Exploring India’s Biodiversity: A Comprehensive Guide to 106 National Parks

As of August 2023, India boasts an impressive 106 national parks, serving as sanctuaries for unique wildlife and ecosystems. These protected areas cover a combined area of over 44,372 square kilometers, encompassing diverse landscapes such as mountains, forests, grasslands, and coastal areas. This comprehensive guide will take you through the rich biodiversity preserved in these parks, showcasing some of the most well-known and lesser-known national parks.

India’s Commitment to Conservation

India’s national parks are part of its broader efforts to conserve its rich biodiversity and natural heritage. These protected areas cover a significant portion of the country’s geographical area, highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving the diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of flora and fauna.

The Scope and Coverage

The 106 national parks in India span across multiple states, each offering unique experiences and conservation efforts. Here is a categorized list of the national parks, along with their locations:

Uttar Pradesh

Dudhwa National Park

Uttrakhand

Jim Corbett National Park Rajaji National Park Valley Of Flowers National Park Nanda Devi National Park Govind Pashu Vihar National Park Sanctuary

Himachal Pradesh

Great Himalayan National Park Inderkilla National Park Khirganga National Park Pin Valley National Park Simbalbara National Park

Tamil Nadu

Mudumalai National Park Mukurthi National Park Indira Gandhi National Park Guindy National Park The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

Kerala

Eravikulam National Park Silent Valley National Park Pampadum Shola National Park Mathikettan Shola National Park Periyar National Park Anamudi Shola National Park

Madhya Pradesh

Kanha National Park Satpura National Park Panna National Park Bandhavgarh National Park Sanjay National Park Kuno-Palpur National Park Van Vihar National Park Pench National Park Madhav National Park Omkareshwar National Park Dinosaur Fossils National Park Fossil National Park

Andhra Pradesh

Sri Venkateshwara National Park Papikonda National Park Rajiv Gandhi National Park

Arunachal Pradesh

Namdapha National Park Mouling National Park

Jammu Kashmir

Dachigam National Park Hemis National Park City Forest Salim Ali National Park Kishtwar National Park Kazinag National Park

Assam

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve Manas National Park Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Dehing Patkai National Park Nameri National Park Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve Raimona National Park

Andaman and Nicobar

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Mount Harriet National Park Campbell Bay National Park North Button Island National Park Saddle Peak National Park Galathea National Park

West Bengal

Sundarbans National Park Neora Valley National Park Jaldapara National Park Buxa National Park Gorumara National Park

Tripura

Clouded Leopard National Park Rajbari National Park Bison National Park

Telangana

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park Mrugavani National Park

Sikkim

Khangchendzonga National Park

Rajasthan

Mukundra Hills Darrah National Park Desert National Park Keoladeo Ghana National Park Ranthambhore National Park Sariska National Park National Park

Odisha

Bhitarkanika National Park Simlipal National Park

Maharashtra

Chandoli National Park Gugamal National Park Nawegaon National Park Pench National Park Tadoba National Park

Mizoram

Murlen National Park Phawngpui National Park

Manipur

Keibul-Lamjao Loktak Lake National Park

Meghalaya

Nokrek National Park Balpakram National Park

Karnataka

Barren Hill Bannerghatta National Park Bandipur National Park Nagarhole National Park Anshi National Park Kudremukh National Park

Jharkhand

Betla National Park

Gujarat

Gir Forest National Park Blackbuck National Park Marine National Park Vansda National Park

Haryana

Sultanpur National Park (Bird Sanctuary) Kalesar National Park

Goa

Bhagwan Mahavir National Park

Chhattisgarh

Indravati Kutru National Park Kanger Valley National Park Guru Ghasi Das Sanjay National Park

Bihar

Valmiki National Park

Popular National Parks and Their Notable Features

Jim Corbett National Park

Established in 1936, the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is the first national park in India. It is a sanctuary for a diverse range of flora and fauna, including Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and various bird species. Covering 520.8 square kilometers, this park offers an unparalleled wildlife experience.

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park, located in Assam, is renowned for its one-horned rhinoceros and extensive grasslands. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides a safe habitat for nearly 2,400 one-horned rhinos, making it a critical conservation area for these endangered species.

Sundarbans National Park

The Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal is one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. It is home to the Royal Bengal tiger and numerous bird species. The park also boasts a rich biodiversity of flora, including various species of plants and trees adapted to the saline marshy environment.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

The 106 national parks in India not only serve as sanctuaries for unique wildlife and ecosystems but also play a crucial role in preserving the natural heritage of the country. These protected areas continue to attract both domestic and international tourists, contributing to the economic growth of the regions where they are located. With ongoing conservation efforts and awareness campaigns, these national parks will continue to thrive, preserving India's rich biodiversity for future generations.

References:

National Wildlife Database (May 2022)

National Parks of India

Dream Traveler Blog: India’s National Parks