India is known for its all encompassing diversity, be it at the level of culture, religion, language, geography and so on. The geographical aspect of its diversity can be highlighted by dividing the total area of India into three major regions – rugged and hilly Himalayan region in the northern part, Indo-Gangetic plain (consisting of Northern and Eastern part of India) and Plateau region (covering central and southern parts).

The climate is, basically, temperate in the northern part of India and tropical in the south. Because of the varying climate and geography of the country different and numerous species of flora and fauna can be found. Talking about fauna, the diverse wildlife scattered within India attracts a large number of tourists each year, making wildlife tour an important part of Indian tourism. Of all the fascinating wild animals, inhabiting the land of India, the ferocious and mesmerizing Bengal tiger is the most sought after.

Following are some of the most famous national parks of India, which are visited by both national and foreign tourists in large numbers:

1. Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park, located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, covers an area of 450 sq. km. A royal hunting ground in the past, the area was turned into a national park in the year 1968. With the highest number of tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park is the most popular destination among the tourists who flock from all across the world to catch a glimpse of this magnificent creature.

2. Jim Corbett National Park
Established in the year 1936, this is the oldest national park in India. Spread over an area of 520.8 km, the park is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Placed among the plain and mountainous regions of Nainital, Jim Corbett National Park has a great variety of vegetation, animals, reptiles and birds. It was the first park from where the ‘Project Tiger’ marked its presence. The endangered majestic animal is also the star attraction of the park.

3. Kaziranga National Park
Situated in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is an abode of two-third of the total existing population of the one-horned Rhinos. Formed as a national park on the insistence of the Mary Victoria Leiter Curzon, (wife of Lord Curzon) in 1905, the park also provides habitat to 35 species of mammals and birds.

4. Sundarbans National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans are the largest Mangrove forest in the world. Lying on a delta, a major portion of Sundarbans is with Bangladesh. The Indian part of the forest comes under the state of West Bengal. The amazing Mangrove vegetation in itself is a treat to watch. Add to that the thrill of watching the Bengal Tiger roaming around the muddy flats or swimming in the saline waters of Bay of Bengal. The tour to Sundarbans is certainly a complete package that offers thrill and excitement at every point of the tour.

5. Gir Forest National Park
Formed into a National Park in 1975, currently, Gir is the only area in the world where Asiatic Lions are found. A good number of the lions dwell in the park and the credit goes to the sincere conservation efforts. Located in the south west part of Gujarat, the park is located around 360 km from Ahmadabad.

Wildlife Resorts
The wildlife admirers will find plenty of options for the accommodation around and inside the national parks in India. The tourists can stay in luxury, deluxe, standard or budget resorts/hotels built around the parks like in Jim Corbett National Park there are very famous resorts like Corbett Leela Vilas and the wild crest resort. Within the periphery of the park, one can find a place to stay in the forest lodges like Corbett’s Dhikala forest lodge and Gairal forest lodge.

An Indian wildlife tour is a delightful journey, which is sure to enthrall all your senses. So, head towards any one of the wonderful national parks of India, get mesmerized by the Mother Nature and her children of the wilderness!