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National Parks In India

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National Parks India

There are 106 National Parks in India 2023 which cover an area of over 40,500 square kilometers. 

About National Parks 

National parks are protected areas of land and water that are managed by a government or other authorized organization. National parks typically have strict regulations regarding human activities such as hunting, logging, and mining to preserve the natural ecosystem.

Interesting Facts About National Parks in India 2023
Number of national parks 106
Total land area 40,501.08 square kilometers
Oldest national park Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936
Smallest national park South Button Island National Park, covering an area of just 0.03 square kilometers
Largest national park Hemis National Park, covering an area of 4,400 square kilometers
Highest national park Namdapha National Park, with an altitude ranging from 200 meters to over 4,500 meters
Home to the Indian rhinoceros Kaziranga National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam
Home to the Bengal tiger Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh and Corbett in Uttarakhand
Home to the Asiatic lion Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat
UNESCO World Heritage Sites There are 12 national parks in India that are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites

History

The first national park in india is Hailey National Park which was established in 1936 (present-day in Uttarakhand). The park was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in 1957 after the famous British-Indian conservationist and author, Jim Corbett.

Some other national parks were also established including Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh (1955), Bandipur National Park in Karnataka (1974), and Periyar National Park in Kerala (1982).

The Indian government also introduced several laws and policies to protect the ‘s wildlife and their habitats.
In 1972, the Wildlife Protection Act was enacted to regulate hunting and poaching and to establish protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries etc.

Flora and Fauna of national parks in India

National Park Flora Fauna
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand Sal, Rohini, Haldu, Bel, Chbilla, Kuthber, Kharpat, Khair, and Bamboo forests Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, leopard, sloth bear, Indian python, Himalayan black bear, Sambar deer, and several species of birds
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh Sal forests, grasslands, and bamboo forests Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, Indian wild dog, Barasingha deer, Sloth bear, Indian gaur, and several species of birds
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh Sal and bamboo forests, grasslands, and wetlands Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, Indian wild dog, Sloth bear, Indian gaur, Sambar deer, and several species of birds
Periyar National Park, Kerala Tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, and grasslands Indian elephant, Indian bison, Bengal tiger, leopard, Indian wild dog, Sambar deer, and several species of birds
Kaziranga National Park, Assam Tall elephant grass, tropical forests, and wetlands Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, Indian wild water buffalo, swamp deer, and several species of birds
Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal Mangrove forests, tidal creeks, and mudflats Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, Indian python, Irrawaddy dolphin, and several species of birds and reptiles

List of National Parks of India

S.No. State (number of NPs) Name of State/ Protected Area Year Area (km2)
1 Andaman & Nicobar Islands (9) 1.      Campbell Bay NP 1992 426.23
2 2.      Galathea Bay NP 1992 110
3 3.      Mahatama Gandhi Marine (Wandoor) NP 1983 281.5
4 4.      Middle Button Island NP 1987 0.44
5 5.      Mount Harriett NP 1987 46.62
6 6.      North Button Island NP 1987 0.44
7 7.      Rani Jhansi Marine NP 1996 256.14
8 8.      Saddle Peak NP 1987 32.54
9 9.      South Button Island NP 1987 0.03
10 Andhra Pradesh (3) 1.      Papikonda NP 2008 1013
11 2.      Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) NP 2005 2.4
12 3.      Sri Venkateswara NP 1989 353.6
13 Arunachal Pradesh (2) 1.      Mouling NP 1986 483
14 2.      Namdapha NP 1983 1808
15 Assam (7) 1.      Dibru-Saikhowa NP 1999 340
16 2.      Kaziranga NP 1974 859
17 3.      Manas NP 1990 500
18 4.      Nameri NP 1998 200
19 5.      Rajiv Gandhi Orang NP 1999 78.81
20 6.      Raimona NP 2021 422
21 7.      Dihing Patkai NP 2021 234
22 Bihar (1) 1.      Valmiki NP 1989 335.65
23 Chhattisgarh (3) 1.      Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) NP 1981 1440.7
24 2.      Indravati (Kutru) NP 1982 1258.4
25 3.      Kanger Valley NP 1982 200
26 Goa (1) 1.      Mollem NP 1992 107
27 Gujarat (4) 1.      Vansda NP 1979 23.99
28 2.      Blackbuck (Velavadar) NP 1976 34.53
29 3.      Gir NP 1975 258.71
30 4.      Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) NP 1982 162.89
31 Haryana (2) 1.      Kalesar NP 2003 46.82
32 2.      Sultanpur NP 1989 1.43
33 Himachal Pradesh (5) 1.      Great Himalayan NP 1984 754.4
34 2.      Inderkilla NP 2010 104
35 3.      Khirganga NP 2010 710
36 4.      Pin Valley NP 1987 675
37 5.      Simbalbara NP 2010 27.88
38 UT of Jammu & Kashmir (3)UT of Ladakh (1) 1.      City Forest (Salim Ali) NP (J&K) 1992 9
39 2.      Dachigam NP (J&K) 1981 141
40 3.      Hemis NP (Ladakh) 1981 3350
41 4.      Kishtwar NP (J&K) 1981 425
42 Jharkhand (1) 1.      Betla NP 1986 226.33
43 Karnataka (5) 1.      Anshi NP 1987 417.34
44 2.      Bandipur NP 1974 874.2
45 3.      Bannerghatta NP 1974 260.51
46 4.      Kudremukh NP 1987 600.32
47 5.      Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) NP 1988 643.39
48 Kerala (6) 1.      Anamudi Shola NP 2003 7.5
49 2.      Eravikulam NP 1978 97
50 3.      Mathikettan Shola NP 2003 12.82
51 4.      Pambadum Shola NP 2003 1.318
52 5.      Periyar NP 1982 350
53 6.      Silent Valley NP 1984 89.52
54 Madhya Pradesh (10) 1.      Bandhavgarh NP 1968 448.85
55 2.      Dinosaur Fossils NP 2011 0.8974
56 3.      Fossil NP 1983 0.27
57 4.      Indira Priyadarshini Pench NP 1975 292.85
58 5.      Kanha NP 1955 940
59 6.      Madhav NP 1959 375.22
60 7.      Panna NP 1981 542.67
61 8.      Sanjay NP 1981 466.88
62 9.      Satpura NP 1981 585.17
63 10.   Van Vihar NP 1979 4.45
64 Maharashtra (6) 1.      Chandoli NP 2004 317.67
65 2.      Gugamal NP 1975 361.28
66 3.      Nawegaon NP 1975 133.88
67 4.      Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) NP 1975 257.26
68 5.      Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) NP 1983 86.96
69 6.      Tadoba NP 1955 116.55
70 Manipur (1) 1.      Keibul-Lamjao NP (in Loktak Lake) 1977 40
71 Meghalaya (2) 1.      Balphakram NP 1985 220
72 2.      Nokrek Ridge NP 1986 47.48
73 Mizoram (2) 1.      Murlen NP 1991 100
74 2.      Phawngpui Blue Mountain NP 1992 50
75 Nagaland (1) 1.      Intanki NP 1993 202.02
76 Odisha (2) 1.      Bhitarkanika NP 1988 145
77 2.      Simlipal NP 1980 845.7
78 Rajasthan (5) 1.      Desert NP 1992 3162
79 2.      Keoladeo Ghana NP 1981 28.73
80 3.      Mukundra Hills NP 2006 200.54
81 4.      Ranthambhore NP 1980 282
82 5.      Sariska NP 1992 273.8
83 Sikkim (1) 1.      Khangchendzonga NP 1977 1784
84 Tamil Nadu (5) 1.      Guindy NP 1976 2.82
85 2.      Gulf of Mannar Marine NP 1980 6.23
86 3.      Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) NP 1989 117.1
87 4.      Mudumalai NP 1990 103.23
88 5.      Mukurthi NP 1990 78.46
89 Telangana (3) 1.      Kasu Brahmananda Reddy NP 1994 1.43
90 2.      Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali NP 1994 14.59
91 3.      Mrugavani NP 1994 3.6
92 Tripura (2) 1.      Clouded Leopard NP 2007 5.08
93 2.      Bison (Rajbari) NP 2007 31.63
94 Uttar Pradesh (1) 1.      Dudhwa NP 1977 490
95 Uttarakhand (6) 1.      Corbett NP 1936 520.82
96 2.      Gangotri NP 1989 2390.02
97 3.      Govind NP 1990 472.08
98 4.      Nanda Devi NP 1982 624.6
99 5.      Rajaji NP 1983 820
100 6.      Valley of Flowers NP 1982 87.5
101 West Bengal (6) 1.      Buxa NP 1992 117.1
102 2.      Gorumara NP 1992 79.45
103 3.      Jaldapara NP 2014 216.51
104 4.      Neora Valley NP 1986 159.89
105 5.      Singalila NP 1986 78.6
106 6.      Sunderban NP 1984 1330.1

 

Top 30 Largest National Parks table in india in terms of area

National Park State Area (in sq km)
Hemis National Park Jammu and Kashmir 4,400
Desert National Park Rajasthan 3,162
Sundarbans National Park West Bengal 1,330
Gir National Park Gujarat 1,412
Sariska National Park Rajasthan 800
Bandhavgarh National Park Madhya Pradesh 820
Nagarhole National Park Karnataka 643
Silent Valley National Park Kerala 237
Bandipur National Park Karnataka 874
Mudumalai National Park Tamil Nadu 321
Simlipal National Park Odisha 2,750
Indravati National Park Chhattisgarh 2,884
Palamau National Park Jharkhand 1,027
Kanha National Park Madhya Pradesh 940
Betla National Park Jharkhand 1,026
Satpura National Park Madhya Pradesh 524
Anshi National Park Karnataka 340
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Karnataka 834
Valmiki National Park Bihar 335
Bhitarkanika National Park Odisha 145
Pench National Park Madhya Pradesh/Maharashtra 758
Great Himalayan National Park Himachal Pradesh 1,171
Nameri National Park Assam 200
Simbalbara National Park Himachal Pradesh 27
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Maharashtra 625
Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary Telangana 839
Panna National Park Madhya Pradesh 542
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Karnataka 492
Kudremukh National Park Karnataka 600
Rajaji National Park Uttarakhand 820

 

Descending order of States in terms of the number of National Parks

Rank State No. of NPs
1 Madhya Pradesh 10
2 Andaman & Nicobar 9
3 Assam 7
4 Kerala 6
5 Maharashtra 6
6 Uttarakhand 6
7 West Bengal 6
8 Himachal Pradesh 5
9 Karnataka 5
10 Rajasthan 5
11 Tamil Nadu 5
12 Gujarat 4
13 J&K UT + Ladakh UT 4
14 Andhra Pradesh 3
15 Chhattisgarh 3
16 Telangana 3
17 Arunachal Pradesh 2
18 Haryana 2
19 Meghalaya 2
20 Mizoram 2
21 Odisha 2
22 Tripura 2
23 Bihar 1
24 Goa 1
25 Jharkhand 1
26 Manipur 1
27 Nagaland 1
28 Sikkim 1
29 Uttar Pradesh 1

 

List of Oldest National Parks in India

National Park State Year of Establishment
Hailey National Park (now Jim Corbett National Park) Uttarakhand 1936
Kaziranga National Park Assam 1908
Kanha National Park Madhya Pradesh 1955
Mudumalai National Park Tamil Nadu 1940
Gir Forest National Park Gujarat 1965
Sariska National Park Rajasthan 1955
Bandhavgarh National Park Madhya Pradesh 1968
Silent Valley National Park Kerala 1984
Bandipur National Park Karnataka 1974
Nagarhole National Park Karnataka 1988

 

Tips

Here are some tips to keep in mind before visiting the national park:

  • Check the weather forecast: Weather conditions can change rapidly in national parks. It is important to check the forecast before you go. Be prepared for any type of weather, and bring appropriate clothing and gear.
  • Plan your route: National parks are vast, and it’s important to plan your route in advance. Familiarize yourself with the park’s trails and facilities, and bring a map or GPS device with you.
  • Stay on designated trails: It’s important to stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the natural environment. Don’t take shortcuts or create new trails, as this can cause erosion and harm to plant and animal life.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks: It’s important to stay hydrated and energized while hiking or exploring national parks. Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy levels up.
  • Be prepared for emergencies: Bring a first-aid kit, and know how to use it. It’s also a good idea to bring a whistle, a flashlight, and a mobile with you, in case of emergencies.
  • Respect wildlife: National parks are home to a wide range of wildlife, and it’s important to respect their space. Don’t approach or feed wild animals, and keep a safe distance at all times.
  • Pack out what you pack in: National parks are beautiful natural environments that we must preserve. Bring a trash bag and make sure to pack out all your trash and litter.
  • Leave No Trace: Practice the Leave No Trace principles, which means leaving the environment exactly as you found it. Don’t disturb natural features, and don’t leave any marks or traces of your visit.

Some Faqs about national parks in India

  1. What is a national park?

    A national park is a protected area that is established by the government to conserve the natural habitat and biodiversity of a specific region.

  2. How many national parks are there in India?

    106 national parks in India.

  3. What is the purpose of national parks in India?

    The purpose of national parks in India is to conserve and protect the natural habitat and biodiversity of a specific region.

  4. Can visitors go on a safari in Indian national parks?

    Yes, visitors can go on a safari or jeep in many of the national parks in India.

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