ABOUT SOME IMPORTANT NATIONAL PARKS AND HISTORY

1. B Y : - R A J E S H W A R I W A G H
National Parks In India

2. National Parks
A National Park is a large area of land which is
protected by the Government because of its natural
beauty, plants, or animals, and which the public can
usually visit.
National parks in India are IUCN category II protected
Areas.
In 1972, India enacted the Wildlife Protection Act and
Project Tiger to safeguard the habitats of conservation
reliant species.

3. National Parks in India

4. Kaziranga National Park
 Home to the largest population of one – horned
Rhino on the Earth, Kaziranga National Park is
located in the state of Assam in North – Eastern
part of India.
 Approximately around five hours by road from
Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park was awarded
the status of a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
 It is located in kchajuri in the state of Assam.

5. Jim Corbett National Park
 Corbett National park set amidst the foothills of
Himalayas, Houses a variety of flora and fauna
including the rare ones such as Tigers and is a
treat for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
It is located in Nainital district and Pauri
Garhwal district of Uttarakhand and was named
after Jim Corbett, a well known hunter and
naturalist.
 It is located in Ramnagar in the state of Uttar

6. Kanha National park
 A delightful town situated in the district of
Mandala, Kanha National park is the heaven of
an exceptionally wide of animals including the
majestic creature tiger. Wide open grass plants
with a backdrop of the city scrapers, scattered
bamboo forests play hosts to a wide variety of
wildlife and diverse birdlife with over 800
species recorded.
 It is located in Jabalpur in the state of Madhya

7. Bandhavgarh National Park
 Formerly a hunting ground for the Maharajas of
Rewa, this National Park is world renowned as a
Tiger Reserve.
 It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh

8. Periyar National Park
 Spread across an area of 300 square miles,
Periyar National Park is covered by lush
evergreen and deciduous forests serving as
home to various animals such as deer,
elephants, Sambar, Nilgiri, Langurs,etc.
 It is located in the state of Kerala

9. Nagarhole National Park
 Nagarhole National Park popularly known as Rajiv
Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole National Park
boasts of its rich wildlife including both flora and
fauna. The place is a paradise for nature lovers and
those seeking solitude.
 It is located in Hunsur in the state of Karnataka

10. Gir National Park
 Gir National Park is the only remaining home for
Asiatic Lion that are almost a definition to this
park in Gujarat, which has lot more to offer.
 It is located in the state of Gujarat.

11. Ranthambore National Park
 This is one of the best tiger reserves of the country,
known to have "friendly" tigers and chances of
sighting one here is reasonably better than many
other tiger reserves of India. Along with this
Ranthambore has one of the richest flora and
fauna making it an absolutely must visit area.
 It is located at the state of Rajasthan

12. Bandipur National park
 Situated in the state of Karnataka, Bandipur
National Park was once the hunting grounds of
the Maharaja of Mysore. It was later established
as a reserve in 1974, and these deciduous forests
rich in wildlife and flora have become a popular
tourist attraction since then.
 It is located in Bandipur in the state of
Karnataka

13. Keoladeo National Park
 It is also the home of Keoladeo National Park,
which habitats over 370 species of animals and
birds. It is recognized as one of the most popular
birds feeding and breeding grounds. In 1982 the
park was marked as a National Park, and later in
1985, it came on the list of World Heritage Sites by
UNESCO.
 It is located at Bharatpur, Rajasthan

14. Sundarban National Park
 It is also a Tiger Reserve and a Biosphere reserve.
Sundarbans National Park is a part of Sundarban
delta that is covered with Mangrove Forest and
the largest population of the Bengal Tigers. It is a
UNESCO world heritage site with a large variety
of birds and reptiles including salt-water
crocodile.
 It is located in kolkata in the state of west
Bengal.

15. Tadoba Tiger Reserve
 Famous for its natural heritage, Tadoba Andhari
Tiger Reserve is definitely one of India's most
exciting and best protected Tiger Reserve, with
most visible tiger sightings in the state of
Maharashtra.
 It is located in Tadoba in the state of Maharasthra.

16. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
 Sariska Tiger Reserve is well nestled in the Aravalli
Hills covering 800 sq km area divided into the
grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and
rocky landscape. Whether one wants to have camel
safaris, go out for shopping in the surrounding
places, visit medieval palaces or wildlife watching
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place.
 It is located in Alwar in the state of Rajasthan

17. Manas National Park
 Manas National Park is a UNESCO Natural World
Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant
Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam. The
only tiger reserve in Assam and also famous for the
rare golden langur and the red panda, Manas is
one of the best-kept national parks in India.
 It is located in Gorbhanda in the state of Assam

18. Bannerghatta National Park
 Housing the country's first butterfly park,
this park has a huge variety of fauna, making
it one of the most enjoyable tourist
attractions in the city. Tourists can also opt
for Safari rides through the park. Tourists
can spot Lions, Tigers, Crocodiles amongst
numerous others in the park.
 It is located in Bengaluru in the state of
Karnataka.

19. Wandoor Marine National Park
 It was established in the year of 1983 for the protection of
Marine life including corals and nestling sea turtles. It is
also called Mahatma Gandhi marine national park.
 It is located in the south-western coast of the Andaman
Islands, in the state of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

20. Great Himalayan National Park
 Great Himalayan National Park, situated in
Himachal Pradesh has four valleys named Sainj
Valley, Tirthan Valley, Jiwa Nal Valley and Parvati
Valley. They are all popular for their natural and
scenic beauty. The park has exotic species of flora
and fauna. The park was established in 1984.
 It is located in Kullu in the state of Himachal
Pradesh

21. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
 Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest
wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and comprises of rare
as well as endangered species of both flora and
fauna. It is surrounded by the protected areas of
Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu as well as Nagarhole
and Bandipur in Karnataka.
 It is located in Sultan Bathey in the state of Kerala.

22. Sanjay Gandhi National park
 Sanjay Gandhi National park is a habitat to an
abundance of flora and fauna, in the midst of a
busy Mumbai. Famed to be one the most liked
national parks, one can also enjoy a train ride
through this one. One can spot here Leopards,
Macaques, Boars, Lions, Flying fox, Kingfisher,
Sunbird and many more. A must visit attraction of
the city, the park is also known for a huge
population and variety of butterflies.

23. Pench National Park
 With the majestic Pench river flowing through the
greens and a variety of wildlife to be spotted in the
rocky terrains, Pench National Park served as an
inspiration for the famous novel 'The Jungle Book'.
 It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

24. Panna National Park
 Panna National Park, situated in Panna district of
Madhya Pradesh in central India, is located on the
banks of River Ken. This National Park has been
awarded as the best maintained tourist friendly
national park of the country by the Ministry of
Tourism of India.
 It is located in chattarpur in the state of Madhya
Pradesh

25. Rajaji National Park
 Encompassing the Shivalik mountain ranges,
Rajaji National Park is abundantly rich in flora and
fauna and proves a great holiday destination for
nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
 It is located in Dehradun in the state of
Uttarakhand.

26. Silent Valley National Park
 The Silent Valley National Park, with its lush green
forests and beautiful views of the rich flora, is a popular
destination for nature and wildlife lovers in Kerala.
With its long, detailed history and the unique status of a
Rain Forest, this national park is truly a sight to visit.
The well-planned Safari and the beautiful stop-overs
around the park only make a trip to this part of Kerala
more worthwhile.
 It is located in Palakkad in the state of Kerala.

27. Dudhwa National Park
 Nestled in the Lakhimpur-Kheri District of Uttar
Pradesh on Indo-Nepal border, Dudhwa National
Park is all about wildlife, nature and diversity and
is a perfect getaway for nature buffs and wildlife
lovers.
 It is located in Lakhimpur-Kheri in the state of
Uttar Pradesh.

28. Nameri National Park
 Nameri national park is famous for its elephants
and other animals including tigers, leopards,
gaurs, wild pigs, sambars, also for being a bird
watchers paradise.
 It is located in the state of Assam .

29. Mudumalai National Park
 It was established way back in 1940 and was the
first national park of Southern India. You can
expect to see a variety of animals here including
tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth
bears, Asian elephants, and Golden Jackals.
 It is located in the state of Tamilnadu.

30. Van Vihar National Park
 Van Vihar National Park placed in central India
in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh is declared the same
since 1983 and extends over an area of about 4.45
sq kms. The animals kept, are almost in their real
natural habitats.
 It is located in Bhopal in the state of Madhya
Pradesh

31. Jaldapara National Park
 Situated in the Eastern foothills of the Himalayas,
the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary along
with Gorumara National Park is famous for one
horned rhinoceros, elephants and Bengal
Tigers, spotted deers, barking deers, Sāmbhar
deers, bison, wild pig, hog deer and bison.
 It is located in Alipurduar in the state of West
Bengal .

32. Eravikulam National Park
 Located 45 min drive away from Munnar, the
Eravikulam National Park houses a rich and
diverse variety of flora and fauna and is a UNESCO
world heritage site. Elephant, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri
marten, Atlas moth (largest in the world), lion-
tailed macaque, small-clawed otter and a rare tiger
or leopard are some of the main animal species
that can be spotted here.
 It is located in Munnar in the state of Kerala.

33. Kudremukh National park
 This national park is placed under the Global Tiger
Conservation Priority I and has been declared as a
Wildlife Protected Area.
 It is located in Mudigree in the state of Karnataka

34. Pin Valley National Park
 Set amidst semi-frozen rivers in the Pin Valley, this
national park located in the Spiti and Lahaul Valley
in the northern part of India is home to the rare
species of famous Himalayan snow leopards and
their prey, the Ibex.
 It is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

35. Gorumara National Park
 The National Park issues entry passes in Lataguri
itself. The beautiful scenery is best enjoyed if you
hire a tour guide with a jeep to avoid the walking
and the fatigue.
 It is located in Jaldapara in the state of West
Bengal .

36. Vansda National Park
 Habitat of Tiger, Leopard, Python, Rusty cat, Giant
squirrel, Four horned deer and many others. This
Forest which belonged to Vansda is rich in
greenery and covers twenty four kilometers square
of area and has Vansda- Waghai state highway and
Railway link connecting Ahwa and Bilmora
running through it.
 It is located in Navsari in the state of Gujarat.

37. Simlipal National Park
 Just a few kilometers away from Baripada, is a
gateway to heaven – Simlipal Nature Park which is
spread across about 846 square kilometers of
area. The name Simlipal suggest the abundance of
“Semul” or Red Silk Cotton trees in the vicinity.
 It is located in the state of Orissa.

38. Hazaribagh Wildlife sanctuary
 The Hazaribagh wildlife sanctuary (earlier called
Hazaribagh National Park) is one of the oldest
wildlife sanctuaries in India. The sanctuary was
established in 1954 with an objective of conserving
wildlife and providing a home for rare and
endangered species of flora and fauna.
 It is Located in the state of Jharkhand.

39. Betla National Park
 Betla National Park is a beautiful national park
which is spread over the hilly terrain of the
attractive Palamau district, west of Ranchi.
 It is located in the state of Ranchi.

40. Singalila National Park
 Singalila National Park , located on the Singalila
Ridge at a height of 7000 feet above sea level, is a
national park of India in Darjeeling . The park is
well known for the trekking and other adventure
sports. The national park is similar to a paradise
for the trekkers and adventure lovers.
 It is located in Darjeeling in the state of West
Bengal .

41. Desert National Park
 Desert National park is one of the largest national
parks, covering an area of 3162 km'. It is an
excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar
Desert and sand dunes form 20% of the entire
park.
 It is located in Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan..

42. Namdhapa National Park
 One of the chief natural reserves of Arunachal
Pradesh, the Namdhapa National Park lies under
the shadows of the snow capped peaks of the
Himalayas. It plays home to numerous diversifies
flora and fauna.
 It is located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

43. Dachigam National Park
 You have come here with one motive, and that is to
explore and experience the sheer beauty that this
splendid National Park beholds within itself. The
lush green environs, beautiful flora and some of
the rarest fauna species are to found here in this
park.
 It is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

44. Balpakram National park
 Covering an area of around 220 sq. km. This
National Park is at an altitude of 3,000 ft above sea
level. Exotic species of herbs and plants, having
medicinal value, are also found in this national
park.
 It is located in the state of Meghalaya.

45. Bhitarkanika National Park
 This wildlife sanctuary is regarded as one of its
kind in Asia and is home to one of the rarest
species of flora and fauna.
 It is located in Parmannandapur in the state of
Odisha.

46. Buxa Tiger Reserve
 The Buxa Tiger Reserve is a 760-square-kilometre (290
sq mi) tiger reserve located inside the Buxa National
Park in West Bengal, India, in the Buxa hills of the
southern hilly area of Bhutan. Animals found in the
park include, the tiger, civet, Elephant, Gaur (Indian
bison), Pig and red jungle fowl.
 It is located in Alipurduar in the state of West Bengal .

47. Hemis National Park
 At an altitude ranging from 3,300 m to 6,000 m
above sea level, this sanctuary is known to be the
highest in the world as well as the largest park of
South Asia. It is also a habitat to the rare Snow
Leopards. Hemis National Park is located in
Ladakh region of North India.
 It is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

48. Kiebul Lamjao National Park
 The only floating National Park in the world,
this place is definitely a must see. It is home
to various species of plants and animals,
including the migratory visitors during the
winters.
 It is located in the state of Manipur.

49. Kanchenjunga National Park
 Located at an elevation of 1829 m to over
8,550 m spread across an area of 849.5 sq
km, Kanchenjunga National Park is a
Biosphere reserve located on the border
between east Nepal and Sikkim.
 It is located in the state of Sikkim.

50. Kishtwar National Park
 Spread over an area of 400 sq.km the
Kishtwar National Park contains 15 mammal
species including the musk deer and
Himalayan black and brown bear.
 It is located in the state of Jammu and
Kashmir.

51. Madhav National Park
 Spread over a sprawling area of 157 sq km in
the district of Shivpuri, is the Madhav
National Park. It is one of the major wildlife
parks in the district.
 It is located in Shivpuri in the state of
Madhya Pradesh

52. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
 Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful hill station
endowed with variety of flora and fauna in the land of
deserts. The mystifying and beautiful city is a sacred
pilgrimage spot beside being a summer gateway.
 It is located in Mount Abu in the State of Rajasthan.

53. Gulf of Munnar National Park
 It consists of 21 small islands and coral reefs in the
gulf of Munnar in the Indian ocean of Tamilnadu.
The park has a high diversity of plant and animals
in its marine and shore habitats. Dugong (Sea
Cow), a vulnerable marine animal is found here.
 It is located in the state of Tamil Nadu.

54. Anamudi Shola National Park
 Declared as a National Park in 2003, Anamudi Shola
National Park is a small park spread in 7.5 sq. km of an
area. Anamudi Shola National Park is under consideration
for UNESCO Heritage site of India by UNESCO World
Heritage Committee.
 It is located in the Western Ghat region of the State of
Kerala.

55. Neora Valley National Park
 Neora Valley National Parkis a compact patch of
virgin forest, rich in biodiversity located in the
Eastern Himalayas, a global 'biodiversity hotspot'.
It was notified as a National Park based on the
provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 in
the year 1992.
 It is located in Darjeeling in the state of west
Bengal.

56. Valley of Flowers National Park
 Valley of Flowers is a vibrant and splendid national
park reposing in West Himalayas. Tourist may spot
animals like Asiatic black deer, snow leopard,
musk deer, red fox, brown bear and blue sheep.
Legends believe it to be the place from where
Hanuman had collected the Sanjeevani buti for
curing Lakshmana.
 It is located in the state of Uttarakhand.

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