10 National Parks You Must Visit in the World

 

National parks offer the best of nature's eye-catching features and leave one with fond travel memories. Spanning everything from dramatic scenery and scenic overlooks, to elusive wildlife, these parks are top bucket list locations for all travelers alike. Here are 10 national parks great for your travel bucket list here and abroad.

Great America: Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone was Americas first national park, so of course it is iconic. Opened in 1872, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts more than two million acres of diverse terrains, geysers and forests. That gives you a surefire bet of seeing one of the park's star attractions, Old Faithful, erupt on schedule. You'll also uncover hot springs and mud pots in all colours imaginable, alongside wildlife such as bison, wolves, and grizzly bears.

Ideal Time to Go: Spring and early fall to dodge the tourist crowd.

Banff National Park, Canada

One of the crown jewels of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park in Alberta is perhaps one of the most famous parks in North America. Renowned for its turquoise glacial lakes, such as the iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, the park is a nature enthusiast's dreamcome-true. You can do everything from hike, ski to even thermal hot springs. Turquoise blue lakes, set against snow-capped peaks form some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

Ideal Time: Hiking: June to August for Skiing: Winter

Kruger National Park, South Africa

For safari lovers out there, Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the top locations in Africa to catch the "Big Five" (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo) in their natural environment. Kruger not only has many camps that you can stay but also guided safari tours that offer you an amazing wildlife experience and the National park is a sanctuary to many species with diverse ecosystems.

When to Go: Dry season (May–October) for best game-viewing

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile

Hidden PlaygroundEl Parque Nacional Torres del Paine in Chile, part of Patagonia, is one of those gems for outdoor enthusiasts. This park boasts granite peaks, blue glaciers, and fresh rivers, which makes it a hiker's heaven. One such route is the W Trek, which leads you through some of the most scenic spots in the park. Wildlife lovers can watch guanacos, foxes, and, if lucky enough, very elusive pumas.

Ideal Time to Go: Never — there is no ideal time; the summer months (December through February) are popular but packed with tacky tourists.

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand's South Island boasts some of the most impressive sites on earth, and Fiordland National Park alone contains majestic fjords, deep valleys, and dazzling waterfalls. You cannot miss Milford Sound, with its wild jagged peaks and the surrounding rainforests – it's a toetapping must-see sort of vista. A top attraction that travelers can utilize to enjoy this unspoiled landscape is the Milford Track, one of the Great Walks of New Zealand that features hiking trails within the park.

When to Go: November to April for hiking and kayaking.

Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

One of the natural wonders of the world is the great migration of wildebeest, many of which can be found in the Serengeti. Every year, thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and other grazing mammals migrate across the plains of the Serengeti to find water and new grass. It is also an excellent place to see iconic African wildlife and wide open savannahs.

When to go: June to October (the dry season); December to March (the calving season)

Jasper National Park, Canada

Jasper National Park: Located in Alberta, Canada, Jasper National Park features a massive network of hiking trails, stunning mountain views, and a dark-sky preserve. Great for anyone looking to pursue some adventure, from hiking and mountain biking to a good night sky photo, this park is nothing short of amazing. Highlights include Maligne Lake and Athabasca Falls.

When To Go: From June to September for hiking and sightseeing.

The beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia

When cascading waterfalls are in turquoise colored lakes surrounded with lush green forest you know you just entered a fairytale place and this is just what Plitvice Lakes National Park is. It is one of the oldest and most visited national parks in Croatia. Wooden walkways take you close to the running lake without the risk of disturbing the delicate biodiversity. It is like a stage set each season with different colors of the park, a yearly phenomenon.

When To Go: April to June and September to October to avoid summer hordes.

Grand Canyon National Park in the United States

Derived from millions of years of natural erosion, the Grand Canyon's expansive, extraterrestrial beauty is a testament to the Shelf's more durable geography. Arizona This park has viewpoints that you think you are on the end of the wereld. Between the endless hiking trails and the river rafting on the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is still one of the most beautiful parks.

Ideal Visit Months: March to May and September to November to stay out of the summer's heat and crowds.

Nepal -- Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal is the dream of a mountaineer or trekker — home to Mount Everest, the highest peak on our planet. The park itself is marked by jagged mountains, glaciers, deep valleys and Sherpa villages, giving travelers the chance to interact with local culture aside from Everest. The biodiversity is impressive with species such as snow leopards and red pandas, which do not exist anywhere else.

Ideal Time to Explore: October to November and March to April for better visibility and pleasant climate.

Conclusion

These national parks each have their own unique landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor experiences to show case the beauty of our world. From chasing waterfalls to scaling mountain ridges or wildlife watching, these 10 national parks are bucket list worthy destinations to add to your must-visit list.

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