India is home to some of the world’s most iconic big cats. From the Bengal tiger to the elusive snow leopard, the country’s national parks offer rare glimpses of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats. Here are eight top national parks where you stand the best chance of spotting them.
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
India’s first national park is famous for Bengal tigers. Dense sal forests and riverine belts also shelter leopards, wild elephants, and gharials, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
2. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Known for its majestic tigers often seen near ancient forts and lakes, Ranthambore is one of the best places to observe big cats in the wild, especially during the summer.
3. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
This park boasts one of the highest densities of tigers in India. Apart from tigers, leopards and other predators can also be spotted across its grasslands and rocky hills.
4. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
While renowned for the one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga also shelters leopards and tigers. Its rich biodiversity and birdlife make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Gir National Park, Gujarat
The only place in the world where Asiatic lions are found, Gir is a unique big cat destination. The park also hosts leopards, jackals, and hyenas.
6. Hemis National Park, Ladakh
Known as the “snow leopard capital of the world,” Hemis offers a rare chance to spot the ghostly predator against a backdrop of rugged Himalayan terrain.
7. Periyar National Park, Kerala
Set in the Western Ghats, Periyar is home to tigers, leopards, and elephants. A boat ride on Periyar Lake provides a serene way to observe its wildlife.
8. Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
Namdapha is India’s only park where four big cats—tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, and snow leopard—coexist. Its remote wilderness makes it a dream for adventurers.
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