India is home to some of the most spectacular national parks in the world. These parks are a testament to India’s rich natural heritage and are the best places to witness its incredible diversity of flora and fauna. From the majestic tigers of Bandhavgarh to the one-horned rhinoceros of Kaziranga, each national park in India has its own unique charm. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular national parks in India and learn about the incredible wildlife that calls them home.
Table of Contents
Bandhavgarh National Park
Located in the heart of India, Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most popular national parks in India. The park is home to the majestic Bengal Tiger and is one of the best places to see these magnificent animals in the wild. Apart from tigers, Bandhavgarh is also home to a wide range of other wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and more than 250 species of birds. The park is also home to a rich variety of flora, including Sal and Bamboo forests.
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is another popular national park in India that is known for its tigers. The park is spread over an area of more than 940 square kilometers and is home to a large number of Bengal tigers. Apart from tigers, the park is also home to a wide range of other wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, Indian wild dogs, and more than 300 species of birds. The park is also known for its stunning landscapes, which include lush forests, rolling hills, and grassy meadows.
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is located in the northeastern state of Assam and is home to the world-famous one-horned rhinoceros. The park is spread over an area of more than 430 square kilometers and is also home to a wide range of other wildlife, including tigers, elephants, wild buffalo, and more than 500 species of birds. The park is also known for its stunning landscapes, which include vast grasslands, dense forests, and meandering rivers.
Sunderbans National Park
Sunderbans National Park is located in the Indian state of West Bengal and is home to the largest mangrove forest in the world. The park is spread over an area of more than 1,300 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, Indian python, and more than 260 species of birds. The park is also home to a rich variety of flora, including more than 50 species of mangrove trees.
Gir National Park
Gir National Park is located in the Indian state of Gujarat and is the only place in the world where the Asiatic lion can be found. The park is spread over an area of more than 1,400 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of other wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, jackals, and more than 300 species of birds. The park is also known for its stunning landscapes, which include rocky hills, grassy meadows, and thick forests.
Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park is located in the Indian state of Kerala and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and more than 300 species of birds. The park is spread over an area of more than 770 square kilometers and is also known for its stunning landscapes, which include rolling hills, dense forests, and meandering rivers.
List of National Parks in India
| National Park | State |
|---|---|
| Anshi National Park | Karnataka |
| Bandhavgarh National Park | Madhya Pradesh |
| Bannerghatta National Park | Karnataka |
| Bandipur National Park | Karnataka |
| Betla National Park | Jharkhand |
| Bhitarkanika National Park | Odisha |
| Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar | Gujarat |
| Buxa Tiger Reserve | West Bengal |
| Campbell Bay National Park | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Chandoli National Park | Maharashtra |
| Desert National Park | Rajasthan |
| Dibru-Saikhowa National Park | Assam |
| Dudhwa National Park | Uttar Pradesh |
| Eravikulam National Park | Kerala |
| Gangotri National Park | Uttarakhand |
| Gir Forest National Park | Gujarat |
| Goa National Park | Goa |
| Great Himalayan National Park | Himachal Pradesh |
| Guindy National Park | Tamil Nadu |
| Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park | Tamil Nadu |
| Hemis National Park | Ladakh |
| Inderkilla National Park | Himachal Pradesh |
| Indravati National Park | Chhattisgarh |
| Kalesar National Park | Haryana |
| Kanha National Park | Madhya Pradesh |
| Kanger Ghati National Park | Chhattisgarh |
| Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | Telangana |
| Kaziranga National Park | Assam |
| Keibul Lamjao National Park | Manipur |
| Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan |
| Khangchendzonga National Park | Sikkim |
| Kishtwar National Park | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Kudremukh National Park | Karnataka |
| Madhav National Park | Madhya Pradesh |
| Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park | Telangana |
| Manas National Park | Assam |
| Mathikettan Shola National Park | Kerala |
| Middle Button Island National Park | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Mollem National Park | Goa |
| Mouling National Park | Arunachal Pradesh |
Conclusion
India’s national parks are a testament to its incredible biodiversity and rich natural heritage. From the majestic tigers of Bandhavgarh to the one-horned rhinoceros of Kaziranga, each park has its own unique charm and is home to a wide range of wildlife. These national parks not only provide a natural habitat for these animals but also help in preserving their populations and protecting them from extinction.
MCQ
Q. Which national park in India is known for the one-horned rhinoceros?
a. Bandhavgarh National Park
b. Kanha National Park
c. Kaziranga National Park
d. Sunderbans National Park
Answer: c. Kaziranga National Park is known for the one-horned rhinoceros.
Explanation: The article mentions that Kaziranga National Park in the northeastern state of Assam is home to the world-famous one-horned rhinoceros.
Q. Which national park is the only place in the world where the Asiatic lion can be found?
a. Bandhavgarh National Park
b. Kanha National Park
c. Gir National Park
d. Sunderbans National Park
Answer: c. Gir National Park is the only place in the world where the Asiatic lion can be found.
Explanation: The article mentions that Gir National Park in the Indian state of Gujarat is the only place in the world where the Asiatic lion can be found.
Q. Which national park in India is known for the largest mangrove forest in the world?
a. Bandhavgarh National Park
b. Kanha National Park
c. Kaziranga National Park
d. Sunderbans National Park
Answer: d. Sunderbans National Park is known for the largest mangrove forest in the world.
Explanation: The article mentions that Sunderbans National Park in the Indian state of West Bengal is home to the largest mangrove forest in the world.