List of National Parks in India with States [2024]: GK Notes for Competitive Exams

Here is the latest updated list of National Parks in India with States for the year 2024. India currently has 106 national parks. This comprehensive guide provides essential information for competitive exams like SSC, WBCS, Banking, RRB NTPC, UPSC, CDS, and state PSCs.

Total National Parks in India

India has 106 national parks. These parks cover an area of approximately 44,402.95 square kilometers, which is about 1.35% of the country’s geographical area.

Here’s a bit more detail:

• Previous Count: There were 104 national parks.
• New Additions in 2021: Two new National Parks were added in May 2021, both located in Assam.
• Raimona National Park: The 105th National Park.
• Dihang Patkai National Park: The 106th National Park.

Notable Parks:

• Kuno National Park: The 104th National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh.

List of National Parks in India with States

Here is a comprehensive table listing all the national parks in India, along with their respective states and the year they were established.

State-wise National Parks in India Map

The map below highlights the locations of all 106 national parks across India.

State-wise National Parks in India and their location

Andhra Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Assam

Bihar

Chhattisgarh

Goa

Gujarat

Haryana

Himachal Pradesh

Jharkhand

Karnataka

Kerala

Madhya Pradesh

Maharashtra

Manipur

Meghalaya

Mizoram

Odisha

Rajasthan

Sikkim

Tamil Nadu

Telangana

Tripura

Uttar Pradesh

Uttarakhand

West Bengal

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Jammu & Kashmir

Ladakh

Fact about the newly added National Parks

Raimona National Park

• Location: Raimona National Park is situated in the Kokrajhar district of Assam.

• Boundaries:
  • Sonkosh River: Forms a boundary with West Bengal.
  • Saralbhanga River: Located within Assam.

• Declaration: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared Raimona as a National Park on World Environment Day.

• Kachugaon Forest Division: The park is part of the Kachugaon Forest Division.

• 6th National Park: Raimona is the 6th National Park of Assam.

• Famous Fauna: Known for the Golden Langur, an endemic and rare species.

• 105th National Park: Raimona National Park is the 105th National Park in India.

Dihang Patkai National Park

• Location: Dehing Patkai National Park is located in Assam’s easternmost districts of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia.

• Previous Status: It was previously known as the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Upgrade: Recently upgraded to National Park status by the Government of Assam.

• River: The Dehing River, originating from the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, flows through the park.

• Nicknames: Known as the “Amazon of the East” or “Jeypore Rainforest”.

• 7th National Park: It is the 7th National Park of Assam.

• Fauna: Rare species found in the park include:
  • Flying Fox
  • Clouded Leopard
  • Chinese Pangolin
  • Assam Macaque
  • White Winged Wood Duck (an endangered species).

• 106th National Park: Raimona National Park is the 106th National Park in India.

Famous species of some National Parks

Some National Parks in India are named after famous persons

State-wise Number of National Parks

💢 Key Findings from the Table:

• Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of national parks, totaling 11.

• Assam follows with 7 national parks.

• West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Kerala, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands each have five national parks.

• Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim covers 25.14% of the state’s area, the largest percentage in the country.

• Bihar, Goa, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, and Ladakh each have one national park.

Key Q&A on India’s National Parks

Q1. Total National Parks in India in 2024?
Answer: 106

Q2. What is the largest National Park in Terms of the area?
Answer: Hemis National Park (Ladakh, 3350 sq. Km)

Q3. Smallest National Park in Terms of Area
Answer: South Button Island National Park. (Andaman & Nicobar Island)

Q4. South Button Island National Park is a part of
Answer: Rani Jhansi Marine National Park of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Q5. Only Floating National Park of India
Answer: Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur

Q6. Keibul Lamjao Floating National Park is located in
Answer: Loktak Lake

Q7. First Marine National Park
Answer: Gulf of Kutchh National Park

Q8. The only area where the Kashmir stag is found
Answer: Dachigam National Park, Jammu, and Kashmir

Q9. First national park in India
Answer: Jim Corbett National Park

Q10. Jim Corbett National Park is previously known as
Answer: Hailey National Park

Q11. Kalesar National Park is located on the Bank of
Answer: Yamuna River

Q12. Kanger Valley / Ghati National Park (Chhattisgarh) was named after the…….?
Answer: Kanger River

Q13. Sundarban National Park (West Bengal) famous for
Answer: Sundori Tree, Mangroves Forests

Q14. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is previously known as
Answer: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Q15. Mollem National Park (Goa) also known as
Answer: Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park.

Q16. Valmiki National Park (Bihar) located on the bank of
Answer: River Gandak

Q17. Largest national park of Chhattisgarh?
Answer. Guru Ghasidas National Park

Q18. Second oldest National Park of India
Answer. Mudumalai National Park (Tamil Nadu)

Q19. Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’ was set in the
Answer. Pench National Park

Q20. How many national parks in India?
Answer. As of 2024, India has 106 National Parks.

Now that you have gained a comprehensive understanding of India’s National Parks, including key facts and notable examples, it is essential to delve deeper into their definition, features, and significance.

These aspects are particularly crucial from a UPSC perspective, as they help in understanding the broader role National Parks play in conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. Let us explore the foundational concepts, unique characteristics, and the critical importance of National Parks in India.

What is a National Park?

National parks are special areas designated to protect natural habitats, wildlife, and landscapes. Let’s explore the key features of national parks, especially those in India, explained in simple terms:

Establishment of National Parks

• Notification by State Government: An area, whether within a wildlife sanctuary or not, can be notified by the state government to be constituted as a national park.

• Purpose: National parks aim to protect the ecological, faunal (animals), floral (plants), geomorphological (landforms), or zoological (animal-related) significance of a region.

Legal Framework

• Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: In India, national parks are declared under this act, which provides the legal framework for their protection and management.

• IUCN Category II: National parks in India are classified as Category II protected areas by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This category focuses on ecosystem protection and recreation.

Restrictions and Regulations

• Boundary Changes: The state government cannot alter the boundary of a national park without the recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife. This ensures the protection of the park’s integrity.

• Grazing Prohibition: Grazing of livestock is strictly prohibited in national parks to prevent damage to the natural environment and disturbance to wildlife.

• Vehicle Restrictions: Only animals used as vehicles by authorized persons are allowed to enter the park. This minimizes the impact on the park’s ecosystem.

Protection of Wildlife and Resources

• No Poaching: Hunting, poaching, or capturing of any wildlife is strictly prohibited. This includes the removal or exploitation of forest products, ensuring the park’s resources remain intact.

• No Commercial Use: People living around national parks cannot use the park for commercial purposes or private activities. This helps maintain the park’s natural balance.

• Development and Industrial Restrictions: Developmental, industrial, hunting, and cultivation activities are prohibited within national parks to protect the natural habitat and wildlife.

Conservation Efforts

• Habitat Protection: National parks provide safe havens for endangered and threatened species by preserving their natural habitats.

• Biodiversity Conservation: These parks are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.

Educational and Recreational Importance

• Tourism and Education: National parks are popular destinations for eco-tourism. They offer opportunities for wildlife watching, nature walks, and educational tours, helping people learn about conservation and the importance of protecting natural environments.

• Research and Study: National parks also serve as important sites for scientific research and environmental studies.

National parks play a crucial role in preserving India’s natural heritage. They protect wildlife, maintain ecological balance, and provide educational and recreational opportunities for people. By following strict regulations, these parks ensure that future generations can enjoy and learn from the natural beauty and biodiversity of the country.

Important Terms Explained

Here are some key terms that are essential for understanding nature and conservation, explained in a way that’s easy to grasp:

Flora

• Definition: Flora refers to all the plant life in a particular region or time. These are naturally occurring (indigenous) native plants that grow in a specific area.

• Example: The flora of the Western Ghats includes various species of trees, shrubs, and flowers like the Nilgiri Hills’ famous Kurinji flowers.

Fauna

• Definition: Just like flora, fauna includes all the animal life present in a particular region or time. This term encompasses the animals of a certain region, habitat, or geological period.

• Example: The fauna of the Sundarbans includes the Bengal tiger, spotted deer, and various bird species.

IUCN Category II: National Park

• Definition: This category includes large natural or near-natural areas set aside to protect large-scale ecological processes, along with the species and ecosystems characteristic of the area.

• Primary Objective: The main goal is to protect natural biodiversity, its underlying ecological structure, and the supporting environmental processes.

• Example: Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is a Category II protected area aimed at conserving the region’s ecological integrity.

Additional Context

• Indigenous Plants and Animals: Both flora and fauna refer to the indigenous plants and animals of a region. Indigenous means that these species are native to the place and not introduced by humans.

• Ecological Processes: These include natural cycles and interactions such as water cycles, energy flows, and nutrient cycles that support life in the ecosystem.

• Biodiversity: This term refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. Biodiversity includes different species of plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.

Importance of National Parks

• Habitat Protection: National parks protect the natural habitats of various species, ensuring their survival.

• Biodiversity Conservation: They help preserve a wide range of plant and animal species, contributing to the overall health of the planet.

• Education and Recreation: National parks provide opportunities for people to learn about and enjoy nature, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation.

• Research: These protected areas are crucial for scientific research and study, helping us understand more about ecosystems and how to protect them.

National parks and conservation efforts are vital for maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems. By protecting flora and fauna, we ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

▪️Source: IUCN Category II: National Park

✅ Explore More: Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India with Detailed Maps and Fascinating Facts!

Features of National Park in India

National parks in India are protected areas designed to conserve wildlife and natural habitats. They are governed by specific rules and regulations to ensure the protection of these ecosystems. Here are some key features of national parks in India, explained in simple terms:

Establishment and Boundary Changes

• Proposal Authority: The state government has the authority to propose lands to be designated as national parks.

• Boundary Alteration: Once a national park is declared, the state government cannot change its boundaries without the recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife. This helps protect the park from any unwanted alterations.

Restrictions on Activities

• Grazing Prohibition: Grazing of livestock is strictly prohibited within national parks to prevent damage to the natural vegetation and disturbance to wildlife.

• Vehicle Restrictions: Only animals used as vehicles by people who are allowed to enter the park can be inside the park. This means that regular livestock and other animals are not permitted to roam freely.

Protection of Wildlife and Resources

• No Poaching: Hunting, poaching, or capturing of any wildlife is strictly prohibited. This includes the removal or exploitation of forestry products, ensuring that the park’s natural resources remain untouched.

• No Commercial Use: People living around national parks cannot use the park for commercial purposes or private activities. This rule helps maintain the park’s ecological balance.

Prohibited Activities

• Developmental and Industrial Restrictions: Any form of developmental, industrial, hunting, or cultivation activities are prohibited within national parks. This prevents habitat destruction and ensures the preservation of natural landscapes.

Conservation Efforts

• Habitat Protection: National parks provide a safe haven for endangered and threatened species by preserving their natural habitats.

• Biodiversity Conservation: These parks are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.

Educational and Recreational Importance

• Tourism and Education: National parks are popular destinations for eco-tourism. They offer opportunities for wildlife watching, nature walks, and educational tours, helping people learn about conservation and the importance of protecting natural environments.

• Research and Study: National parks also serve as important sites for scientific research and environmental studies.

Examples of National Parks in India

• Jim Corbett National Park: Located in Uttarakhand, it’s famous for its population of Bengal tigers and diverse wildlife.

• Kaziranga National Park: Situated in Assam, it’s renowned for having the largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.

• Sundarbans National Park: Found in West Bengal, it’s known for its unique mangrove ecosystem and the Royal Bengal tiger.

National parks play a crucial role in preserving India’s natural heritage. They protect wildlife, maintain ecological balance, and provide educational and recreational opportunities for people. By following strict regulations, these parks ensure that future generations can enjoy and learn from the natural beauty and biodiversity of the country.

🔗 Source: – Section 35 in The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

FAQs

Major Source:

• List of national parks of India – Wikipedia

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