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This makes India one of the biggest geographic spreads and the various ecosystems of such national parks represent the richness in flora and fauna. National parks are essential sites for wildlife as well as to symbolize environmental conservation for this country. Following is the list of top 8 national parks of India with an interesting history of each one with ecological importance to it.
Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)
It was established in 1936 as the Hailey National Park, Jim Corbett is India’s first national park. This park is in the foothills of the Himalayas and has been known to be inhabited by the Bengal tigers. It was named after Jim Corbett, a renowned British hunter who became a great conservationist for the creation of this park. A notable site is the spectacular view of tigers, elephants, leopards, and other bird species here. The most attractive feature of this park is its tigers, and it is also one of the prominent parts of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, a government project initiated under Project Tiger, which is developed for tigers.
Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
Kaziranga National Park, established in 1905, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is located in the northeastern state of Assam. This park covers over 1,000 square kilometers and is one of the last refuges of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. It is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, with a range of species from tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and various bird species. Kaziranga is known for its successful conservation efforts for the Indian rhinoceros, which has increased its population from a mere 12 individuals in the early 20th century to over 2,400 today.
Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)
It is situated at the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, Sundarbans National Park is the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. It was declared a national park in 1984 and a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, the park is a haven for the Royal Bengal tiger. Its complex network of rivers, tidal waterways, and mudflats makes it a unique habitat for many marine and terrestrial species. The Sundarbans is particularly famous for its population of the Royal Bengal tigers, which survived in the harsh, waterlogged mangrove environment.
Ranthambhore National Park (Rajasthan)
It is located in the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore Notional Park was a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur. Declared a national park in 1980, it now stands as one of the greatest places to view tigers in their natural habitat. With an area of 392 square kilometers, a wide variety of flora and fauna also includes marsh crocodiles, leopards, and numerous kinds of birds. Ranthambhore is famous for its tiger population and offers some of the best opportunities for tiger sightings in India. The park’s historical Ranthambhore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adds to its allure.
Gir National Park (Gujarat)
Gir National Park was founded in 1965. This is the only place in the world where Asiatic lions exist in the wild. It lies in the state of Gujarat and covers an area of about 1,412 square kilometers. It has unique and diverse species such as leopards, spotted deer, and wild boar. Gir also houses a variety of reptiles and birds. The Asiatic lion, once on the brink of extinction, now thrives in Gir, making the park a vital conservation success story.
Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Kanha National Park is one of the largest and well-maintained parks in India, established in 1955. It covers an area of 940 square kilometers and is known for its beautiful grasslands, dense forests, and rolling hills. Kanha is a home to many species of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, and the rare hard-ground barasingha, or swamp deer. Kanha is the place which inspired the creation of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.” The sanctuary has been an efficient conservation of swamp deer; thousands of animals have been here in large number.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)
It is situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest and most popular wildlife sanctuaries in India. Founded in 1950, the sanctuary spans an area of 925 square kilometers, characterized by its scenic lake that draws elephants and other wildlife to the site. It also features tigers, leopards, and other birds. Periyar is known for its elephants and also offers boat cruises on the Periyar Lake, offering close-up views of wildlife. The sanctuary also promotes eco-tourism and conservation.
Nanda Devi National Park (Uttarakhand)
It is located in the state of Uttarakhand; Nanda Devi National Park was established in 1982 and is named after the sacred Nanda Devi Mountain. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful alpine meadows and rugged terrain that makes it a haven for trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts. Species found in the park include the Himalayan tahr, snow leopard, and brown bear.
India’s national parks not only play an essential role in protecting the country’s biodiversity but also provide an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists to witness the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the country. From the jungles of Ranthambhore to the mangroves of Sundarbans, these parks are a testament to India’s commitment to preserving its ecological heritage.