The top 10 national parks of India with the biggest and smallest national parks are Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Sundarbans National Park, Gir National Park, etc. The first national park in India is Jim Corbett, National Park. Hemis National Park is the largest National Park and South Button Island National Park is the smallest National Park.
From the majestic Himalayas to the dense Western Ghats and the vast plains, these national parks showcase the rich tapestry of India’s ecosystems. There are 106 National Parks in India. Each park has its unique charm, offering a glimpse into the diverse natural wonders that make India truly extraordinary.
In this article, we have covered the list of top 10 national parks in India with the biggest and smallest ones. Also, we have provided the list of the largest national parks in India.
Table of Content
What is a National Park?
A national park refers to a designated area of land set aside by the government for the conservation and protection of its unique natural and cultural heritage. These areas are established with the primary goal of preserving biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance, and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. National parks in India serve as important habitats for a variety of flora and fauna, including many endangered species.
List of Top 10 National Parks in India
From Gir Forest in Gujarat to Sundarbans in West Bengal, these parks are like nature’s treasure chests. They help protect our environment and showcase the incredible variety of life in India.
Among 106 national parks, the list of the top 10 national parks in India is in the following table along with their state, area, and year of establishment:
|
National Park Name |
State |
Area(in sq km) |
Year of Establishment |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hemis National Park |
Ladakh |
4400 sq km |
1981 |
|
Sundarbans National Park |
West Bengal |
2585 sq km |
1984 |
|
Kanha National Park |
Madhya Pradesh |
940 sq km |
1955 |
|
Sariska National Park |
Rajasthan |
881 sq km |
1955 |
|
Bandipur National Park |
Karnataka |
872 sq km |
1974 |
|
Kuno National Park |
Madhya Pradesh |
750 sq km |
1981 |
|
Jim Corbett National Park |
Uttarakhand |
521 sq km |
1936 |
|
Gir National Park |
Gujarat |
500 sq km |
1965 |
|
Kaziranga National Park |
Assam |
430 sq km |
1905 |
|
South Button Island National Park |
Andaman and Nicobar |
5 sq km |
1987 |
Largest National Park in India – Hemis National Park
There are many National Parks in India but the largest National Park is Hemis National Park. It has an area of 4400 sq km.It is in Ladakh, surrounded by tall mountains. The park is like a safe home for many animals, including the snow leopard and Himalayan blue sheep. Hemis National Park is also famous for its monastery and a big festival called Hemis Festival. People visit to see the beautiful mountains, rare animals, and the colorful celebrations. The park is huge, covering an area of 4,400 square kilometers. It’s a special place where nature and wildlife are protected, and visitors can enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas.
Smallest National Park in India – South Button Island National Park
The smallest National Park is South Button Island National Park,situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.It has an area of 5 sq km and is a marine conservation.Despite its small size, it holds immense ecological significance. Recognized for its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity, the park is a sanctuary for a myriad of aquatic species. Its crystal-clear waters host a diverse array of marine life, making it a hotspot for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. South Button Island National Park, though petite in land area, plays a crucial role in preserving the underwater wonders of the Andaman Sea, attracting nature lovers from around the globe.
List of Top 10 Largest National Parks in India
1. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It was earlier known as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal Tiger. The National Park was named after Jim Corbett as he played a very important role in its establishment. It is also the oldest National Park in India. The park is 521 sq km in area.It is also being honoured as the place where Project Tiger was first launched in the year 1973. This Unique tiger territory is best known as the father who gave birth to Project Tiger in India to safeguard the most endangered species and the Royal wild animal of India called Tigers.
2. Gir National Park
Gir National Park is located in Junagarh Distt of Gujrat. It is the only habitat of the Asiatic Lion. First, it was a sanctuary in 1965 and later declared a National Park in 1975. Gir National Park has a religious pastoral community known as Maldharis who have a symbiotic relationship with the lions and have survived through ages. The settlements of Maldharis are known as “nesses”. The park is 500 sq km in area.
3. Kanha National Park
Kanchan National Park is in two districts of Madhya Pradesh. The districts are Balaghat and Mandla. Earlier the Kanha National Park was divided into two sanctuaries Banjar and Hallon. The National Park was created in 1955 and in 1973 it was made Kanha Tiger Reserve. Kanha National Park is the largest Park in central India. The park is 940 sq km in area. This park saved Barasingha from near extinction.
4. Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is located in Assam. It was declared a National Park in 1974 and a Tiger Reserve in 2007. Kaziranga National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. It is also recognized by Birdlife International as an Important Bird Area. Kaziranga National Park is home to many one-horned rhinos. The area of the park is 430 sq km. The park has 15 threatened species of fauna and 2413 rhinos.
5. Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park is located on the borders of Karnataka. The National Park was established in 1973 under Project Tiger. It is situated in two districts of Karnataka i.e. Mysore and Chamarajanagar. Bandipur National Park forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The National Park is surrounded by Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. The park is 872 sq km in area. The park is home to the largest population of wild Asian elephants in South Asia.
6. Sundarban National Park
Sundarban National Park is located in West Bengal. It is the 3rd largest National Park in India. Sundarban is also the world’s largest Delta. Before 1984, Sundarban was a wildlife sanctuary and was made a national park in 1984. Sundarban National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The core area of Sundarban National Park is 1330 sq km. It has the world’s largest area of mangrove forest and 260 bird species.
7. Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Aravalli hills. Sariska was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and it was made a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger. Sariska National Park has a Royal Bengal Tiger. The park is 881 sq km in area. It comprise scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands and rocky hills.
8. South Button Island National Park
South Button Island National Park is in Andaman & Nicobar. It is the smallest National Park in India. The park was established in 1987. It is a tourist location and has an area of 5 sq km.
9. Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park is located in Ladakh. It is famous for snow leopards and is the only park in the country which is located in the North of Himalayas. Hemis National Park is also one of the largest parks in South Central Asia and the largest in the country. The park is 4400 sq km in area. It is the second-largest contiguous protected area after the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
10. Kuno National Park
Kuno National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh. It was a wildlife sanctuary and later in 2018 was given the status of a National Park. The park is named after the Kuno River. It has an area of around 750 sq km. Kuno Park is being used for the reintroduction of Cheetahs from Namibia.
Importance of National Parks
Natinal Parks play a very significant role for a country. Here is the importance of national parks:
- National Parks help protect and preserve natural landscapes, plants, and animals, ensuring that they remain undisturbed by human activities.
- These parks provide a safe haven for a variety of plant and animal species. By preserving diverse ecosystems, they contribute to the overall health of the planet.
- National Parks often protect watersheds, ensuring a clean and sustainable supply of water for both wildlife and nearby communities.
- Forests within National Parks play a crucial role in regulating climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
- National Parks attract tourists, boosting local economies through tourism-related activities such as accommodation, food services, and souvenir shops.
Conclusion – Largest National Parks in India
India’s national parks, whether vast expanses like Hemis or compact gems like South Button Island, contribute significantly to the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable ecotourism.These protected areas not only serve as havens for wildlife but also provide opportunities for people to connect with and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
People Also Read:
FAQs on Largest National Parks in India
What are the top 5 national parks of india?
The top 5 national parks of India which are most visited are Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Sundarbans National Park, Gir National Park and Ranthambore National Park. Mudumalai National Park is also a famous National Park in India
Which is the first national park in India for UPSC?
India’s first national park is Jim Corbett National Park. It is situated in Nainital, Uttarakhand. It was earlier known as Hailey National Park
Which is India’s greatest park?
Hemis National Park is India’s greatest National Park. It was established in 1981 and is located in Ladakh.
Which is the smallest national park in India?
South Button Island National Park is the smallest National Park in India. It is located in Andaman and Nicobar
Which is the oldest National Park in India?
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest National Park in India. It was established in 1936 in Nainital District of Uttarakhand.