Wildlife Sanctuaries India

All across the India are wildlife sanctuaries whose areas extend over several thousands of square kilometres, where wildlife can observed in their natural surroundings Each sanctuary supports several species wildlife, while, at the same time, being well known for one particular species. In some cases, these are rare or even endangered species.

Thus, the Gir Forest in Gujarat is the only surviving home of the Asiatic lion. Manas and Kaziranga in Assam have a significant population of the one-homed rhino, Periyar in Kerala is best known for wild elephant viewing. Keibul Lamjao National Park is famous for Thamin deer in Manipur, Kashmir stag in Dachigam Srinagar and Velavadhar for blackbuck in Gujarat are the only homes of these species.

Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, identified major areas inhabited by tigers. These became areas protected by the project, enabling a significant increase of the tiger population. Ranthambore and Sariska in Rajasthan Kanha and Bandhavgarh sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh and Corbert Park and Dudhwa in Uttar Pradesh are some of the country’s best known tiger reserves. Other species at these places include panthers, and several species of deer and antelope, the commonest of which are axis deer and the blue bull or the Nilgai.

Bharatpur, a five hour drive from Delhi, has the largest bird sanctuary in Asia. Water birds that migrate from other parts of the country include herons, ibis, pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, egrets and openbilled storks. Various species of ducks and geese migrate from places in Russia. These include Brahminy ducks and the endangered Siberian crane. Stretched over 29 sq km of swamps and marshes, Bharatpur has causeways which can be negotiated on foot, or bicycle. The best time for a visit is from October to March when the weather is relatively pleasant and when the sanctuary teems with bird life. July-August is the breeding season for the resident species.

October to March is the most pleasant time to visit any sanctuary in the country, with the exception of Dachigam in Kashmir which is best visited during summer. However, the chances of spotting wildlife are better from March to June when the weather is hot, and the sun dries the dense foliage which otherwise provides effective cover for the animals.

All wildlife sanctuaries are accessible by car, and all have accommodation within or near them.

Rules and regulations for wildlife sanctuaries are no more than those dictated by common sense; wear clothes that blend rather than stand out in the forest; perfumes and cigarettes should be avoided for animals have an extremely keen sense of smell. Potentially dangerous animals should not be approached on foot. 

For the serious photographer, many sanctuaries have hides near frequently used water holes. Lenses having a focal length of less than 300 mm have little use, 600-1, 1,200 mm lenses being most useful. High speed (at least 400 ASA) film comes in handy when the sanctuary has dense foliage.

Explore the wide range of Wildlife tours of India and Tiger Tour of India.

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