Uttarakhand, in the Himalayas, is full of natural beauty and wildlife. Each National Park in Uttarakhand offers something special for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers. This guide will tell you about the entry fees, timings, best times to visit, and many more about the national parks. You can explore lush forests, spot rare animals, and enjoy thrilling activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, Uttarakhand has something for everyone.
How many National Park in Uttarakhand?
There are 6 National Parks in Uttarakhand, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
| National Park | Location |
|---|---|
| Jim Corbett National Park | Nainital, Ramnagar |
| Rajaji National Park | Haridwar, Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal |
| Valley of Flowers National Park | Chamoli |
| Nanda Devi National Park | Chamoli |
| Gangotri National Park | Uttarkashi |
| Govind Pashu Vihar National Park | Uttarkashi |
1. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park, originally established as Hailey National Park in 1936, is the oldest national park in India. It was later renamed after the renowned hunter-turned-conservationist, Jim Corbett. This National Park in Uttarakhand is a haven for the endangered Bengal tiger and is one of the most popular national parks in the country.
Entry Fees (2024):
- Indians: Approx. INR 200 per person
- Foreigners: Approx. INR 1000 per person
- Jeep Safari (Indian): INR 5000 per jeep (Max. 6 persons & 2 children aged 5-12 years)
- Jeep Safari (Foreigner): INR 12000 per jeep (Max. 6 persons & 2 children aged 5-12 years)
- Camera Fees: INR 500 for professional cameras
Timings:
- Summer (April to June): 5:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM
- Winter (October to February): 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
- Closed during monsoon (July to September)
Best Time to Visit:
October to June, when the park is open and the weather is pleasant for spotting wildlife.
Things To Do:
- Jungle safari to spot tigers, elephants, and other wildlife.
- Bird watching, with over 600 species of birds in the park.
- Visiting the Corbett Museum and Garjia Temple.
Best Hotels To Stay Nearby
Corbett De Coracao, Corbett Country Inn, Parfait The Roar Resort Corbett, and more.
Location:
Nainital, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 80 km away.
- By Rail: Ramnagar Railway Station, located around 12 km from the park, is the nearest railhead.
- By Road: Well-connected by road from major cities like Delhi (260 km), Dehradun (250 km), and Nainital (65 km).
Famous For:
Bengal tigers, Rich biodiversity, Scenic landscapes
READ ALSO: I Spent 3D/2N in Nainital in Just Rs. 3000 | Complete Travel Guide
2. Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is famous for its diverse wildlife. Covering 820 square kilometers, this National Park in Uttarakhand is named after C. Rajagopalachari, a key leader in India’s freedom movement. The park is a sanctuary for elephants and also hosts tigers, leopards, and many bird species.
Entry Fees (2024):
- Indian Nationals: INR 150 per person
- Foreign Nationals: INR 600 per person
- Jeep Safari: Approx. INR 2500-3500 for Indians, higher for foreigners
- Camera Fees: INR 500 for professional cameras
Timings:
- Summer (March to June): 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Winter (November to February): 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Closed during monsoon (July to September)
Best Time to Visit:
November to June, particularly in the winter months when wildlife is more active and visible.
Things To Do:
- Jeep safaris for wildlife spotting.
- Bird watching with over 300 species recorded.
Best Hotels To Stay Nearby
Wild Brook Retreat, The Narayana Palace, Rajaji Retreat
Location:
Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, about 35 km from the park.
- By Rail: Haridwar and Dehradun Railway Stations are the nearest major railheads.
- By Road: Well-connected by road from major cities like Delhi (220 km), Haridwar (20 km), and Dehradun (60 km).
Famous For:
Large population of elephants and scenic landscapes.
READ ALSO: Dehradun – Things to do, Hotels, Places to Visit in 2024, Weather, A Complete Guide
3. Valley of Flowers National Park
The Valley of Flowers is a special place recognized by UNESCO. It’s in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. You can also find rare animals here, like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, and blue sheep. It’s also part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, which is a protected area. Many people visit the Valley of Flowers for trekking and to see the amazing views of the Himalayas.
Entry Fees (2024):
- Indian Nationals: INR 150 per person per day
- Foreign Nationals: INR 650 per person per day
- No vehicle entry is allowed as the park is accessible only on foot.
Timings:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit:
July to August is the best time to visit because the valley is full of colorful flowers.
Things To Do:
- Trekking through the valley and exploring the diverse flora.
- Photography of the stunning landscapes.
- Bird watching in the serene surroundings.
Best Hotels To Stay Nearby
Ghangaria Camps, Valley of Flowers Hotel, GMVN Ghangaria Tourist Rest House
Location:
Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, about 292 km from Govindghat, the starting point of the trek.
- By Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest major railhead, about 273 km from Govindghat.
- By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Govindghat.
Famous For:
Its beauty is unmatched, with many different kinds of flowering plants.
READ ALSO: Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand: How to Reach, Trek, Best Time, Near Hotels, Complete Travel Guide
4. Nanda Devi National Park
Next to the Valley of Flowers is Nanda Devi National Park in Uttarakhand, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The park is centered around the towering Nanda Devi Peak, the second-highest mountain in India. The park has rough land and many different plants and animals, making it a special and exciting place for people who love trekking and nature.
Entry Fees (2024):
- Indian Nationals: Approx. INR 150 per person
- Foreign Nationals: Approx. INR 600 per person
Timings:
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit:
May to June and September to October, when the weather is stable, and the trails are clear.
Things To Do:
- Trekking to Nanda Devi Sanctuary.
- Seeing the plants and animals in the high mountains.
- Taking photos of the beautiful Nanda Devi Peak.
- Visiting Lata village to learn about local culture.
Best Hotels To Stay Nearby
Nanda Devi Bhavan, Nanda devi Home stay, and more…
Location:
Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, about 295 km from Joshimath, the base for treks to Nanda Devi.
- By Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest major railhead, about 280 km from Joshimath.
- By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Joshimath.
Famous For:
Challenging treks and the majestic Nanda Devi Peak.
READ ALSO: 10 Less Crowded Hill Stations in Uttarakhand – You Can’t Miss
5. Gangotri National Park
Gangotri National Park is in the Uttarkashi district and is named after the holy river Ganga. This National Park in Uttarakhand has high mountains, glaciers, and snowy peaks. It’s a great place for trekkers, and many people love the Gaumukh-Tapovan trek.
Entry Fees (2024):
- Indian Nationals: INR 150 per person
- Foreign Nationals: INR 600 per person
Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Evening: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Timings may vary with seasons)
Best Time to Visit:
April to June and September to November.
Things To Do:
- Trekking to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganga River.
- Exploring the Tapovan area, known for its meadows and views of the Shivling Peak.
- Camping along the trek route.
Best Hotels To Stay Nearby
Wild Brook Retreat, The Narayana Palace, Rajaji Retreat
Location:
Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, about 250 km from Gangotri.
- By Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest major railhead, about 238 km from Gangotri.
- By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Gangotri.
Famous For:
The Gaumukh Glacier and high mountain trekking paths.
6. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and covers 958 square kilometers. This National Park in Uttarakhand has many different landscapes, like snowy mountains, thick forests, and grassy meadows. The park is home to rare animals like the snow leopard. It also has popular trekking paths like Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara Tal.
Entry Fees (2024):
- Indian Nationals: INR 150 per person per day
- Foreign Nationals: INR 600 per person per day
- Camera Fees: INR 50 (Still Camera), INR 500 (Video Camera)
Timings:
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit:
April to June and September to November
Things To Do:
- Trekking: Har Ki Dun, Ruinsara Tal, Kedarkantha
- Wildlife Safari: Spot snow leopards, Himalayan black bears
- Bird Watching: Golden eagle, Himalayan snowcock
- Camping and Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes
Best Hotels To Stay Nearby
Lemon Tree in Dehradun, Camp Nirvana Yamunotri in Barkot, and more.
Location:
Supin Range, Uttarakhand
How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (200 km)
- By Rail: Nearest station is Dehradun Railway Station (210 km)
- By Road: Accessible via bus or taxi from Dehradun or Delhi
Famous For:
The area has many different plants and animals, beautiful views, and famous trekking paths like Har Ki Dun and Kedarkantha.
READ ALSO: Lambi Dehar Mines: Story, History, and How to Reach – Your Complete Travel Guide
General Travel Tips for National Park in Uttarakhand
| Plan Ahead | Book safaris, accommodations, and permits in advance, especially during peak seasons. |
| Pack Appropriately | Carry weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, and essential gear like binoculars and cameras. |
| Respect Wildlife | Maintain a safe distance from animals, avoid feeding them, and follow park guidelines. |
| Stay Hydrated | Carry sufficient water, especially during treks and safaris. |
| Local Guides | Hire local guides for a better understanding of the flora, fauna, and trails. |
| Permits and Fees | Ensure you have all necessary permits and are aware of entry fees. |
| Eco-Friendly Practices | Avoid littering, use eco-friendly products, and respect the natural environment. |
| Health Precautions | Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications. Be prepared for altitude changes. |
| Safety Measures | Follow safety guidelines provided by park authorities and stay within designated areas. |
| Cultural Respect | Respect local customs and traditions, and seek permission before photographing people. |
Conclusion
Exploring the National Park in Uttarakhand in 2024 promises to be a rewarding experience for anyone passionate about nature and wildlife. Each National Park in Uttarakhand offers a unique glimpse into the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes of the Himalayas. Whether you’re trekking through the Valley of Flowers, embarking on a safari in Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, or gazing at the towering peaks of Nanda Devi, the natural beauty of Uttarakhand is sure to leave you spellbound.
FAQ’s
What are the entry fees for national parks in Uttarakhand?
Entry fees vary by park. For example, Jim Corbett National Park charges approximately INR 200 for Indians and INR 1000 for foreigners. Rajaji National Park charges around INR 150 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners.
What are the timings for visiting national parks in Uttarakhand?
Timings differ by park and season. Generally, morning safaris are from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, and evening safaris are from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Always check specific park timings before planning your visit.
Which is the best time to visit national parks in Uttarakhand?
The best time to visit varies by park. For most parks, the ideal time is from October to June. The Valley of Flowers is best visited from July to September when the flowers are in full bloom.
What activities can I do in the national parks of Uttarakhand?
Activities include jungle safaris, bird watching, trekking, wildlife photography, and visiting scenic spots like waterfalls and temples within the parks.
What wildlife can be spotted in Uttarakhand’s national parks?
Wildlife includes Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and a variety of bird species.
Can I book safaris in advance for national parks in Uttarakhand?
Yes, it is advisable to book safaris in advance, especially during peak seasons. Online booking options are available for most parks.
What are the famous attractions within the national parks of Uttarakhand?
Attractions include the Corbett Waterfall in Jim Corbett National Park, Chilla Dam in Rajaji National Park, and Hemkund Sahib near the Valley of Flowers.
Is it safe to visit national parks in Uttarakhand with children?
Yes, it is generally safe to visit with children. Ensure you follow safety guidelines, keep a close watch on them, and avoid risky areas.
