TripAdvisor compiles Traveller’s Choice list of the best 25 national parks for the first time
India’s Jim Corbett and Bandhavgarh national parks are among the world’s favourite national parks, as chosen by TripAdvisor users. For the first time ever, TripAdvisor has announced Traveller’s Choice list of the best national parks in the world — a celebration of the views, mountains, lakes, trees, trails and beaches that got travellers outside and into nature. Add these top-rated, wide open spaces to your to-do list.
Corbett is No 2 in the list, ahead of Masai Mara. The beauty of this list is that in the list of 25, all the continents and regions have got fair representations. North America has 6, Africa has 5, Asia & Europe has 4 each and Latin America and Oceania region has 3 each in this list. It definitely has some of the most beautiful places in this world to be seen at least once in the lifetime. See the list in order:
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Maasai called the plains of Serengeti National Park “the place where the land moves on forever”—so prepare to be astonished by its vastness. And here, you can witness the famous Serengeti annual migration, the largest and longest overland migration on earth.
Jim Corbett National Park, India
Situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Corbett has long been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers. The oldest national park in India, Corbett, has over 400 different species of flora and over 550 different species of fauna. The park is best known as a protected area for the critically endangered Bengal tiger of India. Tourism is allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its splendid landscape and the diverse wildlife living here. There are many accommodation facilities at Ramnagar as well as at the Corbett National Park. Being one of the most frequently visited parks in the country, the forest department and other agencies have their hotels, lodges, rest houses, log huts for the visitors.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Maybe your local zoo has lions, leopards, zebras or elephants. Maybe they even have wildebeest. But we bet they don’t have 1.3 million wildebeest—never mind 1.3 million wildebeest in migration, with predators in hot pursuit. It’s one of the most awesome sights in nature, and you can see it at Masai Mara in southwestern Kenya.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Situated near famed Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park’s crown jewels include the Cathedral Group of peaks and the majestic Snake River. The dramatic spires that inspired Ansel Adams rise straight from valley floors, providing awe-inducing views. See them at their most compelling from the comparatively gentle Jenny Lake and Hermitage Point’s trails or the switchbacks of Death Canyon. Jackson Lake is favored for windsurfing and sailing. Colter Bay Visitor Center contains an Indian Arts Museum.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
The largest game reserve in South Africa, Kruger National Park is basically a synonym for the word “safari.” Home to over 500 bird species, 100 reptiles, nearly 150 mammals, multiple archaeological sites, and a stunningly diversity of trees and flowers, Kruger is the country’s flagship national park. Adventurers can explore the park in a 4×4, take a bush walk or fly above in a hot-air balloon.
Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
If waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife and volcanoes are your thing, then Arenal Volcano National Park will take your breath away. One of the world’s most active volcanoes burps tufts of smoke in the background as you make your way through forests and old lava fields. Take a rafting tour or hit the beach, then retire to a comfy hotel.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is on almost every traveler’s bucket list. Indeed, Theodore Roosevelt called it “the one great sight which every American should see.” The Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails offer stunning views, but if hiking’s not your cup of tea, rent a bicycle or take a scenic drive through the park.
Zion National Park, Utah
The spectacular rock formations, rugged canyons, tumbling rivers and pine-blanketed peaks of Zion National Park provide a southwestern wonderland for unparalleled camping, hiking, canyoneering and climbing. Drive Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway or get out and hike. Zion’s sandstone monoliths and other geological wonders, like the Great White Throne, Grand Staircase and Checkerboard Mesa, backdrop challenging trails from The Narrows to Canyon Overlook, providing inspiration for artists and dreamers.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Torres Del Paine National Park’s beauty lies in its diversity. Located in Chile’s Patagonia region, the area is home to sparkling ice fields, blue-green lagoons, golden pampa grasslands, and quiet river villages. One such village, the pueblito Serrano, is known as the gateway to the park and is where travelers gather to fish and immerse themselves in the tranquility of everyday local life. Those looking to kick things up a notch can sail on Lake Grey or hike towards the horn-shaped peaks of the Mirador Cuernos.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Hailed by Rudyard Kipling as “the eighth wonder of the world,” the breathtaking Milford Sound is the star of glacier-carved Fiordland National Park, providing an emerald-green and waterfall-rich backdrop for hiking, biking and kayaking. Frequent downpours only enhance this South Island beauty, sending numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. Passionate nature lovers book in advance to hike the 33-mile Milford Track, a legendary route through alpine passes and temperate rainforest.
Yorkshire Dales National Park, United Kingdom
One visit to the Yorkshire Dales and it’s easy to understand why the unspoiled countryside is the setting of so many novels. Must-see sights among the land’s lush woodlands and expansive moors include Hardraw Force (the longest single-drop waterfall in the North), Gordale Scar, and well-known hill range, the Three Peaks. Less adventurous visitors can rest easy, walking through the manicured lawns of Parcevall Hall Gardens or appreciating Skipton Castle’s medieval architecture. Although some prefer to take in the land’s wild beauty by foot or horse, the most popular way is via one of the park’s famed cycling routes.
Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania
Centering around massive Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, rising to nearly 20,000 feet), the national park protects the area above 8,850 feet. On ascent, the mountain’s foothills morph into lush forests, serving as home to elephants, leopard and buffalo. Further up are moorlands covered in giant heather, then alpine desert land. Higher still come the ice and snow that make Kilimanjaro famous. Hikes to the top (Uhuru Peak) take six to seven days.
Bandhavgarh National Park, India
Leopards, white tigers, and spotted deer—oh my! These are just a few of the 22-plus species of mammals found at Bandhavgarh National Park. Added to that potential line-up are 250 different types of birds. Guests can cruise the park via jeep or elephant, with the latter specially trained to find tigers in the wild. For those who aren’t interested in going on safari, the Umaria district’s rich foliage, high grasslands, and bamboo forests are hailed as some of the most captivating in the country.
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Named for the river that runs through its stunning landscape, the Tarangire National Park offers visitors a unique experience of Tanzania. The park is home to the country’s largest population of elephants (during the dry season you can see herds of 300 digging in the Tarangire riverbed) and also features other native wildlife such as impalas, rhinos, and hartebeest buffalo. Though safaris are a popular attraction in the area, nature-lovers will delight in experiencing such native vegetation as the baobab tree—otherwise known as the tree of life—and the park’s complex network of swamps.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam
The karst formation of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has evolved since the Paleozoic (some 400 million years ago) and so is the oldest major karst area in Asia. Subject to massive tectonic changes, the park’s karst landscape is extremely complex with many geomorphic features of considerable significance. The vast area, extending to the border of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, contains spectacular formations including 65 kilometers of caves and underground rivers.
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve is most famous for being the home of Mount McKinley, also called Denali, meaning “The Great One.” At 20,320 feet, Mount McKinley is the highest peak in North America. The park, which is larger than the state of Massachusetts, has only one road, making it the perfect backcountry adventure. Try to spot The Big Five: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and grizzly bears.
Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland
The largest national park in Europe, Vatnajokull combines thick blue ice caves, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and even lush green fields to create an otherworldly landscape that begs to be explored. Ásbyrgi, a canyon known for its distinct horseshoe shape, is a must for those hoping to discover local woodland. Whether climbing Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur, or hiking to the Detifoss waterfall, the country’s scenic terrain and breathtaking geological formations can’t be missed.
Freycinet, Australia
Visit the Freycinet peninsula (home to the national park of the same name), and it’s clear why this area is known as the “jewel of Tasmania’s coastline.” The land’s scenic beauty showcases warm white beaches, deep azure waters, and the rosy pink hue of the Hazards mountain range. A trip to Wineglass Bay promises one of the state’s most celebrated views, as well as the chance to breathe in the crisp sea air. Pitch your tent, park your caravan, and get ready to spend the day fishing, sea kayaking, and relaxing in this stunning locale.
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
There are many different reasons to add Yala National Park to your must-see list: the chance to go on safari and see a wild boar or majestic Sri Lankan leopard, the winding trails, and the fact that in some places the park even touches the Indian Ocean. However, two of the most popular reasons to visit are Sithulpauwwa, a Buddhist rock temple, and Magul Maha Viharaya, where folklore says an ancient king wed an abandoned princess. The history and artifacts found here transport you back to those ancient times.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is a national treasure. Located primarily in Wyoming, the park also extends into Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone has active geothermal features with geysers and boiling mud pots throughout the park. The most famous is Old Faithful, a geyser that has erupted on the clock for decades. Travelers be warned, July is the busiest month of the year, with almost a million visitors alone. The park has a tour bus system, nine visitor centers, and 2,000 campsites.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
The bubbling, turquoise crystalline pools of Plitvice Lakes National Park comprise one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations. Just a two-hour drive from Zagreb, the national park offers 50 acres of forest and lake. In winter, it’s a wonderland of frozen waterfalls. In summer, the park is lush with greenery. Wooden walkways and hiking trails traverse the porous karst limestone. This World Heritage Site is a veritable wildlife haven, home to everything from birds to boars and even bears.
Westland Tai Poutini National Park, New Zealand
When thinking of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, one word should always come to mind: glacier. The speedy Fox and Franz Josef glaciers (both move up to 13 feet each day) are two popular sights and in some places, you can see the ice stretch back down to the sea. When you’re ready to get back to stable ground, walk around Lake Matheson (which also offers excellent birdwatching via kayak) to enjoy stunning views of Mount Cook.
Banff National Park, Alberta
With Cascade Mountain to the north and Sulphur Mountain to the south, the town of Banff boasts a magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountain setting. Travelers are spoiled for choice by the irresistible combination of luxury lodges, perfect powder, renowned restaurants and energetic nightlife on offer. With both summer and winter appeal, Banff lures visitors to its stores, spas and slopes year-round.
Peak District National Park, United Kingdom
When it comes to outdoor activities, the Peak District National Park is the whole package. Located in the north of England, the park offers everything from horse riding to rock climbing, windsurfing to paragliding, plus walking trails galore. One trail, Derwent Valley Heritage Way, allows you to take in the area’s open landscape while also showcasing its industrial roots. Discovering hidden underground formations at such spots as Titan Cave (the highest natural cavern in the U.K.) is another popular pastime. Best of all, there are camp- and RV sites throughout so guests can settle into these surroundings.
Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, Brazil
Where can you find breathtaking waterfalls, glowing natural pools, and mind-boggling rock formations? Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. Located in the center of Brazil, the park is known for its trails (Sete Quedas, dos Saltos, dos Cânions, and da Seriema) where visitors can walk among nature while taking in toucans, armadillos, and other native wildlife. Framed by sun-dappled trees and pooling deep emerald water, the roaring Prata and Santa Bárbara falls are other destinations that can’t be missed.
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