National Parks represent strictly protected terrestrial and coastal habitats in India's Protected Area Network (PAN). Established under the statutory framework of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WPA 1972), National Parks are declared by State Governments under Section 35, or by the Central Government under Section 38, by reason of their ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological significance.
As of 2026, according to the official National Wildlife Database maintained by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), India has 106 officially notified National Parks spanning an aggregate protected area of 44,402.95 square kilometers (approximately 1.35% of India's total geographical area).
The national park network in India ranges from the high-altitude Trans-Himalayan wilderness of Hemis National Park (Ladakh, India's largest at 4,400 sq km) to the oceanic coral islet of South Button Island National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India's smallest at 0.03 sq km), and the unique freshwater floating biomass ecosystem of Keibul Lamjao National Park (Manipur, world's only floating national park).
Quick Facts Matrix: National Parks in India
| Parameter | Official Metric / Statutory Detail | UPSC Prelims Relevance |
|---|
| Total Notified National Parks | 106 National Parks (WII / MoEFCC National Wildlife Database) | Authoritative national tally |
| Total Protected Area Coverage | 44,402.95 km² (~1.35% of India's total geographical area) | Protected Area Network metrics |
| State Declaration Provision | Section 35 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 | State Government statutory power |
| Central Declaration Provision | Section 38 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 | Central Government statutory power |
| First National Park in India | Corbett National Park (1936, originally Hailey National Park, Uttarakhand) | India's oldest national park |
| Largest National Park | Hemis National Park (~4,400 km², UT of Ladakh) | High-altitude snow leopard habitat |
| Smallest National Park | South Button Island National Park (~0.03 km² / 3 hectares, Andaman & Nicobar) | Shallow coral reef islet |
| Only Floating National Park | Keibul Lamjao National Park (40 km², Loktak Lake, Manipur) | Habitat of endangered Sangai deer |
| State with Highest Number | Madhya Pradesh (11 National Parks) | Followed by Andaman & Nicobar (9) and Assam (7) |
| State with Zero National Parks | Punjab (Hosts Wildlife Sanctuaries like Harike, but no National Park) | High-yield elimination fact |
| Latest Additions (2021) | Raimona (6th) and Dehing Patkai (7th) in Assam | Notified in June 2021 |
| Livestock Grazing Mandate | Prohibited under Section 35(7) (No livestock grazing permitted) | Statutory distinction vs Sanctuaries |
Statutory & Legal Framework: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
National Parks in India are declared and regulated primarily under Section 35 (by State Governments) and Section 38 (by the Central Government) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Understanding the exact statutory provisions governing National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves is essential for UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains.
Declaration and Boundary Demarcation (Sections 35 and 38 of WPA 1972)
- State Declaration (Section 35(1)): Whenever it appears to the State Government that an area, whether within a sanctuary or not, is needed to be constituted as a National Park by reason of its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological importance, the State Government may declare its intention by notification.
- Central Declaration (Section 38): Where the State Government leases or transfers any area under its control to the Central Government, the Central Government may, if satisfied that the conditions in Section 35 are fulfilled, declare such area as a National Park by notification.
- Inquiry and Settlement of Rights (Section 35(3) read with Sections 19 to 26A): Following the initial notification, the District Collector inquires into and determines the existence, nature, and extent of rights of any person in or over the land proposed for inclusion. Under Section 35(4), the final declaration of a National Park is made only after all claims have been disposed of by the State Government and all rights in or over land proposed to be included have become vested in the State Government.
- Prohibition of Livestock Grazing (Section 35(7)): Under Section 35(7), no grazing of any livestock shall be permitted in a National Park, and no livestock shall be allowed to enter except where used as a vehicle by authorized forest officers. In contrast, in a Wildlife Sanctuary, the Chief Wildlife Warden may regulate, control, or permit grazing and movement of livestock under Section 33(d).
- Destruction and Habitat Alteration (Section 35(6)): Section 35(6) prohibits any person from destroying, exploiting, or removing any wildlife, or destroying or damaging the habitat of any wild animal, or diverting, stopping, or enhancing the flow of water into or outside the National Park, except under and in accordance with a permit granted by the Chief Wildlife Warden on being satisfied that such destruction or removal is necessary for the improvement and better management of wildlife.
- Boundary Alteration (Section 35(5)): No alteration of the boundaries of a National Park shall be made except on a recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
Comparative Statutory Matrix: National Park vs Wildlife Sanctuary vs Biosphere Reserve
| Feature / Criterion | National Park (WPA 1972, Sec 35 & 38) | Wildlife Sanctuary (WPA 1972, Sec 18–26A & 33) | Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO MAB) |
|---|
| Statutory Basis | Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Section 35 / Section 38) | Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Section 18 to 26A, 33) | International UNESCO MAB framework; Core protected under domestic laws |
| Settlement of Rights | All rights must be fully settled and vested in the State Government before final notification (Section 35(4)) | Rights may be settled by acquisition, exclusion, or allowed to continue by the Collector (Section 24(2)(c)) | Traditional activities permitted in Buffer and Transition zones |
| Livestock Grazing | Prohibited by statute under Section 35(7) | Regulated or permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden under Section 33(d) | Permitted under regulated conditions in Buffer and Transition zones |
| Scope of Protection | Entire Ecosystem (Flora, Fauna, Landscape, Geomorphology) | Focus may be on a Particular Flagship Species or entire habitat | Landscape-level Biome & Genetic Diversity (Core, Buffer, Transition) |
| Boundary Alteration | Requires mandatory recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) (Section 35(5)) | Requires recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) (Section 26A(3)) | Adjusted by State/Central authorities and communicated to UNESCO |
| Upgradation / Change | Cannot be downgraded into a Sanctuary | Can be upgraded to a National Park (e.g. Raimona, Dehing Patkai) | Core area typically consists of notified National Parks or Sanctuaries |
Key Geomorphological & Ecological Highlights for UPSC Prelims
📍 Top 10 High-Yield Prelims Anchors:
- 🏔️ Highest Altitude & Largest National Park: Hemis National Park (Ladakh) (~4,400 sq km), serving as a globally critical high-altitude refuge for the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia).
- 🏝️ Smallest National Park: South Button Island National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) (~0.03 sq km / 3 hectares), shallow coral reef ecosystem.
- 🌊 World's Only Floating National Park: Keibul Lamjao National Park (Manipur), characterized by floating decomposed biomass mats called phumdis in Loktak Lake; exclusive natural habitat of the endangered Sangai (Eld's deer / Dancing deer).
- 🐅 First National Park in India: Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), established in 1936 as Hailey National Park; venue for the launch of Project Tiger on 1 April 1973.
- 🦁 Only Natural Habitat of Asiatic Lion: Gir National Park (Gujarat), sole wild population of Panthera leo persica in the Saurashtra peninsula.
- 🐆 Four Sympatric Big Cat Species: Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh), renowned for hosting Tiger, Common Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard in a single continuous protected tract.
- 🦏 Major Sanctuary for One-horned Rhinos: Kaziranga National Park (Assam), world's largest population of the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis); inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 🌲 Estuarine Mangrove Habitat: Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal), part of the world's largest contiguous mangrove delta, hosting Royal Bengal Tigers adapted to swimming in tidal waters.
- 🪷 Endemic Botanical Reserves: Sirohi National Park (Manipur) for the endemic Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae); Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand) for alpine flora including Brahmakamal (Saussurea obvallata).
- 🦌 State with Most National Parks: Madhya Pradesh (11 National Parks), followed by Andaman & Nicobar Islands (9) and Assam (7).
Complete State-Wise Directory of National Parks in India
Below is the complete, mathematically verified directory of all 106 National Parks across 28 States and Union Territories, detailing their notification years, gazetted areas, passing river systems, and high-yield Prelims facts.
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NATIONAL PARKS IN INDIA: 106 SITES TOTAL
Madhya Pradesh (11) │ Andaman & Nicobar (9) │ Assam (7) │ Kerala (6)
Maharashtra (6) │ Uttarakhand (6) │ West Bengal (6) │ Himachal Pradesh (5)
Karnataka (5) │ Rajasthan (5) │ Tamil Nadu (5) │ Gujarat (4)
Jammu & Kashmir (4) │ Andhra Pradesh (3) │ Chhattisgarh (3) │ Telangana (3)
Arunachal Pradesh (2) │ Haryana (2) │ Manipur (2) │ Meghalaya (2)
Mizoram (2) │ Odisha (2) │ Tripura (2) │ Bihar (1)
Goa (1) │ Jharkhand (1) │ Ladakh (1) │ Nagaland (1)
Sikkim (1) │ Uttar Pradesh (1)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Madhya Pradesh (11 National Parks)
Madhya Pradesh possesses the highest number of National Parks in India (11), spanning the Vindhyan, Satpura, and Malwa plateau landscapes.
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District / Location | Rivers & Water Bodies | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Bandhavgarh National Park | 1968 | 448.84 | Umaria | Charanganga, Damnar, Umrar | High Royal Bengal Tiger density; historic origin of Mohan the white tiger; 2,000-year-old Bandhavgarh Fort. |
| Dinosaur Fossils National Park | 2011 | 0.89 | Dhar | Narmada basin / Bagh river | 65-million-year-old Sauropod dinosaur egg fossil nests and fossilized marine fauna. |
| Fossil (Ghughua) National Park | 1983 | 0.27 | Dindori (Mandla) | Narmada river basin | Smallest National Park in MP; preserved fossil plants (angiosperms, gymnosperms, palms) from Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary. |
| Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park | 1975 | 292.85 | Seoni / Chhindwara | Pench River (bisects the park), Totladoh reservoir | Setting for Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book; contiguous with Maharashtra Pench. |
| Kanha National Park | 1955 | 940.00 | Mandla / Balaghat | Hallon and Banjar rivers (Narmada tributaries) | Revived the endangered Hard-ground Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi); mascot Bhoorsingh the Barasingha. |
| Kuno National Park | 2018 | 748.76 | Sheopur / Morena | Kuno River (Chambal tributary) | Site of the historic Project Cheetah (2022), reintroducing African cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa. |
| Madhav National Park | 1958 | 375.22 | Shivpuri | Maniyer River; Sakhya Sagar & Madhav Sagar lakes | Sakhya Sagar is a designated Ramsar Site; historic George Castle built at the highest elevation. |
| Panna National Park | 1981 | 542.66 | Panna / Chhatarpur | Ken River (55 km gorge through park); Raneh / Pandav Falls | UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; tiger reintroduction landscape; catchment affected by the Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project. |
| Sanjay National Park | 1981 | 466.66 | Sidhi / Singrauli | Gopad, Banas, and Son rivers | Contiguous with Guru Ghasidas National Park in Chhattisgarh; vital tiger corridor. |
| Satpura National Park | 1981 | 524.00 | Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad) | Denwa River, Tawa Reservoir, Sonbhadra | Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve; Dhoopgarh peak (1,350 m, highest peak in MP); Indian Giant Squirrel. |
| Van Vihar National Park | 1979 | 4.45 | Bhopal | Bhoj Wetland (Upper Lake) fringe | Managed as a zoological and rescue park with National Park status on an urban fringe. |
Andaman & Nicobar Islands (9 National Parks)
The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago hosts 9 National Parks, featuring tropical evergreen rainforests, coral reef atolls, and endemic island wildlife.
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | Location | Marine / River Drainage | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Campbell Bay National Park | 1992 | 426.23 | Great Nicobar Island | Galathea, Alexandra, Amrit Kaur rivers | Part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve; Crab-eating Macaque, Nicobar Megapode, Giant Robber Crab. |
| Galathea Bay National Park | 1992 | 110.00 | Great Nicobar Island | Galathea River | Premier global nesting site for Giant Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea); Reticulated Python. |
| Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park | 1983 | 281.50 | Wandoor (South Andaman) | Open coral lagoons (15 islands, e.g., Jolly Buoy, Red Skin) | Fringing coral reefs, Dugong (Dugong dugon), Hawksbill Sea Turtles, White-bellied Sea Eagle. |
| Middle Button Island National Park | 1987 | 0.44 | Ritchie's Archipelago | Andaman Sea oceanic islet | Spotted Deer, Water Monitor Lizards, Sea Turtles, Coral reefs. |
| Mount Manipur (Mount Harriet) National Park | 1987 | 46.62 | South Andaman | Tropical rainforest streams | Renamed Mount Manipur in Oct 2021 to honour Anglo-Manipur War heroes; depicted on old 20-rupee currency note. |
| North Button Island National Park | 1987 | 0.44 | Ritchie's Archipelago | Andaman Sea oceanic islet | Marine mammals, Dugongs, Dolphins, Coral reef ecosystems. |
| Rani Jhansi Marine National Park | 1996 | 256.14 | Ritchie's Archipelago | Outram, Henry Lawrence, John Lawrence islands | Pristine coral atolls, Mangrove channels, Dugongs, Fruit bats. |
| Saddle Peak National Park | 1987 | 32.54 | North Andaman | Kalpong River (only perennial river in A&N Islands) | Saddle Peak (732 m, highest point in Andaman & Nicobar); Andaman Wild Pig, Andaman Hill Myna. |
| South Button Island National Park | 1987 | 0.03 | Ritchie's Archipelago | Shallow coral reef islet | SMALLEST National Park in India (~3 hectares / 0.03 sq km); shallow coral reef diving destination. |
Assam (7 National Parks)
Assam is the biological gateway to Northeast India, home to 7 National Parks featuring floodplains, tropical wet evergreen forests, and mega-herbivores.
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Waterways | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Kaziranga National Park | 1974 | 858.98 | Golaghat / Nagaon / Sonitpur | Brahmaputra, Diphlu, Mora Diphlu, Mora Dhansiri | UNESCO World Heritage Site; world's largest population of the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros; Big Five (Rhino, Tiger, Elephant, Wild Buffalo, Swamp Deer). |
| Manas National Park | 1990 | 500.00 | Baksa / Chirang (BTR) | Manas River (transboundary with Royal Manas, Bhutan) | UNESCO World Heritage Site; Pygmy Hog (critically endangered small suid), Golden Langur, Hispid Hare, Bengal Florican. |
| Dibru-Saikhowa National Park | 1999 | 340.00 | Dibrugarh / Tinsukia | Brahmaputra, Lohit, Dibru rivers | Feral Horses, White-winged Wood Duck, Ganges River Dolphin, Capped Langur; largest salix swamp in NE India. |
| Nameri National Park | 1998 | 200.00 | Sonitpur | Jia Bhoroli River (Kameng in Arunachal) | Angling habitat for Golden Mahseer; White-winged Wood Duck, Asian Elephant, Tiger. |
| Orang (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park | 1999 | 78.81 | Darrang / Sonitpur | Brahmaputra (north bank), Dhansiri, Pachnoi | Known as "Mini Kaziranga"; high rhino density, Gangetic River Dolphin, Pygmy Hog. |
| Raimona National Park | 2021 | 422.00 | Kokrajhar (BTR) | Sankosh River (west), Saralbhanga River (east), Pekua | Notified June 2021 (6th NP of Assam); Ripu Reserve Forest; endemic stronghold of Gee's Golden Langur. |
| Dehing Patkai National Park | 2021 | 231.65 | Dibrugarh / Tinsukia | Dehing River, Dirak River | Notified June 2021 (7th NP of Assam); "Amazon of the East"; lowland tropical rainforest; diverse wild cat species. |
Kerala (6 National Parks)
Kerala's National Parks are clustered along the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, protecting fragile Shola-grassland mosaics and endemic Southern Western Ghats species.
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Water Bodies | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Anamudi Shola National Park | 2003 | 7.50 | Idukki | Pambar River basin | High-altitude montane evergreen Shola forest; Nilgiri Tahr, Leopard, endemic Shola flora. |
| Eravikulam National Park | 1978 | 97.00 | Idukki | Pambar, Lakkom Waterfalls, Periyar tributaries | Hosts Anamudi Peak (2,695 m, highest peak south of the Himalayas); largest wild population of Nilgiri Tahr; Neelakurinji flower (blooms once every 12 years). |
| Mathikettan Shola National Park | 2003 | 12.82 | Idukki | Panniyar River | Crucial elephant corridor connecting Munnar to Cardamom Hills; Nilgiri Marten. |
| Pambadum Shola National Park | 2003 | 1.32 | Idukki | Pambar catchment | Smallest National Park in Kerala; home to rare Nilgiri Marten (Martes gwatkinsii). |
| Periyar National Park | 1982 | 350.00 | Idukki / Pathanamthitta | Periyar River, Pamba River, Periyar Artificial Lake | Elephant and Tiger reserve centered around Mullaperiyar reservoir; Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur. |
| Silent Valley National Park | 1984 | 89.52 | Palakkad (Nilgiri Hills) | Kunthipuzha River (Bharathapuzha tributary) | Landmark Save Silent Valley ecological movement (1970s–80s); flagship species: Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus). |
Maharashtra (6 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Water Bodies | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Chandoli National Park | 2004 | 317.67 | Sangli / Satara / Kolhapur / Ratnagiri | Warna River; Vasant Sagar reservoir | Part of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and UNESCO Western Ghats World Heritage serial site; Indian Gaur, Tiger. |
| Gugamal National Park | 1975 | 361.28 | Amravati (Melghat hills) | Tapi River basin, Sipna, Gadga rivers | Core of Melghat Tiger Reserve; Sloth Bear, Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog. |
| Navegaon National Park | 1975 | 133.78 | Gondia (Vidarbha) | Navegaon Bandh reservoir | Historical 18th-century reservoir; migratory waterbirds, Leopard, Tiger, Chital. |
| Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) National Park | 1975 | 257.26 | Nagpur | Pench River, Totladoh reservoir | Contiguous with MP Pench; Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Gaur, Sambar. |
| Sanjay Gandhi (Borivali) National Park | 1983 | 86.96 | Mumbai Suburban / Thane | Dahisar River, Poisar River; Tulsi & Vihar lakes | High urban leopard density; Kanheri Caves (1st century BCE Buddhist rock-cut complex). |
| Tadoba National Park | 1955 | 116.55 | Chandrapur | Andhari River, Tadoba Lake | Oldest National Park in Maharashtra (1955); "Jewel of Vidarbha"; high tiger density, Marsh Crocodile. |
Uttarakhand (6 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Water Bodies | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Corbett National Park | 1936 | 520.82 | Nainital / Pauri Garhwal | Ramganga River (Patli Dun valley), Kosi River | India's 1st National Park (established 1936 as Hailey NP); launch site of Project Tiger (1973); Asian Elephant, Tiger, Gharial. |
| Gangotri National Park | 1989 | 2390.02 | Uttarkashi | Bhagirathi River (originates at Gaumukh glacier), Kedar Ganga | 3rd largest National Park in India; Snow Leopard, Himalayan Musk Deer, Bharal, Gaumukh glacier. |
| Govind Pashu Vihar National Park | 1990 | 472.08 | Uttarkashi | Tons River (Yamuna tributary), Supin River | Project Snow Leopard site; Western Tragopan, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Musk Deer. |
| Nanda Devi National Park | 1982 | 624.60 | Chamoli | Rishi Ganga River (flows into Dhauliganga at Rini) | UNESCO World Heritage Site; Nanda Devi Peak (7,816 m, 2nd highest peak in India); Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr. |
| Rajaji National Park | 1983 | 820.42 | Haridwar / Dehradun / Pauri | Ganga River (bisects park), Song River | Northwestern limit of Asian Elephant range in India; Shivalik ecosystem; named after C. Rajagopalachari. |
| Valley of Flowers National Park | 1982 | 87.50 | Chamoli | Pushpawati River (from Tipra Glacier) | UNESCO World Heritage Site; discovered by Frank S. Smythe (1931); alpine flora (Brahmakamal, Blue Poppy); Asiatic Black Bear. |
West Bengal (6 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Water Bodies | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Buxa National Park | 1992 | 117.10 | Alipurduar | Jayanti, Raidak, Rydak, Sankosh | Elephant corridor to Bhutan (Phibsoo WLS); Buxa Fort (historical British detention camp). |
| Gorumara National Park | 1994 | 79.45 | Jalpaiguri (Dooars) | Murti River, Raidak, Jaldhaka | One-horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Indian Gaur, Hornbills. |
| Jaldapara National Park | 2012 | 216.51 | Alipurduar (Eastern Himalayas) | Torsa River (flows through center), Malangi | Major population of One-horned Rhinos in India; Bengal Florican habitat. |
| Neora Valley National Park | 1986 | 159.89 | Kalimpong | Neora River | Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), Clouded Leopard, King Cobra; contiguous with Pangolakha WLS (Sikkim) and Bhutan. |
| Singalila National Park | 1992 | 78.60 | Darjeeling (Singalila Ridge) | Rammam and Sirikhola rivers | Sandakphu Peak (3,636 m, highest peak in West Bengal); Red Panda, Himalayan Newt (Tylototriton verrucosus). |
| Sundarbans National Park | 1984 | 1330.10 | South 24 Parganas | Matla, Bidya, Raimangal, Harinbhanga | Part of the world's largest contiguous mangrove delta; swimming Royal Bengal Tigers; UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Site. |
Himachal Pradesh (5 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Water Bodies | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Great Himalayan National Park | 1984 | 754.40 | Kullu | Tirthan, Sainj, Jiwa Nal, Parbati | UNESCO World Heritage Site (2014); Western Tragopan (State bird of HP), Snow Leopard, Himalayan Musk Deer, Blue Sheep. |
| Inderkilla National Park | 2010 | 104.00 | Kullu | Beas River catchment | Himalayan Ibex, Leopard, Musk Deer, Black Bear. |
| Khirganga National Park | 2010 | 710.00 | Kullu | Parbati River | High-altitude alpine ecosystem; Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr. |
| Pin Valley National Park | 1987 | 675.00 | Lahaul and Spiti | Pin River (Spiti River tributary) | Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve; Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Tibetan Gazelle, Snow Partridge. |
| Simbalbara (Col. Sher Jung) National Park | 2010 | 27.88 | Sirmaur (Paonta Valley) | Giri River catchment (Yamuna basin) | Shivalik Sal forest ecosystem; Goral, Sambar, Spotted Deer; contiguous with Kalesar (Haryana). |
Karnataka (5 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Drainage | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Anshi (Kali) National Park | 1987 | 417.34 | Uttara Kannada | Kali River | Kali Tiger Reserve; Black Panther habitat, King Cobra, Great Pied Hornbill. |
| Bandipur National Park | 1974 | 872.24 | Chamarajanagar | Moyar River (south), Kabini River (north) | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; premier Asian Elephant and Tiger habitat; part of Mysore Elephant Reserve. |
| Bannerghatta National Park | 1974 | 260.51 | Bengaluru Urban / Ramanagara | Suvarnamukhi stream | Elephant corridor between Eastern and Western Ghats; biological park with safari and Butterfly Park. |
| Kudremukh National Park | 1987 | 600.57 | Chikkamagaluru / Udupi / DK | Tunga, Bhadra, Netravati rivers originate here | Kudremukh Peak ("horse-face"); Lion-tailed Macaque, Malabar Giant Squirrel; Shola-grassland ecosystem. |
| Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park | 1988 | 643.39 | Kodagu / Mysuru | Kabini River (separates from Bandipur), Taraka | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; high tiger and elephant density, Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog), Chital. |
Rajasthan (5 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Water Bodies | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Desert National Park | 1992 | 3162.00 | Jaisalmer / Barmer (Thar Desert) | No perennial river; Akal Wood Fossil Park | 2nd largest National Park in India; critical refuge of the endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps); Desert Fox, Chinkara. |
| Keoladeo National Park | 1981 | 28.73 | Bharatpur | Gambhir & Banganga rivers (Ajan Dam) | UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Site (Montreux Record); human-managed wetland; historic wintering ground of Siberian Crane. |
| Mukundra Hills (Darrah) National Park | 2004 | 200.54 | Kota / Jhalawar / Bundi | Chambal, Ahu, Kali Sindh, Amjar | Gagron Fort at confluence of Ahu & Kali Sindh; Tiger, Leopard, Chinkara. |
| Ranthambore National Park | 1980 | 282.03 | Sawai Madhopur | Chambal River (south), Banas River (north) | Junction of Aravalli and Vindhya ranges; 10th-century Ranthambore Fort (UNESCO WHS); prominent tiger habitat. |
| Sariska National Park | 1992 | 273.80 | Alwar (Aravalli Range) | Ruparel River, Sarsa River; Siliserh Lake | Site of successful tiger relocation in 2008 using IAF helicopters; Leopard, Sambhar, Nilgai. |
Tamil Nadu (5 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Marine Coast | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Guindy National Park | 1976 | 2.70 | Chennai Metropolitan Area | Coastal Coromandel plain | Protected area located within an urban metropolis; Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, Jackal. |
| Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park | 1986 | 560.00 | Ramanathapuram / Thoothukudi | Gulf of Mannar (21 islands) | India's 1st Marine Biosphere Reserve; Dugong / Sea Cow (Dugong dugon), Coral reefs, Sea Cucumbers. |
| Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park | 1989 | 117.10 | Coimbatore / Tiruppur | Aliyar, Amaravathi, Kadambaparai | Anamalai Hills; Asian Elephant, Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque. |
| Mudumalai National Park | 1990 | 103.23 | Nilgiris (Tri-junction of TN, KL & KA) | Moyar River (flows through Moyar Gorge) | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; Asian Elephant, Tiger, White-rumped Vulture. |
| Mukurthi National Park | 1990 | 78.46 | Nilgiris (Western edge) | Pykara River, Kundah River | Dedicated habitat for Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius); Mukurthi Peak (2,554 m); Shola grasslands. |
Gujarat (4 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Water Bodies | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park | 1976 | 34.08 | Bhavnagar (Bhal plains) | Parvalia & Alang streams | Prime grassland habitat for Blackbuck; major winter roosting site for Harriers; Lesser Florican, Wolf. |
| Gir National Park | 1975 | 258.71 | Junagadh / Gir Somnath / Amreli | Hiran, Shetrunji, Dhatarvadi, Shingoda | Sole wild habitat of Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica); Leopard, Chital, Sambar, Mugger. |
| Marine (Gulf of Kutch) National Park | 1982 | 162.89 | Jamnagar / Devbhumi Dwarka | Gulf of Kutch intertidal zone (42 islands) | India's 1st Marine National Park (1982); Pirotan Island; Corals, Dugong, Whale Shark, Mangroves. |
| Vansda National Park | 1979 | 23.99 | Navsari (Dangs forest tract) | Ambika River | Dense moist deciduous and bamboo forest; Leopard, Rusty-spotted Cat, Four-horned Antelope (Chausingha). |
Jammu & Kashmir (4 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Watersheds | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park | 1992 | 9.07 | Srinagar | Dal Lake vicinity | Named after ornithologist Salim Ali; Hangul, Musk Deer, Serow, Himalayan Black Bear. |
| Dachigam National Park | 1981 | 141.00 | Srinagar / Pulwama | Dagwan River (fed by Marsar Lake) | Primary wild habitat of the endangered Kashmir Stag / Hangul (Cervus hanglu hanglu); Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard. |
| Kazinag National Park | 2007 | 160.00 | Baramulla (Uri sector / LoC) | Jhelum River basin | Core habitat of the Markhor (Capra falconeri), wild goat with spiral horns; Musk Deer. |
| Kishtwar High Altitude National Park | 1981 | 425.00 | Kishtwar | Marusudar River (Chenab tributary), Kibar Nala | Snow Leopard, Himalayan Snowcock, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Hangul (seasonal range). |
Andhra Pradesh (3 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Hills | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Papikonda National Park | 2008 | 1012.86 | Alluri Sitharama Raju / Eluru | Godavari River (cuts through Papikonda gorge) | Godavari gorge scenery; Tiger, Leopard, Indian Gaur, Sambar, Spotted Deer. |
| Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park | 2005 | 2.40 | YSR Kadapa | Penna River basin | Sand dune landscape along Penna river; Spotted Deer, Peacock, Birds. |
| Sri Venkateswara National Park | 1989 | 353.62 | Tirupati / Chittoor | Swarnamukhi basin; Talakona & Gundalakona falls | Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve; Slender Loris, Golden Gecko, endemic Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus). |
Chhattisgarh (3 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Caves | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park | 1981 | 1440.71 | Koriya / MCB | Hasdeo, Gopad, Rihand rivers | Forms core of 56th Tiger Reserve (Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla); corridor connecting MP and Jharkhand forests. |
| Indravati (Kutru) National Park | 1982 | 1258.37 | Bijapur (Bastar region) | Indravati River (northern boundary) | Prime sanctuary for Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee), State animal of Chhattisgarh; Tiger, Leopard. |
| Kanger Valley National Park | 1982 | 200.00 | Bastar (Jagdalpur) | Kanger River, Kolab; Tirathgarh Falls | Kotumsar Limestone Caves with blind cave fish (Indoreonectes evezardi); Bastar Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa peninsularis). |
Telangana (3 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Watershed | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park | 1998 | 1.43 | Hyderabad (Jubilee Hills) | Musi River catchment | Urban island ecosystem; 140+ bird species, Chital, Civet, Chiran Palace complex. |
| Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park | 1994 | 14.59 | Hyderabad / Ranga Reddy | Musi River basin | Historic hunting reserve of the Nizams; dedicated sanctuary for Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra). |
| Mrugavani National Park | 1994 | 3.60 | Hyderabad / Ranga Reddy (Chilkur) | Musi catchment | Tropical dry deciduous scrub forest; Cheetal, Sambar, Wild Boar, Indian Hare. |
Arunachal Pradesh (2 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Mountains | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Mouling National Park | 1986 | 483.00 | Upper Siang | Siyom River (Subansiri tributary) | Mouling Peak (3,054 m); Takin, Red Panda, Serow, Clouded Leopard. |
| Namdapha National Park | 1983 | 1985.23 | Changlang (Mishmi Hills) | Noa-Dihing River (Brahmaputra tributary) | Renowned for hosting four sympatric big cat species (Tiger, Common Leopard, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard); Hoolock Gibbon, Namdapha Flying Squirrel. |
Haryana (2 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Water Body | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Kalesar National Park | 2003 | 46.82 | Yamunanagar | Yamuna River (eastern boundary) | Dense Shivalik Sal forest; Leopard, Sambar, Barking Deer, Red Junglefowl; contiguous with Rajaji (UK) and Simbalbara (HP). |
| Sultanpur National Park | 1991 | 1.43 | Gurugram | Semi-arid freshwater lake | Ramsar Site; prime migratory bird sanctuary; Greater Flamingo, Blackbuck, Blue Bull. |
Manipur (2 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Lake / Drainage | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Keibul Lamjao National Park | 1977 | 40.00 | Bishnupur | Loktak Lake (Ramsar Site / Montreux Record) | World's ONLY Floating National Park; composed of floating biomass mats (phumdis); exclusive home of the endangered Sangai / Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii eldii), the "Dancing Deer" of Manipur. |
| Sirohi (Shirui) National Park | 1982 | 41.30 | Ukhrul | Chindwin River basin streams | Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), ground lily endemic to Shirui Kashung peak (blooms May–June); Blyth's Tragopan. |
Meghalaya (2 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Gorges | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Balpakram National Park | 1985 | 220.00 | South Garo Hills | Mahadeo River gorge, Simsang basin | "Land of Perpetual Winds", sacred Garo plateau; Red Panda, Asian Elephant, Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes khasiana). |
| Nokrek Ridge National Park | 1986 | 47.48 | East & West Garo Hills | Ganol River, Simsang, Dareng | Core of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO MAB); Gene Sanctuary for Wild Citrus (Citrus indica / Memang Narang); Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbon. |
Mizoram (2 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Hills / Drainage | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Murlen National Park | 1991 | 100.00 | Champhai (Myanmar border) | Tuipui River basin | Hume's Pheasant (State bird of Mizoram), Serow, Goral, Clouded Leopard; dense tropical canopy. |
| Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park | 1992 | 50.00 | Lawngtlai | Chhimtuipui (Kolodyne) River basin | Phawngpui Peak (2,157 m, highest peak in Mizoram); Blyth's Tragopan, Clouded Leopard, Rhododendrons. |
Odisha (2 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Rivers & Waterways | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Bhitarkanika National Park | 1998 | 145.00 | Kendrapara | Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, Pathsala | Prime habitat for Saltwater / Estuarine Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in mainland India; mass nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles at Gahirmatha; 2nd largest mangrove ecosystem in India; Ramsar Site. |
| Similipal National Park | 1980 | 845.70 | Mayurbhanj | Budhabalanga, Palpala, Khairi, Salandi | Melanistic Royal Bengal Tigers ("Black Tigers" with pseudo-melanistic Taqpep gene mutation); Barehipani Falls (399 m) and Joranda Falls; UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. |
Tripura (2 National Parks)
| National Park | Year | Area (km²) | District | Water Basin | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Clouded Leopard National Park | 2007 | 5.08 | Sipahijala (inside Sepahijala WLS) | Gomati River basin | Dedicated habitat for Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and Phayre's Leaf Monkey / Langur (Trachypithecus phayrei), State animal of Tripura. |
| Rajbari (Bison) National Park | 2007 | 31.63 | South Tripura (inside Trishna WLS) | Muhuri & Feni river basins | Indian Gaur / Bison (Bos gaurus), Golden Langur, Pheasants. |
Bihar, Goa, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Nagaland, Sikkim & Uttar Pradesh (1 National Park Each)
| State / UT | National Park | Year | Area (km²) | Rivers & Key Geography | Key Fauna & UPSC Prelims Significance |
|---|
| Bihar | Valmiki National Park | 1989 | 335.65 | Gandak River (Narayani), Burhi Gandak | Terai Arc Landscape contiguous with Nepal's Chitwan NP; Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros, Leopard, Sloth Bear. |
| Goa | Mollem (Bhagwan Mahaveer) National Park | 1992 | 107.00 | Mandovi River basin; Dudhsagar Falls | Western Ghats evergreen forest; Black Panther, Bengal Tiger, Dudhsagar Waterfalls (4-tiered cascade). |
| Jharkhand | Betla National Park | 1986 | 226.33 | North Koel River, Auranga River | Chota Nagpur Plateau; part of Palamu Tiger Reserve; Asian Elephant, Tiger, Sloth Bear, Gaur. |
| Ladakh (UT) | Hemis National Park | 1981 | 4400.00 | Indus River (north), Rumbak River | LARGEST National Park in India (~4,400 sq km); critical refuge for Snow Leopards; Tibetan Wolf, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Shapu (Ladakh Urial). |
| Nagaland | Ntangki National Park | 1993 | 202.02 | Dhansiri River basin | Prime habitat for Hoolock Gibbon (India's only ape), Golden Langur, Great Indian Hornbill, Black Stork. |
| Sikkim | Khangchendzonga National Park | 1977 | 1784.00 | Teesta River tributaries, Zemu Glacier | India's ONLY UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site (2016); Mount Khangchendzonga (8,586 m, 3rd highest peak globally); Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer. |
| Uttar Pradesh | Dudhwa National Park | 1977 | 490.00 | Suheli River (south), Mohana River (north) | Terai ecosystem on Indo-Nepal border; Royal Bengal Tiger, Swamp Deer / Barasingha (State animal of UP), One-horned Rhinoceros (reintroduced). |
Strategic Rivers Flowing Through Major National Parks (UPSC Mapping Special)
UPSC CSE Prelims frequently tests pairs of National Parks and their associated River Systems.
| National Park | State / UT | River(s) Flowing Through / Bounding | Drainage System |
|---|
| Corbett National Park | Uttarakhand | Ramganga River (flows through Patli Dun), Kosi River | Ganga Basin |
| Silent Valley National Park | Kerala | Kunthipuzha River | Bharathapuzha Basin |
| Kaziranga National Park | Assam | Brahmaputra, Diphlu, Mora Diphlu, Mora Dhansiri | Brahmaputra Basin |
| Manas National Park | Assam | Manas River (Beki River) | Brahmaputra Basin |
| Panna National Park | Madhya Pradesh | Ken River (Ken-Betwa link catchment) | Yamuna / Ganga Basin |
| Kanha National Park | Madhya Pradesh | Hallon & Banjar rivers | Narmada Basin |
| Pench National Park | MP & Maharashtra | Pench River (bisects the park), Totladoh reservoir | Kanhan / Godavari Basin |
| Bandhavgarh National Park | Madhya Pradesh | Charanganga River | Son / Ganga Basin |
| Kuno National Park | Madhya Pradesh | Kuno River | Chambal / Yamuna Basin |
| Dachigam National Park | Jammu & Kashmir | Dagwan River (fed by Marsar Lake) | Jhelum / Indus Basin |
| Hemis National Park | Ladakh | Indus River, Rumbak River | Indus Basin |
| Nagarhole National Park | Karnataka | Kabini River, Lakshmantirtha, Taraka | Cauvery Basin |
| Bandipur National Park | Karnataka | Moyar River, Kabini River | Cauvery Basin |
| Kudremukh National Park | Karnataka | Tunga, Bhadra & Netravati rivers (origin points) | Krishna & Arabian Sea |
| Papikonda National Park | Andhra Pradesh | Godavari River (Papikonda gorge) | Godavari Basin |
| Indravati National Park | Chhattisgarh | Indravati River | Godavari Basin |
| Valmiki National Park | Bihar | Gandak River (Narayani) | Ganga Basin |
| Dudhwa National Park | Uttar Pradesh | Suheli & Mohana rivers | Ghaghara / Ganga Basin |
| Similipal National Park | Odisha | Budhabalanga & Palpala rivers | Bay of Bengal drainage |
| Bhitarkanika National Park | Odisha | Brahmani, Baitarani & Dhamra rivers | Bay of Bengal drainage |
| Sundarbans National Park | West Bengal | Matla, Bidya, Raimangal, Harinbhanga | Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta |
| Namdapha National Park | Arunachal Pradesh | Noa-Dihing River | Brahmaputra Basin |
| Great Himalayan National Park | Himachal Pradesh | Tirthan, Sainj, Jiwa Nal, Parbati rivers | Beas / Indus Basin |
| Saddle Peak National Park | Andaman & Nicobar | Kalpong River (only river in A&N Islands) | Andaman Sea |
Mains Analytical Dimensions: Protected Area Management & Challenges
For UPSC CSE Mains (GS Paper-III: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation), protected area governance involves critical ecological, statutory, and socio-economic debates:
1. Inviolate Core vs Regulatory Peripheries (Eco-Sensitive Zones)
- Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are notified site-specifically by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, based on proposals submitted by State Governments following the 2011 MoEFCC Guidelines.
- Rather than acting as blanket prohibition zones, ESZs are designed as regulatory shock absorbers to manage developmental pressures, prohibit highly polluting activities (such as commercial mining, sawmills, and major polluting industries), and regulate infrastructure while permitting sustainable local agrarian and domestic livelihoods. Where site-specific notifications are pending, default judicial directives govern the minimum protective buffer.
2. Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) & Linear Infrastructure Fragmentation
- Highways, railway corridors, and irrigation canals cutting through critical wildlife corridors cause severe habitat fragmentation and mortality.
- Under NBWL and NTCA mitigation guidelines, the construction of dedicated animal underpasses, eco-bridges, and canopy bridges (such as the multi-lane tiger underpasses on NH-44 through the Pench landscape) is now mandatory for linear projects passing through or near protected areas.
3. Forest Rights Act (FRA 2006) vs Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
- Balancing the statutory mandate of Section 35 of the WPA 1972 (which requires the extinguishment and vesting of rights in the State Government before final notification) with the rights recognized under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA) requires careful institutional alignment.
- Policy emphasizes voluntary, participatory relocation packages (as defined under NTCA and MoEFCC guidelines) to secure inviolate core habitats while upholding tribal forest rights and community conservation.
Summary Check-Table for Quick Revision
| State / UT | Count | Landmark National Parks to Remember for UPSC |
|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | 11 | Kanha (Barasingha), Kuno (Cheetahs), Panna (Ken river), Bandhavgarh (tiger density), Fossil (Mandla) |
| Andaman & Nicobar | 9 | South Button (smallest NP), Mount Manipur (ex-Harriet), Saddle Peak (Kalpong river), Galathea (Leatherback turtles) |
| Assam | 7 | Kaziranga (Rhinos), Manas (Pygmy Hog), Raimona (Golden Langur, 2021), Dehing Patkai (tropical rainforest, 2021) |
| Kerala | 6 | Eravikulam (Anamudi peak & Nilgiri Tahr), Silent Valley (Kunthipuzha river & Lion-tailed Macaque), Periyar |
| Maharashtra | 6 | Tadoba (oldest in MH), Sanjay Gandhi (urban leopards & Kanheri caves), Chandoli (Sahyadri), Pench |
| Uttarakhand | 6 | Corbett (India's 1st NP, 1936; Ramganga river), Valley of Flowers (UNESCO WHS), Nanda Devi, Gangotri |
| West Bengal | 6 | Sundarbans (mangrove tigers), Jaldapara (rhino population), Singalila (Sandakphu peak & Red Panda) |
| Himachal Pradesh | 5 | Great Himalayan (UNESCO WHS; Western Tragopan), Pin Valley (Cold desert; Snow leopard) |
| Karnataka | 5 | Bandipur (Moyar river), Nagarhole (Kabini river), Kudremukh (Tunga/Bhadra origin), Bannerghatta |
| Rajasthan | 5 | Desert (Great Indian Bustard), Keoladeo (Montreux record wetland), Ranthambore (Chambal/Banas), Sariska |
| Tamil Nadu | 5 | Gulf of Mannar (Dugong), Guindy (urban Chennai), Mukurthi & Anamalai (Nilgiri Tahr), Mudumalai |
| Gujarat | 4 | Gir (Asiatic Lions), Marine Gulf of Kutch (India's 1st Marine NP), Blackbuck Velavadar |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 4 | Dachigam (Hangul habitat; Dagwan river), Kazinag (Markhor), Kishtwar (Snow leopard) |
| Andhra Pradesh | 3 | Papikonda (Godavari gorge), Sri Venkateswara (Red Sanders & Seshachalam hills), Rajiv Gandhi |
| Chhattisgarh | 3 | Indravati (Wild Water Buffalo), Kanger Valley (Kotumsar limestone caves with blind fish), Guru Ghasidas |
| Telangana | 3 | Mahavir Harina Vanasthali (Blackbucks), Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (urban Hyderabad), Mrugavani |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 2 | Namdapha (sympatric big cats; Noa-Dihing river), Mouling (Siyom river; Takin) |
| Haryana | 2 | Sultanpur (Ramsar wetland), Kalesar (Shivalik Sal forest; Yamuna river) |
| Manipur | 2 | Keibul Lamjao (World's only floating NP; Sangai deer), Sirohi (Endemic Shirui Lily) |
| Meghalaya | 2 | Nokrek Ridge (Wild Citrus gene sanctuary; Ganol river), Balpakram (Pitcher plant) |
| Mizoram | 2 | Phawngpui Blue Mountain (Phawngpui peak 2,157 m), Murlen (Hume's Pheasant) |
| Odisha | 2 | Bhitarkanika (Saltwater crocodiles & Olive Ridley), Similipal (Melanistic Black Tigers) |
| Tripura | 2 | Clouded Leopard & Rajbari (Bison / Phayre's langur) |
| Bihar | 1 | Valmiki (Gandak river; contiguous with Nepal Chitwan) |
| Goa | 1 | Mollem / Bhagwan Mahaveer (Dudhsagar waterfalls; Mandovi basin) |
| Jharkhand | 1 | Betla (North Koel river; Palamu tiger reserve) |
| Ladakh | 1 | Hemis (India's largest NP, ~4,400 sq km; Snow leopards) |
| Nagaland | 1 | Ntangki (Hoolock Gibbon; India's only ape) |
| Sikkim | 1 | Khangchendzonga (India's only UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site; Teesta basin) |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1 | Dudhwa (Suheli & Mohana rivers; Terai Swamp deer & Rhinos) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for UPSC CSE
How many National Parks are there in India as of 2026?
According to the National Wildlife Database maintained by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), there are 106 officially notified National Parks in India, encompassing an area of 44,402.95 sq km (~1.35% of India's total geographical area).
What is the statutory difference between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972?
Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, a National Park is declared under Section 35 (or Section 38 by the Centre) and requires all private rights in land to be fully inquired into, determined, and vested in the State Government before final notification (Section 35(4)). Furthermore, under Section 35(7), livestock grazing is prohibited in a National Park. In contrast, in a Wildlife Sanctuary (Sections 18–26A), the Collector may allow limited rights to continue, and the Chief Wildlife Warden may regulate or permit grazing under Section 33(d). A Wildlife Sanctuary can be upgraded into a National Park, but a National Park cannot be downgraded into a Sanctuary.
Which is the largest, smallest, and oldest National Park in India?
- Largest National Park: Hemis National Park (Ladakh) (~4,400 sq km), located in the Trans-Himalayas and serving as a major habitat for the Snow Leopard.
- Smallest National Park: South Button Island National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) (~0.03 sq km / 3 hectares), a shallow coral reef islet.
- Oldest National Park: Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and later renamed in 1957.
Why is Keibul Lamjao National Park globally unique?
Keibul Lamjao National Park (40 sq km), located on Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district of Manipur, is the world's only floating national park. It is characterized by floating decomposed biomass mats known locally as phumdis, and serves as the exclusive natural habitat of the endangered Sangai / Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii eldii), famously known as the "Dancing Deer" of Manipur.
Can the boundaries of a National Park be altered, and who holds the authority?
Under Section 35(5) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, no alteration of the boundaries of a National Park shall be made except on a formal recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), which is chaired by the Prime Minister of India. State Governments or State Wildlife Boards cannot unilaterally alter National Park boundaries without NBWL clearance.
Official References and Primary Sources
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII) - National Wildlife Database - Official repository of India's Protected Area Network (PAN).
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) - Statutory notifications, gazettes, and National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) decisions.
- Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice - Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 - Full statutory legal text (Sections 35, 38, and 33).
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Natural & Mixed Properties in India - Kaziranga, Manas, Keoladeo, Sundarbans, Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers, Great Himalayan, and Khangchendzonga.
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) - Core critical tiger habitats and national park zonation data.