When meeting deadlines becomes hard and sitting in front of the screens seems almost impossible, then know your mind is craving some time away in nature! Lush verdant valleys, stunning flora and fauna, and the sound of animals all around, if this is your idea of an idyllic getaway, then you should plan a getaway to one of these amazing wildlife sanctuaries that Indians loved visiting in 2024.
Top Wildlife Sanctuaries In India In 2024
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Undoubtedly one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in India, Jim Corbett National Park is home to more than 250 tigers. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it is India’s oldest and most prestigious National Park. Spread across 1288.31 sq km, this sanctuary has a diverse landscape with steep ascents, grasslands, and rivulets.
2. Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
Nestled in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, Tadoba National Park is the largest tiger reserve in Maharashtra. Also known as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, the authorities here will soon launch the world’s very first ropeway safari experience at this wildlife sanctuary to elevate visitors’ experience.
3. Gir National Park, Gujarat
Gir National Park is believed to be the only place in the world, other than Africa, where lions can be seen in their natural habitat. As per Gir National Park’s official website, it is home to 40 species of mammals and 425 species of birds. The 2020 census revealed that the lion population here is almost 674.
4. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Located in Chamarajanagar district in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park is spread across 868.63 sq km. The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and you can spot tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, gaur, sloth bear, four-horned antelope, golden jackal, and dhole here. It is best to visit this national park during the winter months.
5. Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
In 2022, the Tamil Nadu government declared the Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary as the state’s 17th wildlife sanctuary. It is spread across 686.4 sq km of reserve forest areas in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts. The place is home to 35 species of mammals and 238 species of birds.
Also Read: Centre Suggests Constructing 6-Lane Tunnel In Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary To Combat Night Travel Ban
6. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is home to 24 wildlife sanctuaries and one of the most popular ones is Kanha National Park. It is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh and is spread over an area of 940 sq km. It has a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers and over 350 species of birds and flora. If you want an uninterrupted view of the sunset then head to Bamni Dadar, the highest point of this national park.
Also Read: I Sighted Leopards & Stayed In A Luxury Cottage At Pench Tree Lodge In MP & It Was…
7. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Nestled in the heart of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. There are about 1,641 adult rhinos and 385 calves in this wildlife sanctuary. Besides them, you can also spot tigers, elephants, panthers, bears, and a large variety of birds here.
8. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Named after the historic Ranthambore Fort, which also lies within the park, Ranthambore National Park is spread across a 1,334 sq km area. It is bounded by the Banas River and the Chambal River. The former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, have now become a famous tourist destination where people can indulge in jungle safari, animal watching, and photography.
9. Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
In February this year, the Tamil Nadu government declared 80,114.80 hectares of reserve forests in Bargur Hills in Erode district as the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It links the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve with the Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary and is the 18th wildlife sanctuary of Tamil Nadu.
10. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala. A renowned elephant and tiger reserve, this sanctuary is spread across 925 sq km and is a repository of rare, endemic, and endangered flora and fauna. One can enjoy trekking, rafting, camping, night trekking, and nature walks here.
Which of these wildlife sanctuaries have you been to? Let us know in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)
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