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India is home to a remarkable network of national parks, showcasing its rich ecological diversity and incredible natural heritage. The country boasts 106 officially recognized national parks, covering approximately 1.41% of its total geographical area. These parks protect a wide array of ecosystems, ranging from the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas to the lush tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats, the arid deserts of Rajasthan, and the vast grasslands of the Gangetic Plains. This diversity makes India one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, harboring numerous rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.
Among the most celebrated national parks in India is Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, the first national park established in Asia in 1936. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, it is renowned for its dense forests, grassy meadows, and abundant wildlife, particularly the majestic Bengal tiger. Corbett is also an important site for ecotourism, offering jeep safaris and birdwatching opportunities that attract visitors from across the globe.
Kaziranga National Park in Assam is another crown jewel of India’s conservation efforts. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its thriving population of the one-horned rhinoceros, a species that was on the brink of extinction in the early 20th century. The park’s floodplains, created by the Brahmaputra River, provide a haven for elephants, swamp deer, and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Moving to central India, Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is often associated with Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.” Its sprawling sal forests and open meadows are home to the Barasingha, or swamp deer, which has been successfully conserved after being on the edge of extinction. Kanha also supports a significant population of tigers, leopards, and wild dogs, contributing to its reputation as one of the best-managed parks in the country.
In the southwestern state of Kerala lies Periyar National Park, a splendid example of biodiversity within the Western Ghats. Centered around the Periyar Lake, this park is famous for its large elephant herds, tigers, and rich plant diversity. Visitors often enjoy bamboo rafting and guided nature walks, making it an ecotourism hotspot.
Finally, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is renowned for its picturesque ruins and fortifications scattered amidst its rugged terrain. It is one of the best places in India to spot tigers in their natural habitat, alongside leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species.
India’s national parks face numerous conservation challenges, including habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. However, initiatives such as Project Tiger and Project Elephant, alongside community engagement in conservation, have led to significant successes in reviving species populations and promoting sustainable tourism.
As of my last update, there are 104 national parks in India. These national parks protect a diverse range of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, grasslands, wetlands, and high-altitude mountains.
They are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species. India’s national parks offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, trekking, and eco-tourism, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The largest national park in India is Hemis National Park. Located in the eastern part of Ladakh in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Hemis National Park covers an area of approximately 4,400 square kilometers (about 1,700 square miles).
This expansive park is known for its high-altitude terrain, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear, and various species of birds. Hemis National Park is also home to several Buddhist monasteries and is considered a significant conservation area for protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The park offers opportunities for wildlife safaris, trekking, birdwatching, and cultural experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers visiting Ladakh
The smallest national park in India is South Button Island National Park. Located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, South Button Island National Park covers an area of approximately 0.03 square kilometers (about 0.012 square miles).
Despite its small size, this national park is significant for its rich marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, sea turtles, and various species of fish. It is also home to the endangered dugong, a marine mammal also known as the sea cow.
South Button Island National Park offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the pristine underwater world of the Andaman Sea, making it a popular destination for marine enthusiasts and eco-tourists visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The first national park established in India is Hailey National Park, which is now known as Jim Corbett National Park. Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand state in northern India.
It covers an area of approximately 520 square kilometers (about 200 square miles) and is named after Jim Corbett, a British hunter, conservationist, and author who played a key role in establishing the park. Jim Corbett National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, and various species of birds.
It was established with the aim of protecting the endangered Bengal tiger and is considered one of the oldest and most famous national parks in India. Jim Corbett National Park is also a popular destination for wildlife safaris, birdwatching, and eco-tourism.
Kaziranga National Park in Assam is one of the most popular national parks in India, known for its population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros.
Spanning an area of about 332 square miles (860 square kilometers), the park’s main attractions include safaris to spot rhinos, elephants, and tigers in their natural habitats.
Kaziranga is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors from around the world for its rich biodiversity and conservation success stories. The park’s vast grasslands and wetlands make it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Approximately 5% of India’s land area is protected under various national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves. India has 104 national parks covering around 55,673 square kilometers (21,500 square miles).
The national parks serve as critical habitats for India’s rich biodiversity, particularly for endangered species such as tigers, rhinos, and elephants.
India has a vast network of protected areas beyond national parks, including wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.
Notable wildlife sanctuaries include Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park) in Rajasthan and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.
India also boasts important tiger reserves under Project Tiger and elephant reserves dedicated to conserving these species. Additionally, biosphere reserves like Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve protect unique ecosystems and species.
India’s nature attractions extend beyond its national parks. The Western Ghats and Himalayan ranges are UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspots.
Visitors can also explore the vast deserts of Rajasthan, the backwaters of Kerala, and the scenic valleys of Kashmir. India’s coastline offers beautiful beaches like Goa’s Palolem Beach and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
India is home to many endemic species, such as the Nilgiri tahr, Lion-tailed macaque, and the Indian pangolin. The Great Indian bustard and the Asiatic lion are other species that are unique to the subcontinent.
India’s main international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi.
Other leading international airports include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai and Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore.
International airlines flying into India include:
India’s national parks are primarily managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change through its agencies such as the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and various State Forest Departments.
More information can be found on the Ministry’s official website: https://moef.gov.in.
