National Parks in India

National Parks are designated areas established by government authorities to safeguard and conserve natural ecosystems. They are subject to stricter regulations than wildlife sanctuaries and have clearly defined boundaries. The primary goal of a national park is to preserve the natural environment and promote biodiversity conservation. These areas prohibit certain human activities and provide protection to various wildlife species.

Within a National Park, certain activities are not allowed:

1. Human activities are restricted.

2. Grazing of livestock and private land use rights are prohibited.

3. Hunting or capturing of species listed in the Wildlife Act's Schedules is forbidden.

4. Destruction, removal, or exploitation of wildlife or their habitats is strictly prohibited.

National Parks cannot be reclassified as 'sanctuaries', signifying their higher level of protection.

The process of declaring a National Park involves both Central and State governments. Alterations to National Park boundaries can only occur through resolutions passed by State Legislatures.

Some key facts about National Parks in India include:

• There are 105 National Parks in India, covering a total area of 40,501 square kilometers.

• The state with the highest number of National Parks is Madhya Pradesh (9), followed by Andaman & Nicobar Islands (9).

• The first National Park in India is Jim Corbett National Park.

• The largest National Park is Hemis National Park, while the smallest is South Button National Park.

• The most recent addition to the National Park list is Kuno National Park.

• As of December 2020, there were 104 existing National Parks in India, covering 43,716 square kilometers, approximately 1.33% of the country's total geographical area.

List of National Parks

Andhra Pradesh:

• Papikonda National Park: Located in the Eastern Ghats, it is known for its biodiversity and the Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Rameswaram): Also known as Rameswaram Marine National Park, it includes marine and terrestrial areas with diverse flora and fauna.

• Sri Venkateswara National Park: Situated in the Eastern Ghats, it is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

Arunachal Pradesh:

• Mouling National Park: It is known for its rich biodiversity and houses various species of animals and plants.

• Namdapha National Park: One of the largest national parks in India, it is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

Assam:

• Dibru-Saikhowa National Park: This park includes grasslands, wetlands, and forested areas, providing habitats for various species.

• Kaziranga National Park: Famous for its population of one-horned rhinos, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Manas National Park: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its unique biodiversity and endangered species.

• Nameri National Park: Located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, it is home to diverse flora and fauna.

• Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Orang): Also known as Orang National Park, it is known for its rhino population.

Bihar:

• Valmiki National Park: This park is located in the Gangetic plains and is home to a variety of species, including the Bengal tiger.

Chhattisgarh:

• Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park: Named after Guru Ghasidas, it is a haven for biodiversity and includes different ecosystems.

• Indravati (Kutru) National Park: Known for its diverse wildlife, it is one of the few tiger reserves in Chhattisgarh.

• Kanger Valley National Park: This park is characterized by its unique limestone formations and diverse flora and fauna.

Goa:

• Mollem National Park: Situated in the Western Ghats, it is home to various species of plants and animals.

Gujarat:

• Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park: It is known for its population of blackbucks, a species of antelope.

• Gir National Park: Home to the Asiatic lion, it is a significant conservation area.

• Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) National Park: This marine park consists of coral reefs and other underwater ecosystems.

• Vansda National Park: Located in the Dangs district, it has a variety of flora and fauna.

Haryana:

• Kalesar National Park: Situated in the Shivalik hills, it is known for its diverse range of plants and animals.

• Sultanpur National Park: A haven for birdwatchers, it is a crucial bird sanctuary in the region.

Himachal Pradesh:

• Great Himalayan National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its high-altitude ecosystems and wildlife.

• Inderkilla National Park: It is home to various species of animals and offers scenic landscapes.

• Khirganga National Park: Known for its hot springs and alpine meadows.

• Pin Valley National Park: Located in the cold desert region, it houses unique wildlife and landscapes.

• Col. Sherjung Simbalbara National Park: Situated in the Sirmour district, it is home to diverse flora and fauna.

Jharkhand:

• Betla National Park: Known for its wildlife, waterfalls, and diverse plant species.

Karnataka:

• Anshi National Park: It is part of the Western Ghats and known for its diverse ecosystems.

• Bandipur National Park: One of the premier tiger reserves, it is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

• Bannerghatta National Park: Located near Bangalore, it includes a zoo, a safari park, and a butterfly park.

• Kudremukh National Park: Known for its scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife.

• Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park: Renowned for its tiger and elephant populations.

Kerala:

• Anamudi Shola National Park: It is part of the Western Ghats and known for its unique shola forests.

• Eravikulam National Park: Home to the Nilgiri tahr, it is a protected area in the Western Ghats.

• Mathikettan Shola National Park: Known for its high biodiversity, it is located in the Idukki district.

• Pambadum Shola National Park: Another shola forest ecosystem in the Western Ghats.

• Periyar National Park: Home to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, it is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.

• Silent Valley National Park: Renowned for its untouched rainforests and rich biodiversity.

Madhya Pradesh:

• Bandhavgarh National Park: Famous for its tiger population, it is a popular wildlife destination.

• Dinosaur Fossils National Park: Known for its fossil finds, it is an important paleontological site.

• Fossil National Park: Another site containing ancient plant fossils.

• Pench National Park: Offers a mix of dry deciduous forests and diverse wildlife.

• Kanha National Park: One of India's largest national parks, it inspired Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book."

• Kuno National Park: Known for its conservation efforts and potential for relocation of Asiatic lions.

• Madhav National Park: Situated near Shivpuri, it is known for its historical significance and wildlife.

• Panna National Park: Home to tigers and other wildlife, it is also a tiger reserve.

• Sanjay National Park: Situated in the Chhattisgarh-Madhya Pradesh border, it is known for its wildlife.

• Satpura National Park: Offers a mix of wildlife, terrain, and diverse plant species.

• Van Vihar National Park: Located in Bhopal, it is a managed habitat for various species.

Maharashtra:

• Chandoli National Park: Known for its biodiversity and scenic beauty, it is located in the Western Ghats.

• Gugamal National Park: Forms part of the Melghat Tiger Reserve, known for its tiger population.

• Nawegaon National Park: A birdwatcher's paradise, it is home to a variety of avian species.

• Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) National Park: Shared by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, it offers diverse wildlife.

• Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park: Located in Mumbai, it is known for its greenery and biodiversity.

• Tadoba National Park: Known for its tiger population, it is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Maharashtra.

Manipur:

• Keibul-Lamjao National Park: Known as the only floating national park, it is home to the endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer or Sangai.

• Shiroi National Park: Known for its biodiversity and cultural significance.

Meghalaya:

• Balphakram National Park: Known for its unique landscapes, it offers a habitat for various species.

• Nokrek Ridge National Park: It is part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and is known for its unique ecosystem.

Mizoram:

• Murlen National Park: Home to a variety of flora and fauna, it is located in the Dampa Tiger Reserve.

• Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) National Park: Known for its high peak and rich biodiversity.

Nagaland:

• Intanki National Park: Known for its flora and fauna, it is located in the Peren district.

Odisha:

• Bhitarkanika National Park: Known for its mangrove forests and biodiversity.

• Simlipal National Park: Renowned for its tiger reserve and diverse ecosystems.

Rajasthan:

• Desert National Park: Located in the Thar Desert, it is known for its unique landscapes and desert wildlife.

• Keoladeo Ghana National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a famous bird sanctuary.

• Mukundra Hills National Park: Offers a habitat for various wildlife species.

• Ranthambhore National Park: Known for its tiger population and historic Ranthambhore Fort.

• Sariska National Park: Home to the Bengal tiger, it is part of the Aravalli range.

Sikkim:

• Khangchendzonga National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its high-altitude ecosystems and biodiversity.

Tamil Nadu:

• Guindy National Park: Located in Chennai, it is one of the smallest national parks and a haven for various species.

• Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: Known for its coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

• Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park: Offers diverse landscapes and wildlife in the Western Ghats.

• Mudumalai National Park: Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, it is home to various animal species.

• Mukurthi National Park: Known for its shola forests and high-altitude ecosystems.

Telangana:

• Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park: Located in Hyderabad, it is known for its greenery and wildlife.

• Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park: Offers a habitat for various species, including the blackbuck.

• Mrugavani National Park: Located near Hyderabad, it is known for its biodiversity.

Tripura:

• Clouded Leopard National Park: Known for its efforts in conserving the clouded leopard.

• Bison (Rajbari) National Park: Offers a habitat for the Indian bison.

Uttar Pradesh:

• Dudhwa National Park: Known for its diverse wildlife, including the Indian rhinoceros.

Uttarakhand:

• Corbett National Park: Known for its tiger reserve and biodiversity.

• Gangotri National Park: Offers a habitat for various species in the Himalayan region.

• Govind National Park: Located in the Uttarkashi district, it is known for its landscapes and wildlife.

• Nanda Devi National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its diverse ecosystems.

• Rajaji National Park: Known for its diverse flora and fauna, it is located at the foothills of the Himalayas.

• Valley of Flowers National Park: Famous for its alpine flowers and meadows.

West Bengal:

• Buxa National Park: Offers diverse landscapes and a variety of species.

• Gorumara National Park: Known for its diverse wildlife and landscapes.

• Jaldapara National Park: Home to the Indian rhinoceros and other species.

• Neora Valley National Park: Known for its biodiversity, it is located in the Eastern Himalayas.

• Singalila National Park: Offers stunning views of the Himalayas and diverse ecosystems.

• Sunderban National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its mangrove forests and Bengal tigers.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands:

• Campbell Bay National Park: Offers diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

• Galathea Bay National Park: Known for its underwater biodiversity.

• Mahatma Gandhi Marine (Wandoor) National Park: Offers diverse marine life and coral reefs.

• Mount Harriett National Park: Known for its avian species and biodiversity.

• Rani Jhansi Marine National Park: Offers marine biodiversity and coral reefs.

• Saddle Peak National Park: Offers diverse flora and fauna in the Andaman Islands.

Jammu & Kashmir:

• City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park: Known for its avian species, it is located in Srinagar.

• Dachigam National Park: Offers habitat for the endangered Hangul deer and other species.

• Kazinag National Park: Known for its diverse flora and fauna.

• Kishtwar High Altitude National Park: Offers habitat for various wildlife species in the Kishtwar region.

• Hemis National Park: Known for its snow leopards and high-altitude ecosystems in Ladakh.

These national parks collectively represent India's rich biodiversity and serve as important conservation areas for various species and ecosystems.

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