India is home to a rich network of national parks that protect its diverse wildlife and showcase its ecological wealth. As of 2025, the country has 106 national parks, covering an area of about 44,402 square kilometers, which accounts for approximately 1.35% of the nation’s total geographical area. These parks are treasures of biodiversity and play an important role in conservation, tourism, and sustainability.
Here is an in-depth article exploring the number of national parks in India, their significance, classification, and some of the most famous ones.
Understanding National Parks in India
A national park is an area that is legally protected by the government to conserve the natural environment, wildlife, and vegetation. The primary purpose of these parks is to ensure that ecosystems remain intact and species are safeguarded from human exploitation, deforestation, and poaching. Unlike wildlife sanctuaries, national parks are more strictly regulated with limited human activities allowed, making them crucial conservation hubs.
The first national park in India was Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 in Uttarakhand. Since then, the network has significantly expanded across all states and union territories.
Growth in Numbers
- In 1970, India had only five designated national parks.
- With the launch of Project Tiger in 1973, the number grew rapidly, as many parks were declared tiger reserves to safeguard the declining big cat population.
- Today, the total stands at 106, reflecting the country’s commitment to protecting biodiversity.
These parks vary widely in size, ranging from large ecological landscapes like Hemis National Park to smaller, specialized habitats such as South Button Island National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Largest and Smallest National Parks
- Hemis National Park (Ladakh): The largest in India, covering about 4,400 sq. km. It is famous for the elusive snow leopard.
- South Button Island National Park (Andaman and Nicobar Islands): The smallest, only covering 0.03 sq. km, yet rich in marine biodiversity.
This contrast shows the ecological variety India embraces, from Himalayan terrain to oceanic ecosystems.
State-Wise Distribution of National Parks
India’s national parks are spread across different states, each reflecting its ecological diversity:
- Madhya Pradesh: Known as the “Tiger State of India,” it has the highest number of national parks (11), including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Home to 9 national parks, most of which focus on marine and island biodiversity.
- Rajasthan: Famous for Ranthambore and Desert National Park, showcasing arid landscapes and desert wildlife.
- Uttarakhand: Known for Jim Corbett and Valley of Flowers National Parks.
- Assam: Hosts world-renowned Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Every region contributes a unique facet to India’s conservation map, reflecting forests, deserts, high-altitude regions, and coastal ecosystems.
Importance of National Parks
National parks in India are not just protected areas; they hold immense significance for biodiversity, environment protection, and even human well-being.
- Wildlife Conservation: They provide safe habitats for endangered species such as Bengal tigers, snow leopards, Asiatic lions, one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, and gharials.
- Ecological Balance: Parks preserve flora and fauna, preventing ecological degradation.
- Tourism and Economy: Parks attract visitors from across the globe, boosting eco-tourism and creating livelihoods for local communities.
- Cultural and Research Value: Many parks hold spiritual and cultural importance, while scientists and ecologists use them as research grounds.
- Climate Regulation: Protected forests within parks contribute to carbon sequestration and regulate rainfall.
Famous National Parks in India
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
The oldest national park in the country and the birthplace of Project Tiger. It is especially popular among tourists who want to spot Bengal tigers in the wild.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it shelters the largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros. It also harbors wild water buffaloes, swamp deer, and migratory birds.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
One of the most famous parks, known for its tiger sightings and the historic Ranthambore Fort within its premises.
Gir National Park, Gujarat
The only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion, this park is globally significant and draws thousands of nature lovers each year.
Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Part of the world-famous Sundarbans mangroves, it is a tiger reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its swampy habitats and estuarine ecosystem.
Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand
Renowned for its seasonal blooming of alpine flowers, this UNESCO site is a haven for nature lovers and trekkers.
Challenges Facing National Parks
Despite their importance, India’s national parks face several threats that need urgent attention:
- Poaching and Illegal Trade: Tigers, rhinos, and elephants are especially vulnerable to poachers.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachment by villages and agricultural lands creates conflict between animals and humans.
- Deforestation and Climate Change: Changing weather patterns alter habitats, threatening species survival.
- Tourism Pressure: Overcrowding and poorly managed tourism harm fragile ecosystems.
Effective management and stricter implementation of laws are critical to address these challenges.
Future of National Parks in India
The future expansion of national parks is guided by the National Wildlife Action Plan, which emphasizes creating ecological corridors, better funding, and community involvement. Technological tools like wildlife tracking, drone surveillance, and AI-based conservation are also being integrated to improve park management.
India is also strengthening eco-tourism initiatives, ensuring that conservation and local livelihood go hand in hand. Greater focus on climate resilience and habitat restoration will likely determine the success of parks in future generations.
Conclusion
India has 106 national parks, each serving as a vital refuge for wildlife and ecosystems. From the dense tiger forests of Madhya Pradesh to the marine parks of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, every park showcases the country’s natural richness. They not only conserve wildlife but also sustain communities, boost tourism, and protect the environment against climate change.
The journey ahead requires balancing conservation with development, involving local communities, and embracing innovative techniques. India’s vast network of national parks stands as a powerful symbol of its ecological and cultural wealth—reminding us that protecting nature is essential for human survival too.
