The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is the primary legislation that provides the legal framework for the establishment and management of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India.

The main objective of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is to protect wildlife and their habitats, promote sustainable use of natural resources, and regulate trade in wildlife and wildlife products.

The implementation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the National Board for Wildlife, and the State Forest Departments.

National parks are more strictly protected than wildlife sanctuaries. In national parks, all forms of human activity are prohibited, except for scientific research and education. In wildlife sanctuaries, some forms of human activity, such as tourism and grazing, are allowed.

As of 2023, there are 250 national parks and 800 wildlife sanctuaries in India.

Nanda Devi National Park is the largest national park in India, covering an area of 6,343 square kilometers.

Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India, established in 1936.

Jim Corbett National Park is the most visited national park in India, receiving over 1 million visitors annually.

Keoladeo National Park is the only floating national park in India, located in the state of Rajasthan.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is the only marine national park in India, located in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Hemis National Park is the only national park in India that is home to the snow leopard.

Kaziranga National Park is the only national park in India that is home to the one-horned rhinoceros.

Gir National Park is the only national park in India that is home to the Asiatic lion.

Nagarhole National Park is the only national park in India that is home to the tiger, lion, leopard, and elephant.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is the only national park in India that is home to the gaur, bison, and nilgai.