List of National Parks in India (2025) – State-wise PDF Included

India with its immense geographic variance and rich biodiversity is blessed with a broad spectrum of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. Not only are these protected areas essential for wildlife conservation, but they also consistently figure in competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railways, and State PCS. From the dense forests of Jim Corbett to the serene wetlands of Bharatpur, every sanctuary has a story to share about nature’s glory and ecological significance.

If you are studying for competitive exams, having important general knowledge and facts about these parks—such as their location, special features, and popular species—is a requirement. That is why we’ve formulated this well-structured and exam-oriented blog to enable you to study such important topics without getting confused.

National Parks in India – State-wise Table

Below is a complete state-wise table of all national parks in India, updated for 2025. This list helps you quickly identify which parks are located in which states — a must-know for UPSC, SSC, Railways, and other competitive exams. Bookmark this for quick revision!

Andhra Pradesh

Sri Venkateswara National Park

Established Date: 1989
1. Located in the Eastern Ghats, featuring evergreen forests.
2. Home to elephants, sloth bears, leopards, sambar and chital.
3. Key corridor between coastal plains and hills.
4. Rich butterfly and orchid diversity.
5. Habitat for rare reptiles like the yellow-lipped sea krait.

---

Arunachal Pradesh

1. Namdapha National Park

Established Date: 3 February 1983
1. One of India’s largest: ~1,985 km².
2. Houses tigers, leopards, snow leopards, red pandas, clouded leopards.
3. Tropical to alpine range supports ~1,100 plant species.
4. Arunachal macaque is endemic.
5. Crucial trans-boundary forest near Myanmar.

2. Mouling National Park

Established: 1943 (sanctuary), later declared National Park
1. ~483 km² of wet evergreen forests.
2. Snow leopard and Chinese pangolin reported.
3. Rich medicinal plant life with endemic orchids.
4. Habitat of rare red goral and flying squirrels.
5. Low human impact; remains pristine and remote.

---

Kerala

1. Periyar National Park

Established: 1982 (sanctuary since 1950)
1. ~925 km² forest-lake ecosystem.
2. Iconic for wild elephant populations.
3. Home to tigers, gaur, sambar, and Nilgiri langur.
4. Famous for scenic boat safaris.
5. Connects to Thekkady tiger corridor.

2. Silent Valley National Park

Declared: 1984
1. Last unmodified evergreen rainforest in Western Ghats.
2. Endemic lion-tailed macaque thrives here.
3. Rich in endemic amphibian species.
4. Contains China’s river headstreams.
5. Protects 15 km² core untouched forest.

3. Eravikulam National Park

Created 1978
1. ~97 km² montane grasslands.
2. Sanctuary for endangered Nilgiri tahr (~700 individuals).
3. Known for Neelakurinji flowering every 12 years.
4. Rich birdlife including Nilgiri pipit.
5. High altitude shola ecosystems.

4. Mukurthi National Park

Declared: 1991
1. ~78 km² covering high-altitude shola grasslands.
2. Protects Nilgiri tahr and montane plants.
3. Less disturbed, with unique floral diversity.
4. Habitat for Nilgiri wood pigeon.
5. Research zone with limited public access.

5. Mathikettan National Park

Established: 2003
1. ~35 km² fragmentation corridor.
2. Connects Periyar and Eravikulam tiger habitats.
3. Rich elephant and leopard presence.
4. Named for mythological “mind disturbance” legend.
5. Home to endangered orchids.

6. Anamudi Shola National Park

Created 2003
1. Protects shola forests (2,000–2,400 m).
2. Rare bird and frog species thrive here.
3. Vibrant moss and fern cover.
4. Connects Nilgiri hills ecosystem.
5. Small but crucial conservation patch.

---

Madhya Pradesh

1. Kanha National Park

Declared 1955; NP in 1974
1. ~940 km² home to Bengal tigers and barasingha (swamp deer).
2. Inspired “The Jungle Book.”
3. Rich grassland-savanna-forest mosaic.
4. Occasional blackbuck sightings.
5. Contains ancient tribal rock art.

2. Bandhavgarh National Park

Declared 1968; NP in 1993
1. Known for high tiger density.
2. Ancient fortress ruins and caves.
3. White tiger presence.
4. Lime and sal forests with tall grass.
5. Still a tigers-only park where sightings are common.

3. Pench National Park

– Declared 1975
1. Shared with Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve.
2. Habitat of tiger and leopard.
3. Pench River grasslands.
4. Important for ungulate populations.
5. Frequent bird sightings including painted stork.

4. Satpura National Park

Declared 1981
1. Rugged granite hills & valleys.
2. Hosts leopards, tigers, sloth bears.
3. Holds the endangered flying squirrel.
4. Long-distance wildlife trails (Narmada to Tapti).
5. Includes Denwa Wildlife Sanctuary buffer.

5. Panna National Park

Declared 1981
1. Diamond-rich Vindhya plateau.
2. Tigers reintroduced after local extinction.
3. Houses white tiger (rare).
4. The Ken–Beti Elephant Corridor.
5. Scenic waterfalls & waterfalls.

---

Maharashtra

1. Tadoba-Andhari National Park

Declared 1959; NP 1995
1. ~600 tigers; high big cat density.
2. Known for tigress “Ramataki.”
3. Mix of teak forests & grasslands.
4. Buffer zones aid human-wildlife match.
5. Water holes attract diverse species.

2. Navegaon National Park

Declared 1975
1. Lake system with crocodiles.
2. Gaur, sambar, deer are abundant.
3. One of the earliest man-made lake parks.
4. Rich birdwatching hotspot.
5. Home to the endangered sardine.

3. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Created 1996
1. ~87 km² green pocket inside Mumbai.
2. Leopards roam; famous Kanheri Caves.
3. Urban nature education centre.
4. Over 1,100 plant species.
5. Offers trekking and safari opportunities.

4. Gugamal (Melghat) National Park

Created 1975
1. Part of the first tiger reserves (1973).
2. Abundant tigers; rugged Satpura hills.
3. Tribal folk from Gond community.
4. Protected as a biosphere.
5. Wildlife corridors include Paris river corridor.

5. Chandoli National Park

Created 2004
1. High-altitude Western Ghats sanctuary.
2. Important tiger & sloth bear habitat.
3. Rich in endemic ferns and orchids.
4. Contains tribal settlements.
5. Includes ancient temples within boundary.

---

Manipur

Keibul Lamjao National Park

Declared 1986
1. The only floating national park—~40 km².
2. Home to endangered Sangai brow-antlered deer.
3. Floating phumdis support vegetation and wildlife.
4. Part of Loktak Lake complex.
5. Ramsar site extension.

Shirui National Park

Created 2015
1. Named for the rare Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae).
2. High elevation hilltop (~2,500 m).
3. Rare vision of mixed evergreen forests.
4. Home to pheasants, macaques.
5. Rare butterfly populations.

---

Meghalaya

Balpakram National Park

Declared 1987
1. ~220 km² in Garo Hills.
2. Elephant, red panda, golden cat habitats.
3. Canyon landscapes and bat caves.
4. Named “Land of Eternal Winds” in folklore.
5. Annual fruit migration attracts wildlife.

Nokrek National Park

Declared 1986
1. ~47 km² core of Nokrek Biosphere (~820 km²).
2. Conserves Citrus indica (wild orange).
3. Rich in elephant and gibbon populations.
4. UNESCO tentative list.
5. Home to marbled cat and pangolin.

---

Mizoram

Murlen National Park

Declared 1991
1. ~100 km² dense semi-evergreen forest.
2. Tigers, leopards, Himalayan bears.
3. Water-rich valleys and caves.
4. Locally sacred groves within.
5. High orchid diversity.

Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) National Park

Declared 1992
1. ~50 km² at 2,157 m elevation.
2. Mrs. Hume’s pheasant and Blyth’s tragopan reside.
3. Clouded leopard habitat.
4. Strict eco-tourism guidelines.
5. Sacred site for local tribes.

---

Nagaland

Ntangki (Intanki) National Park

Declared 3 March 1993
1. ~200 km² in Peren district.
2. Elephant reserve since 2005.
3. Clouded leopards, hoolock gibbons, golden langurs.
4. Asian forest tortoises reintroduced in 2022.
5. Ethnic cultural sites inside.

---

Odisha

Bhitarkanika National Park

Declared 1998

1. ~145 km² mangrove ecosystem.
2. Saltwater crocodiles, king cobras, river dolphins.
3. Surrounding wildlife sanctuary of 672 km².
4. Ramsar wetland forms protective coastal arch.
5. Supports migratory birds annually.

Simlipal National Park

Declared 1980
1. ~2,750 km² part of UNESCO Biosphere.
2. Tigers, elephants, gaur, and rich Sal forests.
3. Bhaluakhai and Joranda waterfalls scenic spots.
4. ~300 bird species recorded.
5. Part of Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.

---

Rajasthan

Ranthambore National Park

NP 1980; Tiger Reserve 1974
1. ~1,334 km², includes historic fort.
2. Home to tigers like Riddhi.
3. Dry deciduous forest and lakes.
4. Famous safari routes.
5. Fort ruins give panoramic viewpoints.

Sariska National Park

NP 1982; Tiger Reserve 1978
1. House of leopards and striped hyena.
2. Tigers reintroduced in early 2000s.
3. Hill range habitat.
4. Rich cave systems.
5. Archaeological temples inside.

Desert National Park

NP 1980
1. ~3,162 km² of desert ecology.
2. Great Indian bustard habitat.
3. Chinkara, desert fox, and invertebrates.
4. Fossil dunes and rock formations.
5. Grassland conservation center.

Mukundara Hills National Park

NP 1992
1. ~200 km² part of tiger expansion.
2. Aravalli hills terrain.
3. Tigers, leopards, spotted deer.
4. Wildlife corridors to Ranthambore.
5. Connects three tiger reserves (Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra).

---

Sikkim

Khangchendzonga National Park

Declared 1977
1. ~1,784 km² Himalayas above 1,800 m.
2. UNESCO Mixed Heritage since 2016.
3. Snow leopard, musk deer, red panda.
4. Rich rhododendron & medicinal plant diversity.
5. Connects to Nepal and Tibet conservation areas.

---

Tamil Nadu

Mudumalai National Park – 1990

1. ~321 km² Nilgiri hills forest.
2. Elephants, tigers, nilgiri langurs, and eagles.
3. Corridor to Bandipur and Wayanad.
4. Chronic roadkill issue.
5. Protected under Nilgiri Biosphere.

Guindy National Park – 1976

1. ~2.8 km² inside Chennai.
2. Blackbuck, jackal, jungle cat presence.
3. Environmental education center.
4. Urban refuge for migratory birds.
5. Controlled visitor zones for minimal disturbance.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park – 1980

1. ~6.2 km² of coral island ecosystems.
2. Sea turtles and dugong habitat.
3. India’s first marine park.
4. Part of 10,500 km² biosphere.
5. Seagrass meadows critical for marine turtles.

Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) NP – 1989

1. ~117 km² in Anamalai Hills.
2. Elephants, camouflaged tigers, and tribal heritage.
3. Part of Nilgiri Biosphere connectivity.
4. Shola grasslands and teak forests.
5. Important for ecological restoration.

Mukurthi NP – 1982

(Same details as AP Mt)
1. High altitude montane grasslands.
2. Nilgiri tahr stronghold.

---

Telangana

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) NP – 1994

1. ~1.4 km² jungle inside Hyderabad.
2. Peafowl, pangolins, owlets.
3. Eco-centre and trails for school outings.
4. Breeding grounds for amphibians.
5. Urban green lung.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali NP – 1975

1. ~14.6 km² with blackbuck, chital, porcupine.
2. Former Nizam deer park.
3. Educational and safari facility.
4. Local biodiversity hotspot.
5. Used for community outreach programs.

Mrugavani NP – 1994

1. ~3.6 km² outskirts of Hyderabad.
2. Spotted deer, jungle cat, mongoose.
3. Botanical diversity—600 plant species.
4. Trails and awareness centre.
5. Urban wildlife interface.

---

Tripura

Clouded Leopard National Park – Established: 2007

1. Located inside Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, about 28 km from Agartala.
2. Named after the elusive and rare clouded leopard.
3. Dense forest habitat supports four species of primates and diverse birdlife.
4. Houses botanical gardens and lakes, promoting eco-tourism.
5. Significant for environmental education and awareness programs.

Rajbari (Bison) National Park – Established: 2007

1. Situated within Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary.
2. Main species protected is the Indian Gaur (bison).
3. The park has semi-evergreen forest and open grassland areas.
4. Also home to golden langurs and slow loris.
5. Water-rich habitat that supports migratory birds and aquatic life.

---

Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett National Park – Established: 1936

1. India’s first national park, formerly called Hailey National Park.
2. Home to over 260 Bengal tigers, as per the latest census.
3. Spans across riverine belts, grasslands, and Sal forests.
4. Named after hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett.
5. Popular for elephant safaris and birdwatching.

Rajaji National Park – Established: 1983

1. Spread across Dehradun, Haridwar, and Pauri districts.
2. A tiger reserve since 2015.
3. Key elephant migration corridor in the Shivalik range.
4. Dense forests, grasslands, and riverine systems support rich biodiversity.
5. Home to leopards, bears, sambars, and langurs.

Valley of Flowers National Park – Established: 1982

1. UNESCO World Heritage Site in Chamoli district.
2. Famous for seasonal blooming of over 600 species of alpine flowers.
3. Snow leopards, musk deer, and blue sheep are found here.
4. Best visited between July and September.
5. Accessible only through a 17 km trek from Govindghat.

Nanda Devi National Park – Established: 1982

1. Named after Nanda Devi peak (7,816 m), India’s second-highest mountain.
2. High-altitude sanctuary for snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep.
3. Core zone closed to human activity to maintain purity.
4. UNESCO World Heritage along with Valley of Flowers.
5. Glacial rivers and alpine meadows dominate the landscape.

Gangotri National Park – Established: 1989

1. One of the largest high-altitude parks in India (~2,390 sq km).
2. Origin of the sacred Bhagirathi River (part of Ganga).
3. Snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and ibex roam the region.
4. Key spiritual trekking routes pass through the park.
5. Protects Gangotri Glacier ecosystem.

Govind Pashu Vihar National Park – Established: 1955

1. Located in Uttarkashi, named after freedom fighter Govind Ballabh Pant.
2. Known for snow leopards, musk deer, and monal pheasants.
3. Part of the larger conservation area in the upper Tons valley.
4. Popular among trekkers heading toward Har Ki Dun.
5. Dense pine and oak forests with alpine pastures.

---

West Bengal

Sundarbans National Park – Established: 1984

1. Largest estuarine mangrove forest in the world.
2. UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.
3. Habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger adapted to swimming.
4. Saltwater crocodiles, estuarine dolphins, and fishing cats are found here.
5. The only mangrove tiger habitat on Earth.

Buxa National Park – Established: 1992

1. Situated in Alipurduar, bordering Bhutan.
2. Known for elephants, leopards, and rare birds.
3. A corridor for migrating herds between India and Bhutan.
4. Rich in medicinal plants and orchid diversity.
5. Threatened by mining and human encroachments earlier.

Gorumara National Park – Established: 1992

1. Located in Dooars region, famous for one-horned rhinoceros.
2. Dense sal forests, grasslands, and riverine belts.
3. Known for bison, elephants, and peacocks.
4. Rich in butterfly and moth species.
5. Popular for its eco-tourism cottages and watch towers.

Jaldapara National Park – Established: 2014

1. Famous for one-horned rhinoceros population.
2. Located in Alipurduar district, near Bhutan.
3. Grassland and riverine forests support elephants and barking deer.
4. Known for jeep safaris and elephant rides.
5. One of India’s best-preserved grassland ecosystems.

Neora Valley National Park – Established: 1986

1. One of the last remaining undisturbed tracts of Eastern Himalayan forests.
2. Red pandas, clouded leopards, and black bears live here.
3. Over 300 species of birds, including satyr tragopan.
4. Important for water conservation — source of Neora River.
5. Dense bamboo and rhododendron forests dominate the terrain.

Singalila National Park – Established: 1992

1. Home to the endangered red panda and Himalayan black bear.
2. Covers the famous Sandakphu trek route — highest peak in West Bengal.
3. Rich rhododendron and magnolia blooms in spring.
4. Spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and even Everest on clear days.
5. Alpine and subalpine forests make it a biodiversity hotspot

---

National Parks in India PDF Download

Download National Parks PDF

Wildlife Sanctuaries by State

Andhra Pradesh

1. Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary – 1975

• Reintroduced Asian elephants into the eastern Ghats after centuries.
• Mixed dry deciduous forests with scrublands.
• Home to leopards, sambar, langurs, and diverse birds.
• Adjacent to the Rayalseema region, serving as an ecological buffer.
• Conservation center helps with anti-poaching and habitat restoration.

2. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary – 1988

• Designed to conserve the great Indian bustard, one of India’s rarest birds.
• Semi-arid grassland ecosystem in Kurnool district.
• Hosts blackbuck, wolf, chinkara, and nilgai.
• Faces threats from agriculture expansion and grazing.
• Local efforts include community awareness and bustard monitoring.

---

Arunachal Pradesh

1. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary – 1992

• Covers alpine to tropical forests along the Dibang Valley River.
• Habitat for Mishmi takin, red panda, snow leopard.
• High rainfall creates lush moss-covered forests.
• Threatened by proposed highways and dams.
• Crucial biodiversity hotspot with endemic species and medicinal plants.

---

Kerala

1. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary – 1976

• Rich in semi-evergreen forests and cardamom plantations.
• Habitat of lion-tailed macaque, elephants, gaur, and king cobra.
• Connected to wildlife corridors towards Tamil Nadu.
• Historic estate lands converted into conservation areas.
• Supports famed riparian biodiversity.

2. Mannavanur Wildlife Sanctuary – 2015

• Protects shola–grassland ecosystems near Kodaikanal.
• High-altitude sanctuary home to Nilgiri langurs and leopards.
• Contains multiple microhabitats: lake, grassland, shola.
• Important water conservation area for the region.
• Rich in bird species: wood pigeons, flycatchers, babblers.

---

Madhya Pradesh

1. Ken Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary – 1981

1. Situated in the Gandhisagar-Ken river system.
   2. It’s a stronghold for endangered gharial and Indian mugger.
   3. Supports elephants, tigers, and chital in the adjoining buffer.
   4. Home to crocodile hatching hatchery sites.
   5. Ramsar wetland-listed for aquatic biodiversity.

2. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary – 1975

• Largest wildlife sanctuary in MP (~1,270 km²).
• Rich in tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and ungulates.
• Contains Central Indian Dry Deciduous biome.
• Serves as a tiger corridor between Keladevi and Kanha.
• Threatened by mining and railway corridor proposals.

---

Maharashtra

1. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – 1984

• Named after the origin of River Bhima.
• Habitat for the endangered Indian giant squirrel.
• Dense moist evergreen forest with rich orchids.
• Proposed for UNESCO Biosphere status.
• Part of Sahyadri Tiger Landscape.

2. Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary – 1965

• ~364 km² teak-dominated forest reserve.
• Tigers, leopards, gaur, sloth bears roam freely.
• Known as “Mini Kanha” for tiger presence.
• Over 230 bird species recorded.
• Vital corridor between Tadoba and Navegaon.

---

Manipur

1. Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary – 1984

1. Border location near Myanmar; offers cross-border biodiversity.
2. Known for hoolock gibbon conservation.
3. Evergreen to bamboo forest gradient.
4. Monitored for illegal trade due to porous border.
5. Supports barking deer, wild pig, pheasants, reptiles.

---

Meghalaya

1. Siju Wildlife Sanctuary – Established in 1989

1. Famous for extensive limestone caves and subterranean wildlife.
2. Habitat of Indian rock python, pangolins, civets.
3. Important butterfly breeding site.
4. Part of Garo-Khasi Elephant Reserve.
5. Noted for rare mosses and endemic fauna.

---

Mizoram

1. Dampa Tiger Reserve (formerly Wildlife Sanctuary) – 1985

1. Covers ~500 km² of tropical evergreen forests.
2. Tigers, clouded leopard, and elephant populations recorded.
3. Tribal communities—Hmar, Mizo—live sustainably with wildlife.
4. Known for rare orchids and pitcher plants.
5. Surrounding buffer zone used for sustainable harvesting.

---

Nagaland

1. Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary – 2006

1. Oak-bamboo habitat in Mokokchung district.
2. Clouded leopard records and rare songbird species.
3. Popular trekking trails and camping sites.
4. Includes sacred groves significant to local Ao tribe.
5. Rich in medicinal plant diversity.

---

Odisha

1. Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary – 1982

1. Surrounds Bhubaneswar city with elephants, sambhar, spotted deer.
2. Dense Sal forests and seasonal wetlands.
3. Popular among urban birdwatchers.
4. Ecotourism via guided jeep safaris.
5. Battling human–elephant conflict near farmland edges.

2. Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary – 1976

1. River gorge formed by the Mahanadi River.
2. Rich in gharials, mugger crocodiles, and river dolphins.
3. Surrounded by Sal and mixed deciduous forests.
4. Designated Important Bird Area (IBA).
5. Popular for river rafting and fishing.

---

Punjab

1. Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary – 1975

1. Created to protect blackbuck populations (~6,500 individuals).
2. Grassland habitat with arid climate adaptations.
3. Local Bishnoi community plays active conservation role.
4. Includes dry river beds with migratory birds.
5. Educational awareness through eco-clubs.

2. Harike Wildlife Sanctuary – 1982

1. A Ramsar site at the convergence of Sutlej and Beas Rivers.
2. Over 250 bird species; canvasbacks and ruddy shelduck frequent.
3. Wetland supports otters, fish, and amphibians.
4. Flood control and irrigation benefits the region.
5. Eco-tourism includes boating and bird hides.

---

Rajasthan

1. Tal Chhapar Sanctuary – 1992

• Semi-arid grassland haven for blackbuck and bustards.
• Flat, saline “chapar” topography unique to region.
• Known for wild fox, hyena and eagle populations.
• Night skies ideal for stargazing.
• Mosaic of community and scientific management.

2. National Chambal Sanctuary – 1978

• Riparian habitat across Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
• Gharials, river dolphins, mugger crocodiles in healthy numbers.
• Boat safaris allow safe wildlife viewing.
• Over 310 bird species recorded here.
• Protected as an Important Bird and Aquatic Area.

---

Tamil Nadu

1. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary – 1936

1. Oldest active bird sanctuary in India.
2. Hosts 30,000+ migratory birds seasonally.
3. Known for pintails, teals, cormorants.
4. Flyway stopover for Palearctic migrants.
5. Community-led protection by local farmers.

2. Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary – 1967

1. Coastal sanctuary near Palk Bay supporting olive ridley turtles.
2. Habitat for greater flamingos and various waterfowl.
3. Mixed saltwater marshes and dry thorn forests.
4. Sasthapala manta shelter nearby for local fishermen.
5. Ramsar site for its ecological importance.

---

Telangana

1. Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary – 1952

1. Spreads around Pocharam Lake with mugger and marsh crocodiles.
2. Supports chital, wild boar, sambar, and migratory birds.
3. Important wetland under Ramsar criteria.
4. Several eco-tourism trails available.
5. Key wintering site for bar-headed geese.

2. Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary – 1945

• Riverine sanctuary with mugger crocodile habitats.
• Includes part of Manjeera Reservoir.
• Kingfishers, eagles, herons frequent the area.
• Environmental education initiatives by water boards.
• Mitigates human–wildlife conflict in nearby villages.

---

Tripura

1. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary – 1987

• Covers botanical gardens, lakes, and primate enclosures.
• Houses green pigeon, clouded leopard, and endangered primates.
• Rich in orchids and medicinal plants.
• Eco-trails accessible to the public.
• Supports ex situ conservation for threatened fauna.

2. Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary – 1988

• Mixed deciduous forest and semi-evergreen tree cover.
• Water bodies attract migratory birds and aquatic fauna.
• Indian gaur and hoolock gibbon populations.
• Barking deer and golden langur sightings documented.
• Connects with Rajbari NP for species movement.

---

Uttarakhand

1. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – 1988

• Hill forest between 1,200–2,400 m elev.
• Leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer present.
• Over 200 bird species including Himalayan monals.
• Maintains old royal reserve architecture.
• Ideal for short treks and birding.

2. Askot Musk Deer Wildlife Sanctuary – 1986

• Alpine valley sanctuary near Tibetan border.
• Exclusive focus on musk deer conservation.
• Alpine pastures and rhododendron slopes.
• Leads into higher Himalayan zones.
• Pastoral use regulated to balance grazing.

3. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary – 1972

• High-altitude conifer and alpine meadows.
• Snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear present.
• Sanctified and security-managed due to pilgrimage.
• Includes Kedarnath temple region buffer.
• Elevated to gear the corridor for climate change resilience.

---

West Bengal

1. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary – 1998

• Elephant and deer rich Dooars forest reserve.
• Frequented by one-horned rhinos from adjacent national parks.
• Ideal habitat for pied hornbill and hill mynah.
• Polluted forest roads have been reduced.
• A vital wildlife corridor to Buxa and Gorumara.

2. Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary – 1994

• Located in the Sundarbans delta.
• Crested spotted deer, wild boar, river otter, and mangrove wildlife.
• Famous for elevated watchtower for tiger and bird sighting.
• Accessible only by boat—adds to the experience.
• A critical edge for mangrove conservation.

---

Laws that Support National Parks

• Wildlife Protection Act (1972): The fundamental law designating national parks and sanctuaries and protecting endangered species.
• Forest Conservation Act (1980): Prevents forest land conversion for industrial and non-forest use.
• Environment Protection Act (1986): Controls pollution and mandates environmental clearances.
• Biological Diversity Act (2002): Supports community-led biodiversity management and benefit-sharing.
• Forest Rights Act (2006): Grants rights to tribes and traditional forest dwellers.
• Ramsar & UNESCO: International designations for wetlands (Ramsar) and biosphere/mountain heritage.
• Project Tiger/Elephant Initiatives: Provide focused attention and funding to flagship species and their habitats.
• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules: Protect mangrove sanctuaries and marine ecosystems like Gulf of Mannar, Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika.

Conclusion

Whether you’re preparing for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, or just love knowing about your country — understanding National Parks of India and Wildlife Sanctuaries gives you way more than just facts.

It connects you to the forests that breathe for us, the rivers that nurture us, and the animals that define our ecological balance. Every state, from Arunachal to Kerala, has its own green gem — and these aren’t just tourist spots. They’re living classrooms, full of stories, survival, and the silent fight against extinction.

If you’re studying for exams, remember: this topic is a favorite in static GK, environmental science, current affairs, and even essay writing. So dive in deep — and know that when you’re learning about India’s forests, you’re also learning how to protect your own future.

FAQs – Based on This Blog