How Many National Parks Are There in India?
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India is home to one of the richest biodiversity systems in the world. From snow-capped Himalayan valleys to lush rainforests in the Western Ghats, every region shelters unique wildlife and ecosystems. To protect these treasures, the country has established several national parks — areas dedicated to conserving wildlife, flora, and natural landscapes.
So, if you’re wondering how many national parks are there in India, let’s dive into the numbers, their importance, and some famous examples that define India’s wild heritage.
Total Number of National Parks in India
As of 2025, there are 106 national parks in India, covering a total area of around 44,402 square kilometers — approximately 1.35% of the country’s total geographical area.
These national parks are managed under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which ensures protection of wildlife, prohibits hunting, and promotes conservation of natural habitats. The list is regularly updated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
What Is a National Park?
A national park is a protected area established by the government to conserve wildlife, plants, and landscapes. Unlike wildlife sanctuaries, where limited human activities like grazing or tourism may be allowed, national parks have stricter protection laws — no human settlement, hunting, or exploitation of natural resources is permitted.
Each park is designed to:
Protect endangered species and their habitats.
Conserve biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Promote eco-tourism and environmental awareness.
Support scientific research and education about wildlife.
Distribution of National Parks in India by State
Here’s how the 106 national parks are distributed across different states and union territories:
| State/UT | Number of National Parks | Famous National Parks |
| Madhya Pradesh | 12 | Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Satpura |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 9 | Mahatma Gandhi Marine, Campbell Bay |
| Assam | 7 | Kaziranga, Manas, Dibru-Saikhowa |
| Maharashtra | 6 | Tadoba, Sanjay Gandhi, Pench (Maharashtra) |
| Rajasthan | 5 | Ranthambore, Sariska, Keoladeo |
| Uttarakhand | 6 | Jim Corbett, Rajaji, Valley of Flowers |
| Kerala | 6 | Periyar, Silent Valley, Eravikulam |
| Karnataka | 5 | Bandipur, Bannerghatta, Nagarhole |
| Himachal Pradesh | 5 | Great Himalayan, Pin Valley |
| Gujarat | 4 | Gir, Blackbuck, Marine (Gulf of Kutch) |
| West Bengal | 6 | Sundarbans, Gorumara, Neora Valley |
| Tamil Nadu | 5 | Mudumalai, Gulf of Mannar |
| Odisha | 2 | Simlipal, Bhitarkanika |
| Chhattisgarh | 3 | Kanger Valley, Indravati |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 4 | Dachigam, Hemis, Kishtwar |
| Bihar | 1 | Valmiki |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1 | Dudhwa |
| Jharkhand | 1 | Betla |
| Meghalaya | 2 | Nokrek, Balpakram |
| Manipur | 1 | Keibul Lamjao |
| Mizoram | 2 | Murlen, Phawngpui |
| Nagaland | 1 | Intanki |
| Tripura | 2 | Clouded Leopard, Rajbari |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 2 | Namdapha, Mouling |
| Sikkim | 1 | Khangchendzonga |
| Telangana | 3 | Kasu Brahmananda Reddy, Mrugavani |
| Goa | 1 | Mollem (Bhagwan Mahavir) |
| Haryana | 2 | Sultanpur, Kalesar |
| Punjab | 1 | Harike |
| Delhi | 1 | City Forest National Park |
| Ladakh | 1 | Hemis National Park (shared with J&K) |
(Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India – Updated 2025)
Top 10 Famous National Parks in India
India’s national parks are not just wildlife sanctuaries — they are living showcases of the country’s diverse ecosystems. Here are 10 of the most famous ones:
Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand): India’s first national park, established in 1936, and home to the Bengal tiger.
Kaziranga National Park (Assam): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the one-horned rhinoceros.
Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan): Known for tiger sightings and royal ruins.
Gir National Park (Gujarat): The only habitat of Asiatic lions in the world.
Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal): A mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal tiger.
Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh): Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
Periyar National Park (Kerala): Famous for elephants and scenic boat safaris.
Bandipur National Park (Karnataka): A major tiger reserve in southern India.
Hemis National Park (Ladakh): The highest national park in India, home to snow leopards.
Valley of Flowers National Park (Uttarakhand): Known for its breathtaking alpine meadows and seasonal blooms.
Importance of National Parks in India
National parks are more than just tourist spots — they are vital for maintaining ecological balance and protecting endangered species. Their importance includes:
Biodiversity conservation: Protect rare and endemic species of plants and animals.
Climate regulation: Forests in national parks absorb carbon dioxide, helping combat climate change.
Water and soil protection: Prevent erosion and help maintain natural watersheds.
Tourism and economy: Promote eco-tourism, creating jobs for local communities.
Research and education: Offer opportunities for scientific studies and awareness programs.
Difference Between National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
| Parameter | National Park | Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Purpose | Strict protection of wildlife and ecosystems | Protection with limited human activity |
| Human Activity | Completely prohibited | Limited grazing or tourism may be allowed |
| Area Declaration | Declared by Central Government | Declared by State Government |
| Boundaries | Fixed and clearly demarcated | Boundaries can be flexible |
| Examples | Jim Corbett, Kaziranga | Chilika, Bhadra, Pulicat Lake |
While India has 106 national parks, it also has over 570 wildlife sanctuaries, together forming a massive network of protected areas.
New and Upcoming National Parks
India continues to expand its protected areas to preserve unique ecosystems. Some proposed or recently declared national parks include:
Guru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh) – declared in 2021.
Dehing Patkai National Park (Assam) – declared in 2021.
Kawal Tiger Reserve (Telangana) – upgraded protection level.
Simbalbara National Park (Himachal Pradesh) – gaining prominence for conservation value.
With growing awareness about climate change and conservation, the number of protected areas is expected to increase in the coming years.
Conclusion
To sum up, India has 106 national parks as of 2025, covering diverse habitats ranging from dense jungles to high-altitude valleys. These parks are the backbone of India’s conservation strategy and play a crucial role in protecting endangered species like tigers, lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Every visit to a national park is more than an adventure — it’s a reminder of India’s natural wealth and the collective responsibility to preserve it for future generations.
FAQs
How many national parks are there in India in 2025?
There are 106 national parks in India as of 2025, covering an area of approximately 44,402 sq km, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Which is the largest national park in India?
Hemis National Park in Ladakh is the largest, covering about 4,400 square kilometers. It is known for snow leopards and high-altitude Himalayan wildlife.
Which is the first national park in India?
Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, established in 1936, is the first and oldest national park in India.
Which state has the most national parks in India?
Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of national parks — 12 in total — including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench.
What is the difference between a national park and a wildlife sanctuary?
A national park has stricter protection laws with no human activity allowed, while wildlife sanctuaries permit limited activities like grazing or eco-tourism under regulation. Both aim to conserve wildlife and natural habitats.