The Indian wildlife heritage has a unique status worldwide. It has the second largest base of bio diversity in the world, with 441 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 80 National Parks, which have become destinations for visitors from all around the world. Accounts of man-eaters of Kumaon and other wildlife encountered by Jim Corbett, are fascinating and true, and just a glimpse of many other mysteries and delights of the Indian wildlife that is housed in the sanctuaries around the country.

Another incredible feature of these amazing conservatories of exotic wildlife is that they are home to the largest number of tigers and one-horned rhinoceros in the world, as well as the almost extinct Asiatic Lion, and a large percentage of the total elephant population! Also, India's wildlife sanctuaries which cover about 90,000 sq km house more than 500 species of mammals, over 2000 species of birds, over 500 species of reptiles and amphibians and around 30000 species of insects!
Some of the major national parks in India are:

Corbett National Park The Corbett National Park was India's first national park that was set up in 1936. It spreads across aboput 600 square km, form 400 to 1200 m above sea level. It is located foothills of the western Himalayas in the districts of Nainital and Pauri Garhwal in the state of Uttaranchal. It includes the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary as a part of its reserved forest area. The Corbett National Park was set up with the help and recommendation of great hunter and conservationist, Jim Corbett.

Ranthambore National Park Ranthambore National Park is an internationally acknowledged as one of the last remnants of the once great virgin jungles in central India. Situated in India's northwestern state of Rajasthan, it is surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and lies near the outer fringes of the Thar Desert. The entire area of 390 sq km is located 500 m above sea level and is a sprawling tract of desert and semi-desert vegetation. Originally a hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1980s, it became a national park and was listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger (1973).

Kanha National Park The Kanha Valley and and the Kanha national park were preferred hunting grounds for erstwhile rulers and viceroys. The park is spread over an area of 940 sq km at an altitude of 450-900 m above sea level, and situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The park is located in he middle of the country of India, with the forests of the Banjar and the Halon valley forming the western and eastern halves of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, which have long been famous for their wide diversity of wildlife.

Periyar National Park The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. Situated within the confines of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of Kerala, it spreads over 350 sq km. It is one of the 18 reserves under Project Tiger. Periyar is a national park as well as a protected tiger reserve, whose total area is about 778 km sq, and is located 1200 to 1800 m above sea level.

Bandipur National Park The Bandipur National Park is a beautiful forest reserve located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It lies in the shadow of the Western Ghats on the Deccan plateau, and spreads across an area of about 875 sq km, 780-1455 m above sea level. The region is well endowed with vegetation and flora that ranges from dry and tropical deciduous and evergreen forests to open grassy woodlands.

Sunderbans National Park The Sunderbans National Park is home to the Royal Bengal tiger, and is a part of the world's largest delta formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra. It is also known for its unique mangrove forest ecosystem. The reserve spreads across 2,585 sq km, 0 to 10 m above sea level. It is a tiger and biosphere reserve and has been designated as world heritage site by UNESCO.

Kaziranga National Park The Kaziranga National Park is situated in the northeastern state of Assam in India on the southern bank of the mighty Brahmaputra River. It covers an area of 430 sq km and is located 40-80 m above sea level. It was formed as a reserve forest in 1926, primarily to safeguard the future of the diminishing Rhino population.

Sariska National Park Sariska National Park sprawls across 800 square kilometres of the Aravalis and is perhaps one of India's most exciting wildlife reserves. Spread over a core area of 474 sq km, 250 m above sea level, the park is easily accessible, lying just three hours away from Delhi by road. Sariska is one of the few remaining forest pockets in the Aravali range that has survived the onslaught of modern times. Situated in the state of Rajasthan with a backdrop of the Aravali Hills, the park boasts of quite a few tigers and other interesting flora and fauna.

Sasangir National Park Sasangir is home of the world renowned Asiatic Lions, and India has the distinction of being its last earthly refuge. The Sasangir National Park and Lion Sanctuary is located in the Kathiwad peninsula of Gujarat and is the one and only remaining habitat of this proud and majestic species Bandhavgarh National Park Ready to shot? Arrive at the Bandhavgarh National Park - the White Tiger territory. Though Bandhavgarh is home to fabulous flora and fauna it is renowned for its terrific tigers. Amidst the deciduous forests and the Bandhavgarh hills lies the former game reserve of the Maharajas of Rewa.

Nagarhole National Park Looking forward for peace in the lap of nature? Welcome to the heaven for nature lover- the Nagarhole National Park. The exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile rules of Mysore is today one of the best retreat for the nature lovers. There is so much more to the Nagarhole National Park besides the elephant and bison population it is famous for.

Simlipal National Park Wish to be in the lap of nature? Far away from the stress of the daily chores rejuvenate yourselves at the Simlipal National Park. There are wondrous waterfalls, high hills and forests in the National Park that is spread over an area of 2,750 sq kms. It takes days to cover the entire area of the National Park Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the best and famous wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is the only wildlife sanctuary in India that is artificially made by a Maharaja. One of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is located in Bharatpur city of Rajasthan and also known as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

Chinnar National Park Topographical extremes capture the imagination of a visitor to the Chinnar National Park, situated at Devikulam taluk of Idukki district of Kerala. Given the status of National Park in 1984, Chinnar treat the wildlife enthusiasts to more than 90.422 sq. kms of wilderness: expansive forests, jagged peaks, and a wide diversity of wildlife including endangered giant grizzled squirrel, elephant, gaur, panther, spotted deer and sambar.

Panna Tiger Reserve Set up along the Ken River, Panna Tiger Reserve got its declaration as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in the year 1995. Known for a variety of waterfalls and lake of Pandava Falls, Panna Tiger Reserve was one of the places visited by the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata. Created in 1981, Panna Tiger Reserve consists of areas from the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread over an area of 70 to 80 sq. kms, Panna Tiger Reserve is a delight for all the flora and fauna lovers.