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India is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, and national parks play a crucial role in preserving this natural heritage. With a vast and varied landscape, India offers a unique opportunity to explore wildlife in their natural habitats, from dense forests to vast deserts. As of 2025, the number of national parks in India stands at over 100, each with its unique charm and wildlife. In this article, we will explore the national parks in India, including the largest, smallest, the first, and the oldest, and delve into their significance.
National Parks in India: An Overview
A national park in India is an area that is reserved for wildlife conservation and protection, where human activity is strictly regulated. These parks play a vital role in preserving biodiversity and are managed by the government, ensuring that endangered species are protected. India boasts an impressive number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, each contributing to the preservation of India’s natural resources.
How Many National Parks Are There in India?
As of 2025, there are over 100 national parks in India. These parks span the length and breadth of the country, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the country’s diverse ecosystems. From the dense forests of the Western Ghats to the vast grasslands of Rajasthan, India’s national parks are home to a wide range of animals, birds, and plant species.
The total number of national parks in India is expected to continue growing in the future as more areas are protected and conserved. These national parks are an integral part of India’s conservation efforts and play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of the country.
The First National Park in India
The first national park in India was Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936. Located in Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is famous for its rich wildlife, particularly the Bengal tiger. The park was initially established as the Hailey National Park, and it was later renamed in honor of Jim Corbett, a renowned British hunter and conservationist who played a pivotal role in the park’s creation.
Jim Corbett National Park not only holds the title of being the first national park in India but is also one of the most visited and well-known parks in the country.
The Largest National Park in India
India’s largest national park is the Hemis National Park, located in Ladakh. Hemis is spread over an area of approximately 4,400 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in India. The park is famous for its rugged terrain and unique wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, and the Himalayan brown bear.
The biggest national park in India offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains and is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Due to its location at high altitudes, the park’s ecosystem is delicate, and conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining its biodiversity.
Important National Parks in India
<p “>India is home to many significant national parks that not only protect wildlife but also contribute to scientific research, education, and tourism. Some of the most important national parks in India include:
- Jim Corbett National Park – Famous for its Bengal tiger population and as India’s first national park.
- Kaziranga National Park – Known for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses.
- Sundarbans National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its tiger population and unique mangrove ecosystem.
- Gir National Park – The only place where the Asiatic lion is found in the wild.
- Ranthambore National Park – Known for its historical ruins and tiger sightings.
Top 10 National Parks in India
Here’s a list of the top 10 national parks in India, which are famous for their wildlife, scenic beauty, and eco-tourism initiatives:
Rank | National Park | Location | Famous For |
1 | Jim Corbett National Park | Uttarakhand | Bengal Tigers |
2 | Kaziranga National Park | Assam | One-horned Rhinoceros |
3 | Sundarbans National Park | West Bengal | Royal Bengal Tigers |
4 | Gir National Park | Gujarat | Asiatic Lions |
5 | Ranthambore National Park | Rajasthan | Bengal Tigers and Fort Ruins |
6 | Kanha National Park | Madhya Pradesh | Barasingha, Tigers |
7 | Bandhavgarh National Park | Madhya Pradesh | Tigers, Ancient Fort |
8 | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary | Kerala | Elephants, Tigers |
9 | Hemis National Park | Ladakh | Snow Leopards, Himalayan Flora |
10 | Manas National Park | Assam | Tigers, Wild Water Buffalo |
These parks represent the diversity and richness of India’s natural heritage. Each park has a unique ecosystem and is home to a variety of species that contribute to the country’s biodiversity.
The Smallest National Park in India
While India is known for its vast and expansive national parks, it also has smaller parks that play a vital role in conservation. The smallest national park in India is South Button Island National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, covering an area of just 0.07 square kilometers. Despite its small size, it is home to a wide variety of marine life and bird species.
Floating National Park in India
India is home to one of the most unique national parks in the world – the Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur. The park is famous for being the floating national park in India, as it is located on a floating island in the Loktak Lake. The park is home to the endangered Sangai deer and offers a unique ecosystem of floating wetlands, aquatic plants, and diverse bird species.
Oldest National Park in India
The oldest national park in India is Jim Corbett National Park. Established in 1936, it remains one of the most iconic parks in the country, famous for its rich biodiversity and historical significance. The park has a long history of conservation efforts and continues to be a crucial site for wildlife preservation.
National Parks and Sanctuaries in India
India has a vast network of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that help conserve the country’s biodiversity. While national parks are strictly protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries offer more leniency for human activities like grazing and hunting. Together, national parks and sanctuaries in India create a robust system of protected areas to safeguard the country’s wildlife.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India: Key Differences
Category | National Parks | Wildlife Sanctuaries |
Protection Level | Strict, human activities are prohibited | Less strict, regulated human activities |
Examples | Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Sundarbans | Sariska, Bharatpur, Harike |
Purpose | Conservation of biodiversity | Protection of wildlife, controlled usage |
Total Number of National Parks in India 2025
As of 2025, the total number of national parks in India stands at over 100, with new parks being established to protect more of India’s unique ecosystems. These parks are spread across various regions, with some in remote areas, while others are more accessible to the public.
Conclusion
National parks in India are not just a testament to the country’s natural beauty but also play an essential role in preserving its biodiversity for future generations. From the largest national park in India to the smallest, and from floating national parks to the oldest national parks, India offers an array of protected areas that are a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The top 10 national parks in India showcase the country’s rich ecological diversity, and with continued conservation efforts, these parks will continue to thrive and provide a sanctuary for wildlife for many years to come. Whether you’re looking to spot a Bengal tiger in Jim Corbett or observe the unique Sangai deer in Keibul Lamjao, India’s national parks are an adventure waiting to unfold.
FAQs on National Parks in India
How many national parks are in India?
As of the latest data, there are 106 national parks in India. These parks play a vital role in wildlife conservation and showcase India's rich biodiversity.
Which is the largest national park in India 2023?
Hemis National Park, located in Jammu and Kashmir, is the largest national park in India as of 2023. It is renowned for its high-altitude wildlife and scenic beauty.
Which is the 105th national park in India?
The 105th national park in India is Raimona National Park in Assam, designated in 2021. It is known for its diverse ecosystem and wildlife conservation efforts.
What is a national park in India?
A national park in India is a protected area, established by the government to conserve wildlife and natural habitats while allowing for public enjoyment and education.
Which is the first national park in India?
The first national park in India is Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 in Uttarakhand. It's famous for its tiger conservation efforts and rich biodiversity.