The idea of national parks began to protect natural areas from human harm. India's first national park, Jim Corbett, was established in 1936.

• The history and evolution of national parks in India have been shaped by a growing awareness of the need to preserve the country's rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
• The idea of national parks in India started to take root in the early 20th century, driven by recognising the threats posed by deforestation, hunting, and habitat destruction.
• Over time, the number of national parks expanded, particularly after India's independence.
• Adopting the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 was a watershed moment in conservation history.
• Global conservation movements have also heavily influenced India's national park system.
• The rise of global awareness about environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, particularly after the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, prompted India to enhance its efforts to protect its ecosystems.

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List of National Parks in India

India is known for being home to beautiful forests, rare animals, and special birds. The list of national parks in India displays how prosperous our nature is. This list of national parks in India has bird sanctuaries, tiger reserves, and green valleys. All national parks of India protect animals and nature for future generations.

As of 2025, the total number of national parks in India is 107.

The 106th national park in India was Rani Bagh National Park in Gujarat.

The 107th national park in India is Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

According to the studies, India has more than 100 national parks with an immense variety of fauna. In the table below, you can see the complete list of National Parks in India with their location and year of establishment, which will be helpful for your UPSC exam:

Also, check Biological Disaster Management here.

Objectives of National Parks in India

The main objectives of national parks in India are to conserve wildlife, protect natural habitats, and promote eco-friendly tourism and education. The objectives of National Parks are as follows:

• National parks in India are created to save threatened and endangered species and their habitats. And provide safe sanctuaries for wildlife to thrive and reproduce.
• To maintain the genetic diversity of plant and animal species.
• Maintaining the region's ecological balance, regulating ecosystems, preventing soil erosion, and protecting water resources are also necessary.
• To serve as natural laboratories for scientific research and study wildlife behaviour, monitor ecosystems, and research conservation strategies.
• To promote ecological balance, environmental education and awareness among Tourists.

Importance Of National Parks in India

National parks shield plants, wildlife and natural habitats. National Parks in India help maintain ecological balance and conserve endangered species. These parks also support tourism, education and local communities. National parks in India play a significant role in protecting wildlife and nature of the nation. India has a long tradition of saving nature. From Jim Corbett to the latest national park in India, each park plays a part. These parks also offer education and tourism.

• A national park is a protected area.
• No hunting or cutting trees is allowed.
• Only eco-tourism is allowed under rules.
• They help protect endangered species.
• They also protect plants and tribal culture.

Also, check out the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety here.

Classification of National Parks In India

National Parks in India can be classified based on different aspects such as geography, ecosystems, and the species they protect. The detailed classification of national parks in India is as follows:

Classification based on Geography 

India's diverse geography impacts the type of national parks in various areas. They are categorised based on their location across the country's varied landscapes:

• Himalayan Region: These national parks are located in the mountainous areas of northern India, which are described by alpine and subalpine ecosystems.
  • Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh),
  • Nanda Devi National Park (Uttarakhand),
  • Hemis National Park (Ladakh).
• Western Ghats: The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are known for their populous biodiversity. National parks here preserve tropical and subtropical moist forests.
  • Silent Valley National Park (Kerala),
  • Bandipur National Park (Karnataka),
  • Periyar National Park (Kerala).
• Northeast India: Northeast India is best known for its dense forests and high rainfall, and this region is home to unique species and ecosystems.
  • Kaziranga National Park (Assam),
  • Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh),
  • Manas National Park (Assam).
• Central India: Central India is characterised by dry deciduous forests and grasslands, and this region hosts many tiger reserves.
  • Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh),
  • Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh),
  • Panna National Park (Madhya Pradesh).
• Desert and Semi-Arid Region: These parks are located in desert ecosystems and arid landscapes and focus on conserving species adapted to dry conditions.
  • Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan),
  • Desert National Park (Rajasthan),
  • Blackbuck National Park (Gujarat).
• Coastal and Marine National Parks: These national parks in India protect the coastal and marine ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs and salt marshes.
  • Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal),
  • Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (Tamil Nadu),
  • Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Andaman and Nicobar Islands).

Classification based on Ecosystem

National parks can also be classified based on the type of ecosystems they protect:

• Forested Ecosystems: These ecosystems defend large areas of forest, preserving biodiversity and serving as habitats for wildlife.
  • Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand),
  • Satpura National Park (Madhya Pradesh).
• Wetlands and Riverine Ecosystems: These ecosystems focus on conserving wetlands, rivers, and aquatic life.
  • Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan),
  • Kaziranga National Park (Assam).
• Grassland Ecosystems: Grassland Ecosystems are focused on preserving grasslands and their unique flora and fauna.
  • Velavadar Blackbuck National Park (Gujarat),
  • Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan).
• Marine and Coastal Ecosystems: These ecosystems protect marine biodiversity, coral reefs, and coastal areas.
  • Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal),
  • Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park (Gujarat).

Classification based on Species Conservation

Many national parks are known for the protection of specific species and play a vital role in their conservation:

• Tiger Reserves: National parks that serve as dedicated tiger reserves under Project Tiger.
  • Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand),
  • Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan),
  • Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh).
• Elephant Reserves: National parks that focus on protecting the Asian elephant.
  • Periyar National Park (Kerala),
  • Mudumalai National Park (Tamil Nadu).
• Bird Sanctuaries: National parks, particularly migratory birds, are essential for bird conservation.
  • Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan),
  • Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha).

You might like to read NCERT Notes: Biogeochemical Cycles For UPSC here.

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