National Parks in India

National parks are designated areas set aside by a country’s government for the protection of natural environments and wildlife. They serve several vital functions:

Conservation:

• Preserve ecosystems: National parks safeguard diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests and towering mountains to arid deserts and vibrant coral reefs. This protection helps maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.
• Protect endangered species: Many national parks are established to safeguard endangered or threatened plants and animals, providing them with safe havens for breeding and survival.
• Prevent habitat loss: National park status restricts activities like deforestation, mining, and unsustainable development, ensuring the long-term survival of natural habitats.

How many National Parks are there in India?

There are 106 National Parks in India. These parks encompass a diverse range of landscapes and habitats, from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the lush rainforests of the Western Ghats, and are home to an incredible array of wildlife.

National Parks in India according to established year

1936:

• Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)

1955:

• Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
• Tadoba National Park (Maharashtra)

1959:

• Madhav National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

1968:

• Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

1974:

• Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
• Bandipur National Park (Karnataka)
• Bannerghatta National Park (Karnataka)

1975:

• Gir National Park (Gujarat)
• Gugamal National Park (Maharashtra)
• Navegaon National Park (Maharashtra)
• Pench National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

1976:

• Blackbuck National Park (Gujarat)
• Guindy National Park (Tamil Nadu)

1977:

• Keibul-Lamjao National Park (Manipur)
• Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim)
• Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)

1978:

• Eravikulam National Park (Kerala)

1979:

• Vansda National Park (Gujarat)
• Van Vihar National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

1980:

• Simlipal National Park (Odisha)
• Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan)
• Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (Tamil Nadu)

1981:

• Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park (Chhattisgarh)
• Dachigam National Park (Jammu & Kashmir)
• Hemis National Park (Jammu & Kashmir)
• Kishtwar National Park (Jammu & Kashmir)
• Panna National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
• Sanjay National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
• Satpura National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
• Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan)

1982:

• Indravati National Park (Chhattisgarh)
• Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)
• Marine National Park (Gujarat)
• Periyar National Park (Kerala)
• Nanda Devi National Park (Uttarakhand)
• Valley of Flowers National Park (Uttarakhand)

1983:

• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
• Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh)
• Fossil National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Maharashtra)
• Rajaji National Park (Uttarakhand)

1984:

• Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh)
• Silent Valley National Park (Kerala)
• Sunderban National Park (West Bengal)

1985:

• Balpakram National Park (Meghalaya)

1986:

• Mouling National Park (Arunachal Pradesh)
• Betla National Park (Jharkhand)
• Nokrek Ridge National Park (Meghalaya)
• Neora Valley National Park (West Bengal)
• Singalila National Park (West Bengal)

1987:

• Middle Button Island National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
• Mount Harriet National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
• North Button Island National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
• Saddle Peak National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
• South Button Island National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
• Pin Valley National Park (Himachal Pradesh)
• Anshi National Park (Karnataka)
• Kudremukh National Park (Karnataka)

1988:

• Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park (Karnataka)

1989:

• Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha)
• Sri Venkateswara National Park (Andhra Pradesh)
• Valmiki National Park (Bihar)
• Sultan National Park (Haryana)
• Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park (Tamil Nadu)
• Gangotri National Park (Uttarakhand)

1990:

• Manas National Park (Assam)
• Mudumalai National Park (Tamil Nadu)
• Mukurthi National Park (Tamil Nadu)
• Govind National Park (Uttarakhand)

1991:

• Murlen National Park (Mizoram)

1992:

• Campbell Bay National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
• Galathea Bay National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
• Mollem National Park (Goa)
• City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park (Jammu & Kashmir)
• Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park (Mizoram)
• Desert National Park (Rajasthan)
• Sariska National Park (Rajasthan)
• Buxa National Park (West Bengal)
• Gorumara National Park (West Bengal)

1993:

• Intanki National Park (Nagaland)

1994:

• Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park (Telangana)
• Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park (Telangana)
• Mrugavani National Park (Telangana)

1996:

• Rani Jhansi Marine National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

1998:

• Nameri National Park (Assam)

1999:

• Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (Assam)
• Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park (Assam)

2003:

• Kalesar National Park (Haryana)
• Anamudi Shola National Park (Kerala)
• Mathikettan Shola National Park (Kerala)
• Pampadum Shola National Park (Kerala)

2004:

• Chandoli National Park (Maharashtra)

2005:

• Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park (Andhra Pradesh)

2006:

• Mukundra Hills National Park (Rajasthan)

2007:

• Clouded Leopard National Park (Tripura)
• Bison National Park (Tripura)

2008:

• Papikonda National Park (Andhra Pradesh)

2010:

• Inderkilla National Park (Himachal Pradesh)
• Khirganga National Park (Himachal Pradesh)
• Simbalbara National Park (Himachal Pradesh)

2014:

• Jaldapara National Park (West Bengal)

National Parks in India by State

Andaman & Nicobar Islands:

• Campbell Bay National Park (1992)
• Galathea Bay National Park (1992)
• Middle Button Island National Park (1987)
• Mount Harriet National Park (1987)
• North Button Island National Park (1987)
• Rani Jhansi Marine National Park (1996)
• Saddle Peak National Park (1987)
• South Button Island National Park (1987)

Andhra Pradesh:

• Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park (1994)
• Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park (1994)
• Papikonda National Park (2008)
• Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park (2005)

Arunachal Pradesh:

• Mouling National Park (1986)
• Namdapha National Park (1983)

Assam:

• Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (1999)
• Kaziranga National Park (1974)
• Manas National Park (1990)
• Nameri National Park (1998)
• Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park (1999)

Bihar:

• Valmiki National Park (1989)

Chhattisgarh:

• Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park (1981)
• Indravati National Park (1982)
• Kanger Valley National Park (1982)

Goa:

• Mollem National Park (1992)

Gujarat:

• Blackbuck National Park (1976)
• Gir National Park (1975)
• Marine National Park (1982)
• Vansda National Park (1979)

Haryana:

• Kalesar National Park (2003)
• Sultan National Park (1989)

Himachal Pradesh:

• Great Himalayan National Park (1984)
• Inderkilla National Park (2010)
• Khirganga National Park (2010)
• Pin Valley National Park (1987)
• Simbalbara National Park (2010)

Jammu & Kashmir:

• City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park (1992)
• Dachigam National Park (1981)
• Hemis National Park (1981)
• Kishtwar National Park (1981)

Jharkhand:

• Betla National Park (1986)

Karnataka:

• Anshi National Park (1987)
• Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park (1988)
• Bandipur National Park (1974)
• Bannerghatta National Park (1974)
• Kudremukh National Park (1987)

Kerala:

• Anamudi Shola National Park (2003)
• Eravikulam National Park (1978)
• Mathikettan Shola National Park (2003)
• Pampadum Shola National Park (2003)
• Periyar National Park (1982)
• Silent Valley National Park (1984)

Madhya Pradesh:

• Bandhavgarh National Park (1968)
• Fossil National Park (1983)
• Kanha National Park (1955)
• Madhav National Park (1959)
• Navegaon National Park (1975)
• Panna National Park (1981)
• Pench National Park (1975)
• Sanjay National Park (1981)
• Satpura National Park (1981)
• Van Vihar National Park (1979)

Maharashtra:

• Chandoli National Park (2004)
• Gugamal National Park (1975)
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park (1983)
• Tadoba National Park (1955)

Meghalaya:

• Balpakram National Park (1985)
• Nokrek Ridge National Park (1986)

Mizoram:

• Murlen National Park (1991)
• Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park (1992)

Nagaland:

• Intanki National Park (1993)

Odisha:

• Bhitarkanika National Park (1988)
• Simlipal National Park (1980)

Rajasthan:

• Desert National Park (1992)
• Keoladeo Ghana National Park (1981)
• Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary (1960)
• Ranthambore National Park (1980)
• Sariska National Park (1992)

Sikkim:

• Khangchendzonga National Park (1977)

Tamil Nadu:

• Guindy National Park (1976)
• Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (1980)
• Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park (1989)
• Mudumalai National Park (1990)
• Mukurthi National Park (1990)

Telangana:

• Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park (1994)
• Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park (1994)
• Mrugavani National Park (1994)

Tripura:

• Bison National Park (2007)
• Clouded Leopard National Park (2007)

Uttar Pradesh:

• Dudhwa National Park (1977)

Uttarakhand:

• Corbett National Park (1936)
• Gangotri National Park (1989)
• Govind National Park (1990)
• Jim Corbett National Park (1936)
• Nanda Devi National Park (1982)
• Rajaji National Park (1983)
• Valley of Flowers National Park (1982)

West Bengal:

• Buxa National Park (1992)
• Gorumara National Park (1992)
• Jaldapara National Park (2014)
• Neora Valley National Park (1986)
• Singalila National Park (1986)
• Sundarbans National Park (1984)

Most famous national parks in India

1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand: India’s first national park, famous for its tiger sightings and diverse wildlife. Offers jeep safaris, elephant rides, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam: UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its one-horned rhinos, Asian elephants, and large tiger population. Offers jeep safaris and elephant rides through the lush grasslands and forests.

3. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan: Renowned for its tigers and dramatic landscapes, with ancient forts and lakes adding to the charm. Offers jeep safaris and opportunities to spot other wildlife like leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles.

4. Periyar National Park, Kerala: A picturesque park with a vast lake at its center, offering boat safaris through dense forests and scenic landscapes. Home to elephants, tigers, deer, and various bird species.

5. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh: Known for its sal forests, meadows, and abundant wildlife, including tigers, barasingha deer, chital, and wild boar. Offers jeep safaris and a chance to experience the diverse flora and fauna of central India.

6. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal: UNESCO World Heritage Site and tiger reserve located in the Ganges Delta, offering unique boat safaris through mangrove forests and opportunities to see crocodiles, dolphins, and various bird species.

7. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh: Famous for its high tiger density and picturesque landscapes with rocky hills and dense forests. Offers jeep safaris and opportunities to spot other mammals like leopards, sloth bears, and deer.

8. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka: Situated in the Western Ghats, known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, gaur, and various bird species. Offers jeep safaris, elephant rides, and trekking opportunities.

9. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra: A hidden gem with a healthy tiger population and dense forests offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Offers jeep safaris and walking safaris through varied terrain.

10. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan: UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse birdlife, including migratory species like Siberian cranes. Offers boat safaris through the wetland habitat and opportunities to spot other animals like deer, reptiles, and amphibians.

Largest National Parks in India (by Area)

Objective Questions on National Parks in India

1. Where is Nanda Devi National Park situated?
2. Where is Sundarban National Park located?
3. Where is Sultanpur National Park situated?
4. Located in Ladakh, _______ is globally famous for its Snow Leopards.
5. Bandipur National park is situated in _______.
6. Bandhavgarh National Park is located in which state?
7. The National Park that was the first tiger reserve in India is:
8. Where is Satpura National Park situated?
9. Where is Jim Corbett National Park situated?
10. Similipal National Park is located in which state?
11. Added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park is located in which state of India?
12. Kaziranga National Park is in which state?
13. The smallest National Park of India is ________.
14. As per National Wildlife Database 2019, the total number of National Parks in India is:
15. Where is Keibul Lamjao National Park situated?
16. Where is Kudremukh National Park situated?
17. The national park which is famous as the home of “Big Five” is
18. Where is Namdapha National Park situated?
19. Jim Corbett National Park was earlier known as?
20. The endangered Asiatic lions can be found in which National Park?
21. Located in which state, Pin Valley National Park is best known for the Siberian ibex?
22. Being home to 19% of India’s tiger population, _______ is called the Tiger State of India.
23. Declared a wildlife reserve in 1955, this tiger reserve is infamous for the sudden disappearance of its tigers in the 21st century. Which national park is it?
24. Where is Ranthambore National Park located?
25. Where is Kalesar National Park situated?
26. Where is Sultanpur national park situated?
27. Where is Satpura national park situated?
28. Where is Kudremukh national park situated?
29. Where is Jim Corbett national park situated?
30. Where is Keibul Lamjao national park situated?
31. Where is Bandhavgarh national park situated?
32. Where is Kalesar national park situated?
33. Where is Namdapha national park situated?

Answers

1. Uttarakhand
2. West Bengal
3. Haryana
4. Hemis National Park
5. Karnataka
6. Madhya Pradesh
7. Bandipur National Park (Karnataka)
8. Madhya Pradesh
9. Uttarakhand
10. Odisha
11. Himachal Pradesh
12. Assam
13. South Button Island National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
14. The number can vary, but as of my last knowledge update in 2022, there were 106 National Parks in India.
15. Manipur
16. Karnataka
17. Bandipur National Park (Karnataka)
18. Arunachal Pradesh
19. Hailey National Park
20. Gir National Park (Gujarat)
21. Himachal Pradesh
22. Madhya Pradesh
23. Sariska National Park (Rajasthan)
24. Rajasthan
25. Haryana
26. Haryana
27. Madhya Pradesh
28.  Karnataka
29. Uttarakhand
30. Manipur
31. Madhya Pradesh
32. Haryana
33. Arunachal Pradesh

Questions

1. Which national park in India encompasses the Sundarbans mangrove forest, the largest mangrove forest in the world?
2. Which Himalayan national park is known for its snow leopards, nicknamed the “Ghosts of the Mountains”?
3. Which national park in the Western Ghats is home to the endemic lion-tailed macaque, a critically endangered primate?
4. Which national park is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros population, a species once on the brink of extinction?
5. Which national park boasts the highest density of tigers in the world, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts?
6. Which national park in the Thar Desert is known for its diverse desert wildlife, including the Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird?
7. Which national park was established in 1936 and is considered the first national park in India?
8. Which national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its outstanding biodiversity and ecological significance?
9. Which national park has successfully implemented community-based conservation programs, empowering local communities to protect wildlife and their habitat?

10. Identify the national park known for its breathtaking landscapes, including rolling grasslands, rugged mountains, and cascading waterfalls.
11. Can you name all the states in India that boast at least one national park within their borders?

Answers

1. Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)
2. Hemis National Park (Jammu and Kashmir)
3. Anamalai Tiger Reserve (Kerala)
4. Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
5. Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan)
6. Desert National Park (Rajasthan)
7. Hailey National Park (Uttarakhand, now known as Jim Corbett National Park)
8. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (Uttarakhand)
9. Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh)
10. Valley of Flowers National Park (Uttarakhand)
11. All states and union territories in India, except Lakshadweep, have at least one national park within their borders.

Questions

1. Periyar National Park is located in which place.
2. Dachigam National Park is located in____________.
3. Hemis National Park is located in which place.
4. Valmiki National Park is located in which area.
5. Bandipur Tiger Reserve And National Park is located in___________.
6. Nagarhole National Park And Tiger Reserve is located in_______________.
7. Sundarban National Park is located in which place.
8. Kaziranga National park is located in_____________.
9. Namdapha National Park is located in ___________.
10. Manas National Park is located in which place.
11. Similipal National Park is located in_____________.
12. Tadoba Andhari National Park is located in __________________.
13. Gir National Park is located in which place.
14. Ranthambore National Park is located in___________.
15. Jim Corbett National Park is located in which place.
16. Keoladeo National Park is located in_______________.
17. Sariska National Park is located in _______________.
18. Panna National Park is located in which place.
19. Bandhavgarh National Park is located in which place.
20. Khangchendzonga National Park is located in________________.

Answers

1. Kerala
2. Jammu & Kashmir
3. Jammu & Kashmir
4. Bihar
5. Karnataka
6. Karnataka
7. West Bengal
8. Assam
9. Arunachal Pradesh
10. Assam
11. Odisha
12. Maharashtra
13. Gujarat
14. Rajasthan
15. Uttarakhand
16. Rajasthan
17. Rajasthan
18. Madhya Pradesh
19. Madhya Pradesh
20. Sikkim

Questions

1. Which national park in India is known as the “Land of One-Horned Rhinos”?
2. Which Himalayan national park is nicknamed the “Valley of Flowers”?
3. Which national park in India is home to the Asiatic lion, the last remaining population outside Africa?
4. Which national park is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
5. Which national park is located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula and is home to unique flora and fauna adapted to a coastal environment?
6. Which national park was instrumental in the successful reintroduction of the tiger in India?
7. Which national park in India is known for its Project Tiger success story, leading to a significant increase in the tiger population?
8. Which national park in India is a major breeding ground for migratory birds and is home to over 400 species?
9. Which national park in India is facing challenges due to human-wildlife conflict, particularly with elephants?
10. What is the main challenge faced by the Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird found in some Indian national parks?
11. Which national park was the first established in India and played a pioneering role in wildlife conservation?
12. Which national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its unique cultural landscape, including ancient temples and traditional villages?
13. Which national park in India is home to a tribe known for their unique hunting skills and harmonious relationship with nature?
14. How did the Chipko movement, which originated in a national park, contribute to environmental activism in India?
15. What is the significance of Project Tiger in terms of India’s conservation efforts and its impact on global tiger conservation?
16. Identify a national park based on the following description: It is located in the Western Ghats and is known for its dense evergreen forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including the endangered lion-tailed macaque.
17. Compare and contrast the conservation challenges faced by national parks in the Himalayas and those in the Thar Desert.

Answers

1. Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
2. Valley of Flowers National Park (Uttarakhand)
3. Gir National Park (Gujarat)
4. Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)
5. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (Tamil Nadu)
6. Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan)
7. Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
8. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan)
9. Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)
10. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion and infrastructure development.
11. Hailey National Park (now Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand)
12. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (Uttarakhand)
13. Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka)
14. The Chipko movement highlighted the importance of local communities in conservation and inspired non-violent resistance against environmental degradation.
15. Project Tiger significantly increased tiger numbers in India, serving as a model for tiger conservation worldwide.
16. Anamalai Tiger Reserve (Kerala)
17. Himalayan parks face challenges like climate change, habitat fragmentation, and poaching, while Thar Desert parks struggle with desertification, resource scarcity, and human-wildlife conflict.