Table of Contents
- India is home to diverse landscapes, from the towering Himalayas to the vibrant coral reefs of the Andaman Islands, with forests covering around 19% of its land. Ranking among the top 10 countries globally in terms of biodiversity, India supports a thriving wildlife population despite being the second most populous nation in the world.
- India is known for its iconic creatures, such as the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic lion, Gangetic dolphin, and lion-tailed macaque. The country’s forests are carefully preserved and designated as national parks or wildlife sanctuaries.
- In this journey, we’ll explore 10 lesser-known national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across India, showcasing the diversity of its forest ecosystems. The list is organised geographically, from north to south, offering an immersive experience of India’s natural wonders. Let’s dive in and discover the untold beauty of these sanctuaries!
1. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh
Ladakh is a high-altitude cold desert, renowned for its breathtaking mountains and awe-inspiring monasteries, making it a sought-after tourist destination in India. Beyond its popular landmarks, Ladakh is also home to a wealth of incredible wildlife. A prime example is the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, located within the vast Tibet ecoregion that stretches into Ladakh. Positioned at an altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level, this sanctuary is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and serene emerald lakes, with a landscape dominated by high-altitude grasslands.
The sanctuary’s most famous inhabitant is the elusive snow leopard. It’s the only place in India where you can spot the Tibetan wild ass, black-necked cranes, and Pallas’s cat. The sanctuary is also home to other wildlife, including Tibetan wolves, wild yaks, bharals (blue sheep), marmots, and various migratory birds. Additionally, Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is home to around 200 plant species, further enriching its diverse ecosystem.
- Nearest town: Leh
- Ideal time to visit: May to September
2. Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
India is blessed with the majestic Himalayas along its northern border, providing a diverse range of habitats across its regions. The Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh represents the western Himalayas, covering an area of 754 sq. km and spanning altitudes from 1500 m to 6000 m. The park primarily consists of subtropical alpine forests, with species like pine, spruce, and chestnut trees, along with vibrant rhododendrons that bloom in spring. The landscape is also dotted with lush alpine meadows rich in various orchid species.
The park is home to a diverse array of bird species, with the Himalayan monal being a highlight due to its striking feathers. The Western tragopan, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, is also found here and is considered an endangered species. Over 200 bird species, including the Himalayan griffon, lammergeier, Eurasian sparrow hawk, golden eagle, and booted eagle, inhabit the forests of this park.
In addition to birds, the park is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as snow leopards, bharals (blue sheep), Himalayan brown bears, Himalayan black bears, red foxes, and several species of reptiles and amphibians. Recognised for its vital role in biodiversity conservation, the Great Himalayan National Park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Nearest town: Kullu
- Ideal time to visit: March-April for blooming flowers and October-November for observing migrating birds and wildlife.
3. Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh
As you descend from the Himalayas to the plains of North India, you’ll encounter the vast marshy grasslands known as the Terai. These grasslands stretch from Uttarakhand to Assam, home to renowned national parks like Jim Corbett, Chitwan, Manas, and Kaziranga. Nestled near the India-Nepal border is the lesser-known gem of the Terai region—Dudhwa National Park. This moist, deciduous forest is filled with trees such as sal, shisham, asna, jamun, gular, and bahera, and the landscape features a mix of woodlands, grasslands, marshes, and rivers.
The park’s star attraction is the Barasingha (swamp deer). Dudhwa is also home to a stable population of tigers, and recently, the one-horned rhinoceros was reintroduced, boosting the park’s wildlife diversity. Once believed to be extinct, the hispid hare was rediscovered here in 1984. Endangered bird species like the Bengal florican, sarus crane, and white-rumped vulture also inhabit this park. During the winter, Dudhwa’s wetlands transform into a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting over 400 bird species.
- Nearest town: Lucknow
- Ideal time to visit: October to December
4. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh
Nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Arunachal Pradesh, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is a stunning showcase of the beauty of the eastern Himalayas. Renowned for its steep valleys, roaring rivers, lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and unique tribal culture, this sanctuary is one of India’s most distinctive. Spanning altitudes from 500 m to 3250 m, it features subtropical alpine forests. The terrain starts with swampy grasslands in Assam, transitioning to bamboo forests, and eventually becomes coniferous forests on the hills.
Home to over 500 bird species, Eaglenest is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The sanctuary gained fame for the discovery of the Bugun liocichla, a new bird species. Other notable birds include trogons, tragopans, hornbills, babblers, and flycatchers. BirdLife International has recognised this area as an Important Bird Area.
Beyond its avian treasures, Eaglenest is rich in mammal species, including tigers, Himalayan black bears, gaurs, Himalayan serows, leopard cats, golden cats, Bhutan giant flying squirrels, and the iconic red panda. In 2003, a new primate species, the Arunachal macaque, was discovered here. This sanctuary truly stands as a gem of Northeast India.
- Nearest town: Bhalukpong
- Ideal time to visit: March to May
5. National Chambal Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
The rivers of northern India create a unique ecosystem. While major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna have suffered due to industrialisation, urbanisation, and growing agriculture, leading to a near-loss of their original wildlife, their tributaries still host thriving wildlife. One such river, the Chambal, originates from the northern slopes of the Vindhya range and flows through northwestern Madhya Pradesh before merging with the Yamuna in Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh. The Chambal remains relatively free from pollution, offering a sanctuary for various birds, animals, and reptiles.
The National Chambal Sanctuary, a narrow protected region along the Chambal River, spans parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. This sanctuary is home to iconic species such as the gharial, Gangetic river dolphin, and red-crowned roof turtle. Of India’s 26 rare turtle species, 8 are found here. The sanctuary also shelters creatures like the mugger crocodile, smooth-coated otter, striped hyena, and Indian wolf.
Recognised as an Important Bird Area, the sanctuary attracts hundreds of migratory bird species. Endangered birds like the Indian skimmer, Pallas’s fish eagle, and Indian courser can be seen here. For those visiting Madhya Pradesh, this lesser-known sanctuary is an essential destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Nearest town: Gwalior or Agra
- Ideal time to visit: October to December
6. Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary
With over 60% of its area covered in forests, Northeast India is a wildlife sanctuary, and Assam is no exception. Beyond famous national parks like Manas and Kaziranga, Assam harbours a hidden gem in its easternmost region: Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, this lowland tropical evergreen forest is often called the “Amazon of the East” due to its dense vegetation and rich biodiversity.
Dehing Patkai is home to the highest diversity of non-human primates in India, including hoolock gibbons, slow lorises, pig-tailed macaques, stump-tailed macaques, and capped langurs. It also houses various feline species, ranging from smaller cats like the marbled cat, leopard cat, and golden cat to larger predators such as the clouded leopard and Bengal tiger. Other remarkable residents include the Asian elephant, the Himalayan black bear, and the barking deer.
For birdwatchers, Dehing Patkai is a paradise, with around 300 bird species, including vultures, hornbills, warblers, adjutants, eagles, and ducks. Approximately 10% of these species are altitudinal migrants. As a moist rainforest, the sanctuary is rich in flora, including various ferns, bryophytes, epiphytes, and orchids, with common trees like Hollong, Mekai, Dhuna, and Udiyam.
Despite its exceptional biodiversity, Dehing Patkai is under threat due to recent government approvals for mining activities. As a sanctuary home to stunning flora and fauna, it stands as the crown jewel of Indian rainforests, demanding immediate conservation efforts to protect its ecological balance.
- Nearest town: Tinsukia
- Ideal time to visit: October to December
7. Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Nestled in the Churu district of northwestern Rajasthan, Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for grassland wildlife, famously known for its population of blackbucks, the beautiful Indian antelope. The sanctuary gained widespread attention following the blackbuck hunting case involving Salman Khan. In the local dialect, “tal” refers to a flat depression in elevated land. The sanctuary is situated within a flat saline depression on the outskirts of the Thar Desert.
The forest type here is tropical thorn forest, featuring trees like acacia and prosopis (khejri). A unique grass variety, locally called Mothia, flourishes here, giving the landscape a resemblance to the African Savannah. Along with blackbucks, the sanctuary is home to iconic species such as the desert cat and desert fox.
Each winter, Tal Chhapar becomes a migratory bird haven. Birds of prey like the eastern imperial eagle, tawny eagle, short-toed eagle, Montagu’s harrier, marsh harrier, pale harrier, and sparrow hawk are commonly spotted here. The sanctuary also hosts ground-dwelling birds such as partridge and sand grouse, along with resident species like the green bee-eater, spotted dove, skylark, and ring dove. This sanctuary is a true paradise for birdwatchers.
The local Bishnoi community plays a vital role in conserving the environment and supporting wildlife at Tal Chhapar. Their deep respect for nature and commitment to preserving the ecosystem ensures the continued vibrancy of this remarkable sanctuary.
- Nearest town: Churu
- Ideal time to visit: November to February
8. Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Gujarat
The Rann of Kutch, a rising star among tourist destinations in Gujarat, offers a one-of-a-kind habitat. This low-lying area floods during the monsoon for a month or two, then dries up, leaving behind expansive salt plains. Scattered throughout the plains are elevated areas known as “bets,” which support grasses and various desert species. The Rann is divided into two regions: the Great Rann and the Little Rann, with the latter being home to the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, located northwest of Ahmedabad.
The sanctuary’s most iconic inhabitant is the Indian wild ass, or Ghudkhar, the fastest-running animal in India, reaching speeds of 70-80 km per hour. Once threatened by habitat loss and environmental changes, the species is now endangered. However, recent conservation efforts by the Indian Forest Department have helped increase its population. Despite this, the limited expansion of protected areas still poses a threat to its long-term survival.
In addition to the wild ass, the sanctuary is home to nilgai, desert foxes, desert cats, and numerous reptiles. It’s also a prime location for birdwatching, with its wetlands attracting migratory birds like cranes and flamingos. While visiting the White Rann to experience the moonlit white desert, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Little Rann, where you can immerse yourself in the rich and unique wildlife of the region.
- Nearest town: Ahmedabad
- Ideal time to visit: November to February
9. Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra
The Vidarbha region of Maharashtra is famous for its rich forests and diverse wildlife, with most of the state’s dense forests concentrated in its five districts. Connecting to the forests of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha’s woodlands create a vast expanse of central Indian wilderness. In addition to well-known national parks like Tadoba and Melghat, the region also boasts smaller but equally rich sanctuaries, such as the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.
Nagzira, named after a temple dedicated to the serpent god at the heart of the forest, exemplifies the tropical dry deciduous forests of central India. The terrain is mostly flat, with dense vegetation and scattered grasslands. The forest is home to a variety of trees, including teak, sal, aain, bamboo, mahua, and sterculia gum. These trees shed their leaves by December or January, giving the forest a dusky, grey-brown hue. As temperatures soar to 50°C by May or June, the forest is transformed by the arrival of the monsoon, which brings lush greenery and new life.
Nagzira hosts a wide array of mammals, such as tigers, leopards, jungle cats, bison, wild dogs, sloth bears, wild boars, spotted deer, four-horned deer, sambar, nilgai, and barking deer. The sanctuary is also home to reptiles like monitor lizards, crocodiles, king cobras, vipers, and Indian rock pythons. Additionally, numerous bird species, including drongos, woodpeckers, crested serpent eagles, fish eagles, peacocks, jungle owlets, and Indian rollers, thrive within this sanctuary.
- Nearest town: Bhandara
- Best time to visit: Despite the extreme heat, May-June is the ideal time for wildlife sightings, as water scarcity forces animals to visit waterholes daily.
10. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
Mangroves are small, shrubby trees that thrive in salty or brackish waters along coastlines. India, with its extensive 7,000 km coastline, is home to vast deltas formed by major rivers like the Ganga, Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi, making it ideal for mangrove forests. Apart from the well-known Sundarbans in West Bengal, India’s east coast also boasts several significant mangrove forests, with the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary near Kakinada standing out as the second-largest mangrove forest in the country.
Coringa’s landscape is shaped by numerous brackish water streams that expand and contract with the tides. The sanctuary is best explored by boat, offering a serene view of the forest’s unique terrain. Nestled between the Gomathi and Godavari rivers, this mangrove forest is home to 24 species of mangrove trees and around 120 bird species. The birdlife includes various waders like painted storks, pelicans, sandpipers, and egrets. The sanctuary also hosts kingfishers, cormorants, and gulls, among other species.
Critically endangered birds, including the white-backed vulture and long-billed vulture, find refuge here. The mudflats are teeming with invertebrates, providing food for the bird population. In addition to avian life, the sanctuary supports species such as golden jackals, smooth-coated otters, and fishing cats. Nearby islands serve as crucial breeding grounds for olive ridley sea turtles. With its rich biodiversity, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a key ecological gem. The Andhra Pradesh government is working to develop it into an ecotourism centre to showcase its natural beauty.
- Nearest town: Kakinada
- Best time to visit: The ideal months are November to February, offering pleasant weather and optimal conditions for wildlife viewing.
Conclusion
India boasts a vast and varied collection of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, many of which remain hidden gems yet offer exceptional biodiversity and natural beauty. From the rugged landscapes of Ladakh to the dense forests of Vidarbha, each sanctuary provides a unique insight into India’s vibrant wildlife.
These lesser-known sanctuaries are crucial for preserving endangered species and protecting delicate ecosystems. They house a wide array of flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species, and provide valuable opportunities for nature lovers to explore and connect with the wonders of the natural world.
As we continue to prioritise environmental conservation and sustainable development, it’s vital to recognise the significance of these often-overlooked sanctuaries. Supporting efforts to protect them ensures they remain a resource for future generations. From the mangrove ecosystems of Coringa to the grasslands of Tal Chhapar, every sanctuary adds to India’s rich natural heritage. Let’s work together to cherish and safeguard these hidden treasures.
