| National Park | Sanctuary |
|---|---|
| Can include flora, fauna or any other objects of historical/geographic significance. | The main aim is to protect a particular flora or fauna. |
| Boundaries are fixed and defined. | There are no fixed boundaries. |
| No human activities are allowed. | Human activities are allowed. |
| Not usually open to the public. | It is open to the general public |
| Sanctuaries are usually formed by the order of Central or the State Government | National Parks are formed by the state or central Legislature. |
| A national park cannot be downgraded to a sanctuary. | A sanctuary can be upgraded to a national park. |