1. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the state’s famous Garhwal region, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in the year 1972. While the nearest airport to this park is set in the capital city of Dehradun, the nearest train station is located in Rishikesh, which is approximately 227 km (141.05 mi) away. The national park got its name from a world-famous temple called Kedarnath Temple. This sanctuary is also known for protecting musk deer, which has now become an endangered wildlife species. The added perk of being here is some breathtaking vistas of the nearby valleys, woods, a wide variety of flowers, and different types of butterflies among others. We recommend you to visit this wildlife sanctuary during the months of May and June and also between September and November.

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Dist, Gopeshwar, Uttarakhand 246401

Website: Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours:24 hours (daily)

2. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park

Established in the year 1955, Govind Pashu Vihar National Park is another top wildlife sanctuary in the state of Uttarakhand. The national park is not only known for plants such as oak and rhododendron but also for housing many endangered species of wild animals. The park is home to a host of wild animals including snow leopard, Indian porcupine, and brown bear. The ideal time to visit this beautiful national park is during the months of May to October. Dehradun Airport is the nearest airport from here and is approximately 200 km (124.27 mi) away.

Govind Pashu Vihar National Park

Address: Supin Range, Uttarakhand 249128

Website: Govind Pashu Vihar National Park

3. Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary

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Another top wildlife sanctuary of the state, Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary was opened in 2012. It is also the state’s third reserve for protecting tigers. Not many people are aware that the state of Uttarakhand boasts the highest number of tigers in the entire world. The sanctuary is located in the state’s Kumaon region in Nainital. It has a rich collection of birds, reptiles, and fishes and is also home to wild animals such as sloth bears and Asian elephants among others. The best part of this sanctuary is that you can visit the place at any time of the year. Kathgodam railway station is the nearest train station from Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary.

Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Ward No. 08 Tanakpur, Nandhaur Range, Uttarakhand 263139

Website: Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours: 10am - 3pm (daily)

4. Rajaji National Park

Currently a tiger reserve park in the state of Uttarakhand, Rajaji National Park is set approximately 10 km (6.21 mi) from the holy city of Haridwar. Enjoying a convenient location, the park is also home to the largest population of elephants out of all the national parks in the state. Apart from elephants, the park also houses different types of animals such as leopard, deer, and tiger among others. Bird-watchers will have a great time here as the park also has hundreds of bird species. You can visit this national park between the months of November and June to explore it thoroughly and properly.

Rajaji National Park

Address: 5/1, Ansari Road, Mohand Range, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Website: Rajaji National Park

Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 6am - 10am, 2:30pm - 6:30pm; Tue - Sat: 7am - 10am, 2:30pm - 5:30pm

5. Nanda Devi National Park

One of the most fantastic wildlife sanctuaries in proximity to the Himalayas, Nanda Devi National Park should definitely feature on your bucket list if you are a wildlife enthusiast. The climate and the topography of this national park are such that it is conducive to the sheltering of different types of animals and plants. The months of April to June are the most favorable time to visit Nanda Devi National Park. You will spot a variety of wild animals here such as leopard, langur, snow leopard, bear, and more. Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport from this national park.

Nanda Devi National Park

Address: Uttarakhand, India

Website: Nanda Devi National Park

6. Gangotri National Park

Situated at a high altitude, Gangotri National Park is perched in proximity to the state’s Uttarkashi region and was set up in 1989. The park is a delightful sight for the visitors as they can spot rare species of animals such as blue sheep, snow leopard, and mush deer among others. It is also a haven for bird lovers being home to a wide variety of birds including pigeons, doves, bulbul, and more. Visit the park between April to June as well as from September to October to enjoy your tour the most. Dehradun railway station is the nearest train station from Gangotri National Park.

Gangotri National Park

Address: Gangotri - Gaumukh Pedestrian Way, Post Taknaur Range, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand 249135

Website: Gangotri National Park

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

7. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its mesmerizing views of sunrise and sunsets. Set about 35 km (21.74 mi) from the town of Almora, in Uttarakhand, this wildlife sanctuary houses a plethora of wildlife species. The presence of a wide variety of bird species here also makes it an endearing place for bird lovers. Another interesting thing to note is that you can visit the sanctuary throughout the year. However, the most favorable months to come here are either from February to April or from October and November. The Pantnagar Airport at Pantnagar is the nearest airport to this wildlife sanctuary.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Binsar, Uttarakhand 263628

Website: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

8. Jim Corbett National Park

Perched on the Himalayan foothills, Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most renowned national parks in the country. Set up in 1936, the park houses the world-famous Royal Bengal Tigers, which is regarded as an endangered species now. The first Indian national park also has several other types of wild animals apart from tigers including wild elephants and leopards. While tourists come here throughout the year, the best time to visit this national park is during the months of November to February. These are the months when all its zones can be accessible by the tourists and most of the animals can be spotted. Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is situated about 147 km (91.34 mi) away.

Jim Corbett National Park

Address: Nainital District, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand 244715

Website: Jim Corbett National Park

9. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

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Set about 11 km (6.83 mi) from a beautiful hill station called Mussoorie, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is another must-visit sanctuary in the state of Uttarakhand. You will come across plenty of therapeutic trees in this locality. It is a great place for bird watching as you will come across different species of non-native birds here. The wildlife sanctuary is one of the top tourist attractions in Mussoorie and houses different types of animals such as bear, leopard, panther, and more. Part of Rajaji National Park, the sanctuary also boasts some stunning views of the surroundings.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Mussorie Range, Uttarakhand 248179

Website: Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)

Enjoy wildlife tours in Uttarakhand

While people visit zoos more often, exploring a national park is a different experience altogether. If you are fond of being close to the wildlife and have an adventurous streak in you, check out these best wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand, India.