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Uttarakhand, located in northern India, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and biodiversity. With its majestic Himalayan peaks, Uttarakhand wildlife sanctuary, dense forests, and pristine rivers, it’s no wonder that the state is home to some of the most famous national parks in Uttarakhand in the country. In this blog, we will embark on a journey to explore the best national park in Uttarakhand, uncovering their unique features and the diverse wildlife that inhabits Uttarakhand wildlife.
Best National Park In Uttarakhand
1. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is undoubtedly Uttarakhand’s most famous and widely recognized national park. Established in 1936, it is considered India’s oldest national park and is named after the renowned hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett. Located in the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts, this Uttarakhand park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
2. Rajaji National Park
Located near the foothills of the Shivalik range in the Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal districts, Rajaji National Park is another gem in Uttarakhand’s crown as a national park in Dehradun covering an extensive area of approximately 820 square kilometers, it was established in 1983 and is named after C. Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India.
3. Valley of Flowers National Park
Nestled in the upper reaches of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a visual delight for nature enthusiasts. This breathtaking park spans an area of around 87.5 square kilometers and is known for its stunning meadows adorned with a plethora of vibrant flowers.
4. Nanda Devi National Park
Nestled in the majestic peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, Nanda Devi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most captivating national parks in Uttarakhand. It is the biggest national park in Uttarakhand. It is spread across 624 square kilometers and is known for its awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.
5. Gangotri National Park
Gangotri National Park is located in the Uttarkashi district and has immense spiritual and ecological significance. Spread over an area of approximately 2,400 square kilometers, it encompasses the Gangotri Glacier, the origin of the sacred River Ganges.
6. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated amidst the picturesque Kumaon Hills, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a lesser-known gem but the best national park in Uttarakhand. Covering an area of around 45 square kilometers, it offers a serene environment for nature lovers.
The sanctuary is renowned for its rich birdlife, with over 200 avifauna species, including the colorful Himalayan monal and the rare Koklass pheasant. It is also home to leopards, barking deer, and wild boars. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary provides breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and offers trekking trails for visitors to explore its natural beauty.
7. Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary
Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers in the Uttarkashi and Uttarkashi districts. It is an area of approximately 958 square kilometers known for its diverse Uttarakhand wildlife- flora, fauna, and breathtaking landscapes.
8. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers located in the Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts. An area of approximately 975 square kilometers is named after the sacred town of Kedarnath, which is nestled within its boundaries.
Conclusion
The best national park in Uttarakhand offers a gateway to explore the region’s incredible Uttarakhand wildlife and natural wonders. Whether you choose to visit the famous Jim Corbett National Park or explore the lesser-known treasures like Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, From the legendary Jim Corbett National Park to the captivating Valley of Flowers, each Uttarakhand park has its own unique charm and diverse range of flora and fauna.
Frequently Asked Questions
About National Park in Uttarakhand
The Six National Parks in Uttarakhand are:
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Valley of Flowers National Park
- Nanda Devi National Park
- Gangotri National Park
- Rajaji National Park
- Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary
The park that is most famous in Uttarakhand is Jim Corbett National Park. It is special in India’s wildlife conservation history as it was the first designated Tiger Reserve. Named after the renowned hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, the park is famous for its diverse flora and fauna and for providing visitors with a chance to spot the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. Its reputation as a prime tiger-watching destination has made it a popular choice for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists worldwide. Jim Corbett National Park’s beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife offerings have also contributed to its fame as one of the top National Parks in India.
The biggest national park in Uttarakhand is Gangotri National Park. Covering an extensive area in the Garhwal region of the state, it is spread over approximately 2,390 square kilometers (921 square miles). Gangotri National Park is the largest in Uttarakhand and one of the largest protected areas in the entire Indian Himalayan region. Its vast expanse includes:
- Diverse landscapes.
- Ranging from glaciers and high-altitude meadows to dense forests.
- Making it a crucial habitat for various flora and fauna.
This park’s significance is further enhanced by its association with the origin of the sacred Ganges River, which holds immense spiritual and cultural importance in India.
The first national park in Uttarakhand is Jim Corbett National Park. It was established in 1936 and was initially known as Hailey National Park, named after Sir Malcolm Hailey, the then-Governor of the United Provinces. Later, in 1957, the park was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in honor of the legendary British hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett.
