Top-20 National Parks Around the World

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Have you been planning to fly to the best national parks in the world? 

Visiting a national park is a great way to break away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The best part about national park vacations is that they allow you to get up close and personal with nature.

With travelers developing a penchant for wildlife and nature, national parks can expect bigger crowds in the coming time.

Best National Parks to Visit in the World

Since there are over 4000 national parks worldwide, choosing the best tourist spot for your bucket list can be a little baffling. Here is our pick of the 20 most popular national parks around the world you should visit this coming holiday season.

1. Yellowstone National Park, United States

Home to mammals like grizzly bears and coyotes, Yellowstone National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in March. You can easily spot bears, bison, and mountain goats during summers. If you are planning to visit the park in winter, you may see the much sought-after bighorn sheep.

How to reach Yellowstone National Park

Situated in Montana, West Yellowstone Airport is the closest airport to Yellowstone National Park. 

2. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, United States

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park was established in 1980. It spreads over 13.2 million acres, making it the biggest national park in America. Its remote location and serene surroundings make this park an apt choice for peace-loving travellers. 

How to reach Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Valdez Airport is located in close proximity to this national park. 

3. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Home to over 114 mammal species and 340 species of birds, Etosha National Park is a favorite among birdwatchers. South African ostrich, Blue Crane, and Martial Eagle are some of the most popular birds that draw huge crowds to this national park. Apart from featuring a variety of birds, Etosha National Park shelters animals like African Bush Elephants, Cape Buffalo, etc.

How to reach Etosha National Park

Hosea Kutako International Airport is the closest major airport to Etosha National Park.

4. Torres del Paine, Chile 

Having become a world-famous national park, Torres del Paine boasts a mesmerising mix of picturesque rivers and glaciers. The park also has forests where you can enjoy nature at its best. Birds like Chilean Flamingo and Austral Parakeet are a common sight in this park.

How to reach Torres del Paine

Take a cab from the Punta Arenas Airport, which is 360 km or about 5 hours south of the park. 

5. Jim Corbett National Park, India 

Opened to the public in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park has always been a dream destination for wildlife-loving travellers. This wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand is one of India’s oldest national parks. It shelters various animals, including Asiatic Black Bear, wild boars, and langurs.

How to reach Jim Corbett National Park

Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport to Jim Corbett National Park, barely a 2-hour drive from the destination. Book your Pantnagar flight via Cleartrip to enjoy the best deals on flight tickets. 

6. Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India

From slow-paced jeep safaris to fun-packed elephant rides, Kaziranga National Park is an absolute wonderland for adventure-loving travel buffs. The vast expanse of greenery has made this spot perfect for embracing mother nature. Visit this park with your buddies to see the Royal Bengal Tiger. 

How to reach Kaziranga National Park

The Jorhat Airport, which is well-connected to other cities like Guwahati and Kolkata, is the closest airport to this park. A cab ride from Jorhat Airport to the Kaziranga International Park should take 10 to 15 minutes. 

7. Canaima National Park, Venezuela 

Home to an extensive array of orchids, Canaima National Park attracts huge numbers of nature lovers each year. The lush green rainforests in the park can help you break from hectic work schedules. The park is home to the Pemon tribe; they are friendly towards tourists.  

How to reach Canaima National Park

You can fly to this destination via the Canaima Airport, which exclusively serves the Canaima National Park. 

8. Fiordland, New Zealand 

Fiordland National Park, opened in 1952, aims to preserve the country’s most spectacular scenery. The lush mountains and glistening lakes are truly a feast for the eyes of the beholders. During your visit to Fiordland, you may see birds like Kakapo, flightless parrots, etc. 

How to reach Fiordland

Queenstown Airport lies close to Fiordland. Once you get down at the airport, you can continue the rest of the journey via cab or train.  

9. Kakadu National Park, Australia 

Home to more than 2000 plant species, Kakadu National Park is renowned for its natural waterfalls that greatly uplift the appeal of the landscape. The park gives travellers the chance to spot flying foxes, flatback turtles, file snakes, etc. When you visit the Kakadu National Park, you must embark on a boat cruise to spot the mightiest saltwater crocodiles of all time.

How to reach Kakadu National Park

Darwin International Airport is the closest airport to Kakadu National Park.

10. The Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh

The Great Himalayan National Park is another famous tourist spot where you can spend quality time in nature. The enthralling landscape of this park consists of riverine forests, alpine peaks, and lush green meadows. A visit to this park is a must if you want to sightsee animals like Himalayan Brown Bears and leopards. 

How to reach The Great Himalayan National Park

The closest airport to the Great Himalayan National Park is the Bhuntar Airport in Kullu. You can board a bus or taxi to complete your roadways journey.

11. Kruger National Park, South Africa 

Regarded as South Africa’s leading safari destination, Kruger National Park was established in 1926. It boasts an impressive range of wildlife, including tigers, African wild dogs, and Impala. 

How to reach Kruger National Park

Hendrik Van Eck Airport is 2.7 km from this park, i.e., 6 minutes via cab or car.

12. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 

Covering a staggering 30,000 km² of land, Serengeti National Park is a known name among nature enthusiasts. The park houses several game reserves that attract wildlife buffs throughout the year. Animals like black rhinos, giraffes, and Impala roam freely in the park.  

How to reach Serengeti National Park

Kilimanjaro International Airport is situated about 320 km away from the southern entrance of Serengeti National Park. 

13. Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, Italy 

Steeped in natural grandeur, Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park is clad in greenery that can captivate visitors instantly. Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park boasts uphill trails, making the place apt for alpine hiking no matter the season. Chamois is the most commonly spotted mammal in this national park. 

How to reach Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park

The closest airport to Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park is the Bolzano Airport, situated at a distance of about 62 km. 

14. Los Glaciares, Argentina

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Province, Los Glaciares National Park draws a heavy influx of tourists all year round. The mesmerising sight of snow-covered hills and glacial lakes will make you fall in love with this place. What’s unique is that the scenic glaciers in this park start at an elevation of 4,900 ft above sea level. 

How to reach Los Glaciares

Ministro Pistarini Airport is the nearest airport to Los Glaciares. 

15. Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park, boasting more than 2000 arches, is one of the top tourist attractions in Utah. Peculiar rock formations and desert vistas dot this national park. Travellers worldwide visit this park to catch sight of birds like white-throated swifts, ravens, and Turkey vultures.

How to reach Arches National Park

Canyonlands Field Airport is the closest airport to Arches National Park.

16. Saxon Switzerland, Germany

Established in 1990, Saxon Switzerland is famous for its well-designed network of hiking and cycling trails. The peculiar sandstone cliffs in the park attract rock climbers from around the world. This national park incorporates a botanical garden focused on preserving local plants in the region.  

How to reach Saxon Switzerland

This park is situated about 30 km away from Dresden Airport, from where you can board a local train to reach the park.

17. Yosemite National Park, USA

Located in Northern California, Yosemite National Park is popular for its enthralling landscapes, which comprise everything from sequoia groves to scenic lakes. The park boasts a 1200-km long scenic trail, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. You won’t have difficulty spotting the Black Bear during your visit to the park.

How to reach Yosemite National Park

The park is easily accessible via cab from the Fresno International Airport. 

18. Swiss National Park, Switzerland 

Covering about 42,000 acres of land, Swiss National Park prides itself on being Switzerland’s only national park. Whether hiking the mountains or relaxing in the woods, the tranquil atmosphere of this park can rejuvenate your mind in a flash. 

Don’t forget to bring a camera to Swiss National Park, especially if you want to transform your travel experience into long-lasting cherishable memories. 

How to reach Swiss National Park

A car drive from Zurich Airport will get you to Swiss National Park in about 3 hours. 

19. Göreme National Park, Turkey

Göreme National Park is perfect for travellers who want to relish the sight of volcanic landscapes at a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park boasts scenic hills and multi-colored cliffs, one glimpse of which can enthral anyone in a trice. You can easily spot animals like camels, rabbits, and wolves in this park.  

How to reach Göreme National Park

Nevsehir Airport is about 43 km from Göreme National Park. 

20. Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy

Gran Paradiso National Park is famous for boasting beautiful wildflowers like alpenroses, pansies, martagon lilies, etc. The park abounds with deciduous and coniferous woods that significantly contribute to the appeal of the landscape. This national park has witnessed a tenfold increase in the population of ibexes since its establishment in 1922.

How to reach Gran Paradiso National Park

Gran Paradiso National Park is 47 km away from Turin Airport, from where you can book a cab to your destination. 

Takeaway

When it comes to detaching from the grind, a trip to a scenic national park can work wonders for refreshing your mind. With wildlife sightings becoming a common pastime, it is no wonder why national parks are growing in popularity so fast. From lush green forests to endangered birds and majestic animals, national parks promise a rejuvenating travel experience.

However, you must book your flight in advance to avoid any last-minute delays in travel plans. Make sure you check out all the travel offers of Cleartrip to maximise savings on your national park vacation.

FAQs

How many national parks are there in the world?

Currently, there are more than 4000 national parks in the world.

Which country has the most national parks?

Australia enjoys the privilege of having the world’s highest number of national parks. The country is presently home to more than 500 national parks.

Where is the largest national park?

The largest national park in the world is the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in the United States. It covers an area of 13.2 million acres.

Are there national parks in Italy?

Italy is home to 25 national parks spread across a sprawling area of 16,000 km².

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