National Park, known for its dense forests and bamboo groves, is home to red pandas as well as gaur, dhole, deer, and the Himalayan Monal. The park remains a favourite among people hoping to see endangered red pandas in their natural habitat. It is also considered an offbeat destination for nature lovers.

Also Read: 5 Top Wild Animals To Spot In Tadoba National Park Apart From Tigers

4. Nokrek National Park, Meghalaya

Nokrek National Park, located in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills, is another prime spot to see red pandas in India. The park is known for its high-altitude forests and thick bamboo thickets. It is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve. Apart from red pandas, this national park is home to clouded leopards, Hoolock Gibbons, tigers, and Asian elephants.

5. Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh

Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is also among the well-known places to spot shy red pandas in India. Sightings are rare here, but the park remains on the bucket list of many wildlife lovers because of its rich biodiversity. Red pandas in Namdapha usually dwell in bamboo undergrowth deep inside the forest.

Also Read: Pawesome News! India-Born Cheetah Mukhi Gives Birth To 5 Cute Cubs At Kuno National Park

If you are lucky enough, you might spot these shy red pandas in these national parks across India. They look adorable and harmless, but do not threaten them. When scared, red pandas stand on their hind legs to appear larger and threatening. And trust us, you do not want to see their scary side!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Valentin Rusu’s