Complete List of National Parks in India: Guide of 10 Parks

list of national parks in india

List of National Parks in India

Did you know India has 106 national parks? They cover over 44,000 square kilometers, or 1.35% of the country. The first park, Jim Corbett National Park, was established in 1936. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Project Tiger in 1973 helped a lot with conservation.

But there’s more. Another 75 national parks are being planned. This could make the total number of parks 176 soon. These parks are full of different plants and animals, including endangered ones like the Indian rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, and Asiatic lion.

Key Takeaways

  • India has 106 national parks covering 44,402.95 km2, or 1.35% of the country’s geographical area.
  • 75 more national parks are proposed, potentially increasing the total to 176.
  • The first national park was established in 1936, now known as Jim Corbett National Park.
  • The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Project Tiger in 1973 significantly boosted conservation efforts.
  • The national parks are home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Indian rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, and Asiatic lion.

National Parks in India, Complete List – Click Here

Understanding National Parks in India: History and Evolution

India’s national park system has grown a lot since it started. The first park, Hailey National Park, was set up in 1936 in Uttarakhand. Now, it’s called Jim Corbett National Park. Over the years, more parks were added, reaching five by 1970.

The Birth of Indian National Park System

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Project Tiger in 1973 were key. They helped start a big push for saving wildlife. These steps led to more areas being protected across the country.

Growth and Development Through Decades

In the 1980s, laws got stronger to protect wildlife and their homes. This led to a big increase in national parks. Now, there are over 100 parks, covering different landscapes from mountains to coastlines. They show off India’s amazing wildlife and nature spots.

Conservation Legislation and Milestones

National parks in India have grown thanks to strong laws and conservation work. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and its updates have been crucial. Today, India has 104 national parks. Each one is special, offering a great place for nature lovers and wildlife fans.

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”

– Nelson Henderson

Geographic Distribution and Biodiversity Hotspots

India’s national parks are found in many states and union territories. Madhya Pradesh has the most with 11 parks. Andaman & Nicobar Islands follows with 9. Other states like Assam, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal have 6-7 parks each.

These parks cover different habitats like forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They even include marine environments.

India is lucky to have several biodiversity hotspots. These are areas with a lot of plant and animal diversity. The Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are some of these hotspots.

  • The Himalayan hotspot stretches over 3,000 kilometers across several countries. It has a wide range of ecosystems.
  • The Western Ghats in southwestern India and the highlands of southwestern Sri Lanka cover about 16,000 km².
  • The Indo-Burma hotspot is east of the Ganges-Brahmaputra lowlands. It covers countries like Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and parts of China and Malaysia.
  • The Sundaland Hotspot transition is on the Thai-Malay Peninsula. It has unique seasonal rainforest patterns.

These hotspots are home to about 43% of the world’s bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species. They also have over half of the world’s plant species. But, they face threats from resource exploitation and habitat loss. Only about 5% of natural habitats remain untouched in the Indo-Burma hotspot.

“India harbors nearly 7-8% of the recorded species in the world. It has over 91,200 species of animals and 45,500 species of plants documented in ten biogeographic regions.”

Protecting these indian natural wonders and famous national parks in india is key. They are home to some of the top national parks in india.

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List of National Parks in India: State-wise Classification

India is home to many national parks, each showing off the country’s natural beauty. From the Himalayas in the north to the rainforests in the south, these parks are full of life. They show the amazing variety of wildlife in India.

Northern Region Parks

The Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is the oldest national park in India. It’s famous for its tigers and other animals like elephants and deer. The Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh is also special. It protects the Himalayas’ alpine areas and homes endangered animals like the snow leopard.

Southern Region Parks

In the south, Bandipur National Park in Karnataka is known for its tigers and different landscapes. Periyar National Park in Kerala is famous for its calm lake and animals like elephants and the Nilgiri tahr.

Eastern and North-Eastern Parks

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to the rare one-horned rhinoceros. Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal is a mangrove forest that’s also a tiger habitat.

Western Region Parks

Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat is where you can see the Asiatic lion. Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is known for its tigers and ancient ruins.

These parks are just a few examples of India’s natural wonders. Each park offers a glimpse into India’s rich wildlife and the efforts to protect it.

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Most Popular National Parks and Their Unique Features

India’s national parks are a treasure trove of diverse landscapes and wildlife. Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is a top spot, famous for its tigers and the legacy of Jim Corbett. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to the world’s largest one-horned rhinoceros population, highlighting India’s conservation success.

Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is a hit with wildlife fans, offering chances to see Bengal tigers in the wild. Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place where you can see Asiatic lions, making it a key part of India’s natural heritage.

Beyond these famous parks, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh has the most tigers in the country. Kanha National Park, also in Madhya Pradesh, inspired “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling. Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal is a vast mangrove area, shared with Bangladesh. These parks protect endangered species and offer great ecotourism, showing off India’s biodiversity.

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FAQ

1. What is the total number of national parks in India and the area they cover?

India has 106 national parks. They cover 44,402.95 km2, which is 1.35% of the country’s area.

2. When was the first national park established in India?

The first national park in India was established in 1936. It is now known as Jim Corbett National Park.

3. How have the national parks in India evolved over time?

The national park system in India has grown a lot since it started. By 1970, there were only five national parks. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Project Tiger in 1973 helped expand the network.

More laws in the 1980s made wildlife protection stronger. Today, there are over 100 national parks.

4. Which states have the most national parks in India?

Madhya Pradesh has the most national parks with 11. Andaman & Nicobar Islands have 9. Assam, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal each have 6-7 parks.

5. What are some of the notable biodiversity hotspots among India’s national parks?

Notable biodiversity hotspots include the Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

6. What are some of the most popular national parks in India and their unique features?

Jim Corbett is famous for its tigers. Kaziranga is known for one-horned rhinoceros. Ranthambore is known for tiger sightings. Gir Forest is the only home of Asiatic lions.

Bandhavgarh is known for its high tiger density. Kanha is famous for its diverse wildlife. Sundarbans is unique for its mangrove ecosystem.

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