List of Ramsar Sites in India 2026 (99 Sites)
According to the latest 2026 updates, the number of Ramsar sites in India has increased to 99. India’s progress in wetland conservation and biodiversity protection is a crucial topic for competitive exam aspirants. This list has been updated following the recognition of the Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh as India’s 99th Ramsar site in April 2026. In today’s study note, we will discuss the List of Ramsar Sites in India 2026 in detail, which will assist you in preparing for all competitive examinations.
Key Highlights of Ramsar Sites in India
- Total Ramsar Sites: As of May 2026, there are a total of 99 Ramsar sites in India.
- Latest Addition: The ‘Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary,’ located in the Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh, was recognized as India’s 99th Ramsar site in April 2026.
- State with Most Sites: Tamil Nadu holds the highest number of Ramsar sites in India (20 sites), followed by Uttar Pradesh in second place (12 sites).
- India’s First Ramsar Site: In 1981, Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan were designated as the first Ramsar sites in India.
- Largest Ramsar Site: The Sundarbans Wetland in West Bengal is the largest Ramsar site in India.
- Smallest Ramsar Site: Renuka Wetland in Himachal Pradesh is the smallest Ramsar site in India in terms of area.
- World Wetlands Day: World Wetlands Day is observed globally every year on February 2nd. It commemorates the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea, which is why this day is celebrated.
List of Newly Added Ramsar Sites in India in 2026
Below is a brief description of the Ramsar sites newly included in the list as per the latest 2026 update. These new additions are a vital topic for upcoming competitive exams.
| Ramsar Site |
State |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Chhari Dhand |
Gujarat |
2026 |
A highly significant wetland located in the Rann of Kutch area. |
| Patna Bird Sanctuary |
Uttar Pradesh |
2026 |
A habitat for migratory birds located in the Etah district of Uttar Pradesh. |
| Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary |
Uttar Pradesh |
2026 |
India’s latest and 99th Ramsar site (Aligarh district). |
Complete List of 99 Ramsar Sites in India by State (Updated up to 2026)
1. Andhra Pradesh
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Kolleru Lake |
2002 |
Located between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers in Andhra Pradesh. |
2. Assam
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Deepor Beel |
2002 |
The only Ramsar site in Assam, located in the Brahmaputra river basin. |
3. Bihar
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Kabartal Wetland |
2020 |
Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake. |
| Nagi Bird Sanctuary |
2024 |
A new site added in the Jamui district of Bihar in 2024. |
| Nakti Bird Sanctuary |
2024 |
A significant migratory bird area located in the Jamui district of Bihar. |
| Gokul Jalashay |
2025 |
An important site in the Buxar district of Bihar added in 2025. |
| Udaipur Jheel |
2025 |
A natural wetland located in the West Champaran district. |
| Gogabil Lake |
2025 |
North Bihar’s largest wetland located in the Katihar district. |
4. Chhattisgarh
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Kopra Jalashay |
2025 |
The first Ramsar site of Chhattisgarh, added in 2025. |
5. Goa
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Nanda Lake |
2022 |
A very clear freshwater lake located in South Goa. |
6. Gujarat
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary |
2012 |
The largest natural wetland and bird sanctuary in Gujarat. |
| Wadhvana Wetland |
2021 |
An important irrigation lake located in the Vadodara district. |
| Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary |
2021 |
Habitat for many rare birds located in the Mehsana district. |
| Khijadia Bird Sanctuary |
2022 |
Features a unique mix of freshwater and seawater ecosystems. |
| Chhari Dhand |
2026 |
A new Ramsar site added in the Rann of Kutch in 2026. |
7. Haryana
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Sultanpur National Park |
2021 |
A famous tourist destination located in the Gurugram district. |
| Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary |
2021 |
The largest freshwater wetland located in the Jhajjar district of Haryana. |
8. Himachal Pradesh
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Pong Dam Lake |
2002 |
A vast reservoir built on the Beas River in the Kangra district. |
| Chandertal Wetland |
2005 |
A high-altitude crystal-clear lake located in the Lahaul-Spiti valley. |
| Renuka Wetland |
2005 |
The smallest Ramsar site in India in terms of area. |
9. Jammu and Kashmir (UT)
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Wular Lake |
1990 |
One of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, fed by the Jhelum River. |
| Surinsar-Mansar Lakes |
2005 |
Two lakes of spiritual and ecological importance located in the Jammu region. |
| Hokera Wetland |
2005 |
A natural paradise for migratory birds located near Srinagar. |
| Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve |
2022 |
An important site located in the floodplains of the Jhelum River. |
| Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve |
2022 |
A new site located in the Srinagar district, added in 2022. |
10. Jharkhand
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary |
2025 |
Jharkhand’s first Ramsar site, added in 2025. |
11. Karnataka
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary |
2022 |
The first Ramsar site in Karnataka, located on the Kaveri River. |
| Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve |
2024 |
A highly biodiverse region located in the Vijayanagara district. |
| Aghanashini Estuary |
2024 |
A critically important estuary located in the Uttara Kannada district. |
| Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve |
2024 |
A major wintering ground for Bar-headed Geese, added in 2024. |
12. Kerala
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Ashtamudi Wetland |
2002 |
A deep backwater system located in the Kollam district. |
| Sasthamkotta Lake |
2002 |
Known as the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. |
| Vembanad Kol Wetland |
2002 |
The longest lake in India and a renowned tourist destination. |
13. Ladakh (UT)
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Tso Kar Wetland Complex |
2020 |
A unique ecosystem located in the Rupshu Valley of Ladakh. |
| Tsomoriri Lake |
2002 |
A high-altitude brackish water lake. |
14. Madhya Pradesh
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Bhoj Wetlands |
2002 |
Comprises the Upper and Lower Lakes of Bhopal. |
| Sirpur Wetland |
2022 |
Located in Indore, vital for the conservation of avian species. |
| Sakhya Sagar |
2022 |
A beautiful wetland situated within Madhav National Park. |
| Yashwant Sagar |
2022 |
Located near Indore, one of the finest wetlands in the Malwa region. |
| Tawa Reservoir |
2024 |
A massive reservoir in the Narmadapuram district, added in 2024. |
15. Maharashtra
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Nandur Madhameshwar |
2020 |
An important bird sanctuary located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. |
| Lonar Lake |
2020 |
A unique basaltic rock lake formed by a meteorite impact. |
| Thane Creek |
2022 |
Widely famous as a habitat for Flamingo birds. |
16. Manipur
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Loktak Lake |
1990 |
The largest freshwater lake in Northeast India (famous for Phumdis). |
17. Mizoram
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Pala Wetland |
2022 |
The largest natural lake in the Saiha district of Mizoram. |
18. Odisha
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Chilika Lake |
1981 |
India’s first Ramsar site and Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. |
| Bhitarkanika Mangroves |
2002 |
A primary refuge for saltwater crocodiles and Olive Ridley turtles. |
| Satkosia Gorge |
2022 |
A highly significant ecosystem located on the Mahanadi River. |
| Tampara Lake |
2022 |
One of the prominent freshwater lakes located in the Ganjam district. |
| Hirakud Reservoir |
2022 |
One of the largest irrigation projects and reservoirs in India. |
| Ansupa Lake |
2022 |
A famous oxbow lake in Odisha located in the Cuttack district. |
19. Punjab
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Harike Lake |
1990 |
A wetland situated at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers. |
| Kanjli Lake |
2002 |
Primarily an irrigation reservoir and a habitat for migratory birds. |
| Ropar Lake |
2002 |
A significant biodiversity area located on the Sutlej River. |
| Beas Conservation Reserve |
2020 |
Habitat for the endangered Indus River Dolphin. |
| Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve |
2020 |
The first ‘Community Reserve’ in India to be designated as a Ramsar site. |
| Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary |
2020 |
A protected area located near the Bhakra-Nangal Dam. |
20. Rajasthan
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Keoladeo Ghana National Park |
1981 |
One of India’s oldest Ramsar sites and a world-renowned bird sanctuary. |
| Sambhar Lake |
1990 |
The largest inland saltwater lake in India. |
| Menar Wetland Complex |
2025 |
A new site in the Udaipur district, added in 2025. |
| Khichan Wetland |
2025 |
Located in the Jodhpur district, famous for Demoiselle Cranes. |
| Siliserh Lake |
2025 |
A beautiful tourism and ecological site located in the Alwar district. |
21. Sikkim
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Khecheopalri Wetland |
2025 |
Sikkim’s first Ramsar site, added in 2025. |
22. Tamil Nadu
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary |
2002 |
Crucial for the protection of coastal ecosystems. |
| Kunthan-Kulam Bird Sanctuary |
2022 |
One of the largest breeding centers for migratory birds in South India. |
| Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary |
2022 |
A local aquatic wetland located in the Ramanathapuram district. |
| Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary |
2022 |
Significant habitat for Painted Storks and Pelicans. |
| Pichavaram Mangrove |
2022 |
One of the world’s largest and most scenic mangrove forests. |
| Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest |
2022 |
One of Chennai’s primary natural wetlands. |
| Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve |
2022 |
Globally recognized for its rich marine biodiversity. |
| Vembannur Wetland Complex |
2022 |
Located in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. |
| Vellode Bird Sanctuary |
2022 |
A highly biodiverse area located in the Erode district. |
| Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary |
2022 |
A unique wetland based on an irrigation project. |
| Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary |
2022 |
One of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India. |
| Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex |
2022 |
Important for birds using the Central Asian Flyway. |
| Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary |
2022 |
A highly popular destination for birdwatchers. |
| Karikili Bird Sanctuary |
2022 |
An important birding area in the Kanchipuram district. |
| Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary |
2024 |
Added in 2024 as Tamil Nadu’s 16th site. |
| Longwood Shola Reserve Forest |
2024 |
A vital forest wetland area in the Nilgiri Hills. |
| Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary |
2024 |
One of the largest coastal brackish water areas in India. |
| Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary |
2024 |
A critically important wetland located in the Tiruppur district. |
| Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary |
2025 |
The 19th site of Tamil Nadu, added in 2025. |
| Therithangal Bird Sanctuary |
2025 |
The 20th site of Tamil Nadu, added in 2025. |
23. Tripura
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Rudrasagar Lake |
2006 |
Home to the famous ‘Neermahal’ royal palace. |
24. Uttar Pradesh
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Upper Ganga River |
2005 |
The protected stretch of the Ganges from Brijghat to Narora. |
| Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary |
2020 |
Located in the Unnao district, a major hub for migratory birds. |
| Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary |
2020 |
A complex of two oxbow lakes located in the Gonda district. |
| Saman Bird Sanctuary |
2020 |
A seasonal wetland located in the Mainpuri district. |
| Samaspur Bird Sanctuary |
2020 |
A perennial wetland situated in the Raebareli district. |
| Sandi Bird Sanctuary |
2020 |
A highly significant freshwater wetland. |
| Sarsai Nawar Jheel |
2020 |
World-renowned for the conservation of the Sarus Crane. |
| Sur Sarovar |
2020 |
Located in Agra, also known as ‘Keetham Lake.’ |
| Haiderpur Wetland |
2021 |
A vast wetland at the confluence of the Ganga and Solani rivers. |
| Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary |
2022 |
One of India’s largest natural floodplain wetlands. |
| Patna Bird Sanctuary |
2026 |
Included as the 11th Ramsar site of Uttar Pradesh in 2026. |
| Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary |
2026 |
India’s latest and 99th Ramsar site (Aligarh). |
25. Uttarakhand
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| Asan Conservation Reserve |
2020 |
Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site, located on the banks of the Yamuna River. |
26. West Bengal
| Ramsar Site |
Year of Designation |
Key Feature |
| East Kolkata Wetlands |
2002 |
Famous for naturally treating the city’s wastewater. |
| Sundarbans Wetland |
2019 |
The largest Ramsar site in India and a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
People also ask (FAQs)
According to the May 2026 update, there are currently a total of 99 Ramsar sites in India.
The ‘Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary,’ located in the Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh, was recognized as India’s 99th Ramsar site in April 2026.
Currently, Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India with 20 sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh in second place with 12 sites.
The Sundarbans Wetland in West Bengal is the largest Ramsar site in India in terms of area.
Renuka Wetland in Himachal Pradesh is the smallest Ramsar site in India by size.
In 1981, Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan were designated as the first Ramsar sites in India.
📌 Smart Study Tips: Ramsar Sites in India
- Map Pointing: While studying the list of Ramsar sites, try to mark them state-wise on a blank map of India. This makes it much easier to remember their geographical locations.
- Stay Updated: As of the 2026 update, the total count stands at 99. Before your exams, ensure you are familiar with the latest additions like Shekha Jheel (99th) and Patna Bird Sanctuary.
- First & Largest: Questions are frequently asked about India’s first Ramsar sites (Chilika and Keoladeo) and the largest site (Sundarbans), so make sure to highlight these in your notes.
- Revision Technique: Review the ‘Key Highlights’ at least once a week to ensure you don’t forget these essential facts.
🌟 Message for Success: Having the right study material is vital on your path to achieving your dreams. We hope this ‘State-wise List of Ramsar Sites in India 2026’ note strengthens your preparation. To explore study notes on all important Static GK topics on our website, click here [Click Here].
