List of All National Parks in India 2026: Complete State-wise List | Important for UPSC, SSC & PSC

Introduction:

India is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with landscapes ranging from the snow-covered Himalayas to tropical rainforests, deserts, wetlands, and mangrove forests. To protect this natural wealth, the Government of India has established more than 100 National Parks under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These parks safeguard endangered species such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, One-Horned Rhinoceros, and Snow Leopard, while also supporting eco-tourism, research, and environmental education. For students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSC examinations, National Parks of India form an important part of the Static General Knowledge and Environment & Ecology syllabus. This article presents a complete, state-wise list of National Parks in India.

List of All National Parks in India (State-wise):

Quick Revision Points:

• India’s first National Park is Jim Corbett National Park (in Uttarakhand), established in 1936 as Hailey National Park.
• Hemis National Park (Ladakh) is the largest National Park in India, famous for Snow Leopards.
• South Button Island National Park (in Andaman & Nicobar Islands) is the smallest National Park in India.
• Madhya Pradesh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands have the highest number of National Parks among all states/UTs.
• Punjab currently has no National Park.
• Gir National Park (in Gujarat) is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion.
• Kaziranga National Park (in Assam) is famous for the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Sundarban National Park (in West Bengal) is the largest mangrove forest area and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
• Keoladeo Ghana National Park (in Rajasthan) is a renowned bird sanctuary known for the Siberian Crane.
• National Parks are established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and are more strictly protected than Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Conclusion:

National Parks are the backbone of India’s wildlife conservation framework. From Kaziranga’s rhinos in Assam to Gir’s Asiatic Lions in Gujarat, and from Hemis’s snow leopards in Ladakh to Sundarban’s Royal Bengal Tigers in West Bengal, each park tells a unique story of India’s ecological diversity. Madhya Pradesh and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands together account for the highest concentration of these parks, reflecting the country’s varied terrain. For exam aspirants, remembering the state-wise distribution, famous animals, and key facts (oldest, largest, smallest parks) is essential, as this topic is frequently tested in UPSC Prelims and other competitive exams.

Regular revision of this list, along with current affairs updates on newly declared parks, will help you score well in the Environment and Geography sections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 Which is the smallest National Park in India?
A) Galathea Bay National Park
B) South Button Island National Park
C) Middle Button Island National Park
D) Mukurthi National Park
Answer: B) South Button Island National Park

Q.2 Periyar National Park, famous for its scenic lake and elephant population, is located in which state?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Karnataka
C) Kerala
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: C) Kerala

Q.3 Which National Park is renowned as a habitat for the Great Indian Bustard?
A) Desert National Park
B) Ranthambhore National Park
C) Sariska National Park
D) Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Answer: A) Desert National Park

Q.4 Sundarban National Park, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and the world’s largest mangrove forest, is located in which state?
A) Odisha
B) West Bengal
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: B) West Bengal

Q.5 Which Act provides the legal framework for the establishment of National Parks in India?
A) Forest Conservation Act, 1980
B) Environment Protection Act, 1986
C) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
D) Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Answer: C) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

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