11 Best National Parks in the World for 2024

The year 2024 has rung in with new hopes and new reasons to rejoice. So, it’s time to let go of the emotional burdens of yesteryear and start afresh with an adventurous excursion. 

And what better way to do so than to embark on an action-packed trip around the most significant national parks in the world? 

We have penned down a list of the 11 world-famous national parks that are known for their mesmerising natural beauty. So, this year, get a life-changing experience by exploring the unparalleled charm of nature. However, you must never miss to get travel insurance from India so that your adventure-trip is financially secured.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (USA)

Being one of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Grand Canyon is a marvel of nature. Surrounding this natural marvel is a dense ecosystem of flora and fauna known as the Grand Canyon National Park. Located in the stellar state of Arizona, the Grand Canyon National Park stands as one of the best forests worldwide. 

A day-long tour around the National Park will familiarise you with the awe-inspiring rock formations carved by the ferocious Colorado River for millions of years. Apart from that, you can see various other iconic vistas, such as the soaring ridges in the South Rim, as well as the deep wonders, such as the 1.5 km deep gorges, all of which are going to leave you in awe at the immense power of nature.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (USA) 

Primarily situated in Wyoming state of the US and spreading to some parts of Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park has the prominence of being the first-ever national park created in the world. The effervescent iconic geysers, hot volcanic springs, and other such geothermal marvels are the key attractions of this scenic national park.

Above all, it is an abode to a vast fauna of America, including the brown grizzly bears, wolves, and the most coveted American beast— bison. This is due to its immense landscape spanning coiled mountains, rivers, and surrounding ecosystems, making it a true wildlife sanctuary. The spectacular aura and irresistible geothermal wonders make Yellowstone National Park an enticing marvel of nature. 

No doubt, there are endless adventures awaiting you at this place, it’s needless to say that you must have travel insurance for USA, so that you can enjoy every moment without financial worries.

Yosemite National Park, California

Dubbed as the “crown jewel of American wilderness”, the Yosemite National Park of California is a place that seems to have been carved painstakingly by the Creator. Situated in the Sierra Nevada range, this place contains geological wonders such as granite gorges and the prehistoric massive sequoia groves. Discovered in 1833 by an expedition of hunters, these groves consist of innumerable towering coniferous trees. These sequoia groves make a picturesque landscape as described in the sonnets of 19th-century romantic poets like Shelley. Due to its scenic beauty, the Yosemite National Park of California has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the best national parks in the world.

Banff National Park, Alberta (Canada)

This is the oldest national park in Canada, located in the southwestern province of Alberta. With more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails, Banff National Park is the paradise of the orophiles. Adding to the romanticism of the location is the soothing Lake Agnes Trail, which leads you to a retro European-style tea house. 

If you are on a jungle safari, a drive along the picturesque Icefields Parkway will expose your eyes to the stunning view of the glaciers and gushing waterfalls. Furthermore, a long drive from the Banff Gondola to the pinnacle of the Sulphur Mountain will make for an enrapturing holiday outing, wherein you can relax at a classic restaurant, along with an interpretive centre and not to forget— a multisensory theatre.  

Kanha Kisli Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh (India)

If you are a diehard dendrophile and have an undying quest to see tigers, you must visit Kanha Kisli Tiger Reserve at least once in your lifetime. Perhaps this deciduous forest's thick and lush green vegetation had once inspired Rudyard Kipling to weave the famous tale of Mowgli— The Jungle Book. Apart from the large felines such as lions, tigers and leopards, Kanha is the abode of the barasingha or the Indian reindeer. These species have become endemic to this location. What’s more, inhabited by the tribal communities living here since olden times, this wildlife sanctuary gives a diverse cultural experience to the tourists.

Fiordland National Park, South Island (NZ)

Situated in New Zealand’s solitary South Island, Fiordland National Park is a natural kingdom consisting of glorious fjords (long, narrow sea inlets with steep cliffs), cascading waterfalls, and evergreen rainforests.

The overwhelming natural bounty of this place supports plenty of wildlife and shelters some of New Zealand's rarest endangered avian species, such as kiwis takahe, as well as seals, penguins and various dolphins. This is truly a gateway of paradise for real adventure lovers.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

One of the biggest national parks in the world and Africa’s largest game reserve, the Kruger National Park spans over 19,633 square kilometres. Comprising numerous vast savannas and woodlands. The Kruger Park is home to over 12,000 elephants, 27,000 African Buffaloes, and thousands of leopards. Savannah refers to the grassy plains with few trees in a forest. For adventure lovers who are keen on night safaris, Kruger Park is one of the best national parks in the world, reaching over 2 million hectares with dense wildlife. Numerous real-life safari tales, such as Nadine Gordimer’s The Ultimate Safari, are attached to this place.

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan 

Surrounding the historically famous Ranthambore Fort of Rajasthan, India, the Ranthambore National Park houses a large number of tigers and tigresses and other big cats. The numerous marsh crocodiles and a wide variety of snakes make this place full of thrill and sensation. So, if you want to experience an ultimate safari, Ranthambore is India’s best national park for adventures in the jungle.

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat

The only home to the Asiatic brown-haired lion, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is a very dense dry deciduous forest spread in the southwestern region of Saurashtra in Gujarat. It also has a few open grassy scrublands where you can still find the last surviving population of India’s national animal, i.e., Asiatic lions looming freely. But that’s not the only attraction of this jungle. Many other thrilling wildlife sightings await you, as this national park is home to some of the rarest species, such as the pythons, marsh crocodiles, and rare birds like the Indian Skimmer and pelicans. If you are keen to do Safari in this forest, there is the Gir Interpretation Zone  for you, also known as Devalia Safari Park. This is a 412 hectare fenced region inside the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, where a one-hour long safari in a jeep or bus will make you familiar with the flora and fauna of Gir Forest Reserve.

Hemis National Park, Ladakh

For those who mistake Ladakh for being a wholly arid cold desert, Hemis National Park is a true example of what a montane forest looks like. The huge population of various species endemic to the Himalayan ranges, such as the snow leopards, Asiatic Ibex, Tibetan wolves and red foxes.  Hemis National Park can make for an ultimate wild odyssey amid the towering hills. Spanning over 4,400 square kilometres, this national park has more than 200 snow leopards, their largest population than anywhere in the world.

Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

For those who seek tranquillity and the pure serenity of nature, the Valley of Flowers in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is the place they must not miss out on. Although it was manually created in 1982 as a part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, its scenic beauty and breathtaking landscape match the iconic valleys of Switzerland. Some of the landscapes of the Valley of Flowers outshine the views of the 4 Vallees of Switzerland. Sprawling over an 87 square kilometre region, the Valley of Flowers is home to over 600 exotic varieties of flowers such as poppies, orchids, primulas, primroses, various species of marigolds, anemones, daisies and whatnot.  Truly, Valley of Flowers is where nature blooms to its ultimate beauty.

Safeguard your Trip Against All Medical Emergencies

Now that you have skimmed over the details of some of the best parks in the world, you must have been captivated by the grandeur of nature. You should never miss a chance to explore this vivacity of nature if ever your health and wealth allow you to do so. 

However, a trip around various jungles and world-famous national parks has its risks. During such a global expedition, your foremost priority must be to protect your health and wealth against any medical emergency. And the best way to do so is by getting the ultimate travel companion in the form of international travel insurance. An appropriate travel insurance plan such as the one offered by Care Health Insurance proves to be of utmost benefit during a financial or medical crisis such as loss of baggage or passport, or hospitalisation, while on the trip. So if you are planning your journey abroad, it's time to check our travel plan for a safe and secure global trip.

>> Also Read: Top 5 Must-Visit Places in India

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