National Parks of India

-by Ishita Mondal

–Reading Time – 8 min Approx

–Edited by – Srishti Bhattacharyya

When it comes to natural biodiversity in India, nothing can be better than national parks. If you are curious enough and ask how many national parks are there in India, the answer is 104. India has 104 (some sources say 105) existing national parks. If we go by the area covered with it,  as per the National Wildlife Database, 2020, it is 43,716 sq. km. Have you ever visited any of them? If you visit, you will see how they are protecting the natural ecosystem beautifully. The parks showcase the fierce animals which dominate the wildlife with their elegant grace. At the same time, they also keep the meek, gentle herbivores roaming around you safe.

The national parks of India hold much significance in respect to heritage, culture, wildlife conservation, etc. Many people often ask how many national parks are there in India. Well, only knowing the number is not enough until you get the details. Today We will discuss how national parks were developed in India. You will find a detailed state-wise list of how many national parks are there in India. Also, we will share the top 10 national parks in India. So, if you want to go on a jungle safari trip, it will help you make plans. So, let’s proceed with the total national parks in India.

National Parks in India: What the History Says:

In India, national parks are the protected areas dedicated to the safe growth and sustainability of wildlife. When a state government finds out that an area needs to be protected to conserve its wildlife, it may rightfully declare the place to be a national park. Also, the central government holds the right of naming an area as a national park. The parks belong to the IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) category II. The purpose is ‘protecting & propagating, or developing wildlife’.

The journey of establishing national parks was started in 1936. The first national park was Halley National Park, established in Uttarakhand. Now, it is popular as Jim Corbett National Park. After few more years passed, the number of national parks increased. By 1970, the number reached 5. However, it was still low as per the requirement. Later, after the enactment of the Wildlife Protection Act, more national parks emerged. Also, the Project Tiger in 1973 helped to increase the number further. It was a project to protect the predator species.

As Project Tiger was implemented, it asked for natural, safe habitats for wild animals. The national park is designed so that ferocious animals can even live safely without the risk of being abducted or harmed by animal poachers. Considering this factor, more national parks were established, and gradually, the number crossed 100. Although it is still not enough, at least now we have some safe homes for our non-human friends. Do you know how many national parks are there in your state? Learn it here and give them a visit on a leisure day.

A state-wise list of the National Parks in India:

Name of the State	The Number of National Parks
Jammu and Kashmir	4
Ladakh	1
Puducherry	0
Lakshadeep	0
Delhi	0
Andaman &Nicobar Island	6
Daman &Diu	0
Dadra & Nagar Haveli	0
Chandigarh	0
Andhra Pardesh	3
Arunachal Pradesh	2
Assam	5
Bihar	1
Chattisgarh	3
Goa	1
Gujarat	4
Haryana	2
Himachal Pradesh	5
Jharkhand	1
Karnataka	5
Kerala	6
Madhya Pradesh	11
Maharashtra	6
Manipur	2
Meghalaya	2
Mizoram	2
Nagaland	1
Odisha	2
Punjab	0
Rajasthan	5
Sikkim	1
Tamil Nadu	5
Telengana	3
Tripura	2
Uttarpradesh	1
Uttarakhand	6
West Bengal	6

 

These national parks in your respective states are protecting biodiversity and wildlife together. These places are strictly restricted for poaching, hunting, forestry, non-permitted developmental activity, etc.

Top 10 National Parks in India:

1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand:

If you ask what the oldest national park in India is, the answer will be Jim Corbett National Park. Earlier, it was known as “Hailey National Park”. It is a safe home for many Bengal tigers and other wildlife species. With bountiful natural beauties, the national park is a treat for any nature-lover. Many wildlife documentaries have been made here amidst the beauty of the jungle. If you visit the place, you can enjoy the canter safari, elephant safari, gypsy safari. Some zones are closed during monsoon seasons. So, take a note of it before you visit the place.

2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam:

It is another wonderful national park to visit if you are in India. The national park is a world heritage site as per UNESCO. Among water buffaloes, elephants, and others, the major attraction here is the one-horned rhinoceros. Although you can find it rarely, they are available in the park with all their royal elegance. The park is a well-known tiger reserve as well. If you plan to visit the place, make sure to take your camera with you. The best time to visit here is between the months of November and April.

3. Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat:

Another name for this wildlife sanctuary is Sasan Gir Sanctuary. Want to experience the royal legacy of Asiatic Lions in India? This is the only sanctuary where you can visit them. The park is a beautiful place to visit. Established in 1965, it is now a famous tourist spot for adventurous tourists. Along with Asiatic Lions, you can enjoy a wide variety of leopards here. Also, sambar, chausingha, chinkara, and different types of predator birds can be found here to make the place more elegant. The best time to visit it is between the months of October and June.

4. Ranthombar National Park, Rajasthan:

Rajasthan is a place for royal legacy. One of the elements that add another feather to its crown is its wildlife presentation at Ranthambore National Park. You can find different species of tigers here. In fact, it is a place for tigers. Along with that, many predators are here to entertain your adventurous self. The elegance of dry deciduous forest never fails to mesmerize the tourists. Do not miss visiting Ranthambore Fort and Padam Talao. Also, the exquisite Jogi mahal is there to enhance the glory of the place.

5. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal:

Want to enjoy the magnificence of fresh flora and fauna at once? Visit Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal. At the same time, beautiful mangrove forests and elegant Royal Bengal Tigers will welcome you. The park is famous for being the home for this endangered species of Royal Bengal Tigers. You can also find deers and many other animals. If you are a forest lover, you will love this deep, mysterious forest. Also, you can enjoy the views of a crocodile on the water. In short, if you are in the mood to spend your holiday vacation with some adventures, book your tickets to Sundarbans.

6. Kanha National park, Madhyapradesh:

It is a place that preserves extinct species and saves the ecosystem to a great extent. One of such extinct species found here is Swamp deer or barasingha in regional terms. Amidst the well-maintained tropical deciduous forests, the park is a habitat for many rare species including sambhar, chital, python, porcupine, etc. Established in 1955, it is one of the most popular animal sanctuaries in India. The forest includes many herbs, shrubs, and other bushes. Lush greenery awaits you there.

7. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka:

Now moving towards the Southern parts of India, you can find Bandipur National Park in Karnataka. It is located in Charajnagar District and is one of the most prominent tiger reserves in India. The national park is a safe habitat for nearly 70 tigers and 300 elephants. In addition, you can find leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, chital, gaur etc. The national park is also an address for jungle fowls, ducks, herons, woodpeckers, and hornbills. Covering a large area of 865 sq.km, it is considered one of India’s most attractive national parks. It is a part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

8. Periyar National Park, Kerala:

It is a popular tourist spot located in the Western Ghats. Being a renowned tiger reserve forest, it offers you an excellent jeep safari to roam across the jungle. From tiger trailing to elephant safari, you can enjoy exceptional things here. If you are fond of hills, you can find Cardamom hills to enjoy a nice hilly trip. Also, you can enjoy more fun with a special boat ride at Periyar Lake.

9. The Great Himalayan National park, Himachal Pradesh:

Himachal Pradesh itself is known for its beauty. With a rich diversity of flora and fauna, it wins millions of tourists’ hearts. The wildlife here includes nearly 218 fish species, 149 types of reptiles, over 500 species of birds, nearly 200 species of mammals, and some amphibian species. Such diversity attracts the tourists every time! The greens are also amazing. You can find exceptional greenery with a wide range of diverse flora. The eco-friendly villages around the forest make the place more soothing and pleasant. You can enjoy a trekking ride to the valleys exploring the village areas.

10. Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu:

The elegant range of Nilgiri hills is world-famous for its exceptional features. It is recorded that it is the first sanctuary of India. Surrounded by valleys, beautiful hills, waterways, and forests, the place is truly amazing to look at. You can find different varieties of flora and fauna here. The species of animals include tigers, leopards, panthers, wild boars, etc. Among the plant species, the major ones are natural teak, Terminalia, tomentose, Grewia, etc.

Save Eco-system- Save Earth:

So, here is the answer to how many national parks are there in India. Living in such modern age, it is now important to pay attention to the conservation of our biodiversity. If we do not save our ecosystem, we will lose our beautiful earth soon. So, keeping pace with modernization and digitalization, we also need to take care of flora and fauna on earth. And it is only possible with more safe homes like national forests. We hope to see more such safe habitats for our animals on earth soon.

-by Ishita Mondal

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