National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

India is one of the world’s megadiverse countries, home to a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from the snowy Himalayas to tropical rainforests, deserts, and coastal wetlands.

To conserve this rich biodiversity, the Government of India has designated several areas as National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.

These protected areas play a key role in preserving endangered species, maintaining ecological balance, and promoting eco-tourism.

Highlights

  • National Parks in India: 106 (spread across states & UTs)
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries in India: 564+
  • Managed under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Difference between National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary

FeatureNational ParkWildlife Sanctuary
PurposeProtection of flora, fauna, landscape & heritageProtection of specific species & habitat
RestrictionsMore regulated – no human activity except research & tourismCertain activities like grazing may be allowed
Area CoverageGenerally largerSmaller compared to parks
Legal StatusDeclared under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972Also declared under the same act but with less strict rules

List of Major National Parks in India (State-wise)

State / UTNational Parks
Andhra PradeshPapikonda, Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram), Sri Venkateswara
Arunachal PradeshNamdapha, Mouling
AssamKaziranga, Manas, Nameri, Dibru-Saikhowa, Orang
BiharValmiki
ChhattisgarhIndravati, Kanger Valley, Guru Ghasidas
GoaMollem
GujaratGir Forest, Blackbuck, Marine (Gulf of Kutch), Vansda
HaryanaSultanpur, Kalesar
Himachal PradeshGreat Himalayan, Pin Valley, Khirganga, Inderkilla, Simbalbara
Jammu & Kashmir / LadakhDachigam, Hemis, Kishtwar, Salim Ali
JharkhandBetla
KarnatakaBandipur, Bannerghatta, Kudremukh, Nagarhole, Anshi (Kali)
KeralaEravikulam, Periyar, Silent Valley, Anamudi Shola, Mathikettan Shola, Pambadum Shola
Madhya PradeshKanha, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Pench, Sanjay, Panna, Madhav
MaharashtraSanjay Gandhi, Tadoba-Andhari, Chandoli, Pench (MH), Navegaon-Nagzira, Gugamal
ManipurKeibul Lamjao
MeghalayaBalpakram, Nokrek
MizoramPhawngpui
NagalandIntanki
OdishaBhitarkanika, Simlipal
Punjab–
RajasthanRanthambore, Keoladeo, Desert, Mukundra Hills
SikkimKhangchendzonga
Tamil NaduMudumalai, Guindy, Gulf of Mannar, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai)
TelanganaMrugavani, Kasu Brahmananda Reddy, Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali
TripuraClouded Leopard, Rajbari
Uttar PradeshDudhwa
UttarakhandCorbett, Rajaji, Nanda Devi, Valley of Flowers, Gangotri, Govind
West BengalSundarbans, Neora Valley, Singalila, Jaldapara, Buxa
Andaman & NicobarMahatma Gandhi Marine, Mount Harriet, Campbell Bay
LakshadweepPitti (Bird Sanctuary status, no NP)

List of Major Wildlife Sanctuaries in India (State-wise)

State / UTFamous Wildlife Sanctuaries
Andhra PradeshCoringa, Rollapadu, Pulicat Lake
Arunachal PradeshD’Ering Memorial, Eagle’s Nest, Pakhui
AssamPobitora, Hollongapar, Chakrashila
BiharBhimbandh, Kaimur
ChhattisgarhBarnawapara, Udanti, Sitanadi
GoaBondla, Cotigao
GujaratNarayan Sarovar, Wild Ass (Little Rann)
HaryanaBhindawas, Chhilchhila
Himachal PradeshChail, Kibber, Pong Dam
JharkhandDalma, Hazaribagh
KarnatakaDandeli, Ranganathittu, Bhadra
KeralaWayanad, Chinnar, Thattekad
Madhya PradeshNational Chambal, Ken Ghariyal, Son Ghariyal
MaharashtraBhimashankar, Rehekuri, Karnala
ManipurYangoupokpi-Lokchao
MeghalayaNongkhyllem, Siju
MizoramTawi, Lengteng
NagalandFakim
OdishaGahirmatha, Nandankanan, Chilika (Nalabana)
RajasthanKumbhalgarh, Tal Chhapar, Mount Abu
SikkimKyongnosla Alpine
Tamil NaduVedanthangal, Vettangudi
TelanganaPocharam, Eturnagaram
TripuraGumti
Uttar PradeshNawabganj, Sur Sarovar
UttarakhandAskot, Binsar
West BengalLothian Island, Sajnekhali
Andaman & NicobarNorth Button, South Button, Galathea Bay

Key Facts for Exams

  • Largest National Park: Hemis NP (Ladakh) – 4,400 sq km
  • Smallest National Park: South Button Island NP (A&N) – 0.03 sq km
  • First National Park of India: Jim Corbett NP (1936, Uttarakhand)
  • Only floating National Park: Keibul Lamjao NP (Manipur)
  • State with most National Parks: Madhya Pradesh (12)
  • Largest Wildlife Sanctuary: Rann of Kutch WLS (Gujarat)
  • Famous Tiger Reserves: Corbett, Ranthambore, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Sunderbans