National Parks in India Map
India has 106 National Parks (2026) covering approximately 44,403 km² across diverse ecosystems ranging from the Himalayan mountains to coastal and marine regions.
- The first national park in India was Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 in Uttarakhand. It was originally known as Hailey National Park.
- The smallest national park in India is South Button Island National Park in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, covering approximately 0.03 km².
What is a National Park?
A National Park is a protected area established by the government under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 to conserve wildlife, flora, and natural ecosystems.
These parks aim to safeguard biodiversity and provide a secure habitat for endangered species.
Strictly Prohibited Activities:
- Hunting & Poaching
- Grazing
- Commercial extraction of resources
Promoted Activities: Eco-tourism, environmental education, and scientific research.
National Parks in India – Key Features
Legal Protection: Prohibits hunting, grazing, and forestry.
Wildlife Conservation: Secure habitats for endangered species.
Ecological Balance: Preserves ecosystems and landscapes.
Public Access: Regulated eco-tourism and education.
Scientific Research: Wildlife monitoring and research.
Ramsar Sites in India (2026)
India has 98 Ramsar Sites as of 2026, making it the country with the highest number of such sites in South Asia. These wetlands are of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Total Sites: 98 Wetlands of International Importance.
Largest Site: Sundarban Wetland (West Bengal).
Smallest Site: Vembannur Wetland Complex (Tamil Nadu).
First Sites: Chilika Lake (Odisha) & Keoladeo NP (Rajasthan).
Important Ramsar Facts
- Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India (18 sites).
- Uttar Pradesh follows with 10 Ramsar sites.
- The Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, and came into force in 1975.
- India ratified the convention on February 1, 1982.
Oldest National Parks
| Rank | National Park | State | Year |
|---|
| 1 | Corbett NP | Uttarakhand | 1936 |
| 2 | Kanha NP | Madhya Pradesh | 1955 |
| 3 | Tadoba NP | Maharashtra | 1955 |
Smallest National Parks
| Rank | National Park | Location | Area |
|---|
| 1 | South Button Island | A&N Islands | 0.03 km² |
| 2 | Ghughua Fossil | Madhya Pradesh | 0.3 km² |
| 3 | North Button Island | A&N Islands | 0.44 km² |
Newest National Parks
| Rank | National Park | State | Year |
|---|
| 1 | Dehing Patkai | Assam | 2021 |
| 2 | Raimona | Assam | 2021 |
| 3 | Jaldapara | West Bengal | 2014 |
Largest National Parks
| Rank | National Park | State/UT | Area |
|---|
| 1 | Hemis NP | Ladakh | 4400 km² |
| 2 | Desert NP | Rajasthan | 3162 km² |
| 3 | Gangotri NP | Uttarakhand | 2390 km² |
Important Facts (UPSC)
- Hemis National Park → Largest national park in India
- South Button Island NP → Smallest national park
- Corbett National Park → Oldest national park
- Dehing Patkai NP → One of the newest parks
RAAH