Categories: General Studies

Biggest National Park in India, List of Top 10

A National Park is a designated area, typically under government ownership and management, with the primary mission of preserving and safeguarding its unique natural, cultural or historical attributes. These protected zones are created to ensure the preservation of distinctive ecosystems, landscapes and wildlife within their boundaries. Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, holds the distinction of being India’s first national park, established in 1963. In 1972, India introduced the Wildlife Protection Act, followed by the initiation of Project Tiger in 1973, both focused on conserving the habitats of species in need of conservation efforts. Presently, India boasts 106 national parks, covering a combined area of 44,378 sq. kilometers, equivalent to 1.35% of the nation’s total land area. In this article, we will delve into biggest national park in India.

Biggest National Parks in India

Hemis National Park is the biggest national park in India which covers an area of about 4,400 sq. km, established in 1981 in the state of Ladakh.

Here is the list of Top-10 Biggest National Parks in India:

S. No. Name Area (in sq.km) State Year of establishment
1. Hemis National Park 4,400 Ladakh 1981
2. Desert National Park 3,162 Rajasthan 1981
3. Gangotri National Park 2,390 Uttarakhand 1989
4. Namdapha National Park 1.,985.2 Arunachal Pradesh 1983
5. Khangchendzonga National Park 1,784 Sikkim 1977
6. Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park 1,440.7 Chhattisgarh 1981
7. Sundarban National Park 1,330.1 West Bengal 1984
8. Indravati National Park 1,258.4 Chhattisgarh 1975
9. Papikonda National Park 1,031 Andhra Pradesh 2008
10. Kanha National Park 940 Madhya Pradesh 1955

1.     Largest National Park of India: Hemis National Park

 

  • Establishment: 1981
  • Area: 4,400 sq. km
  • Location: Ladakh

Hemis National Park is a big place high up in the mountains of Ladakh, India. It is the largest national park of India and also considered as one of the biggest national park in the world. This national park is home to several species of endangered mammals and birds. Hemis National Park is a protected area for endangered mammals such as snow leopards, leopards, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear and the red fox.

The park is famous as a habitat centre of Shapu or the Ladakhi Urial in the country. Some other small mammals are also found in this park like Himalayan marmot, mountain weasel and Himalayan mouse and a home to the birds like golden eagle, Lammergeier vulture and the Himalayan griffon. The suitable time to visit this national Park is between May and September.

2. Second Largest National Park in India: Desert National Park

 

  • Establishment: 1981
  • Area: 3,162 sq. km
  • Location: Rajasthan

Desert National Park located in Thar Desert of Rajasthan, close to places called Jaisalmer and Barmer, is the second biggest national park in India with an area of about 3,162 sq. km. The Desert National Park consists of 20% sand dunes. This park is famous for the great Indian Bustard, which can be seen in large numbers here. This national park has a collection of rare fossils of animals and plants. The best time to visit Desert National Park is between November and January.

Other Important Articles
Largest State of India Largest Flower in the World
Smallest Continent in the World Largest Airport in the World

3. India’s Third Largest National Park: Gangotri National Park

 

  • Establishment: 1989
  • Area: 2,390.02 sq. km
  • Location: Uttarkhand

Gangotri National Park, located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, is the third largest national park of India. This national park is famous for the Gangotri glacier, the origin of Bhagirathi River. This national park is covered by dense coniferous forest and it is the home to the snow leopard. The weather of the park is good for rare species like black bears, brown bears, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan monal and Himalayan snowcock. Number of tourists came to visit the park from April to October.

4. Namdapha National Park

 

  • Establishment: 1983
  • Area: 1,985.2 sq. km
  • Location: Arunachal Pradesh

Namdapha National Park, spanning 1,985 sq. km in Arunachal Pradesh, India, is a biodiverse hotspot in the Eastern Himalayas. Established in 1983, it hosts 1,000+ plant and 1,400+ animals species, including unique lowland rainforests at 27 degree North latitude. It is part of the Mizoram-Manipur-Kachin rainforests and ranks as India’s fourth-largest national park.

5. Khangchendzonga National Park

 

  • Establishment: 1977
  • Area: 1,784 sq. km
  • Location: Sikkim

Khangchendzonga National Park, or Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, in Sikkim, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016, regarded as India’s first “Mixed Heritage” site. It is a part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, named after the majestic 8,586 m Kanchenjunga peak. Encompassing 1,784 sq. km, it is a treasure of biodiversity and natural beauty.

6. Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park

 

  • Establishment: 1981
  • Area: 1,440.7 sq. km
  • Location: Chhattisgarh

Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park in Chhattisgarh’s Koirya district is a captivating sight, established in 1981 across 1,440.7 sq. km. The tropical Sakhua forest shelters diverse wildlife, including Bengal tigers, Indian leopards and varied bird species like golden hooded and racket-tailed drongos. This national park was renamed after Guru Ghasidas.

7. Sundarban National Park

 

  • Establishment: 1984
  • Area: 1,330.1 sq. km
  • Location: West Bengal

Sundarban National Park, located in West Bengal, India, is renowned for its tiger and biosphere reserves. Established in 1984, it spans 1,330.10 sq. km across the Ganges Delta. Rich in biodiversity, it is home to Bengal tigers, diverse mammals, birds like openbill storks and reptiles including crocodiles. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it is a vital biosphere reserve since 1989.

8. Indravati National Park

 

  • Establishment: 1975
  • Area: 1,258.4 sq. km
  • Location: Chhattisgarh

Indravati National Park, located in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, named after Indravati river. It is a home to rare wild buffalo and diverse wildlife like nilgai, blackbuck and more. The park’s lush landscape boasts bamboo, sal and teak trees.

9. Papikonda National Park

 

  • Establishment: 2008
  • Area: 1,031 sq. km
  • Location: Andhra Pradesh

Papikonda National Park, located near Rajamahendravaram in Andhra Pradesh, was established in 2008 across 1,031 sq. km. Known for its rich bird biodiversity, it shelters endangered species like Bengal tigers, Indian leopards and more. The park’s diverse forests host various deer species, gaur and antelope. It got recognition as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area in 2016, with endangered birds like Oriental darters and River terns thriving there.

10. Kanha National Park

 

  • Establishment: 1955
  • Area: 940 sq. km
  • Location: Madhya Pradesh

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh’s largest at 940 sq. km, is renowned for its tiger reserve status. Established in 1955, it is a habitat for Bengal tigers, leapards, barasinghas and more. Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’ drew inspiration from its lush forests. The park is a home to about 1,000 plant species and 300 bird species.

 

Find More General Studies News Here

 

FAQs

Which is the largest national park in India?

Hemis National Park is the biggest national park in India which covers an area of about 4,400 sq. km, established in 1981 in the state of Ladakh.

Which is the second largest national park in India?

Desert National Park located in Thar Desert of Rajasthan, close to places called Jaisalmer and Barmer, is the second biggest national park in India with an area of about 3,162 sq. km.

What is a national park?

A national park is a designated area of land, usually owned and managed by a government for the purpose of preserving and protecting its natural, cultural or historical features.

Which is the first national park of India?

The India’s first national park was established in 1936 named Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.

Akansha Arora

My role as a content writer specializing in current affairs at Adda247 involves meticulously researching and crafting compelling articles aimed at guiding and informing candidates preparing for National and State Level Competitive Government Exams. With a dedication to educational excellence, I strive to keep our candidates abreast of the latest developments and trends in current affairs. By providing insightful and engaging content, I aim to ensure that aspiring candidates are well-prepared and informed for their examinations.

Recent Posts

Which District of Punjab is Known as the Land of White Gold?

Punjab is a state in northern India, known for its rich culture, history, and agriculture.…

9 hours ago

Who is Known as the Father of Geometry?

Geometry is a branch of mathematics that focuses on the study of shapes, sizes, and…

10 hours ago

SECI MoU to Advance Green Hydrogen initiatives

On 19th November 2024, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI), under the Ministry…

12 hours ago

Which District of Madhya Pradesh is Famous for Mhow Cantonment?

Madhya Pradesh is a large state in central India, known for its rich history, cultural…

12 hours ago

PM Modi Receives Highest Honors from Guyana and Dominica

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred prestigious awards by Guyana and Dominica in recognition…

12 hours ago

Which District of Haryana is Known as Milk City?

India is home to many cities that are uniquely recognized for their culture, history, or…

13 hours ago