The Bengal Tiger was officially declared the National Animal of India in April 1973 as part of the Project Tiger initiative. Before this the Lion held the status of National Animal of India. The decision was made as Bengal Tiger was listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red Data Book. Tiger Reserves in India network was established in 1973.
Tiger Reserves in India
India is home to 80% of the world’s tiger population. According to the Tiger Census Report 2022, conducted every 4 years, the tiger population in India increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022. In 2022, Madhya Pradesh had the highest number of tigers (785), followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444). Among the Tiger Reserves in India, Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand) had the highest tiger population (260), followed by Bandipur (150) and Nagarhole (141) in Karnataka. Currently, India has 58 tiger reserves, governed under Project Tiger and administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
List of Tiger Reserves in India
India is home to 58 Tiger Reserves, established under Project Tiger. The latest addition is Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh, which was added in 2025. Here is the List of Tiger Reserves in India.
| List of Tiger Reserves in India | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sl No | Tiger Reserve (TR) | State | TR Notifcn Year | Total Area (sq km) |
| 1 | Bandipur | Karnataka | 2007 | 1456.3 |
| 2 | Corbett | Uttarakhand | 2010 | 1288.31 |
| 3 | Amanagarh buffer | Uttar Pradesh | 2012 | 80.60 |
| 4 | Kanha | Madhya Pradesh | 2007 | 2051.79 |
| 5 | Manas | Assam | 2008 | 2837.10 |
| 6 | Melghat | Maharashtra | 2007 | 2768.52 |
| 7 | Palamau | Jharkhand | 2012 | 1129.93 |
| 8 | Ranthambore | Rajasthan | 2007 | 1411.29 |
| 9 | Simlipal | Odisha | 2007 | 2750.00 |
| 10 | Sunderban | West Bengal | 2007 | 2584.89 |
| 11 | Periyar | Kerala | 2007 | 925.00 |
| 12 | Sariska | Rajasthan | 2007 | 1213.34 |
| 13 | Buxa | West Bengal | 2009 | 757.90 |
| 14 | Indravati | Chhattisgarh | 2009 | 2799.07 |
| 15 | Namdapha | Arunachal Pradesh | 1987 | 2052.82 |
| 16 | Nagarjunsagar Sagar | Andhra Pradesh | 2007 | 3296.31 |
| 17 | Dudhwa | Uttar Pradesh | 2010 | 2201.77 |
| 18 | Kalakad Mundanthurai | Tamil Nadu | 2007 | 1601.54 |
| 19 | Valmiki | Bihar | 2012 | 899.38 |
| 20 | Pench | Madhya Pradesh | 2007 | 1179.63 |
| 21 | Tadobha Andhari | Maharashtra | 2007 | 1727.59 |
| 22 | Bandhavgarh | Madhya Pradesh | 2007 | 1536.93 |
| 23 | Panna | Madhya Pradesh | 2007 | 1598.10 |
| 24 | Dampa | Mizoram | 2007 | 988.00 |
| 25 | Bhadra | Karnataka | 2007 | 1064.29 |
| 26 | Pench – MH | Maharashtra | 2007 | 741.22 |
| 27 | Pakke | Arunachal Pradesh | 2012 | 1198.45 |
| 28 | Nameri | Assam | 2000 | 464.00 |
| 29 | Satpura | Madhya Pradesh | 2007 | 2133.31 |
| 30 | Anamalai | Tamil Nadu | 2007 | 1479.87 |
| 31 | Udanti Sitanadi | Chhattisgarh | 2009 | 1842.54 |
| 32 | Satkoshia | Odisha | 2007 | 963.87 |
| 33 | Kaziranga | Assam | 2007 | 1173.58 |
| 34 | Achanakmar | Chhattisgarh | 2009 | 914.02 |
| 35 | Kali | Karnataka | 2007 | 1097.51 |
| 36 | Sanjay Dhubri | Madhya Pradesh | 2011 | 1674.50 |
| 37 | Mudumalai | Tamil Nadu | 2007 | 688.59 |
| 38 | Nagarhole | Karnataka | 2007 | 1205.76 |
| 39 | Parambikulam | Kerala | 2009 | 643.66 |
| 40 | Sahyadri | Maharashtra | 2012 | 1165.57 |
| 41 | Biligiri Ranganatha Temple | Karnataka | 2007 | 574.82 |
| 42 | Kawal | Telangana | 2012 | 2015.44 |
| 43 | Sathyamangalam | Tamil Nadu | 2013 | 1408.40 |
| 44 | Mukundara | Rajasthan | 2013 | 759.99 |
| 45 | Nawegaon Nagzira | Maharashtra | 2013 | 1894.94 |
| 46 | Amrabad | Telangana | 2015 | 2611.39 |
| 47 | Pilibhit | Uttar Pradesh | 2014 | 730.25 |
| 48 | Bor | Maharashtra | 2014 | 816.27 |
| 49 | Rajaji | Uttarakhand | 2015 | 1075.17 |
| 50 | Orang | Assam | 2016 | 492.46 |
| 51 | Kamlang | Arunachal Pradesh | 2017 | 783.00 |
| 52 | Srivilliputhur Megamalai | Tamil Nadu | 2021 | 1016.57 |
| 53 | Ramgarh Vishdhari | Rajasthan | 2022 | 1501.89 |
| 54 | Ranipur | Uttar Pradesh | 2022 | 529.36 |
| 55 | Veerangana Durgavati | Madhya Pradesh | 2023 | 2339.12 |
| 56 | Dholpur – Karauli | Rajasthan | 2023 | 599.64 |
| 57 | Guru Ghasidas – Tamor Pingla | Chhattisgarh | 2024 | 2829.39 |
| 58 | Ratapani | Madhya Pradesh | 2024 | 1271.47 |
| 59 | Madhav | Madhya Pradesh | 2025 | 1651.39 |
| Total | – | – | – | 84487.83 |
State-Wise List of Tiger Reserves in India
India is home to 58 Tiger Reserves spread across 18 states, dedicated to protect the endangered Bengal tiger and its natural habitat. These reserves operate under Project Tiger, launched in 1973 to ensure the recovery of tiger populations and the preservation of their ecosystems.
| State-Wise List of Tiger Reserves in India | ||
|---|---|---|
| State | Number of Tiger Reserves | Tiger Reserves (TR) |
| Andhra Pradesh | 1 | Nagarjunsagar Sagar |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 3 | Namdapha, Pakke, Kamlang |
| Assam | 4 | Manas, Nameri, Kaziranga, Orang |
| Bihar | 1 | Valmiki |
| Chhattisgarh | 4 | Indravati, Udanti Sitanadi, Achanakmar, Guru Ghasidas – Tamor Pingla |
| Karnataka | 5 | Bandipur, Bhadra, Kali, Nagarhole, Biligiri Ranganatha Temple |
| Kerala | 2 | Periyar, Parambikulam |
| Madhya Pradesh | 9 | Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Satpura, Sanjay Dhubri, Veerangana Durgavati, Ratapani, Madhav |
| Maharashtra | 6 | Melghat, Tadobha Andhari, Pench – MH, Sahyadri, Nawegaon Nagzira, Bor |
| Rajasthan | 5 | Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundara, Ramgarh Vishdhari, Dholpur – Karauli |
| Tamil Nadu | 5 | Kalakad Mundanthurai, Anamalai, Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam, Srivilliputhur Megamalai |
| Telangana | 2 | Kawal, Amrabad |
| Uttar Pradesh | 4 | Dudhwa, Amanagarh buffer, Pilibhit, Ranipur |
| Uttarakhand | 2 | Corbett, Rajaji |
| West Bengal | 2 | Sunderban, Buxa |
| Mizoram | 1 | Dampa |
| Odisha | 2 | Simlipal, Satkoshia |
Top 10 Largest Tiger Reserves in India
Each Tiger Reserves in India plays a major role in wildlife conservation. Below are the Top 10 Largest Tiger Reserves in India, known for their diverse ecosystems.
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (3,296.31 sq. km.) Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is spanning across 5 districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, this tiger reserve is the Largest Tiger Reserve in India, offering a vast habitat for Bengal tigers, leopards, pangolins, Indian rock pythons, and several other species. The Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar Reservoirs enhance the biodiversity of this reserve, making it an ecologically significant area.
Manas Tiger Reserve (3,150.92 sq. km.) Assam
Manas Tiger Reserve is located in the Himalayas, Manas Tiger Reserve is not just a national park but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an Elephant Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve. It is home to some of the rarest and most endangered species, including the one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic elephant, clouded leopard, and hoolock gibbons. The Manas River, which flows through the park, adds to its scenic beauty and ecological richness.
Melghat Tiger Reserve (2,768.52 sq. km.) Maharashtra
Melghat Tiger Reserve is situated in the Satpura Hill Range, and is an important part of central India’s biodiversity. The reserve serves as a catchment area for five major rivers, which support its diverse flora and fauna. Apart from tigers, Melghat Tiger Reserve is home to species like Indian gaur, sambar deer, wild boars, and many bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Similipal Tiger Reserve (2,750 sq. km.) Odisha
Located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, Similipal is known for its dense forests, unique biodiversity, and stunning waterfalls. The reserve is home to Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, barking deer, and rare orchids. The cool breeze from the forests and the presence of various streams make it a refreshing natural habitat. Similipal is an essential part of India’s wildlife conservation efforts.
Amrabad Tiger Reserve (2,611.39 sq. km.) Telangana
Amrabad Tiger Reserve is situated in the Nallamala Hills, Amrabad Tiger Reserve is one of the largest reserves in South India. It has a rich tribal heritage, with the Chenchu tribe coexisting with the wildlife. The Amrabad Tiger Reserve is home to Bengal tigers, rusty-spotted cats, mugger crocodiles, Indian rock pythons, and a variety of bird species.
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (2,584.89 sq. km.) West Bengal
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in West Bengal, it is famous for the Royal Bengal tigers, which have adapted to swimming in the saline waters. The forest gets its name from the Sundari trees, which dominate the landscape. The Sundarbans are also home to saltwater crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins, and various bird species, making it one of the most unique tiger reserves in India.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (2,201.77 sq. km.) Uttar Pradesh
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is located along the India-Nepal border, and is a crucial part of Uttar Pradesh’s wildlife conservation efforts. It is the only place in the state where both tigers and one-horned rhinos coexist. The reserve features dense forests, vast grasslands, and wetland ecosystems, providing an ideal habitat for a diverse range of species, including elephants, swamp deer, and migratory birds.
Satpura Tiger Reserve (2,133.30 sq. km.) Madhya Pradesh
Satpura Tiger Reserve is situated south of the Narmada River, Satpura Tiger Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and unique terrain. Apart from tigers, the reserve is home to leopards, chital, nilgai, blackbuck, Indian giant squirrels, and flying squirrels. The landscape consists of rugged hills, deep valleys, and dense forests, making it one of the most picturesque wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Namdapha Tiger Reserve (2,052.82 sq. km.) Arunachal Pradesh
Namdapha Tiger Reserve is located in Arunachal Pradesh, is the only tiger reserve in the world to host all four big cat species: tiger, leopard, snow leopard, and clouded leopard. This makes it one of the most ecologically significant reserves in India. It is part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, featuring a mix of tropical, subtropical, and alpine ecosystems.
Kanha Tiger Reserve (2,051.79 sq. km.) Madhya Pradesh
Kanha Tiger Reserve, the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, is one of India’s most famous tiger reserves. It is home to the hard ground swamp deer (Barasingha), Bengal tigers, Indian wild dogs, and leopards. The lush green meadows and dense forests of Kanha make it an ideal wildlife habitat and a popular destination for nature lovers.
Last updated on November, 2025
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Tiger Reserves in India FAQs
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