Discover the ultimate way to unleash your youthful, adventurous spirit by embarking on an exhilarating journey to a destination overflowing with vibrant encounters. The national parks in Uttarakhand offer precisely that and so much more. Prepare to immerse yourself in the serene and tranquil side of Uttarakhand during your visit to these renowned national parks. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, strolling through stunning floral landscapes, or simply seeking an ideal holiday destination, these parks have it all. Whether you’re traveling with family, embarking on an adventurous escapade with friends or a partner, or embarking on a solo getaway, this meticulously curated list of Uttarakhand national parks is the perfect choice for your next vacation!
6 Breathtaking National Parks in Uttarakhand
Embrace the abundance of lush greenery and mesmerizing flora that awaits you at these national parks in Uttarakhand. Nature enthusiasts and lovers alike will find solace in these awe-inspiring destinations.
- Jim Corbett National Park: Witness the Majestic Tigers
- Rajaji National Park: Marvel at the Unspoiled Natural Beauty
- Valley Of Flowers National Park: Delight in the Vibrant Valleys
- Nanda Devi National Park: A Marvelous World Heritage Site
- Gangotri National Park: Encounter a Myriad of Species
- Govind Pashu Vihar National Park & Sanctuary: Revel in the Beauty of Valleys
1. Jim Corbett National Park: Witness the Majestic Tigers
Renowned as a popular weekend getaway destination, Jim Corbett National Park steals the spotlight as Uttarakhand’s oldest and most famous national park. Divided into five zones, this expansive paradise provides an easily navigable landscape for wildlife enthusiasts, bird lovers, and culture enthusiasts to explore.
While the park boasts a plethora of diverse flora and fauna, its true allure lies in being one of the few tiger reserves in India that allows overnight stays amidst nature’s embrace.
Entry Fees:
- Jeep & Elephant Safari: INR 4500 for Indians and INR 8000 for foreigners per jeep (maximum 6 persons per jeep)
- Canter Safari: INR 1500 for Indians and INR 3000 for foreigners per person (One Canter has 16 seats)
Timings:
- Jeep & Elephant Safari: 5:45 AM to 09:15 AM, 3:00 PM to 6:15 PM
- Canter Safari: 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Things To Do:
- Embark on a thrilling jungle safari
- Engage in wildlife spotting and photography
- Marvel at the captivating Corbett waterfall
- Visit the picturesque Garjia Temple
Best Hotels To Stay Nearby: Corbett De Coracao, Corbett Country Inn, Parfait The Roar Resort Corbett, and more.
Location: Nainital District, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand
How to reach: Buses, cabs, taxis, local transportation
Famous for: Wildlife encounters, exhilarating safari rides
2. Rajaji National Park: Discover the Natural Splendor
Nestled amidst the foothills of the Shiwalik range within the towering Himalayas, this renowned national park in Uttarakhand offers not just one, but three sanctuaries: Chilla, Motichur, and Rajaji. It serves as an idyllic destination for bird enthusiasts with its impressive array of approximately 400 avian species including the majestic Great Hornbill, the elegant Black-bellied Tern, the elusive Scaly Thrush, and many more.
For wildlife photographers and bird watchers alike, this national park provides a multitude of excellent vantage points that will undoubtedly enrich your holiday experience.
Admission Fees:
- INR 150 for Indian visitors and INR 600 for foreign visitors for a duration of approximately 3 hours
- INR 2000 for a gypsy vehicle
Operating Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Optimal Time To Visit: Mid-November to Mid-June
Must-Do Activities:
- Embark on an exhilarating jungle safari in the captivating Rajaji National Park
- Immerse yourself in the lap of nature by opting for a serene stay
Recommended Nearby Hotels: Wild Brook Retreat
Location: 5/1, Ansari Road, Mohand Range, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
How to Get There: Accessible by buses, cabs, taxis, and local transportation
Notable Features: Majestic Shivalik mountains, untamed natural wonders
Suggested Read: Explore the Hidden Himalayan Gems: 28 Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand
3. Valley Of Flowers National Park: Witness the Vibrancy of Enchanting Valleys
The mesmerizing Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand is truly a slice of paradise on Earth. Boasting an extraordinary range of flora and hosting endangered fauna such as the elegant blue sheep and the elusive black deer, this place is an absolute haven for nature enthusiasts, photography devotees, and botany experts alike.
While the breathtaking beauty of this location remains unparalleled, the trekking route leading from Govindghat to this ethereal haven is a treasure worth cherishing as well.
Admission Fees: INR 150 for Indian visitors and INR 600 for foreign visitors (valid for a duration of three days)
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Optimal Time To Visit: June to October
Must-Do Activities:
- Explore the enchanting Pushpawati river bed
- Capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the magnificent floral wonders
- Discover the nearby famed Hemkund Sahib
Recommended Nearby Hotels: Ganga Resort Govindghat, Sri Nanda Lokpal Palace Ghangaria, and more.
Place: Chamoli District, Near Govindghat, Uttarakhand
Method of Arrival: Public buses, taxis, private cabs, local transportation
Well-Known For: The blooming of beautiful flowers
Recommended Reading: 8 Comfortable Hostels in Uttarakhand Perfect for Economical Travelers
4. Nanda Devi National Park: An Internationally Recognized Site
Situated in the Chamoli district, amidst the majestic Himalayas, Nanda Devi stands as one of the most popular wilderness areas in Uttarakhand and is a renowned UNESCO world heritage site. With its astonishing array of plant life and unique animals such as the Brahma-Kamal flower and the Bharal (a distinctive blue mountain goat), this location offers extraordinary experiences to be cherished.
And while you’re visiting, ensure both your camera and your energy levels are fully charged, as the limited access to this area makes it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Admission Fees: Not applicable
Operating Hours: 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Optimal Time to Visit: May to October
Activities to Engage In:
Finest Nearby Accommodations: Auli Resort, The Tattva Resort, Dream Mountain Resort, and more.
Place: Joshimath, Uttarakhand
Method of Arrival: Public buses, taxis, private cabs, local transportation
Renowned for: The majestic Himalayan mountains
Recommended Reading: Top 22 Places to Explore in Uttarakhand During the Summer to Escape the Heat
5. Gangotri National Park: Witness a Variety of Species
Nestled among forests filled with coniferous trees and lush green meadows, this is the largest national park in Uttarakhand. It serves as the home to around 15 different species of mammals including the snow leopard, various types of pheasants, and the blue sheep. Additionally, it boasts 150 different bird species, making it a one-of-a-kind park in the region.
As the birthplace of the Ganga River, the park offers breathtaking views of the flowing rivers, providing a sense of tranquility amidst the chaos.
Admission Fees: INR 150
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Activities to Engage In:
- Taking a peaceful walk in nature
- Exploring the sights
- Capturing photographs of the unique mammal species
Finest Nearby Accommodations: Neelanga Resorts, Prakriti Retreat in Harsil, and more.
Location: Gangotri – Gaumukh Pedestrian Way, Post Taknaur Range, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
How to Get There: Buses, cabs, taxis, local transportation
Renowned for: Enigmatic scenery
6. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park & Sanctuary: Marvel at Valleys
Amongst all the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand, this park is renowned for its extraordinary plant life with therapeutic properties as well as its diverse wildlife. Situated in the elevated terrains of the Garhwal Himalayas, it stands as one of the last strongholds for the bearded vulture, a vital catalyst in the ecological system.
Also referred to as Dev Bhoomi, this place boasts captivating mountains and glaciers that are a breathtaking spectacle.
Entrance Fees: Not Applicable
Operating Hours: Not Applicable
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November
Activities:
- Spotting wildlife
- Explore Har ki dun, Swargarohini, and Juda ka Talab
- Stay at a forest rest house
Top Hotels Nearby: Lemon Tree in Dehradun, Camp Nirvana Yamunotri in Barkot, and more.
Location: Supin Range, Uttarakhand
How to Get There: Buses, cabs, taxis, local transportation
Renowned for: Nature and lush green areas
Useful Tips for Exploring the National Parks in Uttarakhand
Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when visiting the national parks in Uttarakhand:
- Ensure to check the timings and opening months of these national parks before planning your Uttarakhand trip.
- Carry a high-quality camera with you.
- Pack windcheaters, even if you are traveling in the summer, along with essential toiletries and mosquito repellent.
- The entry to the Valley Of Flowers National Park is allowed only until 2 PM, although it remains open until 5 PM. Make sure to arrive before that time, allowing you to spend ample time there.
- If you wish to have better chances of spotting wildlife, opt for an early morning safari as animals tend to start their day earlier than humans.
Further Reading: Embark on the Challenging Gangotri Glacier Trek in the Mystical Himalayan Region
Get ready to plan your exciting Uttarakhand adventure in the great outdoors! Before you embark on your journey, make sure to explore these magnificent national parks that Uttarakhand has to offer. Whether you’re going with friends or family, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views of the Uttarakhand valleys.
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Common Queries About Uttarakhand’s National Parks
What is the distance between Dehradun and Jim Corbett National Park?
Jim Corbett National Park is located approximately 163 km away from Dehradun.
How rich is Uttarakhand in terms of biodiversity?
Uttarakhand boasts abundant biodiversity, with nearly 12% of its land dedicated to protected reserves. This includes 6 National Parks, 7 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 4 Conservation areas, and 1 Biosphere Reserve Zone.
Which national park holds the title of being the largest in Uttarakhand?
The honor of being the largest national park in Uttarakhand goes to Gangotri National Park.
Which rivers flow through Jim Corbett National Park?
Two rivers, namely Kosi and Ramganga, gracefully flow through the magnificent Jim Corbett National Park.
What is the estimated tiger population in Rajaji National Park?
It is believed that there are approximately 34 majestic tigers residing in Rajaji National Park.
