The Best Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is a state that is blessed with a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that are known for their stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Each of the sanctuaries and national parks in Uttarakhand mentioned in this blog post has its unique charm and is worth visiting. A visit to any of these parks can be an incredible experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. So, if you’re planning a trip to Uttarakhand, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore its rich wildlife and natural beauty. In this blog post, we will explore the best wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Uttarakhand.
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most popular and best wildlife sanctuaries in India and is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it was later renamed after the famous British hunter, conservationist, and writer, Jim Corbett, who played a vital role in the establishment of this park. Spread over an area of 520 square kilometers, Jim Corbett National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including more than 600 species of birds, 25 species of reptiles, and 50 species of mammals. The most famous of these is the Bengal tiger, which has become a symbol of wildlife conservation in India. Other animals that can be found here include Elephants, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer and Wild Boars.
Jim Corbett National Park is divided into several zones, each with its unique attractions and wildlife. The most popular of these zones are the Dhikala zone and the Bijrani zone. The Dhikala zone is known for its grasslands and is considered to be the best area for wildlife viewing. The Bijrani zone, on the other hand, is known for its dense forests and is home to several species of birds and mammals. Jeep safaris are available in all zones of the park and provide an excellent opportunity to spot some of the park’s famous wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and several species of deer. You can also enjoy birdwatching, trekking, and camping. The park is also home to several scenic spots, such as the Corbett Waterfall and the Garjia Temple, which are worth visiting.
Moreover, Jim Corbett National Park also provides several employment opportunities for the local community. The park authorities have implemented several programs to ensure that the local community benefits from tourism, and their livelihoods are not affected by the park’s conservation efforts.
Valley of Flowers National Park
Valley of Flowers National Park is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in India. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, this park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its vibrant and colorful meadows, which has a diverse range of flowers. The park is known for its stunning natural beauty and is home to a range of flora and fauna. The most famous of these are the Himalayan Blue Poppy, Himalayan Bellflower, and Himalayan Cobra Lily. During July and September, the park is a riot of colors, with a wide variety of flowers covering the landscape. Visitors can also spot several species of birds, including the Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Griffon, and Himalayan Snowcock. Valley of Flowers National Park is also home to several endangered species of animals in India, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer. One of the best ways to explore Valley of Flowers National Park is on a trek. The trek takes visitors through dense forests, rocky terrain, and beautiful meadows, offering a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the park up close. The park is also home to several scenic spots, such as the Hemkund Sahib, which is a holy site for Sikhs.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in India, located in Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand. The park is named after C. Rajagopalachari, the first Governor-General of India after independence. The park covers an area of 820 square kilometers and its landscape is characterized by dense forests, grasslands, and several rivers and streams. The park is home to several species of animals, including the Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, and Sambar Deer. The park is also home to several species of birds, including The Great Hornbill, Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, and Crested Serpent Eagle. One of the best ways to explore Rajaji National Park is on a jungle safari.
Apart from safaris, there are several other activities that visitors can enjoy at Rajaji National Park. These include trekking, camping and birdwatching. The park also offers several hiking trails, such as the Chilla-Nilkanth trek, which takes visitors to the top of the Nilkanth peak and offers stunning views of the park and its surroundings. Rajaji National Park is also home to several scenic spots, such as the Kaudiyala Rapids, which are popular among adventure enthusiasts. The park is also home to several holy sites, such as the Neelkanth Mahadev temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on the banks of the Pankaja River.
Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Chamoli district. It was established in 1982 and is named after the Nanda Devi Mountain, which is the second highest peak in India. The park covers an area of 630 square kilometers and is characterized by high-altitude mountains, glaciers, and several rivers and streams. The park is home to several species of animals, including the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, and Himalayan tahr.
One of the best ways to explore Nanda Devi National Park is on a trekking expedition. The park offers several trekking routes, including the Nanda Devi East base camp trek, which takes visitors through the park’s stunning landscapes and offers breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Moreover, Nanda Devi National Park is not just a beautiful and picturesque place; it also plays an important role in the conservation of India’s biodiversity and increasing the ecotourism in India. The park is home to several endangered species of animals and plants, and the park authorities have implemented several measures to protect them.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in Almora. The sanctuary was established in 1988 and is characterized by dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine trees. The sanctuary is home to several species of animals, including the Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Barking Deer, and Langur. The sanctuary is also home to several species of birds, including the Eurasian Jay, Koklass Pheasant, and Monal. Several activities are available for visitors, including trekking, camping, birdwatching, and wildlife safaris. The sanctuary offers several trekking routes, including the Binsar trek. The trek is moderate and can be completed in a day. The sanctuary is also home to several scenic spots, such as the Zero Point, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts. It covers an area of approximately 975 square kilometers. The sanctuary was established in 1972 and is named after the famous Kedarnath Temple, which is located within its boundaries. The landscape of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by high-altitude meadows, dense forests of deodar, pine, and rhododendron trees, and several mountain peaks. It is home to several species of animals, including the Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Musk Deer, and Snow Leopard. The sanctuary is also home to several species of birds, including the Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and Bearded Vulture.
One of the best ways to explore Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is on a trekking expedition. The sanctuary offers several trekking routes, including the Kedarnath Trek. The sanctuary is also home to several scenic spots, such as the Vasuki Tal, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 957.969 square kilometers and was established in 1955. It is named after the revered Govindghat Temple, which is located within its boundaries. It is home to several species of animals, including the Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, and Bharal (Blue Sheep). The sanctuary is a part of the larger Govind National. The sanctuary offers several trekking routes, including the Har Ki Dun Trek. The trek is moderate and can be completed in a few days. The sanctuary is also home to several scenic spots, such as the Kedarkantha Peak. Moreover, visitors to Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary can also explore the rich cultural heritage of the region. The sanctuary is home to several traditional villages, where visitors can learn about the unique lifestyle and customs of the local communities. The villages are also home to several ancient temples and shrines, which are of great religious and cultural significance.
Gangotri National Park
Gangotri National Park, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most beautiful and unique national parks in India. It is named after the Gangotri Glacier, which is the source of the Ganges River and is considered one of the most sacred places in Hinduism. The national park covers an area of approximately 2,390 square kilometers and was established in 1989. The park is categorized by its rugged terrain, deep valleys, high mountains, and beautiful glaciers. The park offers several trekking routes, including the Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek. The trek is challenging and can take several days to complete, but it is well worth the effort.
The park is also home to several scenic spots, such as the Gangotri Glacier and the Bhagirathi Peaks. The best time to visit Gangotri National Park is between May and October. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the park is open to visitors. Visitors are advised to carry warm clothing, as the weather can be chilly, especially at higher altitudes.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 600 square kilometers and was established in 1986. The sanctuary is named after Askot, a small town located near the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to several species of animals, including the Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, and Bharal (Blue Sheep). The sanctuary offers several trekking routes, including the Panchchuli Glacier Trek. The sanctuary is also home to several scenic spots, such as the Panchchuli Peaks. The sanctuary authorities have also taken steps to ensure that the local community benefits from tourism and that their livelihoods are not affected by the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. The best time to visit Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is between March and June and between September and December. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the sanctuary is open to visitors.
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful sanctuary located in the district of Nainital in the state of Uttarakhand. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 301 square kilometers and is situated at an altitude ranging from 400 meters to 2,400 meters above sea level. The sanctuary is named after the Sonanadi River, which flows through the sanctuary and is an important source of water for the wildlife in the area. The sanctuary is home to several endangered species of animals and plants, including the Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Sambar Deer, and Barking Deer. The sanctuary is also home to several species of birds, including The White-Rumped Vulture, Himalayan Bulbul, and Red Junglefowl.
The sanctuary offers several trekking routes, including the Kosi Valley Trek. The sanctuary is also home to several scenic spots, such as the Kanda Peak. The best time to visit Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is between November and June.
Uttarakhand is truly a wildlife lover’s paradise. With its diverse range of flora and fauna, this state has become a hub for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. The national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand offer a unique opportunity to witness some of the most incredible creatures on the planet in their natural habitats. From the famous Jim Corbett National Park to the lesser-known but equally beautiful Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, each of these sanctuaries and national parks is home to a range of unique wildlife and landscapes that are worth exploring. Whether you’re looking to spot the majestic Bengal Tiger, or catch a glimpse of the elusive Snow Leopard, Uttarakhand has something for everyone.
But it’s not just about the wildlife; these sanctuaries and national parks also provide a host of other activities for visitors to enjoy. From trekking and hiking to camping and birdwatching in India, there are plenty of ways to experience the natural beauty of these sanctuaries and national parks. Moreover, these sanctuaries and national parks play a vital role in preserving Uttarakhand’s biodiversity and protecting its endangered species.