Manipur National Parks UPSC

Manipur is known for its diverse landscapes and unique biodiversity. There are 2 national park in Manipur.

1. Keibul Lamjao National Park

1. Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur, India.
2. It is situated in the southern part of Loktak Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India and well known for the floating biomass called phumdis. Phumdis are circular floating mats of vegetation that support the park’s flora and fauna.
3. It is the only floating national park in the world.
4. It is renowned for being the last natural refuge of the endangered Sangai (Manipur brow-antlered deer or dancing deer).
5. In 1966, Keibul Lamjao Sanctuary was established to protect the Sangai deer and its habitat.
6. In 1977, Keibul Lamjao Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park.
7. In 1990, Keibul Lamjao National Park was designated as a Ramsar Site.
8. In 1993, the park was listed under the Montreux Record, “a record of Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur”
9. Area: The park covers an area of approximately 40 square kilometers (15 square miles). Park area is an integral part of Loktak Lake.
10. River: Manipur River passes through the park.
11. Tribe: The area is inhabited by various ethnic communities and tribes. One significant tribe associated with the region is the Meitei community.
12. Flora: Phumdi Vegetation, Aquatic Plants (lotus, water lilies, water hyacinth, water ferns), Marshland Flora (bulrushes, cattails, marsh marigold), Riparian Vegetation (willows, reed mace, bamboo, wild roses, and other shrubs), Terrestrial Forests (oak, bamboo, pine, and other deciduous and evergreen trees) etc.
13. Fauna: Brow-antlered deer (Sangai Deer), Hog Deer, Asian Golden Cat, Musk Shrew, Flying Fox, Sambar, East Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Black Kite, Spotbill Duck, Burmese Sarus, Sarus Crane, Keel Back Tortoise, Asian Rat Snake (Beauty Rat Snake) etc.

2. Sirohi (Shirui) National Park

1. Sirohi National Park is located in the Ukhrul district of the state of Manipur, India.
2. The park is nestled in the Eastern Himalayas.
3. The park is named after the Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), a rare and endangered flower species that is found in the park.
4. The Shirui Lily is endemic to the Ukhrul district of Manipur, India.
5. In 1982, Sirohi National Park was established to safeguard the habitat of the Shirui Lily and other flora and fauna species in the region.
6. In 1989, the Shirui Lily was officially recognized as the state flower of Manipur.
7. Area: The park covers an area of approximately 41 square kilometers (16 square miles).
8. Hills: Sirohi (Shirui) National Park is located in the Shirui Kashong Range (2,835 meters) of Eastern Himalayas.
9. Tribe: The park is home to the Tangkhul Naga tribe, one of the indigenous communities of Manipur.
10. Flora: Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), Oak Trees, Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Coniferous Trees etc.
11. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Wild Boar, Deer, Antelopes, Blyth’s Tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant, Manipur Bush Quail, Indian Rock Python, Common Indian Monitor, Indian Chameleon etc.

Assam National Parks UPSC

Assam is known for its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. The state is home to 7 national parks.

1. Kaziranga National Park

1. Kaziranga National Park is located in the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam, India.
2. It is situated on the southern banks of the Brahmaputra River.
3. In 1916, it became a non-poaching place and came to be known as Kaziranga Game Sanctuary.
4. In 1950, Kaziranga Game Sanctuary was declared a wildlife sanctuary and renamed the “Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary”.
5. In 1974, Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a National Park.
6. In 1985, Kaziranga National Park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. In 2008-09, it was declared as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger.
8. Kaziranga National Park has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International Society.
9. Area: The total area of Kaziranga National Park is approximately 430 square kilometers (166 square miles).
10. Hills: Some hill ranges that found in the park include: Burapahar Range and Bagori Range.
11. River: Following river flow through the park: Brahmaputra River and Diphlu River.
12. Flora: Grasslands (elephant grass, spear grass, and bluestem grass), Wetlands and Marshes (water lilies, lotus, and various species of reeds and sedges), Alluvial Savannah Woodland (Indian gooseberry, elephant apple, and Indian rosewood),  Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests ( Indian mahogany, Indian gum tree, and Indian kino tree),  Riparian Forests (Indian fig tree, Indian almond tree, and riverine grasses) etc.
13. Fauna: Royal Bengal Tigers, One Horned Rhinoceros, Asiatic Wild Water Buffaloes, Swamp Deer, Indian Elephant, Sambar, Indian Muntjac, Hoolock Gibbon, Sloth Bear, Gangetic Dolphin, Bengal Florican, Assam Roofed Turtle, Bengal Monitor Lizard etc.

2. Manas National Park

1. Manas National Park is located in the Bongaigaon and Barpeta district of Assam, India.
2. It is contiguous with Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
3. The park is situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
4. In 1907, the area was declared as the Manas Reserve Forest with the primary objective of protecting the Indian rhinoceros.
5. In 1928, Manas was declared a game sanctuary under the British government’s Forest Act of 1927.
6. In 1950, Manas Game Sanctuary was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
7. In 1973, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger.
8. In 1985, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. In 1989, government of India declared Manas as a Biosphere Reserve.
10. In 1990, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a National Park.
11. In 2003, Manas was established as an Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant.
12. In 2011, Manas National Park was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger by UNESCO.
13. Area: The total area of Manas National Park is approximately 390 square kilometers (150 square miles).
14. River: Manas National Park is named after the Manas River, which flows through it.
15. Flora: Tropical Evergreen Forests, Semi-evergreen Forests, Alluvial Grasslands, Riverine Forests, Orchids etc.
16. Fauna: Bengal Tiger, One-horned Rhinoceros, Wild Water Buffalo, Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur, Red panda, Asian Elephant, Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Hoolock Gibbon, Hispid Hares, Black Panther, Sloth Bear, Black Giant Squirrel, Bengal Florican, Brahminy Ducks. Assam Roofed Turtle, Monitor Lizards, Fan-throated Lizard etc.

3. Nameri National Park

1. Nameri National Park is located in the Sonitpur district of the state of Assam in India.
2. Nameri lies on the interstate border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
3. Nameri shares its northern boundary with the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh.
4. It is part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.
5. In 1978, the park was declared a reserve forest.
6. In 1985, Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary was established. Initially.
7. In 1998, Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a national park.
8. In 1999-2000, Nameri National Park became a part of the Project Tiger initiative. It is the second Tiger reserve of Assam after Manas Tiger Reserve.
9. Area: The park covers an approximate area of 200 square kilometers (78 square miles).
10. River: The Jia-Bhareli river flows along the southern boundary of the Nameri National Park along with its tributaries: The Nameri river, Upper Dikorai river and Bor Dikorai river.
11. Flora: Assam Silk Tree, Elephant Apple, Indian Rosewood, Hollock, Wild Banana , Cane Bamboo, Orchids etc.
12. Fauna: Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Wild Dog, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Hog Deer, Black Giant Squirrel, Large Clawed Shrew, Indian Flying Fox, Slow Loris, White Winged Wood duck, Palla’s fish-eagle, Red-headed Vulture, Assam Roofed Turtle, Indian Soft Shell Turtle, Monitor Lizard etc.

4. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

1. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam, India.
2. The park originally created to help conserve the habitat of the rare white-winged wood duck.
3. The park is situated in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River.
4. It is surrounded by the larger Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve.
5. In 1890, The area was initially declared as the Dibru Reserved Forest under British colonial rule.
6. In 1929, Saikhowa Reserve Forest was declared.
7. In 1986, Dibru Reserved Forest was upgraded to the status of a wildlife sanctuary.
8. In 1997, the Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary was expanded to include the adjoining Saikhowa Reserve Forest to create Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve.
9. In 1999, Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a national park.
10. Area: The park cover an area of 340 km2 (130 sq mi).
11. River: The park is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers in the north and Dibru River in the south.
12. Tribe: The area surrounding the national park is home to various indigenous tribal communities: Mishing, Deori, Sonowal Kachari, Moran, Ahom etc.
13. Flora: Tropical Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forest Species (Indian laurel, Diu, silk cotton tree, Indian blackberry), Grasses and Wetland Plants, Swamp Forest etc.
14. Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Asiatic Water Buffalo, Gangetic Dolphin, Hoolock Gibbon, Sloth Bear, Dhole, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Feral Horse, White-winged Wood Ducks, Bengal Florican, Brown Fish Owl, Assam Roofed Turtle, Indian Softshell Turtle, Monitor Lizards etc.
15. The park is known for its population of feral horses, also known as “feral ponies” or “wild horses.”

5. Orang National Park

1. Orang National Park is located in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam, India.
2. It is situated on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River.
3. The park is particularly famous for its population of the Indian rhinoceros.
4. It is also known as Mini Kaziranga National Park.
5. In 1915, it was initially declared a Game Reserve to protect the rhinoceros population in the region.
6. In 1985, Orang was designated as a wildlife sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972.
7. In 1992, the Orang Wildlife Sanctuary was renamed the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.
8. In 1999, Orang Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to a national park. was renamed Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park in honor of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
9. In 2016, Orang was declared as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger.
10. In 2021, Assam cabinet passed a resolution to rename Rajiv Gandhi National Park as Orang National.
11. Area: The park covers an area of approximately 78.81 square kilometers (30.42 square miles).
12. River: The park is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River. Pachnoi, Belsiri and Dhanshiri Rivers border the national park and join the Brahmaputra river.
13. Flora: Indian almond, silk cotton tree, crepe myrtle, Dalbergia sissoo, terminalia trees, Grasses, water lilies, water hyacinth, Orchids, Indian snakeroot etc.
14. Fauna: Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Tiger, Wild Buffalo, Asiatic Elephant, Pygmy Hog, Gangetic Dolphin, Bengal Florican, Spot-billed Pelican, Black Krait, Greater Black Krait, Monitor Lizards, Indian Tent Turtle, Brown Roof Turtle, Indian Soft-shelled Turtle etc.
15. Orang Tiger Reserve is the only stronghold of One-horned Rhinoceros on the north bank of the Brahmaputra river.

6. Raimona National Park

1. Raimona National Park is located in the Gossaigaon and Kokrajhar subdivisions of Kokrajhar district of Assam, India.
2. It is situated within the Bodoland Territorial Region.
3. The park is surrounded by the Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan to its north, the Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal to its west and the Manas National Park to its east.
4. The park is renowned for Golden Langur, an endemic species.
5. In 2021, it was declared a national park.
6. Area: It covers an area of approximately 422 square kilometers (163 square miles).
7. River: The park is bounded on the west by the Sonkosh river and the Saralbhanga river on the east. Both the rivers are tributaries of Brahmaputra. The Pekua river defines park’s southern boundary.
8. Flora: Sal Trees, Teak Trees, Bamboo, Orchids, Grasses etc.
9. Fauna: Tiger, Golden Langur, Asian Elephant, Clouded Leopard, Indian Gaur, Wild Water Buffalo, Slow Loris, Asian Golden Cat, Hispid Hare, White-bellied Heron, Swamp Francolin, Kaleej Pheasant, Slender-billed Vulture, Bengal Florican, Scaly Thrush, Indian Python, King Cobra, Monitor Lizard, Indian Tent Turtle etc.

7. Dehing Patkai National Park

1. Dehing Patkai National Park is located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam, India.
2. It is situated within the larger Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve, which spreads across the coal- and oil-rich districts of Upper Assam (Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts).
3. The oldest refinery of Asia in Digboi and ‘open cast’ coal mining at Lido are located near the national park.
4. In 1924, the area was initially designated as a Reserved Forest under the British Raj.
5. In 2004, the area was officially declared the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary.
6. On 13 December 2020, Government of Assam upgraded it into a national park.
7. On 9 June 2021, Forest Department of Assam officially notified it as a national park.
8. Area: It covers an area of approximately 231.65 km2 (89.44 sq mi).
9. Hills: The park is situated in the Patkai hills region.
10. River: Dehing river flows through the southern part of the park.
11. Tribe: Tai Phake, Khamti, Singpho.
12. Flora: Dipterocarp Trees, Canopy Trees (Hollong, Sam, Nahor, and Simul), Orchids (Lady’s Slipper Orchid and the Vanda spathulata), Ferns and Mosses etc.
13. Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Asian Elephant, Hoolock Gibbon, Chinese Pangolin, Dhole or Asian Wild Dog, Himalayan Black Bear, Malayan Sun Bear, Stump-tailed Macaque, Asian Golden Cat, Marbled Cat, Malayan Giant Squirrels, White Winged Wood Duck, White-cheeked Hill Partridge, Kaleej Pheasant, Monocled Cobra, Reticulated Python, Green Pit Viper etc.
14. Dehing Patkai National Park is the only place in India which is home to seven different species of wild cats – tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, leopard cat, golden cat, jungle cat and marbled cat.

Arunachal Pradesh National Parks UPSC

Arunachal Pradesh is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes. The state is home to 2 national park that contribute to the conservation of its unique flora and fauna.

1. Namdapha National Park

1. Namdapha National Park is located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, in northeastern India.
2. It is situated in the eastern Himalayan ranges and shares its borders with Myanmar (Burma) in the east.
3. The park is bordered by the Dapha and Noa Dihing rivers on the north and south respectively.
4. The park was named after the Namdapha River that flows through its territory.
5. In 1972, the Indian government declared the Namdapha region as a wildlife sanctuary.
6. In 1983, the Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to a national park.
7. In 1983, it was declared a Tiger Reserve.
8. In 1986, Namdapha National Park was included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
9. Area: It covers an area of approximately 1,985 square kilometers (766 square miles).
10. The altitudes within Namdapha National Park vary from 200 meters (660 feet) to 4,500 meters (14,800 feet) above sea level.
11. Hills: Some prominent hills within or near the park are Dapha Bum, Deban Hill, Patang Peak, Jairampur Hills etc.
12. River: Some notable rivers in and around the park are Noa-Dihing River, Namdapha River, Diyun River, Dapha River, Deban River etc.
13. Lake: Moti Jheel located within Namdapha National Park.
14. Tribe: Some of the major tribes found in the vicinity of the park are Tangsa, Singpho, Lisu, Chakma etc.
15. Flora: Broadleaf Evergreen Forests (Dipterocarps, Castanopsis, Magnolia, Canarium, and Symplocos), Bamboo Groves, Medicinal Plants (Aconitum ferox, Dioscorea deltoidea, Rauvolfia serpentina), Orchids (Dendrobium, Vanda coerulea (Blue Vanda), Coelogyne, and Cymbidium), Alpine Meadows etc.
16. Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard , Hoolock Gibbons, Namdapha Flying Squirrel, Asian Elephant, Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), Malayan Sun Bear, Gaur (Indian Bison), Asiatic Black Bear, Takin, Red Panda, White-winged Duck, Himalayan Wood Owl, Reticulated Python, Green Pit Viper etc.

2. Mouling National Park

1. Mouling National Park is located in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India.
2. It is is situated in the Adi Hills of the Eastern Himalayas.
3. In 1982, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh declared the area as a wildlife sanctuary and later upgraded it to the status of a national park.
4. In 1998, Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve was designated. The park is forming the western part of the reserve.
5. Area: The park spans an approximate area of 483 square kilometers (186 square miles).
6. Hills: Adi Hills and Mount Mouling.
7. River: The park is located in the right bank of river Siang river.
8. Waterfall: Dabung Waterfall and Nirbung Waterfall.
9. Tribe: Adi Tribe.
10. Flora: Broadleaf Trees (oak, magnolia, maple, rhododendron, and chestnut), Coniferous Trees (spruce, fir, and pine), Medicinal Plants (Taxus baccata, Aconitum spicatum, and Picrorhiza kurroa), Orchids, Bamboo, Ferns and Mosses etc.
11. Fauna: Clouded Leopard, Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Buffalo, Leopard, Elephant, Hog Deer, Takin, Golden Langoor, Serrow, Himalayan, Asiatic Black Bear, White-winged Wood Duck, Chestnut-breasted Hill Partridge, Sultan Tit, Monal Scalater etc.

Sikkim National Parks UPSC

Sikkim is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Himalayan mountains and diverse ecosystems. While Sikkim is relatively small, it has made efforts to preserve its natural heritage through national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Khangchendzonga National Park is the only national park in Sikkim.

1. Khangchendzonga National Park

1. Khangchendzonga National Park is located in the Mangan district and Gyalshing district in the Indian state of Sikkim.
2. It is situated in the eastern Himalayas, bordering Nepal to the west and Tibet to the north.
3. It is also known as Kanchenjunga National Park.
4. It is named after Mount Khangchendzonga, the third highest peak in the world.
5. In 1977, Khangchendzonga National Park was established as a protected area.The park was initially known as Kanchenjunga National Park but was later renamed Khangchendzonga National Park to reflect the local pronunciation and spelling of the mountain’s name.
6. In 2000, it was declared a biosphere reserve by Indian government.
7. In 2016, Khangchendzonga National Park’s core zone was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the “mixed” category (first from India in this category), recognizing its outstanding universal value.
8. In 2018, the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve was included in the UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserve.
9. Area: It covers an area of approximately 1,784 square kilometers (688 square miles). The park area encompasses 25% of the state of Sikkim.
10. The park has an elevation of 1,829 m (6,001 ft) to over 8,550 m (28,050 ft). It is one of the few high-altitude National parks of India.
11. Hills: Some notable hills and mountain ranges found within or near park are Khangchendzonga Range, Singalila Range, Goecha La, Tendong Hill etc.
12. Glacier: Few notable glaciers found within or near the park are Zemu Glacier, Talung Glacier, Rathong Glacier etc.
13. River: Some notable rivers that flow through the park are Teesta River, Rathong Chu River, Prek Chu River, Talung River etc.
14. Tribe: This park is home to various indigenous communities and tribes, particularly the Bhutia and Lepcha people.
15. Flora: Rhododendrons (Rhododendron niveum, Rhododendron arboreum, and Rhododendron campanulatum), Coniferous Trees (Himalayan pine, blue pine, spruce, and fir), Medicinal Plants (Aconitum ferox, Rheum australe, and Swertia chirayita), Orchids,Alpine Meadows, Mosses and Lichens etc.
16. Fauna: Indian Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer , Himalayan Tahr, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Tibetan Wild Ass, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Mainland Serow, Goral, Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Griffon, Tibetan Snowcock, Himalayan Newt, Himalayan Pit Viper etc.
17. The Tholung Monastery is situated inside the Khangchendzonga National Park.

Ladakh National Parks UPSC

Hemis National Park is the only national park in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India. It is the largest national park in South Asia and is known for its high-altitude landscapes. 

1. Hemis National Park

1. Hemis National Park is located in Union Territory of Ladakh, India.
2. It is located in the eastern part of Ladakh.
3. It is the only national park in India that is north of the Himalayas.
4. It is bounded by the Markha River in the east and the Indus River in the west.
5. It is surrounded by mountain ranges, including the Zanskar Range and the Markha Valley.
6. Hemis National Park is famous for the highest population of snow leopards globally.
7. It is also famous for Shapu (Ladakhi Urial). This park is the only habitat of Shapu or the Ladakhi Urial in India.
8. In 1981, Hemis National Park was formally established as a protected area to protect the endangered snow leopard and its prey species.
9. Area: It is the largest notified protected area in India (largest National Park in India) covering an area of 4400 square Km.
10. It is situated at an altitude of about 3,300 to 6,000 meters above sea level, which makes it one of the highest altitude national parks in the world.
11. It is also known as Hemis High Altitude National Park.
12. Mountains: Some of the important mountain ranges that surround the park include: Zanskar Range, Ladakh Range, Ganda La (Kanda La), Stok Kangri Peak etc.
13. Glacier: The park is home to several important glaciers. Some of them are: Rumbak Glacier, Ganglas La Glacier etc
14. River: Following rivers passes through Hemis National Park: Indus River, Markha River, Sumdah River, Rumbak River etc.
15. Valley: Hemis National Park is encompasses several valleys. Some of the valleys in the park include: Rumbak Valley, Markha Valley, Sumdah Valley, Indus Valley etc.
16. Flora: Alpine Meadows (grasses, sedges, and small flowering plants), Dwarf Juniper, Willow and Poplar Trees, Alpine Cushion Plants (Saxifraga, Androsace, and Primula), Wildflowers (gentians, primroses, asters, anemones) etc.
17. Fauna: Snow leopard, Shapu (Ladakhi Urial), Argali (Great Tibetan Sheep), Bharal (Blue Sheep), Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian Brown Bear, Red Fox, Himalayan Marmot, Himalayan Mouse Hare, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Chukar, Himalayan Snowcock, Kashmir Agama, Himalayan Pit Viper etc.
18. Hemis Monastery (Hemis Gompa) is a renowned Buddhist monastery located within park.

Jammu and Kashmir National Parks UPSC

Jammu and Kashmir, a union territory in northern India, is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Himalayan mountains and picturesque valleys. The region is home to 4 national parks.

1. Dachigam National Park

1. Dachigam National Park is located in the Srinagar district of Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
2. It is situated in the Zabarwan Range of Western Himlayas.
3. In 1910, the area was initially established as a game reserve by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir to protect the Kashmir stag (Hangul)
4. In 1951, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary.
5. In 1981, it was upgraded to the status of a national park.
6. Area: The park covers an area of approximately 141 square kilometers (54 square miles). The park area is divided into: Lower Dachigam (1700 to 3500 m.) and Upper Dachigam (2000 m to 4700 m.)
7. River: Dagwan River (Dagwan Nallah) flows through the park.
8. Flora: Coniferous Trees (deodar, pine and fir), Broadleaf Trees (Himalayan poplar, horse chestnut and walnut), Alpine Meadows (primroses, daisies, and orchids.), Rhododendrons etc.
9. Fauna: Kashmiri Stag (Hangul), Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Gray Langurs, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow-throated Martens, Himalayan Fox, Monal Pheasant, Crimson Tragopan, Griffon Vulture,  Kashmir Rock Agama, Ladakh Agama, Kashmir Rat Snake etc.

2. Salim Ali National Park

1. Salim Ali National Park or City Forest National Park is located in Srinagar district of the Indian union territory, Jammu Kashmir.
2. It is named after the famous ornithologist Dr Salim Ali.
3. In 1986, Salim Ali National Park was established.
4. Area: The park covered an area of 9.07 km2 (3.501947 sq mile).
5. River: Jhelum river flows near Salim Ali National Park.
6. Flora: Deodar, Pines, Oak, Brachypodium spp. etc.
7. Fauna: Hangul, Himalyan Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk deer, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Snowcock, Swamp Francolin, Ringdove, Himalayan Keelback, Himalayan Pit Viper etc.

3. Kazinag National Park

1. Kazinag National Park is situated in north bank of Jhelum in Baramulla district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
2. The park is nestled in the Pir Panjal Range.
3. It is home to the near-extinct Markhor, a majestic mammal with corkscrew horns.
4. In 2007, it was established as an national park. The park came into existence after two wildlife sanctuaries —Limber and Lachipora — were clubbed with Naganari conservation reserve with the support of Wildlife Trust of India.
5. The park plays a crucial role in the proposal for a trans-Karakoram peace park, fostering cooperation and conservation efforts between India and Pakistan.
6. Area: It covers an area of approximately 160 Sq. Km (61.77 square miles).
7. The altitudes range from around 1,800 meters to 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) above sea level.
8. River: This park is situated on the North bank of Jhelum river.
9. Flora: Coniferous Forests (deodar, fir, spruce, kail), Broad-Leaved Trees (Maple, Oak, Walnut and Horse Chestnut), Birch, Alpine Meadows (Himalayan Blue Poppy, Primroses, and various species of Orchids), Rhododendron, Alpine Scrub (Juniperus spp., Rhododendron anthopogon, and Potentilla spp.) etc.
10. Fauna: Markhor, Himalayan Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Marmot, Yellow-throated Marten, Kashmir Flying Squirrel, Koklas Pheasant, Snow Pigeon, Kashmir Red breasted Flycatcher etc.

4. Kishtwar National Park

1. Kishtwar National Park is located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir union territory of India.
2. It is situated in the western Himalayas.
3. It is bounded to the north by Rinnay river, south by Kibar Nala catchment, east by main divide of Great Himalaya and west by Marwah river.
4. In 1981, The Kishtwar National Park was established to preserve the snow leopard population.
5. Area: It covers an area of approximately 2190.50 Sq Kms (845.75 square miles).
6. River: Following rivers flow through the park: Kiar, Nath, Kibar, Marwah etc.
7. Flora: Coniferous Forests (blue pine, chir pine, and deodar cedar), Mixed Forests (oak, walnut, rhododendron, and maple), Alpine Vegetation (primroses, gentians, anemones, Grasses, sedges, and mosses) etc.
8. Fauna: Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black bear, Musk Deer, Ibex, Serow, Bharal, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Snowcock, Bearded Vulture, Western Tragopan, Griffon Vulture, Himalayan Pit Viper, Himalayan Gecko, Agamid Lizards etc.

Himachal Pradesh National Parks UPSC

Himachal Pradesh is known for its picturesque landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The state is home to 5 national park.

1. Great Himalayan National Park

1. The Great Himalayan National Park is located in the Banjaar Sub-Division of Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, India.
2. It is situated in the western part of the Himalayan mountain range.
3. The Great Himalayan National Park is situated at junction of world’s two major biogeographic realms: Indomalayan realm to the south and Palearctic realm to the north.
4. It is bordered by the Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary to the southeast.
5. Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary situated within Great Himalayan National Park.
6. In 1984, it was officially established by the Government of Himachal Pradesh as a protected area.
7. In 1999, the area was declared a national park under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
8. In 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Area: The park covers an area of about 1,171 square kilometers (452 square miles).
10. Valley: The park includes several valleys within its boundaries: Tirthan Valley, Parvati Valley, Jiwa Nal Valley, Sainj Valley.
11. River: Some notable rivers in and around the park: Tirthan River, Sainj River, Jiwa Nal River, Parvati River.
12. Flora: Coniferous Forests (Deodar, Blue Pine, and Chir Pine), Broadleaf Forests (Oaks, Rhododendrons, and Maple),  Alpine Meadows (Kobresia, Carex), Endemic and Rare Species (Himalayan Blue Poppy, Himalayan Edelweiss and orchids.).
13. Fauna: Snow Leopard, Serow, Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Western Tragopan, Himalayan Griffon Vultures, Golden Eagles, Himalayan Pit Viper, Kashmir Rat Snake, Himalayan Pitless Skink etc.
14. World’s largest known population of the Western Tragopan is found in the upper part of Great Himalayan National Park.

2. Pin Valley National Park

1. Pin Valley National Park is located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India.
2. It is situated in the cold desert region of the Spiti Valley, surrounded by the Pir Panjal and Parvati mountain ranges.
3. Pin Valley National Park is part of Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve.
4. It is the only National Park in Himachal Pradesh which is situated in the cold desert area.
5. In 1987, it was established as a national park.
6. Area: It covers an area of about 675 square kilometres (261 sq mi).
7. The elevation of the Pin Valley National Park ranges from about 3,500 metres (11,500 ft) to more than 6,000 metres (20,000 ft).
8. Hills: Some notable hills and mountain ranges near the park: Pir Panjal Range and Parvati Range.
9. River: The park is named after the Pin River, which flows through the park. The Pin River is a tributary of the Spiti River, which is a tributary of the Sutlej River.
10. Flora: Juniper, Willow, Poplar and Birch, Alpine Meadows (grasses, asters, gentians, and primroses), Alpine Tundra etc.
11. Fauna: Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Weasel, Red Fox, Marten, Pika, Snow Cock, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Chough, Chukor, Himalayan Pit Viper, Tibetan Sand Boa etc.
12. Pin Valley is home to the last remaining population of the Bharal (Blue Sheep) in India.

3. Inderkilla National Park

1. Inderkilla National Park is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
2. It is situated in the picturesque Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
3. In 2010, it was established as a national park.
4. Area: It covers an area of about 104 square kilometres (40 sq mi).
5. River: Beas River river passes through the park.
6. Flora: Western Mixed Coniferous Forest (deodar cedar, blue pine, silver fir, and spruce), Moist Temperate Deciduous Forest (oak, maple, rhododendron, and bamboo), Subalpine Fir etc.
7. Fauna: Common Leopard, Himalayan Ibex (Siberian Ibex), Brown Bear, Black Bear, Mountain Deer, Mountain Goats etc.

4. Khirganga National Park

1. Khirganga National Park is located in the Parvati Valley of the Kullu district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India.
2. It is flanked by Great Himalayan National Park and Pin Valley National Park.
3. In 2010, it was established as a national park.
4. Area: It covers an area of 710 square kilometers (274.133 square mile).
5. The national park is situated at a height of around 5,500 meters.
6. River: The Parvati River flows through the park.
7. Hot Springs: Khirganga National Park is well-known for its natural hot springs. The hot springs are located near the village of Khirganga, after which the national park is named. These springs are believed to have therapeutic properties.
8. Flora: Coniferous Trees (Deodar, Blue Pine, and Silver Fir), Broad-Leaved Trees (Oak, Maple, and Horse Chestnut), Rhododendron, Alpine Flora etc.
9. Fauna: Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Ibex, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Himalayan Monal, Western Tragopan, Himalayan Griffon , Himalayan Woodpecker, Himalayan Pit Viper, Himalayan Rock Agama etc.

5. Simbalbara National Park

1. Simbalbara National Park is located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmour district, Himachal Pradesh, India.
2. It is also known as Col. Sher Jung National Park.
3. It is nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range.
4. In 1958, it was first created as a wildlife reserve,
5. In 1974, it was designated as a wildlife sanctuary .
6. In 2010, Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary was established as a National Park. It was primarily created to protect the habitat of the goral.
7. Area: It covers an area of approximately 27.88 square kilometers (10.76 sq mi).
8. Flora: Sal Forests.
9. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Goral, Sambhar, Chittal (Spotted Deer), Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Muntjacs, Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, Indian Rock Python, Indian Monitor Lizard, Fan-throated Lizard etc.