National Parks in India

National Parks in India- GK notes

• National parks are protected areas reserved for the conservation of wildlife, biodiversity, and natural habitats.
• India is home to a diverse range of national parks spread across various states and union territories.

Significance:

1. Conservation: National parks play a crucial role in conserving endangered species, preserving biodiversity, and protecting natural ecosystems.
2. Education: They serve as centers for environmental education and awareness, offering opportunities for research and study.
3. Tourism: Many national parks attract tourists, contributing to local economies and promoting eco-tourism.
4. Natural Heritage: They safeguard India’s natural heritage, including unique landscapes, flora, and fauna.

List of National Parks in India

National parks in India are established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and subsequent amendments.

Northern Region:

• Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
• Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand
• Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand
• Gangotri National Park, Uttarakhand
• Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
• Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh
• Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim

Western Region:

• Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
• Desert National Park, Rajasthan
• Sariska National Park, Rajasthan
• Gir National Park, Gujarat
• Blackbuck National Park, Gujarat
• Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra

Eastern Region:

• Kaziranga National Park, Assam
• Manas National Park, Assam
• Nameri National Park, Assam
• Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam
• Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
• Buxa National Park, West Bengal
• Simlipal National Park, Odisha

Southern Region:

• Periyar National Park, Kerala
• Silent Valley National Park, Kerala
• Eravikulam National Park, Kerala
• Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu
• Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
• Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park, Karnataka

Central Region:

• Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
• Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
• Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
• Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
• Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
• Sanjay National Park, Madhya Pradesh

North-Eastern Region:

• Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
• Mouling National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
• Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur
• Nokrek Ridge National Park, Meghalaya
• Balpakram National Park, Meghalaya
• Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Important National parks in india

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand:

• India’s oldest national park and renowned for its Bengal tigers.
• Offers diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, and various bird species.
• Known for its picturesque landscapes and proximity to the Himalayas.

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan:

• Famous for its population of Bengal tigers and tiger sightings.
• Features historic Ranthambore Fort within its boundaries.
• Offers a blend of wildlife sightings, ancient ruins, and scenic landscapes.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam:

• World Heritage Site and home to the largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses.
• Rich biodiversity, including tigers, elephants, and various bird species.
• Offers unique elephant safaris and jeep safaris for wildlife viewing.

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh:

• Offers scenic beauty with lush forests, grasslands, and ancient ruins.
• Features historical significance with the Bandhavgarh Fort located within the park.

Gir National Park, Gujarat:

• Sole home of the Asiatic lions, making it a significant conservation area.
• Offers diverse wildlife, including leopards, deer, and various bird species.
• Provides opportunities for lion safaris and nature walks.

Periyar National Park, Kerala:

• Known for its picturesque location around Periyar Lake and lush forests.
• Offers boat safaris for wildlife viewing, including elephants, tigers, and birds.
• Provides opportunities for nature walks and bamboo rafting.

Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand:

• Known for its Bengal tigers, diverse flora, and scenic beauty.
• Offers a range of activities, including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and birdwatching.
• Features the Kosi and Ramganga rivers, adding to its natural charm.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra:

• Offers diverse wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs.
• Provides jeep safaris and nature walks for wildlife enthusiasts.

National Parks in India and their significance

Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)

• Significance: India’s oldest national park, established in 1936.
• Wildlife: Renowned for Bengal tigers, Asiatic elephants, leopards, and rich birdlife.

Kaziranga National Park (Assam)

• Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses.
• Wildlife: Rhinos, elephants, wild water buffalo, tigers, and numerous bird species.

Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan)

• Significance: One of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild.
• Wildlife: Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and historical ruins.

Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh)

• Significance: UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing stunning biodiversity within the Himalayan mountains.
• Wildlife: Snow leopards, Himalayan brown bears, blue sheep, diverse birdlife.

Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

• Significance: Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book“
• Wildlife: Tigers, Barasingha (swamp deer), leopards, Indian wild dogs (dholes).

Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

• Significance: High density of tigers, providing excellent opportunities for sightings.
• Wildlife: Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, several deer species.

Pench National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

• Significance: Shared landscape of the Pench Tiger Reserve, known for diverse wildlife.
• Wildlife: Tigers, leopards, dholes, jackals, gaur (Indian bison)

Periyar National Park (Kerala)

• Significance: Set within picturesque hills and a lake, focus on elephant conservation.
• Wildlife: Elephants, tigers, gaurs (Indian bison), sambar deer, and rich birdlife.

Bandipur National Park (Karnataka)

• Significance: Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a vital tiger habitat.
• Wildlife: Tigers, elephants, gaurs, leopards, dholes.

Gir Forest National Park (Gujarat)

• • Significance: The only home of the Asiatic lion in the world.
  • Wildlife: Asiatic lions, leopards, spotted deer, and rich snake diversity.

Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)

• Significance: The world’s largest mangrove forest, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and vital tiger habitat.
• Wildlife: Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles, numerous bird and fish species.

Major Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

Some additional facts about national parks in India