India is a country with a rich cultural and natural heritage. It’s the seventh largest in the world, approximately 3.25 million sq.km) and is known for its diverse range of climates and landscapes from the Himalaya in the north to the spice fields and biodiverse-rich tropical forests in the south. The Indian landmass is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. India has an amazingly wide variety of wildlife animals and birds that live in the diverse terrain of the country. From ferocious Royal Bengal tigers to Asiatic Elephants, India houses this huge variety of animals in its 89 national parks, 18 Bio-Reserves and more than 400 wildlife sanctuaries. 

However, due to irresponsible interference of humans with the ecosystem has resulted in the loss and extinction of many species. Due man’s interference with nature and the threats that have risen out of this, conservation of these biodiversity rich spots and their wildlife in India have become important. Due to this, national parks and wildlife reserves have come up in different parts of the country where a healthy interaction of humans and wildlife is encouraged. India, today, has as many as 15 biosphere reserves for the conservation of endemic and endangered species, out of which four are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The Western Ghats, the Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Burma region are the three of the 34 most biodiversity rich spots in the world. According to a study, India is one of the 17 countries that host about 60 to 70 per cent of the world’s biodiversity.

The national parks of India are treasure troves for nature lovers, containing a wide range of geographical and climatic diversity. Within India’s boundaries you can find the soaring Himalayan mountain range, the lush rainforests of the Western Ghats, the arid Thar Desert, and 4,600 miles of coastline. Though the forest cover in India is only at about 22%, the subcontinent is home to about 10% of the world’s species.

India is a country in South Asia with a rich cultural and natural heritage. It’s the seventh largest in the world, approximately 3.25 million sq.km) and is known for its diverse range of climates and landscapes from the Himalaya in the north to the spice fields and biodiverse-rich tropical forests in the south. Animals like the Asian Elephant, the Bengal Tiger, the Asiatic Lion, the Leopard and the Indian Rhinoceros are very important to Indian culture and are associated with deities. The popularity of such animals aid in conservation efforts and they are increasingly important for wildlife and ecotourism. As a result of this, many national parks and reserves are dedicated to preserving these animals.

The list of India’s National parks is as vast and diverse as the terrain and traditions of the country. The official count of national parks in India currently stand at 166, having started from five in 1972. Besides the popular Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Kanha & Periyar, there are numerous lesser-known parks and sanctuaries spread all over India. Tiger Reserves and Elephant Reserves are found in huge numbers. Besides, these India boasts to be home to a Desert National Park, Bird Sanctuaries, Marine Parks and even a Floating National park! As the repositories of diverse flora and fauna, the national parks are exemplary models in the preservation of several endangered species as well as home to many others. Some of these national parks are named as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.