List of National Parks in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical monuments, also boasts an impressive array of natural wonders in the form of national parks. These protected areas serve as sanctuaries for diverse flora and fauna, offering a glimpse into the region’s ecological richness. From dense forests to serene wetlands, each national park in Tamil Nadu presents a unique ecosystem waiting to be explored. Let’s embark on a journey through these pristine landscapes.

How many National Parks are there in Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu is home to five national parks, each offering a unique and diverse natural environment for visitors to explore. From the dense forests of Mudumalai to the marine biodiversity of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, these protected areas showcase the rich flora and fauna of the region, contributing to both conservation efforts and ecotourism initiatives.

List of National Parks in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is home to five national parks, each offering a unique and diverse natural environment for visitors to explore.

Here is the list of national parks in Tamil Nadu:

Mudumalai National Park

Establishment: 1940

Location: Nilgiri district

Nestled amidst the picturesque Nilgiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu, Mudumalai National Park sprawls across 321 square kilometers of lush terrain. Embraced by the states of Karnataka and Kerala, this protected area dates back to 1940. A vital component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve since 1986, it gained further acclaim as a tiger reserve in 2007. Enriched by a bountiful annual rainfall of 1,420 mm, the park shelters a diverse ecosystem boasting 498 plant species, 266 avian species, and a plethora of carnivores, herbivores, and aquatic life, all flourishing along the banks of the Moyar River and its tributaries.

Mukurti National Park

Establishment: 1990

Location: Nilgiri district

Situated amidst the scenic Nilgiris Plateau in Tamil Nadu, Mukurthi National Park spans 78.46 square kilometers, safeguarding the endangered Nilgiri tahr, a symbol of its conservation efforts. Characterized by montane grasslands and sholas, the park’s high-altitude terrain hosts a variety of wildlife, including the majestic Royal Bengal tiger and the iconic Asian elephant. A vital component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012, Mukurthi is a sanctuary of biodiversity in the Western Ghats.

Guindy National Park

Establishment: 1976

Location: Chennai

Nestled within the bustling city of Chennai, Guindy National Park sprawls over 2.70 square kilometers, making it one of India’s smallest national parks. This urban oasis, an extension of the historic Raj Bhavan grounds, houses a diverse landscape of lush forests, scrublands, and serene water bodies. Serving as a sanctuary amidst city life, it epitomizes the harmonious coexistence of nature and urbanity.

Gulf of Mannar National Park

Establishment: 1990

Location: Coastal regions of Thoothukkudi and Ramanathapuram District

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, situated in the Gulf of Mannar within the Indian Ocean, encompasses 21 picturesque islets and vibrant coral reefs off the coast of Tamil Nadu. Serving as the focal point of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, it encompasses diverse marine, intertidal, and nearshore habitats teeming with a plethora of plant and animal species. Access to the park is restricted, with the highlight being glass-bottom boat rides. Designated as a National Park in 1986, it stands as a testament to India’s commitment to marine conservation efforts.

Indira Gandhi National Park

Establishment: 1989

Location: Coimbatore district

Indira Gandhi National Park, nestled within the expansive Anamalai wildlife sanctuary, sprawls over 108 square kilometers in Tamil Nadu. Encompassing a total area of 950 square kilometers, it is a haven of biodiversity. Coimbatore serves as the nearest airport to this natural sanctuary. The park boasts a rich variety of flora, including savannah forests, tropical dry scrub forests, evergreen forests, and moist deciduous forests. Among its diverse wildlife are Asiatic wild elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, muntjac, spotted deer, wild boar, giant squirrels, Nilgiri langurs, common langurs, lion-tailed macaques, and bonnet macaques.