India is home to a rich tapestry of ecosystems, ranging from the Himalayan peaks to coastal mangroves, vast deserts to lush rainforests. To safeguard this natural wealth, the country has established over 100 national parks, each with its own history, significance, and ecological role. These parks are not only conservation hotspots but also cultural landmarks that connect people with nature.
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
- Established: 1936 (as Hailey National Park)
- Founder/By Whom: British administration; later renamed after Jim Corbett, a legendary conservationist.
- Nearby Landmarks: Located near Ramnagar, Nainital district; traversed by the Ramganga River.
- Area: ~1,318 km²
Significance:
- India’s first national park.
- Launch site of Project Tiger (1973).
- Famous for Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, and over 650 bird species.
2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- Established: 1905 as a reserved forest; declared a national park in 1974.
- Founder/By Whom: Declared by Government of Assam & Government of India.
- Nearby Landmarks: Lies in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River; near Golaghat and Nagaon.
- Area: ~1,090 km²
Significance:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Home to two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceroses.
- A major tiger reserve with elephants, swamp deer, and migratory birds.
3. Nanda Devi National Park, Uttarakhand
- Established: 1982
- Founder/By Whom: Government of India.
- Nearby Landmarks: Includes the Nanda Devi peak (7,816 m); drained by Rishi Ganga River.
- Area: ~630 km²
Significance:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Alpine ecosystems with rare flora like rhododendron and juniper.
- Habitat for snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, and high-altitude species.
4. Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
- Established: 1977
- Founder/By Whom: Government of Sikkim / India.
- Nearby Landmarks: Encompasses Kangchenjunga (8,586 m), the world’s third-highest mountain.
- Area: ~1,784 km²
Significance:
- UNESCO Mixed Heritage Site (natural + cultural).
- Protects glaciers, alpine meadows, and sacred landscapes.
- Known for red pandas, snow leopards, and cultural legends of Sikkimese people.
5. Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha
- Established: 1998
- Founder/By Whom: Government of India / Odisha.
- Nearby Landmarks: Near Bay of Bengal and Gahirmatha Beach.
- Area: ~145 km² (core area)
Significance:
- Ramsar Wetland Site.
- India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem.
- Known for saltwater crocodiles, olive ridley turtles, and migratory birds.
6. Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar, Gujarat
- Established: 1976
- Founder/By Whom: Government of Gujarat.
- Nearby Landmarks: Located near the Gulf of Khambhat, 42 km from Bhavnagar.
- Area: ~34 km²
Significance:
- Dedicated to conserving blackbucks, wolves, and grassland birds.
- Protects one of India’s few natural grassland ecosystems.
7. South Button Island National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Established: 1987
- Location: Part of the Rani Jhansi Marine National Park, situated in the Bay of Bengal.
- Nearby Landmarks: Close to Havelock Island and other Andaman islands.
- Area: Only 0.03 km² (3 hectares)
Significance:
- Primarily a marine national park with coral reefs, dolphins, dugongs, sea turtles, and diverse tropical fish.
- A paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling due to its rich underwater biodiversity.
The Larger Picture
- Total National Parks in India: 106+
- Total Area Covered: ~44,400 km² (about 1.35% of India’s land area)
- Largest National Park: Hemis National Park, Ladakh (~4,400 km²)
- Smallest National Park: South Button Island National Park, Andaman (~0.03 km²)
- Oldest National Park: Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand (1936)
Why National Parks Matter
- Biodiversity Protection: Tigers, rhinos, elephants, lions, snow leopards, and endemic plants.
- Cultural Heritage: Sacred landscapes, tribal traditions, and eco-tourism.
- Climate Regulation: Forests act as carbon sinks and regulate rainfall.
- Education & Research: Provide opportunities for ecological studies and awareness.
Questions and Answers on National Parks of India
- Q: Which was the first national park of India?
A: Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936. - Q: Where is Kaziranga National Park located?
A: Assam, in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River. - Q: Which animal is Kaziranga National Park most famous for?
A: The one-horned rhinoceros. - Q: Which national park is known as the launch site of Project Tiger?
A: Jim Corbett National Park. - Q: What is the area of Blackbuck National Park?
A: Around 34 km². - Q: Which national park houses the peak of Nanda Devi?
A: Nanda Devi National Park. - Q: Which river flows through Jim Corbett National Park?
A: The Ramganga River. - Q: Which national park in Odisha is famous for saltwater crocodiles?
A: Bhitarkanika National Park. - Q: What is the largest national park in India?
A: Hemis National Park, Ladakh. - Q: When was Khangchendzonga National Park established?
A: 1977. - Q: Which is the oldest national park in India?
A: Jim Corbett National Park. - Q: Which UNESCO site is in Uttarakhand and protects alpine ecosystems?
A: Nanda Devi National Park. - Q: Where is Blackbuck National Park situated?
A: Velavadar, Gujarat. - Q: What is the approximate area of Kaziranga National Park?
A: About 1,090 km². - Q: Which national park is known for mangrove forests?
A: Bhitarkanika National Park. - Q: Which endangered animal is protected in Blackbuck National Park?
A: The blackbuck antelope. - Q: In which state is Jim Corbett National Park located?
A: Uttarakhand. - Q: What is the significance of Khangchendzonga National Park?
A: It is a UNESCO Mixed Heritage Site and protects Kangchenjunga mountain and alpine ecosystems. - Q: Which river drains the Nanda Devi National Park?
A: The Rishi Ganga River. - Q: When was Bhitarkanika declared a national park?
A: 1998. - Q: How much of India’s land area is covered by national parks?
A: About 1.35%. - Q: What is the total number of national parks in India?
A: Over 106. - Q: Which species is a key attraction in Jim Corbett National Park?
A: The Bengal tiger. - Q: Which national park is adjacent to Gahirmatha Beach?
A: Bhitarkanika National Park. - Q: Which high-altitude animal is found in Nanda Devi and Khangchendzonga parks?
A: The snow leopard.
Conclusion
India’s national parks are more than just protected areas — they are living museums of nature and culture. Each park has its own story, ecosystem, and contribution to the nation’s environmental and cultural identity. By visiting responsibly and supporting conservation efforts, we ensure that these treasures endure for generations.
