Table of Contents
Introduction: National Parks in India
A national park is a protected area of significant natural, cultural, or historical importance, declared by a government to preserve its ecological integrity and provide opportunities for public enjoyment, recreation, and education.
National parks are managed by governmental authorities and often offer facilities for visitors such as campgrounds, hiking trails, visitor centers, and interpretive programs.
Some famous examples of national parks include Yellowstone National Park in the United States, Banff National Park in Canada, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Definition of National Parks in india
A national park in India is a protected area established by the government to conserve wildlife and natural habitats. Here’s a simpler explanation:
- Purpose: To protect plants, animals, and natural landscapes.
- Highest Protection: National parks receive the highest level of protection under the law.
- No Human Activity: Activities like hunting, logging, and farming are not allowed to keep the environment safe for wildlife.
- Government Designation: Declared by the state or central government due to their ecological and environmental importance.
Overview of National Park in India
- The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 defines protected areas as Sanctuaries, National Parks, Tiger Reserves, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves.
- National parks in India are IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) category II protected areas.
- India’s first national park was Jim Corbett National Park established in 1936.
- Largest National Park: Hemis National Park, Ladakh.
- Smallest National Park: South Button Island National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- There are 106 existing national parks in India covering an area of 44,402.95 km2, which is 1.35% of the geographical area of the country.
The Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve (established in 1776) and the area surrounding Bogd Khan Uul Mountain (Mongolia, 1778) are considered the oldest legally protected areas.
Yellowstone National Park (1872) was the first national park in the U.S. and is also in the world.
Northeast Greenland National Park (972,000 km2) is the world’s largest national park.
List of National Parks in India States-wise
Arunachal Pradesh
| Name and Year of Creation | Location | Flora and Fauna |
|---|---|---|
| Mouling National Park (1986) | Siang Valley | Fauna – Takin |
| Namdapha National Park (1983) | Changlang district, near the border with Myanmar. | Namdapha flying squirrel |
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park | 1983 |
| North Button Island National Park | 1979 |
| Middle Button Island National Park | 1979 |
| South Button Island National Park #Smallest National Park of India | 1987 |
| Saddle Peak National Park | 1987 |
| Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Location: Ritchie’s Archipelago Ritchie’s Archipelago is a cluster of smaller islands that lie 20 km east of Great Andaman. | 1996 |
| Mount Harriet National Park | 1969 |
| Campbell Bay National Park Location: Great Nicobar Island | |
| Galathea National Park Location: Great Nicobar Island | 1992 |
Chhattisgarh
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Guru Ghasidas National Park | 1981 |
| Indravati National Park | 1981 |
Assam
| Name | Year of Establishment | Important Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Dibru-Saikhowa National Park | 1999 | Location: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is situated in the eastern part of Assam, near the town of Tinsukia. It is spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and is one of the largest national parks in Assam. States within the territory of the park: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is entirely situated within the state of Assam, India. Rivers flow through it: Brahmaputra and Lohit. Flora and fauna: Assam roofed turtle, white-winged wood duck, Bengal tiger, Gangetic river dolphin, capped langur, and Hoolock gibbon. International accreditation: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. The park is also part of the Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forests ecoregion, which is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. |
| Kaziranga National Park | 1974 | Location: Kaziranga National Park is situated in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, in the northeastern region of India. States within the territory of the park: Kaziranga National Park is entirely located within the state of Assam, India. River flows through it: The park is intersected by the mighty Brahmaputra River, which flows along its northern boundary. Flora and fauna: The park is characterized by tall elephant grass and dense tropical forests. Kaziranga National Park is renowned for its biodiversity, particularly its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses (more than 70% of the world’s population). Kaziranga is also recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and supports a wide variety of avian species, including migratory birds. |
| Manas National Park | 1990 | International corridor for elephant migration between India and Bhutan. Location: Manas National Park is located in the Himalayan foothills in the western part of Assam, near the border with Bhutan. It is spread across the districts of Baksa, Barpeta, and Chirang in Assam. States within the territory of the park: Manas National Park is entirely situated within the state of Assam, India. River flows through it: The park is bisected by the Manas River, which flows through the western portion of the park. The river is an important lifeline for the park’s ecosystem and supports a diverse range of wildlife. Flora and fauna: Manas National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems, including tropical forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats. The park is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, Indian rhinoceros, clouded leopard, wild water buffalo, and golden langur. It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and supports a diverse avian population, with species like the endangered Bengal florican and great hornbill. The park’s diverse habitats harbor numerous plant species, including valuable medicinal plants. |
| Pobitora National Park | 1987 | It has the world’s highest concentration of Rhinoceros |
| Nameri National Park | 1978 | It shares its northern boundary with the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh Fauna – Indian leopard, clouded leopard, marbled cat, leopard cat, hog deer, sambar,Indian giant squirrel |
| Orang National Park | ||
| Dehing Patkai National Park |
Bihar
| Name | Year of Establishment | Important Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Valmiki National Park | 1978 | Location: Valmiki National Park is situated in the north-western part of Bihar, near the Indo-Nepal border. Valmiki National Park is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar. It lies in the foothills of the Himalayas and is adjacent to the Chitwan National Park in Nepal. States within the territory of the park: Valmiki National Park is entirely situated within the state of Bihar. The river flows through it: The Gandak River flows through the Valmiki National Park. Flora and fauna: Its vegetation primarily consists of tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and riverine forests. Some of the notable flora species include Sal, Asna, and Semal trees. As for fauna, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, sloth bears, leopards, deer species like sambar and spotted deer, wild boars, and a rich avian population with species like the Indian peafowl, the endangered Bengal florican, and various species of migratory birds. |
Goa
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Mollem National Park (Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary) | Dudhsagar Falls |
Andhra Pradesh
| Name | Year of Establishment | Important Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Papikonda National Park | 2008 | The national park was recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International in 2016 |
| Sri Venkateswara National Park | 1989 | Near Tirumala, Seshachalam Hills |
Gujarat
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar | 1976 |
| Gir National Park | 1965 |
| Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch | 1980 |
| Vansda National Park | 1979 |
Haryana
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Kalesar National Park | 2003 |
| Sultanpur National Park | 1972 |
Himachal Pradesh
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Great Himalayan National Park | 1984 |
| Khirganga National Park | 2010 |
| Pin Valley National Park | 1987 |
| Inderkilla National Park | 2010 |
| Simbalbara National Park | 2010 |
Jammu and Kashmir
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Dachigam National Park | 1981 |
| Kazinag National Park | 1981 |
| Kishtwar National Park | 1981 |
| Salim Ali National Park | 1986 |
Jharkhand
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Betla National Park | 1986 |
Karnataka
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Anshi National Park | 2006 |
| Bandipur National Park | 1974 |
| Bannerghatta National Park | 1971 |
| Kudremukh National Park | 1987 |
| Nagarhole National Park | 1974 |
Kerala
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Eravikulam National Park | 1978 |
| Periyar National Park | 1982 |
| Silent Valley National Park | 1984 |
| Anamudi Shola National Park | 2003 |
| Mathikettan Shola National Park | 2003 |
| Pambadum Shola National Park | 2003 |
Ladakh
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Hemis National Park | 1981 |
Madhya Pradesh
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Bandhavgarh National Park | 1968 |
| Kanha National Park | 1955 |
| Panna National Park | 1981 |
| Pench National Park | 1975 |
| Sanjay National Park | 1981 |
| Satpura National Park | 1981 |
| Van Vihar National Park | 1979 |
| Kuno National Park | 1981 |
Maharashtra
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Sanjay Gandhi National Park | 1969 |
| Tadoba Andhari National Park | 1955 |
Manipur
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Keibul Lamjao National Park | 1977 |
| Shirui National Park | 1982 |
Meghalaya
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Nokrek National Park | 1978 |
| Balphakram National Park | 1987 |
Mizoram
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park | 1997 |
Nagaland
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Intanki National Park | 1993 |
Odisha
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Bhitarkanika National Park | 1998 |
| Simlipal National Park | 1973 |
Rajasthan
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Ranthambore National Park | 1980 |
| Keoladeo National Park | 1982 |
| Desert National Park | 1980 |
| Mukundara Hills National Park | 2004 |
| Sariska Tiger Reserve | 1955 |
Sikkim
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Khangchendzonga National Park | 1977 |
Tamil Nadu
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi Sanctuary and National Park | 1989 |
| Guindy National Park | 1988 |
| Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park | 1980 |
| Mudumalai National Park | 1989 |
| Mukurthi National Park | 1989 |
Telangana
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park | 1994 |
| Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | 1998 |
| Mrugavani National Park | 1994 |
Tripura
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Bison (Rajbari) National Park | 1989 |
| Clouded Leopard National Park | 2006 |
Uttar Pradesh
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Dudhwa National Park | 1977 |
Uttarakhand
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Gangotri National Park | 1989 |
| Govind Pashu Vihar National Park | 1994 |
| Jim Corbett National Park | 1936 |
| Nanda Devi National Park | 1982 |
| Rajaji National Park | 1983 |
| Valley of Flowers National Park | 1982 |
West Bengal
| Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Gorumara National Park | 1992 |
| Jaldapara National Park | 1991 |
| Neora Valley National Park | 1986 |
| Singalila National Park | 1986 |
| Sundarbans National Park | 1984 |
Top 10 National parks in India
| National Park | Location | Area | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemis National Park | Ladakh | 3350 sq. km | – Largest national park in India. – Famous for snow leopards. – Rich in unique flora and fauna, including the Tibetan wolf and Eurasian brown bear. – High-altitude cold desert ecosystem. |
| Desert National Park | Rajasthan | 3162 sq. km | – Located in the Thar Desert. – Habitat for the endangered Great Indian Bustard. – Unique desert ecosystem with sand dunes, salt lakes, and thorny bushes. – Rich in fossils dating back to the Jurassic period. |
| Gangotri National Park | Uttarakhand | 2490.02 sq. km | – Located in the upper catchment of the Bhagirathi River. – Famous for the Gangotri Glacier, the source of the Ganges River. – Home to snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan tahr. – Stunning landscapes including coniferous forests and alpine meadows. |
| Kishtwar National Park | Jammu and Kashmir | 2191.5 sq. km | – Known for high-altitude terrain and rugged landscapes. – Habitat for snow leopards, Himalayan brown bears, and ibex. – Rich in medicinal plants and herbs. – Scenic beauty with deep gorges and high ridges. |
| Namdapha National Park | Arunachal Pradesh | 1807.82 sq. km | – Located in the Eastern Himalayas. – One of the richest biodiversity areas in India. – Home to tigers, clouded leopards, and red pandas. – Dense forests, rivers, and diverse ecosystems from tropical to alpine. |
| Khangchendzonga National Park | Sikkim | 1784 sq. km | – Named after the third highest peak in the world, Mount Khangchendzonga. – UNESCO World Heritage Site. – Habitat for snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan black bears. – Stunning landscapes including glaciers, meadows, and ancient forests. |
| Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park | Chhattisgarh | 1440.71 sq. km | – Located in the Satpura Range. – Home to tigers, leopards, and wild buffaloes. – Rich in Sal and teak forests. – Known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity. |
| Sundarbans National Park | West Bengal | 1330.1 sq. km | – Part of the largest mangrove forest in the world. – UNESCO World Heritage Site. – Famous for the Bengal tiger and saltwater crocodiles. – Unique mangrove ecosystem with rich biodiversity. |
| Indravati National Park | Chhattisgarh | 1258.37 sq. km | – Known for the rare wild buffalo. – Dense forests and grasslands. – Habitat for tigers, leopards, and numerous bird species. – Located in the Bijapur district with picturesque landscapes. |
| Papikonda National Park | Andhra Pradesh | 1012.86 sq. km | – Located along the Eastern Ghats. – Rich in biodiversity with species like tigers, leopards, and spotted deer. – Dense tropical forests and riverine ecosystems. – Scenic landscapes including hills, valleys, and rivers. |
FAQs
How many National Parks in India in 2024?
India is home to 106 national parks, covering an area of approximately 44,402.95 square kilometres which is 1.35% of the geographical area of the country.
106th National Park in India
The 106th national park in India is Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in the Arunachal Pradesh
Which is the biggest national park in India?
The biggest national park in India is Hemis National Park. It is located in Ladakh and covers an area of 3350 square kilometres. This high-altitude park is renowned for its population of snow leopards and diverse flora and fauna.
Which is the smallest national park in India?
The smallest national park in India is South Button Island National Park. It is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and covers an area of just 5 square kilometres.
Which is the floating national park?
The Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only floating national park in the world. It is located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, India. This unique park is situated on Loktak Lake and is famous for its floating mass of vegetation called “phumdis.” Keibul Lamjao is also the natural habitat of the endangered Sangai deer, also known as the brow-antlered deer, which is the state animal of Manipur.
Which state has Max National Park in India?
Madhya Pradesh has the maximum number of national parks in India. The state is home to 11 national parks, which include:
Kanha National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park
Pench National Park
Satpura National Park
Panna National Park
Sanjay National Park
Madhav National Park
Van Vihar National Park
Kuno National Park
Ghughua Fossil National Park
Dinosaur Fossils National Park.
Which state does not have any national parks?
Punjab is a state in India that does not have any national parks. While it has several wildlife sanctuaries, it does not have designated national parks.
Which is the underwater national park in India?
The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is an underwater national park in India, located off the coast of Tamil Nadu. It covers an area of 560 square kilometres and includes 21 islands. The park is home to approximately 3,600 species of plants and animals.
Which is the oldest national park in India?
The Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India. Established in 1936, it is located in Uttarakhand and was originally known as Hailey National Park.
What is the world’s largest national park?
The world’s largest national park is Northeast Greenland National Park. Located in Greenland, it spans approximately 972,000 square kilometres.