10 Hidden National Parks in India for Offbeat Wildlife Adventures

The incredible biodiversity that covers all of India's national parks is made known to the outside world. Here, paradises like Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, and Ranthambore attract hundreds of thousands or over a million tourists every year, while many national parks are still away from tourists and completely unexplored. These are some of India's best national parks, which not only boast a magnificent environment of richness but are also one of the best tranquil destinations far away from commotion. This is a list of the national parks hidden from common people in India. They would be unique places for a traveler looking for solitude and adventure.
Namdapha National Park, situated in a remote forest in Arunachal Pradesh, is one of the largest national parks in India, with a coverage of about 2,000 square kilometers. A variety of wildlife flourishes here, including Snow Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Red Pandas, and Asiatic Black Bears. The park also shelters over 425 species of birds, making it a haven for bird lovers. The best thing about Namdapha is that the best way to see the land is trekking, as jeep safaris are unavailable due to the rough topography.
Dudhwa National Park, situated along the Indo-Nepal border, presents an interface between grasslands, marshes, and dense forests. This is one of the last refuges of the swamp deer (barasingha) and has in it tigers, elephants, leopards, and rhinos. The park has an air of charm and is largely unaffected by commercial tourism, making it suitable for travelers looking for some immersive wildlife experience.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Himalayas and presents one of the finest views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak. The landscape is a cocktail of glaciers, alpine meadows and dense forests, inhabited by the snow leopard, the red panda, and the blue sheep. Trekking is the best way to explore the park, since trekking routes lead to high-altitude lakes and various monasteries.
Spread across the Mayurbhanj district, Simlipal is among the oldest tiger reserves in India. Jungles, winding rivers, and splendid waterfalls such as Barehipani and Joranda characterize the park. Apart from tigers, the region is home to elephants, gaurs, and sambar deer. Simlipal also has a strong tribal presence, thus providing insight into the indigenous culture of Odisha.
Locally known as the "Land of Spirits" by tribal folk, Balpakram National Park is situated in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The park is renowned for deep gorges, limestone caves, and unusual rock formations. Rare species such as golden cats, red pandas, and barking deer find shelter here. It is also a great choice for those who seek folktales and tribal heritage.
Valmiki National Park, the only tiger reserve in the state of Bihar, is adjacent to Nepal. One of India's more offbeat parks, it consists of a stereoscopic confluence of riverine forests and grassland. The tiger, leopard, and sloth bear inhabit the park, while the river that cuts through it, the Ganga, supports a population of gharials and Gangetic dolphins. In contrast to the well-known reserves, Valmiki offers wildlife in a quiet and undisturbed setting.
Located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is one of the newest in the country and is an important corridor for wildlife across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The park has a thriving population of tigers, elephants, leopards, and dhole (wild dogs). Besides wildlife, Sathyamangalam is noted for its scenic rolling hills and dense forest cover.
Also known as the "Blue Mountain National Park," Phawngpui is the highest peak in Mizoram. The park is known for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant rhododendron forests. Rare animals such as the Asiatic black bear, serow, and goral inhabit the park. Trekking is the best way to experience Phawngpui, offering magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
Located in the western Himalayan area, the Great Himalayan National Park is a UNESCO-recognized park known for its unspoiled wilderness. The park shelters high-altitude fauna such as snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, and musk deer. It is one of India's most spectacular trekking destinations, with treks that run through lush meadows, glaciers, and alpine forests.
Kalesar National Park, near the Shivalik Hills of Haryana, is among the least-rated national parks in North India. The park consists mainly of dense Sal forests with an abundance of wildlife like leopards, elephants, and many bird species. For those who love walking safaris and are keen on nature free from the tourist trap, Kalesar is the right choice.
These national parks provide a well-deserved retreat for travelers looking to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy India's great wildlife up close. Whether this means trekking through the dense forests of Arunachal Pradesh, the mystical landscapes of Meghalaya, or witnessing the raw beauty of Odisha's waterfalls, each of these destinations promises to be a unique and vivid adventure.