India’s most stunning national parks that can be explored on foot

Visitors are often restricted from exploring most national parks in India on foot due to several important reasons focused on safety, conservation, and the preservation of wildlife habitats. Human presence, especially off designated paths, can disrupt the natural habitats of animals and plants. Especially in tiger territories, visitors only have the option of jeep or canter safari.

However, there are some national parks where visitors, especially trekkers, can explore on foot. In these parks, walking tours and treks are always conducted with an official guide to ensure safety and to minimise disturbance to wildlife. Here is a list of some of these stunning Indian national parks where one can explore on foot.

Hemis National Park is India’s biggest national park, and is renowned for its population of snow leopards, the highest density found anywhere in the world. The park's rugged terrain offers challenging trekking routes through the stark, beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas. Trekkers can experience high-altitude meadows, glacial valleys, and ancient monasteries.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Himalayan National Park is a haven for trekkers, with numerous trails that traverse its pristine alpine meadows, dense forests, and river valleys. The park is home to an array of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, and several species of pheasants. Trekking routes like the Tirthan Valley trek offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

The Valley of Flowers National Park is famous for its spectacular display of wildflowers that bloom every monsoon, painting the valley in vibrant colours. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is accessible via a scenic trek that takes you through lush green valleys, with the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Besides its floral beauty, the park is home to wildlife such as the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, and a variety of butterflies and birds.

Part of the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nanda Devi National Park offers some of the most challenging and rewarding treks in India. The park surrounds the majestic Nanda Devi peak and features deep gorges, alpine meadows, and high-altitude flora and fauna. Nanda Devi National Park is open to the public only from May to October.

Located in the Western Ghats, Periyar National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The park offers guided nature walks and trekking trails that take you through its dense evergreen and deciduous forests. The park also features the Periyar Lake, where you can take boat rides to observe animals coming to the water's edge.

Satpura National Park offers a unique opportunity for trekking through central India's diverse landscapes, including dense forests, rugged terrains, and the Satpura Range's picturesque hills. The park is home to leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison, and a variety of bird species. Guided walking safaris allow visitors to explore the park on foot, providing an intimate wildlife experience and the chance to see animals in their natural habitat.

Located in the eastern Himalayas, Namdapha National Park is a biodiversity hotspot with dense rainforests, towering mountains, and pristine rivers. The park offers challenging treks through its remote and rugged terrain, making it a paradise for adventure seekers. The park's diverse ecosystem also supports numerous bird species and orchids.

Dachigam National Park, located near Srinagar, is famous for its population of the endangered Hangul deer. The park offers beautiful trekking routes through alpine pastures, meadows, and dense forests, providing a serene environment with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.