National Parks in India: India has a rich network of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries that play a vital role in protecting the country’s natural heritage. These government-protected areas are created to preserve wildlife, protect rare and native plant and animal species, and maintain ecological balance.
At present, India has 107 National Parks and 544 Wildlife Sanctuaries spread across different states and union territories. Madhya Pradesh and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have the highest number of National Parks, with nine parks each, highlighting their strong commitment to biodiversity conservation.
National Parks in India 2026
National Parks in India are essential for conserving wildlife and preserving natural ecosystems. These protected areas follow strict regulations that prohibit hunting, poaching, farming, and industrial activities to ensure minimal human disturbance. National Parks are clearly demarcated, and no external activities are permitted inside or around their boundaries to maintain ecological balance.
The primary objective of National Parks in India is to protect the country’s rich biodiversity and provide a safe habitat for various plant and animal species. Below is the List of National Parks in India 2026, which is especially helpful for competitive exam preparation and enhancing general knowledge.
List of National Parks in India 2026 (State-wise)
India is home to 107 National Parks, each created to protect rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and natural landscapes. These parks are spread across different states and Union Territories, supporting wildlife conservation and environmental balance. The List of National Parks in India 2026 (State-wise) is especially useful for competitive exams, school studies, and general awareness.
Below is a state-wise list with the total number of parks, major National Parks, and their year of establishment.
| State / Union Territory | Total National Parks | National Park Name | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 9 | Campbell Bay | 1992 |
| Galathea Bay | 1992 | ||
| Mahatma Gandhi Marine (Wandoor) | 1982 | ||
| Middle Button Island | 1987 | ||
| Mount Harriet | 1987 | ||
| North Button Island | 1987 | ||
| Rani Jhansi Marine | 1996 | ||
| Saddle Peak | 1987 | ||
| South Button Island | 1987 | ||
| Andhra Pradesh | 3 | Papikonda | 2008 |
| Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) | 2005 | ||
| Sri Venkateswara | 1989 | ||
| Arunachal Pradesh | 2 | Mouling | 1986 |
| Namdapha | 1983 | ||
| Assam | 5 | Dibru-Saikhowa | 1999 |
| Kaziranga | 1974 | ||
| Manas | 1990 | ||
| Nameri | 1998 | ||
| Orang (Rajiv Gandhi) | 1999 | ||
| Bihar | 1 | Valmiki | 1989 |
| Chhattisgarh | 3 | Guru Ghasidas | 1981 |
| Indravati | 1982 | ||
| Kanger Valley | 1982 | ||
| Goa | 1 | Mollem | 1992 |
| Gujarat | 4 | Vansda | 1979 |
| Blackbuck (Velavadar) | 1976 | ||
| Gir | 1975 | ||
| Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) | 1982 | ||
| Haryana | 2 | Kalesar | 2003 |
| Sultanpur | 1989 | ||
| Himachal Pradesh | 5 | Great Himalayan | 1984 |
| Inderkilla | 2010 | ||
| Khirganga | 2010 | ||
| Pin Valley | 1987 | ||
| Simbalbara | 2010 | ||
| Jammu & Kashmir | 3 | Dachigam | 1981 |
| Kishtwar | 1981 | ||
| Salim Ali (City Forest) | 1992 | ||
| Jharkhand | 1 | Betla | 1986 |
| Karnataka | 5 | Anshi | 1987 |
| Bandipur | 1974 | ||
| Bannerghatta | 1974 | ||
| Kudremukh | 1987 | ||
| Nagarhole | 1988 | ||
| Kerala | 6 | Anamudi Shola | 2003 |
| Eravikulam | 1978 | ||
| Mathikettan Shola | 2003 | ||
| Pambadum Shola | 2003 | ||
| Periyar | 1982 | ||
| Silent Valley | 1984 | ||
| Madhya Pradesh | 9 | Bandhavgarh | 1968 |
| Kanha | 1955 | ||
| Pench | 1975 | ||
| Panna | 1981 | ||
| Satpura | 1981 | ||
| Sanjay | 1981 | ||
| Van Vihar | 1979 | ||
| Madhav | 1959 | ||
| Fossil | 1983 | ||
| Maharashtra | 6 | Chandoli | 2004 |
| Gugamal | 1975 | ||
| Nawegaon | 1975 | ||
| Pench (JN) | 1975 | ||
| Sanjay Gandhi | 1983 | ||
| Tadoba Andhari | 1955 | ||
| Manipur | 1 | Keibul-Lamjao | 1977 |
| Meghalaya | 2 | Balphakram | 1985 |
| Nokrek Ridge | 1986 | ||
| Mizoram | 2 | Murlen | 1991 |
| Phawngpui Blue Mountain | 1992 | ||
| Nagaland | 1 | Intanki | 1993 |
| Odisha | 2 | Bhitarkanika | 1988 |
| Simlipal | 1980 | ||
| Rajasthan | 5 | Mukundra Hills | 2006 |
| Desert | 1992 | ||
| Keoladeo Ghana | 1981 | ||
| Ranthambhore | 1980 | ||
| Sariska | 1992 | ||
| Sikkim | 1 | Khangchendzonga | 1977 |
| Tamil Nadu | 5 | Guindy | 1976 |
| Gulf of Mannar Marine | 1980 | ||
| Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) | 1989 | ||
| Mudumalai | 1990 | ||
| Mukurthi | 1990 | ||
| Ladakh | 1 | Hemis | 1981 |
| Telangana | 3 | Kasu Brahmananda Reddy | 1994 |
| Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali | 1994 | ||
| Mrugavani | 1994 | ||
| Tripura | 2 | Clouded Leopard | 2007 |
| Bison (Rajbari) | 2007 | ||
| Uttar Pradesh | 1 | Dudhwa | 1977 |
| Uttarakhand | 6 | Jim Corbett | 1936 |
| Gangotri | 1989 | ||
| Govind | 1990 | ||
| Nanda Devi | 1982 | ||
| Rajaji | 1983 | ||
| Valley of Flowers | 1982 | ||
| West Bengal | 6 | Buxa | 1992 |
| Gorumara | 1992 | ||
| Jaldapara | 2014 | ||
| Neora Valley | 1986 | ||
| Singalila | 1986 | ||
| Sundarban | 1984 |
National Parks in India Map
As of 2026, India is home to 107 national parks, spread across approximately 44,403 square kilometres. These protected areas showcase the country’s rich natural diversity, ranging from the Himalayan mountains to coastal and island ecosystems.
Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, is the first national park in India. It was established in 1936 and was earlier known as Hailey National Park. On the other hand, South Button Island National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the smallest national park in India, covering an area of about 5 square kilometres.
Features of National Parks in India
The following are the key features of National Parks in India:
Strong Legal Protection:
National Parks in India are protected by law. Activities such as hunting, grazing animals, cutting trees, or any form of commercial use are strictly banned.
Wildlife Conservation:
These parks act as safe shelters for rare, endangered, and native species of animals and birds, helping them survive and grow naturally.
Ecological Balance:
National Parks play an important role in maintaining ecological balance by protecting biodiversity, forests, rivers, and natural landscapes.
Controlled Public Entry:
Visitors are allowed to enter National Parks for education and eco-tourism purposes, but only under strict government guidelines to protect wildlife.
Research and Monitoring:
National Parks support scientific studies, wildlife tracking, and conservation research that help improve protection strategies.
Important Facts About National Parks in India 2026
The following are some important facts related to National Parks in India 2026:
Hemis National Park (Jammu & Kashmir):
It is the largest national park in India and is well known for having one of the highest populations of snow leopards in the world.
South Button Island National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands):
This is the smallest national park in India, famous for its rich coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat):
The largest wildlife sanctuary in India, it is known for the Indian wild ass and thousands of migratory birds.
Bor Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra):
Recognized as the smallest wildlife sanctuary in India, it plays a vital role in tiger conservation and protection.
| Also Check |
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| Union Territories and Their Capitals in India |
| Highest Waterfalls in India |
| Top 10 Highest Mountain Peaks in India |
| What Is the SHANTI Act 2025? |
National Parks in India 2026 FAQs
Q.1. How many National Parks are there in India in 2026?
Ans. India has a total of 107 National Parks as of 2026.
Q.2. Which is the first National Park in India?
Ans. Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, established in 1936, is India’s first National Park.
Q.3. Which is the largest National Park in India?
Ans. Hemis National Park in Ladakh is the largest National Park in India.
Q.4. Which is the smallest National Park in India?
Ans. South Button Island National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the smallest.
Q.5. Why are National Parks important in India?
Ans. National Parks protect wildlife, conserve biodiversity, and maintain ecological balance.
