Which of the following Indian states has the highest number of national parks as of 3 March 2025?

The correct answer is Madhya Pradesh. Key Points Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of National Parks in India, with a total of 12 established protected areas as of 2024-2025. The state is often referred to as the "Tiger State of India" because it hosts a significant portion of the country's tiger population across its various reserves. Major National Parks in Madhya Pradesh include Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Pench, Satpura, Madhav, Sanjay, Van Vihar, Fossil, Dino Adventure, and Kuno National Park. Kuno National Park gained international prominence recently as the site for the Cheetah Reintroduction Project , where cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa were released. Kanha National Park, established in 1955, is the largest national park in the state and is famous for saving the Barasingha (Swamp Deer) from extinction. Bandhavgarh National Park is renowned for having the highest density of royal Bengal tigers in India. Additional Information Assam: Assam currently has 7 National Parks . The latest additions were Raimona and Dehing Patkai in 2021. Other famous parks include Kaziranga (famous for the one-horned rhinoceros), Manas, Nameri, Orang, and Dibru-Saikhowa. Maharashtra: Maharashtra has 6 National Parks . These include Tadoba-Andhari (the oldest and largest), Sanjay Gandhi (Borivali), Navegaon, Gugamal, Chandoli, and Pench (which is shared with Madhya Pradesh). Kerala: Kerala is home to 6 National Parks . These are Eravikulam (famous for the Nilgiri Tahr), Silent Valley, Periyar, Anamudi Shola, Mathikettan Shola, and Pambadum Shola. General Facts: National Parks in India are IUCN Category II protected areas. They are declared under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 . While Madhya Pradesh leads among the states, the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands also has a high number, with 9 National Parks. Hemis National Park in Ladakh is the largest national park in India, while South Button Island National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the smallest.