“Parks” reminds us of the swings, see-saw, merry-go-rounds, tag with friends, chit chats, silly fights, and all those good things back in those days. But here, National Parks are the natural habitats for the animal which are on the verge of extinction. National Parks aim to increase the faunal, floral count, and geomorphological and zoological features of the country which is of great importance. 

In these parks, human activities are prohibited and it is also considered a crime. The purpose of those National Parks is to protect, propagate, and develop the wildlife in that environment. India has a total number of 106 national parks which cover an area of 44, 378 kilometers squared. These parks are IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) category 2 protected areas which is why human trespassing is a crime except for those permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state, under the conditions in CHAPTER IV, WPA 1972. 

Did you Know? 

• In the year 1970, There were only five national parks in India but currently, India has 103 National Parks covering about 44,378 km. 
• Hailey National Park was the first National Park that was established in India in 1936. Hailey National Park is currently known as Jim Corbett National Park. 
• Marine National Park located in the Gulf of Kutch is the first Marine National Park in India. 

The Top 10 National Parks In India

Here’s the countdown for the top 10 National parks in India. 

1. Jim Corbett National Park

Being the oldest National Park in India and the only Park in India that allows an overnight stay, Jim Corbett National Park attracts visitors from all over the world. Jim Corbett National Park is known for having the largest number of tigers in India. This destination for eco-tourists contains 488 varieties of flora, 586 species of birds, 33 species of reptiles, and 7 amphibians and fish species are also present in the park. 

2. Sundarbans National Park

Sundarbans National Park is spread over 513 square miles. Sunderbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. Sunderban is a delta that is formed by the Brahmaputra and Ganges river and the Bay of Bengal. Sundarbans National Park has an amazing landscape. Gangetic dolphin, king cobra, estuarine crocodile, Olive Ridley turtle, and several Bengal tigers are found in this National Park. 

3. Nanda Devi Biosphere & Valley of Flowers National Parks

The Nanda Devi Biosphere & Valley of Flowers National Park focuses on conserving the florals. This National Park is a UNESCO site.  The perfect time to visit this national park is from May to October. It contains 312 floral species among which 17 species are considered to be very rare. Nanda Devi is considered to be the second highest peak in India. This Biosphere contains Himalayan musk deer and snow leopard which are said to be the threatened species.

4. Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park a.k.a Periyar Tiger Reserve, this national park is located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. This national park is a natural habitat for macaques, sambar deer, Indian bison, and leopards. Periyar National Park is known to be the best tiger and elephant reserve. This park is spread across 135 square miles and has two rivers. Several rare florae are found here.

5. Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park has a huge number of tigers. This park should be visited between October and March. This national park is famous for the rivers that are crystal clear. Ranthambore National Park used to be a hunting ground but now, they are one of the most commonly visited National Parks in India. Caracal, sambar deer, spotted deer, tigers, leopards, Indian gazelles, hyenas, and pangolin make Ranthambore National Park their habitat.

6. Gir National Park

It is very sad to say that Gir National Park is the only national park in India where lions can roam freely in the jungle. Gir National Park situated in the state of Gujarat had only 20 lions in the year 1913. After many tireless efforts of the forest department, the population of the lions increased in number. Now there are 513 lions in the national parks. It is a great relief that their efforts did not go in vain.

7. Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is the favorite spot for all the wildlife photographers out there. Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh. The remains of the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort in the south give this national park a fabulous outlook. The best time to visit this national park is from October to march. Bandhavgarh National Park is at its best during the winter season. 

8. Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park was declared a tiger reserve in the year 1999. Many wild dogs are found in this national park. Apart from them, this park is also a habitat for leopards, tigers, sloth bears, and a few deer species. 

9. Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is the finest national park compared to all. They have the largest population of one-horned rhinos compared to the world. Kaziranga National Park is spread across several wet grasslands and swamps. There were only 12 one-horned rhinos in the year 1903 but the number increased. Now there are 1,800 rhinos roaming in this natural habitat. Kaziranga National Park is also a habitat for Gangetic dolphins and many birds. Kaziranga National Park is known for its elephant safaris.

10. Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is the largest National Park in the whole of central India.  Kanha National Park encompasses 363 square miles. This is one of the ideal destinations for all the lovers of wildlife out there. Kanha National Park has more than a hundred Bengal tigers, sloths, and several varieties of deer and leopards as well. Kanha National Park is an apt place to spot big wild cats. The breeding program carried out by the Kanha National Park saved barasingha deer species from extinction.

Few Final Words

India has a stunning mountain range called the Himalayas, the hottest Thar desert, and The Eastern Ghats with thick rain forest and 4600 miles of a wide range of flora and fauna. In order to keep these amazing living creatures alive, it is necessary to protect them and protect their natural habitat as well.