Explore the Uttarakhand's National Parks: Wildlife Encounters in the Himalayas

Uttarakhand's pure natural beauty has made it the nickname "the abode of gods," since it is creased away in the Himalayan mountains. Regardless, Uttarakhand's best-kept mystery is its amazing wildlife and national parks, which are located beyond the well-known hill towns and holy places.  

Uttarakhand is home to six national parks and seven wildlife sanctuaries, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna from various ecosystems. Since 1936, when Jim Corbett established India's first national park, the state has placed a high priority on conservation. Nature lovers may get bike on rent in Uttarakhand and now enjoy the woods and see recognizable species against breathtaking scenery thanks to Uttarakhand's protected areas. 

Uttarakhand offers unique opportunities to experience wildlife, whether it's jeep safaris in Corbett looking for tigers, hikes in the Valley of Flora appreciating indigenous flora, or peaceful times spent birding in the forests of Binsar. 

The major national parks and animal sanctuaries in Uttarakhand are covered in this blog, from elephants in the Shivaliks to snow leopards in the higher elevations. Make travel arrangements, learn about threatened wildlife, book the Best luxury hotels in Uttarakhand, explore ecotourism projects, and get motivated to travel ethically across India's untamed interior.

Major National Parks in Uttarakhand

Valley of Flowers National Park

Famous for its meadows of rare alpine flowers, Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site tucked away high in the West Himalayas. It occupies 225 square kilometers in the Chamoli district along with Nanda Devi National Park. The journey begins at Govindghat with the car on rent in Uttarakhand. The issuance of restricted visitor licenses guarantees a low environmental impact.

In summer, the valley is covered in around 500 different varieties of flowers, including cobra lilies, blue poppies, and Brahma kamal. The view of glacial moraines, waterfalls, and summits covered in snow is breathtaking. The park is home to endangered species like Asiatic black bears and snow leopards. There is no other way to explore the Valley of Flowers but by trekking from June to October. Nearby hill stations like Auli, Joshimath, and Badrinath provide the Best hotels in Uttarakhand.

Corbett National Park

As the oldest and one of the most visited national parks in India, Corbett National Park occupies an area of 1318 square kilometers. Situated in the Nainital area, this esteemed Project Tiger site boasts robust tigers and Asian elephant populations. Corbett provides an amazing jungle safari experience. It is home to more than 600 kinds of birds and a variety of mammals, including deer, sloth bears, and leopards. To explore Jim Corbett, consider a 4-wheeler on rent in Uttarakhand. 

The picturesque scenery is enhanced by the Ramganga River winding through the grasslands. Corbett offers fantastic possibilities for observing wildlife, including hiking paths, watchtowers, elephant safaris, and jeep safaris. The best area to see elephants and tigers is Dhikala. Other important zones are Jhirna, Sonanadi, Domunda, and Bijrani. November through June is the ideal time of year to visit Corbett. While summers are thick with foliage, late winters see tiger activity around waterholes. For the whole Corbett experience, stay at the Best hotels in Uttarakhand like Aahana and The Golden Tusk. 

Nanda Devi National Park

UNESCO has designated the 710 square kilometers Nanda Devi Park, together with Valley of Flowers National Park, as a World Heritage site. It includes the stunning Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in the district of Chamoli. For the adventurous spirit, 2-wheelers on rent in Uttarakhand can be a thrilling way to reach the park's base.

A protected haven for threatened species including snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and more is formed by rugged terrain with glaciers, lakes, and peaks like Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park. The most well-known trip is the Rishi Ganga Gorge hike, which passes through chilly rivers and flower-filled meadows. Trekking is permitted from May to October, although permits are required for entry. There are limited 5-star hotels in Uttarakhand in caverns and wood houses. 

Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park, which spans three districts, is the largest protected wildlife area in Uttarakhand, covering an area of over 800 sq km. The park, which is a portion of the Shivalik Elephant Reserve, features grasslands, riverine ecosystems, and moist deciduous woods. Rajaji's woodlands support a diverse array of wildlife, including 250 bird species, Himalayan black bears, Asian elephants, tigers, and leopards. Other wildlife attractions include king cobras, sambars, chitals, and wild boars. For seeing wildlife, there are Jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and nature trails accessible, especially from March to June, a bike on rent in Uttarakhand is an excellent option. Stay in opulent Vaishno Ki Kuti in Rishikesh or eco-lodges like Lebua Rajaji Camp for a peaceful getaway.

Gogtri National Park

Gogtri National Park is the third largest national park in Uttarakhand, covering an area of 2390 sq km. A self-driven car on rent in Uttarakhand allows you the flexibility to navigate through the park at your own pace, ensuring you don't miss any of the majestic wildlife sightings. The park, which is in the Uttarkashi district, gets its name from Gangotri, a sacred town. The topography is adorned with a variety of flora, including alpine meadows, oak trees, and conifers. The upper mountainous regions are home to rare animals like the Himalayan tahr and snow leopard, while the woodlands are home to pheasants and partridges. Gangotri offers easy to challenging trekking paths, making it the perfect destination for both novice and seasoned hikers. Gaumukh Glacier, Tapovan Meadows, and Kedartal Lake are the highlights. Go between September and November and April through June. For an authentic experience, stay in quaint woodland restrooms, the best room in Uttarakhand, or set up a makeshift campsite in Bhojbasa.

The national parks of Uttarakhand provide environment lovers and animal aficionados with an experience that is unmatched. Your wild adventure is only a short drive away when you rent a car from RentingWaves. There has never been an easier way to explore Uttarakhand's breathtaking scenery and varied animals than on a bike, two-wheeler, or self-driven automobile. So get ready, get a car, and set out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the Himalayas!