Major National Parks in India

Natural wonders and a wealth of species can be found in India's national parks. These protected regions provide a window into the nation's extensive animal history, from the storied Jim Corbett National Park, renowned for its gorgeous tigers, to the vast Sundarbans National Park, home to the endangered Bengal tiger. India's national parks provide wildlife aficionados the ability to interact with amazing creatures that call these parks home, as well as a variety of ecosystems, endangered species, and magnificent vistas.

Features of Major National Parks in India

Here are the descriptions of major national parks in India −

Jim Corbett National Park

Due to its abundance of flora and animals, Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It is situated in Uttarakhand's Nainital District. Additionally, it is the country's second-largest Tiger reserve after the Sunderbans. Hailey National Park was the name of the park when it first opened in 1936. There are more than 500 square kilometres in total. One of the uncommon national tiger reserves where overnight stays are permitted is Jim Corbett National Park. In addition to tigers, one can see crocodiles, wild elephants, and leopards.

Kanha National Park

The centre of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, established in 1974 as part of Project Tiger, is the Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, which was established in 1955. The hardground swamp deer (Barasingha), which is rare, has been preserved in the park, protecting it from extinction. Kanha National Park is one of the best kept National Parks in Asia because to strict conservation measures for the general protection of the Park's species and flora.

Kaziranga National Park

Assam's Kaziranga National Park is split between Nagaon and Golaghat Districts. It is the oldest park in Assam and spans 430 sq. km along the Karbi Anglong hills on the south and the river Brahmaputra on the north. The Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros is a notable resident of Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site. The park's topography is made up of steep woodland, thick elephant grass, rough reeds, marshes, and shallow ponds. In 1974, it was designated as a national park.

Bandhavgarh National Park

One of Madhya Pradesh's most visited wildlife sanctuaries is Bandhavgarh National Park. It is one of the most well-known tiger reserves in the nation and has one of the greatest tiger densities. Madhya Pradesh is the state with the highest number of tigers (526) in its reserves, according to the 2019 Tiger Census Report. The main zone of the Bandhavgarh reserve is 716 sq. km, while the buffer zone is 820 sq. km, totaling 1536 sq. km. The national park is 400 to 800 meters above sea level. The Satpura and Vindhya Mountain ranges in Madhya Pradesh's Umaria district are home to the mystical Tiger Land.

Sundarbans National Park

The largest mangrove forest in the world and one of the most ecologically productive natural ecosystems are found in the Sundarbans. Between India and Bangladesh, at the confluence of the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers, its forest and waterways support a diverse diversity of fauna, including a number of species that are endangered.10,000 km² of land and water make up the Sundarbans in the Ganges delta, with more than half of that area located in India and the remaining in Bangladesh. It has the greatest area of mangrove forests in the entire planet. The Park is home to several rare or endangered species, including tigers, aquatic animals, birds, and reptiles.

Ranthambore National Park

One of the biggest national parks in northern India is Ranthambore. It is located in southeast Rajasthan, India, 14 kilometres from Sawai Madhopur district and around 180 kilometres from Jaipur. regarded as one of the best locations in the jungle to see the strong, regal Indian Tiger. Wildlife lovers and photographers have flocked to Ranthambhore National Park, a popular wildlife tourist destination. The Vindhyas and Aravalis hill range surround Ranthambhore National Park, and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve occupies an area of approximately 1410.64 sq. km., including core and buffer region.

Gir National Park

The only location outside of Africa where lions can be viewed in their natural habitat is Gir National Park. A forest, national park, and animal sanctuary are located close to Talala Gir in Gujarat, India. It is also known as Sasan Gir. With an average length of 2.75 meters and greater tail tassels, elbow tufts, and pronounced belly folds than their African cousins, who have thicker manes, Girian lions are gorgeous creatures. 40 species of animals and 425 species of birds may be found in Gir. It was founded in 1965 amid the 1,410.30 km2 private hunting grounds of the former Nawab of Junagarh.

Bandipur National Park

In India, Bandipur National Park has the second-highest tiger population. In the Chamarajanagar district's Gundulpet taluk is where you'll find Bandipur National Park. The Park is the largest protected area in Southern India and the largest habitat for Wild Elephants in South Asia because it is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Three more national parks, including Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai National Park, and Nagarahole National Park, border Bandipur National Park. In the Bandipur National Park, you may see tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, dholes, sambars, sloth bears, chitals, and many more species and birds.

Manas National Park

In Assam, India, there are three national parks: Manas National Park, a Project Tiger reserve, and an elephant reserve. It borders the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan and is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and pygmy hog are just a few examples of the uncommon and endangered endemic animals found in the area. The wild water buffalo population in Manas is another reason for its fame. Manas National Park is a biosphere reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its extraordinary biodiversity, landscape, and range of habitats.

Dudhwa National Park

The Terai belt of marshy grasslands in northern Uttar Pradesh, India, is home to the Dudhwa National Park. It covers an area of 490.3 km2 and has a 190 km2 buffer zone around it. In the districts of Kheri and Lakhimpur, it is a piece of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. The Park has buffers of protected forest areas on its northern and southern sides and is situated along the Indo-Nepali border in the Lakhimpur Kheri District. It is one of the few remaining protected areas in the rich and productive Terai ecosystem, which is home to numerous endangered species, species that are required for tall, wet grasslands, and species with a narrow range.

List of Major National Parks in India

Here is a table showcasing some of the major national parks in India and their locations −

National Park	Location
Jim Corbett National Park	Uttarakhand
Kanha National Park	Madhya Pradesh
Kaziranga National Park	Assam
Bandhavgarh National Park	Madhya Pradesh
Sundarbans National Park	West Bengal
Ranthambore National Park	Rajasthan
Gir National Park	Gujarat
Bandipur National Park	Karnataka
Manas National Park	Assam
Dudhwa National Park	Uttar Pradesh

Conclusion

India is endowed with magnificent mountain peaks that display its stunning natural diversity. These peaks, which range in size from the majestic Kangchenjunga and Nanda Devi to the picturesque Kamet and Trisul, enchant both explorers and nature lovers. The highest points in the nation can be found in Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Ladakh, and Rajasthan, among other places. Each peak has its unique significance and charm, drawing tourists from all over the world to experience its breath-taking magnificence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the oldest national park in Assam?

Kaziranga National Park is the oldest national park in Assam.

Where can one spot lions in their natural habitat in India?

Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place outside of Africa where lions can be viewed in their natural habitat.

Which national park has the highest tiger population in India?

Bandipur National Park in Karnataka has the second-highest tiger population in India.

Which national park is known for its population of Indian elephants?

Bandipur National Park in Karnataka is the largest habitat for wild elephants in South Asia.

Which Indian national park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Manas National Park in Assam is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its extraordinary biodiversity and range of habitats.