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Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife |
›› Dachigam National Park
Dachigam is one of India's most scenic wildlife reserves. It is
located about 22 kms. from Srinagar and forms almost half of the
famous Dal Lake's catchment area.
Dachigam is considered home to some of the unique Himalayan flora and
fauna. Primary amongst them is the hangul or Kashmir stag, the most
endangered species of red deer in the world.
During winters, the upper reaches of Dachigam become inaccessible to
visitors and the temperature in lower Dachigam dips as low as minus 10
degree Celsius. Some birds and animals found during this time of the
year include the cinnamon sparrow, black and yellow grosbeak, black
bulbul, monal pheasant and the Himalayan grey langur. The main
predator in the park is the leopard, while other scavengers that feed
on its prey like the jackal, hill fox, yellow throated marten and the
wild boar are also found. Himalayan griffon, lammergeyer, leopard cat,
long tailed blue magpie, jungle cat, and Himalayan weasel can also be
sighted during this period.
With the advent of spring and summer, the Himalayan black bear makes
its appearance after hibernating in the rocks for the winter period.
Birdlife also becomes active and the birds which appear are the golden
orioles, pygmy owlets, Himalayan pied woodpeckers, warblers, babblers,
buntings and laughing thrushes.
In the upper reaches, during the short summer, new varieties of birds
like red-browed finch, Himalayan ruby throat and wagtails also make an
appearance. The higher altitudes in the park still harbour a few
Himalayan brown bears.
When to visit : May to August for upper Dachigam and September
to December for lower Dachigam.
Where to stay : Two lodges and rest houses in the sanctuary are
available. For those staying in Srinagar, hotels and house boats are
available in plenty.
How to get there : The nearest town and airport is Srinagar, 22
kms. away. It is 310 kms. from Jammu, the nearest railway station. A
metalled road links Srinagar with lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can
be reached on foot.
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Uttaranchal Wildlife |
››
Corbett National Park (Project Tiger)
The Corbett National Park is located in the Terai region of the State
of Uttaranchal straddling the undulating Shivalik foothills of the
Himalayas. Located around 300 kms. away from New Delhi, it is India's
first ever national park.
Over 50 mammals, 580 birds and 25 reptile species have been listed in
the Corbett National Park.
Leopards as well as lesser cats such as the leopard cat, jungle cat,
fishing cat are also found here. The sloth bear, Himalayan black bear,
dhole, jackal, yellow throated marten, Himalayan palm civet, Indian
grey mongoose, common otter, porcupine and clacktaped hare are the
other attractions of this area. It is possible to see elephants all
over the park.
When to visit : The best season to visit Corbett National Park is
between February and May. It is closed from mid-June to mid-November.
Where to stay : Forest rest houses are available at Khinnauli,
Sarapduli,Bijrani and Ghairal. In the Dhikala forest rest houses,
log-huts, tourist huts and tented camps are available.
How to get there : The nearest town and rail link is at Ramnagar, 51
kms. away. New Delhi is a six-hour drive.
›› Rajaji National Park
Situated at the edge of the sprawling Dehradun valley, the Rajaji
National Park was founded in 1966 and covers an area of about 820 sq.
kms.
The wildlife here includes elephant, tiger, panther, bear, chital,
sambar, wild boar, kakar, python, monitor lizard and a wide variety of
avian fauna.
Where to stay : The sanctuary has 10 forest guest houses and
ther are many hotels and tourist complexes around Rajaji National Park
at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Mussoorie which make it very
convenient to visit the Park.
How to get there : Rajaji National park is accessible from many
directions by road, rail and air. Bus services and overnight trains
are available for Dehradun and Haridwar from Delhi and Lucknow. It is
very well connected by road from Saharanpur which in turn is very well
connected by rail to Delhi, Lucknow, Amritsar, Jammu Tawi and Kolkata.
Jolly Grant Airport which is only a few kilometers away from the
northern boundary of the Park, has a daily 50 minute flight from
Delhi.
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Uttar Pardesh Wildlife |
›› Dudhwa National Park
Covering an area of about 500 sq. kms., Dudhwa National Park, along
the Indo-Nepal border in Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, is best
known for the Barasingha or Swamp Deer. Among the big cats, tigers
abound at Dudhwa. There are also a few leopards. The other animals
found in large numbers, are the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and the
wild elephant. Other animals found in Dudhwa are jungle cats, leopard
cats, fishing cats, jackals, civets, sloth bears, sambar, otters,
crocodiles and chital.
Among reptiles, pythons and monitor lizards are fairly common. Dudhwa
is also a bird-watcher's paradise. Dudhwa, perhaps, houses the
greatest number of owls and storks. The great Indian horned owl, the
forest eagle owl, the brown fish owl, the tawny owl, the dusky horned
owl, the scops owl, brown wood owl and the jungle owlet are found in
plenty. The storks, which abound here, are the black-necked stork,
white-necked stork, black stork, painted stork, white stork,
open-billed stork and the adjutant stork.
In a bid to save the Indian one-homed rhinoceros, seven rhinos from
Assam and Nepal were introduced into Dudhwa in 1984-85. Currently, 15
rhinos can be spotted in Dudhwa.
When to visit : The best time to visit is November to May.
Where to stay : Dudhwa Forest Home, Log Huts, Dormitory, tent,
rest houses at Soniarpur, Sathiana.
How to get there : The nearest town is Palia (10 Kms.). From
Delhi (430 Kms.). : By rail upto Shajahanpur, and onwards by road.
From Lucknow (250 Kms.): By rail upto Mailani, and onwards by road.
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Rajasthan Wildlife |
›› Bharatpur National Park
Situated in eastern Rajasthan, about 176 kms. away from Delhi, and 50
kms. west of Agra, is the Keoladeo Ghana or Bharatpur National Park,
one of the most spectacular bird sanctuaries in India, nesting
indigenous water-birds as well as migratory water birds and water side
birds. It is also inhabited by sambar, chital, nilgai and boar. More
than 300 species of birds are found in this small park of 29 sq. kms.
of which 11 sq. kms. are marshes and the rest, scrubland and
grassland. Crane: Of all the exotic migrant birds that arrive in
Bharatpur ever year, the most sought after is the Siberian Crane or
the great white crane, which migrates to this site every year,
covering a distance of more than half the globe. These birds,
numbering only a few hundred, are on the verge of extinction. They
arrive in December and stay till early March.
When to visit : The park is open throughout the year, although
most visitors choose to come between October and February, when
wintering wildfowl assemble in thousands on the lakes. The breeding
season is between August and October.
Where to stay : Accommodation is available at the Forest Lodge
(1TDC), Saras Tourist Bungalow (RTDC), Shanti Kutir, Forest Rest House
and private hotels near the park.
How to get there : The nearest railhead is Bharatpur (2 Kms.) and
the nearest airport is at Agra (52 kms).
›› Ranthambore National Park (Project Tiger)
Near the township of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan,
Ranthambore National Park is an outstanding example of Project Tiger's
efforts at tiger conservation in the country.
As a result of stringent conservation efforts, tigers, the prime asset
of the Park, have become more and more active during the day. More
than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily
spotted here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around lazily in
the sun or feverishly hunting down sambar around the lakes. Therefore,
Ranthambore is probably the ideal park for wildlife photography and
attracts professional wildlife photographers from all over the world.
Apart from tigers, the park also has its share of panthers. They are
to be found on the outskirts of the park due to the inevitable
conflicts with the tiger population. Kachida Valley is believed to be
the place to sight these rather elusive cats. The other permanent
residents of the park include marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats
and sloth bears. Sambar, found in abundance all over the area, are the
prime target of all the predators. Chital, nilgai and chinkara, are
the other inhabitants of the region. The avian population comprises of
black storks, quails, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent
eagles and painted storks. During the winter months, the Park attracts
a lot of migratory birds, primarily a variety of ducks.
The Park is best explored through jeeps, which are available on hire.
When to visit : The best time to visit the park is between October
and June.
Where to stay : RTDC Jhoomar Baori Forest Lodge, RTDC Hotel.
Kamdhenu, Maharaja Lodge (Taj Group), Sawai Madhopur Lodge, PWD Rest
House, and Jogi Mahal (located within the Park premises) are some of
the available means of accomodation.
How to get there :
By Air : Jaipur (145 kms.) is the nearest airport.
By Rail : The Park is around 11 kms. away from Sawai Madhopur
railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Muimbai truck route.
By Road : A good network of buses connect Sawai Madhopur, the
nearest town, with quite a few areas around.
›› Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska is located at Kankwari fort, near Alwar, on the Delhi - Jaipur
Highway. The terrain is predominantly hilly, as it lies in the
Aravalli range. It has total area of 788 sq. kms., with a core area of
approximately 474 sq. kms. The beautiful Siliserh Lake runs along the
edge of the reserve, with a quaint hunting lodge overlooking it.
At last count in 1985, 35 tigers were reported. Other carnivores of
the area are the panther, jungle cat, jackal and hyena. Three caracals
were also reported during the last census in 1985. Other animals
include the sambar, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai and different
species of porcupines.
The birdlife comprises the pea fowl, grey partridge, quail, sand
grouse, tree pie, white breasted kingfisher, golden - backed
woodpecker, crested serpent eagle and great Indian homed owl.
When to visit : October to June is the best time to visit the
park.
Where to stay : Tiger Den (RTDC); Hotel Lake Palace RTDC).
Sisilerh; Sariska Palace Hotel (Heritage Hotel); Forest Rest House.
How to get there : You can reach Jaipur by air which is 113 kms. from
the sanctuary. Nearest town and rail link is at Alwar, which is 21 kms.
from the park.
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Gujarat Wildlife |
››
Gir National Park And Sanctuary
It is the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion, which has been
confined to this forest since 1884 (around 300 lions were reported in
1995). The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African cousin.
Nevertheless, a large male lion of the Gir is quite a sight to behold.
The chinkara, wild boar, striped hyena, jackal, leopard, fox, musk
shrew, India Pangolin, deer, common langur, porcupine, hare, black
buck and crocodiles are the other animals that can be found in this
sanctuary. There are over 200 bird species including the peafowl, grey
partridge, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, jungle bush quail,
painted sandgrouse, common green pigeon and several species of doves.
When to visit : The parm remains closed during monsoons, from mid-June
to mid-October. The ideal time to visit is between December and March.
Where to stay : Accommodation facilities in the park include Forest
Bungalow of the Forest Department and The Gir Lodge of the Taj Group
of Hotels.
How to get there :
Air : The nearest airports are Keshod (89 kms.) and Rajkot (160 kms.)
Rail : Sasan is the nearest railhead on the meter gauge line. However,
the convenient railhead is Junagadh.
Road : The park is connected by road with Ahmedabad 408 kms., Junagadh
54 kms., Rajkot 160 kms., Somnath 48 kms. and Veraval 45 kms. State
transport buses between Junagadh and Veraval operate via Sansangir.
Three unusual reserves, the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary - home to
several water - birds, the Little Rann of Kutch - home of the Indian
wild ass, and the fascinating Flamingo Island, render the state of
Gujarat a virtual haven for wildlife buffs.
››
Wild Ass Sanctuary
65 kms. from Surendranasar, Little Rann of Kutch.
Guiarat is as famous for its large wild ass herds as it is for its
lions. To protect these rare animals, a sanctuary covering an area of
over 4,953 sq. kms. was created to offer protection to more than 2,100
wild asses inhabiting this area. In the Little Rann of Kutch, the
asses are attracted by the flat green grass covered expanse known as
bets (islands where coarse grasses spring up during the monsoon).
››
Marine National Park
30 kms. from Jamnagar. Gujarat. Area : 458 sq. kms.
Main Attractions: Coral Reef Formations.
Unique Feature: India's First Marine National Park.
Main Park Population - Turtles, shrimp, sponge, eels. and sea urchin
lurk among the corals and huge schools of fish create a brilliance of
colours that are unknown, unseen and unimaginable. Here you can see
dolphins and octopusses.
Dugong a marine mammal, which resembles a seal and the rare Boralia
species are found in these protected areas. The park has dense
mangrove growth, which provides scores of birds with nesting and
roosting sites.
››
Marine Life
Sea turtles nest on the beaches. The coral reefs are a blaze of colour,
home to a variety of rare life forms like the octopus, sea horses and
200 species of molluscs. Also colourful fish like the puffer,
butterfly and parrot; and echinoderms like the star fish, brittle
star, sand dollar, sea urchin and sea cucumber. More than 40 species
of sponges in vivid shades of green, red, pink and other colours
abound.
››
Sanay Gandhi National Park
Established : 1974.
Only 3 kms. north of central Mumbai.
Size : Now covering 94 sq. kms.
Best time to visit : October to May.
Animals and birds of the park : The area includes a Safari Park and a
Deer Park. The park has two small lakes and the Kanheri caves. A large
variety of birds can also be seen here.
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Madhya Pradesh
Wildlife |
›› Bandhavgarh National Park
There are more than 22 species of mammals and 200 species of birds.
Some of the inhabitants of this park are the rhesus macaque, the
black- faced langur, jungle cats, chinkara, black buck and the chital.
The park attracts many migratory birds in the winter months that
include the steppe eagle and a variety of waterbirds. Reptilian fauna
includes cobra, krait, python, turtle and a variety of lizards.
When to visit : The ideal time to visit Bandhavgarh is the November to
June period. The Park is closed during monsoons from July to October.
Where to stay : White Tiger Forest Lodge (MPSTDC), Forest Rest House,
Bandhavgarh Wildlife Camp and Safari, Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge, Tiger
Trails, The Royal Retreat and the PWD Rest House are the available
means of accommodation.
How to get there :
By Air : The most comfortablc route to Banilhavgarh is by air to
Khajuraho (210 kms.), from where it is a 5 hour drive.
By Rail : The nearest railheads are Jabalpur (170 kms.), Katni (102
kms.), and Satna (112 kms.) on the Central Railway and Umaria (30 kms.)
on the South Eastern Railway.
By Road : State/private transport buses ply between Katni and Umaria,
and from Satna and Rewa to Tala (Bandhavgarh).
›› Kanha National Park
Kanha boasts of about 22 species of mammals. Some of the inhabitants
of this park are the gaur, the sambar and the chausingha. Other
frequent visitors include the Nilgai antelope, the sloth bear, the
dhole or Indian wild dog and an occasional panther. Some 200 species
of birds inhabit the park that include the cattle egret, black ibis,
hawk eagle and the red-wattled lapwing.
The barasingha is undoubtedly the jewel of Kanha. But for all the
astonishing diversity in its wildlife population, Kanha is best known
as the habitat of the tiger.
When to visit : The park is closed from July 1 to October 31, because
of the heavy monsoon. The ideal time to visit Kanha would be the
period between February and June. A stay of at least 3 nights is
recommended in order to get a really good sighting of Kanha's more
elusive animals.
Where to stay : Royal Tiger Resort, Wild Chalet Resort, Kanha Safari
Lodge, Baghira Log Huts, (MPSTDC), Tourist Hostel (MPSTDC) and Forest
Rest Houses are the available means of accommodation.
How to get there :
Khatia (3 Kms. from Kisli) and Mukki are the two main entry points to
the Park. The nearest town is Mandla (65 kms.).
By Air : Nearest airports are located at Jabalpur (170 kms.). Raipur
(219 kms.) and Nagapur (270 kms.).
By Rail : The closest railheads are at Jabalpur and Bilaspur.
By Road : A daily bus service is available for Kisli and Mukki from
Jabalpur, and back. It is advisable to reach Kisli before sunset, as
vehicles are not allowed in the park after dark.
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Bihar Wildlife |
›› Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary
On the periphery of Rajgir is located Rajgir Sanctuary covering an
area of 35.84 sq. kms., home of the barking deer, langur, giant
squirrel, leopard and nilgai (blue bull). A visit to this sanctuary
also gives a peep into the glory of historic Rajgir, the seat of
Indian empire in 6th century B.C., closely associated with the life
and teachings of Buddha and Mahavir Teerthankar. It is also an ideal
health resort with a number of hot springs.
When to visit : October to June.
Where to stay : A large number of economy Hotels, rest houses
and tourist bungalows.
How to get there : Patna the nearest airport is 102 kms. Rajgir
is linked with the mainline of the Eastern railway from Bakhtiapur.
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Jharkhand Wildlife |
››
Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary
Home to many wild animals like the wild boar, sambar, nilgai, chital
sloth bear, tiger and panther, this sanctuary lies in a low hilly
terrain at an average altitude of 1800 ft. (615 metres).
When to visit : October to March
Where to stay : Tourist Lodge Hazaribagh Circuit House, Upkaar
Hotel, Prince Hotel and Pagoda Hotel.
How to get there :
By Air : The nearest airport Ranchi) (91 kms.) is connected with
Kolkata, Patna, Lucknow and Delhi.
By Rail : Koderma, 59 kms. away, is the nearest railway station.
By Road : Hazaribagh is well connected by road to Ranchi (91 kms.),
Dhanbad (128 Kms). Regular bus service is also available.
›› Palamau Tiger Reserve
The Palamau Tiger Reserve is spread over an area of 1026 sq. kms.
Though the Koel river and its tributaries run through the reserve, the
animals mostly depend on man-made water holes for their needs and as a
result, they can be easily viewed. The leopard, tiger, elephant,
Indian wolf, gaur, sambar, sloth bear and nilgai are some of the
inhabitants of the reserve.
When to visit : October to March
Where to stay : The Tourist Lodge and Forest Rest Houses are
available for accommodation. For reservations field director may be
contacted.
How to get there :
The nearest railhead is Daltonganj (25 kms.) and the nearest
airport is at Ranchi (180 kms.)
›› Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary
A small sanctuary, spread over an area of 8.75 sq. kms., abounds with
panther, wild boar, langur and barking deer.
When to stay : October to June.
Where to stay : Comfortable, well-furnished Inspection Bungalow of
the Jharia Water Board.
How to get there :
Dhanbad, the coal city of India, is the nearest railhead.
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