National Parks of India

A national park is used for conservation purposes, created and protected by the Central government. Hailey National Park of Uttarakhand, is India’s first national park and it was established in 1936, now it’s renamed Jim Corbett National Park. Before 1947, India had only two national parks. Now on 1.33% of the geographical area of India, there are 104 existing national parks that cover an area of 43,716 km² (National Wildlife Database, Dec. 2020).

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an international organization, and its World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), has defined the “National Park” as its Category II type of protected area. In 2006, according to the IUCN, there are 6,555 national parks worldwide that met its criteria. Still, IUCN is discussing the parameters for colourful defining a national park.

In 1872, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people, the United States established the first national park named Yellowstone National Park, it is widely held to be the first and oldest national park in the world. However, the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve which was established in 1776, is the oldest legally protected area.

State-wise National Parks in India

Andaman & Nicobar Islands:

Andaman & Nicobar has the highest number of national parks, and it’s equal to Madhya Pradesh (9 each).

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Campbell Bay National Park	426 km²	1992	This is the largest national park of Andaman & Nicobar, located on the island of Great Nicobar. This national park is 190 km far from the north of Sumatra. The natural vegetation of the Park comprises mostly tropical evergreen forest, with a wide variety of bravura orchids, tree ferns, and several colorful and rare flowering plants. Animals: Deers, Andaman Wild pigs, Nicobar treeshrew, Palm Civet, The Giant leatherback turtle, Hawksbill turtles, Olive Ridley turtles, the Reticulated python, Saltwater crocodile, etc. Plants: Sterculia alata, Ipomoea spp., Pandanus, Ficus tinctoria, Terminalia, Nipa Palm, Albizia procera, Canarium, Epiphyllum, etc.
B.	Galathea Bay National Park	110 km²	1992	Located at the southernmost tip of Indian territory, on the island of Great Nicobar. The Flora of the region mostly comprises tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. There are many rare species of plants and animals, among them, some are owing to their relative geographical isolation. Animals: Reticulated python, Nicobar Treeshrews, Wild pig, Robber crab, Giant leatherback Turtle, Water monitor lizard, Megapode, Palm Civet and Fruit Bat, etc.
C.	Mahatma Gandhi Marine (Wandoor) National Park	282 km²	1983	This park was created to preserve marine life such as coral reefs and sea turtles. The type and composition of vegetation vary from island to island in this national park. The largest island of this park is Tarmugli which is covered with thick mangrove vegetation and uprooted trees. This park is suitable habitat for Turtle nesting beaches sharks, manta rays, moray eels, etc.
D.	Middle Button Island National Park	64 km2	1987	Located about 200 km northeast of Port Blair. Vegetation type: Moist deciduous forest surrounded by sandy beaches and shallow seas. Plant: Dinochloa, Parishia insignis, Calophyllum soulattri, Aporosa villosa, Baccaurea sapida, Caryota mitis, etc. Animal: Spotted deer, water lizards, dolphins, sea turtles, and many species of fish.
E.	Mount Harriet National Park	4.62 km2	1987	Mount Harriet 383 meters, which is part of the park, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar. The backside picture of the ₹20 note is taken from this park. Famous for butterfly hotspot. Well-known for Andaman wild pigs (an endangered species), saltwater crocodiles, turtles, and robber crabs.
F.	North Button Island National Park	71 km2	1979	This is situated in the Andaman district. It is one of the national parks under the warm and humid tropical zones. One of the best habitats for the Dugong and the Dolphin. Most of the park is covered with deciduous forest.
G.	Rani Jhansi Marine National Park	256 km2	1996	Located about 30 km far from Port Blair. It is famous for Coral Reefs and Mangrove forests. Suitable habitat for some very crucial wildlife and include Dugongs, Crocodiles, Marine Life, Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Terrestrial Moist forest and birds. The famous attraction of the park is the fruit-eating bat.
H.	Saddle Peak National Park	33 km2	1979	Vegetation Types: Moist, tropical as well as deciduous evergreen forest. Species Scolopia pusilla and Cleistanthus robustus are found in these Islands, and those are not found in mainland India. Animal: Andaman wild pig, water monitor lizard, saltwater crocodile, etc.
I.	South Button Island National Park	5 km2	1987	It is the smallest national park in India. This Park is a part of the Rani Jhansi Marine National Park. Plants: Calamus palustris, Climbing bamboo, Dinochloa, and Parishia insignis, Dipterocarpus pilosus, Caryota mitis, Dinochloa palustris, etc.

Andhra Pradesh:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Papikonda National Park	1012.86 km²	2008	It is located near Rajamahendravaram, in the Papi Hills. It is the largest national park in Andhra Pradesh. The majority of the area of the park is covered with moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests. Animal: species such as Indian leopard, rusty-spotted cat, jungle cat, leopard cat, mouse deer, gaur, etc. Plant: Pterocarpus marsupium, Terminalia elliptical, Terminalia arjuna, Adina cordifolia, Sterculia urens etc. Bird: Some rare species of Black-throated munia, Indian scimitar babbler, Jerdon’s nightjar, Malabar trogon, etc.
B.	Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park	2.4 km²	1992	The vegetation of this park is mainly tropical dry deciduous forest. Lies on the north bank of River Penna. In earlier, this park is known as “Rameswaram National Park” which in 2005 was renamed “Rajiv Gandhi National Park“. Plant: Dalbergia sissoo, Grewia villosa, Gymnema sylvestre, etc. Bird: Little egrets, parakeets, peacocks, etc.
C.	Sri Venkateswara National Park	353 km²	1989	The Seshachalam Hills is considered one of the biosphere reserves and it’s become a Heritage of this national park. Vegetation: Dry deciduous and moist deciduous types. Within the park, there are many waterfalls.

Arunachal Pradesh:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Namdapha National     Park	1985  km²	1983	It is the largest national park in Arunachal Pradesh. Located between the Patkai range and Dapha Bum range of Mishmi hills. It is also a biodiversity hotspot in the Eastern Himalayas. The most attractive feature of this park is that the habitat of the park keeps changing with altitude. The highest point (4,571 m) of the park is known as Dapha Bum, a ridge on the Mishmi hills. Animal: Dholes, Wolves, Asiatic black bears, red pandas, red foxes, yellow-throated martens, slow Loris, snow leopards, clouded leopards, common leopards etc. (The snowy throated babbler is a rare species of babbler found only in Namdapha.)
B.	Mouling National Park	483 km²	1986	It is located in the Upper Siang district. Such a name was given after a mountain peak nearby “Mouling“. Nearby rivers are Siang, Siring, Subong, Semong, and Krobong. Animal: Hog deer, python, barking deer, sambar deer, tiger, panthers, elephant,  buffalo, red panda, etc. are very common in this region.

Assam:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Manas National Park	519.77 km²	1990	Also known as North Kamrup wildlife sanctuary. It is situated near the foothills of the Himalayas and on the bank of the river Manas. Famous World heritage site with its unique rare wealth of wildlife. Animal: Wild Boar, Elephant, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Pigmy Hog, Golden Langur, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Buffalo, etc.
B.	Dibru-Saikhowa National Park	118 km²	1999	Located in the Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts. Designated as Biosphere Reserve in July 1997. The park is consists of moist mixed semi-evergreen forests, moist mixed deciduous forests, and grasslands. Bounded by the Brahmaputra, Lohit Rivers, and Dibru river.
C.	Kaziranga National Park	859 km²	1974	Two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceroses population are living there. In 2006, it was declared as Tiger Reserve. It is the home to the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world.
D.	Nameri National Park	1000 km²	1978	It is a national park in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. This is situated in the Sonitpur District. This park is located towards the south of Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh.
E.	Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park	79.28 km²	1999	It is located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. It is the only stronghold of rhinoceros. Animal: Great Indian rhinoceros, Pygmy hog, Asian elephant, Wild Water Buffalo, Bengal tiger, etc.
F.	Raimona National Park	422 km²	2021	It is spread in the Kokrajhar district of Assam. It is a part of a contiguous forest patch.
G.	Dehing Patkai National Park	231.65 km²	2020	Located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam. In 2004, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary.

Bihar:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Valmiki National Park	335 km²	1990	The only National park in the state of Bihar. It is situated on the banks of river Gandak and covered by dense green forests of the Himalayan Terai region. At present 265 bird species have been reported. Animal: Bengal tiger, Indian sloth bear, Indian leopard, wild dog, wild water buffalo, several species of deer, including barking deer, spotted deer, hog deer, etc. Plant: Asidh, Simal, Sal, Karam, Asan, Bahera, Satsal, etc.

Chhattisgarh:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park	466.7 km²	1981	It is also known as Sanjay National Park. It is the largest national park in Chhattisgarh. It is situated in the dry deciduous forests ecoregion of Narmada Valley. Plant: Gurjan, Palas, Tendu, Mahua, Teak, Sal, and Bamboo Trees are found in this area. Animal: Tigers, Leopards, Jackals, Barking as well as Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, the Sloth Bear, and a population of snakes such as the Cobra and the Python.
B.	Indravati (Kutru) National Park	2799.08 km²	1981	It is located in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh state of India. It was named such due to the name of Indravati River. It is world-famous for its tiger reserves. It is also a habitat for rare wild buffalo.
C.	Kanger Valley National Park	200 km²	1982	It is one of India’s densest national parks. Located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. It derives its name from the Kanger River. Its vast, terrain habitats for diverse flora and fauna.

Goa:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Mollem National Park	240 km²	1978	It is formally known as Mollem Sanctuary. A wide variety of birds like Drongo, Golden Oriole, Great Indian hornbill, Wagtail, Three-Toed Kingfisher, etc. are found there. Many rare butterflies species like Blue Mormon, Crimson Rose, Tamil Yeoman, Plain Tiger, and Lime Butterfly are found in the region.

Gujarat:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Gir National Park	1412 km²	1965	Largest national park of Gujarat. In this park, the largest population of Asiatic Lions is found here. Dry deciduous forests with exciting wildlife and natural beauty. Animal: like wild boar, sambar deer, Nilgai, and carnivorous animals, including wild cat, fox, hyena, leopard, etc. More than 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles, and more than 2,000 species of insects are part of this National park.
B.	Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park	34.08 km²	1976	Located at Velavadar in the Bhavnagar District of Gujarat. This park is surrounded by agricultural fields and wastelands.
C.	Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) National Park:	110 km²	1982	In 1980, it was declared a Marine Sanctuary. Situated on the southern shore of the Gulf of Kutch in the Devbhumi Dwarka district. There are 42 islands on the Jamnagar coast in the Marine National Park. It has a unique variety of flora and fauna populations.

Haryana:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Kalesar National Park	is 53 km²	2003	Situated in the foothills of the Shiwalik ranges of the Himalayas. It is sharing boundaries with three States viz., Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Sal forests, numerous medicinal plants, and patches of grasslands land. Animal: Leopard, Ghoral, Sambar, Chital, Python, Cobra, lizard, etc are common in this region.
B.	Sultanpur National Park	142.52 hectares	1989	Formerly known as Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. This is located 40 km from Dhaula Kuan in Delhi. This sanctuary is ideal for many migratory birds.

Himachal Pradesh:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Pin Valley National Park	675 km²	1987	It is situated in the cold desert area of the Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of above 3300 meters to 6632 meters. There are more than 26 species of animals and birds. It is famous for the protection of the endangered Snow-Leopard. The area is covered with alpine pasture or dry alpine Scrub Forest.
B.	Great Himalayan National Park	1171 km²	1984	It is situated in the Kullu region in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of above 1500 meters till 6000 meters. This was also listed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 2014. It is a common habitat for numerous flora and more than 375 fauna species.
C.	Inderkilla National Park	104 km²	2010	It is situated in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Animal: Brown and black bears, leopards, and various mountain deer, goats, etc are found here. More than 250 species of birds have been recorded.
D.	Khirganga National Park	710 km²	2010	It is situated in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 5500 meters. It has very exotic and rich flora and fauna. Vegetation: Dense green shrubberies, tall towering trees.
E.	Simbalbara National Park	27.88 km²	2010	It is situated in the Paonta Valley of the Sirmaur District. Also known as Col. Sher Jung National Park. Common animals of this park are Goral, Sambar, Chital, etc.

Jammu and Kashmir:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Kishtwar National Park	466.7km²	1981	Located amid the deep valleys of the herculean mountains in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on a plateau above the river Chenab. This park starts from the Lower altitudes of 1,700m. Vegetation: Moist temperate deciduous forest at the lower altitudes represented by walnut, maple, horse chestnut, hazel, bird cherry, etc.
B.	City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park	9.07 km²	1992	It is located in Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir. Common wild animals: Musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, Himalayan serow, etc. Birds: More than 70 species of birds, including the paradise flycatcher, Himalayan monal, Himalayan snowcock, etc.
C.	Dachigam National Park	141 km²	1981	Located 22 kilometers from Srinagar. Since 1910, it is a protected area. The park is famous for the Kashmir stag. It is open throughout the year but the best time to visit is between April and August.

Jharkhand:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Betla National Park	250 km²	1974	It has an average elevation is 1000 feet. It is situated in the Palamu District of Jharkhand. Vegetation type: Tropical forest consisting of the major components of sal and bamboo plants. Wild Animals: Chital deer, Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Wild Bear, Sambar, Nilgai, Kakar, Mouse Deer, etc.

Karnataka:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Bandipur National Park	874 km²	1974	Located in the district of Chamarajanagar, Karnataka. In 1931, the Maharaja of Mysore has created the Bandipur Sanctuary. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which makes it the largest protected area in Southern India. It is famous for Wild Elephants and for the second largest population of Tigers (among the Indian national parks). Common Wild animals: Sambar, Sloth bear, Chital, Tigers, Elephants, Leopard. Common Flora: Wide range of timber trees including teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian Kino tree, giant clumping bamboo, etc.
B.	Anshi National Park	417.34 km²	1987	Located in a pristine part of the Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada district, in Karnataka. Currently, it is known as Kali Tiger Reserve. Common Wild animals: Rich habitat of Bengal tigers, black panthers, Indian elephants, Hanuman Langur, the Indian bison, sloth bear, etc. Common Flora: Silver Oak, Bamboo, Eucalyptus, Malabar Tamarind, Teak, etc.
C.	Bannerghatta National Park	104.3 km²	1974	Located near Bangalore, Karnataka. Vegetation: Dry deciduous Scrub forests In 2002, a zoological garden named Bannerghatta Biological Park was created within the Bannerghatta National Park. Recently, the Leopard Safari facility opened to the public at Bannerghatta Biological Park.
D.	Kudremukh National Park	600.57 km²	1987	It is located in Chikkamagaluru district, in Karnataka. It is named such due to the unique shape of its main peak i.e. Kudremukh (literally meaning of Kudremukh is Horse Face). Kudremukh peak is Karnataka’s second highest peak after Mullayanagiri peak. Common Animals: Leopard, Malabar giant squirrel, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, jackal, mongoose, tiger, wild dog, common langur, porcupine, spotted deer, etc.
E.	Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park	642.39 km²	1988	It is situated in the Kodagu district and Mysore district of Karnataka. It is one part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is known for its rich forest cover, small streams, hills, valleys, and waterfalls. Common animals: Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Elephants, Wild Dogs, Wild Boar, Sambar Deer, Antelope, Spotted Deers, Leopards, Bears, Wild Gaurs, etc as well as several species of birds. Common flora: It has a rich collection of Teak Trees and Rosewood.

Kerala:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Periyar National Park	466.7km²	1982	It is Kerala’s largest national park. It is situated in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta. Vegetation type: Moist deciduous types and in the valleys of Periyar it has a tropical evergreen forest. Elephants are very common in Periyar whose population is currently around 800.
B.	Anamudi Shola National Park	7.5 km²	2003	Located along the Western Ghats of Idukki district in Kerala state. The elevation ranges of the park from 2,152 meters – 2,305 meters. Vegetation: Wet temperate forests and moist deciduous forests. Due to its unique climate and perennial water sources, the biodiversity of this area is extremely rich and varied.
C.	Silent Valley National Park	89.52 km²	1980	Located in the Nilgiri Hills on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is also known as ‘Sairandhrivanam‘. The forest is covered by tropical evergreen forest. Common animals: Indian bison, Travancore flying squirrel, Fruit Bat, Crimson-backed sunbird, Stripe-necked mongoose, Blue-winged parakeet, etc.
D.	Eravikulam National Park	97 km²	1978	It is Kerala’s first national park. It is situated along the Western Ghats in the Idukki and Ernakulam districts of Kerala.
E.	Mathikettan Shola National Park	12.82 km²	2003	Located in the Poopara village of Udumbanchola taluk in Idukki district of Kerala. Kattumala is the highest point of the park. It is covered by moist deciduous forests and shola grasslands. Common Animal: sambar, common langur, wild dog, wild boar, jungle cat, etc.
F.	Pampadum Shola National Park	1.32 km²	2003	It is the smallest national park in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is a part of Palani hills stretched up to Vandaravu peak. Common Animals: Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri flycatcher, Nilgiri marten, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Blue rock-thrush, etc.

Madhya Pradesh:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Kanha National Park	940 km²	1955	It is situated in Satpura’s Maikal range. In 1973, the park is designated as the Tiger reserve which is the biggest Tiger reserve in India. It is the habitat of over 1000 species of flowering plants. Vegetation type: The lowland of the forest: Consists of Sal and other mixed-forest trees interspersed with meadows. The highland of the forests: Tropical moist, dry deciduous type.
B.	Madhav National Park	275.22 km²	1959	Located in the Shivpuri district of the Gwalior Division. Two national highways pass through the park, National Highway 3 and National Highway 27. Common Animal: Nilgai, Chinkara, Chousingha, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Leopard, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Wild Dog, Wild Pig, etc.
C.	Sanjay National Park	466.6 km²	1981	Located in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh and Sidhi, Singrauli districts of Madhya Pradesh. Guru Ghasidas National Park is another name for this park. This park is also a part of the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve. Vegetation: Comprising an Evergreen Sal forest, Bamboo, and mixed forests. Common Animal: Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Leopard, Tiger, Sloth bear, Dhole, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Porcupine, etc.
D.	Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park	299 km²	1983	It was declared a sanctuary in 1965 and enlisted as a tiger reserve in 1992. Vegetation: mixed forests with considerable shrub cover and open grassy patches. Common animals:  Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Gaur, Chousingha, Chinkara, Barking Deer, Wolf, Sloth Bear, Sambar Deer, Nilgai, Wild Pig, etc.
E.	Bandhavgarh National Park	105 km²	1968	It is situated in Madhya Pradesh’s Umaria District. In 1993, it is becoming Tiger Reserve. It has a large breeding population of leopards and various species of deer. Vegetation: Mixed vegetation ranging from tall grasslands to thick Sal forest.
F.	Fossil National Park	274.1 km²	1983	Situated in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh in India. It has plants in fossil form that existed in India anywhere between 40 million and 150 million years ago.

 Maharashtra:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Tadoba National Park	625.4 km²	1955	It is the oldest and largest national park in Maharashtra and is located in the Chandrapur district. Vegetation: tropical dry deciduous forest with dense woodlands comprising about 87% of the protected area. Animal: Indian leopards, bears, nilgai, dhole, striped hyena, small Indian civet, jungle cats, sambar, barking deer, chital, crocodile, etc. Plants: Teak, salai, semal, palas etc.
B.	Gugamal National Park	361.28  km²	1987	Located in Chikhaldara and Dharni Tehsils of Amravati District. Forest type: It is a typical southern dry deciduous forest and Bamboo plants are very common here. Common Mammals: Indian jackal, Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, striped hyena, chousingha, sambar deer, etc are found here.
C.	Sanjay Gandhi (Borivali) National Park	87 km²	1983	Formerly known as Borivali National Park. It is existing within a metropolis limit. Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Common animals: Indian Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Bonnet Macaque, Spotted Deer, Indian Hare, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Palm Civet, Mouse Deer, etc.
D.	Chandoli National Park	274.1 km²	2004	It is spread over the Satara, Kolhapur, and Sangli districts of Maharashtra. In 1885, it was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary. It lies between the Radhanagari and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuaries. The height of this park is about 580 to 1005 meters from Sea- Level. Common Animals: Sambar, Barking deer, Tiger, Gaur, Panther, Sloth bear, Giant Indian squirrel, Leopard cat, Mouse deer, Blackbucks etc. Common plants:  Jamun, Pisa, Olea, Spinous kino tree, Nana, Kinjal, Kokum tree, Asan wood, Amla, Harra, False kelat, Indian laurel, Gooseberry etc.

 Manipur:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Keibul-Lamjao National Park	40 km²	1977	It is the only floating national park in the World and in 1966, it is created as a wildlife sanctuary. Rare Sangai or dancing deer is very common here. The vegetation type of the park is mainly moist semi-evergreen forests and has a rich aquatic, wetland, and terrestrial ecosystem. Common Birds: Black kite, lesser sky-lark, northern hill myna, kingfisher, Burmese pied myna, North Indian black Drongos, lesser eastern jungle crow, yellow-headed wagtail, spot bill duck, blue-winged teal, Indian white-breasted waterhen, woodpecker, etc. Animal: Wild boar, large Indian civet, jungle cat, Asian golden cat, bay bamboo rat, musk shrew, common shrew, flying fox, hog deer, etc. Plants: Teak, Salai, Semal, Hirda, Palas etc.

Meghalaya:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Balphakram National Park	220 km²	1987	It is located in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, close to the border with Bangladesh. It is situated at an altitude of about 910 m. Rare Sangai or dancing deer is very common here. Vegetation type: Mainly moist semi-evergreen forests, have a rich aquatic, wetland, and terrestrial ecosystem. Common Animal: Lesser Panda or the Red Panda, barking deer, wild water buffalo, Asian Golden Cat, Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, etc.
B.	Nokrek Ridge National Park	47.48 km²	1986	Located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya and the Range with an elevation of 1412 meters above sea level. In May 2009, UNESCO added Nokrek Biosphere Reserve to its list of Biosphere Reserves. Some Rare common Animals: Red panda, Asiatic elephant, wild cats, small marbled cat, tiger, clouded leopard, Slow Loris, Giant flying squirrel

Mizoram:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Murlen National Park	200 km²	1991	This park is located very close to the Chin Hills, in the Champhai district, close to the India – Myanmar border. Vegetation: Tropical, semi-evergreen, and submontane Forests. Prominent Animals: Tiger, Wild Boar, Peacock Pheasant, Hill Myna, Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Serow, Barking Deer, and many varieties of birds. Common Plant: Quercus, Michelia Champaca, Pinus Kesiya, Prunus, Myrica, rhododendron, Arundinaria Callosa, and a variety of orchids.
B.	Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park	50 km²	1992	Located in the Lawngtlai district and covers the entire blue mountain or Phawngpui, the highest peak of Mizoram. This park is famous for its variety of orchids and rhododendrons. Prominent Endangered Animals: Serow, Goral, Asiatic Black Bear, Slow Loris, Tiger, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Stump-tailed Macaque and Capped Langur. Rare Birds: Blyth’s tragopan, Falcon, sunbirds, dark-rumped swift, etc. are very common here.

Nagaland:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Ntangki National Park	181.29 km²	1993	Located in the Peren district, known for its natural beauty and semi-tropical vegetation. It is 37 km far from Dimapur. Common Animals: Tigers, Sloth bears, wild dogs, wild buffaloes, Barking Deer, and hoolock gibbon. The most popular Plants in this park are mahogany, bamboo, rattan, palms, etc.

Odisha:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Simlipal National Park	2750 km²	1980	Located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and parts of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve. Word ‘Simlipal’ derives its name from the tree named ‘Simul’ growing in the area. Famous waterfalls Joranda and Barehipani are situated within the national park which is surrounded by high plateaus and hills The type of forest: Moist deciduous forests, with tropical moist broadleaf forest and tropical moist deciduous forests with dry deciduous hill forest. Common Animal: Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, and hill mynah. Common Bird: Red junglefowl, hill mynah, peafowl, Grey hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Indian trogon, etc.
B.	Bhitarkanika National Park	145 km²	1988	Located in the northeast Kendrapara district in Odisha. It is the second-largest mangrove area after the bans. Common Animal: Saltwater crocodile, white crocodile, Indian python, black ibis, wild pigs, rhesus monkeys, olive ridley sea turtle, chital, etc.

Rajasthan:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Desert National Park	3162 km²	1980	It is the largest national park in India and is located in the Jaisalmer district of the state of Rajasthan. The common vegetation is various desert plants, cactus, and other thorny bushes. More than 65 percent of it is simply a semi-arid desert. The only place of India, where Great Indian Bustard, Camel and Khejri, and Rohida are found naturally.
B.	Mukundara Hills National Park	760 km²	2006	Situated in a valley formed by two parallel mountains Mukundara and Gargola near Kota, Rajasthan. The forest type of the park is dry deciduous forests. Common Animal: Tigers, panther, deer, wild boar, and bear.
C.	Ranthambore National Park	392 km²	1981	Two rivers named Banas and Chambal River flow very close to this park. Located in the area which is surrounded by the Aravalli hills and Vindhya plateau.
D.	Keoladeo Ghana National Park	28.73 km²	1981	It is India’s famous avifauna sanctuary which is a man-made and man-managed wetland. Located in Bharatpur, and was formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. It is also listed in the World Heritage Site and it was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971.
E.	Sariska National Park	881 km²	1990	It is situated in the Alwar district, Rajasthan. In 1978, it was upgraded to the tiger reserve. Vegetation: Comprising scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands. Common Animals: Leopard, Sambar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, Tiger, etc.

Sikkim:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Khangchendzonga National Park	849.5 km²	1980	It has an elevation of 1,829 m to over 8,550 meters. Named after the mountain Kangchenjunga which is 8586 meters tall. In July 2016, this park was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Vegetation type: consisting of temperate broadleaf, oaks, fir, birch, maple, willow, and Alpine grasses and shrubs at higher altitudes. Most common exotic Animal: Snow Leopard, Great Tibetan Sheep, Red Panda, Bharal, Musk deer, etc. Common Bird: Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Black-necked Crane, Grus nigricollis, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Tibetan Snow Cock, and Himalayan Snow Cock.

Tamil Nadu:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Mudumalai National Park	321 km²	1980	The second oldest national park in India and is situated in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. It is surrounded by Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley. Common Animal: Indian elephant, Indian Tiger, Spotted Deer, Common Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, etc. Some rare Birds: Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar laughing thrush among others, including critically endangered Indian white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture. Common Plant: Bamboo plants, valuable timber species like Teak, Rosewood, etc.
B.	Guindy National Park	2.70 km²	1976	Located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is the eighth-smallest National Park of India. It is a very good example of both ex-situ and in-situ conservation. Natural habitat to more than 400 blackbucks, 2,000 spotted Deers, a variety of snakes, tortoises, and over 150 species of birds.
C.	Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park	560 km²	1986	It is situated between Rameswaram and Tuticorin. It is adjacent to coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar. It is one of the world’s richest regions in marine biodiversity and the first marine Biosphere Reserve in Southeast Asia. Globally endangered species of Sea Cow and six mangrove species endemic to peninsular India.
D.	Indira Gandhi National Park	957 km²	1989	It is situated in the Anaimalai Hills of Tamil Nadu. It is now known as Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Common animals: Tigers, leopards, elephants, wild boars, deers, dhole, etc.
E.	Mukurthi National Park	78.46 km²	2001	Located in the Western Ghats mountain range of South India. Park was created to protect its most important species, the Nilgiri tahr. In 2012, it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ladakh:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Hemis National Park	4440 km²	1981	It is one of the high-altitude national parks, located in the eastern region of Ladakh. It is also famous for snow leopards, in the world the highest density of them is present here. This geographical region is in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. Vegetation type: contains pine forests, alpine shrublands and meadows, and alpine tundra vegetation. Most common exotic Animal: Bharal, Eurasian brown bear, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolf, leopards, the Eurasian brown bear, and the red fox. Common Bird: black-winged snow finch, chukar, Blyth’s swift, Robin Accentor, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Streaked Rosefinch, Tibetan Snowfinch, etc.

Telangana:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park	13,758 acres	1994	Largest national park in Telangana. It is a deer national park. Vegetation: Dry deciduous forest mixed with scrub jungle and grassland. Prominent plants: Sandalwood, Rosewood, Palas, Amaltas, Albizias, Acacias, Teak, etc. Common animals: Panther, Black buck, Cheetal Deer, etc. Common Bird: Quails, Doves, Peacocks, Indian Pond Herons, egrets, Kingfishers, Cormorants, and several other bird species, Vultures, Kites, etc.
B.	Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park	390 acres	1998	It is situated in Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills in Hyderabad. It has around 200 species of birds along with 30 species of reptiles and 23 species of mammals. There are around 20 different species of Butterflies.
C.	Mrugavani National Park	3.6 km²	1994	Located in Hyderabad, the state of Telangana. Vegetation type: Commonly tropical with dry forest and grasslands and mostly covered with shrubs and herbs. Common animals are deer, Indian hare, forest cat, civet, Indian rat snake, Russell’s viper, etc. Common birds of this area are peacocks, warblers, flowerpeckers, etc. Common plants are Teak, Sandalwood, bamboo, etc.

Tripura:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Bison (Rajbari) National Park	31.63 km²	2007	It is located in the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, in Tripura. The type of forest: Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forest, Moist mixed deciduous Forest, East Himalayan lower Bhabar sal, and Savannah woodland. Common Animal: Indian Gaur (bison), Golden langurs, deer, Pheasants, etc. Common Bird: Pheasant-tailed Jacana, White-breasted Kingfisher, Indian Black Drongo, Tailorbird, Jungle Myna, Hornbill, Doves, etc.
B.	Clouded Leopard National Park	5.08 km²	2003	It is located in the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary Tripura. It is 28km far from the State’s Capital Agartala. The park is famous for its captive Clouded Leopard enclosures. Common Animal: Leopard, Jungle fowl, Barking deer, Clouded leopard, Wild pigs, etc.

Uttar Pradesh:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Dudhwa National Park	614 km²	1977	It is located in the areas of the Lakhimpur and Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, very close to the Indo-Nepal border. Swamp Deer and Tigers species are very common here. The one-fifth part of the park is consists of grasslands. The type of forest: northern tropical semi-evergreen forest, northern Indian moist deciduous forest, tropical seasonal swamp forest, and northern tropical dry deciduous forest. Common Plant: Sal, Shisham, Jamun, Gular, Sehore, Bahera, etc. Common Animal: Leopard cat, Hispid hare, swamp deer, sambar deer, barking deer, spotted deer, hog deer, sloth bear, ratel, Swamp deer, etc. Common Bird: Painted storks, black and White-necked storks, Sarus cranes, woodpeckers, Barbets, bulbuls etc.

Uttarakhand:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Jim Corbett National Park	520.8 sq. km.	1936	India’s first and the oldest national park in India. Primarily, it was established as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. Its elevation ranges from 1,300 to 4,000 ft in the sub-Himalayan belt region. Common animals: Barking deer, sambar deer, Himalayan black bears, Indian grey mongoose, otters, yellow-throated martens, Himalayan goral, Indian pangolins, langur, etc. Common Plants: Sal, Haldu, Peepal, Rohini, and mango trees.
B.	Gangotri National Park	2,390 km2	1989	Located in Uttarkashi District and scales up to an altitude of 1,800 meters to 7,083 meters. Vegetation Type: Consists of coniferous forests, alpine meadows. Common animals: Black bear, Brown bear, Himalayan Monal, Musk deer, Himalayan snowcock, and snow leopard. Common Plants: Oak, deodar, fir, spruce, and rhododendrons.
C.	Govind Pashu Vihar National Park	958 km²	1955	Located in Uttarkashi District and scales up to an altitude of 1,400 meters to 6323 meters. Common vegetation of this region is the Euphorbia scrub and oak species. This is the first park where the Snow Leopard Project was started by the Government of India in 2009.
D.	Nanda Devi National Park	630 km²	1986	Located Chamoli Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, around the peak of Nanda Devi. In 1988 it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It lies at an elevation of more than 3,500 m. Common animals: Himalayan musk deer, serow, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, Himalayan tahr, etc. More than 213 bird species were recognized in this park.
E.	Rajaji (Chilla) National Park	820.42 km²	1983	It is located in the middle of Rishikesh and Haridwar, nearby Ganga Bhogpur of Pauri Garhwal district It is consists of Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary with Motichur and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries. The park was named after Late Sri C. Rajagopalachari.
F.	Valley of Flowers National Park	87.50 km²	1982	It is among the most beautiful national parks in the world, located in the North Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand. Its elevation ranges from 3352 to 3658 meters. Vegetation Type: It lies completely in the temperate alpine zone and it is also known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora. Some endangered animals are Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, etc. found here.

West Bengal:

	Park Name	Area	Est.  Date	Important Points
A.	Sundarban National Park	520.8 sq. km.	1984	It is located in the South 24 Pargana district of West Bengal. It is a part of the Sundarban delta that is covered with Mangrove Forest. It consists the largest mangrove forest of the world. In 1985, it was recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Common animals: Royal Bengal Tiger, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Rhesus Macaque, Wild Boar, Indian Grey Mongoose, Smooth-Coated Otter, and Spotted Deer. Common reptile: Crocodiles, Water Monitor Lizards, Turtles – including Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, and Green turtles. Snakes include Pythons, King Cobra, Rat Snake, Russell’s Viper, etc. Common natural habitat of more than 230 species of birds.
B.	Gorumara National Park	80 km2	1997	It is situated on the bank of rivers Murti and Raidak of West Bengal. Vegetation type: Riverine Grasslands interspersed with Savannah woodlands with moist deciduous forest. Most common tree: Sal, Teak, Simul, Siris, Khair, etc. Most Common Animals: Indian rhinoceros, gaur, Asian elephant, sloth bear, chital, and sambar deer.
C.	Jaldapara National Park	958 km²	2012	It is situated in the Eastern foothills of the Himalayas and holds the largest rhino population in India after Kaziranga National Park. Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1941 mainly to protect the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Common animals: Bengal Tigers, spotted deers, barking deers, sambar deers, wild pig, hog deer and bison, and gaur. Common birds: Eagle, Pallas’s fish eagle, shikra, Finn’s weaver, jungle fowl, peafowl (peacock), partridge, hornbill, etc. Common reptiles: Pythons, monitor lizards, kraits, cobras, geckos, etc.
D.	Neora Valley National Park	88 km²	1986	One of the rich biological zones of eastern India and it is located in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal. Red Panda is very common in this region. It is linked to the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary of East Sikkim.
E.	Singalila National Park	78.60 km²	1986	Situated at altitudes ranging between 7,900 ft and 12,000 ft. It is the highest altitudes national park of West Bengal. It is one of the famous parks having different species of orchids. Common animal: Red panda and Himalayan black bear, leopard, pangolin, chinkara, elephant, barking deer, etc. Some rare birds like scarlet minivet, kalij pheasant, satyr tragopan, blood pheasant, etc. also found in this park. It is also serves as home to migratory birds.
F.	Buxa National Park	759 km²	1992	Located in the Alipurduar district, of West Bengal. It consists of Terai, Bhabar as well as Hilly landscape. It is the largest forest in the Dooars region. Common animals: of this area are Bengal Tiger, the Leopard, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Indian Civet, Mongooses, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Small Clawless Otter, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Wild Buffalo, etc. Common birds: Greater Pied Hornbill, Ibis Bill, Black-necked crane, Migratory common teal, Minivets, White-Eyed Pochard, etc.