UPSC Prelims, Geography, National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries .

Geography, National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries 

National Parks

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• 1 Campbell Bay National Park, Andaman and Nicobar — forms part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve

• 2 Galathea National Park, Andaman and Nicobar — part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve' with rare species of plants and animals

• 3 Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman and Nicobar — a national park of India in Wandoor on the Andaman Islands

• 4 Middle Button Island National Park, Andaman and Nicobar — spotted deer can be found here

• 5 Mount Harriet National Park, Andaman and Nicobar — named after Harriet Tytler who did early work documenting the monuments of Delhi

• 6 North Button Island National Park, Andaman and Nicobar — home of the dugong, dolhin, water monitor and other animals

• 7 Rani Jhansi Marine National Park, Andaman and Nicobar — a national park known for its coral reefs and marine life

• 8 Saddle Peak National Park, Andaman and Nicobar — surrounded by tropical vegetation and forest, many species can be found here

• 9 South Button Island National Park, Andaman and Nicobar — shallow water coral reefs popular for scuba diving

Andhra Pradesh

• 10 Papikonda National Park, (Kishkindha) Andhra Pradesh — located in East Godavari and West Godavari includes such mammals as tigers, leopards ,sambar and spotted deer, bison and others. Reachable by boat from Rajahmundry

• 11 Sri Venkateswara National Park, Andhra Pradesh — a park and biosphere reserve noted for its many waterfalls

Arunachal Pradesh 

• 12 Mouling National Park, Arunachal Pradesh — (humid and wet area) named after Mouling peak part of the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve

• 13 Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh — (rain forest area) third largest national park in India with a large diversity of mammals and birds and for being home to the northernmost rain forest in the world

Assam

• 14 Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam — largest salix (willow) swamp forest in India that provides a natural habitat for many endangered species including the White-winged duck, water buffalo, capped langur and tiger. It has a monsoon climate.
• 15 Kaziranga National Park, Assam — one of the oldest National parks in India and home to the one horned Indian rhinoceros

• 16 Manas National Park (Manas Wildlife Sanctuary), Assam — habitat for rare and endangered wildlife such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer are but a few of its residents. This sanctuary is also host for several endangered bird species both resident and migratory.

• 17 Nameri National Park, Assam — considered excellent country, it is home to a wide variety of animals and is also a great bird watcher's paradise

• 18 Orang National Park (known as mini Kaziranga National Park ), Assam — marshes, streams and grasslands provide a habitat for the Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, wild buffalo and tiger. It is provides a home for many migratory species of birds and reptiles

Bihar

• 19 Valmiki National Park (Valmiki National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary), Bihar — this pristine forest, grassland and wilderness is part of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Chhattisgarh

• 20 Indravati National Park, Chhattisgarh — a famous Tiger Reserve and park that has hilly terrain, forest and grasslands. This habitat provides home for the tiger, water buffalo and deer. There is also a rich diversity of birds, smaller mammals and reptiles inhabiting the area

• 21 Kanger Ghati National Park, Chhattisgarh — a dense area with several waterfalls and limestone caves. Several species of animals and a wide tribal population are present in this beautiful park. The diversity of landscapes makes ideal habitats for many species. Wildlife includes tigers, langurs, sloth bears, lizards, snakes, peacocks and parrots to name a few.
• 22 Mollem National Park (Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park), Goa — a pristine area diverse in flowering plant life and vegetation is habitat for many mammals, birds, butterflies and reptiles. The largest protected area in Goa. One can also find the Tambdi Surla Temple, Tambdi Falls, Dudh Sagar Waterfall and other attractions here

23 Blackbuck National Park, Gujarat — open grassland that is home to blackbuck and nilgais (Blue bison)

• 24 Gir Forest National Park (Sasan-Gir), Gujarat — a very important and supported habitat for this sole home of the Asiatic lions

• 25 Pirotan Island, Gujarat — Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch

• 26 Vansda National Park, Gujarat — protected area of woodlands that provides habitat for its main attraction, a large number of forest birds. Also located in this park is a variety of mammals, several species of venomous snakes, many types of insects and home to the giant wood spider

Haryana[edit]

• 27 Kalesar National Park, Haryana — home to the red jungle fowl and other bird species, this has become a bird-watcher's destination. One can find porcupine, wild boar and monkeys in this dense old forest area as well

• 28 Sultanpur National Park (Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary), Haryana — this park provides habitat and feeding grounds for many migratory birds such as the Siberian crane as well as the many resident bird species found here

Himachal Pradesh

• 29 Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh — located in the Spiti Valley (Lahaul and Spiti), several endangered animals including the Siberian Ibex and Snow Leopard can be found in this snow covered area

• 30 Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh — located in the Kullu region is home to many species of wildlife. Virtually pristine forests and alpine meadows, this fragile region makes this park a wonderful destination.

Jammu and Kashmir

• 31 Dachigam National Park, Jammu and Kashmir — home to the critically endangered Kashmir stag (hangul). Grasslands, alpine meadows, waterfalls and craggy cliffs provide home for various species of mammals such as the Himalayan black and brown bears, jackal and leopard and birds such as the woodpecker, pygmy owl and cinnamon sparrow.

• 32 Hemis National Park (Hemis High Altitude Park), Jammu and Kashmir — home to several endangered mammals including the snow leopard. The Tibetan wolf and golden eagle can also be found in the park. The Rumbak Valley offers opportunities for bird-watching. Snow trekking is popular here.

• 33 Kishtwar National Park, Jammu and Kashmir — located in the Kishtwar district, this park has rugged and steep terrain, with narrow valleys leading to glaciers. This park provides habitat for the Himalayan Snowcock and the brown bear.

• 34 Salim Ali National Park (City Forest National Park), Jammu and Kashmir — located in Srinagar, this former park was converted into a golf course and once featured animals such as leopard, hangul and musk deer; in addition to a large variety of birds

Jharkhand

• 35 Betla National Park, Jharkhand — near the village of Betla it is one of India's first national parks formed for the protection of tigers

Karnataka[edit]

• 36 Anshi National Park, Karnataka — a Tiger Reserve next to the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

• 37 Bandipur National Park, Karnataka — famous for its tiger and elephant reserve and protected sandalwood trees

• 38 Bannerghatta National Park, Karnataka — dense forest and scrub land is home to wild animals such as tiger, lion, bison, leopard and wild boar

• 39 Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka — undulating mountains and tropical wet evergreen forest

• 40 Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka — an exclusive hunting reserve it is a well managed park with tiger, gaur and elephants

Kerala

• 41 Eravikulam National Park, Kerala — grasslands, forest and shrublands are criss-crossed by several streams, this provides a habitat for a wide variety of birds, grazing animals, predators such as the leopard, butterflies unique to the area and amphibians. Elephants sometimes visit the park.

• 42 Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala — previously declared as a Reserve Forest, this park has diverse and rich wildlife. The Asian elephant is often found here

• 43 Periyar National Park, Kerala — home to one of India's largest tiger populations

• 44 Silent Valley National Park, Kerala — largest national park in Kerala that is virtually an undisturbed natural area that is home to several endangered or rare species of birds, plants and animals. Sairandhri hosts the visitor center for this park

Madhya Pradesh

• 45 Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh — among the best national parks of India where Asian tigers can be easily viewed

• 46 Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh — one of the most beautiful and well managed of all national parks in India

• 47 Madhav National Park, Madhya Pradesh — has forested hills and grasslands around a lake. Home to varieties of deer such as the chital and chinkara as well as the leopard and sloth beer. Chandpatha (an artificial lake) provides a winter home for many migratory birds. Within the park stands the George Castle that was built for King George V of England.

• 48 Mandla Plant Fossils National Park, Madhya Pradesh — this park boasts fossilized plants 40-150 million years old. There are also scattered fossilized molluscs to be seen

• 49 Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh — also a Tiger Reserve, tigers were recently reintroduced into the park. Besides the tiger, the sloth bear and sambhar may be found. Panna National Park is also home to many species of birds

• 50 Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh — has various species of animals such as monkeys, deer, tigers and lions

• 51 Sanjay National Park, Madhya Pradesh — as part of the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve this is a forested area and home to the tiger, leopard, porcupine and a large diversity of birds such as vultures and the Golden Hooded Oriole

• 52 Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh — located in the rugged terrain of the Satpura hills, this park habitat for a large diversity of animals such as the tiger, leopard, wild dog, chital, wild boar and wide variety of birds. On rare occasions, elephants, lions and water buffalo have visited the park.

Maharashtra

• 53 Chandoli National Park, Maharashtra — formerly a wildlife sanctuary, this park forms part of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve with Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. This area is home to the Bengal Tiger and Indian leopards, sloth bears and bison. Sambar deer and blackbuck are also present. There is also several species of amphibians, reptiles and birds as well.

• 54 Gugamal National Park, Maharashtra — part of the Meighat Tiger Reserve, this park has a large variety of mammals, fish and butterflies. The water crocodile was reintroduced into the Gagda and Dolar rivers

• 55 Navegaon National Park, Maharashtra — popular forest resort with a lake found in the Navegaon hills with a diverse variety of mammals, fish and birds. Opportunities exist for a jungle safari, sailing on the lake or staying in a tree-tophouse.

• 56 Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Borivali National Park), Maharashtra — a large park with a wide diversity of plant and animal life. The Kanheri caves within the park are also an attraction. Many mammals can be seen roaming the park. Many types of butterflies have been seen in the park as well as birds and reptiles. It is one of the most visited parks in India.

• 57 Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra — the largest national park in Maharashtra designated as a Tiger reserve, besides tigers, one may see Indian leopards,sambar deer, Indian python, and Indian cobra. With nearby Tadoba Lake, a large diversity of birds can be appreciated by the avid bird-watcher. A variety of butterflies and insects are also found here. For visitors, jungle safari trips via Gypsy vehicles and buses with local guides can be arranged

Manipur

• 58 Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur — a floating park because of decomposed plant materials is part of the Lohtak Lake ecosystem. It provides the natural habitat for the endangered Eld's deer or brow-antlered deer (sangai). It is also home to a variety of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles.

• 59 Sirohi National Park (Shirui National Park), Manipur — located near Ukhrul, this park is home to the tiger and leopard. It also has a variety of rare bird species such as the Blyth s Tragopan. The Shirui peak during monsoon season is covered with the blooms of the exotic Shirui lily flower

Meghalaya

• 60 Balphakram National Park, Meghalaya — located in the Garo Hills in Meghalaya, a well known park in India for its scenic beauty and various species of flora and fauna

• 61 Nokrek National Park (Nokrek Biosphere Reserve), Meghalaya — a small population of Red Panda reside in this park. It is habitat for the Asian elephant, species of cats and primates. It is also an important area for birds. Rongbang Dare Water Fall and Nokrek Peak are located in this park with tall thick forest

Mizoram

• 62 Murlen National Park, Mizoram — located at Murlen village, it is a thick forest with a variety of plant species, mammals such as the tiger, leopard and sambar as well as birds such as pheasants and partridges.

• 63 Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park (Phawngpui National Park0, Mizoram — the Phawngpui mountain and nearby forest reserve comprises this park. A large number of bird species are found here as well as several rare animal species such as the tiger, leopard and capped langur.

Nagaland

• 64 Intangki National Park (Ntangki National Park), Nagaland — a wildlife park located in the Perren district. Home to several endangered species as well as other mammals and birds. Among them are the golden langur, white-breasted kingfisher, python and sloth bear

Odisha

• 65 Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha — a home for the endangered Salt Water Crocodile. Other species such as the King Cobra, python, mongoose, monkeys also inhabit this area. During the monsoon season, many migratory birds choose this park for nesting

• 66 Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha — a zoo and botanical garden in the capital city (Bhubaneswar). It is home for white tigers and several endangered animals. In addition, one can visit several aquaria, a reptile house and the orchid house

• 67 Simlipal National Park, Odisha — part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve which includes Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife sanctuary and the Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary. There is a multitude of plant species including several varieties of orchids and a wide range of mammals, reptiles and birds

Punjab

• 68 Harike Wetland, Punjab — this has a diversity of wetland animals and plants. It was Harike Pattan Bird Sanctuary and is known for its many species of migratory birds. It is habitat for several endangered species such as the Testudines Turtle and Smooth Indian Otter

Rajasthan

• 69 Darrah National Park, Rajasthan — consists of 3 wildlife sanctuaries. The park contains a large tract of forest land and was once the hunting grounds for the Maharaja of Kota

• 70 Desert National Park, Rajasthan — located near Jaisalmer, it is a great ecosystem example of sand dunes and theThar Desert. Smaller mammals and a surprising number of birds may be found here

• 71 Keoladeo National Park Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan — once known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur. In winter it hosts thousands of birds. Keoladeo National Park is often referred to as bird paradise

• 72 Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan — spreading out onto a plateau, this park is rich in varieties of plants and animals. A single unique variety of orchid can also be seen in this park

• 73 Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan — one of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild

• 74 Sariska Reserve and National Park (Sariska Tiger Reserve), Rajasthan — one of the most famous national parks in India and designated as a tiger reserve

Sikkim

• 75 Khangchendzonga National Park (Kangchendzonga National Park), Sikkim — there are many glaciers located in the park. Animals such as musk deer and snow leopard make there homes here

Tamil Nadu

• 76 Guindy National Park (Guindy's Lodge), Tamil Nadu — one of the smallest parks in India located within a city Chennai. The Snake Park is located next to Guindy National Park and a Children's Park (zoo) is located within the park

• 77 Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Tamil Nadu — mangroves provide important feeding grounds for the vulnerable marine mammal, the Dugong. This park has a large variety of plants and animals in its marine, tidal and near shore habitats. Access is limited to glass bottom boats. Coral mining has degraded parts of this park

• 78 Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Tamil Nadu — home to many endangered animal species such as the Bengal Tiger, Indian elephant and lion-tailed macaque. This park is located in the Anaimalai Hills.

• 79 Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu — offers a variety of flora and fauna plus the opportunity to go on an elephant safari

• 80 Mukurthi National Park, Tamil Nadu — formerly known as the Nilgiri Tahr National Park; is home for several endangered species and its mammal attraction, the Nilgiri tahr

• 81 Palani Hills National Park, Tamil Nadu — this park has many mountains and waterfalls plus a large variety of plants, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The plant Kurinji flowers which blossoms every 12 years is found here

Telangana

• 82 Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, Telangana — a small park in Jubilee Hills in which the Chiran Palace is located. It is a green space (a jungle in the concrete city) of the busy city of Hyderabad. One may find peacocks and a variety of small mammals and birds here.

• 83 Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, Telangana — largest green space in the city of Hyderabad inhabited by black buck, cheetah deer as well as reptiles and many species of birds.

• 84 Mrugavani National Park, Telangana — located at Chilkur in Moinabad (mandal). This park has a large variety of plants; animals such as the Indian hare, civet cat, mongoose, cobra, Russel Viper and bird species.

• 85 Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve — the largest tiger reserve in India contained within 5 districts of Telangana

Uttar Pradesh

• 86 Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh — an expanse of approximately 811 sq km of marshes, grasslands and dense forests representing a very rich ecosystem. It is also part of the Dudhwas Tiger Reserve

Uttarakhand

• 87 Gangotri National Park Uttarakhand — coniferous forests and lush meadows provide a home for the Snow leopard, bears, ibex, pheasants, doves and many other species

• 88 Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary Uttarakhand — the Snow Leopard Project was initiated in this park

• 89 Jim Corbett National Park (Corbett National Park), Uttarakhand — a spectacular panorama of the jungle and its many species of birds, reptiles, flora etc.

• 90 Nanda Devi National Park Uttarakhand — surrounded by high ridges and the Rishi Glacier, this park is home for some large mammals (ie. Himilayan musk deer), carnivores (ie. Snow leopard) and birds in a land with diverse vegetation

• 91 Rajaji National Park Uttarakhand — granted status as a Tiger Reserve it is also a station for a large variety of migratory birds

• 92 Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand — famous for its outstanding natural beauty, endangered animals and endemic alpine flowers

West Bengal

• 93 Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal — also known as the Parmadan Forest, a safe haven for a healthy population of nearly 250 deer

• 94 Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal — located in Buxa Hills; this area is forested with many species of trees and contains tigers, Asian elephants and other mammals plus a variety of birds, amphibians and reptiles such as the cobra

• 96 Jaldapara National Park (Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary), West Bengal — main attraction is the Indian one horned rhinoceros here and it is a bird watchers paradise as well
• 95 Gorumara National Park, West Bengal — rolling grasslands and forest is rich with herbivores such as the Indian rhinoceros and elephants birds, reptiles and amphibians

• 97 Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal — rich diversity of plant life and home to the red panda in an area virtually undisturbed and pristine

• 98 Singalila National Park, West Bengal — many small mammals (Red Panda,Leopard Cat etc.) and larger mammals (Black Bear, Clouded Leopard etc.) can be found as well as many rare and exotic species of birds

• 99 Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal — a wildlife sanctuary with Royal Bengal Tigers and deer found in forests and mangrove swamps

Wildlife sanctuaries

Assam

• 1 Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Assam — an isolated protected area of evergreen forest located near Mariani in Jorhat district. The sanctuary is famous for the hoolock gibbons

Goa

• 2 Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa — small park with a Mini Zoo, Deer Safari Park, Formal Gardens, Botanic Gardens and a few Ecotourism Cottages

• 3 Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary Goa — second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Goa with dense forest and few open grasslands - spotting the more famous wild animals is not extremely common; however, the expansive forestland may be a welcome change

• 4 Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary Goa — a rich habitat of forest and streams that is home to a large mammal population

Gujarat

• 5 Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary (Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary), Gujarat — large lake and marshy area is home to one of the largest wetland bird sanctuaries in India

• 6 Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat — hilly dense forest land noted for flying squirrels and other mammals as well as a large variety of flowering plants and bamboo

• 7 Wild Ass Sanctuary, Gujarat — largest (4594 km) wildlife sanctuary in India for an endangered sub-species of Indian Wild Ass

Jharkhand

• 8 Hazaribagh National Park, Jharkhand — not officially recognised as a National Park but named as such since inception, similar to Betla National Park, the park has tigers, panthers and spotted deer. There are several towers from which tourists can view the beautiful and scenic surroundings as well as spot wildlife in their natural habitat

Karnataka

• 9 Biligiriranga Hills, Karnataka — Biligiriranga Hills is also know in-short as B R Hills.It is a wild life sanctuary in Yelandur and Kollegal Taluks of Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka.

• 10 Magadi Bird Sanctuary Shirhatti — A biodiversity hotspot in Gadag (district) of Karnataka

• 11 Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka — is the largest bird sanctuary in the state

Kerala

• 12 Begur Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala — has a huge variety of animals such as elephants, deer, tigers, boars, and leopards as well as a diverse population of birds

• 13 Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary Central Kerala — the haven of innumerable species of endangered plants and animals

• 14 Chulanur Peafowl Sanctuary, Kerala — famous for peacocks and may be the only peacock sanctuary in India

• 15 Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Central Kerala — thickly forested with bamboo and other trees is home to a large variety of fauna and flora

• 16 Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Central Kerala — one of the India’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries and has rich collections of flora and fauna

• 17 Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala — popularly known as the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary noted for large population of elephants and other species

Kolkata

• 18 Chintamani Char Bird Sanctuary, Kolkata, West Bengal —

Maharashtra

• 19 Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra — protected wildlife park offering refuge for several endangered species of birds

Rajasthan

• 20 Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan — a densely forested area, home to a large number of residential and migratory birds. One may see a flying squirrel sailing through the air as well as deer and other mammals

Tamil Nadu

• 21 Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve , Tamil Nadu — home to various species such as the Bengal Tiger, Indian elephant, lion-tailed macaque and leopard. This park is located in the the Southern Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District and Kanyakumari District.The rare malabar squirrel.

Uttar Pradesh

• 22 Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Delhi-Uttar Pradesh — a haven for over 300 bird species, especially waterbirds

Uttarakhand

• 23 Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand — a wildlife sanctuary established in Binsar for the conservation and protection of the broad leaf oak (Quercus) forests of the Central Himalayan region, its wildlife and it has over 200 bird species

West Bengal

• 24 Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal — also known as the Parmadan Forest, a safe haven for a healthy population of nearly 250 deer

• 25 Jaldapara, West Bengal — heavily forested wildlife sacntuary; now a National Park

• 26 Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary near Siliguri, West Bengal — reserve forest sanctuary for protection of the Indian bison and Royal Bengal tiger