National Parks of India: Complete Guide to Biodiversity Protection and Eco-Tourism (2026)
National Parks of India represent the country’s most important protected natural areas, created to conserve wildlife, ecosystems, and ecological balance. At a time when climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline are growing global concerns, these parks play a critical role in safeguarding India’s natural heritage. This topic is particularly relevant for students, competitive exam aspirants, and general readers interested in environment, geography, and current affairs.
This article explains what national parks are, why they matter, how they function under Indian law, and their role in biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism, with a special focus on exam relevance and Assam-specific developments.
What Are National Parks in India?
National parks in India are legally protected areas notified primarily for the conservation of wildlife and natural ecosystems. They are established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the statutory framework for wildlife conservation in the country. Once declared, activities such as hunting, grazing, forestry, and private land use are strictly regulated or prohibited.
The administration and policy oversight of national parks fall under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, while day-to-day management is carried out by respective State Forest Departments.
The legal and constitutional backing for environmental protection, including wildlife conservation, is also linked to principles discussed in India’s constitutional framework on environment and governance .
Complete List of National Parks in India (State-Wise Overview)
India’s national parks are distributed across diverse ecological regions—Himalayan ecosystems, Indo-Gangetic plains, Western Ghats, Deccan plateau, deserts, wetlands, and island ecosystems. Each park is notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and serves a specific conservation purpose.
National Parks of Assam
- Kaziranga National Park – Famous for the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceros; UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Manas National Park – A biosphere reserve known for tiger conservation and transboundary ecology.
- Nameri National Park – Important habitat for elephants and hornbills.
- Orang National Park – Known as the “Mini Kaziranga” of Assam.
- Dibru-Saikhowa National Park – Rich wetland ecosystem with migratory birds and feral horses.
- Dehing Patkai National Park – Assam’s only rainforest national park.
- Raimona National Park – Part of the Indo-Bhutan biodiversity hotspot.
- Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park – Assam’s newest national park, notified in 2025.
National Parks of Madhya Pradesh
- Kanha National Park – Model for Project Tiger reserves; inspiration for “The Jungle Book”.
- Bandhavgarh National Park – High density of Royal Bengal tigers.
- Pench National Park – Known for teak forests and predator-prey balance.
- Satpura National Park – Unique rugged terrain and rich biodiversity.
National Parks of Rajasthan
- Ranthambore National Park – One of India’s most famous tiger reserves.
- Sariska National Park – Known for tiger relocation success.
- Keoladeo Ghana National Park – UNESCO site; globally important bird habitat.
- Desert National Park – Represents Thar desert ecosystem; habitat of Great Indian Bustard.
National Parks of Uttarakhand
- Jim Corbett National Park – India’s oldest national park and first Project Tiger reserve.
- Rajaji National Park – Elephant corridor between Shivalik ranges.
- Valley of Flowers National Park – Alpine floral diversity; UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Nanda Devi National Park – High-altitude Himalayan ecosystem.
National Parks of Karnataka
- Bandipur National Park – Part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Nagarhole National Park – Dense forests with tigers and elephants.
- Kudremukh National Park – Known for rolling grasslands and Western Ghats biodiversity.
National Parks of Kerala
- Periyar National Park – Famous for lake-based wildlife viewing.
- Silent Valley National Park – One of India’s last undisturbed tropical rainforests.
- Eravikulam National Park – Habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
National Parks of Gujarat
- Gir National Park – The only natural habitat of Asiatic lions.
- Blackbuck National Park (Velavadar) – Grassland ecosystem conservation.
- Marine National Park – India’s first marine national park.
National Parks of Maharashtra
- Tadoba-Andhari National Park – Known for high tiger sightings.
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park – One of the world’s largest parks within a metropolitan city.
National Parks of West Bengal
- Sundarbans National Park – Mangrove ecosystem; Royal Bengal tiger habitat.
- Jaldapara National Park – Important rhino conservation area.
National Parks of Himachal Pradesh
- Great Himalayan National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Pin Valley National Park – Cold desert ecosystem.
Island National Parks
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Andaman & Nicobar) – Coral reef biodiversity.
- Mount Manipur National Park – Tropical evergreen forests.
This state-wise structure covers all notified national parks across India, making it highly relevant for General Knowledge, Environment, and Geography sections of competitive examinations. Aspirants can reinforce retention using daily mock tests for APSC, ADRE, and UPSC .
Why National Parks Are Frequently Asked in Exams
- Linked with biodiversity and climate change topics
- Important for map-based and static GK questions
- Assam and Northeast parks often appear in state exams
- Connected with current affairs (new parks, UNESCO status)
For structured revision, candidates often combine such static topics with exam-wise preparation resources on Assam247 .
Why National Parks Matter Today
India is recognised as one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, hosting nearly 8% of all known global species. Rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, and climate variability have increased pressure on natural habitats. National parks act as ecological refuges, ensuring the survival of endangered and endemic species.
From an academic and examination perspective, national parks are a recurring topic in General Studies, Geography, Environment, and Assam-specific sections of exams such as APSC, ADRE, UPSC, and various state recruitment tests. Aspirants often revise such topics using structured practice platforms like MCQ practice resources for competitive exams .
Key Facts About National Parks of India
- India currently has over 100 notified national parks.
- They cover approximately 1.5% of India’s total geographical area.
- National parks are distinct from wildlife sanctuaries, as they allow stricter protection.
- Human activities such as grazing and private land ownership are generally prohibited.
- They are notified under central law but managed by state governments.
Role of National Parks in Biodiversity Protection
Biodiversity forms the foundation of ecological stability, supporting food chains, climate regulation, and natural resource cycles. National parks provide secure habitats where species can breed and thrive without direct human interference.
They are especially important for conserving flagship species such as tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, lions, and endemic bird species. Conservation initiatives within these parks also contribute to India’s commitments under international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Environmental protection measures are often linked with policy planning and budgetary allocations, similar to those analysed in Assam Budget 2025–26 environmental and development priorities .
Boosting Eco-Tourism Through National Parks
Eco-tourism refers to responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local communities. National parks provide controlled settings where tourism can coexist with conservation.
Revenue generated from park entry fees, guided safaris, and regulated tourism activities supports conservation infrastructure and local employment. In many regions, eco-tourism has become an important supplementary livelihood for forest-dependent and rural communities.
Such livelihood-linked conservation efforts complement broader rural development and welfare initiatives covered under various Assam Government Schemes .
National Parks in India: State-Wise Conservation Landscape
India’s national parks are distributed across diverse ecological zones, including Himalayan regions, deserts, wetlands, forests, and coastal ecosystems. Together, they span more than 44,000 square kilometres, forming the backbone of India’s in-situ conservation strategy.
For students preparing for environment and geography sections, this topic is often revised alongside mock tests and concept-building material available through knowledge enhancement resources and exam-oriented study tools .
Assam’s New National Park 2025 – Sikhna Jwhwlao
In 2025, Assam expanded its protected area network by declaring the Sikhna Jwhwlao forest region as the state’s eighth national park. This move reflects Assam’s growing emphasis on wildlife conservation, habitat connectivity, and sustainable land management.
Assam is already internationally known for protected areas such as Kaziranga and Manas, and the addition of new national parks strengthens the state’s ecological resilience. Developments like these are frequently covered under Assam-specific current affairs and exam notifications highlighted on Assam247’s latest job and exam update section .
Common Misunderstandings About National Parks
- National parks and wildlife sanctuaries are the same: National parks have stricter protection norms.
- Tourism harms conservation: When regulated, eco-tourism supports conservation funding.
- Local communities are excluded: Many parks now involve communities through sustainable livelihood programs.
Impact on Students, Careers, and Society
Understanding national parks is essential for students pursuing careers in civil services, forestry, environmental science, geography, and policy studies. For society, these protected areas contribute to climate resilience, water security, and long-term ecological sustainability.
Such topics are commonly integrated into interview discussions and written examinations, where conceptual clarity is crucial, similar to preparation strategies discussed in structured interview preparation guides .
Important Clarification
The number, boundaries, and status of national parks may change based on official government notifications. Readers are advised to verify the latest updates from State Forest Departments and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for exam or academic purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Under which law are national parks declared in India?
They are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. How are national parks different from wildlife sanctuaries?
National parks have stricter protection rules and do not allow private land rights.
3. Are national parks important for competitive exams?
Yes, they are frequently asked in APSC, ADRE, UPSC, and state-level exams.
4. Can tourism be allowed inside national parks?
Yes, but only regulated eco-tourism activities approved by authorities.
5. Why is Assam significant in India’s conservation efforts?
Assam hosts globally important biodiversity hotspots and multiple protected areas.
Conclusion
National parks of India are indispensable for preserving biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance, and supporting sustainable development. Beyond conservation, they contribute to education, livelihoods, and environmental awareness.
As environmental concerns increasingly intersect with economic and policy decisions—similar to broader discussions on sustainability in India’s evolving economic landscape —the role of national parks will remain central to India’s future.
