Tiger Reserves in India: State-Wise List and Established Dates 

As of 2025, India proudly shelters 58 Tiger Reserves in India, together covering nearly 2.3% of the nation’s land area. Among them, Madhya Pradesh leads with nine reserves, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka. The largest tiger reserve in the country is Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam, spreading across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, while Bor Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is the smallest. Hence , these reserves form the backbone of India’s wildlife conservation network, protecting one of the planet’s most iconic species the Bengal tiger.

Understanding Tiger Reserves in India

Tiger Reserves in India are specially protected areas created under Project Tiger to ensure the survival of tigers in their natural habitats. These reserves often overlap with existing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. For instance, Kaziranga National Park in Assam and Sariska in Rajasthan are both national parks and tiger reserves.

Additionally, each reserve includes a core zone where human activity is prohibited and a buffer zone where sustainable use is allowed. Hence , this dual-zone model ensures that conservation and community coexist effectively.

Project Tiger: The Foundation of Tiger Conservation

The journey of India’s tiger reserves began with the launch of Project Tiger in 1973. The program aimed to protect Bengal tigers and restore their habitats. The first reserve established under this initiative was Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.

Over time, the project expanded significantly, now covering 58 reserves. In 2023-24, Project Tiger merged with Project Elephant, forming a combined initiative called Project Tiger & Elephant. Hence, this integration has made conservation more coordinated and resource-efficient, safeguarding both tigers and elephants under one framework.

Tiger Population in India 2025

By 2025, India’s tiger population has reached 3,682, accounting for nearly 75% of the global tiger population. This growth showcases India’s unwavering commitment to wildlife protection. States like Madhya Pradesh (785 tigers), Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444) host the highest numbers. Moreover , these numbers also reflect healthier ecosystems and stronger conservation efforts.

58th Tiger Reserve in India: Madhav Tiger Reserve

The latest addition to the list of Tiger Reserves in India is the Madhav Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, which was declared in 2025. With this, Madhya Pradesh has strengthened its position as the “Tiger State of India.” The reserve adds to the growing network that ensures tigers have enough space and resources to thrive.

Other Recent Additions to Tiger Reserves in India

• 57th Tiger Reserve – Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh):
  Declared in 2024, Ratapani covers 1,271 sq. km and is known for its dense teak forests and rich wildlife diversity.
  
• 56th Tiger Reserve – Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingla (Chhattisgarh):
  Also declared in 2024, this reserve serves as a crucial wildlife corridor between Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, improving genetic diversity among tiger populations.
  

State-Wise List of Tiger Reserves in India (2025)

S No.	Tiger Reserves in India	State/UT	Location	Year	Total Area (sq km)
1	Bandipur Tiger Reserve	Karnataka	Western Ghats	1974	914.02
2	Corbett Tiger Reserve	Uttarakhand	Himalayan Foothills	1973	1,288.31
3	Kanha Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Central India	1974	2,051.79
4	Manas Tiger Reserve	Assam	Eastern Himalayas	1973	2,837.10
5	Melghat Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra	Satpura Range	1974	2,768.52
6	Palamu Tiger Reserve	Jharkhand	Chota Nagpur Plateau	1973	1,129.93
7	Ranthambore Tiger Reserve	Rajasthan	Aravalli Range	1973	1,411.29
8	Simlipal Tiger Reserve	Odisha	Eastern Ghats	1973	2,750.00
9	Sunderban Tiger Reserve	West Bengal	Sundarbans	1984	2,584.89
10	Periyar Tiger Reserve	Kerala	Western Ghats	1978	925
11	Sariska Tiger Reserve	Rajasthan	Aravalli Range	1978	1,213.34
12	Buxa Tiger Reserve	West Bengal	Eastern Himalayas	1983	757.9
13	Indravati Tiger Reserve	Chhattisgarh	Bastar Plateau	1982	2,799.07
14	Namdapha Tiger Reserve	Arunachal Pradesh	Eastern Himalayas	1983	2,052.82
15	Nagarjunsagar Tiger Reserve	Telangana	Deccan Plateau	1983	3,296.31
16	Dudhwa Tiger Reserve	Uttar Pradesh	Terai	1987	2,201.77
17	Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve	Tamil Nadu	Western Ghats	1988	1,601.54
18	Valmiki Tiger Reserve	Bihar	Gangetic Plains	1990	899.38
19	Pench Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Satpura Range	1992	1,179.63
20	Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra	Central India	1993	1,727.59
21	Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Central India	1993	1,536.93
22	Panna Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Central India	1994	1,598.10
23	Dampa Tiger Reserve	Mizoram	Mizo Hills	1994	988
24	Bhadra Tiger Reserve	Karnataka	Western Ghats	1998	1,064.29
25	Pench Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra	Satpura Range	1999	741.22
26	Pakke Tiger Reserve	Arunachal Pradesh	Eastern Himalayas	2002	1,198.45
27	Nameri Tiger Reserve	Assam	Eastern Himalayas	1999	464
28	Satpura Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Central India	1999	2,133.31
29	Anamalai Tiger Reserve	Tamil Nadu	Western Ghats	2008	1,479.87
30	Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve	Chhattisgarh	Maikal Hills	2008	1,842.54
31	Satkosia Tiger Reserve	Odisha	Eastern Ghats	2007	963.87
32	Kaziranga Tiger Reserve	Assam	Eastern Himalayas	2007	1,173.58
33	Achanakmar Tiger Reserve	Chhattisgarh	Maikal Hills	2009	914.02
34	Kali Tiger Reserve	Karnataka	Western Ghats	2010	1,097.51
35	Sanjay Dhubri Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Central India	2011	1,674.50
36	Mudumalai Tiger Reserve	Tamil Nadu	Western Ghats	2012	688.59
37	Nagarhole Tiger Reserve	Karnataka	Western Ghats	2012	1,205.76
38	Parambikulam Tiger Reserve	Kerala	Western Ghats	2010	643.66
49	Sahyadri Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra	Western Ghats	2009	1,165.57
40	Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve	Karnataka	Western Ghats	2010	574.82
41	Kawal Tiger Reserve	Telangana	Deccan Plateau	2012	2,015.44
42	Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve	Tamil Nadu	Western Ghats	2013	1,408.40
43	Mukundara Tiger Reserve	Rajasthan	Aravalli Range	2013	759.99
44	Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra	Central India	2013	1,894.94
45	Amrabad Tiger Reserve	Telangana	Deccan Plateau	2014	2,611.39
46	Pilibhit Tiger Reserve	Uttar Pradesh	Terai	2014	730.25
47	Bor Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra	Central India	2014	816.27
48	Rajaji Tiger Reserve	Uttarakhand	Shivalik Range	2015	1,075.17
49	Orang Tiger Reserve	Assam	Eastern Himalayas	2016	492.46
50	Kamlang Tiger Reserve	Arunachal Pradesh	Eastern Himalayas	2017	783
51	Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve	Tamil Nadu	Western Ghats	2021	1,016.57
52	Ramgarh Tiger Reserve	Rajasthan	Aravalli Range	2022	1501.8921
53	Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve	Chhattisgarh	Maikal Hills	2023	2,048
54	Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Central India	2023	1414.28
55	Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve	Rajasthan	Aravali Range	2023	599.64
56	Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve	Chhattisgarh	–	2024	2,829.38
57	Ratapani Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	–	2024	1,271.4
58	Madhav Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Gwalior-Chambal region	2025	1,751

State-Wise Tiger Reserves in India 2025

India has 58 tiger reserves spread across 18 states, which are established to protect the endangered Bengal tiger and its habitat. Each reserve is part of Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation program launched in 1973 to promote tiger population recovery and habitat conservation.

Tiger Reserves	State	Year	Area
Andhra Pradesh	Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve	1982-1983	3296.31
Arunachal Pradesh	Pakke Tiger Reserve	1999-2000	1198.45
	Namdapha Tiger Reserve	1982- 1983	2052.82
	Kamlang Tiger Reserve	2016-2017	783
Assam	Orang Tiger Reserve	2016	492.46
	Nameri Tiger Reserve	1999-2000	464
	Manas Tiger Reserve	1973-1974	2837.1
	Kaziranga Tiger Reserve	2008-2009	1173.58
Bihar	Valmiki Tiger Reserve	1989-1990	899.38
Chhattisgarh	Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve	2008-2009	1842.54
	Indravati Tiger Reserve	1982-1983	2799.07
	Achanakmar Tiger Reserve	2008-2009	914.01
	Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve	2024	2,829.38
Jharkhand	Palamau Tiger Reserve	1973-1974	1129.93
Karnataka	Nagarahole Tiger Reserve	2008-2009	1205.76
	Dandeli-Anshi (Kali) Tiger Reserve	2008-2009	1097.51
	Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve	2010-2011	574.82
	Bhadra Tiger Reserve	1994-1995	1064.29
	Bandipur Tiger Reserve	1973-1974	1456.3
Kerala	Periyar Tiger Reserve	1978-1979	925
	Parambikulam Tiger Reserve	2008-2009	643.66
Madhya Pradesh	Satpura Tiger Reserve	1999-2000	2133.3
	Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve	2008-2009	1674.5
	Pench Tiger Reserve	1992-1993	1179.63
	Panna Tiger Reserve	1993-1994	1598.1
	Kanha Tiger Reserve	1973-1974	2051.79
	Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve	1993-1994	1536.93
	Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve	2023	1414.006
	Ratapani Tiger Reserve	2024	1,271.4
	Madhav Tiger Reserve	2025	1,751
Maharashtra	Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve	1993-1994	1727.59
	Sahyadri Tiger Reserve	2009-2010	1165.57
	Pench Tiger Reserve	1998-1999	741.22
	Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve	2013-2014	1894.94
	Melghat Tiger Reserve	1973-1974	2768.52
	Bor Tiger Reserve	2014	816.27
Mizoram	Dampa Tiger Reserve	1994-1995	988
Odisha	Similipal Tiger Reserve	1973-1974	2750
	Satkosia Tiger Reserve	2008-2009	963.87
Rajasthan	Sariska Tiger Reserve	1978-1979	1213.34
	Ranthambore Tiger Reserve	1973-1974	1411.29
	Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve	2022	1501.89
	Mukandra Hills Tiger Reserve	2013-2014	759.99
Tamil Nadu	Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve	2020-2021	1016.57
	Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve	2013-2014	1408.4
	Mudumalai Tiger Reserve	2008-2009	688.59
	Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve	1988-1989	1601.54
	Anamalai Tiger Reserve	2008-2009	1479.87
Telangana	Kawal Tiger Reserve	2012-2013	2015.44
	Amrabad Tiger Reserve	2014-2015	2611.39
Uttar Pradesh	Ranipur Tiger Reserve	2022-2023	529.36
	Pilibhit Tiger Reserve	2014	730.25
	Dudhwa Tiger Reserve	1987-1988	2201.77
Uttarakhand	Rajaji Tiger Reserve	2015	1075.17
	Corbett Tiger Reserve	1973-1974	1288.31
West Bengal	Sunderbans Tiger Reserve	1973-1974	2584.89
	Buxa Tiger Reserve	1982-1983	757.9

Top 10 Largest Tiger Reserves in India (2025)

1. Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (3296.31 sq. km)

• Nagarjunsagar Tiger Reserve is among India’s biggest tiger reserves.

• It stretches across five districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, mainly covering the scenic Nallamala Hills.

• Within this reserve, there are two significant multipurpose reservoirs Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar.

• These picturesque landscapes are home to diverse wildlife including Bengal tigers, leopards, pangolins, and Indian rock pythons.

2. Manas National Park (3150.92 sq. km)

• Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam, Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• It holds multiple titles Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, and National Park.

• It shelters rare and endangered wildlife such as the One-horned Rhinoceros, Asiatic Elephant, Indian Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon, and Barking Deer.

• Manas is often described as a wildlife wonderland for its unique blend of beauty and biodiversity.

3. Melghat Tiger Reserve (2768.52 sq. km)

• Situated in central India, on the southern Satpura Hill Range (Gavilgarh Hills) in Maharashtra.

• This reserve is a crucial habitat for tigers and a stronghold for biodiversity in the region.

• It serves as an important catchment area for five major rivers, making it vital for water conservation and wildlife sustenance.

4. Similipal National Park (2750 sq. km)

• Located in Odisha, Similipal National Park is both a national park and a tiger reserve.

• It is home to a rich variety of plants and animals, surrounded by lush forests and scenic waterfalls.

• The Royal Bengal Tigers roam freely here, making it a true paradise for wildlife lovers.

5. Amrabad Tiger Reserve (2611.39 sq. km)

• Found in the Nallamala Hills of Telangana, Amrabad Tiger Reserve is home to the Chenchu tribe.

• The reserve hosts over 70 species of mammals, 300 bird species, 60 reptiles, and countless insects.

• Its ecosystem relies on more than 600 plant species.

• Prominent species include Bengal Tigers, leopards, rusty-spotted cats, pangolins, Mugger Croco

6. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (2584.89 sq. km)

• The Sundarbans, the world’s largest delta, stretches across India and Bangladesh.
• In India, the Sundarbans National Park lies in southern West Bengal and is known for its dense Sundari trees.
• It’s home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, adapted to the mangrove habitat.
• The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its critical role in tiger conservation under Project Tiger.

7. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (2201.77 sq. km)

• Located along the India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh, covering Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich districts.

• The reserve features forests, grasslands, and wetlands, making it a diverse habitat.

• It’s home to birds, reptiles, one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, and numerous other species.

• Uniquely, it is the only place in Uttar Pradesh where both tigers and rhinos coexist in the wild.

8. Satpura Tiger Reserve (2133.30 sq. km)

• Found in Madhya Pradesh, south of the Narmada River.

• This reserve boasts a diverse range of species including leopards, sambar deer, nilgai, four-horned antelope, bears, foxes, porcupines, and giant squirrels.

• Its varied landscape of hills, valleys, and plateaus creates a rich biodiversity hotspot.

9. Namdapha Tiger Reserve (2052.82 sq. km)

• Located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

• It’s the only park in the world that houses four big cat species , Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard.

• Apart from these, the reserve is also home to several smaller wildcats and rare Himalayan fauna, making it ecologically significant.

10. Kanha Tiger Reserve (2051.79 sq. km)

• Established as a National Park in 1955 and declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973, Kanha lies in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh.

• The park shelters Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards, Sloth Bears, Barasingha Deer, and Indian Wild Dogs.

• Kanha’s lush meadows and sal forests have inspired several wildlife conservation efforts and literary works, including Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.

Hence , these vast landscapes not only protect tigers but also sustain entire ecosystems, supporting countless species of flora and fauna.

Objectives of Tiger Reserves in India

• First , conservation of Bengal Tigers through habitat protection and scientific monitoring.
  
• Second , the preservation of biodiversity, ensuring balanced ecosystems.
  
• Third , core and Buffer Management, maintaining spaces for wildlife and sustainable human use.
  
• Fifth , the promotion of Ecotourism to generate awareness and local livelihood opportunities.
  
• Lastly , a legal Protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, ensures strict action against poaching and illegal encroachment.
  

Important Schemes Supporting Tiger Reserves in India

Several landmark initiatives have strengthened tiger conservation and habitat protection across the country. The following are the most significant schemes and programs supporting Tiger Reserves in India:

• Project Tiger (1973):
  This flagship program was launched to protect Bengal tigers and their habitats. It introduced the core-buffer strategy, ensuring undisturbed breeding zones (core) and sustainable human use (buffer) around Tiger Reserves in India.
  
• Tiger Census (All-India Tiger Estimation):
  Conducted every four years by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), this census monitors tiger population trends, habitat health, and prey availability.
  
• M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status): It was introduced in 2010, this software-based tool helps forest staff track patrol routes, record sightings, and monitor habitats effectively within Tiger Reserves in India.
  
• St. Petersburg Declaration (2010) : It is signed by 13 tiger range countries, including India, this global commitment known as the TX2 Goal aimed to double the world’s wild tiger population by 2022. Hence , India played a leading role in achieving this milestone.
  
• CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority):
  This fund supports habitat improvement, forest restoration, and compensatory afforestation activities around Tiger Reserves in India to offset development-related losses.
  
• Eco-Development Program:
  This initiative promotes community participation in tiger conservation by providing alternative livelihoods, reducing dependency on forest resources, and creating harmony between people and wildlife.
  
• Project Tiger & Elephant Integration (2023-24): Lastly , it is the recent merger of Project Tiger and Project Elephant ensures better coordination, shared funding, and integrated protection for both species across overlapping landscapes.

Legal Framework and Administration

All Tiger Reserves in India are governed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Moreover,this authority advises state governments on declaring tiger reserves and manages the coordination between central and state agencies. Each reserve also designates Critical Tiger Habitats (CTH) to provide undisturbed zones for breeding and conservation.

Conclusion

The network of Tiger Reserves in India represents one of the world’s most successful wildlife conservation stories. From just nine reserves in 1973 to 58 in 2025, India has shown that development and conservation can progress hand-in-hand. These reserves not only protect tigers but also preserve the ecological balance that sustains millions of lives across the subcontinent. Hence , as India moves forward, the continued protection of these majestic animals remains a powerful symbol of the nation’s environmental responsibility.

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