List of National Parks in India: Origin, Objectives, Classification & More
National Parks in India play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and ensuring the long-term survival of endangered flora and fauna. In addition, these parks serve as ecological havens, free from human disturbance, allowing natural processes to continue undisturbed.
They are governed under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and classified as IUCN Category II areas. Unlike wildlife sanctuaries, National Parks have clearly demarcated boundaries and stricter regulations. Activities such as hunting, grazing, deforestation, and industrial development are strictly prohibited.
Moreover, India, being one of the 17 megadiverse countries, utilizes this extensive network of National Parks to protect its varied ecosystems—from the towering Himalayas to the lush Western Ghats and the mangrove-rich Sundarbans.
Key Facts about National Parks in India
- In the first place, no human or private activity is allowed within National Park boundaries.
- Declared by both Central and State Governments.
- India’s first National Park: Jim Corbett National Park (1936), then called Hailey National Park.
- By 1970, India had only 5 National Parks.
- Then, the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and Project Tiger marked a major shift in conservation policy.
- As of June 2025, India has 107 National Parks, covering 44,402.95 square kilometers (about 1.35% of India’s total area).
- In addition, all National Parks in India fall under IUCN Category II.
- Serve purposes of biodiversity conservation, research, education, and eco-tourism.
Origin of National Parks in India – Key Points
- The concept of national parks in India began to develop in the early 20th century due to growing concerns over deforestation, hunting, and habitat destruction. Significantly, the establishment of Jim Corbett National Park (originally Hailey National Park), in 1936 in Uttarakhand was the first national park in India, aimed at protecting the Bengal tiger and local biodiversity. This marked the beginning of formal wildlife conservation efforts in the country. After India’s independence, the number of national parks increased steadily.
- A major turning point came with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provided a legal framework to establish and manage National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves.
- Furthermore, the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment inspired global action and influenced India’s environmental policies.
- International organizations like the WWF and IUCN supported India’s conservation initiatives and policy development.
- India is also a signatory to global environmental agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which strengthened national efforts toward biodiversity conservation.
- Today, India’s 107 National Parks contribute not only to national efforts but also to global commitments like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Geographical Classification of National Parks
National Parks in India are geographically classified to reflect the country’s diverse landscapes and ecological zones. For example, the Himalayan region features parks like Nanda Devi, Great Himalayan, and Hemis, which preserve alpine and subalpine ecosystems. Meanwhile, the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, host tropical parks such as Bandipur, Silent Valley, and Periyar. Similarly, Northeast India is home to Kaziranga, Namdapha, and Manas, known for their dense forests and endemic species. In central India, dry deciduous forests and grasslands dominate parks like Kanha, Panna, and Bandhavgarh. In contrast, arid zones such as Desert and Blackbuck National Parks represent the desert and semi-arid landscapes. Finally, coastal and marine parks like Sundarbans and Gulf of Mannar conserve fragile shoreline and aquatic ecosystems. Thus, geographical classification helps in region-specific conservation planning and biodiversity protection across varied terrains.
| Geographical Region | Key Features | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Himalayan Region | Alpine and subalpine ecosystems; snow-covered terrain | – Great Himalayan NP (Himachal Pradesh) – Nanda Devi NP (Uttarakhand) – Hemis NP (Ladakh) |
| Western Ghats | Tropical and subtropical moist forests; high biodiversity | – Silent Valley NP (Kerala) – Bandipur NP (Karnataka) – Periyar NP (Kerala) |
| Northeast India | Dense forests, high rainfall; unique and endemic species | – Kaziranga NP (Assam) – Namdapha NP (Arunachal Pradesh) – Manas NP (Assam) |
| Central India | Dry deciduous forests, grasslands; known for tiger reserves | – Kanha NP, Bandhavgarh NP, Panna NP (all in Madhya Pradesh) |
| Desert & Semi-Arid Region | Arid landscapes; species adapted to dry conditions | – Ranthambore NP, Desert NP (Rajasthan) – Blackbuck NP (Gujarat) |
| Coastal & Marine Region | Coral reefs, mangroves, salt marshes; protect coastal and marine biodiversity | – Sundarbans NP (West Bengal) – Gulf of Mannar MNP (Tamil Nadu) – Mahatma Gandhi MNP (Andaman) |
Classification of National Parks Based on Ecosystem
India’s National Parks can be classified based on the dominant ecosystems they protect. To begin with, forested ecosystems like Satpura and Jim Corbett National Parks preserve dense woodlands rich in biodiversity. In contrast, wetland and riverine ecosystems—such as Kaziranga in Assam and Keoladeo in Rajasthan—support aquatic life and migratory bird populations. Additionally, grassland ecosystems like Velavadar and Ranthambore are vital for grazing species and predators adapted to open habitats. Marine and coastal ecosystems, including Sundarbans and Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park, conserve mangroves, coral reefs, and estuarine wildlife. Altogether, this ecosystem-based classification ensures that India’s diverse habitats—from rainforests to reefs—receive tailored conservation attention.
| Ecosystem Type | Key Features | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Forested Ecosystems | Dense forest cover; rich biodiversity; crucial wildlife habitats | – Jim Corbett NP (Uttarakhand) – Satpura NP (Madhya Pradesh) |
| Wetlands & Riverine Ecosystems | Focus on water bodies, migratory birds, and aquatic life | – Keoladeo NP (Rajasthan) – Kaziranga NP (Assam) |
| Grassland Ecosystems | Open grasslands; home to grazing species and ground-nesting birds | – Velavadar Blackbuck NP (Gujarat) – Ranthambore NP (Rajasthan) |
| Marine & Coastal Ecosystems | Protect marine life, coral reefs, and coastal biodiversity | – Sundarbans NP (West Bengal) – Gulf of Kutch Marine NP (Gujarat) |
Classification of National Parks Based on Species Conservation
National Parks in India are often classified based on the species they primarily aim to protect. For instance, several parks such as Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, and Kanha are designated as Tiger Reserves under Project Tiger, highlighting their role in conserving the Bengal tiger. Likewise, Periyar in Kerala and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu focus on the protection of Asian elephants, forming part of India’s Elephant Reserves. In addition, bird-rich parks like Keoladeo in Rajasthan and Bhitarkanika in Odisha are recognized for their support to migratory and wetland bird species. Moreover, parks like Raimona and Dehing Patkai also shelter rare primates like the golden langur and hoolock gibbon. Thus, species-based classification ensures targeted conservation efforts, tailored to the ecological needs of each flagship species.
| Conservation Focus | Key Features | Examples |
| Tiger Reserves | Dedicated to tiger conservation under Project Tiger | – Jim Corbett NP (Uttarakhand) – Ranthambore NP (Rajasthan) – Kanha NP (Madhya Pradesh) – Manas NP (Assam) |
| Elephant Reserves | Focus on protecting the Asian elephant and their habitats | – Periyar NP (Kerala) – Mudumalai NP (Tamil Nadu) – Dehing Patkai NP (Assam) |
| Bird Sanctuaries | Known for bird diversity, especially migratory and wetland birds | – Keoladeo NP (Rajasthan) – Bhitarkanika NP (Odisha) |
List of National Parks in India
India’s National Parks are distributed across all states and UTs, reflecting its ecological richness. In the same fashion, each state contributes to conservation efforts by protecting region-specific species.
| State / Union Territory | National Parks |
|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | ● Campbell Bay ● Galathea Bay ● Mahatma Gandhi Marine (Wandoor) ● Middle Button Island ● Mount Harriet ● North Button Island ● Rani Jhansi Marine ● Saddle Peak South ● Button Island |
| Andhra Pradesh | ● Papikonda ● Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) ● Sri Venkateswara |
| Arunachal Pradesh | ● Mouling ● Namdapha |
| Assam | ● Dibru-Saikhowa ● Kaziranga, Manas ● Nameri ● Orang ● Raimona ● Dihing Patkai ● Sikhna Jwhwlao |
| Bihar | ● Valmiki |
| Chhattisgarh | ● Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) ● Indravati (Kutru) ● Kanger Valley |
| Goa | ● Mollem |
| Gujarat | ● Vansda ● Blackbuck (Velavadar) ● Gir ● Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) |
| Haryana | ● Kalesar ● Sultanpur |
| Himachal Pradesh | ● Great Himalayan ● Inderkilla ● Khirganga ● Pin Valley ● Simbalbara |
| Jammu & Kashmir / Ladakh (UTs) | ● City Forest (Salim Ali) ● Dachigam ● Hemis (Ladakh) ● Kishtwar |
| Jharkhand | ● Betla |
| Karnataka | ● Anshi ● Bandipur ● Bannerghatta ● Kudremukh ● Nagarhole |
| Kerala | ● Anamudi Shola ● Eravikulam ● Mathikettan Shola ● Pambadum Shola ● Periyar ● Silent Valley |
| Ladakh (UT) | ● Hemis |
| Madhya Pradesh | ● Bandhavgarh ● Dinosaur Fossils ● Fossil ● Kanha ● Madhav ● Panna ● Pench ● Sanjay ● Satpura ● Van Vihar |
| Maharashtra | ● Chandoli ● Gugamal ● Navegaon ● Pench (J. Nehru) ● Sanjay Gandhi (Borivali) ● Tadoba |
| Manipur | ● Keibul-Lamjao |
| Meghalaya | ● Balphakram ● Nokrek Ridge |
| Mizoram | ● Murlen ● Phawngpui Blue ● Mountain |
| Nagaland | ● Intanki |
| Odisha | ●Bhitarkanika ● Simlipal |
| Rajasthan | ● Desert ● Keoladeo Ghana ● Mukundra Hills ● Ranthambore ● Sariska |
| Sikkim | ● Khangchendzonga |
| Tamil Nadu | ● Guindy ● Gulf of Mannar ● Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) ● Mudumalai ● Mukurthi |
| Telangana | ● Kasu Brahmananda Reddy ● Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali ● Mrugavani |
| Tripura | ● Bison (Rajbari) ● Clouded Leopard |
| Uttar Pradesh | ● Dudhwa |
| Uttarakhand | ● Gangotri ● Govind ● Jim Corbett ● Nanda Devi ● Rajaji ● Valley of Flowers |
| West Bengal | ● Buxa ● Gorumara ● Jaldapara ● Neora Valley ● Singalila ● Sundarbans |
Top 10 Largest National Parks in India
India’s vast geography hosts several large National Parks that safeguard diverse ecosystems. To begin with, Hemis National Park in Ladakh is the largest, covering around 4,400 sq km, and is renowned for its population of snow leopards. Next in size, the Desert National Park in Rajasthan spans 3,162 sq km and protects species like the Great Indian Bustard. Following that, Simlipal in Odisha and Gangotri in Uttarakhand preserve forested and alpine biodiversity respectively. Furthermore, Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is known for its rich flora and fauna, covering nearly 2,000 sq km. Khangchendzonga in Sikkim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also features among the top ten for its mixed mountain ecosystem. In addition, Guru Ghasidas National Park in Chhattisgarh and Gir in Gujarat play key roles in tiger and lion conservation respectively.
Notably, the Sundarbans protects critical mangrove habitats, and Jim Corbett, India’s first National Park, rounds off the list. Altogether, these ten parks reflect India’s commitment to conserving large, ecologically significant landscapes across regions.
| Rank | Name | Established | Area in sq km | State | Famous For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hemis National Park | 1981 | 4400 | Ladakh | Snow Leopards |
| 2 | Desert National Park | 1981 | 3162 | Rajasthan | Great Indian Bustard |
| 3 | Simlipal National Park | 1980 | 2750 | Odisha | Royal Bengal Tiger and Asian elephant |
| 4 | Gangotri National Park | 1989 | 2390 | Uttarakhand | Gaumukh Glacier |
| 5 | Namdapha National Park | 1974 | 1985.23 | Arunachal Pradesh | Flora and Fauna |
| 6 | Khangchendzonga National Park | 1977 | 1784 | Sikkim | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| 7 | Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park | 1981 | 1440.71 | Chhattisgarh | Tiger |
| 8 | Gir Forest National Park | 1965 | 1412 | Gujarat | Asiatic lion |
| 9 | Sundarbans National Park | 1984 | 1330.12 | West Bengal | UNESCO World Heritage Site, Royal Bengal Tiger |
| 10 | Jim Corbett National Park | 1936 | 1318.5 | Uttarakhand | First national park of India |
Largest and Smallest National Parks in India
India’s National Parks vary greatly in size, offering protection to diverse ecosystems. To begin with, Hemis National Park in Ladakh is the largest, spanning over 4,400 sq km, and is globally known for its population of snow leopards. In contrast, South Button Island National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the smallest, covering just 0.03 sq km. Similarly, Desert National Park in Rajasthan and Gangotri National Park in Uttarakhand are among the largest, featuring vast arid and alpine landscapes respectively. On the other hand, Fossil National Park in Madhya Pradesh and Middle Button Island NP are also among the smallest, yet they hold significant geological and ecological value. Hence, both the largest and smallest parks play crucial roles in India’s conservation strategy, regardless of their size.
| Largest National Parks in India | |||
| National Park | State/UT | Area (km2) | |
| 1 | Hemis NP (Ladakh) | UT of Ladakh | 3350 |
| 2 | Desert NP | Rajasthan | 3162 |
| 3 | Gangotri NP | Uttarakhand | 2390 |
| Smallest National Parks in India | |||
| 1 | South Button Island NP | Andaman & Nicobar | 0.03 |
| 2 | Fossil NP | Madhya Pradesh | 0.3 |
| 3 | Middle Button Island NP | Andaman & Nicobar | 0.44 |
National Parks and their famous Animals
India’s National Parks are not only biodiversity hotspots but also homes to iconic species that define the country’s rich natural heritage. For example, Kaziranga National Park is world-renowned for the one-horned rhinoceros, while Gir National Park is the only place where Asiatic lions are found in the wild. In addition, Hemis National Park in Ladakh shelters the elusive snow leopard, and Sundarbans is equally famous for its Royal Bengal tigers. Moreover, Keibul Lamjao in Manipur is unique for conserving the endangered Sangai deer on a floating lake. Together with these, several parks like Periyar and Khangchendzonga serve as vital refuges for elephants and red pandas respectively. Thus, each National Park contributes uniquely to species conservation and ecological balance across India.
| Animal/Bird | Predominant in Sanctuary/Reserve | State |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Ass | Rann of Kutch Wild Ass Sanctuary | Gujarat |
| One horned Rhinoceros | Kaziranga National Park | Assam |
| Elephants | Periyar National Park | Kerala |
| Asiatic Lions | Gir National Park | Gujarat |
| Great Indian Bustard | Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary & Desert National Park | Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan |
| Royal Bengal Tiger | Sunderbans National Park | West Bengal |
| Olive Ridley Turtle | Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary | Orissa |
| Dolphins | Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary | Bhagalpur, Bihar |
| Vulture | Ramdevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary | Karnataka |
| Bear | Daroji Bear Sanctuary | Hampi, Karnataka |
| Sangai | Keibul Lamjao National Park | Loktak Lake (Bishnupur), Manipur |
| Barasingha (Swamp deer) | Kanha National Park | Madhya Pradesh |
| Siberian cranes | Keoladeo national park | Rajasthan (Bharatpur) |
| Jerdon’s Courser | Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary | Andhra Pradesh |
| Gharial | National Chambal Sanctuary | U.P., Rajasthan, and M.P. |
| Grizzled Giant Squirrel | Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary | Virudhinagar & Madurai, Tamil Nadu |
| Clouded Leopard | Clouded Leopard National Park | Tripura |
| Snow Leopard | Hemis National Park | Ladakh |
| Hoolock Gibbon | Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary | Assam |
| Golden langur | Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary & Raimona National Park | Assam |
| Hangul (Kashmir Stag) | Dachigam Sanctuary | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Nilgiri Tahr | Eravikulam National Park | Kerala |
| Red Panda | Khangchendzonga National Park | Sikkim |
To sum up, National Parks are India’s most powerful tool in achieving ecological sustainability. Not only do they protect endangered species, but they also promote tourism, research, and local development.
In conclusion, India’s expanding list of National Parks reflects its commitment to biodiversity conservation, meeting both national goals and global environmental responsibilities.
FAQs
Ans:- As of June 2025, there are 107 national parks in India. To know the list of national parks in India, read the whole blog given above.
Ans:- The 107th national park in India is Similipal National Park located in Odisha.
Ans:- The 106th national park in India is Raimona National Park. It was added on June 5, 2021, and is located in the Bodoland Territorial Region of Assam.
Ans:- Dehing Patkai National Park is located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam and covers an area of 231.65 km2 (89.44 sq mi) rainforest.
Ans:- Recently, the Odisha government on termed Similipal as the 107th protected area of the country to be accorded national park status.
Ans:- The 57th tiger reserve in India is the Ratapani Tiger Reserve located in Madhya Pradesh. It was officially notified as a tiger reserve in December 2024, becoming the 8th tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh and the 57th in India, according to pib.gov.in.