Uttarakhand is not just a place on the map; it’s a spiritual journey waiting to unfold. Home to the sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, it draws millions of devotees seeking blessings and salvation. But Uttarakhand is not just about spirituality; it’s also a playground for adventure enthusiasts. Uttarakhand is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the country. These protected areas not only preserve the region’s rich biodiversity but also offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature. Let’s learn about the national park in Uttarakhand in more detail.
The region’s national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves are havens for nature lovers, offering opportunities to spot rare species like the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, and Himalayan musk deer.
National Park in Uttarakhand
Rajaji National Park
Goving National Park
Nanda devi National Park
Valley Of Flowers National Park
Jim Corbett National Park
Gangotri National Park
1- Valley of flowers
Valley of Flowers National Park, also known as Flower Valley Chamoli, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its vibrant alpine ecosystem. Perched at high altitudes, it features a unique template alpine forest, hosting a variety of wildlife including the red giant flying squirrel, musk deer, and Himalayan black bear.
Access to the Valley of Flowers involves a moderate trek of around 17 kilometers from the base camp at Govindghat, which is accessible by road from Joshimath. Visitors need to obtain permits from the Forest Department to enter the Valley of Flowers National Park.
Key Points:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Vibrant alpine ecosystem
- Hosts a variety of wildlife including red giant flying squirrels and musk deer
- Unique template alpine forest
The renowned Valley of Flowers trek in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is scheduled to open on June 1, 2024. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity of the region. Make sure to plan ahead and prepare well for the trek to fully enjoy this incredible experience. Visit Official Website to book your trip.
2- Govind National Park
Govind National Park, home to the origin of River Tons, is a scenic paradise in Uttarakhand. Tourists flock to its famed spot, Har Ki Dun, while conservationists are drawn to its role in the Snow Leopard Project. The park serves as a breeding ground for vultures and is a birdwatcher’s delight, with sightings of golden eagles, black eagles, and more. Its landscape is adorned with subalpine conifer forests and alpine landscapes.
Key Points:
- Situated- Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand
- Origin of River Tons
- Famous tourist spot Har Ki Dun
- Snow Leopard Project site
- Breeding ground for vultures
- Diverse bird species including golden eagles and black eagles
3- Nanda devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park along with the Valley of Flowers forms the renowned Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors are mesmerized by vast meadows adorned with Alpine flowers and the chance to spot elusive species like the serow, Himalayan tahr, and snow leopard. It’s a sanctuary for nature lovers, offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the region.
Key Points:
- Situated- Chamoli District of Uttarakhand
- Part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
- Meadows adorned with Alpine flowers
- Habitat for elusive species like serow and Himalayan tahr
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Himalayan musk deer is known for its distinctive musk gland, which is highly valued in traditional medicine and perfume production.
4- Gangotri National Park In Uttarakhand
Gangotri National Park is located in the northern part of India, in the state of Uttarakhand. The park is named after the Gangotri Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas and the source of the Ganges River.
It is situated along the Bhagirathi River. Its forests, comprising cheer, pine, and oak, provide habitat for diverse wildlife including snow leopards, bharal, and bears. Visitors are captivated by its stunning Himalayan landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Key Points:
- Located in the northern part of India, in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district
- Named after the Gangotri Glacier, the source of the Ganges River
- Features forests of cheer, pine, and oak
- Diverse wildlife including snow leopards and Bharal
- Mesmerizing Himalayan landscapes
5- Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand
Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park stands as a living testament to India’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Located in Uttarakhand, this iconic park is not only a sanctuary for various species but also a popular destination for eco-tourism, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with nature.
- Iconic Status: Jim Corbett National Park holds iconic status as one of India’s oldest national parks, showcasing the country’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage.
- Wildlife Diversity: Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from dense sal forests to grassy plains, and encounter a myriad of species, including tigers, elephants, deer, and the elusive sambhar.
- Conservation Efforts: The park serves as a hub for conservation efforts, with ongoing projects aimed at protecting endangered species and preserving their habitats.
- Currently, it has 8 zones- Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Garjiya, Sitabani, Pakhro, Dhela, and Durga Devi.
Nearby Tourism Attraction- Corbett Falls It is named after the renowned conservationist and naturalist, Jim Corbett, whose efforts in wildlife conservation have left an indelible mark on the region.
6- Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park, nestled in the Shivalik Range of Uttarakhand, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It has a tropical vegetation type, with pine forests and sal forests dominating its landscape. Despite experiencing low rainfall, the park thrives with diverse flora and fauna, offering a unique glimpse into India’s natural heritage.
Key Points:
- Located in the Shivalik Range of Uttarakhand
- Features tropical vegetation types such as pine forests and sal forests
- Low rainfall but rich biodiversity
- Provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species
Table overview of – National Park in Uttarakhand (wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserve, and conservation reserve)
| National Park | Wildlife Sanctuaries | Biosphere Reserve | Conservation Reserve |
| Jim Corbett National Park | – | Nanda devi Biosphere Reserve | – |
| Rajaji National Park | Kedarnath | – | – |
| Valley of flowers | – | – | – |
| Govind National Park | – | – | – |
| Gangotri National Park | – | – | – |
| Nanda devi National Park | – | – | – |
FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS (National park in Uttarakhand)
Which safari is best in Rajaji National Park?
The best safari zone in Rajaji National Park is the Chilla Safari Zone.
Where does the Tons River originate?
The Tons River originates from the Tons Glacier, situated at an altitude of around 20,720 feet in the Tons Valley in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India.
What is the state animal of Uttarakhand?
The state animal of Uttarakhand is the Himalayan musk deer.
