List of National Parks in India 2025, 109 Parks, Map, Key Features, UPSC Notes

As of 2025, India has 109 National Parks protecting diverse wildlife like tigers, elephants, and leopards across forests, deserts, and mountains. These parks play a key role in biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and environmental education.

National Parks in India 2025

India is home to 109 National Parks in 2025, spread across diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical forests to alpine mountains and arid deserts. These parks protect a rich variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and endangered species, while preserving unique flora. Popular parks like Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, and Gir attract tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from across the world. National Parks play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and environmental education.

What is a National Park?

A National Park is a protected area declared by the Government, dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, biodiversity, and natural habitats. It represents unique ecosystems where human activity is strictly regulated to allow flora and fauna to thrive naturally. Unlike Wildlife Sanctuaries, where some grazing and private land rights may exist, National Parks prohibit all human exploitation or occupation.

Legal Backing of National Parks in India

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Provides the main framework for declaring National Parks.

- Section 35: State Government can declare an area as a National Park.
- Once notified, boundaries cannot be altered except by law.
- No grazing, hunting, or private rights allowed.

Indian Forest Act, 1927 – Offers supplementary provisions for forest conservation.
Biodiversity Act, 2002 – Supports conservation of biological diversity in and around protected areas.
International Conventions – India is a party to CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which strengthen the conservation mandate of National Parks.

Key Features of National Parks in India

Strict Protection – No hunting, poaching, grazing, or private land use.
Conservation of Biodiversity – Protects endangered species, rare flora, and fragile ecosystems.
Eco-tourism & Education – Parks are open for eco-tourism, research, and awareness, but under strict regulation.
Legal Boundaries – Clearly demarcated and legally protected from deforestation or industrial use.
Size & Scope – Can range from very small (South Button NP, 0.03 km²) to very large (Hemis NP, 3,350 km²).
Management – Controlled by State Forest Departments under guidance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Integration with Other Protected Areas – Many National Parks overlap with Tiger Reserves, Biosphere Reserves, Ramsar Wetlands, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

List of National Parks in India 2025

List of National Parks in India 2025
S.No	National Park	State / UT	Year	Area (km²)
1	Campbell Bay National Park	Andaman & Nicobar Is.	1992	426
2	Galathea Bay National Park	Andaman & Nicobar Is.	1992	110
3	Mahatma Gandhi Marine (Wandoor) National Park	Andaman & Nicobar Is.	1983	28
4	Middle Button Island National Park	Andaman & Nicobar Is.	1987	0.44
5	Mount Harriet National Park	Andaman & Nicobar Is.	1987	47
6	North Button Island National Park	Andaman & Nicobar Is.	1987	0.44
7	Rani Jhansi Marine National Park	Andaman & Nicobar Is.	1996	256
8	Saddle Peak National Park	Andaman & Nicobar Is.	1987	33
9	South Button Island National Park	Andaman & Nicobar Is.	1987	0.03
10	Papikonda National Park	Andhra Pradesh	2008	1,013
11	Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park	Andhra Pradesh	2005	2.4
12	Sri Venkateswara National Park	Andhra Pradesh	1989	354
13	Mouling National Park	Arunachal Pradesh	1986	483
14	Namdapha National Park	Arunachal Pradesh	1983	1,808
15	Dibru-Saikhowa National Park	Assam	1999	340
16	Dihing Patkai National Park	Assam	2021	234
17	Kaziranga National Park	Assam	1974	859
18	Manas National Park	Assam	1990	500
19	Nameri National Park	Assam	1998	200
20	Raimona National Park	Assam	2021	422
21	Rajiv Gandhi (Orang) National Park	Assam	1999	79
22	Valmiki National Park	Bihar	1989	336
23	Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park	Chhattisgarh	1981	1,440
24	Indravati (Kutru) National Park	Chhattisgarh	1982	1,258
25	Kanger Valley National Park	Chhattisgarh	1982	200
26	Mollem National Park	Goa	1992	107
27	Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park	Gujarat	1976	35
28	Gir National Park	Gujarat	1975	259
29	Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) National Park	Gujarat	1982	163
30	Vansda National Park	Gujarat	1979	24
31	Kalesar National Park	Haryana	2003	47
32	SultaNational Parkur National Park	Haryana	1989	1.4
33	Great Himalayan National Park	Himachal Pradesh	1984	754
34	Inderkilla National Park	Himachal Pradesh	2010	104
35	Khirganga National Park	Himachal Pradesh	2010	710
36	Pin Valley National Park	Himachal Pradesh	1987	675
37	Simbalbara National Park	Himachal Pradesh	2010	29
38	Betla National Park	Jharkhand	1986	226
39	Anshi National Park	Karnataka	1987	417
40	Bandipur National Park	Karnataka	1974	874
41	Bannerghatta National Park	Karnataka	1974	26
42	Kudremukh National Park	Karnataka	1987	600
43	Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park	Karnataka	1988	643
44	Anamudi Shola National Park	Kerala	2003	7.5
45	Eravikulam National Park	Kerala	1978	97
46	Mathikettan Shola National Park	Kerala	2003	13
47	Pambadum Shola National Park	Kerala	2003	1.3
48	Periyar National Park	Kerala	1982	350
49	Silent Valley National Park	Kerala	1984	89
50	Bandhavgarh National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1968	449
51	Dinosaur Fossils National Park	Madhya Pradesh	2011	0.9
52	Fossil National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1983	0.3
53	Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1975	293
54	Kanha National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1955	940
55	Kuno National Park	Madhya Pradesh	2018	748
56	Madhav National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1959	375
57	Panna National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1981	543
58	Sanjay National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1981	467
59	Satpura National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1981	585
60	Van Vihar National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1979	4.5
61	Chandoli National Park	Maharashtra	2004	318
62	Gugamal National Park	Maharashtra	1975	361
63	Navegaon National Park	Maharashtra	1975	134
64	Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) National Park	Maharashtra	1975	257
65	Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park	Maharashtra	1983	87
66	Tadoba National Park	Maharashtra	1955	117
67	Keibul-Lamjao National Park	Manipur	1977	40
68	Shiroi (Shirui) National Park	Manipur	1982	100
69	Balphakram National Park	Meghalaya	1985	220
70	Nokrek Ridge National Park	Meghalaya	1986	48
71	Murlen National Park	Mizoram	1991	100
72	Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) National Park	Mizoram	1992	50
73	Intanki National Park	Nagaland	1993	202
74	Bhitarkanika National Park	Odisha	1988	145
75	Simlipal National Park	Odisha	1980	846
76	Desert National Park	Rajasthan	1992	3,162
77	Keoladeo Ghana National Park	Rajasthan	1981	29
78	Mukundra Hills National Park	Rajasthan	2006	200
79	Ranthambhore National Park	Rajasthan	1980	282
80	Sariska National Park	Rajasthan	1992	274
81	Khangchendzonga National Park	Sikkim	1977	1,784
82	Guindy National Park	Tamil Nadu	1976	2.8
83	Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park	Tamil Nadu	1980	6.2
84	Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park	Tamil Nadu	1989	117
85	Mudumalai National Park	Tamil Nadu	1990	103
86	Mukurthi National Park	Tamil Nadu	1990	78
87	Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park	Telangana	1994	1.4
88	Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park	Telangana	1994	14.6
89	Mrugavani National Park	Telangana	1994	3.6
90	Bison (Rajbari) National Park	Tripura	2007	31.6
91	Clouded Leopard National Park	Tripura	2007	5
92	City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park	Jammu & Kashmir	1992	9
93	Dachigam National Park	Jammu & Kashmir	1981	141
94	Kazinag National Park	Jammu & Kashmir	2000	91
95	Kishtwar National Park	Jammu & Kashmir	1981	425
96	Hemis National Park	Ladakh (UT)	1981	3,350
97	Dudhwa National Park	Uttar Pradesh	1977	490
98	Gangotri National Park	Uttarakhand	1989	2,390
99	Govind National Park	Uttarakhand	1990	472
100	Jim Corbett National Park	Uttarakhand	1936	521
101	Nanda Devi National Park	Uttarakhand	1982	625
102	Rajaji National Park	Uttarakhand	1983	820
103	Valley of Flowers National Park	Uttarakhand	1982	88
104	Buxa National Park	West Bengal	1992	117
105	Gorumara National Park	West Bengal	1992	79
106	Jaldapara National Park	West Bengal	2014	217
107	Neora Valley National Park	West Bengal	1986	160
108	Singalila National Park	West Bengal	1986	79
109	Sundarbans National Park	West Bengal	1984	1,330

National Parks in India Map

Here is the map of all the National Parks in India along with their respective states.

Oldest National Park in India

The oldest National Park in India is Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park in the foothills of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand.

Location: Nainital & Pauri Garhwal districts, Uttarakhand
Original Name: Hailey National Park (named after Sir Malcolm Hailey, then Governor of United Provinces)
Renamed: Ramganga National Park in 1954; finally named Jim Corbett National Park in 1957 after the famous hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett.
Area: ~520 km² (core), part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve (1,318 km²)
River: Ramganga River flows through the park, forming the lifeline of its ecosystem
Key Species: Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopards, Crocodiles, Otters, and 600+ bird species
Major Flora: Sal forests, Chir Pine, Khair, and diverse grasslands
Significance:
- First National Park in India
- First Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger (1973)
- A major ecotourism and conservation hub

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Top 10 Largest National Parks in India

The largest national parks in India are mostly located in the Himalayan region and in remote landscapes like Ladakh and the Northeast, where vast tracts of wilderness are still preserved. These parks provide critical habitats for endangered species like the snow leopard, tiger, red panda, and Asiatic lion. The largest among them is Hemis National Park in Ladakh, which alone covers 3,350 km², making it not only the largest in India but also one of the biggest in South Asia.

Rank	National Park	State/UT	Area (km²)	Key Features
1	Hemis National Park	Ladakh	3,350	Largest NP in India, famous for Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolves, and high-altitude terrain
2	Desert National Park	Rajasthan	3,162	Covers the Thar Desert, habitat of Great Indian Bustard
3	Gangotri National Park	Uttarakhand	2,390	Source of River Ganga, home to Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard
4	Namdapha National Park	Arunachal Pradesh	1,808	Richest biodiversity in Eastern Himalayas, Red Panda & Clouded Leopard
5	Khangchendzonga National Park	Sikkim	1,784	UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kanchenjunga peak inside
6	Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park	Chhattisgarh	1,441	Important Tiger and Elephant habitat
7	Indravati National Park	Chhattisgarh	1,258	Known for Wild Buffalo, Tigers, and dense forests
8	Papikonda National Park	Andhra Pradesh	1,013	Godavari riverine ecosystem, Tigers and Hill Mynas
9	Kanha National Park	Madhya Pradesh	940	Inspiration for The Jungle Book, famous for Barasingha & Tigers
10	Bandhavgarh National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1,536 (TR area) / ~716 (core)	Highest tiger density in India

Smallest National Parks in India

The smallest national park in India is South Button Island National Park in the Andamans, with an area of just 0.03 km², yet it plays a vital role in marine conservation. Other small parks like North Button and Middle Button are also critical habitats for species like dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles.

Top 10 Smallest National Parks in India
Rank	National Park	State/UT	Area (km²)	Key Features
1	South Button Island NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	0.03	Smallest NP in India, protects marine life, corals, sea turtles
2	North Button Island NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	0.44	Marine park, dolphins and dugongs found here
3	Middle Button Island NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	0.90	Rich coral reefs and marine biodiversity
4	Mount Harriet NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	4.62	Famous for butterflies and trekking routes
5	Guindy NP	Tamil Nadu (Chennai)	5.20	Smallest NP in mainland India, urban wildlife habitat
6	Campbell Bay NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	426.23 (but relatively small vs Himalayan parks)	Endemic Nicobar Megapode, saltwater crocodiles
7	Rani Jhansi Marine NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	256.14	Protects coral reefs and marine ecosystems
8	Saddle Peak NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	33.00	Highest point in Andamans, tropical rainforest
9	Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	281.50	Coral reefs, sea turtles, and dugongs
10	Singalila NP	West Bengal	78.60	Famous for Red Panda and Sandakphu trek

Difference Between Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks are both protected areas under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, but they differ in their level of protection, purpose, and restrictions. A Wildlife Sanctuary is created mainly to protect specific species of animals and allows some regulated human activities like grazing or private land rights. In contrast, a National Park is meant for the protection of entire ecosystems (flora, fauna, and landscape) with stricter rules, no human interference, grazing, or private ownership is permitted.

Aspect	Wildlife Sanctuary	National Park
Definition	Area designated for the protection of wild animals, especially threatened species.	Protected area for conserving entire ecosystems – wildlife, vegetation, and landscape.
Legal Status	Declared under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Section 18	Declared under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Section 35
Human Activity	Limited activities like grazing, firewood collection, and rights of tribes may be allowed (regulated).	Strictly prohibited – no grazing, hunting, poaching, or private land rights.
Ownership Rights	Can include private land; government may regulate activities.	Entirely owned and controlled by the Government.
Boundary Changes	State government can alter boundaries.	Boundaries can only be changed by passing a law in the State Legislature.
Tourism	Eco-tourism and safari allowed, but with fewer restrictions.	Tourism allowed, but under strict guidelines and regulated entry points.
Examples	Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Gir Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat).	Jim Corbett NP (Uttarakhand), Kaziranga NP (Assam).

National Parks in India 2025: Key Features

National Parks in India 2025 serve as the backbone of biodiversity conservation, protecting endangered wildlife, unique landscapes, and fragile ecosystems. They are legally backed under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, ensuring strict protection, eco-tourism opportunities, and sustainable management of natural resources.

1. Campbell Bay National Park (Great Nicobar, 1992)

Located in Great Nicobar, this park protects dense tropical evergreen forests and is rich in unique island biodiversity. The Galathea River flows through, sustaining crocodiles, turtles, and megapodes.

Major Flora: Pandanus, rattan palms, giant timber species
Key Fauna: Nicobar megapode, saltwater crocodile, leatherback turtle
Features: Remote island ecosystem, coastal forests
River: Galathea River

2. Galathea Bay National Park (Great Nicobar, 1992)

A coastal marine park with mangroves and beaches, it is a critical nesting site for leatherback turtles and home to dolphins and dugongs.

Major Flora: Mangroves, littoral vegetation
Key Fauna: Leatherback turtle, dugong, dolphins
Features: Important turtle nesting ground
River: Galathea River delta

3. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (South Andaman, 1983)

Covering 15 islands, this park is famous for its coral reefs and mangroves. It supports green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and reef fish, making it a marine biodiversity hotspot.

Major Flora: Coral reefs, mangroves, tropical rainforest patches
Key Fauna: Green turtle, hawksbill turtle, reef fish species
Features: Scuba diving and snorkeling hub
River/Lake: Marine ecosystem

4. Middle Button Island National Park (Ritchie’s Archipelago, 1987)

A small island with moist deciduous forest and rich marine life. It shelters spotted deer, dolphins, and water monitor lizards.

Major Flora: Tropical deciduous forests
Key Fauna: Spotted deer, dolphins, water monitor lizard
Features: Clear lagoons, coral reefs
River/Lake: Marine surroundings

5. Mount Harriet National Park (South Andaman, 1987)

Known for its evergreen and deciduous forests, this park harbors endemic birds, robber crabs, and butterflies. The Mount Harriet Peak offers scenic biodiversity.

Major Flora: Evergreen and deciduous forests
Key Fauna: Andaman wood pigeon, robber crab, wild pigs
Features: Third-highest peak of Andamans, bird diversity
River/Lake: Nil

6. North Button Island National Park (1987)

A small island park with scrub and littoral forests, it supports dugongs, dolphins, and turtles in its coastal waters.

Major Flora: Scrub vegetation, littoral flora
Key Fauna: Dugongs, dolphins, turtles
Features: Part of Button Island group, marine ecosystem
River/Lake: Marine surroundings

7. Rani Jhansi Marine National Park (South Andaman, 1996)

Rich in seagrass meadows and coral reefs, this park conserves dugongs, turtles, and saltwater crocodiles along its coast.

Major Flora: Seagrass meadows, coral reefs
Key Fauna: Dugong, turtles, crocodiles
Features: Marine biodiversity hotspot
River/Lake: Coastal ecosystem

8. Saddle Peak National Park (North Andaman, 1987)

Home to the highest peak in Andamans (732 m), it has evergreen forests and bamboo groves. The Kalpong River, the only river in the islands, originates here.

Major Flora: Evergreen forests, bamboo groves
Key Fauna: Hill myna, wild pigs, saltwater crocodiles
Features: Highest peak of Andamans
River: Kalpong River

9. South Button Island National Park (1987)

India’s smallest National Park (0.03 km²), famous for its coral reefs and marine species like dugongs, dolphins, and turtles.

Major Flora: Coastal shrubs, coral reefs
Key Fauna: Dugongs, dolphins, sea turtles
Features: Smallest NP of India, marine biodiversity
River/Lake: Marine surroundings

10. Papikonda National Park (Andhra Pradesh, 2008)

Papikonda protects moist deciduous forests along the Godavari basin with teak,Terminalia and bamboo patches; it’s an important riverine corridor. The park supports tigers, elephants, gaur and rich birdlife, and includes steep hills and forested ridges along the Godavari tributaries.

Major Flora: Teak, Terminalia, bamboo, riparian vegetation
Key Species: Tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, deer, many birds
Features: Riverine corridors, escarpments, biodiversity hotspot in Eastern Ghats
Rivers/Lakes: Godavari tributaries

11. Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park (Andhra Pradesh, 2005)

A very small coastal/island reserve near Rameswaram protecting littoral vegetation and shorebird habitat; valuable for marine and shore species. It shelters sea birds and nesting turtles and features sandbars and reef flats.

Major Flora: Coastal scrub, salt-tolerant vegetation, mangrove fringe
Key Species: Sea birds, marine turtles, shore crabs
Features: Coastal islets, reef flats, important nesting beaches
Rivers/Lakes: Coastal marine area

12. Sri Venkateswara National Park (Andhra Pradesh, 1989)

Located in the Eastern Ghats near Tirupati, the park contains montane forests, dry deciduous patches and shola-like pockets with rich endemic flora. It supports sloth bear, leopard, chital and many endemic birds, and features deep valleys and streams.

Major Flora: Dry deciduous, scrub, some shola patches, medicinal plants
Key Species: Sloth bear, leopard, deer, endemic birds and reptiles
Features: Hilly terrain, sacred hills, biodiversity in Eastern Ghats
Rivers/Lakes: Small perennial streams

13. Mouling National Park (Arunachal Pradesh, 1986)

Mouling is a high-rainfall evergreen forest area with dense canopy, bamboos and rich understory connecting to eastern Himalayan biodiversity. The park is home to clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, red panda reports and diverse avifauna, with steep valleys and pristine rivers.

Major Flora: Evergreen forest, bamboo, rhododendron patches
Key Species: Clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, leopard, diverse birds
Features: Steep valleys, high rainfall, intact rainforest tracts
Rivers/Lakes: Pristine rivers/streams (local tributaries)

14. Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh, 1983)

Namdapha spans from tropical rainforest to alpine zones with extraordinary species richness and many endemics across an altitudinal gradient. It shelters tiger, clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, rare orchids and amphibians, and contains the Noa Dihing river systems.

Major Flora: Tropical evergreen, temperate forest, alpine meadows, orchids
Key Species: Tiger, clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, rare primates, birds
Features: Large altitudinal range, high endemism, dense forest tracts
Rivers/Lakes: Noa Dihing and tributaries

15. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (Assam, 1999)

A unique river-island grassland and wetland mosaic on the Brahmaputra floodplain with tall elephant grass and riverine forests. The park supports swamp deer, wild water buffalo, migratory waterbirds and river dolphins nearby, and features braided channels and oxbow lakes.

Major Flora: Tall grass (elephant grass), riverine forest, swamp vegetation
Key Species: Swamp deer, water buffalo, numerous waterbirds, otters
Features: Riverine islands, wetlands, high avian diversity
Rivers/Lakes: Brahmaputra tributaries / oxbow lakes

16. Dihing Patkai National Park (Assam, 2021)

Dihing Patkai is a dense lowland evergreen rainforest patch of the eastern Assam region with high bird and mammal diversity; recently notified to boost protection. It shelters hornbills, elephants, tigers and rare birds, and contains many perennial streams flowing into the Brahmaputra.

Major Flora: Evergreen rainforest, bamboo understorey, riparian plants
Key Species: Hornbills, Asian elephant, tiger, diverse avifauna
Features: Wet evergreen forest, high rainfall, rich biodiversity
Rivers/Lakes: Tributaries to the Brahmaputra

17. Kaziranga National Park (Assam, 1974)

A UNESCO World Heritage site on the Brahmaputra floodplain famed for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga also houses tigers, elephants and rich birdlife in tall grass and wetlands. Its landscape is defined by alluvial floodplains, tall elephant grasses and seasonal river channels.

Major Flora: Tall elephant grass, reed beds, marsh vegetation, riverine forest
Key Species: One-horned rhinoceros, tiger, Asian elephant, swamp deer, waterbirds
Features: Floodplain ecosystem, UNESCO status, high biodiversity & big mammals
Rivers/Lakes: Brahmaputra and tributaries, oxbow lakes

18. Manas National Park (Assam, 1990)

Manas is a transboundary conservation landscape with grasslands, riverine forests and Himalayan foothills, noted for tigers, pygmy hogs, golden langurs and wild water buffalo. The Manas River and its tributaries carve through scenic valleys and grassland mosaics.

Major Flora: Grasslands, riverine forest, semi-evergreen patches
Key Species: Tiger, wild water buffalo, pygmy hog, golden langur, elephant
Features: Transboundary corridor with Bhutan, UNESCO site (partial), grassland-forest mosaics
Rivers/Lakes: Manas River

19. Nameri National Park (Assam, 1998)

Nameri features lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with riparian grasslands, offering good habitat connectivity for large mammals. It hosts tiger, elephant, hornbills and riverine birds, and the Jia Bhoroli river runs through providing rafting and habitat diversity.

Major Flora: Semi-evergreen, riverine vegetation, grasslands
Key Species: Tiger, Asian elephant, hornbills, otters, diverse birds
Features: Riverine forest, rafting potential, birdwatching hotspot
Rivers/Lakes: Jia Bhoroli (tributary of Brahmaputra)

20. Raimona National Park (Assam, 2021)

Raimona protects semi-evergreen forests and grasslands with excellent corridor value linking to other protected areas; vital for elephant and tiger movement. Key fauna include elephants, tigers, gaur and rich birdlife, and it features typical Brahmaputra foothill terrain.

Major Flora: Semi-evergreen forest, grasslands, riparian vegetation
Key Species: Elephant, tiger, gaur, diverse birds and reptiles
Features: Corridor habitat, grassland-forest mosaic, recent notification
Rivers/Lakes: Local mountain streams / tributaries

21. Rajiv Gandhi (Orang) National Park (Assam, 1999)

Orang is a riverine floodplain park with grasslands and riverine forests supporting rhinos and tigers in a compact area on the Brahmaputra’s bank. It is known for one-horned rhino, tigers, swamp deer and abundant waterbirds, shaped by seasonal inundation and oxbow lakes.

Major Flora: Grasslands, riparian forests, marsh vegetation
Key Species: One-horned rhinoceros, tiger, swamp deer, waterfowl
Features: Riverine floodplain, wildlife-rich in compact landscapes
Rivers/Lakes: Brahmaputra nearby; internal river channels

22. Valmiki National Park (Bihar, 1989)

Valmiki protects Terai-Duar forest and grassland supporting tigers, elephants and diverse fauna, forming an important northern Bihar wildlife block. Its landscape includes riverine belts and tall grasses with tiger, elephant, leopard and abundant birds.

Major Flora: Sal, mixed deciduous, riparian vegetation, tall grass
Key Species: Tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, deer species, birds
Features: Terai ecosystem, wildlife corridors to Nepal, rich biodiversity
Rivers/Lakes: Gandak tributaries and riparian streams

23. Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park (Chhattisgarh, 1981)

Sanjay features central Indian deciduous forests on rocky plateaus and supports large mammals such as tiger, sloth bear, gaur and deer, with waterfalls and tribal landscapes enhancing its ecological and cultural value.

Major Flora: Teak, sal, mixed deciduous forests, teak-bamboo patches
Key Species: Tiger, sloth bear, gaur, deer, varied avifauna
Features: Plateaus, waterfalls, remote forest tracts, tribal areas
Rivers/Lakes: Local rivers and seasonal streams

24. Indravati (Kutru) National Park (Chhattisgarh, 1982)

Indravati is a rugged, forested park with teak and mixed deciduous cover that supports wild Asian buffalo, tiger and gaur, playing a crucial role in central Indian biodiversity conservation. The Indravati River system is a main hydrological feature.

Major Flora: Teak, mixed deciduous species, riparian vegetation
Key Species: Wild Asian buffalo, tiger, gaur, deer
Features: Rugged hills, remote forests, low human density
Rivers/Lakes: Indravati River (tributaries)

25. Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh, 1982)

Kanger Valley is famous for its moist deciduous forests, spectacular limestone caves (Kutumsar, Dandak) and waterfalls; biologically rich with leopards, sloth bears and hornbills. The park’s streams carve through karst topography, creating unique cave systems.

Major Flora: Moist deciduous, bamboo, riparian flora
Key Species: Leopard, sloth bear, deer, hornbills, reptiles
Features: Limestone caves, waterfalls, karst formations
Rivers/Lakes: Small perennial streams

26. Mollem National Park (Goa, 1992)

Located in the Western Ghats, Mollem contains evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with high endemism and is contiguous with larger forest blocks supporting gaur, langurs, leopards and diverse birds. Its terrain includes lateritic plateaus, streams and scenic valleys.

Major Flora: Evergreen and semi-evergreen, lateritic plateaus, bamboo
Key Species: Gaur, leopard, sloth bear (occasionally), endemic birds
Features: Western Ghats biodiversity, Bhagwan Mahavir sanctuary adjacency
Rivers/Lakes: Local streams and rivulets

27. Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park (Gujarat, 1976)

Velavadar is prime grassland and saline marsh habitat for herds of blackbuck, wolves and grassland birds, featuring flat open plains with seasonal wetlands. It’s noted for excellent sightings of blackbuck and grassland conservation.

Major Flora: Grasslands, saline marsh vegetation, scrub
Key Species: Blackbuck, wolf, striped hyena, grassland birds
Features: Open grass plains, seasonal marshes, high blackbuck density
Rivers/Lakes: Seasonal wetlands and marshes

28. Gir National Park (Gujarat, 1975)

Gir is the last stronghold of the Asiatic lion, set in dry deciduous and scrub forest with rocky outcrops, supporting a healthy carnivore and ungulate community. Gir’s wadis and streams sustain lion prides, leopards, nilgai and chital.

Major Flora: Dry deciduous, scrub, Acacia, Euphorbia and teak pockets
Key Species: Asiatic lion, leopard, nilgai, chinkara, deer
Features: Rocky hills (Girnar), dry deciduous tracts, lion conservation success
Rivers/Lakes: Seasonal streams, small reservoirs

29. Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) National Park (Gujarat, 1982)

This marine national park protects unique intertidal life, coral reefs and tidal flats supporting migratory birds and marine organisms. It is vital for coral communities, invertebrates and migratory shorebirds, with extensive mudflats and reef patches.

Major Flora: Intertidal algae, seagrass patches, sparse mangroves
Key Species: Marine invertebrates, reef fishes, migratory birds, dugong (nearby)
Features: Tidal flats, coral patches, marine biodiversity in semi-arid setting
Rivers/Lakes: Coastal marine ecosystem (Gulf of Kachchh)

30. Vansda National Park (Gujarat, 1979)

Vansda is a small moist deciduous patch with mixed forest and riparian corridors; it supports leopards, sloth bear, deer and diverse birds and serves as a green island amid agricultural land.

Major Flora: Moist deciduous species, teak pockets, riparian growth
Key Species: Leopard, sloth bear, deer, many resident birds
Features: Hillocks, riverside vegetation, biodiversity in southern Gujarat
Rivers/Lakes: Small local streams

31. Kalesar National Park (Haryana, 2003)

Kalesar contains sal and mixed deciduous forests in the Shivalik foothills and offers habitat for leopard, barking deer and diverse avifauna, with undulating terrain and seasonal streams.

Major Flora: Sal, mixed deciduous, riverine vegetation
Key Species: Leopard, barking deer, jackal, birds
Features: Shivalik foothills, cooler microclimate, forested ridges
Rivers/Lakes: Seasonal streams, small rivulets

32. Sultanpur National Park (Haryana, 1989)

A small freshwater wetland near Gurgaon, Sultanpur is a prime birding site attracting migratory ducks, waders and resident waterbirds, with well-maintained marshes and birdwatching hides.

Major Flora: Aquatic plants, reedbeds, poplar/trees around lake
Key Species: Migratory ducks, waders, kingfishers, resident waterfowl
Features: Birdwatching facilities, lake with seasonal fluctuations
Rivers/Lakes: Sultanpur Lake (man-managed wetland)

33. Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 1984)

A UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot, GHNP preserves alpine meadows, coniferous forests and glacial streams, hosting snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, musk deer and pheasants across steep valleys. It’s a major conservation and trekking destination.

Major Flora: Conifers (deodar, fir), alpine meadows, rhododendron
Key Species: Snow leopard (possible), Himalayan tahr, musk deer, pheasants
Features: Glacial valleys, alpine biodiversity, high conservation value
Rivers/Lakes: Glacial streams and headwaters

34. Inderkilla National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 2010)

Inderkilla is a small temperate forest patch with mixed broadleaf and conifer trees supporting Himalayan birds and small mammals, offering scenic riverside trails and rich birdlife.

Major Flora: Mixed broadleaf and coniferous species, oak, rhododendron
Key Species: Himalayan birds, small mammals, occasional leopard
Features: Temperate forest, riverine valleys, accessible trekking
Rivers/Lakes: Seasonal mountain streams

35. Khirganga National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 2010)

A montane park of conifers and alpine meadows famous for pilgrimage and trekking, Khirganga supports pheasants, mountain ungulates and mixed forest fauna and has scenic mountain streams.

Major Flora: Conifers, alpine meadows, rhododendron patches
Key Species: Himalayan pheasants, small carnivores, mountain ungulates
Features: Trek routes, high meadows, pilgrimage trails
Rivers/Lakes: Mountain streams and springs

36. Pin Valley National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 1987)

Pin Valley is a cold-desert national park in Spiti with arid high-altitude steppes, hosting snow leopard, Siberian ibex, bharal and Himalayan wolf, and notable for Pin River valley landscapes.

Major Flora: Cold desert shrubs, juniper, sparse alpine flora
Key Species: Snow leopard, Siberian ibex, bharal, Himalayan wolf
Features: High-altitude cold desert, unique flora, pastoral valleys
Rivers/Lakes: Pin River

37. Simbalbara National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 2010)

A small Shivalik forest patch with mixed deciduous cover, Simbalbara supports deer, leopard and varied birdlife, and features hilly terrain and seasonal watercourses.

Major Flora: Sal and mixed deciduous species, scrub
Key Species: Leopard, deer, small carnivores, resident birds
Features: Shivalik foothills, scenic ridges, tribal landscapes
Rivers/Lakes: Seasonal streams

38. Betla National Park (Jharkhand, 1986)

Betla is part of the Palamau tiger landscape with plateau and forested valleys, home to tigers, elephants, sloth bears and rich birdlife, and features rocky outcrops and waterfalls.

Major Flora: Teak, sal, mixed deciduous forests
Key Species: Tiger, elephant, sloth bear, gaur, birds
Features: Plateau forests, waterfalls, tribal settlements
Rivers/Lakes: Local streams and seasonal reservoirs

39. Anshi (Kali) National Park (Karnataka, 1987)

Anshi forms part of the Kali Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats with evergreen forests and high rainfall; it supports tigers, leopards, king cobra and Malabar giant squirrel, and is crisscrossed by the Kali River.

Major Flora: Evergreen, semi-evergreen, riparian plants
Key Species: Tiger, leopard, king cobra, Malabar giant squirrel
Features: High rainfall evergreen tracts, Kali River, biodiversity hotspot
Rivers/Lakes: Kali River

40. Bandipur National Park (Karnataka, 1974)

Bandipur is a core tiger reserve of the Nilgiri-Eastern Ghats landscape with dry deciduous forests supporting tiger, elephant, gaur and rich birdlife, and features grasslands, waterholes and plateaus.

Major Flora: Dry deciduous, teak pockets, bamboo
Key Species: Tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, sambar, many birds
Features: Waterholes, wildlife corridors to Nagarahole and Mudumalai
Rivers/Lakes: Moyar tributaries and seasonal streams

41. Bannerghatta National Park (Karnataka, 1974)

Bannerghatta is an urban-proximate protected area with scrub and moist deciduous patches, a zoo complex and butterfly park, hosting leopard, sloth bear and many small mammals, and offering educational facilities.

Major Flora: Moist deciduous scrub, mixed vegetation
Key Species: Leopard, sloth bear, deer, birds, reptiles
Features: Zoo, butterfly park, urban wildlife education center
Rivers/Lakes: Small seasonal streams

42. Kudremukh National Park (Karnataka, 1987)

Kudremukh features shola-grassland mosaics and rolling ridges in the Western Ghats with evergreen tracts, supporting gaur, endemic amphibians and diverse birds, and scenic montane streams.

Major Flora: Shola forests, montane grasslands, wet evergreen patches
Key Species: Gaur, endemic amphibians, birds, occasional tiger
Features: Rolling ridges, iron-ore geology, montane biodiversity
Rivers/Lakes: Tributaries of Netravati and Tunga

43. Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park (Karnataka, 1988)

Nagarahole is a moist deciduous to evergreen matrix in the Nilgiris-Western Ghats complex supporting tiger, elephant, dhole and rich birdlife, with Kabini reservoir and riparian habitats.

Major Flora: Moist deciduous, teak, riparian vegetation
Key Species: Tiger, Asian elephant, dhole, deer, many birds
Features: Kabini Reservoir, riverine corridors, prime safari destination
Rivers/Lakes: Kabini River / reservoir

44. Anamudi Shola National Park (Kerala, 2003)

A tiny high-altitude shola patch near Anamudi, this park conserves endemic montane flora and supports mountain birds and endemic amphibians in cool, misty microhabitats.

Major Flora: Shola forests, montane grasslands, rhododendron patches
Key Species: Endemic amphibians, Nilgiri tahr (nearby), montane birds
Features: Small shola remnant, high ridges, fragile ecology
Rivers/Lakes: Mountain streams

45. Eravikulam National Park (Kerala, 1978)

Eravikulam is famed for its rolling shola-grassland habitat and the endemic Nilgiri tahr, with Neelakurinji blooms and montane streams around Anamudi peak. It supports specialized montane flora and seasonal floral spectacles.

Major Flora: Montane grasslands, shola forests, Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes)
Key Species: Nilgiri tahr, panther, endemic birds and plants
Features: Anamudi slopes, seasonal flower blooms, high altitude meadows
Rivers/Lakes: Mountain streams

46. Mathikettan Shola National Park (Kerala, 2003)

Mathikettan protects a remnant shola island that acts as an elephant corridor between larger Western Ghats forests and houses endemic flora and birds. It’s crucial for elephant movement, endemic frogs and birdlife.

Major Flora: Shola forest patches, montane shrubs
Key Species: Asian elephant (corridor use), endemic birds, amphibians
Features: Corridor function, small shola remnant, conservation value, fragile ecosystem
Rivers/Lakes: Mountain springs

47. Pambadum Shola National Park (Kerala, 2003)

A very small shola reserve preserving high-altitude cloud forest fragments with endemic plants and unique microclimate, supporting montane birds and amphibians.

Major Flora: Shola trees, montane shrubs, endemic plants
Key Species: Endemic birds, amphibians, small mammals
Features: Small shola patch, high conservation value, fragile ecosystem
Rivers/Lakes: Mountain springs

48. Periyar National Park (Kerala, 1982)

Periyar encompasses evergreen and moist deciduous forests around Periyar Lake and is renowned for Asian elephants, tigers and boat safaris that allow lake-based wildlife viewing.

Major Flora: Evergreen, moist deciduous, reedbeds along lake
Key Species: Asian elephant, tiger, sambar, Nilgiri langur, rich avifauna
Features: Periyar Lake (boat safaris), spice plantations, eco-tourism hub
Rivers/Lakes: Periyar Lake / Periyar River

49. Silent Valley National Park (Kerala, 1984)

A pristine tropical evergreen forest with extremely high endemism, Silent Valley is noted for the lion-tailed macaque, hornbills and rare plants, and contains the Kunthipuzha River headwaters.

Major Flora: Tropical evergreen, rare tree species, mosses and ferns
Key Species: Lion-tailed macaque, hornbills, endemic plants, amphibians
Features: Intact evergreen canopy, watershed protection, biodiversity hotspot
Rivers/Lakes: Kunthipuzha River (headwaters)

50. Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1968)

Bandhavgarh is famous for its high tiger density, rugged Vindhyan outcrops, sal forests and cultural ruins, offering excellent tiger sighting opportunities.

Major Flora: Sal forests, mixed deciduous vegetation, bamboo
Key Species: Bengal tiger, leopard, gaur, deer, diverse birds
Features: Bandhavgarh fort ruins, rocky plateaus, high tiger density
Rivers/Lakes: Local streams and seasonal waterholes

51. Dinosaur Fossils National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 2011)

This tiny park conserves important dinosaur fossil beds and unique sedimentary geology; its value is largely paleontological rather than living fauna, and it’s an educational research site.

Major Flora: Sparse dry deciduous / scrub (site is primarily geological)
Key Species: (Paleontological remains) — fossil flora/fauna significance
Features: Fossil outcrops, research and education site, protected geology
Rivers/Lakes: Not a major riverine system (local streams)

52. Fossil National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1983)

A very small area preserving fossilized flora and fauna embedded in sedimentary rocks, important for paleontological research and interpretation.

Major Flora: Dry scrub around fossil beds
Key Species: Fossil significance (no major living megafauna)
Features: Fossil beds, sedimentary geology, interpretive value
Rivers/Lakes: Local drainage only

53. Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1975)

Pench is a mixed deciduous forest straddling Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, rich in tigers, sloth bears, deer and avifauna, with the Pench River coursing through scenic valleys.

Major Flora: Mixed deciduous, teak, bamboo, riparian vegetation
Key Species: Tiger, sloth bear, chital, langur, many birds
Features: Pench River, forested valleys, inspiration for “Jungle Book” settings
Rivers/Lakes: Pench River

54. Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1955)

Kanha features sal and bamboo forests with meadows and is famed for hard-ground barasingha (swamp deer) recovery and tigers, with rivers and streams weaving through the park.

Major Flora: Sal, bamboo, meadows, mixed deciduous forest
Key Species: Bengal tiger, hard-ground barasingha, sloth bear, gaur
Features: Meadows (kanha’s ‘kunds’), successful barasingha conservation
Rivers/Lakes: Tributaries of Ken and Bawanthadi

55. Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 2018)

Kuno is a restored landscape used for rewilding and potential large-carnivore translocations; it has savanna, scrub and woodland with restoration projects ongoing. Leopards, deer and reinstated herbivore populations are present as habitat is improved.

Major Flora: Savanna, scrub, mixed dry deciduous species
Key Species: Leopard, deer, wild boar, potential for big-cat translocations
Features: Rewilding initiatives, grasslands and riverine corridors
Rivers/Lakes: Small rivers/streams and reservoirs

56. Madhav National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1959)

Madhav is a lowland park with reservoirs and mixed forests, offering habitat for sambar, spotted deer and common carnivores, as well as cultural sites and historical palaces.

Major Flora: Dry deciduous, reservoir-edge vegetation, riparian plants
Key Species: Sambar, chital, wild boar, resident birds
Features: Upper Lake, historical palaces, accessible tourism
Rivers/Lakes: Upper Lake and small streams

57. Panna National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1981)

Panna is a rugged park with riverine forests along the Ken River, known for tiger restoration success and gharial/gharial habitat in the Ken River, waterfalls and limestone escarpments.

Major Flora: Dry deciduous, teak, riverine vegetation
Key Species: Tiger, leopard, gharial (Ken River), deer, birds
Features: Ken River, waterfalls, gorge systems, tiger reintroductions
Rivers/Lakes: Ken River

58. Sanjay National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1981)

Sanjay contains mixed deciduous forests, rocky terrain and remote tracts supporting tiger, sloth bear, deer and diverse birds, and serves as a relatively undisturbed central Indian habitat.

Major Flora: Mixed deciduous, teak, bamboo in patches
Key Species: Tiger, sloth bear, deer, numerous birds and reptiles
Features: Remote forests, tribal landscapes, plateaus and valleys
Rivers/Lakes: Local streams; part of larger watershed

59. Satpura National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1981)

Satpura is a rugged, hilly park with river valleys and deep gorges, hosting tiger, sloth bear, bison, and varied reptiles; canoeing on the Denwa river is a noted attraction.

Major Flora: Mixed teak and deciduous forests, riverine vegetation
Key Species: Tiger, sloth bear, bison, leopard, birds
Features: Denwa River canyons, gorges, rugged Satpura ranges
Rivers/Lakes: Denwa River

60. Van Vihar National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1979)

Van Vihar in Bhopal is an urban national park combining semi-natural enclosures with natural habitats to support deer, primates and small carnivores while serving as a recreation and education area.

Major Flora: Urban woodland, planted trees, shrubs, lawns
Key Species: Deer, small mammals, birds in semi-natural enclosures
Features: Urban green lung, environmental education, walking trails
Rivers/Lakes: Adjacent to Bhopal lakes (Upper Lake nearby)

61. Chandoli National Park (Maharashtra, 2004)

Chandoli is a Western Ghats park with evergreen and mixed forests, reservoirs and high endemism supporting tigers, gaur, leopards and endemic amphibians in rugged terrain.

Major Flora: Evergreen, semi-evergreen, riparian vegetation
Key Species: Tiger, gaur, leopard, endemic amphibians, birds
Features: Reservoirs, Western Ghats biodiversity, steep ridges
Rivers/Lakes: Local reservoirs and streams (e.g., Warna tributaries)

62. Gugamal National Park (Maharashtra, 1975)

Part of Melghat, Gugamal protects dry deciduous forests and is part of a larger tiger landscape with tigers, sloth bears, and varied ungulates, amid tribal habitats and seasonal rivers.

Major Flora: Teak, dry deciduous species, scrub
Key Species: Tiger, sloth bear, gaur, deer, birds
Features: Part of Melghat landscape, seasonal streams, tribal settlements
Rivers/Lakes: Seasonal rivers and tributaries

63. Navegaon National Park (Maharashtra, 1975)

Navegaon comprises deciduous forests and a central lake supporting waterbirds, deer and occasional large carnivores, with boating and tourism around Navegaon Lake.

Major Flora: Dry deciduous, riparian vegetation around lake
Key Species: Waterbirds, deer, occasional leopard, resident birds
Features: Navegaon Lake (boating), lake-based birding, historical sites nearby
Rivers/Lakes: Navegaon Lake

64. Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) National Park (Maharashtra, 1975)

Pench features mixed deciduous forests and river corridors with a healthy tiger population and rich avifauna along the Pench River, inspiring literary portrayals.

Major Flora: Teak, mixed deciduous, bamboo, riparian vegetation
Key Species: Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, deer, many bird species
Features: Pench River, scenic forest valleys, strong tiger sightings
Rivers/Lakes: Pench River

65. Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park (Maharashtra, 1983)

An urban protected area within Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi NP has moist deciduous forest, Kanheri caves and supports leopards, langurs and numerous birds, serving as an urban biodiversity hub.

Major Flora: Moist deciduous forest, teak, shrubs
Key Species: Leopard, langur, small mammals, many birds
Features: Kanheri caves, hiking trails, urban green space
Rivers/Lakes: Small seasonal streams

66. Tadoba National Park (Maharashtra, 1955)

Tadoba is a large deciduous park with lakes and waterholes attracting tigers, sloth bears and gaur, known for reliable wildlife sightings and dry deciduous forest tracts.

Major Flora: Teak, bamboo, dry deciduous forest
Key Species: Bengal tiger, sloth bear, gaur, deer, birds
Features: Waterholes, lakes, good safari infrastructure
Rivers/Lakes: Tadoba and local seasonal water bodies

67. Keibul-Lamjao National Park (Manipur, 1977)

The world’s only floating national park on Loktak Lake, Keibul-Lamjao protects phumdis and the endangered Sangai (brow-antlered deer) along with rich wetland birdlife.

Major Flora: Phumdi vegetation, wetland macrophytes, marsh plants
Key Species: Sangai (brow-antlered deer), otters, many waterbirds
Features: Floating phumdis, unique wetland ecology, Loktak Lake
Rivers/Lakes: Loktak Lake

68. Shirui (Shiroi) National Park (Manipur, 1982)

Shirui encompasses montane forests around the Shiroi hill and is famed for rare endemic flora such as the Shirui lily, montane birds and cloud forests.

Major Flora: Montane shrubs, endemic orchids (Shirui lily area)
Key Species: Endemic plants, montane birds, small mammals
Features: Shiroi hills, high-altitude meadows, rare flora conservation
Rivers/Lakes: Mountain streams

69. Balphakram National Park (Meghalaya, 1985)

Balphakram is a high plateau of grasslands and forests with cultural importance and species like gaur, elephant and diverse birds, featuring deep gorges and scenic highland views.

Major Flora: Grasslands, subtropical broadleaf forest, shrubs
Key Species: Gaur, elephant (seasonal), leopard, many birds
Features: Plateau grassland, gorges, sacred tribal landscapes
Rivers/Lakes: Streams and seasonal rivers

70. Nokrek Ridge National Park (Meghalaya, 1986)

Nokrek preserves cloud forests and is renowned for wild citrus diversity (Citrus indica) and high biodiversity including rare mammals and birds on ridgelines and valleys.

Major Flora: Cloud forest, wild citrus species, rhododendron patches
Key Species: Hoolock gibbon, various endemic birds, possible red panda (rare reports)
Features: Nokrek biosphere connection, sacred groves, wild citrus conservation
Rivers/Lakes: Mountain streams

71. Murlen National Park (Mizoram, 1991)

Murlen is dense evergreen forest with high understorey diversity, supporting elephants (transient), clouded leopard (possible) and many birds, and contains steep hills and streams.

Major Flora: Evergreen forest, bamboo, understory shrubs
Key Species: Possible clouded leopard, elephants (transient), birds
Features: Dense evergreen tracts, high biodiversity, tribal territories
Rivers/Lakes: Streams and rivulets

72. Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) National Park (Mizoram, 1992)

Phawngpui is a high plateau and cliff system with montane meadows and endemic flora, important for montane birds and rare plants, and offers spectacular vistas.

Major Flora: Montane grasslands, rhododendron, endemic herbs
Key Species: Montane birds, rare orchids, small mammals
Features: Blue Mountain plateau, cliffs, seasonal meadows
Rivers/Lakes: Mountain streams

73. Intanki National Park (Nagaland, 1993)

Intanki near Kohima preserves evergreen-semi-evergreen forest with rich birdlife including pheasants and hornbills, and supports small carnivores and primates in hilly terrain.

Major Flora: Semi-evergreen and evergreen species, bamboo
Key Species: Hornbills, pheasants, small carnivores, primates
Features: Proximity to Kohima, birding hotspots, hill streams
Rivers/Lakes: Small streams

74. Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha, 1988)

Bhitarkanika is an extensive mangrove and estuarine park with huge saltwater crocodile populations, rich birdlife and tidal creeks supporting fisheries and reptiles.

Major Flora: Mangroves (Avicennia, Rhizophora), estuarine vegetation
Key Species: Saltwater crocodile, mangrove birds, estuarine fish, turtles
Features: Estuarine creeks, mangrove biodiversity, tidal ecosystems
Rivers/Lakes: Brahmani–Baitarani delta systems, tidal creeks

75. Simlipal National Park (Odisha, 1980)

Simlipal is a large sal-dominated forest and plateau system with waterfalls and diverse fauna including tigers, elephants and gaur, and is part of a larger biosphere reserve.

Major Flora: Sal, mixed deciduous, moist deciduous forest
Key Species: Tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, deer, birds
Features: Waterfalls (Barehipani, Joranda), plateau, tribal communities
Rivers/Lakes: Local rivers and tributaries

76. Desert National Park (Rajasthan, 1992)

Desert NP conserves arid ecosystems, sand dunes and saline deserts with specialized flora and fauna like chinkara, desert fox and great Indian bustard (historical). It’s a core conservation area for desert biodiversity.

Major Flora: Drought-tolerant scrub, grasses, desert shrubs
Key Species: Chinkara, desert fox, reptiles, grassland birds, great Indian bustard (historic)
Features: Sand dunes, salt pans, arid scrubland ecosystems
Rivers/Lakes: Seasonal salt lakes and pans

77. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan, 1981)

Keoladeo is a man-made wetland of international repute for birding, hosting thousands of migratory waterbirds in winter including ducks, waders and gulls.

Major Flora: Aquatic vegetation, reeds, marsh plants, tree belts
Key Species: Migratory ducks, waders, resident waterbirds, historic Siberian crane (past)
Features: Managed wetlands, bird hides, UNESCO heritage & Ramsar site (formerly)
Rivers/Lakes: Man-made wetlands and channels (historical flood irrigation)

78. Mukundra Hills National Park (Rajasthan, 2006)

Mukundra Hills is a rocky, semi-arid park with scrub and dry deciduous forest supporting leopards, nilgai and chinkara, and includes waterholes and reservoirs in a rugged terrain.

Major Flora: Dry deciduous scrub, thorny species, scrub grass
Key Species: Leopard, nilgai, chinkara, small carnivores
Features: Granite outcrops, reservoirs, rewilding efforts
Rivers/Lakes: Small reservoirs and seasonal streams

79. Ranthambhore National Park (Rajasthan, 1980)

Ranthambhore, once a royal hunting ground, is famed for its tigers, fort ruins and dry deciduous forest with lakes and rocky outcrops that concentrate wildlife.

Major Flora: Dry deciduous forest, scrub, riverside trees
Key Species: Bengal tiger, sloth bear, nilgai, deer, many birds
Features: Ranthambhore Fort, lakes, rocky cliffs, prime tiger sightings
Rivers/Lakes: Seasonal lakes and waterholes

80. Sariska National Park (Rajasthan, 1992)

Sariska preserves Aravalli hill ecosystem with dry deciduous forests supporting tigers, leopards and spotted deer and contains forts and heritage sites within its landscape.

Major Flora: Dry deciduous, scrub, acacia, riverine patches
Key Species: Tiger, leopard, nilgai, chital, birds
Features: Aravalli ridges, forts, dry forest conservation
Rivers/Lakes: Seasonal streams and small catchments

81. Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim, 1977)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Khangchendzonga spans alpine to subalpine zones around India’s third-highest peak, hosting red pandas, snow leopards (rare), Himalayan black bear and rhododendrons across glacial valleys.

Major Flora: Alpine flora, rhododendron, juniper, conifers
Key Species: Red panda, Himalayan black bear, blue sheep, rare snow leopard
Features: High peaks, glacial lakes, cultural significance, UNESCO status
Rivers/Lakes: Glacial streams and high mountain lakes

82. Guindy National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1976)

A tiny urban park within Chennai, Guindy preserves scrub and thorn forest with spotted deer, monitor lizards and many resident birds, serving as an important city green patch and education site.

Major Flora: Dry scrub, thorny shrubs, planted trees
Key Species: Spotted deer, blackbuck (nearby), monitor lizards, birds
Features: Urban green space, environmental education, proximity to IIT/Madras
Rivers/Lakes: Small ponds

83. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1980)

This marine park across island banks and coral reefs is vital for dugong conservation, sea turtles and extensive coral/seagrass beds, supporting artisanal fisheries and marine biodiversity.

Major Flora: Seagrass beds, coral reefs, algal beds
Key Species: Dugong, sea turtles, reef fishes, corals
Features: Marine islands, seagrass meadows, coral shoals
Rivers/Lakes: Coastal marine ecosystem (Gulf)

84. Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1989)

Part of the Annamalai Hills of the Western Ghats, this park has evergreen and moist deciduous forests supporting tigers, elephants and rich avifauna, with rivers draining into plains below.

Major Flora: Evergreen, semi-evergreen, riparian vegetation, shola patches
Key Species: Tiger, elephant, Nilgiri langur, many birds and reptiles
Features: Annamalai Hills biodiversity, trekking and forest corridors
Rivers/Lakes: Streams and tributaries

85. Mudumalai National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1990)

Mudumalai sits at the tri-junction of southern forests and supports tigers, elephants, gaurs and many bird species, with the Moyar River and reserve corridors linking to Bandipur and Wayanad.

Major Flora: Dry deciduous, teak, riparian strips, bamboo in parts
Key Species: Tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, dhole, many birds
Features: Moyar River, wildlife corridors, diverse terrain for safaris
Rivers/Lakes: Moyar River

86. Mukurthi National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1990)

Mukurthi conserves high-altitude shola-grassland mosaic in the Nilgiris and is critical for the Nilgiri tahr, montane birds and endemic plants, with fragile montane streams.

Major Flora: Shola forests, montane grasslands, rhododendrons
Key Species: Nilgiri tahr, leopard, endemic birds, amphibians
Features: High plateaus, fragile montane ecosystems, watershed protection
Rivers/Lakes: Headwater streams

87. Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park (Telangana, 1994)

A small urban park in Hyderabad, it protects lake margins and scrub forests and offers habitat for resident birds, reptiles and small mammals, functioning as an urban biodiversity refuge.

Major Flora: Plantation trees, scrub, aquatic plants in lake margins
Key Species: Resident birds, small mammals, reptiles
Features: Urban green space, boating lake, recreational & educational use
Rivers/Lakes: Adjacent lake (KBR Lake)

88. Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park (Telangana, 1994)

Located near Hyderabad, this park is known for deer herds and dry deciduous forest patches providing serene green space and wildlife sightings near urban areas.

Major Flora: Dry deciduous species, scrub, grassy patches
Key Species: Spotted deer, blackbuck (nearby), birds, small carnivores
Features: Urban/outlying wildlife refuge, trails, picnic spots
Rivers/Lakes: Small streams and ponds

89. Mrugavani National Park (Telangana, 1994)

A small protected forest near Hyderabad offering recreation and conservation with mixed scrub and riparian vegetation supporting deer, birds and reptiles.

Major Flora: Dry deciduous, riparian plants, shrubs
Key Species: Deer, jackal, birds, reptiles
Features: Nature trails, environmental education center, small streams
Rivers/Lakes: Small waterbodies and streams

90. Bison (Rajbari) National Park (Tripura, 2007)

Bison National Park in Tripura conserves tropical humid forest habitat for gaur (Indian bison), elephants and diverse birds, set in rolling hills and river valleys.

Major Flora: Tropical semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, bamboo groves
Key Species: Gaur, elephant (transient), deer, many birds
Features: Hilly forest tracts, river valleys, tribal landscapes
Rivers/Lakes: Local rivers and streams

91. Clouded Leopard National Park (Tripura, 2007)

This small reserve focuses on preserving habitat for elusive carnivores like the clouded leopard, along with diverse birdlife in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.

Major Flora: Evergreen and semi-evergreen species, bamboo
Key Species: Clouded leopard (namesake), small carnivores, birds
Features: Protected habitat for rare felids, hilly terrain
Rivers/Lakes: Streams and rivulets

92. City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park (Jammu & Kashmir, 1992)

A city forest near Srinagar dedicated to urban biodiversity and birdlife, offering shaded woodland and walking trails for education and recreation.

Major Flora: Planted trees, riparian vegetation, lawn patches
Key Species: Resident birds, small mammals, urban wildlife
Features: City green belt, birdwatching, recreational trails
Rivers/Lakes: Small ponds and urban waterbodies

93. Dachigam National Park (Jammu & Kashmir, 1981)

Dachigam protects watershed forests around Dachigam Lake and is the stronghold of the endangered Hangul (Kashmir stag) along with Himalayan fauna. It includes alpine meadows and catchment forests.

Major Flora: Temperate broadleaf and coniferous forests, alpine meadows
Key Species: Hangul (Kashmir stag), Himalayan black bear, musk deer, birds
Features: Dachigam Lake (watershed), catchment protection, alpine zones
Rivers/Lakes: Dachigam Lake and tributaries

94. Kazinag National Park (Jammu & Kashmir, 2000)

Kazinag is a montane park with cliffs and alpine pastures protecting markhor, Himalayan ibex, musk deer and diverse mountain fauna, and famed for its rugged peaks and rivers.

Major Flora: Alpine pastures, conifers, alpine shrubs
Key Species: Markhor, Himalayan ibex, musk deer, snow leopard (possible)
Features: Rugged cliffs, alpine meadows, strategic highland biodiversity
Rivers/Lakes: Streams and small rivers

95. Kishtwar National Park (Jammu & Kashmir, 1981)

Kishtwar spans deep gorges and alpine meadows with mixed coniferous forests, supporting snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, musk deer and ibex, and contains important river valleys.

Major Flora: Conifers, alpine shrubs, subalpine vegetation
Key Species: Snow leopard (possible), Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, ibex
Features: Deep gorges, high valleys, remote and rugged terrain
Rivers/Lakes: Chenab tributaries and mountain streams

96. Hemis National Park (Ladakh, 1981)

Hemis is the largest Indian NP protecting high-altitude cold desert and is famed for snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, bharal and raptors, with wide river valleys and mountain plateaus.

Major Flora: Sparse alpine shrubs, cold desert flora, steppe grasses
Key Species: Snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, bharal (blue sheep), kiang
Features: High-altitude plateaus, Trans-Himalayan ecology, winter harshness
Rivers/Lakes: Indus tributaries, mountain streams

97. Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh, 1977)

Dudhwa protects Terai grasslands and wetlands with tall grass, riverine forest and swamp systems supporting tigers, swamp deer and rhinos historically, and hosts rich birdlife.

Major Flora: Tall grass, sal and riverine vegetation, marsh plants
Key Species: Tiger, swamp deer (barasingha), rhino (historic), many birds
Features: Terai wetlands, tall grass mosaics, biodiversity conservation
Rivers/Lakes: Dudhwa wetlands and seasonal streams

98. Gangotri National Park (Uttarakhand, 1989)

Gangotri covers alpine to subalpine terrain around the Gangotri glacier, protecting bharal, snow leopard (rare), Himalayan monal and alpine flora, and includes glacier headwaters of the Bhagirathi.

Major Flora: Alpine meadows, high altitude shrubs, rhododendrons
Key Species: Bharal, Himalayan monal, musk deer, occasional snow leopard
Features: Gangotri Glacier headwaters, alpine valleys, pilgrimage approaches
Rivers/Lakes: Bhagirathi/Gangotri headwaters

99. Govind National Park (Uttarakhand, 1990)

Govind protects high altitude meadows, dense forest and alpine pastures important for snow leopard, bharal and Himalayan tahr, and includes the Tons River tributaries and scenic valleys.

Major Flora: Alpine meadows, coniferous forests, rhododendron patches
Key Species: Snow leopard (possible), bharal, Himalayan tahr, pheasants
Features: Alpine pastures, Khatling glacier proximity, high biodiversity
Rivers/Lakes: Tons River tributaries

100. Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand, 1936)

India’s first national park with riverine Sal forests, grasslands and river channels, Corbett is a premier tiger reserve with Bengal tiger, elephant and diverse birdlife, centered on the Ramganga River.

Major Flora: Sal forests, riverine vegetation, grasslands
Key Species: Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, deer, birds
Features: Ramganga River, jeep safaris, long conservation history
Rivers/Lakes: Ramganga River and tributaries

101. Nanda Devi National Park (Uttarakhand, 1982)

Nanda Devi is a high alpine park around the Nanda Devi massif protecting fragile alpine flora and fauna such as bharal, musk deer and rare alpine plants, and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Major Flora: Alpine meadows, endemic alpine flora, high shrubs
Key Species: Bharal, musk deer, rare alpine flora, occasional snow leopard
Features: High peaks, glacial valleys, UNESCO World Heritage buffer zone
Rivers/Lakes: Glacial streams and high mountain lakes

102. Rajaji National Park (Uttarakhand, 1983)

Rajaji is a Shivalik foothill park with riverine forests and grasslands offering habitats for elephants, tigers and leopards, and includes important river corridors for wildlife movement.

Major Flora: Sal, mixed deciduous, riverine vegetation
Key Species: Asian elephant, tiger, leopard, deer, birdlife
Features: Ganges/Yamuna tributary corridors, Chilla range, connectivity
Rivers/Lakes: Rivers/tributaries (Ganga basin catchments)

103. Valley of Flowers National Park (Uttarakhand, 1982)

World-famous alpine meadow that bursts into bloom seasonally with endemic flowers and supports Himalayan monal, musk deer and pollinators, offering stunning vistas and high biodiversity in a short flowering window.

Major Flora: Alpine flowering plants, endemic herbs, meadows (Neelakurinji type blooms in some regions)
Key Species: Himalayan monal, musk deer, endemic flowering plants, butterflies
Features: Seasonal wildflower spectacle (Jul–Aug), alpine meadows, UNESCO value (together with Nanda Devi)
Rivers/Lakes: Streams and tributaries of Pushpawati River

104. Buxa National Park (West Bengal, 1992)

Buxa is a foothill park near Bhutan with subtropical and moist deciduous forests supporting elephants, gaur, leopard and hornbills, and includes key corridors for wildlife movement across borders.

Major Flora: Moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, bamboo patches
Key Species: Elephant, gaur, leopard, hornbills, birds
Features: Buxa Tiger Reserve area, hill streams, border corridors with Bhutan
Rivers/Lakes: Local streams and tributaries

105. Gorumara National Park (West Bengal, 1992)

Gorumara is a Terai grassland and riverine park known historically for the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants and rich birdlife, with floodplain meadows and river channels.

Major Flora: Grasslands, riverine forest, alluvial vegetation
Key Species: One-horned rhinoceros (locally important), elephant, deer, birds
Features: Riverine meadows, Mahananda river floodplains, tourist access
Rivers/Lakes: Mahananda River tributaries

106. Jaldapara National Park (West Bengal, 2014)

Jaldapara protects alluvial grasslands and riverine forests and is a major habitat for one-horned rhinoceros, elephant and swamp deer, with tall grass plains and river channels.

Major Flora: Tall grass (elephant grass), riverine forest, marsh vegetation
Key Species: One-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, swamp deer, birds
Features: Grassland conservation, ferry and river access, rhino habitat
Rivers/Lakes: River Jaldhaka/tributaries and floodplains

107. Neora Valley National Park (West Bengal, 1986)

Neora Valley preserves eastern Himalayan evergreen forest with high endemism including red panda (possible), clouded leopard and many pheasants, with pristine valleys and rhododendron forests.

Major Flora: Evergreen, rhododendron, bamboo, montane vegetation
Key Species: Clouded leopard (possible), red panda (possible sightings), pheasants, deer
Features: Pristine eastern Himalayan valleys, high endemism, trekking potential
Rivers/Lakes: Mountain streams and tributaries

108. Singalila National Park (West Bengal, 1986)

Singalila runs along the Singalila Ridge and is famed for trekking (Sandakphu), rhododendron forests and sightings of red panda, Himalayan black bear and many alpine birds, with panoramic Himalayan views.

Major Flora: Rhododendron, montane forests, alpine shrubs
Key Species: Red panda (reports), Himalayan black bear, many alpine birds
Features: Trekking routes (Sandakphu), panoramic Himalayan vistas, rhododendron blooms
Rivers/Lakes: Mountain streams

109. Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal, 1984)

The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem and a UNESCO World Heritage site, sheltering the Bengal mangrove tiger, estuarine crocodile, spotted deer and rich fish diversity across tidal creeks and deltaic islands.

Major Flora: Mangroves (Sonneratia, Avicennia, Rhizophora), mangrove understory

Key Species: Bengal tiger (mangrove tiger), estuarine crocodile, spotted deer, fish, birds

Features: Tidal creeks, deltaic island network, cyclone-resilient mangrove forests, UNESCO status

Rivers/Lakes: Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna delta system, tidal creeks

UPSC Prelims PYQs on National Parks

UPSC 2020
Q1. With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?

It is spread over two districts.
There is no human habitation inside the Park.
It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

UPSC 2020
Q2. Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives on hard ground?

(a) Kanha National Park

(b) Manas National Park

(d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: (a) Kanha National Park

UPSC 2019
Q3. Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?

(a) Manas

(b) Namdapha

(d) Valley of Flowers

Answer: (d) Valley of Flowers

UPSC 2015
Q4. Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate, and arctic?

(a) Khangchendzonga National Park

(b) Nanda Devi National Park

(d) Namdapha National Park

Answer: (d) Namdapha National Park

UPSC 2015
Q5. Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports rich biodiversity?

(a) Bhitarkanika National Park

(b) Keibul Lamjao National Park

(d) Sultanpur National Park

Answer: (b) Keibul Lamjao National Park

Expected Practice MCQs for UPSC Prelims 2026 (National Parks)

Q1. Which of the following rivers flow through Jim Corbett National Park?

Ramganga
Ganga
Kosi

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Ramganga is the main river; Kosi flows near the boundary. Ganga does not flow through the park.

Q2. South Button Island National Park is famous for which of the following?

(a) Snow Leopard

(b) Coral Reefs and Sea Turtles

(d) Asiatic Lion

Answer: (b) Coral Reefs and Sea Turtles

Q3. Which National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Kaziranga National Park
Sundarbans National Park
Great Himalayan National Park

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q4. The only floating National Park in the world is:

(a) Bhitarkanika NP

(b) Silent Valley NP

(d) Nokrek NP

Answer: (c) Keibul Lamjao NP

Q5. Which National Park is known as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book?

(a) Bandhavgarh National Park

(b) Gir National Park

(d) Dudhwa National Park

Answer: (c) Kanha National Park

FAQs on National Parks in India 2025

Q1. How many National Parks are there in India in 2025?
As of 2025, India has 109 National Parks, covering about 1.35% of the country’s total geographical area.

Q2. Which is the oldest National Park in India?
Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, is the oldest in India.

Q3. Which is the largest National Park in India?
Hemis National Park in Ladakh, spread across 3,350 km², is the largest National Park in India.

Q4. Which is the smallest National Park in India?
South Button Island National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) is the smallest, covering only 0.03 km².

Q5. What is the difference between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary?
National Parks protect entire ecosystems with strict restrictions on human activity, while Wildlife Sanctuaries focus on species-specific protection and allow limited human rights like grazing.

Q6. Which state has the highest number of National Parks?
Madhya Pradesh has the highest with 12 National Parks, followed by Andaman & Nicobar Islands (9) and Maharashtra (6).

Q7. Which National Parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India?
Kaziranga NP (Assam), Manas NP (Assam), Keoladeo NP (Rajasthan), Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand), Khangchendzonga NP (Sikkim), Sundarbans NP (West Bengal), and Great Himalayan NP (Himachal Pradesh) are UNESCO-listed.

Q8. Which National Park is known as the inspiration for The Jungle Book?
Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh) inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, famous for Tigers and Barasingha.