Uttaranchal is one of the most visually delightful places of North India. The state is blessed with an abundance of nature with mountains, streams, rivers and trees adorning every district, giving the whole region a picturesque look. The state has a large number of gardens and parks, each one with its own unique identity. We have identified some of the best parks and gardens in Uttarakhand which tourists make a point to visit while on a trip to the state.

The Corbett Reserve Park

• Established in 1936 as India’s first national park, the Corbett Reserve Park is one of the most famous landmarks of Uttarakhand which attracts a large number of people on all working days. It was called the Hailey National Park initially and later renamed as the Ramganga National Park.
• The present name was given to the park in 1957 to honor the globally celebrated tiger hunter Jim Corbett. His best-seller, ‘The Man Eaters of Kumaon’ gave this region global recognition.
• The park which covers a vast area of 1318 square kilometers is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
• Apart from the occasional spotting of tigers, visitors can see a number of animals and birds in their natural habitat here.

The Rajaji National Park

• This is one of the most-visited places in the state of Uttarakhand. The park was created by merging Chilla, Rajaji and Motichur wildlife sanctuaries in 1983.
• The park is named after the famous freedom fighter, Bharat Ratna, C. Rajagopalachari, who was also the last Governor General of independent India.
• The park encompasses an area of 820.42 square kilometers and is uniquely spread over Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand.
• Rajaji National Park represents the Shivalik eco-system whose trail is 10 million year old and very rich in fossils.

The Gangotri National Park

• The Gangotri National Park, established in 1989 is located in the state’s Uttarkashi district and is a popular tourist spot. It is named after Gangotri which is one of the four most pious pilgrimage centers in the North India.
• The park is popular because of the amazing scenic beauty, numerous waterfalls, flowing rivers and profusion of greenery. The flora and fauna of park is unique in many ways.
• There are various varieties of rare shrubs and herbs in the ecosystems here.
• The Park offers an enchanting view of the snow clad mountains, dense forests and plains in winter.
• There are more than 150 species of birds in this area which covers a massive 1,553 square kilometers.

Valley of Flowers National Park

• The Valley of Flowers National Park was accidently discovered by Frank Smythe, the British mountaineer way back in 1931.
• The park is located in West Himalayas of Uttarakhand and is a famous tourist destination among many visitors. The Valley of Flowers National Park is spread over 87.5 km and offers a diverse mix of flowers and plants.
• The white streams, stunning snow-clad mountain peaks, the pure unadulterated air and the shrubs and meadows make this place a must-visit for everyone.
• The place was declared a National Park in 1982. It was included by UNESCO in the list of World Heritage sites in 2005.

Nanda Devi National Park

• The Nanda Devi National Park is located in the upper ranges of the Himalayan ranges in Uttarakhand. The park was notified in 1982 but it was discovered in the 1930s by a British expedition.
• It is surrounded by mountain peaks on three peaks except from the west there is a deep, inaccessible gorge.
• The park and the surrounding areas remains under an intense snow cover for six months while the rest of the year it has a dry climate interspersed by heavy rain fall.
• The park with its area of 630.33 square meters is home to many common and rare flora and fauna.

Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

• Govind National Park is located in the Purola area of Uttarakhand. The park was established in 1955 and is easily one of the most scenic places in the state as it has absolutely picturesque ice-clad mountains and glaciers surrounding it.
• It is a rich park area with various specimens of plants and mammals. There are over 100 varieties of common and rare birds nesting in the hundreds of trees spread all over the park.
• This park also has many medicinal plants which Ayurvedic doctors use to prepare medications.
• If you are lucky enough, you can spot the extremely endangered and elusive Snow Leopard. It can be found at a height of 3,500 meters.

The other popular gardens and parks in Uttaranchal which are frequented by locals and visitors include Swami Vivekananda Park, Municipal Garden, Eco Cave Gardens, Himalaya Botanical Garden and Ram Tal Horticultural Garden and lots more.