Stretching from the warm subtropical Terai-Bhabar plains of the Shivalik foothills to glaciated Himalayan summits exceeding 7,800 meters, Uttarakhand encompasses an astonishing biological gradient. This unique geography nurtures one of the highest concentrations of biodiversity anywhere in Asia.
Here, you can track the Royal Bengal Tiger through ancient Sal woodlands in Jim Corbett (India's oldest national park), watch majestic Asian elephants bathe in the Ganges at Rajaji, spot endangered musk deer and Himalayan monals in high alpine sanctuaries, or trek through UNESCO World Heritage biospheres. Here is the definitive guide to the top 10 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Uttarakhand.
1. The Two Distinct Ecological Zones of Uttarakhand Wildlife
Wildlife reserves in the state divide naturally into two broad ecological realms:
- Lowland Terai & Foothills (300m – 1,000m): Characterized by dense Sal forests, grasslands (Chaurs), and broad riverbeds. Home to mega-herbivores and apex predators including Royal Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, Leopards, Gharials, and 600+ bird species (e.g., Jim Corbett, Rajaji, Nandhaur).
- High-Altitude Alpine Reserves (2,000m – 6,000m+): Dominated by birch, rhododendron, and alpine pastures (Bugyals). Shelter specialized cold-adapted wildlife including Snow Leopards, Himalayan Musk Deer, Blue Sheep (Bharal), Asiatic Black Bears, and the iridescent Himalayan Monal (e.g., Nanda Devi, Valley of Flowers, Gangotri, Askot, Kedarnath Sanctuary).
| Park / Sanctuary | Type | Area (sq km) | Key Wildlife | Best Safari Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Corbett National Park | Tiger Reserve | 1,288 sq km | Royal Bengal Tiger (260+), Asian Elephant, Leopard, Gharial | Nov 15 to Jun 15 (Jhirna Year-round) |
| Rajaji National Park | Tiger & Elephant Reserve | 820 sq km | Asian Elephant herds, Tiger, Leopard, 315 bird species | Nov 15 to Jun 15 |
| Valley of Flowers | National Park (UNESCO) | 87 sq km | Over 500 alpine wildflowers, Asiatic Black Bear, Blue Sheep | Jun to Oct (Peak Jul–Aug) |
| Nanda Devi National Park | Biosphere (UNESCO) | 630 sq km | Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Bharal | May to Oct (Restricted) |
| Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary | Wildlife Sanctuary | 47 sq km | Leopard, Barking Deer, 200+ bird species, Oak-Rhododendron | Oct to May |
| Gangotri National Park | National Park | 2,390 sq km | Snow Leopard, Bharal, Himalayan Monal, Glaciers | May to Oct |
| Govind Pashu Vihar | Sanctuary & NP | 958 sq km | Bearded Vulture, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Golden Eagle | Apr to Jun & Sep to Nov |
| Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary | Wildlife Sanctuary | 600 sq km | Endangered Himalayan Musk Deer, Monal, Snow Leopard | Oct to Apr |
| Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary | Wildlife Sanctuary | 975 sq km | Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Serow, Brown Bear | May to Nov |
| Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary | Wildlife Sanctuary | 270 sq km | Tiger corridor between Corbett and Nepal, Elephants, Great Hornbill | Nov to May |
Jim Corbett National Park – The Cradle of Project Tiger
India’s oldest national park shelters over 260 wild Royal Bengal Tigers. Featuring 7 distinct safari zones (Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Garjiya, Durga Devi, Phato), it offers open 4x4 Gypsy safaris and historic Forest Rest House stays.
Read Corbett Safari GuideRajaji National Park – Realm of the Asian Elephant
Spanning the Shivalik foothills where the Ganga flows into the plains, Rajaji is celebrated for massive herds of wild Asian Elephants, leopards, and over 315 cataloged bird species across its Chilla and Motichur safari ranges.
Explore WildlifeBinsar Wildlife Sanctuary – Pristine Birding Paradise
Perched on Jhandi Dhar ridge, Binsar is a silent forested sanctuary renowned among international ornithologists for sightings of laughingthrushes, woodpeckers, eagles, and leopards amidst dense oak and rhododendron canopies.
Explore BinsarAskot Musk Deer Sanctuary – High-Altitude Alpine Haven
Located in the shadow of Mount Panchachuli near the Indo-Nepal-Tibet border, Askot was established specifically to protect the endangered Himalayan Musk Deer (Kasturi Mrig) and its fragile sub-alpine birch ecosystem.
Explore Askot SanctuaryFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Jim Corbett National Park has the highest tiger population in Uttarakhand—and the highest density of wild tigers in the world—with over 260 individuals recorded in the reserve landscape.
Safaris for Jim Corbett must be booked via corbettonline.uk.gov.in. Rajaji National Park safaris can be booked via the official Uttarakhand Forest Department portal or directly at the Chilla and Motichur tourism gates.
Yes, an entry ticket and vehicle permit must be purchased at the Ayarpani entry gate of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors are allowed to drive up to the KMVN rest house or hike to Zero Point with licensed local guides.