National Parks in India, 2025

A National Park is a legally protected area established by the Government of India to conserve wildlife, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems. These parks serve as safe habitats where human activities are strictly restricted, allowing flora and fauna to flourish naturally. Unlike Wildlife Sanctuaries, where limited human use or grazing may be permitted, National Parks prohibit all forms of exploitation and private ownership. In this article, we will explore the list of national parks in India, their key features, and their importance for UPSC, APSC, and other State PSC exams

According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, “A National Park is an area declared by the State Government, whether within a sanctuary or not, to protect the natural environment and wildlife, where no human activity is allowed except those permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden.”

Process of Declaring National Park in India:

• Identification of Area: The State Government identifies an area that has ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or natural significance.
• Preliminary Notification: The State Government issues a notification in the Official Gazette declaring its intention to constitute the area as a National Park.
• Settlement of Rights: After notification, a Collector (or designated officer) conducts an inquiry to settle the rights of people living or owning land within the proposed area.
• Final Notification (Declaration as National Park): Once all rights are settled, the State Government issues a final notification in the Official Gazette declaring the area as a National Park.
• Management and Protection: They are under the control of a Chief Wildlife Warden or Park Director.

Legal Backing of National Parks in India:

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Provides the main framework for declaring National Parks
  • Section 35: State Government can declare an area as a National Park.
  • Once notified, boundaries cannot be altered except by law.
  • No grazing, hunting, or private rights allowed.
• Indian Forest Act, 1927: Offers supplementary provisions for forest conservation.
• Biodiversity Act, 2002: Supports conservation of biological diversity in and around protected areas.
• International Conventions: India is a party to CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which strengthen the conservation mandate of National Parks.

Key Features of National Parks in India:

• Strict Protection – No hunting, poaching, grazing, or private land use.
• Conservation of Biodiversity – Protects endangered species, rare flora, and fragile ecosystems.
• Eco-tourism & Education – Parks are open for eco-tourism, research, and awareness, but under strict regulation.
• Legal Boundaries – Clearly demarcated and legally protected from deforestation or industrial use.
• Size & Scope – Can range from very small (South Button NP, 0.03 km²) to very large (Hemis NP, 3,350 km²).
• Management – Controlled by State Forest Departments under guidance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Integration with Other Protected Areas – Many National Parks overlap with Tiger Reserves, Biosphere Reserves, Ramsar Wetlands, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For example, Manas National Park in Assam is also a Tiger Reserve established under Project Tiger, 1973.

List of National Parks in India 2025:

Sl No.	National Park	State/UT	Year	Area (km2)
1	Campbell Bay National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1992	426
2	Galathea Bay National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1991	110
3	Mahatma Gandhi Marine (Wandoor) National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1983	28
4	Middle Button Island National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1987	0.44
5	Mount Harriet National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1987	47
6	North Button Island National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1987	0.44
7	Rani Jhansi Marine National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1996	256
8	Saddle Peak National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1987	33
9	South Button Island National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1987	0.03
10	Papikonda National Park	Andhra Pradesh	2008	1013
11	Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park	Andhra Pradesh	2005	2.4
12	Sri Venkateswara National Park	Andhra Pradesh	1989	354
13	Mouling National Park	Arunachal Pradesh	1986	483
14	Namdapha National Park	Arunachal Pradesh	1983	1808
15	Dibru-Saikhowa National Park	Assam	1999	340
16	Dihing Patkai National Park	Assam	2021	234
17	Kaziranga National Park	Assam	1974	859
18	Manas National Park	Assam	1990	500
19	Nameri National Park	Assam	1998	200
20	Raimona National Park	Assam	2021	422
21	Rajiv Gandhi (Orang) National Park	Assam	1999	79
22	Shikhna Jwhwlao	Assam
23	Valmiki National Park	Biihar	1989	336
24	Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park	Chhatisgarh	1981	1440
25	Indravati (Kutru) National Park	Chhattisgarh	1982	1258
26	Kanger Valley National Park	Chhattisgarh	1982	200
27	Mollem National Park	Goa	1992	107
28	Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park	Gujarat	1976	35
29	Gir National Park	Gujarat	1975	259
30	Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) National Park	Gujarat	1982	163
31	Vansda National Park	Gujarat	1979	24
32	Kalesar National Park	Haryana	2003	47
33	Sultanpur National Park	Haryana	1989	1.4
34	Great Himalayan National Park	Himachal Pradesh	1984	754
35	Inderkilla National Park	Himachal Pradesh	2010	104
36	Khirganga National Park	Himachal Pradesh	2010	710
37	Pin Valley National Park	Himachal Pradesh	1987	675
38	Simbalbara National Park	Himachal Pradesh	2010	29
39	Betla National Park	Jharkhand	1986	226
40	Anshi National Park	Karnataka	1987	417
41	Bandipur National Park	Karnataka	1974	874
42	Bannerghatta National Park	Karnataka	1974	26
43	Kudremukh National Park	Karnataka	1987	600
44	Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park	Karnataka	1988	643
45	Anamudi Shola National Park	Kerala	2003	7.5
46	Eravikulam National Park	Kerala	1978	97
47	Mathikettan Shola National Park	Kerala	2003	13
48	Pambadum Shola National Park	Kerala	2003	1.3
49	Periyar National Park	Kerala	1982	350
50	Silent Valley National Park	Kerala	1984	89
51	Bandhavgarh National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1968	449
52	Dinosaur Fossils National Park	Madhya Pradesh	2011	0.9
53	Fossil National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1983	0.3
54	Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1975	293
55	Kanha National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1955	940
56	Kuno National Park	Madhya Pradesh	2018	748
57	Madhav National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1959	375
58	Panna National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1981	543
59	Sanjay National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1981	467
60	Satpura National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1981	585
61	Van Vihar National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1979	4.5
62	Chandoli National Park	Maharashtra	2004	318
63	Gugamal National Park	Maharashtra	1975	361
64	Navegaon National Park	Maharashtra	1975	134
65	Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) National Park	Maharashtra	1975	257
66	Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park	Maharashtra	1983	87
67	Tadoba National Park	Maharashtra	1955	117
68	Keibul-Lamjao National Park	Manipur	1977	40
69	Shiroi (Shirui) National Park	Manipur	1982	100
70	Balphakram National Park	Meghalaya	1985	220
71	Nokrek Ridge National Park	Meghalaya	1986	48
72	Murlen National Park	Mizoram	1991	100
73	Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) National Park	Mizoram	1992	50
74	Intanki National Park	Nagaland	1993	202
75	Bhitarkanika National Park	Odisha	1988	145
76	Simlipal National Park	Odisha	1980	846
77	Desert National Park	Rajasthan	1992	3162
78	Keoladeo Ghana National Park	Rajasthan	1981	29
79	Mukundra Hills National Park	Rajasthan	2006	200
80	Ranthambhore National Park	Rajasthan	1980	282
81	Sariska National Park	Rajasthan	1992	274
82	Khangchendzonga National Park	Sikkim	1977	1784
83	Guindy National Park	Tamil Nadu	1976	2.8
84	Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park	Tamil Nadu	1980	6.2
85	Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park	Tamil Nadu	1989	117
86	Mudumalai National Park	Tamil Nadu	1990	103
87	Mukurthi National Park	Tamil Nadu	1990	78
88	Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park	Telangana	1994	1.4
89	Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park	Telangana	1994	14.6
90	Mrugavani National Park	Telangana	1994	3.6
91	Bison (Rajbari) National Park	Tripura	2007	31.6
92	Clouded Leopard National Park	Tripura	2007	5
93	City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park	Jammu & Kashmir	1992	9
94	Dachigam National Park	Jammu & Kashmir	1981	141
95	Kazinag National Park	Jammu & Kashmir	2000	91
96	Kishtwar National Park	Jammu & Kashmir	1981	425
97	Hemis National Park	Ladakh	1981	3350
98	Dudhwa National Park	Uttar Pradesh	1977	490
99	Gangotri National Park	Uttarakhand	1989	2390
100	Govind National Park	Uttarakhand	1990	472
101	Jim Corbett National Park	Uttarakhand	1936	521
102	Nanda Devi National Park	Uttarakhand	1982	625
103	Rajaji National Park	Uttarakhand	1983	820
104	Valley of Flowers National Park	Uttarakhand	1982	88
105	Buxa National Park	West Bengal	1992	117
106	Gorumara National Park	West Bengal	1992	79
107	Jaldapara National Park	West Bengal	2014	217
108	Neora Valley National Park	West Bengal	1986	160
109	Singalila National Park	West Bengal	1986	79
110	Sundarbans National Park	West Bengal	1984	1,330

National Park in India Map:

Oldest National Park in India:

• The oldest National Park in India is Jim Corbett National Park established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. It is in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nainital & Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
• Renamed: Ramganga National Park in 1954 and finally named Jim Corbett National Park in 1957 after the famous hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett.
• Its Area is ~520 km² (core) and forms a part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve (1,318 km²)
• The Ramganga River flows through the park, forming the lifeline of its ecosystem.
• The Key Species of this national park are Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopards, Crocodiles, Otters, and 600+ bird species.
• Major Flora: Sal forests, Chir Pine, Khair, and diverse grasslands.
• Its significance:
  • First National Park in India
  • First Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger (1973)
  • A major ecotourism and conservation hub

Top 10 Largest National Parks in India:

Rank	National Park	State/UT	Area (km2)	Key Features
1	Hemis National Park	Ladakh	3,350	Largest NP in India, famous for Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolves, and high-altitude terrain
2	Desert National Park	Rajasthan	3,162	Covers the Thar Desert, habitat of Great Indian Bustard
3	Gangotri National Park	Uttarakhand	2,390	Source of River Ganga, home to Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard
4	Namdapha National Park	Arunachal Pradesh	1,808	Richest biodiversity in Eastern Himalayas, Red Panda & Clouded Leopard
5	Khangchendzonga National Park	Sikkim	1,784	UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kanchenjunga peak inside
6	Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park	Chhattisgarh	1,441	Important Tiger and Elephant habitat
7	Indravati National Park	Chhattisgarh	1,258	Known for Wild Buffalo, Tigers, and dense forests
8	Papikonda National Park	Andhra Pradesh	1,013	Godavari riverine ecosystem, Tigers and Hill Mynas
9	Kanha National Park	Madhya Pradesh	940	Inspiration for The Jungle Book, famous for Barasingha & Tigers
10	Bandhavgarh National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1,536 (TR area) / ~716 (core)	Highest tiger density in India

Smallest National Parks in India:

Rank	National Park	State/UT	Area (km2)	Key Features
1	South Button Island NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	0.03	Smallest NP in India, protects marine life, corals, sea turtles
2	North Button Island NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	0.44	Marine park, dolphins and dugongs found here
3	Middle Button Island NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	0.90	Rich coral reefs and marine biodiversity
4	Mount Harriet NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	4.62	Famous for butterflies and trekking routes
5	Guindy NP	Tamil Nadu (Chennai)	5.20	Smallest NP in mainland India, urban wildlife habitat
6	Campbell Bay NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands		Endemic Nicobar Megapode, saltwater crocodiles
7	Rani Jhansi Marine NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands		Protects coral reefs and marine ecosystems
8	Saddle Peak NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	33.00	Highest point in Andamans, tropical rainforest
9	Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands		Coral reefs, sea turtles, and dugongs
10	Singalila NP	West Bengal	78.60	Famous for Red Panda and Sandakphu trek

Difference between Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park:

Aspect	Wildlife Sanctuary	National Park
Definition	Area designated for the protection of wild animals, especially threatened species.	An area strictly reserved for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity, where no human interference is allowed except for research or tourism permitted by authorities.
Legal Status	Declared under Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.	Declared under Section 35 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Human Activity	Limited human activities allowed – like grazing, firewood collection, and rights of tribes if permitted by authorities.	Strictly prohibited – no grazing, hunting, poaching, or private land rights.
Ownership Rights	Private ownership or rights may continue; subject to government regulation.	Entirely land becomes Government property. Private ownership or rights are not allowed after notification.
Boundary Changes	State government can alter boundaries.	Boundaries can only be changed by passing a law in the State Legislature.
Tourism	Eco-tourism and safari allowed, but with fewer restrictions compared to National Park.	Tourism allowed, but under strict regulations.
Examples	Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam).	Jim Corbett NP (Uttarakhand), Kaziranga NP (Assam).

National Parks in India 2025: Key Features:

• Campbell Bay National Park (Great Nicobar, 1992):
  • Location: Situated on the northern part of Great Nicobar Island in the Nicobar Islands, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India).
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1992 to protect the rich biodiversity of the island ecosystem.
  • Area: Covers an area of approximately 426 square kilometers.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Dense tropical evergreen forests and mangroves.
    • Home to Nicobar megapode, saltwater crocodiles, Giant robber crabs, wild boars, deer, and various bird and butterfly species.
  • Climate and Terrain:
    • Receives heavy rainfall throughout the year with a humid tropical climate.
    • The terrain includes mountains, coastal plains, and streams, supporting diverse habitats.
  • Part of a Larger Protected Area:
    • Along with Galathea National Park, it forms the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO for its ecological importance.

• National Parks in India – Galathea Bay National Park (Great Nicobar, 1992):
  • Location: Situated in the southern part of Great Nicobar Island, in the Nicobar district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India).
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1992, along with Campbell Bay National Park, to conserve the island’s unique tropical ecosystem.
  • Area: Covers approximately 110 square kilometers.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Characterized by tropical rainforests, coastal vegetation, and mangroves.
    • Home to rare and endangered species such as the Nicobar pigeon, saltwater crocodile, giant leatherback sea turtle, and Nicobar macaque.

• Geographical Features:
  • Includes the Galathea River and Galathea Bay, providing crucial nesting grounds for marine turtles.
  • The park’s coastal and marine ecosystem supports high biodiversity.
• Part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve:
  • Together with Campbell Bay National Park, it forms the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO for its global ecological importance.

• National Parks in India– Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (South Andaman, 1983)
  • Location: Situated near Wandoor, about 29 km southwest of Port Blair in the South Andaman district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India).
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1983 to protect the marine ecosystem and coral reefs of the Andaman region.
  • Area: Covers approximately 281.5 square kilometers, including open sea, creeks, and 15 small islands such as Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Rich in coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
    • Marine life includes clownfish, parrotfish, sea anemones, starfish, sea cucumbers, and marine turtles.
    • The surrounding islands also have tropical rainforests with species like Andaman wild pig and fruit bats.
  • Significance:
    • Aims to conserve coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and nesting sites of sea turtles.
    • Serves as an important eco-tourism and research destination in the Andaman Islands.
  • Special Features:
    • Offers glass-bottom boat rides and snorkeling to view corals without disturbing marine life.
    • Managed by the Andaman and Nicobar Forest Department under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

• National Parks in India –Middle Button Island National Park (Ritchie’s Archipelago, 1987)
  • Location: Situated in the Ritchie’s Archipelago of the Andaman Islands, about 40 km northeast of Port Blair in the South Andaman district, India.
  • Established: Declared as a National Park in 1987 to protect the rich marine and terrestrial biodiversity of the archipelago.
  • Area: Covers an area of approximately 64 square kilometers.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Dominated by tropical evergreen forests, mangroves, and coral reefs.
    • Fauna includes spotted deer, Andaman wild pig, monitor lizards, sea turtles, dolphins, and a wide variety of coral fish and marine invertebrates.
  • Marine Significance:
    • The surrounding waters host vibrant coral reefs and marine life, making it a crucial site for marine conservation and underwater research.
  • Connectivity:
    • Located close to North Button Island National Park and South Button Island National Park, together forming part of the Ritchie’s Archipelago protected area network.

• National Parks in India – Mount Harriet National Park (South Andaman, 1987)
  • Location: Situated in the South Andaman district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, near Port Blair. It forms part of the Mount Harriet range, the third-highest peak in the islands.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1987 to conserve the region’s evergreen forests and unique island biodiversity.
  • Area: Covers about 46.6 square kilometers of hilly and forested terrain.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Rich in tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
    • Fauna includes Andaman wild pig, Andaman tree shrew, nesting sea eagles, Andaman serpent eagle, monitor lizards, and butterflies.
    • The park is home to several endemic species found only in the Andaman Islands.
• Geographical Features:
  • The Mount Harriet peak (365 m) offers a panoramic view of the North Bay and surrounding islands.
  • It was once the summer headquarters of the British Chief Commissioner during the colonial period.

• National Parks in India – North Button Island National Park (1987)
  • A small island park with scrub and littoral forests, it supports dugongs, dolphins, and turtles in its coastal waters.
  • Major Flora: Scrub vegetation, littoral flora
  • Key Fauna: Dugongs, dolphins, turtles
  • Features: Part of Button Island group, marine ecosystem

• National Parks in India – Rani Jhansi Marine National Park (South Andaman, 1996)
  • Rich in seagrass meadows and coral reefs, this park conserves dugongs, turtles, and saltwater crocodiles along its coast.
  • Major Flora: Seagrass meadows, coral reefs
  • Key Fauna: Dugong, turtles, crocodiles

• National Parks in India – Saddle Peak National Park (North Andaman, 1987)
  • Home to the highest peak in Andamans (732 m), it has evergreen forests and bamboo groves. The Kalpong River, the only river in the islands, originates here.
  • Major Flora: Evergreen forests, bamboo groves
  • Key Fauna: Hill myna, wild pigs, saltwater crocodiles
  • Features: Highest peak of Andamans
  • River: Kalpong River

• National Parks in India – South Button Island National Park (1987)
  • India’s smallest National Park (0.03 km²), famous for its coral reefs and marine species like dugongs, dolphins, and turtles.
  • Major Flora: Coastal shrubs, coral reefs
  • Key Fauna: Dugongs, dolphins, sea turtles
  • Features: Smallest NP of India, marine biodiversity

• National Parks in India– Papikonda National Park (Andhra Pradesh, 2008)
  • Papikonda protects moist deciduous forests along the Godavari basin with teak, Terminalia and bamboo patches.
  • The park supports tigers, elephants, gaur and rich birdlife, and includes steep hills and forested ridges along the Godavari tributaries.
  • Major Flora: Teak, Terminalia, bamboo, riparian vegetation
  • Key Species: Tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, deer, many birds
  • Features: Riverine corridors, escarpments, biodiversity hotspot in Eastern Ghats
  • Rivers: Godavari tributaries

• National Parks in India– Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park (Andhra Pradesh, 2005)
  • A very small coastal/island reserve near Rameswaram protecting littoral vegetation and shorebird habitat; valuable for marine and shore species. It shelters sea birds and nesting turtles and features sandbars and reef flats.
  • Major Flora: Coastal scrub, salt-tolerant vegetation, mangrove fringe
  • Key Species: Sea birds, marine turtles, shore crabs
  • Features: Coastal islets, reef flats, important nesting beaches

• National Parks in India– Sri Venkateswara National Park (Andhra Pradesh, 1989)
  • Located in the Eastern Ghats near Tirupati, the park contains montane forests, dry deciduous patches and shola-like pockets with rich endemic flora. It supports sloth bear, leopard, chital and many endemic birds, and features deep valleys and streams.
  • Major Flora: Dry deciduous, scrub, some shola patches, medicinal plant
  • Key Species: Sloth bear, leopard, deer, endemic birds and reptiles
  • Features: Hilly terrain, sacred hills, biodiversity in Eastern Ghats

• National Parks in India – National Park (Arunachal Pradesh, 1986)
  • Mouling is a high-rainfall evergreen forest area with dense canopy, bamboos and rich understory connecting to eastern Himalayan biodiversity. The park is home to clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, red panda reports and diverse avifauna, with steep valleys and pristine rivers.
  • Major Flora: Evergreen forest, bamboo, rhododendron patches
  • Key Species: Clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, leopard, diverse birds
  • Features: Steep valleys, high rainfall, intact rainforest tracts

• National Parks in India– National Park (Arunachal Pradesh, 1983)
  • Location: Situated in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, near the Indo-Myanmar border in Northeast India. It lies within the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1983 and later designated as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger.
  • Area: One of India’s largest protected areas, covering about 1,985 square kilometers.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Vegetation ranges from tropical evergreen forests to alpine meadows, depending on altitude (200 m to 4,500 m).
    • Home to over 1,000 plant species and hundreds of animal species.
    • It is the only park in the world known to host four big cat species — tiger, leopard, snow leopard, and clouded leopard.
    • Other species include red panda, Hoolock gibbon, Himalayan black bear, takin, and numerous birds and butterflies.
  • Climate and Terrain:
    • Receives heavy rainfall and has dense, inaccessible forests, making it one of the most pristine wilderness areas in India.
  • Conservation Significance:
    • Recognized as a biodiversity hotspot and a major ecological corridor between India and Southeast Asia.
    • Managed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Project Tiger.

• National Parks in India– Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (Assam, 1999):
  • Location: Situated in the Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts of Assam, near the confluence of the Dibru and Lohit Rivers on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1999; originally notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1986.
  • Area: Covers about 340 square kilometers (core area) and forms part of the Dibru–Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve (covering a total of 765 square kilometers).
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Characterized by tropical moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
    • Home to rare and endangered species such as the white-winged wood duck, feral horses (descendants of old army horses), hoolock gibbon, Gangetic river dolphin, elephant, and leopard.
    • A paradise for birdwatchers, hosting over 350 bird species.
  • Geographical Features:
    • The park lies in a floodplain area, with rivers and wetlands that change course frequently, creating rich and diverse habitats.
  • Significance:
    • Declared as one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA) of India.
    • Serves as a major site for wetland and grassland conservation in Northeast India.
  • Tourism:
    • Eco-tourism and river safaris are popular around Maguri Beel, located just outside the park, offering views of birds and river dolphins.

• National Parks in India – Dihing Patkai National Park (Assam, 2021):
  • Location: Situated in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Upper Assam, forming part of the Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve along the foothills of the Patkai Hills (on the Assam–Myanmar border).
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park on June 9, 2021, making it Assam’s 7th National Park — the highest number for any state in India at the time.
  • Area: Covers approximately 234.26 square kilometers of lush, contiguous rainforest.
  • Flora:
    • Known as the “Amazon of the East”, it contains the largest stretch of lowland tropical rainforest in India.
    • Vegetation includes evergreen and semi-evergreen trees, bamboos, orchids, and climbers, forming dense canopy layers.
  • Fauna:
    • Rich in biodiversity with species such as Asian elephants, Hoolock gibbons, clouded leopards, tigers, leopards, Himalayan black bears, sambar deer, and numerous reptiles and amphibians.
    • Home to over 300 species of birds, including great hornbills and rare migratory birds.
  • Geographical & Ecological Significance:
    • Lies adjacent to Jeypore Rainforest and Dihing River, forming part of the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary and Elephant Reserve.
    • Serves as a crucial elephant corridor connecting Assam with Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Recognized for its rich biodiversity, rainforest ecosystem, and role in maintaining ecological balance in Upper Assam.
    • Declared a national park following public and environmentalist campaigns against coal mining in the area.

• National Parks in India– Kaziranga National Park (Assam, 1974):
  • Location: Situated in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, along the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1974; originally designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950 and later declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006.
  • Area: Covers about 430 square kilometers, and together with surrounding buffer areas forms part of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Famous for the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros — home to more than two-thirds of the world’s population of this species.
    • Also hosts Royal Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, wild water buffaloes, and swamp deer — earning it the title of “Big Five” park of India.
    • Rich birdlife with over 480 species, including migratory birds, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985).
  • Vegetation:
    • Comprises tall elephant grass, tropical moist deciduous forests, swampy lagoons, and riverine habitats created by the Brahmaputra’s floodplains.
  • Climate and Geography:
    • Experiences annual floods from the Brahmaputra River, which help replenish nutrients and maintain the park’s unique ecosystem.
  • Conservation Significance:
    • A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Important Bird Area (IBA).
    • Recognized globally for its successful rhino conservation efforts and diverse ecological landscape.
  • Tourism:
    • Popular for jeep and elephant safaris, birdwatching, and eco-tourism activities managed by the Assam Forest Department.

• National Parks in India – Manas National Park (Assam, 1990)
  • Location: Situated in the Baksa, Chirang, and Udalguri districts of Assam, along the foothills of the Bhutan Himalayas. It shares its northern boundary with the Royal Manas National Park of Bhutan.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1990. It was earlier a Wildlife Sanctuary (1928) and became a Tiger Reserve (1973) under Project Tiger.
  • Area: Covers about 500 square kilometers and forms part of the larger Manas Tiger Reserve and Biosphere Reserve.
  • Rivers/Lakes: Manas River
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Known for its rich biodiversity, including tigers, Indian elephants, Indian rhinoceros, gaur (Indian bison), and barasingha (swamp deer).
    • Home to several endangered and endemic species, such as the pygmy hog, golden langur, and hispid hare.
    • Over 450 species of birds, including great hornbills, bengal floricans, and scarlet minivets.
  • Vegetation:
    • Comprises sub-Himalayan alluvial grasslands, moist deciduous forests, and riverine habitats nourished by the Manas River.
  • Conservation and Recognition:
    • Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985) for its exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity.
    • Also recognized as a Biosphere Reserve (1989) and part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.
  • Significance:
    • Serves as an important transboundary conservation area between India and Bhutan.
    • A prime example of successful community-based conservation involving local Bodo communities after a period of political unrest.

• National Parks in India – Nameri National Park (Assam, 1998):
  • Location: Situated in the Sonitpur district of Assam, along the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, bordering Arunachal Pradesh. It lies on the banks of the Jia-Bhoroli River.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1998; earlier, it was part of the Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary (1985).
  • Area: Covers approximately 200 square kilometers and forms part of the Nameri Tiger Reserve, established under Project Tiger.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Vegetation includes tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous forests, with rich undergrowth of bamboo and cane.
    • Home to tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar deer, and clouded leopards.
    • A paradise for bird lovers, with over 370 bird species, including the white-winged wood duck (state bird of Assam), great hornbill, and black stork.
  • Geography and Ecosystem:
    • The park is nourished by the Jia-Bhoroli River, which supports diverse aquatic life and is popular for river rafting.
    • Serves as an ecological corridor connecting to Pakhui (Pakke) Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Significance:
    • Important for the conservation of Eastern Himalayan biodiversity and endangered bird species.
    • Managed under the Nameri Tiger Reserve, emphasizing both wildlife protection and eco-tourism.

• National Parks in India – Raimona National Park (Assam, 2021)
  • The park is in the Kachugaon forest division, Gossaigaon subdivision of Kokrajhar district in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
  • On 5 June 2021, the Government of Assam declared Raimona a National Park during the World Environment Day. The area officially became a National Park on June 9, 2021.
  • Raimona National Park is the 2nd National Park in Bodoland and 6th in Assam.
  • This declaration transformed the Ripu-Chirang Wildlife Sanctuary of Kachugaon into the 6th National Park of Assam.
  • Raimona protects semi-evergreen forests and grasslands with excellent corridor value linking to other protected areas.
  • Key fauna include elephants, tigers, gaur and rich birdlife, and it features typical Brahmaputra foothill terrain.
  • Major Flora: Semi-evergreen forest, grasslands, riparian vegetation.
  • Key Species: Elephant, tiger, gaur, diverse birds and reptiles
  • Features:
    • The Sonkosh River is on the west side of the park, along the inter-state boundary of West Bengal and Assam from Indo-Bhutan border up to fire line Ride-6 southwards (BP30).
    • On the east, it is bordered by the Saralbhanga River, and runs northwards to the Indo-Bhutan international boundary on the north, with the rest of the Ripu Reserve Forest on the south.
    • The park is located near the Himalayan foothills. 
    • It joins with Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan and Buxa Tiger Reserve of West Bengal to form a large area for protecting nature.

• National Parks in India – Rajiv Gandhi (Orang) National Park (Assam, 1999)
  • Location: Situated on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River, covering areas in Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam. It lies between the Kaziranga National Park and the Manas Tiger Reserve, forming an important wildlife corridor.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1999; earlier notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1985.
  • Area: Covers approximately 79 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest National Parks in Assam.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Known as the mini Kaziranga because it hosts a similar ecosystem and species composition.
    • Home to the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic elephant, wild boar, hog deer, and leopards.
    • Supports rich birdlife, including kingfishers, pelicans, storks, and Indian rollers.
  • Vegetation and Landscape:
    • Characterized by alluvial floodplains, grasslands, riverine forests, and wetlands formed by the Brahmaputra River system.
    • Seasonal floods replenish nutrients, maintaining its ecological balance.
  • Conservation Significance:
    • Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2016, making it part of India’s Project Tiger network.
    • Plays a crucial role in the Brahmaputra Valley’s ecosystem as a safe haven for rhinos and tigers.

• National Parks in India – Shikhna Jwhwlao National Park (Assam, declared in 2024 and notified in 16 February, 2025)
  • This national park is the 3^rd in BTR and 8^th National Park in Assam.
  • The Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park is located in Chirang and Kokrajhar.
  • It covers an area of 321.90 sq.km.
  • The new National Park of BTR Assam is named after the Bodo legend Sikhna Jwhwlao. He was also popularly known as Jaolia Dewan. He fought against the British in the Anglo-Bhutan war in 1865.

• National Parks in India – Valmiki National Park (Bihar, 1989)
  • Valmiki protects Terai-Duar forest and grassland, situated in Bihar, supports tigers, elephants and diverse fauna. Its landscape includes riverine belts and tall grasses with tiger, elephant, leopard and abundant birds.
  • Major Flora: Sal, mixed deciduous, riparian vegetation, tall grass.
  • Key Species: Tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, deer species, birds.
  • Features: Terai ecosystem, wildlife corridors to Nepal, rich biodiversity.
  • Rivers: Gandak tributaries and riparian streams

• National Parks in India – Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park (Chhattisgarh, 1981):
  • Location: Situated in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh, near the border with Madhya Pradesh. It lies in the northern part of the state, forming a vital wildlife corridor between Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh) and Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand).
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1981. It was earlier part of the Sanjay National Park, which was later divided between Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh after the state’s formation in 2000.
  • Area: Covers about 1,440.7 square kilometers, making it one of the largest National Parks in Chhattisgarh.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Rich in tropical deciduous and sal forests, with patches of bamboo and grasslands.
    • Major species include tiger, leopard, Indian wild dog (dhole), sloth bear, sambar, chital, nilgai, and four-horned antelope (chousingha).
    • Avifauna includes peafowl, jungle fowl, parakeets, and racket-tailed drongos.
  • Geographical Features:
    • The park lies in the Vindhyan mountain ranges, characterized by plateaus, hills, and river valleys, including the Sanjay River and its tributaries.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • A significant tiger habitat forming part of the Central Indian Landscape, connecting other protected areas for genetic diversity of wildlife.
    • Proposed as a Tiger Reserve, recognized for its ecological and biodiversity value.
  • Naming:
    • Named after Guru Ghasidas, the revered 19th-century Satnami saint and social reformer from Chhattisgarh, who advocated for equality and compassion for all living beings.

• National Parks in India – Indravati (Kutru) National Park (Chhattisgarh, 1982):
  • Indravati is a rugged, forested park with teak and mixed deciduous cover which supports wild Asian buffalo, tiger and gaur.
  • It plays a crucial role in central Indian biodiversity conservation. 
  • The Indravati River system is a main hydrological feature.
  • Major Flora: Teak, mixed deciduous species, riparian vegetation.
  • Key Species: Wild Asian buffalo, tiger, gaur, deer.
  • Features: Rugged hills, remote forests, low human density.
  • Rivers: Indravati River

• National Parks in India – Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh, 1982):
  • Kanger Valley is famous for its moist deciduous forests, spectacular limestone caves (Kutumsar, Dandak) and waterfalls.
  • It is biologically rich with leopards, sloth bears and hornbills. 
  • The park’s streams carve through karst topography, creating unique cave systems.
  • Major Flora: Moist deciduous, bamboo, riparian flora.
  • Key Species: Leopard, sloth bear, deer, hornbills, reptiles.
  • Features: Limestone caves, waterfalls, karst formations.

• National Parks in India – Mollem National Park (Goa, 1992):
  • Located in the Western Ghats, this national park contains evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with high endemism.
  • It is contiguous with larger forest blocks supporting gaur, langurs, leopards and diverse birds. 
  • Its terrain includes lateritic plateaus, streams and scenic valleys.
  • Major Flora: Evergreen and semi-evergreen, lateritic plateaus, bamboo.
  • Key Species: Gaur, leopard, sloth bear (occasionally), endemic birds.
  • Features: Western Ghats biodiversity, Bhagwan Mahavir sanctuary adjacency.

• National Parks in India – Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park (Gujarat, 1976):
  • Velavadar is prime grassland and saline marsh habitat for herds of blackbuck, wolves and grassland birds, featuring flat open plains with seasonal wetlands. 
  • It is famous for excellent sightings of blackbuck and grassland conservation.
  • Major Flora: Grasslands, saline marsh vegetation, scrub.
  • Key Species: Blackbuck, wolf, striped hyena, grassland birds.
  • Features: Open grass plains, seasonal marshes, high blackbuck density.

• National Parks in India – Gir National Park (Gujarat, 1975):
  • Gir is the last stronghold of the Asiatic lion, set in dry deciduous and scrub forest with rocky outcrops.
  • It supports a healthy carnivore and ungulate community. 
  • Gir’s wadis and streams sustain lion prides, leopards, nilgai and chital.
  • Major Flora: Dry deciduous, scrub, Acacia, Euphorbia and teak pockets.
  • Key Species: Asiatic lion, leopard, nilgai, chinkara, deer.
  • Features: Rocky hills (Girnar), dry deciduous tracts, lion conservation success.

• Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) National Park (Gujarat, 1982):
  • This marine national park protects unique intertidal life, coral reefs and tidal flats supporting migratory birds and marine organisms. It is vital for coral communities, invertebrates and migratory shorebirds, with extensive mudflats and reef patches.
  • Major Flora: Intertidal algae, seagrass patches, sparse mangroves.
  • Key Species: Marine invertebrates, reef fishes, migratory birds, dugong (nearby).
  • Features: Tidal flats, coral patches, marine biodiversity in semi-arid setting.
  • Rivers or waterbodies: Coastal marine ecosystem (Gulf of Kachchh)

• Vansda National Park (Gujarat, 1979):
  • Vansda is a small moist deciduous patch with mixed forest and riparian corridors. 
  • It supports leopards, sloth bear, deer and diverse birds and serves as a green island amid agricultural land.
  • Major Flora: Moist deciduous species, teak pockets, riparian growth.
  • Key Species: Leopard, sloth bear, deer, many resident birds.
  • Features: Hillocks, riverside vegetation, biodiversity in southern Gujarat.

• Kalesar National Park (Haryana, 2003):
  • Kalesar contains Sal and mixed deciduous forests in the Shivalik foothills and offers habitat for leopard, barking deer and diverse avifauna, with undulating terrain and seasonal streams.
  • Major Flora: Sal, mixed deciduous, riverine vegetation.
  • Key Species: Leopard, barking deer, jackal, birds.
  • Features: Shivalik foothills, cooler microclimate, forested ridges.

• Sultanpur National Park (Haryana, 1989):
  • Location: Situated in the Gurugram (Gurgaon) district of Haryana, about 40 km from Delhi on the Gurugram–Jhajjar highway.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1989; it was earlier designated as a Bird Sanctuary in 1972 on the recommendation of Dr. Salim Ali, the famous Indian ornithologist.
  • Area: Covers an area of approximately 1.43 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest National Parks in India, yet an important bird habitat.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Renowned as a birdwatcher’s paradise, supporting more than 250 species of resident and migratory birds.
    • Common species include painted stork, black-necked stork, white ibis, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, sandpipers, and spoonbills.
    • Migratory birds arrive from as far as Europe, Siberia, and Central Asia during winter.
  • Habitat and Vegetation:
    • Comprises wetlands, shallow marshes, and grassy patches surrounded by acacia trees.
    • The Sultanpur Jheel (lake) is the central feature, providing feeding and nesting grounds for waterfowl.
  • Conservation Significance:
    • Plays a crucial role in conserving wetland ecosystems and migratory bird populations in northern India.
    • Recognized as a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance) in 2021.

• Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 1984): 
  • Location: Situated in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, in the western part of the Himalayan range. It includes the catchment areas of Tirthan, Sainj, Jiwa Nal, and Parvati rivers.
  • Establishment: Declared a National Park in 1984 and later inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 for its outstanding biodiversity and natural beauty.
  • Area: Covers around 1,171 square kilometers, comprising alpine meadows, temperate forests, and glacial zones ranging from 1,500 to over 6,000 meters above sea level.
  • Geography and Climate:
    • Encompasses rugged terrain with snow-clad peaks, valleys, and rivers.
    • The park experiences subtropical to alpine climatic zones, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Home to over 375 fauna species, including Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, blue sheep (bharal), musk deer, and Himalayan tahr.
    • Rich in deodar, oak, rhododendron, and coniferous forests.
    • Hosts many endemic and threatened species unique to the Himalayan ecosystem.
  • Conservation Significance:
    • A vital part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, conserving ecosystems across altitudinal gradients.

• Inderkilla National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 2010):
  • Inderkilla is a small temperate forest patch with mixed broadleaf and conifer trees supporting Himalayan birds and small mammals, offering scenic riverside trails and rich birdlife.
  • Major Flora: Mixed broadleaf and coniferous species, oak, rhododendron.
  • Key Species: Himalayan birds, small mammals, occasional leopard.

• Khirganga National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 2010):
  • A montane park of conifers and alpine meadows famous for pilgrimage and trekking, Khirganga supports pheasants, mountain ungulates and mixed forest fauna and has scenic mountain streams.
  • Major Flora: Conifers, alpine meadows, rhododendron patches.
  • Key Species: Himalayan pheasants, small carnivores, mountain ungulates.
  • Features: Trek routes, high meadows, pilgrimage trails.

• Pin Valley National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 1987)
  • Pin Valley is a cold-desert national park in Spiti with arid high-altitude steppes, hosting snow leopard, Siberian ibex, bharal and Himalayan wolf, and notable for Pin River valley landscapes.
  • Major Flora: Cold desert shrubs, juniper, sparse alpine flora.
  • Key Species: Snow leopard, Siberian ibex, bharal, Himalayan wolf.
  • Features: High-altitude cold desert, unique flora, pastoral valleys.
  • Rivers/Lakes: Pin River

• National Parks in India – Simbalbara National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 2010)
  • A small Shivalik forest patch with mixed deciduous cover, Simbalbara supports deer, leopard and varied birdlife, and features hilly terrain and seasonal watercourses.
  • Major Flora: Sal and mixed deciduous species, scrub.
  • Key Species: Leopard, deer, small carnivores, resident birds.
  • Features: Shivalik foothills, scenic ridges, tribal landscapes.

• Betla National Park (Jharkhand, 1986)
  • Betla is part of the Palamau tiger landscape with plateau and forested valleys, home to tigers, elephants, sloth bears and rich birdlife, and features rocky outcrops and waterfalls.
  • Major Flora: Teak, sal, mixed deciduous forests.
  • Key Species: Tiger, elephant, sloth bear, gaur, birds.
  • Features: Plateau forests, waterfalls, tribal settlements.

• Anshi (Kali) National Park (Karnataka, 1987)
  • Anshi forms part of the Kali Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats with evergreen forests and high rainfall.
  • It supports tigers, leopards, king cobra and Malabar giant squirrel, and is crisscrossed by the Kali River.
  • Major Flora: Evergreen, semi-evergreen, riparian plants.
  • Key Species: Tiger, leopard, king cobra, Malabar giant squirrel.
  • Features: High rainfall evergreen tracts, Kali River, biodiversity hotspot.
  • Rivers/Lakes: Kali River

• Bandipur National Park (Karnataka, 1974)
  • Location: Situated in the Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts of Karnataka, at the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains in the Western Ghats. It shares its boundaries with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), and Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka) — together forming the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1974 under Project Tiger, making it one of India’s earliest and most important Tiger Reserves.
  • Area: 868 square kilometers, forming part of the largest contiguous forest area in southern India.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Rich in tropical dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests, with teak, rosewood, sandalwood, and bamboo being dominant species.
    • Hosts a diverse range of wildlife including Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, gaur (Indian bison), leopard, sloth bear, sambar deer, chital, mongoose, and wild boar.
    • Also a habitat for over 200 species of birds, such as crested serpent eagle, Indian roller, and grey junglefowl.
  • Conservation Significance:
    • Part of the Project Tiger network, contributing significantly to tiger population recovery in southern India.
    • Serves as a crucial wildlife corridor connecting the Western and Eastern Ghats.
    • Declared a core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1986), recognized by UNESCO.

• Bannerghatta National Park (Karnataka, 1974)
  • Bannerghatta is an urban-proximate protected area with scrub and moist deciduous patches, a zoo complex and butterfly park, hosting leopard, sloth bear and many small mammals, and offering educational facilities.
  • Major Flora: Moist deciduous scrub, mixed vegetation.
  • Key Species: Leopard, sloth bear, deer, birds, reptiles.
  • Features: Zoo, butterfly park, urban wildlife education centre.

• Kudremukh National Park (Karnataka, 1987)
  • Kudremukh features shola-grassland mosaics and rolling ridges in the Western Ghats with evergreen tracts, supporting gaur, endemic amphibians and diverse birds, and scenic montane streams.
  • Major Flora: Shola forests, montane grasslands, wet evergreen patches.
  • Key Species: Gaur, endemic amphibians, birds, occasional tiger.
  • Features: Rolling ridges, iron-ore geology, montane biodiversity.
  • Rivers/Lakes: Tributaries of Netravati and Tunga

• Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park (Karnataka, 1988)
  • Nagarahole is a moist deciduous to evergreen matrix in the Nilgiris-Western Ghats complex supporting tiger, elephant, dhole and rich birdlife, with Kabini reservoir and riparian habitats.
  • Major Flora: Moist deciduous, teak, riparian vegetation.
  • Key Species: Tiger, Asian elephant, dhole, deer, many bird.
  • Features: Kabini Reservoir, riverine corridors, prime safari destination.
  • Rivers/Lakes: Kabini River / reservoir

• Anamudi Shola National Park (Kerala, 2003)
  • Location: Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, within the Western Ghats. It lies close to Munnar and forms part of the Anamalai sub-cluster of the Western Ghats, along with Eravikulam, Pampadum Shola, and Mathikettan Shola National Parks.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 2003 to protect the unique shola forests (montane evergreen forests) and grassland ecosystems of the southern Western Ghats.
  • Area: Covers approximately 7.5 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest National Parks in Kerala, but rich in biodiversity and endemism.
  • Topography and Climate:
    • The park is situated at an elevation ranging from 2,000 to 2,300 meters above sea level.
    • Characterized by cool, misty weather, high rainfall, and dense vegetation.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Vegetation includes tropical evergreen forests, shola patches, and montane grasslands.
    • Home to species such as Nilgiri tahr, leopard, gaur, elephant, sambar deer, and Malabar giant squirrel.
    • Birdlife includes Nilgiri wood pigeon, black-and-orange flycatcher, and other Western Ghats endemics.
  • Conservation Significance:
    • Part of the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012).
    • Plays a key role in conserving high-altitude ecosystems and watersheds that feed rivers like Periyar and Pambar.

• Eravikulam National Park (Kerala, 1978)
  • Eravikulam is famed for its rolling shola-grassland habitat and the endemic Nilgiri tahr, with Neelakurinji blooms and montane streams around Anamudi peak. It supports specialized montane flora and seasonal floral spectacles.
  • Major Flora: Montane grasslands, shola forests, Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes).
  • Key Species: Nilgiri tahr, panther, endemic birds and plants.
  • Features: Anamudi slopes, seasonal flower blooms, high altitude meadows.

• Mathikettan Shola National Park (Kerala, 2003)
  • Mathikettan protects a remnant shola island that acts as an elephant corridor between larger Western Ghats forests and houses endemic flora and birds. It’s crucial for elephant movement, endemic frogs and birdlife.
  • Major Flora: Shola forest patches, montane shrubs.
  • Key Species: Asian elephant (corridor use), endemic birds, amphibians.
  • Features: Corridor function, small shola remnant, conservation value, fragile ecosystem.

• Pambadum Shola National Park (Kerala, 2003)
  • A very small shola reserve preserving high-altitude cloud forest fragments with endemic plants and unique microclimate.
  • It supports montane birds and amphibians.
  • Major Flora: Shola trees, montane shrubs, endemic plants.
  • Key Species: Endemic birds, amphibians, small mammals.
  • Features: Small shola patch, high conservation value, fragile ecosystem.

• Periyar National Park (Kerala, 1982)
  • Periyar embraces evergreen and moist deciduous forests around Periyar Lake.
  • It is renowned for Asian elephants, tigers and boat safaris that allow lake-based wildlife viewing.
  • Major Flora: Evergreen, moist deciduous, reedbeds along lake.
  • Key Species: Asian elephant, tiger, sambar, Nilgiri langur, rich avifauna.
  • Features: Periyar Lake (boat safaris), spice plantations, eco-tourism hub.
  • Rivers/Lakes: Periyar Lake / Periyar River

• Silent Valley National Park (Kerala, 1984)
  • Location: Situated in the Palakkad district of Kerala, within the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, bordering Tamil Nadu.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1984 after a major environmental movement opposing a hydroelectric project that threatened its unique ecosystem.
  • Area: Encompasses about 89.52 square kilometers, consisting primarily of tropical evergreen rainforests.
  • Geography and Climate:
    • Lies along the Kundali River, a tributary of the Bharathapuzha River.
    • Experiences high rainfall and dense canopy cover, creating one of the most undisturbed tracts of rainforest in India.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Famous as the habitat of the Lion-tailed Macaque, an endangered and endemic primate of the Western Ghats.
    • Other species include Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel, tiger, leopard, elephant, and king cobra.
    • Rich in plant diversity with over 1,000 species, including many rare orchids and medicinal plants.
  • Conservation Significance:
    • Declared a Core Area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1986) and part of the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012).

• Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1968):
  • Location: Situated in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, in the Vindhya Hills region of central India. It lies between the Satpura and Vindhya ranges and forms part of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1968 and later included in Project Tiger in 1993.
  • Area: Covers around 448.8 square kilometers as the core area, with a buffer zone of about 820 square kilometers, together forming the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
  • Historical and Cultural Significance:
    • Named after the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to have been gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana, according to legend.The fort and ruins scattered through the park reflect its historical and archaeological importance.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Known for having one of the highest densities of tigers in India.
    • Other species include leopard, sloth bear, gaur (Indian bison), sambar, chital, nilgai, and wild boar.
    • Rich avifauna includes peacocks, eagles, parakeets, and vultures.
    • Vegetation is primarily tropical dry deciduous forest dominated by sal, dhobin, saja, and bamboo.
  • Conservation Significance:
    • A critical part of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape, maintaining genetic connectivity with other reserves like Kanha and Pench.
    • Plays a vital role in tiger conservation and eco-balance in the Vindhyan ecosystem.

• Dinosaur Fossils National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 2011)
  • This tiny park conserves important dinosaur fossil beds and unique sedimentary geology; its value is largely paleontological rather than living fauna, and it’s an educational research site.
  • Major Flora: Sparse dry deciduous / scrub (site is primarily geological).
  • Key Species: (Paleontological remains) — fossil flora/fauna significance.
  • Features: Fossil outcrops, research and education site, protected geology.

• Fossil National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1983)
  • A very small area preserving fossilized flora and fauna embedded in sedimentary rocks, important for paleontological research and interpretation.
  • Major Flora: Dry scrub around fossil beds.
  • Key Species: Fossil significance (no major living megafauna).
  • Features: Fossil beds, sedimentary geology, interpretive value.

• Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1975)
  • Pench is a mixed deciduous forest straddling Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, rich in tigers, sloth bears, deer and avifauna, with the Pench River coursing through scenic valleys.
  • Major Flora: Mixed deciduous, teak, bamboo, riparian vegetation.
  • Key Species: Tiger, sloth bear, chital, langur, many birds.
  • Features: Pench River, forested valleys, inspiration for “Jungle Book” settings.
  • Rivers: Pench River.

• Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1955)
  • Location: Situated in Mandla and Balaghat districts, in the Maikal range of the Satpuras, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1955 and later included under Project Tiger in 1973.
  • Area: Covers about 940 square kilometers as the core area of the Kanha Tiger Reserve.
  • Vegetation: Dominated by sal and mixed deciduous forests, with meadows (sondha) and grasslands supporting rich biodiversity.
  • Wildlife: Known for Royal Bengal Tiger, barasingha (swamp deer) — its state animal and flagship species — along with leopard, wild dog, gaur, and sambar.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • A successful barasingha conservation program revived the species from near extinction.
    • Serves as a model tiger reserve for scientific management and eco-restoration.
  • Recognition: Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”, representing India’s classic central highland ecosystem.

• Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 2018)
  • Location: Situated in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, near the Vindhyan Hills, forming part of the semi-arid region of central India.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 2018; earlier notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1981.
  • Area: Covers about 748 square kilometers, forming part of the Kuno Wildlife Division.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Characterized by dry deciduous forests and grasslands with species like leopard, chital, nilgai, wild boar, and jackal.
    • Over 120 species of birds and diverse reptiles inhabit the park.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Selected as the site for Project Cheetah, the reintroduction of African cheetahs to India after 70 years (launched in 2022).
    • Originally identified for Asiatic lion translocation from Gir, Gujarat.
  • Ecosystem Role:
    • Represents the Aravalli–Vindhyan landscape, vital for restoring large carnivore populations in central India.

• Madhav National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1959)
  • Madhav is a lowland park with reservoirs and mixed forests, offering habitat for sambar, spotted deer and common carnivores, as well as cultural sites and historical palaces.
  • Major Flora: Dry deciduous, reservoir-edge vegetation, riparian plants.
  • Key Species: Sambar, chital, wild boar, resident birds.
  • Features: Upper Lake, historical palaces, accessible tourism.

• Panna National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1981)
  • Location: Situated in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh, along the Vindhyan Hills, near Khajuraho.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1981 and included under Project Tiger in 1994.
  • Area: Covers around 542.7 square kilometers, forming the core of the Panna Tiger Reserve.
  • Vegetation: Comprises dry deciduous forests with teak, sal, and bamboo, interspersed with grasslands and plateaus.
  • Wildlife:
    • Home to tiger, leopard, chital, nilgai, sloth bear, and sambar.
    • The Ken River flows through the park, supporting rich aquatic biodiversity including mugger crocodiles and gharial.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Known for successful tiger reintroduction after local extinction in 2009.
    • Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2020.
  • Notable Feature:
    • Contains scenic spots like the Pandav Falls and Ken Gharial Sanctuary, adding geological and ecological value.

• Sanjay National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1981):
  • Location: Situated in the Sidhi and Singrauli districts of Madhya Pradesh, within the northern Vindhya ranges, adjoining Guru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh).
  • Established: Declared as a National Park in 1981. After the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, the park area was divided, with the Chhattisgarh portion renamed Guru Ghasidas National Park.
  • Area: Covers approximately 466.7 square kilometers.
  • Vegetation: Dominated by tropical deciduous forests with sal, teak, bamboo, and mixed hardwood species.
  • Wildlife:
    • Inhabited by tiger, leopard, wild dog (dhole), sloth bear, sambar, chital, and nilgai.
    • Also home to several bird species and reptiles, including peafowl and monitor lizards.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Part of the Central Indian tiger landscape, ensuring wildlife connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
    • Plays a vital role in maintaining the forest and watershed ecosystem of the region.

• Satpura National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1981)
  • Location: Situated in the Hoshangabad (now Narmadapuram) district of Madhya Pradesh, in the Satpura mountain range of central India.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1981; forms part of the Satpura Tiger Reserve along with Bori and Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuaries.
  • Area: Covers about 524 square kilometers, forming the core of a large contiguous forest belt.
  • Vegetation: Characterized by moist and dry deciduous forests, with sal, teak, bamboo, and tendu trees.
  • Wildlife:
    • Inhabited by tiger, leopard, sloth bear, Indian giant squirrel, wild dog, gaur, and sambar.
    • Rich birdlife, including malabar whistling thrush and crested serpent eagle.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • A crucial part of the Satpura–Maikal landscape, maintaining biodiversity and tiger movement corridors.

• Van Vihar National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1979)
  • Van Vihar in Bhopal is an urban national park combining semi-natural enclosures with natural habitats to support deer, primates and small carnivores while serving as a recreation and education area.
  • Major Flora: Urban woodland, planted trees, shrubs, lawns.
  • Key Species: Deer, small mammals, birds in semi-natural enclosures.
  • Features: Urban green lung, environmental education, walking trails.

• Chandoli National Park (Maharashtra, 2004)
  • Chandoli is a Western Ghats park with evergreen and mixed forests, reservoirs and high endemism supporting tigers, gaur, leopards and endemic amphibians in rugged terrain.
  • Major Flora: Evergreen, semi-evergreen, riparian vegetation.
  • Key Species: Tiger, gaur, leopard, endemic amphibians, birds.
  • Features: Reservoirs, Western Ghats biodiversity, steep ridges.

• Gugamal National Park (Maharashtra, 1975)
  • Part of Melghat, Gugamal protects dry deciduous forests and is part of a larger tiger landscape with tigers, sloth bears, and varied ungulates, amid tribal habitats and seasonal rivers.
  • Major Flora: Teak, dry deciduous species, scrub.
  • Key Species: Tiger, sloth bear, gaur, deer, birds.
  • Features: Part of Melghat landscape, seasonal streams, tribal settlements.

• Navegaon National Park (Maharashtra, 1975)
  • Navegaon comprises deciduous forests and a central lake.
  • It supports waterbirds, deer and occasional large carnivores, with boating and tourism around Navegaon Lake.
  • Major Flora: Dry deciduous, riparian vegetation around lake.
  • Key Species: Waterbirds, deer, occasional leopard, resident birds.
  • Rivers/Lakes: Navegaon Lake

• Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) National Park (Maharashtra, 1975)
  • Pench national park features mixed deciduous forests and river corridors with a healthy tiger population and rich avifauna along the Pench River.
  • Major Flora: Teak, mixed deciduous, bamboo, riparian vegetation.
  • Key Species: Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, deer, many bird species.
  • Rivers/Lakes: Pench River

• Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park (Maharashtra, 1983)
  • An urban protected area within Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi NP has moist deciduous forest, Kanheri caves and supports leopards, langurs and numerous birds, serving as an urban biodiversity hub.
  • Major Flora: Moist deciduous forest, teak, shrubs.
  • Key Species: Leopard, langur, small mammals and various bird species.

• Tadoba National Park (Maharashtra, 1955)
  • Tadoba is a large deciduous park with lakes and waterholes.
  • It is home for fauna like tigers, sloth bears and gaur and known for reliable wildlife sightings and dry deciduous forest tracts.
  • Major Flora: Teak, bamboo, dry deciduous forest.
  • Key Species: Bengal tiger, sloth bear, gaur, deer, birds.
  • Features: Waterholes, lakes, good safari infrastructure.
  • Rivers/Lakes: Tadoba and local seasonal water bodies.

• Keibul-Lamjao National Park (Manipur, 1977)
  • Location: Situated in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, on the southwestern part of Loktak Lake — the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1977; originally designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1966.
  • Area: Covers about 40 square kilometers, making it the only floating national park in the world.
  • Unique Feature:
    • The park is made up of “phumdis” — floating masses of soil, vegetation, and organic matter — which form the base for plants and animals.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • The last natural habitat of the Sangai or brow-antlered deer (Rucervus eldii eldii), the state animal of Manipur.
    • Also supports hog deer, wild boar, otters, and many migratory birds.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Declared a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance) in 1990 as part of the Loktak Lake ecosystem.

• Shirui (Shiroi) National Park (Manipur, 1982)
  • Shirui encompasses montane forests around the Shiroi hill and is famed for rare endemic flora such as the Shirui lily, montane birds and cloud forests.
  • Major Flora: Montane shrubs, endemic orchids (Shirui lily area).
  • Key Species: Endemic plants, montane birds, small mammals.
  • Features: Shiroi hills, high-altitude meadows, rare flora conservation.

• Balphakram National Park (Meghalaya, 1985)
  • Balphakram is a high plateau of grasslands and forests with cultural importance and species like gaur, elephant and diverse birds, featuring deep gorges and scenic highland views.
  • Major Flora: Grasslands, subtropical broadleaf forest, shrubs.
  • Key Species: Gaur, elephant (seasonal), leopard, many birds.
  • Features: Plateau grassland, gorges, sacred tribal landscapes.

• Nokrek Ridge National Park (Meghalaya, 1986)
  • Location: Situated in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, about 45 km from Tura town.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1986.
  • Area: Covers around 47.5 square kilometers, forming part of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (1988).
  • Vegetation:
    • Composed of tropical and subtropical evergreen forests with dense canopy cover.
    • Rich in rare orchids, medicinal plants, and citrus species — believed to be the origin of Citrus indica (wild orange).
  • Wildlife:
    • Home to Asian elephant, Hoolock gibbon, clouded leopard, barking deer, and Himalayan black bear.
    • Birdlife includes hornbills, pheasants, and various migratory species.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (2009) for its biodiversity and genetic resources.
    • Serves as an important catchment area for rivers like Simsang, Ganol, and Dareng.
  • Geographical Note:
    • Nokrek Peak is the highest point in the Garo Hills, offering a unique montane ecosystem within the park.

• Murlen National Park (Mizoram, 1991)
  • Murlen is a dense evergreen forest with high understorey diversity, supporting elephants (transient), clouded leopard (possible) and many birds, and contains steep hills and streams.
  • Major Flora: Evergreen forest, bamboo, understory shrubs.
  • Key Species: Possible clouded leopard, elephants (transient), birds.
  • Features: Dense evergreen tracts, high biodiversity, tribal territories.

• Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) National Park (Mizoram, 1992)
  • Phawngpui is a high plateau and cliff system with montane meadows and endemic flora, important for montane birds and rare plants.
  • Major Flora: Montane grasslands, rhododendron, endemic herbs.
  • Key Species: Montane birds, rare orchids, small mammals.
  • Features: Blue Mountain plateau, cliffs, seasonal meadows.

• Intanki National Park (Nagaland, 1993)
  • Intanki National Park near Kohima preserves evergreen, semi-evergreen forest with rich birdlife including pheasants and hornbills, and supports small carnivores and primates in hilly terrain.
  • Major Flora: Semi-evergreen and evergreen species, bamboo.
  • Key Species: Hornbills, pheasants, small carnivores, primates.
  • Features: Proximity to Kohima, birding hotspots, hill streams.

• Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha, 1988)
  • Location: Situated in the Kendrapara district of Odisha, near the Dhamra and Brahmani river deltas along the east coast of India.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1988; it was earlier part of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (1975).
  • Area: Covers about 145 square kilometers, forming the core area of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary complex.
  • Vegetation:
    • Dominated by mangrove forests, mudflats, and estuarine wetlands.
    • Second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India after the Sundarbans.
  • Wildlife:
    • Famous for the saltwater crocodile, India’s largest reptile.
    • Also home to Indian python, king cobra, monitor lizard, and spotted deer.
    • A haven for migratory and resident birds, including Asian openbill, egrets, and black ibis.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Declared a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance) in 2002.
    • Supports critical mangrove and estuarine biodiversity, essential for coastal protection and breeding of marine species.
  • Unique Feature:
    • Includes the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, the world’s largest nesting site for olive ridley sea turtles.

• Simlipal National Park (Odisha, 1980)
  • Location: Situated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, forming part of the Eastern Ghats and the Simlipal Biosphere Reserve.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1980; later included under Project Tiger in 1973 and recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009.
  • Area: Covers about 845 square kilometers, forming the core zone of the larger Simlipal Tiger Reserve (2,750 sq km).
  • Vegetation:
    • Dominated by tropical semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests, with species like sal, bamboo, and mango.
    • Contains over 1,000 species of flowering plants and several medicinal herbs.
  • Wildlife:
    • Home to Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, leopard, and sambar.
    • Notable for its melanistic (black) tigers occasionally sighted in the region.
    • Rich birdlife includes hornbills, peafowl, and crested serpent eagles.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Acts as a vital tiger and elephant habitat in eastern India.
    • Important for watershed protection of rivers like Budhabalanga and Khairi.
  • Unique Features:
    • Contains scenic Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls, among India’s highest.
    • A blend of natural beauty and tribal culture, inhabited by Santhal and Ho communities.

• Desert National Park (Rajasthan, 1992)
  • Location: Situated in the Thar Desert, spanning Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Rajasthan.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1992.
  • Area: Covers about 3,162 square kilometers, making it one of India’s largest national parks.
  • Vegetation & Landscape:
    • Characterized by sand dunes, rocky outcrops, salt lakes, and sparse desert vegetation like cacti, sewan grass, and acacia.
    • Represents the fragile ecosystem of the Indian desert.
  • Wildlife:
    • Habitat for Great Indian Bustard (critically endangered), chinkara, desert fox, blackbuck, and hedgehog.
    • Reptiles include sand boa and monitor lizards.
    • Rich in migratory and resident desert birds, such as larks, shrikes, and falcons.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Crucial for the survival of the Great Indian Bustard, one of India’s most threatened bird species.
    • Helps preserve the unique biodiversity of the arid Thar ecosystem.
  • Unique Feature:
    • Fossil evidence found here, including marine and plant fossils, indicates the area was once under the sea millions of years ago.

• Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan, 1981)
  • Location: Situated near Bharatpur in eastern Rajasthan, between the Ganga and Chambal river basins.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1981; earlier a bird sanctuary (1956) and later a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985).
  • Area: Covers about 29 square kilometers, consisting mainly of wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands.
  • Wildlife:
    • One of the world’s most famous bird sanctuaries, hosting over 370 bird species.
    • A key wintering ground for migratory birds such as Siberian crane (formerly), bar-headed goose, painted stork, and pelican.
    • Also shelters deer, nilgai, python, and monitor lizards.
  • Ecosystem:
    • The wetlands are man-made, created by diverting water from the Ajan Bund reservoir.
    • Supports a rich aquatic ecosystem vital for migratory species.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Recognized as a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance) in 1981.
    • Plays a crucial role in bird conservation and research in South Asia.
  • Unique Feature:
    • Known as the “Bird Paradise” of India and one of the best-managed national parks in the country.

• Mukundra Hills National Park (Rajasthan, 2006)
  • Mukundra Hills is a rocky, semi-arid national park with scrub and dry deciduous forest supporting leopards, nilgai and chinkara, and includes waterholes and reservoirs in a rugged terrain.
  • Major Flora: Dry deciduous scrub, thorny species, scrub grass.
  • Key Species: Leopard, nilgai, chinkara, small carnivores.
  • Features: Granite outcrops, reservoirs, rewilding efforts.
  • Rivers/Lakes: Small reservoirs and seasonal streams

• Ranthambhore National Park (Rajasthan, 1980)
  • Location: Situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, between the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1980; initially a wildlife sanctuary (1955) and later included under Project Tiger in 1973.
  • Area: Covers about 392 square kilometers, forming the core of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (1,334 sq km).
  • Vegetation:
    • Dominated by dry deciduous forests, thorn scrub, and rocky hills.
    • Main tree species include dhok, babul, and ber.
  • Wildlife:
    • Famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers, often seen in daylight.
    • Also home to leopard, sloth bear, hyena, sambar, and chital deer.
    • Rich in bird species, including peacocks, parakeets, and crested serpent eagles.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • One of India’s most successful tiger reserves, showcasing effective Project Tiger outcomes.
    • Plays a key role in maintaining the Aravalli–Vindhyan ecosystem.
  • Unique Feature:
    • The historic Ranthambhore Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) lies within the park, adding cultural and historical significance.

• Sariska National Park (Rajasthan, 1992)
  • Sariska National Park preserves Aravalli hill ecosystem with dry deciduous forests. It supports fauna like tigers, leopards and spotted deer and contains forts and heritage sites within its landscape.
  • Major Flora: Dry deciduous, scrub, acacia, riverine patches.
  • Key Species: Tiger, leopard, nilgai, chital, birds.
  • Features: Aravalli ridges, forts, dry forest conservation.

• Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim, 1977)
  • Location: Situated in North and West Sikkim districts, surrounding the world’s third-highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga (8,586 m).
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1977, got UNESCO World Heritage Site (Mixed – Natural & Cultural) designation in 2016.
  • Area: Covers about 1,784 square kilometers, making it Sikkim’s largest protected area.
  • Vegetation:
    • Ranges from subtropical forests to arctic tundra, depending on altitude.
    • Rich in rhododendrons, oaks, firs, and alpine meadows.
  • Wildlife:
    • Habitat for snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and blue sheep.
    • Over 550 bird species, including blood pheasant and satyr tragopan.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Protects the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and vital glacial systems feeding major rivers.
    • Cultural and spiritual significance for Sikkim’s Buddhist communities.
  • Unique Feature:
    • Combines sacred landscapes and rich biodiversity, representing a rare blend of nature and spirituality.

• Guindy National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1976)
  • An urban park within Chennai, Guindy preserves scrub and thorn forest with spotted deer, monitor lizards and many resident birds.
  • Major Flora: Dry scrub, thorny shrubs, planted trees.
  • Key Species: Spotted deer, blackbuck (nearby), monitor lizards, birds.

• Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1980)
  • This marine park across island banks and coral reefs is vital for dugong conservation, sea turtles and extensive coral/seagrass beds, supporting artisanal fisheries and marine biodiversity.
  • Major Flora: Seagrass beds, coral reefs, algal beds.
  • Key Species: Dugong, sea turtles, reef fishes, corals.
  • Features: Marine islands, seagrass meadows, coral shoals.

• Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1989)
  • Location: Situated in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats, in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1989; forms part of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
  • Area: Covers about 108 square kilometers, within the larger Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary (958 sq km).
  • Vegetation:
    • Includes tropical moist deciduous, evergreen, and shola forests.
    • Rich in bamboo, teak, and rosewood species.
  • Wildlife:
    • Inhabited by tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, lion-tailed macaque, and Nilgiri tahr.
    • Over 250 bird species, including great Indian hornbill and Malabar pied hornbill.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Part of the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site and crucial for watershed protection and biodiversity conservation.
  • Unique Feature:
    • Contains scenic Aliyar and Nirar dams, grassland plateaus, and rich montane habitats supporting endemic species.

• Mudumalai National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1990)
  • Mudumalai is at the tri-junction of southern forests and supports tigers, elephants, gaurs and many bird species.
  • It has links with the Bandipur and Wayanad.
  • Major Flora: Dry deciduous, teak, riparian strips, bamboo in parts.
  • Key Species: Tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, dhole, many birds.
  • Features: Moyar River, wildlife corridors, diverse terrain for safaris.
  • Rivers: Moyar River

• Mukurthi National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1990)
  • Situated in Tamil Nadu, Mukurthi conserves high-altitude shola-grassland mosaic in the Nilgiris. It is critical for the Nilgiri tahr, montane birds and endemic plants, with fragile montane streams.
  • Major Flora: Shola forests, montane grasslands, rhododendrons.
  • Key Species: Nilgiri tahr, leopard, endemic birds, amphibians.
  • Features: High plateaus, fragile montane ecosystems, watershed protection.

• Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park (Telangana, 1994)
  • A small urban park in Hyderabad, it protects lake margins and scrub forests and offers habitat for resident birds, reptiles and small mammals, functioning as an urban biodiversity refuge.
  • Major Flora: Plantation trees, scrub, aquatic plants in lake margins.
  • Key Species: Resident birds, small mammals, reptiles.
  • Features: Urban green space, boating lake, recreational & educational use.
  • Rivers/Lakes: Adjacent lake (KBR Lake)

• Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park (Telangana, 1994)
  • It is near Hyderabad. This park is known for deer herds and dry deciduous forest patches providing serene green space and wildlife sightings near urban areas.
  • Major Flora: Dry deciduous species, scrub, grassy patches.
  • Key Species: Spotted deer, blackbuck (nearby), birds, small carnivores.

• Mrugavani National Park (Telangana, 1994)
  • A small protected forest near Hyderabad offering recreation and conservation with mixed scrub and riparian vegetation supporting deer, birds and reptiles.
  • Major Flora: Dry deciduous, riparian plants, shrubs.
  • Key Species: Deer, jackal, birds, reptiles.

• Bison (Rajbari) National Park (Tripura, 2007)
  • Bison National Park in Tripura conserves tropical humid forest habitat for gaur (Indian bison), elephants and diverse birds, set in rolling hills and river valleys.
  • Major Flora: Tropical semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, bamboo groves.
  • Key Species: Gaur, elephant (transient), deer, many birds.
  • Features: Hilly forest tracts, river valleys, tribal landscapes.

• Clouded Leopard National Park (Tripura, 2007)
  • Location: Situated near Sipahijala Wildlife Sanctuary in West Tripura district, about 20 km from Agartala.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 2007 to protect the habitat of the clouded leopard and other rare species.
  • Area: Covers around 5 square kilometers, making it one of India’s smallest national parks.
  • Vegetation:
    • Characterized by moist deciduous and evergreen forests.
    • Includes bamboo, sal, and teak trees with dense undergrowth.
  • Wildlife:
    • Named after the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) — the state animal of Tripura.
    • Also home to leopards, capped langurs, barking deer, and civets.
    • Rich in birdlife and butterflies.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Plays a key role in conserving the northeastern hill forest ecosystem and endangered carnivores.
  • Unique Feature:
    • Located within the Sipahijala Biosphere Complex, which also include zoological park and botanical gardens.

• City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park (Jammu & Kashmir, 1992)
  • Location: Situated on the outskirts of Srinagar city, in Jammu & Kashmir (Union Territory), near the foothills of the Zabarwan Range.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1992, named after the renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.
  • Area: Covers only about 9 square kilometers, making it one of India’s smallest national parks.
  • Vegetation:
    • Dominated by temperate broadleaf forests, with trees like chinar, willow, deodar, and pine.
    • Features lush greenery and natural streams supporting diverse flora.
  • Wildlife:
    • Home to hangul deer (Kashmir stag), leopard, black bear, musk deer, and porcupine.
    • Hosts numerous bird species, including monal pheasant, kites, and woodpeckers.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Protects the urban forest ecosystem within Srinagar and offers a green buffer for biodiversity conservation.
  • Unique Feature:
    • Combines natural beauty and accessibility, serving as an urban biodiversity park for education and research.

• Dachigam National Park (Jammu & Kashmir, 1981)
  • Location: Situated about 22 km from Srinagar, in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, in the Zabarwan Range of the western Himalayas.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1981; originally a protected area since 1910 for the watershed of Dal Lake.
  • Area: Covers about 141 square kilometers, with elevations ranging from 1,700 m to 4,300 m.
  • Vegetation:
    • Includes alpine pastures, coniferous forests, and mixed deciduous woodlands.
    • Dominant species: deodar, oak, pine, and maple.
  • Wildlife:
    • The only natural habitat of the Hangul (Kashmir Stag) — critically endangered.
    • Also home to Himalayan black bear, leopard, musk deer, langur, and Himalayan monal.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Vital for Hangul conservation and the protection of Dal Lake’s watershed.
    • Represents Himalayan temperate and alpine ecosystems.
  • Unique Feature:
    • Divided into Upper and Lower Dachigam, with distinct landscapes, streams, and meadows offering rich ecological diversity.

• Kazinag National Park (Jammu & Kashmir, 2000)
  • Kazinag is a montane park with cliffs and alpine pastures protecting markhor, Himalayan ibex, musk deer and diverse mountain fauna.
  • It is famous for its rugged peaks and rivers.
  • Major Flora: Alpine pastures, conifers, alpine shrubs
  • Key Species: Markhor, Himalayan ibex, musk deer, snow leopard (possible)
  • Features: Rugged cliffs, alpine meadows, strategic highland biodiversity

• Kishtwar National Park (Jammu & Kashmir, 1981)
  • Kishtwar spans deep gorges and alpine meadows with mixed coniferous forests, supporting snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, musk deer and ibex, and contains important river valleys.
  • Major Flora: Conifers, alpine shrubs, subalpine vegetation
  • Key Species: Snow leopard (possible), Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, ibex
  • Features: Deep gorges, high valleys, remote and rugged terrain
  • Rivers/Lakes: Chenab tributaries

• Hemis National Park (Ladakh, 1981)
  • Location: Situated in the eastern Ladakh region of the Union Territory of Ladakh, south of the Indus River.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1981; named after the nearby Hemis Monastery.
  • Area: Covers about 4,400 square kilometers, making it India’s largest national park and one of the highest in the world (altitude 3,300–6,000 m).
  • Landscape & Vegetation:
    • Characterized by rugged mountains, rocky gorges, and cold desert terrain.
    • Sparse vegetation of dry alpine shrubs, juniper, and pasture grasses.
  • Wildlife:
    • Known as the Snow Leopard Capital of the World, with one of the highest densities of snow leopards globally.
    • Also home to Himalayan blue sheep (bharal), ibex, Tibetan wolf, red fox, and Ladakh urial.
    • Rich in high-altitude bird species like golden eagle and lammergeier.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Protects the Trans-Himalayan ecosystem and serves as a critical snow leopard habitat under Project Snow Leopard.
  • Unique Feature:
    • Only national park in India that is entirely above 3,000 meters altitude, blending spiritual heritage and Himalayan wilderness.

• Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh, 1977)
  • Location: Situated in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, along the Indo-Nepal border in the Terai region.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1977; later became part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (1988).
  • Area: Covers about 490 square kilometers, forming the core of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (1,284 sq km).
  • Vegetation:
    • Characterized by moist deciduous forests, sal trees, grasslands, and wetlands.
    • Represents the Terai ecosystem, one of the most productive habitats in India.
  • Wildlife:
    • Home to Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard, swamp deer (barasingha), elephant, and rhinoceros (reintroduced).
    • Rich in birdlife, including Bengal florican, woodpeckers, and owls.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Crucial for conserving the Terai-Bhabar ecosystem and endangered species like the swamp deer.
    • Managed under Project Tiger and Project Rhino initiatives.
  • Unique Feature:
    • One of the few parks in India where tiger and rhinoceros coexist, highlighting successful species recovery programs.

• Gangotri National Park (Uttarakhand, 1989)
  • Gangotri national park is in Uttarakhand. It was established in 1989.
  • Gangotri covers alpine to subalpine terrain around the Gangotri glacier.
  • It is home for fauna like bharal, snow leopard (rare), Himalayan monal and alpine flora, and includes glacier headwaters of the Bhagirathi.
  • Major Flora: Alpine meadows, high altitude shrubs, rhododendrons.
  • Key Species: Bharal, Himalayan monal, musk deer, occasional snow leopard
  • Features: Gangotri Glacier headwaters, alpine valleys, pilgrimage approaches.
  • Rivers/Lakes: Bhagirathi/Gangotri headwaters

• Govind National Park (Uttarakhand, 1990)
  • Govind protects high altitude meadows, dense forest and alpine pastures important for snow leopard, bharal and Himalayan tahr, and includes the Tons River tributaries and scenic valleys.
  • Major Flora: Alpine meadows, coniferous forests, rhododendron patches
  • Key Species: Snow leopard (possible), bharal, Himalayan tahr, pheasants
  • Features: Alpine pastures, Khatling glacier proximity, high biodiversity
  • Rivers: Tons River tributaries

• Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand, 1936):
  • Location: Situated in the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand, along the foothills of the Himalayas beside the Ramganga River.
  • Establishment: Founded in 1936 as Hailey National Park; renamed Jim Corbett National Park in 1957 after the famous conservationist and hunter Jim Corbett.
  • Area: Covers about 521 square kilometers, forming the core area of the Corbett Tiger Reserve (1,288 sq km).
  • Vegetation:
    • Contains sal forests, grasslands, and riverine belts.
    • Diverse flora includes bamboo, fig, and sheesham trees.
  • Wildlife:
    • Renowned for its Royal Bengal Tigers and leopards.
    • Also home to elephants, sloth bears, gharial, crocodiles, and over 600 bird species.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • India’s first national park and the launch site of Project Tiger (1973).
    • Plays a vital role in tiger conservation and maintaining Himalayan foothill biodiversity.
  • Unique Feature:
    • Combines dense forests, rivers, and grasslands with scenic views of the Himalayan ranges, symbolizing the origin of India’s wildlife conservation movement.

• Nanda Devi National Park (Uttarakhand, 1982):
  • Location: Situated in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, around the Nanda Devi Peak (7,816 m) in the Garhwal Himalayas.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1982; designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 (with the Valley of Flowers National Park).
  • Area: Covers about 630 square kilometers, forming part of the larger Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (2,236 sq km).
  • Vegetation:
    • Includes temperate, sub-alpine, and alpine vegetation zones.
    • Rich in rhododendrons, junipers, and alpine meadows.
  • Wildlife:
    • Inhabited by snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, serow, and blue sheep (bharal).
    • Over 100 bird species, including Himalayan monal and snow partridge.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • Protects one of the most pristine high-altitude ecosystems in the Himalayas.
    • Restricted access ensures minimal human disturbance and ecosystem integrity.
  • Unique Feature:
    • Enclosed by the “Nanda Devi Sanctuary,” a natural amphitheatre of high peaks, representing majestic Himalayan wilderness and spirituality.

• Rajaji National Park (Uttarakhand, 1983)
  • Rajaji is a Shivalik foothill park with riverine forests and grasslands offering habitats for elephants, tigers and leopards.
  • It includes important river corridors for wildlife movement.
  • Major Flora: Sal, mixed deciduous, riverine vegetation
  • Key Species: Asian elephant, tiger, leopard, deer, birdlife
  • Features: Ganges/Yamuna tributary corridors, Chilla range, connectivity.

• Valley of Flowers National Park (Uttarakhand, 1982)
  • World-famous alpine meadow that bursts into bloom seasonally with endemic flowers and supports Himalayan monal, musk deer and pollinators, offering stunning landscapes and high biodiversity in a short flowering window.
  • Major Flora: Alpine flowering plants, endemic herbs, meadows (Neelakurinji type blooms in some regions)
  • Key Species: Himalayan monal, musk deer, endemic flowering plants, butterflies.
  • Features: Seasonal wildflower spectacle (Jul–Aug), alpine meadows, UNESCO value (together with Nanda Devi)
  • Rivers: Streams and tributaries of Pushpawati River

• Buxa National Park (West Bengal, 1992)
  • Situated in West Bengal, it was established in 1992.
  • Buxa is a foothill park near Bhutan with subtropical and moist deciduous forests and supports fauna like elephants, gaur, leopard and hornbills.
  • Major Flora: Moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, bamboo patches.
  • Key Species: Elephant, gaur, leopard, hornbills, birds.

• Gorumara National Park (West Bengal, 1992)
  • Established in 1992. This national park is situated in West Bengal.
  • Gorumara is a Terai grassland and riverine park known historically for the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants and rich birdlife, with floodplain meadows and river channels.
  • Major Flora: Grasslands, riverine forest, alluvial vegetation
  • Key Species: One-horned rhinoceros (locally important), elephant, deer, birds
  • Features: Riverine meadows, Mahananda river floodplains, tourist access
  • Rivers: Mahananda River tributaries

• Jaldapara National Park (West Bengal, 2014)
  • Established in 2014, this is in West Bengal.
  • Jaldapara protects alluvial grasslands and riverine forests and is a major habitat for one-horned rhinoceros, elephant and swamp deer, with tall grass plains and river channels.
  • Major Flora: Tall grass (elephant grass), riverine forest, marsh vegetation.
  • Key Species: One-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, swamp deer, birds.
  • Features: Grassland conservation, ferry and river access, rhino habitat.
  • Rivers/Lakes: River Jaldhaka/tributaries and floodplains

• Neora Valley National Park (West Bengal, 1986)
  • Neora Valley preserves eastern Himalayan evergreen forest with high endemism including red panda (possible), clouded leopard with pristine valleys and rhododendron forests.
  • Major Flora: Evergreen, rhododendron, bamboo, montane vegetation.
  • Key Species: Clouded leopard (possible), red panda (possible sightings), pheasants, deer.
  • Features: Pristine eastern Himalayan valleys, high endemism, trekking potential.

• Singalila National Park (West Bengal, 1986)
  • Singalila runs along the Singalila Ridge and is famous for trekking (Sandakphu), rhododendron forests and sightings of red panda, Himalayan black bear and many alpine birds, with panoramic Himalayan views.
  • Major Flora: Montane forests, rhododendron, alpine shrubs
  • Key Species: Red panda (reports), Himalayan black bear, many alpine birds

• Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal, 1984):
  • Location: Situated in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, forming part of the Sundarbans delta created by the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.
  • Establishment: Declared as a National Park in 1984; earlier a wildlife sanctuary (1977) and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987).
  • Area: Covers about 1,330 square kilometers, forming the core of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve.
  • Vegetation:
    • Dominated by mangrove forests, including species like sundari, gewa, and keora.
    • Crisscrossed by tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands.
  • Wildlife:
    • Famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger, adapted to swimming and saline habitats.
    • Also home to saltwater crocodiles, fishing cats, estuarine turtles, and king cobras.
    • Rich in aquatic and avian species, including herons, storks, and white-bellied sea eagles.
  • Conservation Importance:
    • The only mangrove tiger habitat in the world and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1989).
    • Vital for coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation.
  • Unique Feature:
    • A dynamic land–water ecosystem where landscapes shift with tides, showcasing the resilience of nature and wildlife.

Sources:

1. https://wildlifenavigator.com/national-parks-in-india/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Corbett_National_Park

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