9 national parks in India that are best explored on foot

Wildlife experiences in India are often associated with jeep safaris and spotting animals from a distance. But there is another, far more immersive way to experience the country’s natural heritage—walking through it. Scattered across the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and the Northeast are national parks where exploration happens slowly and silently, on foot. These are places where engines are replaced by bird calls, where animal tracks matter more than sightings, and where the forest sets the pace. Here is a curated list of nine national parks in India that can be explored on foot. These are perfect for slow travellers, trekkers, and serious nature lovers.

Silent Valley is one of the last remaining tracts of untouched tropical rainforest in India. Motorised safaris are not permitted, and exploration happens entirely through guided forest walks. The park is renowned for its biodiversity, including lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, rare amphibians, and ancient trees.

Periyar is among the few tiger reserves in India where guided walking experiences are officially promoted. Visitors can join nature walks, bamboo rafting combined with trekking, and border patrol trails led by trained forest guides, making it a model for community-led eco-tourism. One thing about Periyar that visitors love the most is the fact that wildlife sightings, especially wild elephants, happen often on the banks of the Periyar River.

If you are a fan of trekking or hiking, you can’t go wrong with Great Himalayan National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is designed for trekking-based exploration. There are no jeep safaris here, only long forest trails, alpine meadows, and remote valleys. Multi-day treks pass through habitats of Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and elusive snow leopards.

Another UNESCO-listed park, Khangchendzonga National Park is accessed through legendary Himalayan treks like Dzongri and Goecha La. Have you been on these treks yet? If not, when the weather is slightly warmer, plan one. It will be worth a visit. The views are spectacular, the air crisp and refreshing. Vehicles are not allowed in core zones for obvious reasons – geography.

Keoladeo is India’s most famous bird sanctuary and is exceptionally walker-friendly. It is, without a doubt, one of the best places to see winter migratory birds in India. The park’s wetland trails are easily explored on foot, making it ideal for birdwatching. Visit Keoladeo to see birds like the Sarus crane, painted stork, pelicans, and if you are really lucky, the Siberian crane. The slow pace allows close observation of migratory and resident birds, along with jackals, nilgai, and wild boar.

This is one of India’s least disturbed forests, and you can explore Neora Valley entirely through guided treks. The walking trails pass through dense forests, they are misty, and present chances to see rare species such as red pandas and clouded leopards. This national park feels more like a wilderness expedition than a tourist destination.

Jeep safaris are still not a thing in Namdapha National Park. So how do you explore the park? You go on a guided tour. India’s easternmost national park is vast, remote, and primarily accessible only on foot. Trekking routes pass through multiple forest types, from lowland rainforest to alpine zones. Namdapha is famed for its extraordinary biodiversity and scientific importance. One interesting fact: When in Namdapha or in areas nearby, keep your ears open for the calls of Hoolock Gibbons.

Can you associate the words ‘national park’ with Goa? If this is new to you, you are in the right place. Located in the Western Ghats, Mollem National park is well known for forest walks and treks leading to waterfalls, ancient temples, and dense jungle interiors. It is always less crowded, and the tours are led by experienced guides. The walking safari is a great way to understand Goa’s natural treasures, cultural heritage and more.

Eravikulam National Park is a wonderful addition to your Munnar itinerary. Here’s why: The national park is just 126 km away from Munnar, the park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, neelakurinji flowers, and endless views of green rolling hills. And guess how you can enjoy all these? Walking safaris. There are designated walking trails and boardwalks across rolling grasslands that one can take to get scenic walking experiences