Wildlife Wonders of Uttarakhand: National Parks You Shouldn’t Miss

If you’re planning an Uttarakhand tour and looking for more than just mountains and temples, get ready to explore its untamed wilderness. From tiger trails to high-altitude floral valleys, Uttarakhand offers some of the most biodiverse and scenic wildlife experiences in India.

Why Uttarakhand is a Wildlife Wonderland

Uttarakhand, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, offers more than picturesque landscapes. Its diverse ecosystem—ranging from dense forests and alpine meadows to glacial peaks—makes it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Over 4,000 species of plants and more than 500 species of animals and birds.
A vital part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.
Home to endangered species like the snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan monal.

Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, a trekker, or someone seeking offbeat adventure, a Uttarakhand tour offers unmatched wildlife experiences.

Jim Corbett National Park – The Pride of Uttarakhand

Location: Nainital District
Established: 1936 (India’s first national park)

Jim Corbett is the highlight of any Uttarakhand tour. Known for its successful tiger conservation under Project Tiger, the park boasts:

Tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and more.
Over 650 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher’s dream.
Multiple zones (Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna) offering jeep safaris and elephant rides.

Best Time to Visit: November to June
Travel Tip: Book Dhikala Forest Lodge for a thrilling night stay inside the jungle.

2. Rajaji National Park – Where the Giants Roam

Location: Spread across Haridwar, Dehradun & Pauri
Unique Feature: Dense Sal forests and elephant herds

Rajaji is often overlooked on a typical Uttarakhand tour, but it’s a gem for wildlife lovers:

Asian elephants, leopards, wild boars, and Himalayan black bears.
A stronghold of reptiles and butterflies.
Safari zones like Chilla and Motichur ideal for elephant sightings.

Best Time to Visit: November to June
Must Try: Early morning safari from Chilla Range.

3. Nanda Devi National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Gem

Location: Chamoli District
Altitude: 3,500–7,800 meters

This high-altitude park is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and features dramatic terrain, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks.

Inhabited by snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan tahrs.
Access via restricted trekking routes, preserving its fragile ecosystem.
A rare destination that combines wildlife with high-altitude adventure.

Best Time to Visit: May to October
Note: Requires prior trekking permits and is not motorable.

4. Valley of Flowers National Park – Nature’s Living Canvas

Location: Adjacent to Nanda Devi NP
Famous For: Seasonal bloom of alpine flowers

If your Uttarakhand tour includes trekking, don’t miss the Valley of Flowers.

500+ species of blooming flowers like blue poppies, orchids, and marigolds.
Possible sightings of Himalayan monal, snow leopards, and black bears.
Accessible via a 17 km trek from Govindghat via Ghangaria.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-July to August
Combine With: Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage for a spiritual and scenic combo.

5. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – The Birdwatcher’s Retreat

Location: Near Almora
Altitude: 2,200–2,400 meters

One of the hidden treasures on an Uttarakhand tour, Binsar is a haven for birds and panoramic Himalayan views.

Home to 200+ bird species, leopards, goral, and flying squirrels.
Trekking trails through oak and rhododendron forests.
Zero Point View offers panoramic views of Nanda Devi and Kedarnath peaks.

Best Time to Visit: October to March (for birding), March to June (pleasant weather)
Stay: KMVN guesthouses or eco-lodges inside the sanctuary.

6. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary – A Glimpse into the Wild North

Location: Pithoragarh District (near Indo-Nepal border)
Specialty: Known for the Himalayan musk deer conservation

This offbeat sanctuary is perfect for wildlife photographers and trekkers.

Spot musk deer, snow leopards, civets, and pheasants.
Rich Himalayan flora including oak, pine, and deodar trees.
Remote but rewarding for those seeking solitude.

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
Travel Tip: Combine it with your Munsiyari itinerary.

7. Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary – Untouched and Underrated

Location: Between Jim Corbett and Rajaji National Parks
Eco-Importance: Serves as a corridor for tiger and elephant movement

Ideal for eco-tourism, this sanctuary offers:

Lesser human interference = more authentic wildlife sightings.
Rich in reptiles, insects, and butterflies.
Great for guided treks, birding tours, and night trails.

Best Time to Visit: October to April
Nearby Stay Options: Forest rest houses and eco-camps.

Planning Your Wildlife-Focused Uttarakhand Tour

Best Seasons:

March–June (summer): Best for animal sightings.
October–December (autumn): Perfect weather and landscapes.

What to Pack:

Binoculars, wildlife camera, trekking shoes, sunscreen, raincoat, eco-friendly water bottles.

Safety Tips:

Book safaris in advance (esp. for Corbett).
Do not feed animals or stray off designated paths.
Follow forest guide instructions strictly.

Tour Suggestion:
If you’re planning a custom Uttarakhand tour, combine Corbett + Rajaji for low-altitude jungle safaris and Valley of Flowers + Nanda Devi for high-altitude eco-trekking.

Uttarakhand’s Efforts in Wildlife Conservation

Uttarakhand takes sustainable wildlife tourism seriously:

Home to multiple eco-sensitive zones and protected reserves.
Actively promotes community-based tourism in buffer areas.
Digital permit systems and regulated safari operations in parks.

Your Uttarakhand tour can contribute to conservation if you travel responsibly.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand isn’t just about snow-capped peaks and spiritual retreats—it’s also a living canvas of wildlife, wilderness, and wonder. Whether you want to hear a tiger’s roar in Corbett or watch butterflies dance in the Valley of Flowers, the region has something wild for everyone.

So, if you’re designing your next Uttarakhand tour, be sure to include at least one national park or sanctuary—because in Uttarakhand, nature truly comes alive.