National Parks in India with PDF Map, Rivers, Location & Key Facts

India, one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, is home to an extensive network of national parks aimed at conserving wildlife and protecting unique ecosystems. These parks play a critical role in preserving biodiversity and are governed by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the National Parks in India, including their state-wise locations, major rivers passing through them, key facts, and a free downloadable PDF map.

According to the National Wildlife Database Centre (November 2023), there are 106^* national parks in India, collectively covering 1.35% of the country’s total geographical area.

^*AMBIGUITY ALERT!

Please note, there is some confusion regarding the actual number of national parks in India. Although several sources commonly cite the number as 106, they generally exclude the three Button Island National Parks in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. If these parks are included, the total number would be 109. I have also used the figure of 106, as this is the number cited by official government sources.

Key Concepts: Understanding National Parks

• Definition: A National Park is a protected area reserved for the conservation of wildlife and ecosystems. Human activities like hunting, grazing, and cultivation are strictly prohibited or highly regulated in these areas.
• Legal Framework: National parks in India are governed under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which provides the legislative framework for their creation and management. Both the Central and State Governments have the authority to declare certain areas as national parks.
• Conservation: National parks are created to protect species, conserve habitats, and promote biodiversity. Some parks are also recognized globally as UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Biosphere Reserves.

State-wise List of National Parks in India

Below is a table showing the state-wise list of national parks in India, along with any major rivers or lakes that pass through, are included within, or border each park.

• ^*NP-National Park
• ^**The number in brackets indicates the total number of national parks in that state/UT.

Key Facts about India’s National Parks

• Madhya Pradesh has 11 national parks, the highest of any state in India.
• Punjab is the only state without a national park.
• Largest National Park: Hemis National Park in Jammu & Kashmir
• Smallest National Park: South Button Island National Park in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• First National Park: Jim Corbett National Park (Previously Hailey National Park), established in 1936
• Most Recent National Parks: Raimona National Park (Assam) and Dehing Patkai National Park (Assam), both added in 2021.
• UNESCO World Heritage National Parks:
  • Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
  • Manas National Park (Assam)
  • Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
  • Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)
  • Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh)
  • Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (Uttarakhand)
  • Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim)
• Unique National Parks:
  • Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur: The only floating park in the world, located on Loktak Lake.
  • Sundarbans National Park: Home to the largest population of the Bengal Tiger.
  • Gir National Park: Only place in the world to find Asiatic Lions.

Key Species and Their National Parks

Here are some key species and the major national parks where they can be found.

• Indian Elephant: Found in Periyar, Bandipur, and Nagarhole.
• Royal Bengal Tiger: Found in Jim Corbett, Sundarbans, Bandhavgarh, and Ranthambore.
• Asiatic Lion: Found only in Gir National Park.
• One-Horned Rhinoceros: Found in Kaziranga and Pobitora (Assam).
• Snow Leopard: Found in Hemis, Nanda Devi, and Great Himalayan National Park.