List of Tiger Reserves in India: A Comprehensive List

Tiger reserves in India hold immense significance in promoting ecotourism, attracting visitors from around the world to witness the majestic Bengal tiger in its natural habitat. This blog will delve into the importance of tiger conservation, the current status of tiger populations, the history of the first tiger reserve, a comprehensive list of tiger reserves, top 10 reserves, challenges faced, prospects, and the economic benefits of tiger tourism.

Importance of Tiger Conservation

Tiger conservation is vital for biodiversity as they are apex predators, maintaining ecological balance. Protecting tigers safeguards habitats, benefiting numerous species. As an endangered species, their conservation symbolises broader efforts. Furthermore, tiger tourism provides economic incentives, fostering local livelihoods and promoting conservation, creating a sustainable ecosystem.

Population of Tigers in India

The population of tigers in India has witnessed a significant increase, with conservation efforts playing a pivotal role. This increase has been facilitated by programs including habitat preservation, anti-poaching efforts, and community engagement. Strict enforcement of wildlife laws and conservation awareness campaigns have also helped safeguard tiger populations.

First Tiger Reserve in India

The first national park in India was created in 1936 and is known as Jim Corbett National Park. Originally named Hailey National Park, it was renamed in honour of the renowned conservationist Jim Corbett. Spanning Uttarakhand, it’s celebrated for its biodiversity, notably Bengal tigers, making it pivotal in Indian conservation history.

List of 53 Tiger Reserves in India

Here is a comprehensive list of the 53 tiger reserves in India, categorised by state/union territory, along with their respective area sizes:

S No.	Tiger Reserves	State/UT	Location	Year Established	Total Area (sq km)
1	Bandipur Tiger Reserve	Karnataka	Western Ghats	1974	914.02
2	Corbett Tiger Reserve	Uttarakhand	Himalayan Foothills	1973	1,288.31
3	Amanagarh Buffer Tiger Reserve	Uttar Pradesh	Terai	2020	80.6
4	Kanha Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Central India	1974	2,051.79
5	Manas Tiger Reserve	Assam	Eastern Himalayas	1973	2,837.10
6	Melghat Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra	Satpura Range	1974	2,768.52
7	Palamu Tiger Reserve	Jharkhand	Chota Nagpur Plateau	1973	1,129.93
8	Ranthambore Tiger Reserve	Rajasthan	Aravalli Range	1973	1,411.29
9	Simlipal Tiger Reserve	Odisha	Eastern Ghats	1973	2,750.00
10	Sunderban Tiger Reserve	West Bengal	Sundarbans	1984	2,584.89
11	Periyar Tiger Reserve	Kerala	Western Ghats	1978	925
12	Sariska Tiger Reserve	Rajasthan	Aravalli Range	1978	1,213.34
13	Buxa Tiger Reserve	West Bengal	Eastern Himalayas	1983	757.9
14	Indravati Tiger Reserve	Chhattisgarh	Bastar Plateau	1982	2,799.07
15	Namdapha Tiger Reserve	Arunachal Pradesh	Eastern Himalayas	1983	2,052.82
16	Nagarjunsagar Tiger Reserve	Telangana	Deccan Plateau	1983	3,296.31
17	Dudhwa Tiger Reserve	Uttar Pradesh	Terai	1987	2,201.77
18	Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve	Tamil Nadu	Western Ghats	1988	1,601.54
19	Valmiki Tiger Reserve	Bihar	Gangetic Plains	1990	899.38
20	Pench Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Satpura Range	1992	1,179.63
21	Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra	Central India	1993	1,727.59
22	Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Central India	1993	1,536.93
23	Panna Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Central India	1994	1,598.10
24	Dampa Tiger Reserve	Mizoram	Mizo Hills	1994	988
25	Bhadra Tiger Reserve	Karnataka	Western Ghats	1998	1,064.29
26	Pench Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra	Satpura Range	1999	741.22
27	Pakke Tiger Reserve	Arunachal Pradesh	Eastern Himalayas	2002	1,198.45
28	Nameri Tiger Reserve	Assam	Eastern Himalayas	1999	464
29	Satpura Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Central India	1999	2,133.31
30	Anamalai Tiger Reserve	Tamil Nadu	Western Ghats	2008	1,479.87
31	Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve	Chhattisgarh	Maikal Hills	2008	1,842.54
32	Satkosia Tiger Reserve	Odisha	Eastern Ghats	2007	963.87
33	Kaziranga Tiger Reserve	Assam	Eastern Himalayas	2007	1,173.58
34	Achanakmar Tiger Reserve	Chhattisgarh	Maikal Hills	2009	914.02
35	Kali Tiger Reserve	Karnataka	Western Ghats	2010	1,097.51
36	Sanjay Dhubri Tiger Reserve	Madhya Pradesh	Central India	2011	1,674.50
37	Mudumalai Tiger Reserve	Tamil Nadu	Western Ghats	2012	688.59
38	Nagarhole Tiger Reserve	Karnataka	Western Ghats	2012	1,205.76
39	Parambikulam Tiger Reserve	Kerala	Western Ghats	2010	643.66
40	Sahyadri Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra	Western Ghats	2009	1,165.57
41	Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve	Karnataka	Western Ghats	2010	574.82
42	Kawal Tiger Reserve	Telangana	Deccan Plateau	2012	2,015.44
43	Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve	Tamil Nadu	Western Ghats	2013	1,408.40
44	Mukundara Tiger Reserve	Rajasthan	Aravalli Range	2013	759.99
45	Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra	Central India	2013	1,894.94
46	Amrabad Tiger Reserve	Telangana	Deccan Plateau	2014	2,611.39
47	Pilibhit Tiger Reserve	Uttar Pradesh	Terai	2014	730.25
48	Bor Tiger Reserve	Maharashtra	Central India	2014	816.27
49	Rajaji Tiger Reserve	Uttarakhand	Shivalik Range	2015	1,075.17
50	Orang Tiger Reserve	Assam	Eastern Himalayas	2016	492.46
51	Kamlang Tiger Reserve	Arunachal Pradesh	Eastern Himalayas	2016	783
52	Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve	Tamil Nadu	Western Ghats	2016	1,016.57
53	Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve	Chhattisgarh	Maikal Hills	2023	2,048

Top 10 Tiger Reserves in India

1. Nagarjunsagar Srisailam (3296.31 sq.km.)

• Ranking: 1st
• Significance: Spanning an extensive area of 3296.31 sq. km., Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is one of India’s largest tiger reserves. It is known for its rugged terrain and diverse flora and fauna.
• Location: Situated across the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Year Founded: 1983.
• Unique Features: Its vast expanse includes dense forests, rocky cliffs, and winding rivers, providing an ideal habitat for tigers, leopards, and various species of deer.
• Why it’s in the Top 10: Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve earns its place among the top 10 due to its expansive size, thriving tiger population, and significant contributions to tiger conservation in India.

2. Manas National Park (3150.92 sq.km.)

• Ranking: 2nd
• Significance: Manas National Park, covering 3150.92 sq. km, is not only a tiger reserve but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.
• Location: Located in the state of Assam, Manas National Park lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, bordering Bhutan.
• Year Founded: Established as a sanctuary in 1928, it was declared a national park in 1990 to protect its diverse flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger.
• Unique Features: The park’s diverse habitats range from tropical evergreen forests to grasslands and wetlands, supporting a wide array of wildlife, including the critically endangered pygmy hog and golden langur.
• Why it’s in the Top 10: Manas National Park’s UNESCO status, immense biodiversity, and successful conservation initiatives secure its position among the top tiger reserves in India.

3. Melghat Tiger Reserve (2768.52 sq.km.)

• Ranking: 3rd
• Significance: Melghat Tiger Reserve, covering 2768.52 sq. km, is situated in the state of Maharashtra. It is renowned for its unique topography and rugged terrain, providing sanctuary to tigers and other wildlife species.
• Location: Nestled in the Satpura Range of the Western Ghats, the Melghat Tiger Reserve spans across the Amravati and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra.
• Year Founded: Established in 1974 as part of Project Tiger.
• Unique Features: Melghat’s landscape comprises deep valleys, dense forests, and cliffs, creating a picturesque setting for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Why it’s in the Top 10: Melghat Tiger Reserve’s rugged terrain, unique biodiversity, and community involvement in conservation make it a standout among India’s tiger reserves.

4. Similipal National Park (2750 sq.km.)

• Ranking: 4th
• Significance: Similipal National Park, spanning 2750 sq. km., is a biodiversity hotspot and Biosphere Reserve located in the state of Odisha.
• Location: Situated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, Similipal National Park forms part of the Eastern Ghats mountain range.
• Year Founded: Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1979 and later designated as a national park in 1980.
• Unique Features: The park’s ecosystems include moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and waterfalls, supporting a myriad of wildlife species, including the rare melanistic (black) tigers. 
• Why it’s in the Top 10: Similipal National Park’s status as a Biosphere Reserve, diverse ecosystems, and presence of rare wildlife species elevate its significance among India’s tiger reserves.

5. Amrabad Tiger Reserve (2611.39 sq.km.)

• Ranking: 5th
• Significance: Spanning an area of 2611.39 sq.km., Amrabad Tiger Reserve is nestled in the Nallamala Hills of Telangana.
• Location: Located in Telangana, Amrabad Tiger Reserve is situated in the southern part of India.
• Year Founded: 1987.
• Unique Features: Amrabad Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rugged terrain, dense forests, and scenic landscapes.
• Why it’s in the Top 10: Amrabad Tiger Reserve earns its place among the top tiger reserves due to its significant tiger population, unique biodiversity, and successful conservation initiatives.

6. Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (2584.89 sq.km.)

• Ranking: 6th.
• Significance: Sunderbans Tiger Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forest in the world.
• Location: Situated in the Ganges Delta in West Bengal, Sunderbans Tiger Reserve is located in the eastern part of India.
• Year Founded: 1973.
• Unique Features: Sunderbans is characterised by its tidal mangrove forests, intersected by numerous creeks and tributaries.
• Why it’s in the Top 10: Sunderbans Tiger Reserve’s unparalleled biodiversity, iconic status as a mangrove ecosystem, and critical role in tiger conservation place it among the top tiger reserves in India.

7. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (2201.7748 sq.km.)

• Ranking: 7th.
• Significance: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is situated in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, bordering Nepal.
• Location: Located in the northern part of India, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve spans across the districts of Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh.
• Year Founded: 1987.
• Unique Features: Dudhwa is known for its extensive grasslands, locally known as ‘chaurs,’ which provide vital grazing grounds for herbivores and hunting grounds for predators.
• Why it’s in the Top 10: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve’s diverse ecosystems, significant tiger population, and conservation success stories make it a prominent tiger reserve in India.

8. Satpura Tiger Reserve(2133.30 sq.km.)

• Ranking: 8th
• Significance: Located in the rugged terrain of the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh, Satpura Tiger Reserve is renowned for its pristine wilderness, scenic landscapes, and rich biodiversity.
• Location: Situated in the central part of India, Satpura Tiger Reserve spans across the districts of Hoshangabad and Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh.
• Year Founded: 2000.
• Unique Features: Satpura is characterised by its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and meandering rivers, creating a mosaic of habitats that support a wide variety of plant and animal species.
• Why it’s in the Top 10: Satpura Tiger Reserve’s exceptional biodiversity, pristine wilderness, and sustainable tourism initiatives contribute to its recognition as one of the top tiger reserves in India.

9. Namdapha Tiger Reserve(2052.82 sq.km.)

• Ranking: 9th
• Significance: Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh, Namdapha Tiger Reserve is renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity and pristine wilderness.
• Location: Located in the northeastern part of India, Namdapha Tiger Reserve spans across the districts of Changlang and Lohit in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Year Founded: 1983.
• Unique Features: Namdapha is characterized by its rugged terrain, dense forests, and high species diversity.
• Why it’s in the Top 10: Namdapha Tiger Reserve’s exceptional biodiversity, pristine wilderness, and conservation success stories place it among the top tiger reserves in India.

10. Kanha Tiger Reserve (2051.79 Sq.km.)

• Ranking: 10th.
• Significance: Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of the oldest and most well-known tiger reserves in India, immortalised in Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel, ‘The Jungle Book.’
• Location: Situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha Tiger Reserve spans across the districts of Mandla and Balaghat.
• Year Founded: 1955.
• Unique Features: Kanha is known for its extensive meadows, locally known as ‘maidans,’ which provide prime habitat for herbivores such as the barasingha.
• Why it’s in the Top 10: Kanha Tiger Reserve’s iconic status, significant tiger population, and successful conservation efforts make it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Tiger Reserve Challenges and Future Prospects

Challenges faced by tiger reserves include human-wildlife conflicts, illegal poaching, and habitat destruction. Prospects involve implementing sustainable conservation practices, community involvement in wildlife protection, stringent law enforcement against poaching, habitat restoration initiatives, and promoting eco-tourism for economic benefits, ensuring the long-term survival of tigers and their ecosystems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tiger reserves in India play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem preservation, and sustainable development. These reserves are not only crucial for the survival of the majestic Bengal tiger but also serve as sanctuaries for a diverse array of flora and fauna. By protecting tiger habitats, we safeguard entire ecosystems and ensure the ecological balance of our planet. Hence, together, we can secure a future where tigers continue to roam free in the wild, symbolising the beauty and resilience of nature.

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