By Editor As of 2026, there are as many as 107 national parks in India, and that may not be the highest number in the world, but certainly, the biodiversity of India is what makes these national parks super special among wildlife lovers, observers, and researchers. So, for whatever reason, you wanted to know more about the top and best national parks in India, then keep on reading because we’re about to list the Top 10 National Parks In India 2026. Here we go.
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Even in 2026, this one is THE MOST iconic one out there. As India’s first national park, established in 1936, it also has the distinction of being the place where Project Tiger was launched in the country. This makes Corbett a historically significant park. However, what really keeps it at the top is the consistency. The park provides a strong tiger population, well-managed safari zones, and a setting that features rivers, forests, and open grasslands. Wildlife encounters here are a given, and the system of tourism is very efficient. As far as a complete jungle experience is concerned, today no other Indian park can compete with Jim Corbett.
2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga ranks second mostly because it is the sole location in the world where you can spot the largest number of one-horned rhinoceroses. Being situated beside the Brahmaputra floodplains, the park has a distinctive grassland ecosystem that provides sustenance to a diverse range of wildlife. Besides rhinos, Kaziranga also shelters tigers, wild buffalo, elephants, and swamp deer.
3. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
If you have ever been to Rajasthan, then there is no way you haven’t heard of this national park; it is that famous. Mainly for spotting tigers roaming around in the royal land of Rajasthan. The safaris are the special parts, so do not forget to take one. And talking about the utmost speciality of this national park, see, the combination of dry forests, water bodies, and the ancient Ranthambore Fort gives a very singular atmosphere that hardly any other park can boast of.
4. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha is frequently touted as one of the best-managed national parks in the country. That is also the reason it comes fourth on this list. The park was instrumental in saving the barasingha from extinction, which is a great testament to its conservation efforts. Along with huge grassy areas and dense sal forests, there is a strong predator population in Kanha.
5. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh is ranked number five largely due to the very high density of tigers in the park. Although the park is smaller in size than other big parks, it still gives you a great chance of tiger sightings in their natural habitat. Besides that, the excavation of old Bandhavgarh Fort gives it an additional attraction, whereas the hilly forested landscape forms perfect hunting areas for the big cats. For wildlife photographers and first-time visitors, Bandhavgarh is still among the highly fruitful parks in India.
6. Gir National Park, Gujarat
Gir National Park is quite unique in the way it graces India’s wildlife map because it is the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions. This one factor alone renders Gir one of the most significant conservation areas in the country. Continual efforts over the years have resulted in a steady rise of the lion population. Besides lions, the park shelters leopards, hyenas, and different species of deer.
7. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Sundarbans is a distinct national park in India in many respects. It is the world’s biggest mangrove forest and is famous for its intricate river and island system. The fact that Royal Bengal Tigers, which have undergone adaptations to live in such a tough environment, still exist here makes it even more amazing. The environment is susceptible there, but at the same time, it is of great significance to animal conservation. Owing to its exceptional location and the value of its ecology, Sundarbans is still a very popular destination in 2026.
8. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra
Pench stands out as one of the best due to its balanced ecosystem and the forest area being so well looked after. The park, which is spread on two states, is home to a good number of tigers, leopards, and wild dogs. The forest here is not as crowded as the bigger parks, which makes the safaris more peaceful and rewarding. Pench is gradually turning into one of India’s most trustworthy wildlife spots with the ongoing conservation efforts and ample forest cover.
9. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Nagarhole is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is an area with a great biodiversity. The park has become a popular tourist spot because of large groups of elephants and a number of tigers. It has remained a natural habitat as a result of rigorous tourism rules and controlled access. It is a combination of rivers, forests, and valleys that have made Nagarhole one of the best-protected national parks in southern India.
10. Hemis National Park, Ladakh
Due to its extraordinary high-altitude ecosystem, Hemis National Park takes the last position in this list. As the largest national park in India, it is also one of the top global locations to see the mysterious snow leopard. The park’s frigid desert setting is home to unusual species such as blue sheep, Tibetan wolves, and Himalayan birds.
Conclusion
If you have made special plans to visit the best and top national parks in India, then no doubt, keep this list by your side and add these ten names to your bucket list. You would want to do this, mainly if you’re a wildlife lover.