Introduction – Exploring India’s National Parks

National parks are protected areas that have been established by the government (State and Central government) to conserve and protect natural resources such as forests, wildlife, flora, and fauna. National Parks are strictly protected with the aim of improving wildlife and biodiversity. National Parks play a crucial role in the conservation of wildlife, providing a sanctuary where natural habitats and prey can flourish undisturbed. Hailey National Park was established in 1936 as India’s first national park. It is now known as the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. 

Knowledge of the National Parks in India is imperative for aspirants preparing for the IAS Exam, as it forms an integral component of Indian geography and environmental studies.

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Key Points about National Parks in India

• Protected areas in India encompass National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Reserve Forests, Conservation Reserves, Marine Reserves, Community Reserves, and Biosphere Reserves.
• India stands among the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, endowed with a wealth of flora and fauna.
• National Parks are categorized as protected areas under IUCN category II. India’s inaugural National Park, established in 1936, was the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.
• The number of national parks in India was limited to five until 1970.
• The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 marked a turning point, triggering a significant increase in their numbers.

Declaration of National Park and Other Provision.

• Whenever it appears to the State Government that an area, whether within a sanctuary or not, is, by reason of its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological or zoological association or importance, needed to be constituted as a National Park for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wild life therein or its environment, it may, by notification, declare its intention to constitute such area as a National Park.
• The notification must specify the boundaries of the proposed National Park.
• Land Investigation and Rights Extinguishment Procedure: The procedures outlined in sections shall apply to investigating, determining claims, and extinguishing rights concerning land intended for declaration as a National Park, similar to their application in sanctuaries.

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• The power to declare national parks lies with both the central and state governments but  National Parks are regulated by the central government so it is a joint responsibility for preserving these critical areas. 
• Resources to Affected Individuals: The State Government will provide necessary arrangements for fuel, fodder, and forest produce to affected individuals until their rights are settled.
  • If the claim period has ended, and all claims regarding land in the proposed National Park area have been addressed by the State Government. 
  • All rights to the lands earmarked for the National Park are now owned by the State Government.
• No Alteration of the Boundaries: of a National Park by the State Government shall be made except on a recommendation of the National Board.
• Regulations for Wildlife Protection in National Parks: No person may harm or exploit wildlife or forest resources within a National Park, nor disturb the habitat of wild animals or alter water flow, except with a permit from the Chief Wildlife Warden. 
  • Such permits are granted only when the State Government, in consultation with the National Board, deems it necessary for wildlife enhancement and management.
• No Human Activity is permitted inside the national park except for the ones permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state under the conditions given in CHAPTER IV, WPA 1972.

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Importance of National Parks in India

• Conserving Biodiversity: National Parks serve as crucial habitats for diverse plant and animal species, playing a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity and preventing the extinction of vulnerable and endangered species. 

  • These areas stand as a shield against anthropogenic activities such as industrial operations, developmental projects, hunting, poaching, and cultivation. 
  • Example: Kaziranga National Park for One horned Rhino, Gir National Park for Asiatic Lions etc.

• Conservation of Ecosystem: Protected Areas contribute to the preservation of ecosystem services, including the regulation of water cycles, prevention of soil erosion, and purification of air and water. 

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• Supporting Local Communities: Protected areas can provide economic benefits to local communities through tourism, sustainable resource management, and job creation. They also contribute to food and water security for nearby populations and safeguard cultural heritage.

• Genetic Resources and Traditional Medicines: They conserve wild relatives of crops, important for genetic diversity in agriculture. Additionally, protected areas are sources of traditional medicines and natural genetic resources used in commercial medications.

List of National Parks in India

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There are 106 existing national parks in India covering an area of 44,402.95 km2, which is 1.35% of the geographical area of the country (National Wildlife Database Centre, Nov. 2023). Below is the list of National Parks in India.

Some Important National Parks of India, their History and importance

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Amidst the vibrant tapestry of India’s natural landscapes lie its National Parks, each holding a unique story of conservation and safeguarding biodiversity. With a history intertwined with the nation’s dedication to ecological preservation, these protected areas stand as sanctuaries for wildlife and havens for nature enthusiasts. Delving into the origins and roles of these National Parks unveils a journey of environmental awareness, legislative initiatives, and the pursuit of balance between human needs and the intricate ecosystems that grace the subcontinent.

1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand (1936)

• History: Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it was renamed in 1957 to honor the famous hunter, conservationist, and author Jim Corbett. It played a pivotal role in launching the ‘Project Tiger’ initiative in 1973, aimed at protecting the endangered Bengal tiger
• Importance: 
• • Tiger Conservation: Being the oldest national park in India, Jim Corbett National Park is a cornerstone of tiger conservation efforts.
  • Biodiversity: Encompassing diverse landscapes such as grasslands, marshes, rivers, and hills, the park supports a rich variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards, elephants, and various bird species.
  • Ecosystem Preservation: The park’s varied habitats contribute to maintaining ecological balance and preserving native flora and fauna.
  • Tourism and Education: Beyond conservation, the park attracts ecotourism, providing opportunities for people to learn about and appreciate nature.

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2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam (1974)

• History: Declared a national park in 1974, Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key player in the conservation of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
• Importance: 
  • Rhinoceros Sanctuary: Kaziranga is home to over two-thirds of the world’s population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, making it crucial for the survival of this endangered species.
  • Biodiversity: The park supports various other species, including tigers, elephants, wild water buffaloes, and swamp deer
  • Wetland Ecosystem: Its unique wetland ecosystem sustains numerous bird species and aquatic life.
  • Conservation Success: Kaziranga’s successful conservation efforts stand as an example of how dedicated initiatives can lead to the revival of endangered species.

3. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh (1955)

• History: Kanha National Park, declared a tiger reserve in 1973 under ‘Project Tiger,’ was the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.”
• Importance:
  • Tiger Habitat: Kanha provides a vital habitat for the Royal Bengal tiger and is essential for the species’ conservation.
  • Endangered Species: It is also home to leopards, sloth bears, and the rare hardground barasingha (swamp deer).
  • Eco-Tourism: The park is well-managed for responsible tourism, offering controlled wildlife encounters.
  • Diverse Habitats: Kanha’s diverse landscapes include sal and bamboo forests, meadows, and rivers, supporting a wide range of wildlife.

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4. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal (1984)

• History: Designated a national park in 1984, Sundarbans National Park is part of the world’s largest delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.
• Importance:
  • Bengal Tiger Habitat: Home to the Bengal tiger, the park is one of the few places where these majestic creatures can be found.
  • Mangrove Ecosystem: Sunderbans contains the largest mangrove forest globally, supporting unique flora and fauna adapted to saline conditions.
  • Natural Barrier: The park helps protect coastal areas from erosion, tidal waves, and natural disasters, serving as a crucial buffer against the sea.

5. Gir Forest National Park, Gujarat (1965)

• History: Established in 1965, Gir Forest National Park was set up to protect the critically endangered Asiatic lion.
• Importance:
  • Asiatic Lion Habitat: Gir Forest is the only place in the world where the Asiatic lion resides, making it an exclusive conservation site.
  • Biodiversity: The park is rich in diverse flora and fauna, complementing its role in lion conservation.
  • Conservation Success: The park’s efforts in conserving the Asiatic lion are a notable example of saving a species from the brink of extinction.
  • Ecotourism: Gir’s unique inhabitants attract tourists interested in witnessing these majestic lions in their natural habitat.

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6. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan (1980)

• History: Once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and later a national park in 1980.
• Importance: 
  • Tiger Population: Ranthambore is famous for its tiger population, offering one of the best opportunities for tiger sightings in the wild.
  • Historical Significance: The park boasts an ancient fort within its premises, adding a historical dimension to the wildlife experience.
  • Flora and Fauna: Ranthambore’s diverse ecosystems, which include lakes, grasslands, and rocky hills, harbor a variety of wildlife species.
  • Wildlife Conservation: The park’s role in preserving the Royal Bengal tiger and other wildlife is a testament to successful conservation efforts.

7. Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Rajasthan (1982) 

• History: Initially a hunting ground, Keoladeo Ghana National Park was declared a national park in 1982. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
• Importance:
  • Avian Paradise: Renowned for its exceptional avian diversity, the park serves as a vital wintering ground for migratory birds.
  • Wetland Habitat: The park’s wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes provide a crucial habitat for waterfowl and other bird species.
  • Conservation Efforts: Keoladeo Ghana National Park is an example of how human intervention can restore and maintain a habitat that supports diverse bird populations.
  • Educational and Ecotourism: The park offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, research, and environmental education.

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8. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

• History: Established in 1974 as a tiger reserve, Bandipur was one of the first to be included under the ‘Project Tiger’ initiative. It was originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Mysore.
• Importance:
  • Known for its healthy population of tigers, leopards, and elephants.
  • Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Rich in biodiversity, encompassing deciduous forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats.
• Why Famous:
  • Notable for its substantial tiger population, contributing to the conservation of this iconic species.
  • Offers a unique opportunity to witness the interactions between various animal species in their natural habitat.
  • Scenic beauty and well-managed ecotourism make it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

9. Periyar National Park, Kerala

• History: Declared a national park in 1982, Periyar is centered around the Periyar Lake, created by the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam. 
• Importance: 
  • Houses a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, gaurs (Indian bison), and various bird species.
  • Renowned for its successful conservation efforts, especially the protection of the Nilgiri tahr, a mountain goat species.
  • Offers boat safaris on the Periyar Lake for a unique wildlife viewing experience.
• Why Famous: 
  • Unique boat safaris allow visitors to observe wildlife from the water, a distinctive feature not found in many other parks.
  • Striking landscapes of dense forests against the backdrop of the lake create a picturesque setting.
  • Plays a vital role in preserving the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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10. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

• History: Established in 1975, Pench is named after the river that flows through it and is known for its diverse flora and fauna. 
• Importance:
  • Provides habitat for tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and a variety of herbivores.
  • Part of the larger Satpura-Maikal landscape, an important tiger and wildlife conservation area.
  • Offers a mix of teak and bamboo forests, grasslands, and water bodies.
• Why Famous:
  • Thought to be the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.”
  • Its landscapes and wildlife serve as a living example of the harmonious balance between predators and prey in nature
  • Supports ecotourism activities that generate revenue for conservation efforts and benefit local communities.

11. Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh

• History: Declared a national park in 1984, it was established to protect the unique biodiversity of the western Himalayas.
• Importance: 
  • Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional biodiversity and landscapes.
  • Home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including snow leopards, blue sheep, and numerous bird species.
  • Serves as an important watershed area, feeding several major rivers in the region
• Why Famous: 
  • Preserves the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayas, contributing to the conservation of species adapted to high altitudes.
  • Offers trekkers and nature enthusiasts a chance to explore the stunning landscapes of the Himalayan region.
  • Focuses on community-based conservation, involving local communities in protecting the park’s resources.

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12. Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra

• History: One of the oldest national parks in India, Tadoba was established in 1955 as the Tadoba-Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. It was later declared a tiger reserve in 1993.
• Importance:
  • Supports a healthy population of Bengal tigers and other wildlife like leopards, sloth bears, and Indian bison.
  • Offers a mix of teak and bamboo forests, grasslands, and water bodies.
  • Plays a significant role in the conservation of tigers and the broader ecosystem.
• Why Famous:
  • Renowned for its high density of tigers, providing valuable insights into the behavior and ecology of these big cats.
  • Unique landscapes and diverse wildlife make it a popular destination for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts.
  • Contributes to the broader efforts of tiger conservation and habitat protection in central India.

13. Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu

• History: Declared a national park in 1990, Mudumalai is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and was originally established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1940.
• Importance: 
  • Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and various bird species.
  • Forms an important elephant corridor, allowing the movement of elephants between Mudumalai, Bandipur, and Wayanad sanctuaries.
  • Offers a mix of deciduous forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats.
• Why Famous:
  • Forms a crucial part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contributing to the conservation of this unique ecosystem.
  • Plays a significant role in the protection of elephants, whose populations face challenges due to habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict.
  • Offers a diverse range of experiences, from wildlife safaris to birdwatching, making it a popular ecotourism destination.

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14. Hemis National Park, Ladakh

• History: Established in 1981, Hemis National Park is the largest national park in India and is located in the high-altitude region of Ladakh. 
• Importance: 
  • Home to the elusive snow leopard, a flagship species for high-altitude conservation.
  • Supports a variety of other wildlife, including Himalayan wolves, ibex, and golden eagles.
  • Preserves a unique alpine ecosystem, contributing to the conservation of species adapted to extreme conditions. 
• Why Famous:
  • Renowned as one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive snow leopard in its natural habitat.
  • Offers a chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh, with towering mountains and stark beauty.
  • Plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the challenges faced by species living in extreme environments and the importance of their conservation.

15. Silent Valley National Park, Kerala

• History: Established in 1984, Silent Valley National Park gained its name due to the absence of the usual cacophony of insects in the rainforest.
• Importance:
  • Houses a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri langur.
  • Contains one of the last remaining tracts of undisturbed tropical rainforest in India.
  • Protects the unique Shola grassland ecosystems and serves as an important watershed.
• Why Famous:
  • Renowned for its pristine and untouched rainforest, providing a glimpse into what much of the Western Ghats might have looked like centuries ago.
  • Offers valuable insights into the ecological importance of rainforests and their role in supporting diverse wildlife.
  • An important site for scientific research and education, contributing to our understanding of rainforest ecosystems.

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16. Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand

• History: Declared a national park in 1982 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers is renowned for its incredible floral diversity.
• Importance:
  • Houses a stunning array of alpine flowers, including many rare and endangered species
  • Provides habitat for a variety of animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, and numerous bird species.
  • Offers a unique blend of vibrant colors against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
• Why Famous:
  • Celebrated for its unmatched beauty during the blooming season, when the valley is carpeted with a riot of colors.
  • Serves as a living laboratory for the study of high-altitude ecosystems and their response to climate change.
  • Attracts trekkers and nature enthusiasts, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience of walking through a floral wonderland in the Himalayas.

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National Parks in India Map For Upsc

Alt tag = ”map of national parks in india”

National Parks and their Famous Animals

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Difference Between Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

Rules and Regulation for conservation of Protected areas in India

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

  • WPA gives a comprehensive legislation as the primary legal structure for the protection of wildlife in India. 
  • WPA clauses prohibit hunting, poaching, and trading of wildlife within National Parks. 

• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

  • Clauses of EPA the protection and improvement of the environment. 
  • Empowers the central government to take measures to protect and conserve the environment, including the regulation of activities in National Parks.

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• Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980-

  • Aims to conserve forests and wildlife. 
  • Requires the approval of the Central Government for diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, ensuring that National Parks remain undisturbed.

• National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016)

  • A strategic framework for wildlife conservation in India. 
  • Outlines specific actions for the conservation of National Parks, including habitat management, anti-poaching measures, and community participation.

• Indian Forest Act, 1927

  • Governs the administration of forest areas and the transit of forest produce. 
  • Specifies regulations related to the protection and management of forests, which are pertinent to National Parks.

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• Biological Diversity Act, 2002

  • Aims to conserve biological diversity and ensure its sustainable use. 
  • Addresses issues related to access to biological resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of their utilization within National Parks.

• Wildlife Conservation Strategy (2002-2012)

  • A document outlining strategies for the conservation of wildlife in India. 
  • Provides guidelines for the management of National Parks, emphasizing the need for scientific research, community involvement, and habitat restoration.

• Guidelines for Eco-tourism in and around Protected Areas (2011)

  • Provides guidelines for promoting responsible tourism in and around National Parks. 
  • Aim to ensure that tourism activities do not adversely impact the ecology of protected areas.

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National Parks in India Challenges and Future Prospects

• While national parks are essential for biodiversity conservation, they also face numerous challenges. 
  • Encroachment, poaching, habitat loss, and conflicts between human settlements and wildlife are ongoing concerns. 
  • India’s conservation laws have become the scourge of local communities in and around national parks and sanctuaries. 
  • The restrictions governing these protected areas curtail the indigenous peoples’ access to natural resources to the extent their very survival becomes threatened. 
  • On the other hand, several cases have come to light of industrial and other interests exploiting the parks and sanctuaries with official connivance.
• To ensure the continued success of these parks, it’s crucial to involve local communities in conservation efforts, implement stringent anti-poaching measures, and promote sustainable tourism practices.
• India’s national parks are jewels in the crown of its natural heritage. From the rugged landscapes of the north to the lush greenery of the south, each park has a unique story to tell and a vital role to play in the protection of our planet’s diverse ecosystems. 
• As visitors and stewards of these national parks, it’s our responsibility to appreciate, respect, and contribute to their preservation for generations to come.