5 national parks to explore in India the are also UNESCO Heritage sites

If you are a wildlife enthusiast and love being in the wild, India has some of the best national parks and sanctuaries to experience its incredible wildlife.

These places are rich repositories of diverse flora and fauna, further reflecting the remarkable ecological variety of the country. It’s interesting to note that many also serve as outstanding examples of conservation efforts, protecting endangered species while offering a natural haven for countless others. Some of the parks have also managed to earn the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status. Here’s a look at some of the most prominent ones:

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park is celebrated for its success in conserving the one-horned rhinoceros. This park, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, is a biodiversity hotspot. Spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga is also home to tigers, elephants, and a myriad of bird species. The park’s grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands create a unique ecosystem that supports over 35 mammal species, making it a critical conservation area.

Manas National Park, Assam

Manas National Park is another gem from Assam that earned UNESCO recognition in 1985. It’s not only a tiger and elephant reserve, but also a Biosphere Reserve. Known for its stunning landscape, ranging from dense forests to alluvial grasslands, this park is also home to several endangered species, including the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, and golden langur, making it a vital area for biodiversity conservation.

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

The Sundarbans, a vast mangrove forest shared by India and Bangladesh, is famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers. This park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, whereas its unique ecosystem is influenced by the tidal action of the Bay of Bengal. The park’s mangrove forests and intricate network of waterways create an ideal habitat for the elusive tigers, as well as a host of other wildlife, including crocodiles, river dolphins, and numerous bird species. The Sundarbans also play a crucial role in protecting the coastal regions from erosion and cyclones.

Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan

Keoladeo National Park, located in the state of Rajasthan, was once a duck-hunting reserve for the Maharajas of Bharatpur. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1985) and one of the most important bird breeding and feeding grounds in the world. During the winter months, the park becomes a haven for thousands of migratory birds from Central Asia, including the rare Siberian crane. Keoladeo is a paradise for birdwatchers and an exemplary model of wetland conservation.

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, Uttarakhand

These two adjoining parks were recognized together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. While Nanda Devi National Park is known for its rugged terrain and rich biodiversity, the Valley of Flowers is celebrated for its breathtaking meadows of endemic alpine flowers. The area is a living repository of over 600 species of flora and provides habitat to rare and endangered species like the snow leopard and Asiatic black bear.