As of November 2025, India has 94 Ramsar sites. These sites are recognized internationally for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. They include various wetlands, such as coral reefs and mangroves. These ecosystems support a diverse range of plant and animal species. They also provide essential services to local communities, such as water purification and flood control. Overall, these protected areas are vital ecosystems teeming with biodiversity.
In this blog, we will look into the list of Ramsar sites 2025. We will also add a map of the Ramsar sites in India 2025.
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement. It focuses on the preservation and responsible use of wetlands. The agreement was signed on February 2, 1971. This signing took place in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The same date is celebrated annually as World Wetlands Day.
Wetlands are places where water covers the soil or is present at or near the soil’s surface. This can happen year-round or during different parts of the year, including the growing season. The Ramsar Convention categorises various natural and human-made water bodies and habitats as wetlands.
- Natural: Oases, estuaries, deltas, mangroves, coastal areas, coral reefs
- Human: Fishponds, rice paddies, and reservoirs.
| Ramsar Sites in India 2025: Overview | |
| Parameter | Details |
| Total Number of Ramsar Sites | 94 (as of November 2025) |
| First Ramsar Sites | Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) – designated in 1981 |
| State with the Highest Sites | Tamil Nadu (currently has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India) |
| Total Area Covered | Approx. 13,26,677 hectares. |
| Governing Authority | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India. |
| Ramsar Convention | The International Treaty for Wetland Conservation was signed in 1971 (India ratified in 1982). |
| Criteria for Designation | Based on ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological importance. |
| Benefits of Designation | International recognition, conservation funding, and protection of biodiversity. |
| India’s Ramsar Mission | Promote the wise use of all wetlands through local, regional, and national-level actions. |
List of Ramsar Sites 2025: State-wise Names
India has increased its tally of Ramsar sites to 93 from the existing 85 as of September 2025. Below is the list and names of all the Ramsar sites:
| S.No. | Ramsar Site | State | 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 (Longest Lake in India) | 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 (Impact Crater 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 (Oldest Ramsar Site in India) | 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 JK | 2005 | 13.75 |
| 67 | Hygam Wetland CnR | UT of JK | 2022 | 8.02 |
| 68 | Shallbugh Wetland CnR | UT of JK | 2022 | 16.75 |
| 69 | Surinsar-Mansar Lakes | UT of JK | 2005 | 3.5 |
| 70 | Wular Lake | UT of JK | 1990 | 189 |
| 71 | Tso Kar (High Altitude Ramsar Site) | UT of Ladakh | 2020 | 95.77 |
| 72 | Tsomoriri (High Altitude Ramsar Site) | 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 (Largest Ramsar Site in India) | West Bengal | 2019 | 4,230 |
| Newly Added Ramsar Sites (2025)86. Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)87. Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)88. Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim)89. Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)90. Khichan (Phalodi, Rajasthan)91. Menar (Udaipur, Rajasthan)92. Gokul Jalashay (Bihar)93. Udaipur Jheel (Bihar)94. Gogabeel Lake (Bihar) | ||||
- BS: Bird Sanctuary
- WLS: Wildlife Sanctuary
- BR: Biosphere Reserve
- CnR: Conservation Reserve
- CmR: Community Reserve
- IBA: Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (designated by Birdlife International)
Which was the First Ramsar Site in India?
The Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo Park in Rajasthan were the first two Ramsar Sites in India. They both were designated in 1981. Hence, they were recognized simultaneously as Wetlands of International Importance.
1. Chilika Lake: Odisha
- In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Nalbana BS is the core area of Chilika Lake.
- It is located at the mouth of the Daya River. It is a brackish water lagoon separated from the Bay of Bengal by a long sandy ridge. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India.
- Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Central Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas come here.
- The Irrawaddy dolphin (EN) is the flagship species of the lake. Chilka has the only population of Irrawaddy dolphins in India.
- It was placed on the Montreux Record in 1993 due to siltation and removed from the Record in 2002 following rehabilitation efforts of the Chilika Development Authority.
2. Keoladeo Park: Rajasthan
- It is a complex of ten artificial seasonal marshes. Vegetation is scrub and open grassland.
- The invasive growth of the grass Paspalum distichum has reduced its suitability for certain waterbird species, notably the Siberian Crane (CR).
- Placed on the Montreux Record in 1990 due to water shortage and unbalanced grazing.
List of Ramsar Sites 2025: North-East
Below is the list of the Ramsar Sites in North-East India:
1. Assam (1)
| Deepor Beel | It is a permanent freshwater lake in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River. It is located a few kilometres to the left of Guwahati, whereas Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 35 km to the right.Threats: over-fishing, hunting, pollution from pesticides, and infestation by water hyacinth.Endangered Avifauna: Grey Pelican or Spot-billed Pelican (VU), Lesser Adjutant Stork (VU), Greater Adjutant Stork (EN), Baer’s Pochard (CR). |
2. Manipur (1)
| Loktak Lake | It is the largest freshwater lake in the north-eastern region.Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world, floats over it.Thick, floating mats of weeds covered with soil (phumids) are a characteristic feature.It was included on the Montreux Record in 1993 due to ecological problems, including deforestation in the catchment area, water hyacinth infestation, and pollution. |
3. Mizoram (1)
| Pala Wetland | Pala Tipo/Pala Lake is a natural lake in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.The lake is a significant component of the Palak WLS.Major Fauna: Sambar Deer (VU), Barking Deer (Muntjac – LC), Hoolock Gibbon (EN) |
4. Sikkim (1)
| Khecheopalri Wetland | It is a sacred lake located in the Demazong valley.Both Buddhists and Hindus revere it.The majestic Kanchenjunga peak serves as a stunning backdrop. |
5. Tripura (1)
| Rudrasagar Lake | It is a reservoir fed by three perennial streams that discharge into the River Gomti.It is an ideal habitat for the Three-Striped Roof Turtle (CR).It is a buzzing tourist destination during the festival of Vijaya Dashami. |
Latest Ramsar Site in India 2025
Gogabeel Lake in Bihar becomes the 94th Ramsar site: Gogabeel Lake, located in Katihar district of Bihar, has become another wetland of India to be designated as a Ramsar site of international importance. With this, the total number of such protected sites in the country has reached 94.
Ramsar Sites in India 2025: Map
Below is the Ramsar Sites 2025 map:
Conclusion
India’s commitment to wetland conservation is evident with the addition of four new Ramsar Sites in India 2025, which are Menar Wetland Complex, Khichan Wetland, Gokul Jalashay and the Udaipur Jheel, making the diverse ecological importance and community-led efforts of India toward the conservation of natural ecosystems, which are significantly contributing to global wetland protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Ramsar sites are there in India?
Currently (2025), 85 sites in India are recognised as Ramsar Sites or Wetlands of International Importance. In South Asia, this is the highest.
2. Which is the smallest Ramsar Site in India?
Renuka Wetland, Himachal Pradesh, holds the distinction of being India’s smallest Ramsar site, covering a mere 0.2 km². It was designated as a Ramsar Site in 2012.
3. Which are the largest Ramsar Sites in India?
The largest Ramsar sites in India are the Sundarban Wetland (West Bengal), Vembanad-Kol Wetland (Kerala), Chilika Lake (Odisha), and Satkosia Gorge (Odisha).
4. Which were the first Ramsar sites in India?
The first Ramsar sites designated in India were Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan.
5. Which state has the highest Ramsar sites in India?
Tamil Nadu has the maximum number of Ramsar Sites (16 sites), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10 sites)
