India is home to 94 Ramsar Sites across 28 states and union territories, each recognized for its ecological, hydrological, and biodiversity significance. The largest Ramsar site is the Sundarban Wetland in West Bengal (4,230 km²), while the smallest sites include Renuka Lake in Himachal Pradesh and Vembannur Wetland Complex in Tamil Nadu (both under 1 km²). The oldest Ramsar sites, Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan, were designated in 1981, reflecting India’s long-standing commitment to wetland conservation.
What is a Ramsar Site?
A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognized under the Ramsar Convention (1971) for its international importance in conserving biodiversity and sustaining ecological balance. These wetlands provide critical habitats for migratory birds, endangered species, and unique flora and fauna. They help in groundwater recharge, flood control, and climate regulation, while supporting local livelihoods like fishing and agriculture. As of November 2025, India currently has 94 Ramsar Sites spread across 28 states and union territories, highlighting the country’s rich wetland diversity.
Ramsar Sites in India State-wise List
India has 94 Ramsar sites spread across 28 states and union territories, each recognized for its ecological, hydrological, and biodiversity significance. These wetlands range from large brackish lagoons to small freshwater lakes, supporting unique flora, fauna, and migratory birds.
| Ramsar Sites in India State-wise List | ||||
|
S.No |
Ramsar Site |
State/UT |
Designated Year |
Area (km²) |
|
1 |
Kolleru Lake |
Andhra Pradesh |
2002 |
901 |
|
2 |
Deepor Beel |
Assam |
2002 |
40 |
|
3 |
Kanwar (Kabar) Taal |
Bihar |
2020 |
26.2 |
|
4 |
Nagi Bird Sanctuary |
Bihar |
2023 |
2 |
|
5 |
Nakti Bird Sanctuary |
Bihar |
2023 |
3.3 |
|
6 |
Nanda Lake |
Goa |
2022 |
0.42 |
|
7 |
Khijadia WLS |
Gujarat |
2021 |
6 |
|
8 |
Nalsarovar BS |
Gujarat |
2012 |
123 |
|
9 |
Thol Lake |
Gujarat |
2021 |
6.99 |
|
10 |
Wadhvana Wetland |
Gujarat |
2021 |
10.38 |
|
11 |
Bhindawas WLS |
Haryana |
2021 |
4.11 |
|
12 |
Sultanpur NP |
Haryana |
2021 |
142.5 |
|
13 |
Chandra Taal |
Himachal Pradesh |
2005 |
0.49 |
|
14 |
Pong Dam Lake |
Himachal Pradesh |
2002 |
156.62 |
|
15 |
Renuka Lake |
Himachal Pradesh |
2005 |
0.2 |
|
16 |
Ranganathituu BS |
Karnataka |
2022 |
5.18 |
|
17 |
Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve |
Karnataka |
2024 |
0.5 |
|
18 |
Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve |
Karnataka |
2024 |
0.98 |
|
19 |
Aghanashini Estuary |
Karnataka |
2024 |
4.8 |
|
20 |
Ashtamudi Wetland |
Kerala |
2002 |
614 |
|
21 |
Sasthamkotta Lake |
Kerala |
2002 |
3.73 |
|
22 |
Vembanad-Kol Wetland |
Kerala |
1905 |
1,512.5 |
|
23 |
Bhoj Wetland |
Madhya Pradesh |
2002 |
32 |
|
24 |
Sakhya Sagar |
Madhya Pradesh |
2022 |
2.48 |
|
25 |
Sirpur Wetland |
Madhya Pradesh |
2022 |
1.61 |
|
26 |
Yashwant Sagar |
Madhya Pradesh |
2022 |
8.22 |
|
27 |
Tawa Reservoir |
Madhya Pradesh |
2024 |
200 |
|
28 |
Lonar Lake |
Maharashtra |
2020 |
4.27 |
|
29 |
Nandur Madhameshwar |
Maharashtra |
2019 |
14 |
|
30 |
Thane Creek |
Maharashtra |
2022 |
65.21 |
|
31 |
Loktak Lake |
Manipur |
1990 |
266 |
|
32 |
Pala Wetland |
Mizoram |
2021 |
18.5 |
|
33 |
Ansupa Lake |
Odisha |
2021 |
2.31 |
|
34 |
Bhitarkanika Mangroves |
Odisha |
2002 |
650 |
|
35 |
Chilika Lake |
Odisha |
1981 |
1,165 |
|
36 |
Hirakud Reservoir |
Odisha |
2021 |
654 |
|
37 |
Satkosia Gorge |
Odisha |
2021 |
981.97 |
|
38 |
Tampara Lake |
Odisha |
2021 |
3 |
|
39 |
Beas CnR |
Punjab |
2019 |
64 |
|
40 |
Harike Wetland |
Punjab |
1990 |
41 |
|
41 |
Kanjli Wetland |
Punjab |
2002 |
1.83 |
|
42 |
Keshopur-Miani CmR |
Punjab |
2019 |
34 |
|
43 |
Nangal WLS |
Punjab |
2019 |
1 |
|
44 |
Ropar Wetland |
Punjab |
2002 |
13.65 |
|
45 |
Keoladeo National Park |
Rajasthan |
1981 |
28.73 |
|
46 |
Sambhar Lake |
Rajasthan |
1990 |
240 |
|
47 |
Chitrangudi BS |
Tamil Nadu |
2021 |
2.6 |
|
48 |
Gulf of Mannar Marine BR |
Tamil Nadu |
2022 |
526.72 |
|
49 |
Kanjirankulam BS |
Tamil Nadu |
2022 |
0.96 |
|
50 |
Karikili BS |
Tamil Nadu |
2022 |
0.584 |
|
51 |
Koonthankulam BS |
Tamil Nadu |
2021 |
0.72 |
|
52 |
Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest |
Tamil Nadu |
2022 |
12.475 |
|
53 |
Pichavaram Mangrove |
Tamil Nadu |
2022 |
14.786 |
|
54 |
Point Calimere WLS & BS |
Tamil Nadu |
2002 |
389 |
|
55 |
Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex |
Tamil Nadu |
2022 |
0.94 |
|
56 |
Udhayamarthandapuram BS |
Tamil Nadu |
2022 |
0.44 |
|
57 |
Vaduvur BS |
Tamil Nadu |
2022 |
1.12 |
|
58 |
Vedanthangal BS |
Tamil Nadu |
2022 |
0.4 |
|
59 |
Vellode BS |
Tamil Nadu |
2022 |
0.77 |
|
60 |
Vembannur Wetland Complex |
Tamil Nadu |
2022 |
0.2 |
|
61 |
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary |
Tamil Nadu |
2024 |
4.5 |
|
62 |
Longwood Shola Reserve Forest |
Tamil Nadu |
2024 |
1.16 |
|
63 |
Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary |
Tamil Nadu |
2024 |
1.3 |
|
64 |
Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary |
Tamil Nadu |
2024 |
1,513 |
|
65 |
Rudrasagar Lake |
Tripura |
2005 |
2.4 |
|
66 |
Hokera Wetland |
UT of Jammu & Kashmir |
2005 |
13.75 |
|
67 |
Hygam Wetland CnR |
UT of Jammu & Kashmir |
2022 |
8.02 |
|
68 |
Shallbugh Wetland CnR |
UT of Jammu & Kashmir |
2022 |
16.75 |
|
69 |
Surinsar-Mansar Lakes |
UT of Jammu & Kashmir |
2005 |
3.5 |
|
70 |
Wular Lake |
UT of Jammu & Kashmir |
1990 |
189 |
|
71 |
Tso Kar |
UT of Ladakh |
2020 |
95.77 |
|
72 |
Tsomoriri |
UT of Ladakh |
2002 |
120 |
|
73 |
Bakhira WLS |
Uttar Pradesh |
2021 |
28.94 |
|
74 |
Haiderpur Wetland |
Uttar Pradesh |
2021 |
69 |
|
75 |
Nawabganj BS |
Uttar Pradesh |
2019 |
2 |
|
76 |
Parvati Arga BS |
Uttar Pradesh |
2019 |
7 |
|
77 |
Saman BS |
Uttar Pradesh |
2019 |
5 |
|
78 |
Samaspur BS |
Uttar Pradesh |
2019 |
8 |
|
79 |
Sandi BS |
Uttar Pradesh |
2019 |
3 |
|
80 |
Sarsai Nawar Jheel |
Uttar Pradesh |
2019 |
2 |
|
81 |
Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake) |
Uttar Pradesh |
2020 |
4.31 |
|
82 |
Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora) |
Uttar Pradesh |
2005 |
265.9 |
|
83 |
Asan Barrage |
Uttarakhand |
2020 |
4.44 |
|
84 |
East Kolkata Wetlands |
West Bengal |
2002 |
125 |
|
85 |
Sundarban Wetland |
West Bengal |
2019 |
4,230 |
|
86 |
Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary |
Tamil Nadu |
2025 |
– |
|
87 |
Therthangal Bird Sanctuary |
Tamil Nadu |
2025 |
– |
|
88 |
Khecheopalri Wetland |
Sikkim |
2025 |
– |
|
89 |
Udhwa Lake |
Jharkhand |
2025 |
– |
|
90 |
Khichan (Phalodi) |
Rajasthan |
2025 |
– |
|
91 |
Menar (Udaipur) |
Rajasthan |
2025 |
– |
|
92 |
Gokul Jalashay |
Bihar |
2025 |
– |
|
93 |
Udaipur Jheel |
Bihar |
2025 |
– |
|
94 |
Gogabeel Lake |
Bihar |
2025 |
– |
Newly Added Ramsar Sites in India
In 2025, India added 9 new Ramsar Sites, reflecting its ongoing commitment to wetland conservation and biodiversity protection. These sites span several states and union territories, including Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Bihar.
| Newly Added Ramsar Sites in India | |||
|
S.No |
Ramsar Site |
State/UT |
Designated Year |
|
1 |
Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary |
Tamil Nadu |
2025 |
|
2 |
Therthangal Bird Sanctuary |
Tamil Nadu |
2025 |
|
3 |
Khecheopalri Wetland |
Sikkim |
2025 |
|
4 |
Udhwa Lake |
Jharkhand |
2025 |
|
5 |
Khichan (Phalodi) |
Rajasthan |
2025 |
|
6 |
Menar (Udaipur) |
Rajasthan |
2025 |
|
7 |
Gokul Jalashay |
Bihar |
2025 |
|
8 |
Udaipur Jheel |
Bihar |
2025 |
|
9 |
Gogabeel Lake |
Bihar |
2025 |
Ramsar Sites in India Description
This table provides a comprehensive list of all 94 Ramsar Sites in India, including their state/UT and a brief description highlighting ecological, cultural, and conservation importance. It serves as a handy reference for understanding India’s wetlands and their significance for biodiversity, migratory birds, and local livelihoods.
| Ramsar Sites in India Description | |||
|
S.No |
Ramsar Site |
State/UT |
Description |
|
1 |
Kolleru Lake |
Andhra Pradesh |
Nutrient-rich freshwater lake between Godavari and Krishna basins, supports fisheries and agriculture; endangered Spot-Billed Pelican. |
|
2 |
Deepor Beel |
Assam |
Permanent freshwater lake near Guwahati; habitat for Grey Pelican, Lesser & Greater Adjutant Storks, Baer’s Pochard. |
|
3 |
Kanwar Taal |
Bihar |
Oxbow lake in Indo-Gangetic plain; hosts critically endangered vultures and waterbirds like Baer’s Pochard. |
|
4 |
Nagi Bird Sanctuary |
Bihar |
Created from damming Nagi River; wintering site for Baer’s Pochard and steppe eagle; large bar-headed goose congregation. |
|
5 |
Nakti Bird Sanctuary |
Bihar |
Man-made wetland from Nakti Dam; habitat for red-crested pochard and vulnerable catfish. |
|
6 |
Gokul Jalashay |
Bihar |
Oxbow lake on Ganga’s southern edge; supports 50+ bird species; local communities depend on it for fishing and agriculture. |
|
7 |
Udaipur Jheel |
Bihar |
Oxbow lake in Udaipur WLS; home to 280 plant species and migratory birds including vulnerable common pochard. |
|
8 |
Nanda Lake |
Goa |
Freshwater marsh near Zuari River; supports aquatic biodiversity despite small size (0.42 km²). |
|
9 |
Khijadia WLS |
Gujarat |
Freshwater wetland in Jamnagar; endangered Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, Indian Skimmer, and Bdellium-Tree. |
|
10 |
Nalsarovar BS |
Gujarat |
Largest natural freshwater lake in Thar Desert; supports endangered Indian Wild Ass and Sociable Lapwing. |
|
11 |
Thol Lake |
Gujarat |
Human-made reservoir; supports Blackbucks and endangered birds like White-Rumped Vulture. |
|
12 |
Wadhvana Wetland |
Gujarat |
Semi-arid man-made wetland; habitat for Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, Sarus Crane, Common Pochard. |
|
13 |
Bhindawas WLS |
Haryana |
Human-made freshwater wetland; hosts Egyptian Vultures and Pallas’s Fish-Eagle. |
|
14 |
Sultanpur NP |
Haryana |
Near Delhi; IBA wetland supporting Sociable Lapwing, Egyptian Vultures, Saker Falcon, Black-Bellied Tern. |
|
15 |
Chandra Taal |
Himachal Pradesh |
High-altitude lake; habitat for Snow Leopard, Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep; threatened by overgrazing. |
|
16 |
Pong Dam Lake |
Himachal Pradesh |
Reservoir on Beas River; lies on Trans-Himalayan Flyway for migratory waterfowl. |
|
17 |
Renuka Lake |
Himachal Pradesh |
Freshwater wetland with karst formations; named after sage Parshuram’s mother. |
|
18 |
Udhwa Lake |
Jharkhand |
Oxbow wetland; supports Oriental White-Backed Vulture, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Lesser Adjutant. |
|
19 |
Aghanashini Estuary |
Karnataka |
Free-flowing river estuary; mangroves support fish, prawns, and bird diversity; important nutrient cycling. |
|
20 |
Ankasamudra Bird CnR |
Karnataka |
Near Hampi; 175 bird species including 11 IUCN-listed species; nesting and breeding site. |
|
21 |
Magadi Kere CnR |
Karnataka |
Saline wetland attracting migratory waterfowl; hosts bar-headed goose, Grey & Purple Herons. |
|
22 |
Ranganathituu BS |
Karnataka |
Part of Kaveri River; habitat for Mugger Crocodile, Smooth-Coated Otter, Painted Stork, Grey Pelican. |
|
23 |
Ashtamudi Wetland |
Kerala |
Backwater ecosystem; second-largest estuary in Kerala; supports fisheries and National Waterway 3. |
|
24 |
Sasthamkotta Lake |
Kerala |
Largest freshwater lake in Kerala; exceptionally pure water supporting diverse aquatic life. |
|
25 |
Vembanad-Kol Wetland |
Kerala |
Largest brackish lake in Kerala; supports paddy cultivation and migratory birds; second-largest Ramsar site in India. |
|
26 |
Bhoj Wetland |
Madhya Pradesh |
Two human-made lakes in Bhopal; habitat for Sarus Crane. |
|
27 |
Sakhya Sagar |
Madhya Pradesh |
Reservoir near Madhav National Park; hosts Mugger, Smooth-Coated Otter, Hump-Backed Mahseer. |
|
28 |
Sirpur Wetland |
Madhya Pradesh |
Human-made wetland in Indore; supports Common Pochard, Egyptian Vulture, Indian River Tern. |
|
29 |
Tawa Reservoir |
Madhya Pradesh |
Within Satpura Tiger Reserve; fish spawning ground and habitat for Indian giant squirrel. |
|
30 |
Yashwant Sagar |
Madhya Pradesh |
IBA wetland in Indore region; important for migratory and resident birds. |
|
31 |
Lonar Lake |
Maharashtra |
Meteorite crater lake; hypersaline and alkaline, hosts haloarchaea producing pink pigment. |
|
32 |
Nandur Madhameshwar |
Maharashtra |
Created by Godavari-Kadwa confluence; hosts leopards and endangered bird species. |
|
33 |
Thane Creek |
Maharashtra |
Large brackish water creek; fringed by mangroves; supports flamingos and diverse avifauna. |
|
34 |
Loktak Lake |
Manipur |
Largest freshwater lake in northeast India; features floating phumdis and Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park. |
|
35 |
Pala Wetland |
Mizoram |
Natural lake in Indo-Burma hotspot; supports Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Hoolock Gibbon. |
|
36 |
Ansupa Lake |
Odisha |
Freshwater oxbow of Mahanadi River; largest freshwater lake in Odisha; endangered birds and fish. |
|
37 |
Bhitarkanika Mangroves |
Odisha |
Part of Bhitarkanika WLS; supports Olive Ridley Turtles, Saltwater Crocodiles. |
|
38 |
Chilika Lake |
Odisha |
India’s first Ramsar site (1981); brackish water lagoon; home to Irrawaddy dolphins; major migratory bird hub. |
|
39 |
Hirakud Reservoir |
Odisha |
Large earthen dam; moderates floods in Mahanadi delta. |
|
40 |
Satkosia Gorge |
Odisha |
Mosaic of rivers and forests; home to tigers and endangered turtles. |
|
41 |
Tampara Lake |
Odisha |
Formed during 1766 battle; now connected to Rushikulya River for flood control. |
|
42 |
Beas CnR |
Punjab |
189 km stretch of Beas River; hosts Indus River dolphin and reintroduced Gharial. |
|
43 |
Harike Wetland |
Punjab |
Shallow reservoir at Beas-Sutlej confluence; important for migratory birds. |
|
44 |
Kanjli Wetland |
Punjab |
Associated with Guru Nanak; freshwater wetland supporting local biodiversity. |
|
45 |
Keshopur-Miani CmR |
Punjab |
Mosaic of marshes and ponds; supports Common Pochard, Spotted Pond Turtle. |
|
46 |
Nangal WLS |
Punjab |
Bhakra-Nangal reservoir; historically significant; endangered Indian Pangolin and Leopard. |
|
47 |
Ropar Wetland |
Punjab |
Formed by Sutlej River barrage; supports Smooth Indian Otter, Hog Deer, Sambar. |
|
48 |
Keoladeo NP |
Rajasthan |
Complex of seasonal marshes; invasive grasses threaten Siberian Crane; on Montreux Record in 1990. |
|
49 |
Sambhar Lake |
Rajasthan |
India’s largest inland saltwater lake; wintering site for flamingos. |
|
50 |
Khichan Wetland |
Rajasthan |
Thar Desert wetland; wintering site for migratory demoiselle cranes. |
|
51 |
Menar Wetland Complex |
Rajasthan |
Monsoon-fed freshwater ponds; supports vultures, waterbirds, and local flora. |
|
52 |
Khecheopalri Wetland |
Sikkim |
Sacred lake in Demazong valley; revered by Hindus and Buddhists; near Kanchenjunga. |
|
53 |
Chitrangudi BS |
Tamil Nadu |
IBA adjacent to Kanjirankulam; supports Grey Pelican, Painted Stork, Little Egret. |
|
54 |
Gulf of Mannar Marine BR |
Tamil Nadu |
First marine biosphere reserve in South Asia; Dugong, Hawksbill Turtle, Humpback Dolphin. |
|
55 |
Kanjirankulam BS |
Tamil Nadu |
Affected by invasive Prosopis trees; hosts Painted Stork, Oriental Darter. |
|
56 |
Karaivetti BS |
Tamil Nadu |
Irrigation tank; freshwater feeding ground for migratory birds like Bar-headed Goose. |
|
57 |
Karikili BS |
Tamil Nadu |
Near Kanchipuram; supports Oriental Darter, Spot-Billed Pelican. |
|
58 |
Kazhuveli BS |
Tamil Nadu |
Brackish lake; important migratory bird path and spawning ground for fish. |
|
59 |
Koonthankulam BS |
Tamil Nadu |
Human-made wetland; IBA maintained by local community. |
|
60 |
Longwood Shola RF |
Tamil Nadu |
Urban shola forest in Nilgiris; retains water, regulates microclimate. |
|
61 |
Nanjarayan BS |
Tamil Nadu |
Historical freshwater lake; nesting habitats for waterbirds and flapshell turtles. |
|
62 |
Pallikaranai Marsh RF |
Tamil Nadu |
Coastal marsh; buffers Chennai floodwaters. |
|
63 |
Pichavaram Mangrove |
Tamil Nadu |
Large mangrove forest; spiritual value; supports endangered birds and Olive Ridley Turtle. |
|
64 |
Point Calimere WLS & BS |
Tamil Nadu |
Last remnants of dry evergreen forests; hosts Spoon-Billed Sandpiper and Grey Pelican. |
|
65 |
Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex |
Tamil Nadu |
IBA; inland perennial man-made tank on Central Asian flyway. |
|
66 |
Udhayamarthandapuram BS |
Tamil Nadu |
Stores monsoon floodwaters; maintains dry-season water flow. |
|
67 |
Vaduvur BS |
Tamil Nadu |
Large human-made tank; shelter for migratory birds. |
|
68 |
Vedanthangal BS |
Tamil Nadu |
Freshwater wetland; protected by locals; guano enriches agriculture. |
|
69 |
Vellode BS |
Tamil Nadu |
Supports Indian River Tern, Oriental Darter, Painted Stork. |
|
70 |
Vembannur Wetland Complex |
Tamil Nadu |
Human-made inland tank; habitat for Spot-Billed Pelican and Spotted Greenshank. |
|
71 |
Karaivetti BS |
Tamil Nadu |
Freshwater lake; attracts migratory waterbirds. |
|
72 |
Rudrasagar Lake |
Tripura |
Reservoir fed by perennial streams; habitat for Three-Striped Roof Turtle. |
|
73 |
Hokera Wetland |
UT of JK |
Natural wetland near Srinagar; hosts White-Eyed Pochard. |
|
74 |
Hygam Wetland CnR |
UT of JK |
Downstream of Wular Lake; threatened by siltation. |
|
75 |
Shallbugh Wetland CnR |
UT of JK |
Prevents flooding; supports Steppe Eagle, Pallas’s Fish-Eagle. |
|
76 |
Surinsar-Mansar Lakes |
UT of JK |
Composite freshwater lake; semi-arid Punjab plains; linked to Mahabharata mythology. |
|
77 |
Wular Lake |
UT of JK |
Largest freshwater lake in India; fed by Jhelum; supports rich biodiversity. |
|
78 |
Tso Kar |
UT of Ladakh |
High-altitude hypersaline and freshwater lakes; breeding site for Black-Necked Cranes. |
|
79 |
Tsomoriri |
UT of Ladakh |
Freshwater-brackish lake; only breeding site in India for Black-Necked Cranes and Bar-Headed Geese. |
|
80 |
Bakhira WLS |
Uttar Pradesh |
Freshwater marsh near Gorakhpur; hosts Egyptian Vultures, Greater Spotted Eagle. |
|
81 |
Haiderpur Wetland |
Uttar Pradesh |
Formed by Madhya Ganga Barrage; supports Gharial, Golden Mahseer, Hog Deer. |
|
82 |
Nawabganj BS |
Uttar Pradesh |
Shallow marsh near Lucknow; renamed Chandra Shekhar Azad BS; Egyptian Vulture and Pallas’s Fish Eagle. |
|
83 |
Parvati Arga BS |
Uttar Pradesh |
Freshwater oxbow lakes; home to Red-Headed Vulture, Indian Vulture. |
|
84 |
Saman BS |
Uttar Pradesh |
Seasonal oxbow lake on Ganges floodplain; Sarus Crane, Greater Spotted Eagle. |
|
85 |
Samaspur BS |
Uttar Pradesh |
Perennial lowland marsh; Egyptian Vulture, Pallas’s Fish Eagle. |
|
86 |
Sandi BS |
Uttar Pradesh |
Freshwater wetland; supports Sarus Crane. |
|
87 |
Sarsai Nawar Jheel |
Uttar Pradesh |
Marsh; name from Sarus Crane; pilgrimage site nearby. |
|
88 |
Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake) |
Uttar Pradesh |
Created for Agra water supply; supports Greater Spotted Eagle. |
|
89 |
Upper Ganga River |
Uttar Pradesh |
Stretch from Brijghat to Narora; endangered Ganges River Dolphin and Gharial. |
|
90 |
Asan Barrage |
Uttarakhand |
Formed by damming Asan River; supports Red-Headed Vulture, White-Rumped Vulture, Baer’s Pochard. |
|
91 |
East Kolkata Wetlands |
West Bengal |
Multiple-use wetland; feeds world’s largest wastewater-fed aquaculture. |
|
92 |
Sundarban Wetland |
West Bengal |
Largest Ramsar site in India; mangrove forest; Northern River Terrapin, Irrawaddy Dolphin. |
|
93 |
Newly Added Sites (2025) |
Multiple States |
Includes Sakkarakottai BS, Therthangal BS (TN), Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim), Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand), Khichan (Rajasthan), Menar (Rajasthan), Gokul Jalashay, Udaipur Jheel (Bihar) and Gogabeel Lake (Bihar). |
Ramsar Sites in India Largest, Smallest and Oldest
The detailed list of Lagest, Smallest and Oldest Ramsar Sites in India have been listed below.
The Sundarban Wetland, Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary, and Vembanad-Kol Wetland are among India’s largest Ramsar sites, spanning over 1,500 km² each. These wetlands play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, supporting diverse flora, fauna, and migratory birds.
| Largest Ramsar Sites in India | |||
|
Rank |
Ramsar Site |
State |
Area (km²) |
|
1 |
Sundarban Wetland |
West Bengal |
4,230 |
|
2 |
Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary |
Tamil Nadu |
1,513 |
|
3 |
Vembanad-Kol Wetland |
Kerala |
1,512.5 |
|
4 |
Chilika Lake |
Odisha |
1,165 |
|
5 |
Satkosia Gorge |
Odisha |
981.97 |
|
6 |
Kolleru Lake |
Andhra Pradesh |
901 |
Renuka Lake, Vembannur Wetland Complex, and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary are India’s smallest Ramsar sites, each under 1 km² in area. Despite their size, these sites are ecologically significant, providing critical habitats for endangered species and local communities.
| Smallest Ramsar Sites in India | |||
|
Rank |
Ramsar Site |
State |
Area (km²) |
|
1 |
Renuka Lake |
Himachal Pradesh |
0.2 |
|
2 |
Vembannur Wetland Complex |
Tamil Nadu |
0.2 |
|
3 |
Vedanthangal BS |
Tamil Nadu |
0.4 |
|
4 |
Nanda Lake |
Goa |
0.42 |
|
5 |
Udhayamarthandapuram BS |
Tamil Nadu |
0.44 |
Chilika Lake and Keoladeo Ghana National Park were the first Indian wetlands recognized under the Ramsar Convention in 1981. They are internationally renowned for their rich biodiversity, especially migratory waterbirds, and long-standing conservation importance.
| Oldest Ramsar Sites in India | ||
|
Rank |
Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
|
1 |
Chilika Lake |
1981 |
|
2 |
Keoladeo Ghana NP |
1981 |
Importance of Ramsar Sites in India
Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance that support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, and sustain livelihoods of local communities. They play a vital role in flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate regulation.
- Provide habitat for migratory and endangered species.
- Support fisheries, agriculture, and tourism-based livelihoods.
- Act as natural water purifiers and carbon sinks.
- Help in flood mitigation and groundwater replenishment.
- Contribute to climate regulation and ecosystem services.
Montreux Record in India
The Montreux Record is a register of Ramsar sites facing ecological changes due to human activities or natural factors. Inclusion highlights wetlands requiring priority conservation and restoration efforts. There are only 2 Ramsar Sites in India in the Montreux Record.
| Indian Ramsar Sites on the Montreux Record | |||
|
Ramsar Site |
State |
Reason for Inclusion |
Year Listed |
|
Keoladeo Ghana National Park |
Rajasthan |
Water shortage and unbalanced grazing |
1990 |
|
Loktak Lake |
Manipur |
This lake is affected by factors such as human-induced changes and pollution |
1993 |
Last updated on November, 2025
→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.
→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Interview Guidance Programme for expert help to crack your final UPSC stage.
→ UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now out.
→ UPSC Notification 2026 is scheduled to be released on January 14, 2026.
→ UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.
→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.
→ UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.
→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.
→ UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!
→ UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.
→ UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.
→ UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025 are available now.
→ UPSC Mains Question Paper 2025 is out for Essay, GS 1, 2, 3 & GS 4.
→ UPSC Mains Indian Language Question Paper 2025 is now out.
→ UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 is now out.
→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi
Ramsar Sites in India FAQs
Q1. What is a Ramsar Site?+
Q2. How many Ramsar Sites are there in India?+
Q3. Which is the largest Ramsar Site in India?+
Q4. Which is the smallest Ramsar Site in India?+
Q5. Which are the oldest Ramsar Sites in India?+
Tags: ramsar sites in india



