Festivals of India

Assam Wildlife

›› Manas Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve

Formerly known. as North Kamrup, Manas, in Assam, was declared a sanctuary in 1928. In 1985 it was accorded the status of World Heritage Site. The park straddles two rivers, the Manas and its tributary the Hakua, along the Assam-Bhutan border. The protected area extends into the Bhutan foothills.

Manas houses 19 of India's most endangered animal populations, home to the rare golden langur and a sizeable tiger population. Its wetlands are essential for the survival of the fast-vanishing hispid hare and pygmy hog. The fauna to be found here includes the rhino, wild buffalos, elephants, gaur, swamp deer, capped langur and clouded leopard. The park, the eastern range of the chital and habitat of the sambar deer, also boasts a rich and diverse avian population. The main highlight is the giant hornbill, two sub-species of which, the pied and grey varieties, are to be found here.

When to visit : The best time to visit is November to March.

Where to stay : Tourist lodge and forest bungalows at Mothanguri are the means of accommodation available.

How to get there :

By Air : Guwahati is the nearest airport at 176 kms.

By Rail : The nearest town and rail-head is Barpeta Road, 41 Kms. away.Within the Park, riding elephants and boats on the rivers are available for transport.

›› Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park lies on the south bank of the Brahmaputra and its boundary for the most part follows the Mora Diphlu river and runs parallel to National Highway No. 37. It covers an area of 688 sq. kms. The park-was first established in 1908, as a reserve forest with only about a dozen rhinos and was declared a National Park in 1974
Kaziranga is famous for the great One-Horned Rhinos. Tigers, which are natural enemies of rhinos, are also there in sizable numbers in this area. Other attractions of this National Park include the wild buffalo, magnificent swamp deer, hog deer, wild boar, hoolok gibbon, capped langur and ratel (badger).
A wide variety of snakes including the rock python and the monitor lizard are also found here. Amongst the birds, the crested serpent eagle is common while Palla's fishing eagle and grey headed fishing eagle are frequently seen. Others include the great adjutant stork, crane, Bengal floricab, bar-headed goose, whistling teal and pelican.
Mihimukh is the starting area for the park and elephants can be hired from here to enter the sanctuary. Jeep safaris and early morning elephant rides can be arranged for at the Tourist Centre here.

When to visit : November to March.

Where to stay : Forest rest houses and bungalows are available in the park area. Kaziranga. Forest Lodge is also available with air-conditioned rooms, bar, restaurant and other facilities.

How to get there : By air and rail at Jorhat (94 kms.); and Guwahati (220 kms.) from the park. Nearest town is Bokaghat, 22 Kms. from the park.

Arunachal Pradesh Wildlife

›› Namdhapa National Park (Project Tiger)

The Namdhapa National Park is famous for the extremely elusive snow leopard and the clouded leopard. Three major rivers drain this area and flow into the Noa Dihing, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. Some of the inhabitants of the park include the gaur or mithun, elephant, Himalayan black bear, takin, the wild goat peculiar to the Patkoi range, musk deer, slow loris, binturong and the red panda. Several primate species like the Assamese macaque, pigtailed macaque, stump-tailed macaque and the hoolock gibbon can be found in the area. The inaccessibility of a major portion of the park has helped in preserving the pristine quality of the region. The park is also a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger.

When to visit : October to March.

Where to stay : The Government Tourist Lodge. Miao and Rest House at Namchik are the available means of accommodation.

How to get there :
The nearest rail-head is Ledo (56 kms.) and the nearest airport is Dibrugarh (163 kms.).

Orrissa Wildlife

›› Tikarpara Gharial Sanctuary

Tikarpara, a gharial sanctuary-120 kms. from Dhenkanal (Orissa) is very rich in flora and fauna, and is famous for its gharial breeding project. An added attraction is a trek in the 25 kms. long gorge, with beautiful forests on either side.

Where to stay : Hotel Shanti, Bus stand, Anugul; Hotel Prasanti, Turang, Anugul

How to get there :

Air : Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar (220 kms.)

Rail : Dhenkanal (120 kms.) is the Rail head on the Cuttak-Sambalpur branch line of the S.E. Railway.

Road : Dhenkanal has direct road connctions to major towns of the State, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Raipur (MP) etc and is located on the National Highway No.42.
Entry to the sanctuary is restricted and prior permission needs to be obtained.

›› Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is 48 kms. east of Sambalpur on National Highway No.6.

Among various fauna of tropical forests, the sanctuary preserves wild elephants, leopards, gaur, sambhar, deer, wild boar, bisons, black panthers and many more species of animals and birds. There are watch-towers for visitors near the saline tank or the waterholes for viewing the animals. Photography is strictly prohibited and prior permits need to be obtained to enter the sanctuary.
When to visit : The best time to visit is November to June.

Where to stay : Forest Rest House (Badrama) Panthanivas (OTDC).

Reservation Authority : D.F.O. Bamra, Distt. Sambalpur.

How to get there :

Air : Nearest Airport is at Bhubaneswar, 321 kms. which is connected with Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Vizag.

Rail : Sambalpur has two railheads on the S.E. Railway having direct train service with Chennai, Jharsuguda (in between Kolkata and Mumbai) via Nagpur, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Tatanagar.

Road : Connected with good all-weather motorable roads, regular bus services are also available.

›› Bhitarkanika Sanctuary

Bhitarkanika is an adventurer’s paradise and a breeding ground for Olive Ridley turtles. The second largest mangrove forest of the country, it was declared a sanctuary in 1975 in order to protect the estuarine crocodile and the turtles in their rare mangrove habitat. Other residents of the sanctuary include water monitor lizards and king cobras. Entry to the sanctuary is restricted and prior permission needs to be obtained.

Where to stay : Forest Rest House (Dangmal), Forest Rest House (Ekakula), Forest Rest House (Gupti), Forest Rest House (Kujanga).

How to get there :
Air : Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, which is directly connected to Kolkata. Delhi, Hyderabad. Chennai, Mumbai, Nagpur and Vishakhapatnam by Indian Airlines.

Rail : The nearest railhead Bhadrak (60 kms. from Chandbali), on the South-Eastern Railway is connected to Kolkala, Kharagpur, Tatanagar, Gaya, Kanpur, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Vishakhapatnam, Vijayavwada, Nellore. Gudur, Tirupali, Chennai, Delhi.

By Road : Bus service is available and roads are well developed.

Inland Water Transport: One can also reach the sanctuary via motor launch drive.

›› The Similipal National Park
One of the earliest to come under Project Tiger, is located in the forest belt of north Orissa. It was the erstwhile hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Mayurbhanj. Similipal, covering an area of 2,750 sq. kms. was declared in 1973 as one of the nine Project Tiger reserves in the country. It is a vast tract of stately Sal forests, beautiful waterfalls, grassy valley and twelve rivers run across its expanse. It is home to panthers, tigers, gaur, bison, antelopes, sambar, mouse deer - the tiniest of the deer family, mugger or crocodiles and more than 223 species of birds. Permits need to be obtained prior to visit.

When to visit : The best time to visit is October to early June.

Where to stay : Accommodation is available at Forest Rest House.

How to get there :

Air : Nearest airports are 1) Bhubaneswar (270 kms. from Jashipur & 271 kms. from Baripada) and 2) Kolkata (291 kms. from Jashipur & 253 kms. from Baripada).

Rail : Balasore, on the South Eastern Railway. 60 kms. from Baripada and 76 kms. from Lulung.

›› Nandankanan Biological Park

The picturesque Nandankanan, or the Garden of the Gods, is a beautiful biological park, 20 kms. from Bhubaneswar, established in 1960. It sprawls across the Chandaka forest, where the flora and fauna flourish in their natural habitat. The park houses the very first captive gharial breeding centre of the country. The zoo at Nandakanan is world-renowned for its white tigers. In 1980, for the very first time, three white tiger cubs were born from normal coloured parents.

With facilities for boating, white tiger and lion safaris, a nocturnal animal house, reptile park, aerial rope-way and cable car, it is the place for a person with a penchant for the great outdoors.

›› Chandka Elephant Reserve

Located in Bhubaneswar, this reserve is the only one of its kind in India. Besides elephants, sambar, bears, wild dogs, pea fowls and pythons can be spotted.

›› Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake, spreading over an area of 1100 sq. kms. is the largest brackish water lake in the country and attracts a large number of migratory birds besides resident ones. Barkul and Rambha are two places on the lake, which serve as the base.

The Dolphins have been reported mostly near Satapada-Magarmukha area and occasionally between Kalijai and Balugaon. Other mammals reported from small pockets in the surrounding hills/forests/scattered islands & amidst the vegetation of sandy ridge facing Chilika and the sea include black bucks, spotted deer, fox, jackal, hyena, jungle cat, hare, rat, pachyura (an insectivora), common bat, otter, common mongoose, monkey, squirrel, porcupine etc.

When to visit : the best time to visit is October to early June.

Where to stay : For reservation of Panthaniwases at Barkul and Rabbha one can write directly to The Divisional Manager (A&C), OTDC (Head Office), Panthaniwas Old Block, Lewis Road, Bhubaneswar-751014.

How to get there :

Air : The nearest airport, Bhubaneswar, is 105 kms. from Bakul & 135 kms. from Rambha. The airport is directly connected with Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi & Mumbai by Indian Airlines.

Rail : Nearest railheads are Balagaon, Chilika, Khallikote and Rambha on S.E. Railways, which are connected to Kolkata, Puri, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai via Secunderabad. The airport is directly connected with Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai by Indian Airlines.


Andhra Pradesh Wildlife
›› Nehru Zoological Park The Nehru Zoological Park near the Mir Alam Tank in Hyderabad is a natural habitat supporting a teeming wildlife population. Situated about 8 kms. to the south of Charminar, over 250 species of animals and birds are housed in a lush green park sprawling over 300 acres. It has to its credit the first lion safari park of South Asia. The Pakkal, Tadvai and Ethurnagaram sanctuaries abound in tiger, panther, wild boar, jackal, muntjack, fox, gaur, wild dog and the sloth bear. The Kolleru Lake situated 95 kms. from Amravati, is a heaven for migratory birds. A little beyond 8 kms. lies Aredu, India's largest pelicanry, a favourite haunt of migratory birds. ›› Kwala Sanctuary Covering an area of 893 sq. kms. in the Adilabad district, the sanctuary hosts species like tiger, panther, gaur, cheetal, sambar, nilgai, barking deer, chowsingha, mouse deer, sloth bear and a variety of birds. Also found here are dry deciduous teak forests with bamboo, Terminalia, Pterocarpus etc. When to visit : November to May. Where to stay : Forest rest house at Jannaram. How to get there : The sanctuary is 50 kms. from Mancherial railway station; 260 kms. from Hyderabad by road. The nearest airport is Hyderabad. ›› Pranahita Sanctuary The sanctuary covering an area of 136 sq. kms. has dry deciduous teak forests along river Pranahita, a tributary of river Godavari. The terrain is undulating and supports tiger, panther, sloth bear, cheetal, black buck, nilgai and a variety of birds including brahminy ducks, teals, storks and herons. When to visit : November to April Where to stay : Forest Rest House at Mancherial and Chinnur. How to get there : 70 kms. from Mancherial railway station; 300 kms. from Hyderabad by road. The nearest airport is Hyderabad. ›› Etunagaram Sanctuary The sanctuary covering an area of 806 sq. kms. in the Warangal district is a dry deciduous teak forest with bamboo, Pterocarpus, Anogeissus, Buchanania etc. Rolling country with low hills with tiger, panther, gaur, sambar, cheetal, nilgai, black buck, chowsingha, barking deer, wild boar, wolf, jackal, fox, jungle cat and a variety of birds. When to visit : October to May. Where to stay : Forest cottages and a Rest house at Tadvai, ITDA Guest Houses at Eturanagaram. How to get there : 90 kms. from Warangal/Kazipet railway station; 250 kms. from Hyderabad by road. The nearest airport is Hyderabad. ›› Pakhal Sanctuary The dry deciduous teak forest with bamboo, Madhuca, Terminalia, Pterocarpus etc. covering an area of 879 sq. kms. in the Warangal district, is home to animals such as the tiger, panther, gaur, sambar, nilgai, cheetal, wild boar, sloth bear, wild dog, hyena, jackal, fox and migratory birds like ducks, teals, ibises, storks and cormorants. When to visit : November to June Where to stay : Forest & Tourist rest house at Pakhal. How to get there : 60 kms. from Warangal/Kazipet railway station: 230 kms. from Hyderabad by road. The nearest airport is Hyderabad. ›› Kinnerasani Sanctuary Located in the Khammam district in an area of 656 sq. kms., this sanctuary has dry deciduous teak forests with bamboo, Terminalias, Anogeissus etc. Some major animal species found are tiger, panther, gaur, cheetal, black buck, chinkara, chowsingha, sambar, wild boar, wild dog, hyena, jackal, sloth bear and a variety of ground nesting and aquatic birds. The Kinnerasani Lake and water pools harbour marsh crocodile. When to visit : October to June. Where to stay : Forest rest houses at Palavoncha and Kothagudem. How to get there : 25 kms. from Bhadrachalam Road railway station. ›› Papikonda Sanctuary Situated between east Godavari, west Godavari and Khammam districts in an area of 591 sq. kms., this sanctuary harbours tiger, panther, gaur, cheetal, chowsingha, sambar, black buck, mouse deer, barking deer, sloth bear, wild dog, hyena, jackal, wild boar, marsh crocodile and a variety of birds - both resident and migratory. When to visit : October to May. Where to stay : Forest houses at Rajamundry, Maredumilli and Kannapuram. How to get there : 50 kms. from Rajahmundry railway station. ›› Coringa Sanctuary This sanctuary, spread over 236 sq. kms. is a part of the estuary of river Godavari and supports a rich growth of mangrove vegetation with plants like Rhizophora, Avicennia, Sonneratia, Aegiceros etc. Animals found are fishing cat, otter, jackal, sea turtle and estuarine crocodile which are found in the creeks. Among the birds, most common are seagulls, storks, herons, snipes, ducks and flamingos. When to visit : October to May Where to stay : Forest rest house at Coringa and Rajamundry. How to get there : 20 kms. from Kakinada railway station and 70 kms. from Rajahmundry railway station. ›› Kolleru Sanctuary It is a wetland in the West Godavari District, supporting a large variety of water birds, garganys, teals, pochards, spot bills, brahminy ducks, open bill storks, herons, occasionally flamingos and grey pelicans. When to visit : October to May. Where to stay : Forest rest houses at Vijayawada and Eluru. How to get there : 60 kms. by road from Vijayawada railway station. ›› Krishna Sanctuary Spread over 195 sq. kms., these mangrove forests on the estuary of river Krishna harbour fishing cat, otter, jackal, estuarine crocodile and a variety of seasonal birds. How to get there : 80 kms. by road from Vijayawada railway station. ›› Pocnaram Sanctuary Located between Medak and Nizamabad districts in an area of 130 sq. kms., these mixed dry deciduous forest harbour panther, sloth bear, wild boar, cheetal, sambar, nilgai, chowsingha, chinkara, hyena, jackal, python, ducks, teals, storks, patridges and quails. When to visit : October to May Where to stay : Inspection bungalow at Pocharam and Medak. How to get there : 120 kms. by road from Hyderabad. Nearest airport Hyderabad. ›› Manjira Sanctuary This is a riverine habitat in the Medak district supporting marsh crocodiles and a variety of water birds. When to visit : October to June. Where to stay : Inspection Bunglow at Sangareddy and Sadasivapet. How to get there : 50 kms. By road from Hyderabad. ›› Nagarjunasagar - Srisailam Sanctuary (Project Tiger) Situated in the Guntur, Prakasam, Kurnool, Mahboobnagar and Nalgonda districts in an area of 3568 sq. kms., these dry deciduous mixed forests along the river Krishna harbour tiger, panther, sloth bear, wild dog, jackal, wolf, fox, ratel, Indian giant squirrel, tree shrew, cheetal, mouse deer, black buck, sambar, chowsingha, nilgai and wild boar. When to visit : October to May. Where to stay : Rest house and cottages at Srisailam and Mannanur. How to get there : 130 kms. by road from Hyderabad. ›› Rollapadu Sanctuary These open grasslands In the Kurnool district are home of the endangered great Indian bustard. Other animals found are black buck, Bonnet monkey, wolf, jackal, Russel's viper and cobra. When to visit : October to February. Where to stay : Forest rest house at Kurnool. Inspection bungalow at Nandikotkur. How to get there : 60 kms- by road from Kurnool railway station. ›› Gundla Brahmeswaram Sanctuary Situated in the Kurnool & Prakasam districts, covering an area of 1194 sq. kms., these mixed deciduous forests harbour animals like tiger, panther, sloth bear, wild dog, hyena, jungle cat, langur, bonnet monkey, pangolin, sambar, nilgai, chowsingha, chinkara, mouse deer, monitor lizard, python and marsh crocodile. When to visit : October to May. Where to stay : Inspection Bunglow at Nandyal and Forest rest house at Diguvametta. How to get there : 100 kms. from Kurnuol railway station or 30 kms. from Nandyal railway station. ›› Sri Lankamalleswara Sanctuary These dry, deciduous mixed thorn forests in the Cuddapah have panther, sloth bear, chital, sambar, chowsingha, chinkara, nilgai, wild boar and fox. This sanctuary is the habitat for the rare and endangered bird called double banded or the Jerdon's courser. When to visit : October to March. Where to stay : Forest rest houses at Siddavatam and Cuddapah. How to get there : 15 kms. by road from Cuddapah railway station. ›› Pulicat Sanctuaiy This sanctuary in Nellore attracts large congregations of greater and lesser flamingos, grey pelican, painted stork, grey heron, ducks, teals, terns, herons, gulls and a number of waders, patridges and quails. When to visit : October to March. Where to stay : Inspection bungalows at Sullurpet & Tada. How to get there : 10 kms. by road from Sullurpet railway station. 50 kms. by road from Chennai on Chennai - Kolkata road (NH.5). The nearest airport is Chennai. ›› Kaundinya Sanctuary (Project Elephant) Animals found in this sanctuary in the Chittoor district are Indian elephant, sloth bear, panther, chital, chowsingha, sambar, porcupine, wild boar, jungle cat, jackal, jungle fowl and slender loris. When to visit : October to April Where to stay : Forest guesthouse at Palamaneru. How to get there : 50 kms. By road from Chittoor; 120 kms. from Bangalore. The nearest airport is Bangalore. ›› Sri Venkateswara Sanctuary & National Park Located in the Chittoor and Cuddapah districts this reserve has panther, sloth bear, sambar, chital, mouse deer, barking deer, chowsingha, wild boar, wild dog, hyena, jackal, fox, civet cat, jungle cat, rare and endangered golden gecko, slender loris, Indian giant squirrel, tree shrew and flying lizard. When to visit : Round the year. Where to stay : Forest rest houses at Tirupati, Rajampet, Talakona; Bakarapet. APTDC Guest House at Talakona. How to get there : 10 kms. from Tirupati by road. The nearest airport is Tirupati.
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