Detailed Guide
Best National Parks in Uttarakhand — Complete Wildlife & Safari Guide
Uttarakhand, known as the Land of the Gods, is not only rich in spiritual heritage but also blessed with remarkable wildlife diversity. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the state features lush sal forests, river valleys, rolling grasslands, and mountain ecosystems that support a wide range of fauna—from Bengal tigers and Asiatic elephants to rare bird species. This guide explores the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand, including Jim Corbett (India’s first national park) and Rajaji National Park, two of the northern region’s most iconic wildlife destinations. These parks form part of the Shivalik biodiversity landscape, offering unforgettable safaris, river ecosystems, and thriving big-cat populations.
1. Jim Corbett National Park (Corbett Tiger Reserve)
Best for: Tiger sightings, river landscapes & India's oldest national park
Jim Corbett National Park is India’s first national park, established in 1936, and remains one of the country’s most popular wildlife destinations. The park features a breathtaking mix of river belts, marshlands, grasslands, and dense forest cover along the Ramganga River. Corbett is home to one of India’s highest tiger densities, wild elephants, leopards, gharials, deer species, otters, and over 600 bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Why Visit Jim Corbett National Park (Corbett Tiger Reserve)?
- India’s oldest and most iconic national park
- Excellent tiger sightings in certain zones
- Scenic river landscapes ideal for photography
- Rich birdlife and aquatic wildlife
- Wide choice of zones & safari experiences
Popular Safari ZonesDhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durgadevi, Garjiya
Best TimeNovember to June (Dhikala: Nov–June only)
Nearest AirportPantnagar
2. Rajaji National Park (Rajaji Tiger Reserve)
Best for: Elephant herds, birdlife & peaceful forest experience
Rajaji National Park stretches across Dehradun, Haridwar, and Pauri districts, forming one of the largest wildlife landscapes in North India. The park features sal forests, riverine belts, grasslands, and Shivalik hills with rich biodiversity. While tiger sightings are less frequent here, elephant sightings are among the best in India. Rajaji is also known for sloth bears, leopards, deer species, and over 300 bird species.
Why Visit Rajaji National Park (Rajaji Tiger Reserve)?
- One of India’s best destinations for elephant sightings
- Pristine, peaceful forests with fewer crowds
- Ideal for bird watchers & nature lovers
- Home to leopards, sloth bears & hyenas
- Close to Haridwar & Rishikesh, perfect for weekend wildlife trips
Popular RangesChilla, Motichur, Haridwar, Jhilmil
Best TimeNovember to June
Nearest AirportDehradun (Jolly Grant)
3. Nanda Devi National Park
Best for: High-altitude landscapes, rare wildlife & Himalayan wilderness
Nanda Devi National Park is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and forms part of the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, glaciers, deep valleys, and alpine meadows, it is among India’s most spectacular high-altitude wilderness areas. The park provides habitat for rare Himalayan wildlife including snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, bharal (blue sheep), Himalayan tahr, and Himalayan black bears. Its rugged terrain and protected status make it a particularly special destination for trekkers, mountaineers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
Why Visit Nanda Devi National Park?
- One of India’s most spectacular high-altitude wilderness areas
- Home to rare Himalayan wildlife including snow leopards
- Stunning glaciers, peaks, valleys & alpine landscapes
- UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Valley of Flowers
- Ideal for trekking, nature lovers & adventure seekers
Popular AreasNanda Devi Sanctuary, Lata, Dharansi Pass, Rishi Valley
Best TimeMay to October
Nearest AirportDehradun (Jolly Grant)
4. Valley of Flowers National Park
Best for: Alpine meadows, Himalayan flowers & scenic mountain landscapes
Valley of Flowers National Park is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is renowned for its breathtaking alpine meadows surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The valley comes alive with colourful seasonal flowers, making it one of India’s most beautiful high-altitude landscapes. The park is home to rare Himalayan wildlife including snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, bharal (blue sheep), Himalayan tahr, and Himalayan black bears. Together with Nanda Devi National Park, it forms the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why Visit Valley of Flowers National Park?
- Famous for spectacular alpine meadows & seasonal flowers
- UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Himalayas
- Stunning mountain scenery, waterfalls & streams
- Habitat for rare Himalayan wildlife
- Ideal for trekking, photography & nature lovers
Popular AreasGhangaria, Valley of Flowers, Pushpawati Valley, Hemkund Sahib
Best TimeJuly to September
Nearest AirportDehradun (Jolly Grant)
