A national park is an area protected by law under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 where no human activity except tourism and research is allowed; a wildlife sanctuary allows some rights. India has about 107 national parks covering 1.35 percent of its area; Madhya Pradesh has the most. Tiger reserves, created under Project Tiger, now number 58 and are overseen by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
Key facts
- About 107 national parks covering 44,403 sq km, 1.35 percent of India; Madhya Pradesh has the most (11). (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Hemis is the largest national park; Keibul Lamjao is the world's only floating park.
- Tiger reserves rose from 47 to 58 in a decade, and Ramsar wetland sites from 24 to 101. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Before the 1972 Act India had only five national parks; Project Tiger came soon after it.
Latest
Nameri Tiger Reserve (Assam) received CA|TS Approved status in September 2026, joining Kaziranga, Manas and Orang; its tiger count rose from 3 (2022) to 12 (end 2025).
Why exams ask about it
Which state a park is in, the first and largest parks, which park is famous for which animal, and the newest tiger reserve are asked.