National Parks and Sanctuaries in India

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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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National Parks and Sanctuaries in India

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