Tag: UPSC Geography Notes

🌿 Introduction to National Parks in India National Parks in India are protected areas of ecological importance created to conserve wildlife and natural ecosystems across the country. These national parks in India fall under the IUCN Category II classification and are managed with a focus on ecosystem preservation and tourism with minimal human interference. The first of the national parks in India was established in 1936, now known as Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. At that time, India had only a few such protected regions—just five national parks by 1970. The introduction of the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 and the launch of Project Tiger in 1973 significantly expanded the network of national parks in India. Today, there are 107 national parks in India, covering a total area of 44,402.95 square kilometers, which accounts for approximately 1.35% of India’s land area. These protected zones help conserve iconic species such as the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and snow leopards. Additionally, 75 more national parks have been proposed under the Protected Area Network Report, aiming to further strengthen conservation efforts. For UPSC aspirants, nature enthusiasts, and environmental researchers, understanding the importance and structure of national parks in India is essential to appreciating the country’s ecological legacy and biodiversity. Andaman & Nicobar Islands 1. Campbell Bay National Park Year Established: 1992 Area: 426 km² Location: Great Nicobar Island (southernmost) Mountains: Hilly terrain; part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot Rivers: Galathea River Climate: Tropical rainforest; heavy rainfall, humid throughout the year Flora: Tropical evergreen forests; tree ferns, orchids Fauna: Nicobar megapode, giant robber crab, Nicobar long-tailed macaque Features: Part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve; isolated and rich in endemic species 2. Galathea National Park Year Established: 1992 Area: 110 km² Location: Southern part of Great Nicobar Island Mountains: Coastal plateau and low hills Rivers: Galathea River (meanders through) Climate: Tropical monsoon; high humidity Flora: Mangroves, coastal vegetation Fauna: Leatherback turtles (nesting), Nicobar tree shrew Features: Coastal park known for marine biodiversity; leatherback nesting site 3. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Year Established: 1983 Area: 281.5 km² Location: Wandoor, near Port Blair, South Andaman Climate: Tropical marine; humid, hot summers and mild winters Flora: Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass Fauna: Sea turtles, dolphins, reef fish, dugong Features: 15 islands with coral reefs and marine life; popular for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides 4. North Button Island National Park Year Established: 1979 Area: 44 km² Location: Near Long Island, Middle Andaman Mountains: Small hillocks Climate: Tropical marine Flora: Coastal forests, evergreen species Fauna: Dolphin, water monitor lizard, dugong Features: Rich marine biodiversity; part of Button Islands group 5. Middle Button Island National Park Year Established: 1979 Area: 64 km² Location: Near Long Island, Middle Andaman Climate: Hot and humid; marine tropical Flora: Tropical evergreen and mangrove forests Fauna: Dolphins, sea turtles, water lizards Features: Coral reefs and clear waters 6. South Button Island National Park Year Established: 1979 Area: 5 km² Location: Near Middle Andaman Climate: Tropical marine Flora: Coral reefs and aquatic flora Fauna: Sea turtles, coral fish, dugong Features: Smallest national park in India; snorkeling hotspot 7. Mount Harriet National Park (Renamed Mount Manipur NP in 2021) Year Established: 1979 Area: 46.6 km² Location: South Andaman Island Mountains: Mount Harriet (365 m), third-highest peak in Andamans Rivers: Streams and springs Climate: Tropical; moist and warm Flora: Evergreen and deciduous forests, ferns, wild orchids Fauna: Andaman wild pig, robber crab, hornbills, Andaman day gecko Features: Featured on the old ₹20 note; renamed Mount Manipur NP in 2021 8. Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Year Established: 1996 Area: 256 km² Location: Ritchie's Archipelago, South Andaman Mountains: Coral islands and shallow reefs Climate: Marine tropical Flora: Coral reefs, mangroves Fauna: Dugongs, dolphins, reef fish Features: Comprises Cinque Island group and other coral-rich islands 9. Saddle Peak National Park Year Established: 1987 Area: 85 km² Location: North Andaman Island Mountains: Saddle Peak (732 m) – highest point in Andamans Rivers: Several small streams Climate: Tropical wet evergreen Flora: Canopy trees, epiphytes, rare orchids Fauna: Andaman hill myna, wild pig, python, Andaman krait Features: Dense forest, endemic biodiversity; major trekking route Assam 1. Kaziranga National Park (Tiger Reserve in 2006) Year Established: 1974 Area: 859 km² Mountains: Floodplains, no significant hills Rivers: Brahmaputra River; multiple wetlands and beels Climate: Tropical monsoon; heavy rainfall and floods Flora: Tall elephant grass, tropical moist deciduous forest Fauna: One-horned rhinoceros (highest global population), elephant, tiger, swamp deer, wild buffalo Features: UNESCO World Heritage Site; known for seasonal flooding and grassland ecosystem 2. Manas National Park (Sanctuary since 1928) Year Established: 1990 (Core Area: 500 km²) Area: 500 km² (Core) Mountains: Foothills of Eastern Himalayas Rivers: Manas River (tributary of Brahmaputra) Climate: Tropical and subtropical; high rainfall Flora: Moist deciduous forests, grasslands Fauna: Golden langur, pygmy hog, tiger, wild buffalo, clouded leopard Features: UNESCO World Heritage Site; Biosphere Reserve; Project Tiger site 3. Nameri National Park Year Established: 1998 Area: 200 km² Mountains: Himalayan foothills (near Arunachal border) Rivers: Jia Bhoroli River Climate: Tropical; moderate winters, monsoon-dominated rainfall Flora: Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests Fauna: Bengal tiger, leopard, elephant, white-winged wood duck (endangered) Features: Critical bird area; part of the larger Nameri Tiger Reserve 4. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Year Established: 1999 Area: 340 km² Mountains: Flat alluvial floodplain Rivers: Dibru & Brahmaputra Rivers Climate: Tropical monsoon Flora: Semi-evergreen forest, grassland, swamp Fauna: Feral horse (rare), Gangetic dolphin, capped langur, tiger Features: Known for white-winged wood duck and riverine habitat 5. Orang National Park (also known as Rajiv Gandhi NP) Year Established: 1999 Area: 78.8 km² Mountains: Floodplain Rivers: North bank of Brahmaputra Climate: Tropical wet Flora: Alluvial grasslands and savanna woodland Fauna: One-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, pygmy hog, elephants Features: “Mini Kaziranga”; high density of rhinos and water birds 6. Raimona National Park Year Established: 2021 Area: 422 km² Mountains: Foothills of Eastern Himalayas (Bodoland region) Rivers: Sankosh River Climate: Subtropical with heavy rainfall Flora: Semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests Fauna: Golden langur (endemic), tiger, elephants Features: Part of the Chakrashila-Kachugaon-Gaurang landscape; new tiger corridor 7. Dehing Patkai National Park Year Established: 2021 Area: 234.2 km² Mountains: Patkai hills Rivers: Dihing River Climate: Tropical wet evergreen Flora: Tropical rainforests, orchids, ferns Fauna: Clouded leopard, flying squirrel, marbled cat, hornbills Features: India’s only rainforest National Park; exceptional butterfly diversity 8. Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park Status: Proposed / Not officially notified yet. Referenced in some unofficial lists (possibly miswritten or proposed); not found in official MoEFCC sources as of 2025. Arunachal Pradesh 1. Namdapha National Park Year Established: 1983 Area: 1,808 km² (4th largest in India) Location: Changlang district, eastern Arunachal Pradesh Mountains: Patkai Hills, Dapha Bum Range Rivers: Noa-Dihing River Climate: Subtropical to alpine; high rainfall, misty Flora: Tropical rainforest to alpine vegetation; orchids, cane, ferns Fauna: All 4 big cats — tiger, leopard, snow leopard, clouded leopard; red panda, hoolock gibbon Features: One of the richest biodiversity hotspots in India; remote and undisturbed 2. Mouling National Park Year Established: 1986 Area: 483 km² Location: Upper Siang district Mountains: Mouling Range, Eastern Himalayas Rivers: Siang River (Brahmaputra tributary) Climate: Subtropical to alpine; high humidity Flora: Tropical evergreen, bamboo groves, rhododendrons Fauna: Takin, red panda, serow, clouded leopard Features: Difficult terrain; tribal significance; known for wild medicinal plants Andhra Pradesh 1. Sri Venkateswara National Park Year Established: 1989 Area: 353.6 km² Location: Chittoor and Kadapa districts Mountains: Eastern Ghats (Seshachalam Hills) Rivers: Swarnamukhi River Climate: Tropical dry deciduous Flora: Red sanders, sandalwood, bamboo Fauna: Leopard, sloth bear, deer, Indian giant squirrel Features: Part of Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve; sacred forests near Tirumala 2. Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park Year Established: 2005 Area: 2.4 km² Location: Kadapa district Mountains: Low hills of Eastern Ghats Climate: Dry tropical Flora: Dry scrub forests Fauna: Spotted deer, peafowl, reptiles Features: One of the smallest national parks in India; focused on regional conservation 3. Papikonda National Park Year Established: 2008 Area: 1,013 km² Location: East & West Godavari districts Mountains: Eastern Ghats Rivers: Godavari River flows through Climate: Tropical wet-dry Flora: Moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests Fauna: Tiger, leopard, gaur, hill myna Features: Dense riverine and hill forests; crucial wildlife corridor Bihar 1. Valmiki National Park Year Established: 1989 Area: 335.6 km² Location: West Champaran district, Indo-Nepal border Mountains: Himalayan foothills (Someshwar Hills) Rivers: Gandak River Climate: Tropical moist deciduous; moderate winters, hot summers Flora: Sal, bamboo, grasslands Fauna: Tiger, leopard, wild dog, sloth bear, gharial Features: Part of Valmiki Tiger Reserve; Bihar’s only national park Chhattisgarh 1. Kanger Valley National Park Year Established: 1982 Area: 200 km² Location: Bastar district Mountains: Eastern Ghats Rivers: Kanger River Climate: Tropical moist deciduous Flora: Sal, bamboo, teak Fauna: Leopard, tiger, bear, hill myna Features: Kotumsar and Dandak caves; known for limestone caves and waterfalls 2. Indravati National Park Year Established: 1982 Area: 1,258.4 km² Location: Bijapur district Mountains: Southern Satpura range Rivers: Indravati River (tributary of Godavari) Climate: Tropical dry Flora: Dry deciduous forest Fauna: Wild buffalo (state animal), tiger, nilgai Features: Only park in India to host wild water buffalo (endangered) 3. Guru Ghasidas National Park (Sanjay NP split part) Year Established: 2001 (as NP) Area: 1,440.7 km² Location: Koriya district Mountains: Maikal Hills Rivers: Hasdeo River Climate: Tropical dry and moist deciduous Flora: Sal, bamboo, tendu Fauna: Sloth bear, tiger, leopard, barking deer Features: Recently notified as Tiger Reserve (2022); shares border with MP’s Sanjay NP Goa 1. Mollem National Park Year Established: 1992 Area: 107 km² Location: South Goa; part of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary Mountains: Western Ghats Rivers: Mandovi River and Dudhsagar stream Climate: Tropical monsoon; high rainfall Flora: Semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forest Fauna: Leopard, gaur, black panther, civet, hornbill Features: Famous for Dudhsagar Falls and rich biodiversity; part of UNESCO Western Ghats Biosphere Gujarat 1. Gir National Park Year Established: 1975 Area: 258.7 km² (core area) Location: Junagadh, Amreli, and Gir Somnath districts Mountains: Gir Hills Rivers: Hiran, Shetrunji, Machhundri Climate: Tropical; dry and hot summers, mild winters Flora: Dry deciduous forests, teak, acacia, flame-of-the-forest Fauna: Asiatic lion (only wild population), leopard, striped hyena, chinkara Features: Only place in the world where Asiatic lions live in the wild 2. Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park Year Established: 1976 Area: 34.5 km² Location: Bhavnagar district Mountains: Flat grassland terrain Rivers: None significant (seasonal wetlands) Climate: Semi-arid; hot summers, sparse rainfall Flora: Grasslands, Prosopis juliflora, saline scrub Fauna:Blackbuck (main species), wolf, striped hyena, fox, lesser florican Features: Best grassland NP for observing blackbucks and birds like florican 3. Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh Year Established: 1982 Area: 162.9 km² (marine area + 42 islands) Location: Jamnagar district Mountains: None; coastal tidal flats and reefs Rivers: Indus delta influence; tidal channels Climate: Arid coastal Flora: Coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves Fauna: Coral reef fish, dolphins, sea turtles, jellyfish, dugong Features: India’s first Marine NP; famous for Pirotan Island and coral diversity 4. Vansda National Park Year Established: 1979 Area: 23.9 km² Location: Navsari district Mountains: Sahyadri range (Western Ghats extension) Rivers: Ambika River Climate: Tropical; high humidity and rainfall Flora: Moist deciduous forests; teak, bamboo, mango, wild bananas Fauna: Leopard, hyena, giant squirrel, pangolin Features: Dense canopy forests; rich flora diversity in a compact area Haryana 1. Sultanpur National Park Year Established: 1989 Area: 1.43 km² Location: Gurugram (Gurgaon) district Mountains: None; flat alluvial plains Rivers: Seasonal wetland fed by rainwater and nearby streams Climate: Semi-arid; hot summers, cold winters Flora: Grassland, acacia, babool, neem Fauna: Migratory birds — Siberian cranes, flamingos, painted storks, pelicans Features: Ramsar Site; birding hotspot in NCR 2. Kalesar National Park Year Established: 2003 Area: 46.82 km² Location: Yamunanagar district Mountains: Shivalik Hills Rivers: Yamuna River nearby Climate: Subtropical; moderate rainfall Flora: Sal, semal, khair, bamboo Fauna: Leopard, sambar, barking deer, wild boar Features: Part of the Shivalik Elephant Reserve; rich forest biodiversity Himachal Pradesh 1. Great Himalayan National Park Year Established: 1984 Area: 754.4 km² Location: Kullu district Mountains: Western Himalayas Rivers: Tirthan, Sainj, Jiwa Nal Climate: Alpine to temperate; snow in winters Flora: Conifers, alpine meadows, rhododendrons Fauna: Snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, western tragopan Features: UNESCO World Heritage Site; high biodiversity and trekking trails 2. Pin Valley National Park Year Established: 1987 Area: 675 km² Location: Lahaul & Spiti district Mountains: Trans-Himalayas Rivers: Pin River Climate: Cold desert; snowbound winters Flora: Sparse alpine vegetation, juniper, dwarf willows Fauna: Snow leopard, ibex, red fox Features: High-altitude park; remote and least disturbed ecosystems 3. Khirganga National Park Year Established: 2010 Area: 710 km² Location: Kullu district Mountains: Parvati Valley Rivers: Parvati River Climate: Temperate to alpine Flora: Oak, deodar, rhododendrons Fauna: Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, Himalayan monal Features: Trekking hub; part of Parvati–Pin–Great Himalayan corridor 4. Inderkilla National Park Year Established: 2010 Area: 104 km² Location: Kullu district Mountains: Western Himalayas Rivers: Tributaries of Beas River Climate: Temperate alpine Flora: Alpine pastures, deodar, oak Fauna: Snow leopard, brown bear, musk deer Features: Rich medicinal flora; high-altitude meadows 5. Simbalbara National Park Year Established: 2010 Area: 27.88 km² Location: Sirmaur district Mountains: Shivalik Hills Rivers: Simbalbara stream Climate: Subtropical to temperate Flora: Sal and moist deciduous forest Fauna: Goral, sambar, leopard, Indian muntjac Features: Scenic forest landscape with trails and riverine beauty Jammu & Kashmir 1. Dachigam National Park Year Established: 1981 Area: 141 km² Location: Near Srinagar Mountains: Zabarwan Range, Western Himalayas Rivers: Dagwan stream (originates from Marsar Lake) Climate: Temperate to alpine; snowy winters, mild summers Flora: Oak, pine, silver birch, wild cherry Fauna: Hangul (Kashmiri stag — endemic and endangered), leopard, Himalayan black bear Features: Only habitat of the Hangul; originally established as a watershed preserve 2. Kishtwar National Park Year Established: 1981 Area: 425 km² Location: Kishtwar district Mountains: Great Himalayan range Rivers: Marwah and Renai Rivers Climate: Subalpine and alpine Flora: Coniferous forests, alpine pastures Fauna: Snow leopard, ibex, musk deer, brown bear Features: High-altitude park; located near Zanskar range 3. Salim Ali National Park (Also called City Forest National Park) Year Established: 1992 Area: 9 km² Location: Srinagar city limits Mountains: Foothills of the Zabarwan Hills Rivers: Wetland-fed lake ecosystem Climate: Temperate Flora: Poplar, willow, aquatic vegetation Fauna: Migratory birds, leopard, porcupine, Himalayan weasel Features: Urban park; proposed for eco-tourism and birdwatching Ladakh 1. Hemis National Park Year Established: 1981 Area: 3,350 km² (Largest National Park in India) Location: Eastern Ladakh, south of Leh Mountains: Trans-Himalayas; includes Markha, Stok, and Rumbak Valleys Rivers: Indus River and its tributaries Climate: Cold desert; arid, long winters Flora: Alpine steppe, dwarf shrubs, medicinal herbs Fauna: Snow leopard (main highlight), bharal (blue sheep), Tibetan wolf, red fox Features: Highest altitude NP in India; stronghold for snow leopard conservation Jharkhand 1. Betla National Park Year Established: 1986 Area: 226.3 km² Location: Latehar and Palamu districts Mountains: Chota Nagpur Plateau Rivers: Koel River and its tributaries Climate: Tropical; hot summers, moderate rainfall Flora: Sal, bamboo, grasslands Fauna: Elephant, leopard, gaur, sloth bear, langur Features: Part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve; historic Palamau Fort lies within the park Kerala 1. Eravikulam National Park Year Established: 1978 Area: 97 km² Location: Idukki district, Western Ghats Mountains: Anamudi peak (2,695 m — highest in South India) Rivers: Tributaries of Periyar River Climate: Tropical montane; cool and misty Flora: Shola forests, grasslands, Neelakurinji flowers (blooms once every 12 years) Fauna: Nilgiri tahr (endemic), leopard, elephant Features: UNESCO World Heritage Site; core of high-altitude ecosystem 2. Silent Valley National Park Year Established: 1984 Area: 89.5 km² Location: Palakkad district Mountains: Nilgiri Hills, Western Ghats Rivers: Kunthi River Climate: Evergreen rainforest; high rainfall Flora: Tropical evergreen forest; orchids, ferns Fauna: Lion-tailed macaque, tiger, flying squirrel Features: Pristine rainforest; no road access inside core area 3. Periyar National Park Year Established: 1982 Area: 350 km² (core zone) Location: Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts Mountains: Cardamom Hills, Western Ghats Rivers: Periyar River; artificial lake from Mullaperiyar Dam Climate: Tropical; heavy monsoon Flora: Evergreen and moist deciduous forests, grasslands Fauna: Elephants, tigers, gaur, sambar, otters Features: Known for boat safaris; strong elephant population 4. Mathikettan Shola National Park Year Established: 2003 Area: 12.8 km² Location: Idukki district Mountains: Western Ghats Rivers: Streams feeding the Pambar River Climate: Tropical montane Flora: Dense shola forest Fauna: Leopard, elephant, giant squirrel Features: Corridor between Eravikulam and Periyar parks 5. Pampadum Shola National Park Year Established: 2003 Area: 1.3 km² (smallest NP in Kerala) Location: Idukki district Mountains: Western Ghats Rivers: Small streams Climate: Tropical wet evergreen Flora: Shola-grassland ecosystem Fauna: Nilgiri marten, wild dogs, elephants Features: Important for ecological connectivity and water conservation 6. Anamudi Shola National Park Year Established: 2003 Area: 7.5 km² Location: Idukki district Mountains: Western Ghats (near Anamudi) Rivers: Tributaries of Pambar and Periyar Rivers Climate: Montane tropical Flora: Shola forests and grasslands Fauna: Elephant, Nilgiri langur, tahr Features: Enhances connectivity between other shola reserves Karnataka 1. Bandipur National Park Year Established: 1974 Area: 874.2 km² Location: Chamarajanagar district Mountains: Western Ghats, Nilgiri Biosphere Rivers: Kabini, Moyar Climate: Tropical; dry summers, moderate monsoon Flora: Teak, rosewood, sandalwood Fauna: Tigers, elephants, dholes, gaurs Features: Part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; tiger corridor with Nagarhole and Wayanad 2. Nagarhole National Park (Rajiv Gandhi NP) Year Established: 1988 Area: 643.4 km² Location: Kodagu and Mysuru districts Mountains: Western Ghats Rivers: Kabini River Climate: Tropical moist deciduous Flora: Teak, rosewood, bamboo Fauna: Tiger, leopard, elephant, sloth bear Features: UNESCO candidate site; excellent wildlife sightings via safaris 3. Bannerghatta National Park Year Established: 1974 Area: 260.5 km² Location: Bengaluru Urban district Mountains: Deccan Plateau, undulating terrain Rivers: Suvarnamukhi stream Climate: Semi-arid tropical Flora: Shrubs, bamboo, deciduous species Fauna: Leopard, lion, elephant, jackal Features: Houses India's first butterfly park; popular for zoo and safari 4. Anshi National Park (Merged into Kali Tiger Reserve) Year Established: 1987 Area: 417.3 km² Location: Uttara Kannada district Mountains: Western Ghats Rivers: Kali River Climate: Humid tropical Flora: Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests Fauna: Black panther, tiger, flying squirrel Features: Part of Kali Tiger Reserve; very rich in biodiversity 5. Kudremukh National Park Year Established: 1987 Area: 600.3 km² Location: Chikkamagaluru, Udupi districts Mountains: Kudremukh Peak, Western Ghats Rivers: Tunga, Bhadra Climate: Tropical wet; high rainfall Flora: Shola forests, grasslands Fauna: Lion-tailed macaque, tiger, leopard Features: One of India’s largest reserved shola-grassland ecosystems Maharashtra 1. Tadoba National Park Year Established: 1955 Area: 116.5 km² (core); part of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve Location: Chandrapur district Mountains: Chandrapur hills Rivers: Andhari River Climate: Tropical dry deciduous Flora: Teak, bamboo, flame of the forest Fauna: Tiger (top predator), sloth bear, wild dog, leopard Features: One of the best tiger reserves in India 2. Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Borivali NP) Year Established: 1983 Area: 86.9 km² Location: Mumbai suburbs Mountains: Kanheri Hills (Western Ghats extension) Rivers: Vihar and Tulsi Lakes Climate: Tropical coastal Flora: Bamboo, teak, mango, medicinal plants Fauna: Leopards, civets, bonnet macaques Features: Urban park; home to 2400-year-old Kanheri caves 3. Chandoli National Park Year Established: 2004 Area: 317.7 km² Location: Sangli and Satara districts Mountains: Sahyadri Hills Rivers: Warna River Climate: Tropical monsoon Flora: Evergreen and deciduous forests Fauna: Gaur, tiger, sambar, mouse deer Features: Part of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve 4. Gugamal National Park Year Established: 1974 Area: 361.3 km² Location: Amravati district Mountains: Satpura range Rivers: Sipna River Climate: Tropical Flora: Teak, bamboo, grasslands Fauna: Tiger, panther, nilgai, wild dog Features: Core of Melghat Tiger Reserve 5. Nawegaon National Park Year Established: 1975 Area: 133.9 km² Location: Gondia district Mountains: Satpura foothills Rivers: Nawegaon Lake (man-made) Climate: Tropical dry Flora: Teak, bamboo, jamun Fauna: Leopard, sloth bear, herons, kingfisher Features: Birdwatcher’s paradise; scenic lake 6. Pench National Park (Jawaharlal Nehru NP) (Maharashtra side) Year Established: 1975 Area: 257.3 km² Location: Nagpur district Mountains: Satpura range Rivers: Pench River Climate: Tropical dry deciduous Flora: Teak, mahua, bamboo Fauna: Tiger, leopard, chital, wild dog Features: Part of the larger Pench Tiger Reserve, shared with Madhya Pradesh Manipur 1. Keibul Lamjao National Park Year Established: 1977 Area: 40 km² Location: Bishnupur district Mountains: None; located on Loktak Lake Rivers: Loktak Lake system Climate: Subtropical with humid summers and mild winters Flora: Floating vegetation called phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matter) Fauna: Sangai (brow-antlered deer – endemic and endangered), hog deer, otter, waterfowl Features: World’s only floating national park; vital wetland ecosystem under Ramsar Convention Meghalaya 1. Nokrek Ridge National Park Year Established: 1986 Area: 47.5 km² Location: West Garo Hills district Mountains: Nokrek Peak (highest in Garo Hills) Rivers: Simsang River and tributaries Climate: Subtropical; high rainfall Flora: Tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests; citrus biodiversity Fauna: Red panda, golden cat, hoolock gibbon, Asian elephant Features: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; home to the endemic wild citrus fruit (Citrus indica) 2. Balphakram National Park Year Established: 1985 Area: 220 km² Location: South Garo Hills district Mountains: Balphakram Plateau (eastern rim of Tura range) Rivers: Simsang and Mahadeo Rivers Climate: Tropical with heavy monsoons Flora: Subtropical forest, rare herbs, pitcher plants Fauna: Red panda, gibbons, leopards, golden langurs, marbled cat Features: “Land of Spirits” — sacred to local Garo tribes; rich in caves and canyons Mizoram 1. Murlen National Park Year Established: 1991 Area: 100 km² Location: Champhai district, near Indo-Myanmar border Mountains: Lushai Hills Rivers: Streams of Tuipui River system Climate: Subtropical; heavy monsoon rainfall Flora: Dense semi-evergreen and bamboo forests; often called “the land of no sunlight” (due to thick canopy) Fauna: Tiger, leopard, Himalayan black bear, serow, Hoolock gibbon Features: Extremely rich biodiversity and dense forests with canopy coverage of 70% 2. Phawngpui National Park (also called Blue Mountain National Park) Year Established: 1992 Area: 50 km² Location: Lawngtlai district Mountains: Phawngpui Peak (2,157 m – highest in Mizoram) Rivers: Streams flowing into the Kolodyne River Climate: Temperate; cool and misty year-round Flora: Orchids, rhododendrons, bamboo, grasslands Fauna: Clouded leopard, barking deer, goral, Blyth’s tragopan Features: Sacred mountain to local tribes; panoramic grassland meadows and cliffs Nagaland 1. Intanki National Park (also spelled Ntangki) Year Established: 1993 Area: 202.0 km² Location: Peren district Mountains: Barail Range Rivers: Intanki River and tributaries Climate: Subtropical; high humidity and rainfall Flora: Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, bamboo, cane Fauna: Hoolock gibbon, capped langur, golden langur, sloth bear, leopard, python Features: Only National Park in Nagaland; significant tribal forest conservation efforts Madhya Pradesh 1. Kanha National Park Year Established: 1955 Area: 940 km² Location: Mandla and Balaghat districts Mountains: Maikal Hills, Satpura range Rivers: Banjar and Halon Rivers Climate: Tropical moist and dry deciduous Flora: Sal, bamboo, grasslands Fauna: Barasingha (state animal), tiger, leopard, gaur Features: Inspiration for The Jungle Book; successful reintroduction of swamp deer 2. Bandhavgarh National Park Year Established: 1968 Area: 448.8 km² Location: Umaria district Mountains: Vindhya Hills Rivers: Son River tributaries Climate: Tropical; hot summers Flora: Sal forests, grasslands Fauna: High tiger density, leopard, deer, langurs Features: Ancient Bandhavgarh Fort; known for frequent tiger sightings 3. Panna National Park Year Established: 1981 Area: 542.7 km² Location: Panna and Chhatarpur districts Mountains: Vindhya range Rivers: Ken River Climate: Tropical dry deciduous Flora: Teak, flame of the forest, acacia Fauna: Tiger (reintroduced), leopard, gharial, vultures Features: Ken-Betwa river interlinking project proposed nearby; UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 4. Pench National Park Year Established: 1975 Area: 292.8 km² Location: Seoni and Chhindwara districts Mountains: Satpura range Rivers: Pench River Climate: Tropical dry Flora: Teak, mahua, bamboo Fauna: Tiger, leopard, Indian wolf, jackal Features: Shared with Maharashtra; setting of The Jungle Book 5. Satpura National Park Year Established: 1981 Area: 585.2 km² Location: Hoshangabad (Narmadapuram) district Mountains: Satpura range Rivers: Denwa River Climate: Tropical moist deciduous Flora: Sal, teak, bamboo Fauna: Sloth bear, leopard, Indian bison, crocodiles Features: Boat, jeep, and walking safaris; least commercialized tiger habitat 6. Sanjay National Park Year Established: 1981 Area: 466.9 km² Location: Sidhi and Singrauli districts Mountains: Eastern Satpura range Rivers: Banas River Climate: Tropical moist Flora: Sal, bamboo Fauna: Leopard, nilgai, sambar, wild boar Features: Shares boundary with Guru Ghasidas NP in Chhattisgarh 7. Fossil National Park Year Established: 1983 Area: 0.27 km² (Smallest NP in MP) Location: Dindori district Mountains: Vindhyan Plateau Rivers: None significant Climate: Tropical dry Flora: Fossilized trees and stumps Fauna: Nil Features: Geological site with plant fossils from 40–150 million years ago 8. Dinosaur Fossils National Park Year Established: 2011 Area: 0.897 km² Location: Dhar district Mountains: Malwa Plateau Rivers: Chambal tributaries Climate: Tropical dry Flora: Fossil-rich terrain Fauna: None (Paleontological site) Features: Fossilized dinosaur eggs and bones; significant for evolutionary studies 9. Madhav National Park Year Established: 1959 Area: 375.2 km² Location: Shivpuri district Mountains: Vindhyan outliers Rivers: Sakhya Sagar and Madhav lakes Climate: Semi-arid Flora: Dry deciduous forest, scrub Fauna: Leopard, chinkara, nilgai, crocodile Features: Historic hunting ground of Gwalior royalty 10. Van Vihar National Park Year Established: 1979 Area: 4.45 km² Location: Bhopal (Urban) Mountains: Flat terrain Rivers: Adjacent to Upper Lake Climate: Tropical semi-arid Flora: Urban woodland Fauna: Tiger, bear, python, deer (semi-captive model) Features: Urban conservation park; combines zoo and free-range model 11. Ratapani National Park Status: Declared as a National Park (notified) Area: ~823 km² Location: Raisen and Sehore districts Mountains: Vindhya ranges Rivers: Barna, Dhaman, and Kaliasot rivers Climate: Tropical dry deciduous Flora: Teak, tendu, bamboo, medicinal plants Fauna: Leopard, sloth bear, chinkara, hyena, jungle cat Features: Proposed Tiger Reserve; known for Bhimbetka rock shelters (UNESCO World Heritage site nearby) Odisha 1. Simlipal National Park Year Established: 1980 (Declared NP), part of Biosphere Reserve since 1994 Area: 845.7 km² Location: Mayurbhanj district, northern Odisha Mountains: Eastern Ghats; Simlipal Hills Rivers: Budhabalanga, Palpala, and tributaries Climate: Tropical monsoon; heavy rainfall Flora: Sal forests, grasslands, orchids, medicinal plants Fauna: Tiger, elephant, gaur, giant squirrel, pangolin Features: Part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; home to Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls 2. Bhitarkanika National Park Year Established: 1988 Area: 145 km² Location: Kendrapara district, eastern Odisha Mountains: Coastal deltaic plains Rivers: Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra rivers Climate: Tropical coastal; humid with high rainfall Flora: Mangrove forests, tidal wetlands, salt-tolerant species Fauna: Saltwater crocodile, olive ridley turtle, king cobra, water monitor lizard Features: India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem; Ramsar site Rajasthan 1. Ranthambore National Park Year Established: 1980 (Declared as sanctuary earlier in 1955) Area: 282 km² (core), total area under TR ~1,334 km² Location: Sawai Madhopur district Mountains: Aravalli and Vindhya ranges Rivers: Banas River and Chambal tributaries Climate: Semi-arid; hot summers, cold winters Flora: Dhok tree dominant, dry deciduous forests Fauna: Bengal tiger, sloth bear, caracal, marsh crocodile Features: Famous for tiger photography and Ranthambore Fort (UNESCO tentative list) 2. Sariska National Park Year Established: 1992 Area: 273.8 km² (core) Location: Alwar district Mountains: Aravalli Hills Rivers: Seasonal rivers (Saraswati, Talvriksha) Climate: Dry tropical; sparse rainfall Flora: Dhok, acacia, bamboo, thorn scrub Fauna: Reintroduced tigers, leopard, nilgai, hyena Features: Rich in historic temples and forts; former royal hunting ground 3. Desert National Park Year Established: 1992 Area: 3,162 km² Location: Jaisalmer and Barmer districts Mountains: Sand dunes, rocky outcrops Rivers: None permanent; ephemeral streams Climate: Arid desert climate Flora: Cacti, shrubs, xerophytic grasses Fauna: Great Indian bustard, desert fox, monitor lizard, chinkara Features: Fossils of dinosaurs and trees dating back 180 million years 4. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur) Year Established: 1981 (as NP); earlier a duck-hunting reserve Area: 28.7 km² Location: Bharatpur district Mountains: None; flat wetlands Rivers: Artificially managed wetland via Ghana Canal Climate: Tropical wet and dry Flora: Wetland plants, acacia, babool Fauna: Over 375 bird species including Siberian crane, herons, ibises Features: UNESCO World Heritage Site; prime birdwatching destination 5. Mukundra Hills National Park Year Established: 2006 Area: 200.5 km² Location: Kota, Bundi, and Chittorgarh districts Mountains: Mukundra Hills (Aravalli-Vindhyan interface) Rivers: Chambal, Kali Sindh, and Ahu rivers Climate: Semi-arid Flora: Dry deciduous forests Fauna: Leopard, sloth bear, chinkara, nilgai Features: Recently notified Tiger Reserve; strategic relocation zone Sikkim Khangchendzonga National Park Year Established: 1977 Area: 1784 km² Mountains: Located in the Himalayas; includes Mount Khangchendzonga (third-highest peak in the world) Rivers: Teesta River and its tributaries originate here Climate: Alpine to temperate; heavy snowfall in winter, cool summers Flora: Oak, fir, birch, rhododendron, alpine grasses, medicinal plants Fauna: Snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr, musk deer Features: UNESCO Mixed Heritage Site; rich cultural and biodiversity hotspot Tamil Nadu 1. Guindy National Park Year Established: 1976 Area: 2.7 km² Mountains: Nil Rivers: Nil (urban park) Climate: Tropical; hot summers, mild winters Flora: Dry evergreen scrub, thorn forest, neem, tamarind, gulmohar Fauna: Blackbuck, spotted deer, jackal, civet, mongoose, monitor lizard Features: One of the few national parks within a city (Chennai); eco-educational importance 2. Mudumalai National Park Year Established: 1990 (part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve) Area: 321 km² Mountains: Nilgiri Hills (Western Ghats) Rivers: Moyar River flows through the park Climate: Tropical; moderate rainfall, pleasant year-round Flora: Tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous, teak, bamboo Fauna: Elephants, tigers, leopards, Indian gaurs, sloth bear Features: Important wildlife corridor with Bandipur (Karnataka) and Wayanad (Kerala) 3. Mukurthi National Park Year Established: 1990 Area: 78.5 km² Mountains: Western Ghats (Nilgiris) Rivers: Several streams feeding Bhavani River Climate: Cool temperate; high rainfall Flora: Shola-grassland ecosystem, rhododendron, orchids Fauna: Nilgiri tahr (endemic), leopards, sambars, otters Features: UNESCO Western Ghats World Heritage Site; protected for Nilgiri Tahr conservation 4. Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park Year Established: 1989 Area: 958 km² Mountains: Anaimalai Hills (Western Ghats) Rivers: Aliyar, Thunakadavu, Upper Aliyar rivers Climate: Tropical; humid, heavy monsoon Flora: Tropical wet evergreen, semi-evergreen, deciduous forests Fauna: Lion-tailed macaque, elephant, tiger, panther, pangolin Features: High biodiversity and indigenous tribal communities 5. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (partly declared National Park) Note: While primarily a Tiger Reserve, part of it is managed with National Park regulations Area: 1,411 km² Mountains: Eastern Ghats meeting Western Ghats Rivers: Bhavani, Moyar rivers Climate: Tropical to subtropical Flora: Mixed deciduous, dry forests, scrub Fauna: Tigers, leopards, elephants, dholes Features: Critical wildlife corridor in Southern India Telangana 1. Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park Year Established: 1994 Area: 1.42 km² Location: Hyderabad city Climate: Semi-arid; hot summers, moderate rainfall Flora: Dry deciduous scrub forest; neem, teak, bamboo Fauna: Peacocks, jungle cat, porcupine, monitor lizard Features: Urban biodiversity hub and eco-tourism spot in Hyderabad 2. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Year Established: 1994 Area: 14.59 km² Location: Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad Rivers: Small streams Climate: Tropical; hot summers, moderate monsoon Flora: Grasslands, thorny scrub, acacia, neem Fauna: Blackbucks (main attraction), cheetals, mongoose, monitor lizard Features: Originally a private hunting ground of the Nizam of Hyderabad 3. Mrugavani National Park Year Established: 1994 Area: 3.6 km² Location: Near Chilkur, Hyderabad Mountains: Undulating terrain Rivers: Nil Climate: Semi-arid; hot and dry with mild winters Flora: Tropical deciduous forest, bamboo, teak Fauna: Indian hare, civet, wild boar, snake species Features: Environmental education center and trekking facility Tripura 1. Clouded Leopard National Park Year Established: 2007 Area: 5.08 km² Location: Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, West Tripura Mountains: Located in low hills of eastern Tripura Rivers: Nearby Gumti River Climate: Tropical monsoon; high rainfall, humid Flora: Tropical evergreen forest, bamboo thickets Fauna: Clouded leopard (main species), spectacled langur, migratory birds Features: Named after rare Clouded Leopard; conservation-focused 2. Rajbari (Bison) National Park Year Established: 2007 Area: 31.6 km² Location: Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, South Tripura Mountains: Low-elevation hillocks Rivers: Numerous wetlands and water bodies Climate: Humid subtropical Flora: Semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests Fauna: Indian Gaur (bison), deer, hoolock gibbon, rich birdlife Features: Known for bison population; also home to orchids and cane forests Uttar Pradesh 1. Dudhwa National Park Year Established: 1977 Area: 490.3 km² Location: Lakhimpur Kheri District, near Indo-Nepal border Mountains: Terai region (foothills of Himalayas) Rivers: Suheli and Mohana rivers flow through the park Climate: Humid subtropical with dry winters and hot summers Flora: Sal forests, grasslands, swamp vegetation Fauna: Bengal tiger, swamp deer (barasingha), rhinoceros, elephants Features: Part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve along with Kishanpur and Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuaries Uttarakhand 1. Jim Corbett National Park Year Established: 1936 (as Hailey National Park); renamed in 1956 Area: 520.8 km² Location: Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts Mountains: Outer Himalayas (Shivaliks) Rivers: Ramganga River Climate: Subtropical with cool winters and hot summers Flora: Sal, khair, sissoo, chir pine, grasslands Fauna: Bengal tiger, elephants, otters, gharial, leopards Features: India’s first national park and first under Project Tiger (1973) 2. Nanda Devi National Park Year Established: 1982 Area: 630.3 km² Location: Chamoli district Mountains: Surrounded by Nanda Devi peak (7,816 m) Rivers: Rishi Ganga Climate: Alpine; snow-bound winters and cool summers Flora: Alpine meadows, rhododendrons, fir, birch Fauna: Snow leopard, bharal, Himalayan musk deer Features: UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Valley of Flowers NP 3. Valley of Flowers National Park Year Established: 1982 Area: 87.5 km² Location: Chamoli district, near Badrinath Mountains: Western Himalayas Rivers: Pushpawati River Climate: Alpine; snow-covered in winters Flora: Over 500 species of flowering plants; Brahma Kamal, blue poppy Fauna: Snow leopard, red fox, Himalayan monal Features: UNESCO World Heritage Site; famous for blooming alpine flowers between July–September 4. Rajaji National Park Year Established: 1983 Area: 820 km² Location: Haridwar, Dehradun & Pauri districts Mountains: Shivalik ranges Rivers: Ganges, Song, Chilla, and Suswa rivers Climate: Subtropical; hot summers, heavy monsoon Flora: Sal forests, grasslands, riverine vegetation Fauna: Elephants (large population), tigers, leopards, sloth bears Features: Now a Tiger Reserve (2015); gateway between Western and Central Himalayas 5. Govind National Park Year Established: 1955 Area: 958 km² Location: Uttarkashi district Mountains: Includes Swargarohini peak Rivers: Tons River (a tributary of Yamuna) Climate: Cold temperate to alpine Flora: Coniferous forests, alpine meadows Fauna: Snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, bears Features: Popular trekking destination (Har Ki Doon Valley) 6. Gangotri National Park Year Established: 1989 Area: 2,390 km² Location: Uttarkashi district Mountains: Gangotri Glacier region, Gaumukh Rivers: Bhagirathi (originates here) Climate: Alpine; snow-bound winters Flora: Cedars, birch, fir, junipers Fauna: Snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, ibex Features: Includes Gangotri glacier; pilgrimage and biodiversity hotspot West Bengal 1. Sundarbans National Park Year Established: 1984 (as NP), declared Tiger Reserve in 1973 Area: 1,330 km² Location: South 24 Parganas district, delta region Mountains: None; part of the world's largest delta (Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna) Rivers: Matla, Bidyadhari, and numerous tidal waterways Climate: Tropical; hot, humid summers and heavy monsoons Flora: Dense mangrove forests (Sundari trees, Nypa palm) Fauna: Royal Bengal tiger (swimming tigers), estuarine crocodile, spotted deer, fishing cat Features: UNESCO World Heritage Site; world's largest mangrove forest; critical tiger habitat 2. Buxa National Park Year Established: 1992 Area: 117 km² (core area), with Buxa Tiger Reserve covering ~760 km² Location: Alipurduar district, Dooars region Mountains: Himalayan foothills (Eastern Himalayas) Rivers: Sankosh, Jayanti Climate: Subtropical; heavy rainfall, cool winters Flora: Semi-evergreen forests, sal, bamboo, ferns Fauna: Leopard, gaur, elephants, Himalayan black bear, hornbills Features: Rich birdlife (over 300 species), important elephant corridor 3. Gorumara National Park Year Established: 1994 (earlier a Wildlife Sanctuary) Area: 80 km² Location: Jalpaiguri district, Dooars region Mountains: Terai-Dooars region, Himalayan foothills Rivers: Murti and Jaldhaka rivers Climate: Tropical; hot summers, cool winters Flora: Sal, teak, bamboos, grasslands Fauna: Indian rhinoceros, elephants, gaur, deer, leopards Features: Known for one-horned rhinoceros; scenic safari zone 4. Neora Valley National Park Year Established: 1986 Area: 88 km² Location: Kalimpong district, near Lava Mountains: Eastern Himalayas, including Rachela Pass Rivers: Neora River Climate: Temperate to alpine; cold winters, heavy rainfall Flora: Oak, rhododendron, bamboo, orchids Fauna: Red panda, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan salamander Features: One of the least disturbed ecosystems; biodiversity hotspot 5. Singalila National Park Year Established: 1986 Area: 78.6 km² Location: Darjeeling district Mountains: Singalila Ridge; includes Sandakphu (highest peak in West Bengal) Rivers: Several small Himalayan streams Climate: Alpine and temperate; cold winters Flora: Rhododendrons, magnolias, alpine shrubs Fauna: Red panda, Himalayan black bear, takin, leopard cat, satyr tragopan Features: Popular trekking destination (Sandakphu-Phalut); panoramic views of 4 of 5 world’s highest peaks 6. Jaldapara National Park Year Established: 2012 (originally sanctuary in 1941) Area: 217 km² Location: Alipurduar district, western Dooars Mountains: Foothills of Eastern Himalayas Rivers: Torsa River Climate: Humid subtropical; monsoonal rains Flora: Grasslands, riverine forests, sal forests Fauna: Indian rhinoceros, elephant, leopard, bison, hornbills Features: Second-highest population of one-horned rhinos in India after Kaziranga

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