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NATIONAL PARKS AND SANCTUARIES IN INDIA
NATIONAL PARKSDepending on the area and terrain National Parks provide ample
opportunities to the visitors to have a close encounters with the
wilds. But what is so exquisite about the Indian National Parks is
the variance that they are equipped with. Whether it comes to
the flora, avifauna, and aquafauna, or witnessing various wild
forms in their natural surroundings on an elephant or inside a
jeep, wild ventures in are simply amazing!
Some of the best jewels of Indian wilderness include the Great
Himalayan National Park, Dachigam National Park near
Srinagar, Corbett National Park in Uttar Pradesh, which is also a
famous tiger reserve, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan,
and Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal. Worth visiting inthe east indian part in "The Land of Rhino" Assam is Kaziranga.
FAMOUS NATIONAL PARKS IN INDIA
BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
Check out the place where firstly and formostly
the white Tigers of Rewa were discovered
Bandhavgarh. This park is some of the left out
preserved wild pockets of Madhya Pradesh of
what were once splendid forests that extended
across the whole of Central India.
About Bandhavgarh National Park
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The thick forest of Bandhavgarh National Park sits in a bowl
encircled by cliffs and wooded Vindhyan mountains, and its
plains have a number of grass and reed covered wetlands
where Kingfishers dive and Egrets sit poised, hunch-backed, in
the shallows. Up above, vultures nestle in holes in the sheer
cliffs.
The Bandhavgarh jungle, when it is large enough, becomes a
living self-sustaining organism providing its own climate,
atmosphere, water and nutrition through its recycling systems.
It even has a sleep wake cycle. As more light fills the sky,
Bandhavgarh begins to awaken.
Flora In Bandhavgarh
Initially just 105.40-sq-kms in area, Bandhavgarh with 25
resident tigers, was noted for its high-density tiger population.
Today, it has been extended to an area of 437-sq-kms. About
half the Bandhavgarh park is covered with fine trees of Sal,
while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches of the hills.
Stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend to the north. The
main wildlife viewing is still done in the core of the park with its
32 picturesque, wooded hills.
Major Wildlife Attractions - Bandhavgarh
Once a hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa in more
recent times, Bandhavgarh was declared a park in 1968. This is
also the site where the fanmous White Tigers of Rewa were
discovered.
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Wandering through the Bandhavgarh national park on an
Elephant Back, the chances of seeing a tiger are quite good.
Among the other wild attractions include, Nilgai, Chausingha,
Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar and sometimes a Fox or Jackal.
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Other Attractions in Bandhavgarh
Kalchuri Archeological Remains: Beside the wildlife,
Bandhavgarh is also famous for the archaeological remains of
the Kalchuri period that have been found here.
Bandhavgarh Fort: The Bandhavgarhpark area is hilly and is
dominated by the majestic Bandhavgarh fort, built in 14th
century. The fort and the adjacent hills have a large number of
caves belonging to the pre-historic period.
Jeep & Elephant Safari: One can enjoy viewing the wildlife by
two ways in Bandhavgarh - Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari..
Jeep safaris are undertaken during the early morning hours till
evening. A forest department guide is always their with the
visitors on these jeep trips taken inside the park. Elephant safari
trips are organised for tiger tracking early in the morning.
Best Time to Visit - Bandavgarh National Park
The visiting season of Bandhavgarh national park starts from
Mid-November to June, as the park remains closed during the
monsoon months from July to early November.
RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
A nearby attraction of Sawai Madhopur, in
the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore
National Park is an outstanding example of
Project Tiger's efforts at conservation in the
India.
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About Ranthambore National Park
Situated in Eastern Rajasthan, where the Aravali Hill ranges and
the Vindhyan plateau meet, the Ranthambhore National Park
was once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The
rivers Chambal in the South and Banas in the North bound the
Ranthambore National Park.
Six man made lakes are the central focus of the park and many
perennial streams criss-cross the entire park. The RanthamboreNational Park has internal drainage and has no link up with any
river system, even though two rivers bound the Park in it’s north
and south side.
Flora in Ranthambore National Park
The landscape is dotted with ancient Banyan Trees, Dhok &
Pipal trees, clusters of mango trees and crisscrossed with
evergreen belts. The terrain is made up of massive rock
formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams and
forest suddenly opening up into large areas of Savannah. The
terrain of Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary fluctuates between
impregnable forests and open bush land. The forest is the
typically dry deciduous type, with Dhok, being the mostprominent tree.
Major Wildlife Attractions
Ranthambore National Park is famous for its Tigers and is a
favorite with photographers. For a relatively small area, the park
has a rich diversity of fauna and flora - species list includes 300
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trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the
Marsh Crocodile & amphibians and 30 mammals.
For the wildlife savvy, Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary today
offers an intense diversity of flora and fauna. Tigers, the park's
pride makes it one of the best places in the country to observe
them. Apart from that a large numbers of Sambar, Chital, Nilgai,
Gazzelle, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a
large number of birds.
Other Attractions In Ranthambore
Ranthambore Fort & Jogi Mahal : With a coverage area of 392-
sq-kms, this park got its name from the Ranthambhore Fort,
which sits on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Park. The fort,
which dates back to the 10th century and is probably the oldest
existing fort in Rajasthan, was a vital citadel for control of
Central India and particularly the Malwa plateau.
The entry point to the Ranthambore National Park, goes straight
to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The
latter boasts of the second-largest Banyan tree in India.
Best Time to Visit Ranthambore
The best visiting season of Ranthambore national park is during
the months of October - March and April to June.
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
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The land of Rhino is counted among the two major wild pockets,
the only surviving habitats of this prehistoric survivor in India.
About Kaziranga National Park
Located on the banks of the mighty
Brahmaputra River in the far North
East of India, Assam, Kaziranga
National Park covers an area of
approximately 430-sq-kms with its
swamps and tall thickets of elephant grass making it the ideal
habitat for the Indian One-Horned Rhino. Due to limitless
poaching of this prehistoric survivor, the Kaziranga National
Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1940.
Major Wildlife Attractions of Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary
Beside ofcourse the great one horned Indian Rhino, the other
major wild attractions include a large population of Indian
Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer,
Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog
Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal,
Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor Lizards, etc.
Kaziranga National Park is a birding paradise; the grasslands are
a raptor country that can be seen on safari makes a remarkable
experience. These include the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-
Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas's Fishing
Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle,
Himalayan Griffon, etc. Huge numbers of migratory birds
descend on the parks lakes and marshy areas during winters,
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including Greylag Geese, Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck,
Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Red-Crested Pochard and Northern
Shoveller.
Other Attractions In Kaziranga
Elephant Safari : The vast open country makes Kaziranga
National Park very accessible and wildlife viewing fairly
pleasurable. Here one can leave in the early hours of the dawn
for an elephant-back-ride. Authorized and trained Mahouts who
guide visitors through the park train the Elephants. One could
see wild Elephant herds roaming around or Indian Rhinos
browse past visitors unconcernedly. Since Kaziranga wildlife
Sanctuary is easily accessible, its provides a chance to see
animals in the wild at such close quarters, thus making a trip to
this National Park a very rewarding experience.
Sightseeing in Kaziranga : Tourists can stroll through the lush
coffee and rubber plantations of the nearby Karbi Anglong. Or
visit the Karbi villages, meet the Karbi people and observe their
way of living. Yiu can also venture through the tea gardens that
Assam is so famous for and watch how one gets one's daily cup
of tea. Film shows on wildlife can be arranged at the various
tourist lodges in Kaziranga, on request.
Best Time to Visit Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga's visiting season is from mid-November to early April
months. During the monsoons, the Brahmaputra River bursts its
banks, flooding the low-lying grasslands and causing animals to
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migrate from one area to another within the Kaziranga National
Park.
KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Ever though what it feels like to visit a tiger country, then visit
the state of Madhya Pardesh, check out the wilds of Kanha and
see for yourself why this place is called a wild hideout taken
straight from the famous "Jungle Book".
About Kanha National Park
How many of you have seen a tiger before? Most of the answers
will be ambiguous because everyone wants to see a tiger. Then
where can one spot a tiger? Well, even if there are circuses and
zoo's all over India, there's some kind of a thrill you experiences
when all of a sudden you came across a Tiger roaming freely in
the wilderness of its natural habitat: the fields and forests of
India. There are numerous Tiger reserves in India, that are
preserving this ferocious beast, but nowhere can you see them
as often, and as regularly as in Kanha National Park.
Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha
national park cum Tiger reserve extends over an area of over
1,940-sq-kms. The major feature of this region's interesting
topography is the horseshoe shape valley and the whole park
area is surrounded by the spurs of the Mekal. The Surpan River
meanders through Kanha's central Maidans, grasslands that
cover the extensive plateau. Steep rocky escrapments along the
edges offer breathtaking views of the valley.
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Flora & Fauna - Kanha National Park
The terrain inside the park is varied, nonetheless enjoyable.
Bamboo forests flow into Sal forests and meadows. There are
herds of spotted deer to be seen with smaller herds of beautiful
Antelope, the Black Buck. With a little luck, you could also spot
the timorous Barking Deer. It's snapping warns other denizens
of the forest that a predator is around. There is also a very
strong possibility that you will see the Rare Barasingha, the
Swamp Deer. Once there were only 66 of these in Kanha, but
careful conservation and management raised their population to
over 400.
Major Wildlife Attractions o f Kanha
Spotting wild animals is always a matter of luck but Kanha is so
rich in wildlife that the odds are titled in your favour. First time
visitors are often so keen to spot the larger animals that they
overlook the smaller ones. There are 175 varieties of birds in
Kanha. So if you happen to be bird watcher, look forward to a
full bird show. Most people are keener to meet Kanha's major
attraction, the Tiger; still one has to be patient to spot one.
But while on a mission to find a tiger, one can easily catch
glimpses of all the grazers, a Porcupine, many Gray Langurs,
Mongoose, Hyena, Jungle Cat, even a Leopard. Other wild
attractions in this Tiger country include varieties of Deer - the
Barasingha, Chital or Spotted Deer, Chousingha, Nilgai, as well
as the majestic Gaur or Indian Bison and wild Pig.
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Other Attractions in Kanha
Elephant Safari : The animals at Kanha are best observed from
the elephant back and the open country makes the chance of
sightings reasonably good.
Kanha Museum : There is a museum at Kanha national park,
depicting attributes and activities of the park and the tribal
culture of the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Best Time to Visit
The visiting season to Kanha national park is within the months
of April to June and November to January. The park is closed
from July to Mid-November that is during the monsoon season.
SUNDARBANS NATIONAL PARK
Come to Sundarbans where adventure
awaits you at every corner. Known as
the largest estuarine delta in the world,
this Tigerland vibrates with countless
forms of colourful life.
About Sundarbans National Park
The vast swampy delta of the two great Indian rivers,
Brahamaputra and the Ganges extends over areas comprising
of mangrove forests, swamps and forest island all interwoven in
a network of small rivers and streams. The Sundarbans National
Park, home of the Royal Bengal Tiger, covering an area of
approximately 1330.10-sq-kms and the largest mangrove forest
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in the world, form the core of this area. The Sundarban region
has got its name from Sundari trees, once found in abundance
here.
The Ganges and the Brahmaputra form this alluvial archipelago
of 54 islands watered by the Bay of Bengal. The islands
Goasaba, Sandeshkali and Basanti form the northern boundary
of the Sundarbans; on the south is the sea; to the west side of
the Sunderbans park is the Matla and Bidya Rivers and to the
east is the international boundary of Bangladesh.
Flora in Sundarbans National Park
Fascinating life forms await you in this largest estuarine delta in
the world, Sunderbans. In April and May the flaming red leaves
of the Genwa, edge the emerald islands. The crab like red
flowers of the Kankara and the yellow blooms of Khalsi add to
the dazzling display. As you penetrate into the forests of
Sundarbans, this fairyland unfolds its mysterious beauty.
Major Wildlife Attractions of Sundarbans
The Sundarbans forest is home to more than 400 tigers. The
Bengal Tigers have adapted themselves very well to the saline
and aqua environs and are extremely good swimmers. As you
enter the adventurous wild land of the Sundarbans you'll be
thrilled to see the Chital Dear and Rhesus Monkey. The aqua
fauna of Sundarbans include variety of fishes, red Fiddler Crabs
and Hermit Crabs.
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There are crocodiles, which can be often seen along the mud
banks. Sundarbans national park is also noted for its
conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle. There's is a incredible
variety of reptiles also found in Sundarbans, which includes King
Cobra, Rock Python and Water Monitor. The endangered river
Terrapin, Batagur Baska is found on the Mechua Beach, while
the Barkind Deer is found only in Holiday Island in Sunderbans.
Other Attractions in Sundarbans
The Sajnakhali Sanctuary :The Sajnakhali sanctuary, famous for
its rich avian population, is regarded as a part of the
Sunderbans National Park. The kingdom of birds at Sajnekhati
enchants your eyes. The most sought after sights by a bird
watcher are seven colourful species of Kingfisher, white bellied
Sea Eagle, Plovers, Lap-Wings, Curfews, Whimbrels, Sandpipers
and occasional Pelican.
Netidhopani: At Netidhopani, the ruins of a 400 year old temple
and legends lend mystery to the atmosphere.
Bhagabatpur: Bhagabatpur is famous for having a hatchery of
the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.
Kanak: Kanak is the nesting place of the Olive Ridley Turtles.
Haliday Island: Haliday island is famous as last retrest of
Barking Dear in India.
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Piyali: Piyali is the gatway to Sundarbans, 72-kms from Kolkatta
by road and close to Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Netidhopani
through waterways. A small river Piyali flows through the green
paddy fields and mingles with river Matla. Picturesque Piyali
delta makes an ideal romantic holiday destination. A beautiful
tourist complex with accommodation and recreation facilities is
also situated over here.
Kaikhali: On your way to Sundarbans you cannot afford to miss
Kaikhali Island, where nature is so alive and so colourful.
Best Time to Visit Sunderbans National Park
The ideal time to visit the Sundarbans national park is during
the months of September and May. Winter make the time to see
the mighty Royal Bengal Tiger sun-bathing on the river banks.
MANAS NATIONAL PARK
Assam is the state of the Great One Horned Rhino. Beside the
Kaziranga there's Manas another habitat of the Rhino's, located
in one of the remotest region among the foothills of Himalayas.
About Manas National Park
Manas National Park is situated on the foothills of the Himalayas
and a part of it extends to Bhutan. It was declared a sanctuary
on October 01, 1928 and was designated a World Heritage site
in December 1985. The sanctuary is home to a great variety of
wildlife, including tiger, Golden Langur, Wild Buffalo, Hispid
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Hare, Pigmy Hog, Capped Langur, Indian one-horned
Rhinoceros, Elephant, Gaur, Hog Deer, etc.
Manas known for its Project Tigers, Rhinos & Elephants, and is
Assam's one of the two Tiger projects. The scenic beauty and
rare wealth of wild life combine with this unique world heritage
site to offer one of the most enthralling experiences.
Best Time to Visit Manas National Park
The ideal time to visit the Manas national park is during the
months of November to April.
SULTANPUR NATIONAL PARK
Sultanpur national park was a stretch of marshy land that has
been remodeled and converted into a water body. The park is
home to a large range of birds, both resident and migratory.
About Sultanpur National Park
Sultanpur, 46 kms to the south-west of Delhi, is a green haven
with a lake and wild birds. Sultanpur was declared a water-bird
reserve in 1972 and its grounds are lush
with lawns and trees and shrubs and
masses of bougainvillea. It is
recommended to spend some time in the
small museum and library in the reserve,
as one gets a fair idea of the birds and
creatures you are likely to see during your
visit to the reserve. A good pair of binoculars is a must to clearly
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observe the wildlife from a safe distance, without disturbing
them.
Sultanpur is essentially a bird watching place with few trees
obscuring the visitor's view of the lake. The birds can be easily
spotted wading, swimming or flying. All this is possible, because
the visitors are not allowed to paddle around in boats in this
water bird sanctuary, thus allowing the birds to continue with
their activities without human interference. One can very easily
spot grey pelicans, cormorants, grey and pond herons, egrets,
painted storks who tend to congregate and preen. The black-
necked storks, white ibis, spoonbills, etc can also be spotted.
Best Time to Visit Sultanpur National Park
The ideal time to visit the Sultanpur National Park is during the
months of December and January because it is the main period
for migratory birds..
ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK (NEPAL)
Established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its
rich flora and fauna. Short grass makes the months of February-
May the best game-viewing season, but the autumn months are
perfect for visiting, with Himalayan views, and in winter months
of December-January, Chitwan has quiet a pleasant climate
compared to Kathmandu.
About Royal Chitwan National Park
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Royal Chitwan National Park (‘Chitwan’ means "in the heart of
the jungle’) covers 932 sq. km. in the flat lowland region of
southern Nepal. It is one of the most important sub-tropical
parks on the Indian subcontinent with populations of the
endangered Royal Bengal tiger, Greater One-horned rhinoceros,
Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica), Wild Asian elephant,
Gaur, Golden Monitor lizard, Gharial crocodile and many more.
The Chitwan region has had a long history of conservation. For
many years it was the Royal hunting grounds for the Kings and
dignitaries of Nepal and therefore was not hunted by the
general public. It did however become a favorite spot for big
game safari hunters in the late nineteenth and early to mid-
twentieth centuries. This was coupled with a surge in local
human populations following the development of anti-malaria
medicines in the mid-twentieth century. The long-term effect
was a drastic decrease in jungle habitat and animal populations
in the Chitwan valley as jungles were converted to farmland and
big game were hunted and poached to dangerously low
numbers. The falling rhino (less than 200) and tiger (less than
30) populations in the present park region, focused attention on
the Chitwan region and in 1963 the southern two-thirds of the
park were declared rhino sanctuary. With sanctuary status
came the relocation of 22,000 people from the Chitwan valley
and a moratorium on hunting. Since 1963 wildlife populations
and ecosystems have been rebounding. In 1973 Chitwan
became Nepal’s first National Park. The relatively pristine state
of the modern park and its unique ecosystems prompted
UNESCO to declare the park a World Heritage site in 1984.
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ROYAL BARDIA NATIONAL PARK (NEPAL)
Largest and most undisturbed wild area of the Terai region of
the Nepal Himalayas. Simialar to Chitwan park, but with a drier
climate and a more remote location, Bardia encompasses
1,000-sq-kms of riverine grassland and sal forests.
About Royal Bardia National Park
Royal Bardia National Park is the largest park in the lowland
Terai covering an area of 968 sq. km. The park situated in
Nepal’s Western Terai was established to protect representative
ecosystems and conserve tiger and its prey species. Initially, a
small area was gazetted as the Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve in
1976. When this area was protected, approximately 1500
people of the Babai valley were resettled outside the park
allowing the vegetation and wildlife to flourish. In 1982, it was
renamed as Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve, and in 1984 it was
extended to its current size. The reserve was given the status of
a National Park in 1988. Greater One-horned Rhinoceros were
translocated from Royal Chitwan National Park in 1986, 1991,
and 1999.
Fauna in Bardia National Park
What makes a visit to Nepal's Royal Bardia National Park
particularly special is not just its large and intact habitat area
and its isolated location, but also
the presence here of one of the
last known herds of wild
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Elephants in South Asia. The herd, numbering less than two
dozen, roams these remote jungles in western Nepal.
Bardia also boasts the greatest number of deer species in
Nepal. The six deer species found in the park are: Chital or
spotted Deer with its ubiquitous white spots on a brown coat;
Hog Deer; similar to but smaller than Chital; Sambhar, the
largest Deer on Indian subcontinent with a shaggy coat and
thick antlers; Swamp Deer; Barasingha; and reddish-colored
Barking Deer, the park's smallest Deer.
Other large mammals are: Gaur, the largest wild oxen in world;
wild Boar, an omnivorous black-coated creature with large
tusks; the agile sloth Bear, a shaggy black bear with a
distinctive white "V" on its chest; Blue Bull or Nilgai, the largest
Antelope on the Indian subcontinent; and Himalayan Tahr.
Serow and Goral, two goat-Antelope members, are also found.
Small mammals include: Langur Monkey, Rhesus Macaque,
Jackal, three species of cats (jungle, leopard, and fishing);
yellow-throated Marten; Mongoose; and Indian Otter.
Two species of crocodiles swim in the Karnali, Girwa, and Babai
Rivers - the blunt-snouted Marsh Mugger and the fish-eating
gharial with its long thin snout. These creatures share the water
with the fresh-water Gangetic Dolphin. The Karnali also supports
the great mahseer, which weigh up to 90 lbs, an angler's prize
catch.
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Birds are the park's most conspicuous fauna with over 300
resident and migratory species. Avid bird-watchers will want to
visit the park in November or from February to April when
migrants arrive, depart or pass through.
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NATIONAL SANCTUARIES
INDIRA GANDHI SANCTUARY
Indira Gandhi Sanctuary situated amidst dense forest landscape
in the Anamalai range of Western Ghats, in Tamil Nadu, is a
preferred destination of nature lovers. Pollachi is the main town
situated nearest to the Indira GandhiSanctuary. The animal
reserve is both a sanctuary (958 sq km) and national park (108
sq km).
Flora and Fauna in Indira Gandhi Sanctuary
This beautiful wildlife sanctuary is located in the Anamalai
ranges of Western Ghats, which are covered with heavy
evergreen forests. Anamalai hill forest is known for its dense
growth of trees, and evergreen
shoals. This geographically rich
region is home to a variety of wild
beasts like elephant, gaur, tiger,
panther, sloth bear, wild boar, wild
dog, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed
macaque, sambar, four, horned
antelope, chital, Pangolin, Sambar, and many other animals
including several endemic species.
Avian Population in Indira Gandhi Sanctuary
For bird watchers Indira Gandhi Sanctuary is the perfect
location. A large number of birds have their habitation here,
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which includes Green Pigeon, Tickell's Flower Pecker, Rufus
Wood Pecker, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Black Eagle, Racquet
Tailed Drongo, Black Headed Oriole, Paradise Fly-catcher,
Whistling Thrush, Great Indian, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Fairy
Bluebird, and Emerald Dove.
When to Visit Indira Gandhi Sanctuary
The weather in the region is pleasant throughout the year. The
best time to visit the park is from January to February, but avoid
during June to August.
MUDUMALAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Mudumalai wildlife reserve is a
continuation of the Bandipur National
Park. The river Moyar that flows along
the border or Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka separates the two. The
Mysore - Ooty highway runs through
the park. The 321 sq. km . reserve is
situated in Tamil Nadu.
Mudumalai wildlife reserve was the first sanctuary in south
India. The terrain is extremely varied with hills, valleys, ravines,
watercourses and swamps. The vegetation comprises of tropical
moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests and scrub
forests. Compared to the nearby reserves, the climate is
warmer in Mudumalai.
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Langur, bonnet macaque, tiger, leopard, wild dog, hyena, jackal,
sloth bear, elephants, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, Indian
muntjac, mouse deer, wild boar, rodent and flying squirrel are
part of the wildlife in Mudumalai. It has a rich bird life that
includes Malabar trogan, Grey hornbill, crested hawk eagle,
crested serpent eagle, etc.
The best time to visit the reserve is from February to June. The
sanctuary can be reached by road. The nearest railway station
is Udakamandalam. The nearest airport is Coimbatore.
Accommodation can be arranged at forest rest house,
guesthouses at Masinagudi, Kargudi, Abhayaranyam and
Theppakkadu.
Flora (Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary)
The vegetation is quite varied in this region. The hilly terrain of
the Western Ghats, clothed in dense mixed and moist deciduous
forests, make Mudumalai (the ancient hills) a most attractive
wildlife reserve. Bamboos (Bambusa Arundinacea) Natural teak
(Tectona Grandis), Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia,
Crenulata/Terminalia Tomontosa, Grewia, and blooming trees
like Indian Labumusum, Aredesia, Solanancea are some of the
flora.
Fauna (Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary )
The fauna include Elephants, Gaur, Banner, Macaque, Common
Langur, Tigers, Leopards, Chital, Panther, Sloth Bear, Python,
Barking Deer, Four Horned Antelope,
Otter, Crocodiles (Mugger), Giant
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Flying Squirrel, Sambar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse
Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare, Porcupine and Mongoose.
The birds listed in this sanctuary are Peacock-our National bird,
Grey Jungle Fowl, Red Spur Fowl, Grey Partridge Quails, Goggle
Eyed Plower, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Large Racket-Tailed
Dronge, The Magpie-robin, Spotted Babbler, Small Green
Barbet, Green Pigeons, Brown Dove, Malabar Grey Hornbill,
Bulbuls, Mynahs, etc. Among birds of prey, Eagles, Hawks,
Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and King Vulture are predominant,
besides some migratory water birds.
Tourist Information Centre (Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary)
The drive from Bangalore to Mudumalai runs over
wellmaintained State highways. The first stretch between
Bangalore and Mysore is a reasonably smooth run. Once you
cross the towns of Ramanagaram and Chennapatna, the drive
gose through avenues of bougainvillaea which form natural
archways. If you are thirsty, you can stop at any of the coconut
vendors lininig the road.
Passing through Mysore is a honk - and - crawl affair till the city
limits. Beyond Nanjangud, for about 20 km, the road is a narrow
concrete strip with shoulders of tar. You need to be very careful
on this road as the tar has eroded, leaving huge potholes. There
may be times when you will be forced to go onto the tar
shoulders to avoid oncoming traffic. Remember, utmost care
should be taken then to avoid damage to the underbody.
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Once the road enters the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary limit, it is
almost straight with dense forest on both sides. Seven - and - a
half kilometers after the Bandipur reception centre, the road
crosses over into Tamil Nadu and the Mudumalai Wildlife
Sanctuary.
The scenery along the road is varied with a clutter of small
towns on the outskrits of Bangalore. These give way to light
forest and fields till Mysore. If you have time with you, a stop at
the fantastic Mysore Palace is worth the extra hour to get to
Mudumalai.
The accomodation and hotels for Mudumalai are on the road
that runs from the reception centre to Masinagudi. Though there
is a sign warning that the road is very steep and that you have
to strain your car much with the kind of cars that we have
today, it is redundant.
There is actually more to do at the places to stay than in the
park itself. Consider yourself lucky if you see bison and deer.
Should you happen to see a tiger, take a quick look around for
the saint who performed the miracle to make it appear.
VALLANADU BLACKBUCK SANCTUARY
Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary, located in Thoothukudi district,
is a biodiversity rich and ecologically diverse region. Maintained
in the hills of Vallanad, this sprawling sanctuary houses
innumerable animals, birds, and other wild creatures.
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Flora and Fauna in Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary
The great diversity of flora and
fauna in Vallanadu Blackbuck
Sanctuary is simply amazing. This
dense scrub forest area houses
Spotted Deer, Macaques, Jungle cat,
Mongoose, wild hares and several
other animals. The sanctuary was
founded with the aim of protecting and nurturing Blackbucks in
the country. As a consequence of extensive poaching and
habitat loss, blackbuck populations have been reduced
drastically. Today, blackbuck is an endangered species in India,
and is included in Schedule I of Indian Wildlife Act.
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Avian Population in Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary
For bird watchers there are many options in and around
Thoothukudi. A major attraction just 22 km northwest of
Thoothukudi is Mayura Thottam. It is a peacock farm situated at
Ottapidaram. Mayura Thottam is spread over an area of 55
acres. A large number of migratory birds also visit this place
every year during the breeding season.
When to Visit Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary You can visit Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary during any part of
the year. However prior permission to visit is required from the
DFO, Tirunelveli Division, KokirakulamYou can stay comfortably
in Tirunelveli, which has a good number of hotels.
VEDANTHANGAL WATER BIRDS SANCTUARY
About Vedanthangal Water Birds Sanctuary
One of the most spectacular breeding grounds in India.
Cormorants, herons, storks, pelicans, grebes and many
others.The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary has been protected by
the local people for well over 250
years. The sanctuary gets its namefrom a nearby village and is only 75
Km from Chennai. The bird life
(resident & visitors) includes
Cormorants, Darters, Herons,
Egrets, Open billed Stork, Spoonbill
and White Ibis, Little Grebe, Indian
Moorhen, Black Winged Stilts, a few
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migratory ducks and occasionally Grey Pelicans. November to
February is the ideal season to visit the sanctuary.
Vedanthangal is a home not only to migratory birds but also to
many ornithologists who camp here for weeks observing the
birds at close quarters. With a powerful pair of binoculars, you
can spot a Cormorant or a Snake Bird dive under the water to
gobble up a nervous fish which is its staple diet. Soon after the
hunt, the Cormorant must come up to the shore to dry its
feathers as nature has not endowed it with oil-glands to water-
proof the feathers.
The Spot-Billed Grey Pelican, on the contrary, moves in groups
lashing the water with powerful wing strokes driving the fish to
a shallow corner for the ultimate assault. The Spoon Bill,
however, prefers to devour frogs and insects in the muddy
water with its bills half open.
The winged visitors regulated by biological clocks land at
Vedanthangal after the monsoon with amazing clock-work
precision and get into the breeding act quietly. The population
of the migratory birds swells to around 40,000 by the middle of
January.
GUINDY NATIONAL PARK
Guindy National Park, probably the smallest national park in the
country is located within the city limits of Chennai, the capital of
Tamil Nadu.
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The park with an area of 2.82 sq. km has a strong historical
background. Originally a game reserve of 400 hectares, it was
owned by Gilbert Rodericks, a British citizen. When Gilbert died,
in 1821 the Tamil Nadu government purchased it and the
surrounding wooded property for a sum of Rs. 35,000/. The
place was declared as reserved forests in 1910. The then Prime
Minister Jawaharlal Nehru allotted a portion of the Guindy forest
as a park for children. In 1958, it was handed over to the Forest
department and in 1978 the entire forest area was declared as
Guindy national park.
Guindy National park consists of various vegetation zones
mainly tropical dry evergreen flora with over 350 species of
plants including trees, shrubs, climbers, herbs and grasses. 24
varieties of trees including Amona Squamosa, Atlanta
Monoplylla, Feronia Limonia, Azadirachta India and many others
are found in this park.
The animals
found here
include spotted
deer, black
bucks (also
known as Rare
Indian Antelope
found only in
India), white
bucks, river
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otter, hyena, bonnet monkey, civet cat, jackals, pangolin,
hedgehog and common mongoose. Birds which can be seen
here are the black winged kite, the buzzard, olden Backed
Woodpecker, Crow Pheasant, Yellow Wattled Lapwing, Red
Wattled Lapwing, Blue Faced Malkoha, Shrikes, Koels, pariah
kite, Minivets, Munias, Barkets, Parakeets, Grey Partridge, Tailor
Birds, Robins, Drongos, Quails, Beak Paradise, Flycatcher, Stone
Curlew and so on.
The Children's Park here has playgrounds, swings, mini-railway,
elephant and pony rides (weekends) etc for the kids. There is
also a mini zoo with a sizeable collection of birds, deer's,
peacocks etc. which gained statutory recognition as a medium
zoo from the Central Zoo Authority in 1995. In addition there is
a Snake Park established in 1972 with king cobras, pythons,
vipers etc. Apart from snakes, certain species of tortoise and
turtles- especially the endangered star turtle can be found here.
There are also lizards, geckos, chameleons and the common
Indian monitor lizard, as well as a large variety of insects and
butterflies. Raj Bhavan, the Governor's residence occupies one
of the corners of the park. The beautiful forest area continues to
the adjacent campus of the famous Indian Institute of
Technology.
Surrounding the park there are several other famous institutes
such as the Anna University of Technology, Central Leather
Research Institute, Cancer Institute and the Chennai race
course. There are also memorials to India's great leaders,
Mahatma Gandhi, K.Kamaraj and C.Rajagopalachari,
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Bakthavatchalam in the vicinity. The park organizes Lecture-
demonstrations regularly in languages like Tamil, Hindi and
English. Though the park itself offers nothing much for a real
wildlife enthusiast, the Snake Park is interesting. The park sums
up a favourite picnic destination for the entire family especially
school going children.
PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK
Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own
Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve.
Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of
the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this
reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills,
providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife.
Though its a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the
Indian elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the
Periyar lake.
Major Wildlife Attractions in Periyar National Park
Apart from Elephants, the other
animals to be seen in the Periyar
sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs,
Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse
Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog
and very rarely, a Tiger. There
are, now, an estimated 40 tigers
here. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare
lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And
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Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the
elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.
The birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the
great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian
population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be spotted
basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. Visitors
who trek into the Periyar national park often see a Python and
sometimes even a King Cobra.
In the lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary's
environ is like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of the
moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience the
peace and serenity and long to return for more.
Other Attractions in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kumily : Situated just 4-kms from Periyar, Kumily is a growing
town where tourism is fastly catching up just like the spice
trade, the major occupation of this small town. The town is also
well equipped with the excellent hotels and resorts for
accommodation.
Cradomom Hills : Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient
points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala's beautiful
Cardamom hills. Guide will approach you at offers of trips via
jeep or taxi to the hills and if you can get a group together,
these trips work out as a good travel value.
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Boat Cruises : Boat cruises make the best option to check out
the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.Today the Periyar lake presents
an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual to
see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of
Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge.
The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat
cruise, but better turn up half an hour early to get the best seat.
To maximise you chances, take the 7.00 am boat. You can also
consider renting your own boat.
Best Time to Visit Periyar
The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the
months of October and June.
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