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). In addition to the above, 75 national parks covering an area of 16,608 km² are proposed in the Protected Area Network Report (Rodgers & Panwar, 1988).

What are National Parks in India?

National Parks in India are designated protected areas established under the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972, aimed at conserving wildlife and their habitats. These areas are free from human activities like hunting, poaching, and cultivation, unless expressly permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden. They fall under IUCN Category II — primarily focused on ecosystem protection and recreation.

Also Read: Tiger Reserves in India 

History of National Parks in India

The concept of National Parks in India began during the British era with the establishment of Hailey National Park in 1936 in the United Provinces (now Uttarakhand), which was later renamed Jim Corbett National Park to honor the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist. This marked the beginning of India’s formal wildlife conservation efforts. However, until 1970, India had only five national parks, and the concept remained limited in scope and impact. The turning point came with the enactment of the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972, which provided a legal framework for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, and paved the way for the structured development of protected areas.

After 1972, the government began actively designating more regions as national parks in India to protect diverse ecosystems, endangered species, and natural habitats. Landmark initiatives like Project Tiger (1973) further reinforced the importance of such protected areas.

As of 2025, India boasts 106 national parks, collectively covering an area of 44,402.95 square kilometers, which constitutes approximately 1.35% of the country’s geographical area. This remarkable growth highlights India’s continued commitment to biodiversity conservation, ecological balance, and sustainable development.

Also Read: Major Rivers in India

 

National Parks in India 2025 Overview

India is home to a rich network of 106 national parks as of 2025, representing the country’s deep commitment to environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, and eco-tourism. These parks serve as safe havens for endangered species, rare ecosystems, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. The first park in India was established in 1936, and since then, the protected area network has expanded significantly in both size and ecological importance.

From the high-altitude wilderness of Hemis National Park in Ladakh to the tiny yet ecologically rich South Button Island National Park in the Andaman Islands, India’s national parks span diverse landscapes. Madhya Pradesh leads the way with the highest number of national parks (11), reflecting its central role in India’s conservation story.

Feature	Details
Total National Parks	106 (As of 2025)
First National Park	Jim Corbett National Park (1936
Largest National Park	Hemis National Park, Ladakh (4,400 km²)
Smallest National Park	South Button Island NP, Andaman (5 km²)
Newest National Park	Dehing Patkai NP, Assam (2021)
State with Most National Parks	Madhya Pradesh (11)
Geographical Coverage	1.35% of India’s area

 

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State-Wise List of National Parks in India List 2025

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). In addition to the above 75 National Parks covering an area of 16,608 km2 are proposed in the Protected Area Network Report (Rodgers & Panwar, 1988).

State-Wise List of National Parks in India List 2025 Are;

State & UT	State Area (km²)	No. of NP	Area (km²)	% of State Area
1.  Andhra Pradesh	160229	3	1368.87	0.85
2.  Arunachal Pradesh	83743	2	2,290.82	2.74
3.  Assam	78438	7	2,664.58	3.40
4.  Bihar	94163	1	335.65	0.36
5.  Chhattisgarh	135191	3	2,899.08	2.14
6.  Goa	3702	1	107.00	2.89
7.  Gujarat	196022	4	480.12	0.24
8.  Haryana	44212	2	48.25	0.11
9.  Himachal Pradesh	55673	5	2,256.28	4.05
10. Jharkhand	79714	1	226.33	0.28
11. Karnataka	191791	5	2,794.05	1.46
12. Kerala	38863	6	558.16	1.44
13. Madhya Pradesh	308245	11	4349.14	1.41
14. Maharashtra	307713	6	1,273.60	0.41
15. Manipur	22327	2	140.00	0.63
16. Meghalaya	22429	2	267.48	1.19
17. Mizoram	21081	2	150.00	0.71
18. Nagaland	16579	1	202.02	1.22
19. Odisha	155707	2	990.70	0.64
20. Punjab	50362	0	0.00	0.00
21. Rajasthan	342239	5	3,947.07	1.15
22. Sikkim	7096	1	1,784.00	25.14
23. Tamil Nadu	130058	5	827.51	0.64
24. Telangana	114840	3	19.62	0.02
25. Tripura	10486	2	36.71	0.35
26. Uttar Pradesh	240928	1	490.00	0.20
27. Uttarakhand	53483	6	4,915.02	9.19
28. West Bengal	88752	6	1,981.48	2.23
29. Andaman & Nicobar	8249	6	1,216.95	14.75
30. Chandigarh	114	0	0.00	0.00
31. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	603	0	0.00	0.00
32. Delhi	1483	0	0.00	0.00
33. Jammu & Kashmir	163090	4	2432.45	1.49
34. Ladakh	59146	1	3350.00	5.66
35. Lakshadweep	32	0	0.00	0.00
36. Puducherry	480	0	0.00	0.00
TOTAL	32,87,263	106	44,402.95	1.35

 

Also Read: Biosphere Reserves in India

Andaman And Nicobar Islands

• Campbell Bay National Park
• Galathea National Park
• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
• Mount Harriet National Park
• Rani Jhansi Marine National Park
• Saddle Peak National Park

Andhra Pradesh

• Papikonda National Park
• Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Rameswaram)
• Sri Venkateswara National Park

Arunachal Pradesh

• Mouling National Park
• Namdapha National Park

Assam

• Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
• Dihing Patkai National Park
• Raimona National Park
• Kaziranga National Park
• Manas National Park
• Nameri National Park
• Orang National Park
• Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park

Bihar

• Valmiki National Park

Chhattisgarh

• Guru Ghasidas National Park (Sanjay)
• Indravati National Park
• Kanger Ghati National Park

Goa

• Mollem National Park

Gujarat

• Blackbuck National Park (Velavadar)
• Gir Forest National Park
• Marine National Park (Gulf of Kutch)

Haryana

• Kalesar National Park
• Sultanpur National Park

Himachal Pradesh

• Great Himalayan National Park
• Inderkilla National Park
• Khirganga National Park
• Pin Valley National Park
• Simbalbara National Park

Jammu And Kashmir

• Dachigam National Park
• Kishtwar National Park
• Kazinag National Park
• City Forest National Park (Salim Ali)

Jharkhand

• Betla National Park

Karnataka

• Anshi National Park
• Bandipur National Park
• Bannerghatta National Park
• Kudremukh National Park
• Nagarhole National Park

Kerala

• Anamudi Shola National Park
• Eravikulam National Park
• Mathikettan Shola National Park
• Pambadum Shola National Park
• Periyar National Park
• Silent Valley National Park

Ladakh

• Hemis National Park

Madhya Pradesh

• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Dinosaur Fossils National Park
• Ghughua Fossil National Park
• Kanha National Park
• Kuno National Park
• Madhav National Park
• Panna National Park
• Pench National Park
• Sanjay National Park
• Satpura National Park
• Van Vihar National Park

Maharashtra

• Chandoli National Park
• Gugamal National Park
• Nawegaon National Park
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Tadoba Andhari National Park
• Pench National Park (Jawaharlal Nehru)

Manipur

• Keibul Lamjao National Park
• Shiroi National Park

Meghalaya

• Balphakram National Park
• Nokrek National Park

Mizoram

• Murlen National Park
• Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park

Nagaland

• Intangki National Park

Odisha

• Bhitarkanika National Park
• Simlipal National Park

Rajasthan

• Desert National Park
• Keoladeo Ghana National Park
• Mukundra Hills National Park
• Ranthambore National Park
• Sariska Tiger Reserve

Sikkim

• Khangchendzonga National Park

Tamil Nadu

• Indira Gandhi Sanctuary and National Park (Annamalai)
• Guindy National Park
• Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
• Mudumalai National Park
• Mukurthi National Park

Telangana

• Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
• Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park
• Mrugavani National Park

Tripura

• Bison (Rajbari) National Park
• Clouded Leopard National Park

Uttar Pradesh

• Dudhwa National Park

Uttarakhand

• Gangotri National Park
• Govind Pashu Vihar National Park
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Nanda Devi National Park
• Rajaji National Park
• Valley of Flowers National Park

West Bengal

• Buxa Tiger Reserve
• Gorumara National Park
• Jaldapara National Park
• Neora Valley National Park
• Singalila National Park
• Sundarbans National Park

 

Importance of National Parks in India

National Parks in India serve as vital pillars of environmental state-wise national parks in India, ecological balance, and sustainable development. Their role extends far beyond being just protected areas—they are wildlife sanctuaries, hubs for scientific research, cultural landmarks, and engines of local economy through eco-tourism. Here’s a detailed look at their multifaceted importance. 

• Biodiversity Conservation: Protect endangered species like Bengal Tiger (Sundarbans), Asiatic Lion (Gir), One-horned Rhino (Kaziranga).
• Preserve Ecosystems: Maintain ecological balance, regulate water cycles, reduce soil erosion.
• Eco-tourism & Awareness: Generate employment and promote conservation education.
• Scientific Research: Serve as laboratories for ecological, botanical, and zoological studies.
• Cultural Significance: Many parks are linked with tribal communities and local traditions.

Some Famous National Parks in India 2025

National Parks in India are celebrated for their rich biodiversity, unique landscapes, and vital role in conservation. Each park has its specialty, offering protection to iconic species and habitats. Here’s a snapshot of some of the most famous national parks in India in 2025, their key features, and associated states.

National Park	Famous For	State
Jim Corbett NP	First National Park, Tigers	Uttarakhand
Kaziranga NP	One-horned Rhinoceros	Assam
Hemis NP	Snow Leopards, Largest NP	Ladakh
Sundarbans NP	Bengal Tiger, Mangroves	West Bengal
Gir Forest NP	Asiatic Lions	Gujarat
Kanha NP	Barasingha, Jungle Book inspiration	Madhya Pradesh
Valley of Flowers NP	Alpine Flowers, UNESCO Site	Uttarakhand
Bandipur NP	Tigers, Part of Nilgiri Reserve	Karnataka
Periyar NP	Elephants, Eco-tourism	Kerala
Keoladeo Ghana NP	Migratory Birds	Rajasthan

Conclusion 

National Parks in India are not just pockets of preserved wilderness—they are vibrant, living ecosystems that reflect the country’s deep-rooted commitment to biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable coexistence with nature. With 106 national parks spread across varied geographies—from Himalayan heights to coastal mangroves—they form the backbone of India’s environmental and ecological framework.

As environmental challenges like climate change, habitat loss, and species extinction continue to rise, the role of national parks becomes more critical than ever. These protected areas act as sanctuaries for wildlife, lungs for the planet, classrooms for learners, and livelihood hubs for local communities through eco-tourism and conservation initiatives.

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