Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Location: Rajasthan
Main Wildlife Attractions:Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Boar, Migratory Birds
Coverage Area: 29 Sq Km
Established: 1956 as a Bird Sanctuary and 1982 as a National Park
At a Glance
One of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park. 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.While many of India's parks have been developed from the hunting preserves of princely India, Keoladeo, popularly known as Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary, is perhaps the only case where the habitat has been created by a maharaja. In earlier times, Bharatpur town used to be flooded regularly every monsoon. In 1760, an earthen dam (Ajan Dam) was constructed, to save the town, from this annual vagary of nature. The depression created by extraction of soil for the dam was cleared and this became the BharatpurLake.At the beginning of this century, this lake was developed, and was divided into several portions. A system of small dams, dykes, sluice gates, etc., was created to control water level in different sections. This became the hunting preserve of the Bharatpur royalty, and one of the best duck - shooting wetlands in the world. Hunting was prohibited by mid-60s. The area was declared a national park on 10 March 1982, and accepted as a World Heritage Site in December 1985.
Climate & Rainfall
Bharatpur is located on the fringes of the Thar Desert. This marshy land has very warm climate. Summers are invariably hot and winters are not very cold. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 48°C in summers (May and June) to around 5°C in winters (December to February).Carry light cottons during summers and woolens during winters. Rainfall is less but sufficient.
Flora
The term 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area. The principal vegetation types are tropical dry deciduous trees, intermixed with dry grassland in areas where forest has been tainted. Apart from the artificially managed marshes; much of the area is covered by medium-sized trees and shrubs.The north east area of the park is mostly dominated by jamun (Syzygiumcumini), babul (Acacia nilotica) and kadam (Mitragynaparvifolia). The open woodland is mostly babul with a little amount of ber and kandi. Ber and kair dominates the Scrublands.Piloo (Salvadorapersica) are also present in the park and happens to be only woody plants found in saline soil. The aquatic vegetation is rich and provides food source for waterfowls.
Fauna
The major attractions of tourists visiting the park are the numerous migratory birds, which come from as far away as Siberia and Central Asia and spend their winters in Bharatpur, before returning to their breeding grounds. Migratory birds at Bharatpur bird sanctuary include, several species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc.
How to Reach
Bharatpur is easily reached by bus or train, also private cabs from New Delhi or Agra can be hired. The Park is pretty close to the bus stand and railway station.
By Air
Delhi and Jaipur are the nearest airports for Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
BY RAIL
The nearest railway station is Bharatpur Junction which is 5 kms. away.
BY ROAD
Bharatpur is well connected with other parts of the country by very fine roads. You can travel through your own vehicle too. Although there are regular buses are available from Delhi, Mathura, Jaipur, Alwar and neighboring.
Travel Tips
Visitors are advised to reach the gate half an hour in advance to complete the formalities for entry into the park.
Best Time to Visit
Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary is open throughout the year; still the ideal visiting months are from August-November for resident breeding birds and October- February for migrant birds. |
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National Chambal Sanctuary
Location: Madhya Pradesh
Main Wildlife Attractions: Alligator, Crocodile, Otter, Tortoise, Gigantic dolphin, Blue bull, Rabbit, Wild boar
Coverage Area: 1985.23 sq. km.
Established: 1979 as a Sanctuary
At a Glance
The rare gangetic dolphin is the main attraction of National Chambal Sanctuary. The other inhabitants of this sanctuary are magar (crocodile) and gharial (alligator), chinkara, sambar, nilgai, wolf and wild boar. Founded in 1979 the sanctuary is a part of a large area co-administered by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The endangered Gharial finds a home in the National Chambal Sanctuary in UP, with its friend, the Ganges River Dolphin. The National Chambal Sanctuary in UP is a natural reservoir for the marsh crocodiles, swimming eagerly and often prying for prey, at shore while basing in the sun. Stretching for 400 kilometers, the transparent lake of National Chambal Sanctuary in UP also houses the Smooth Coated Otters. These are fresh water carnivores with webbed and clawed feet and thick brown fur. To protect the animals from the harmful effects of modern civilization and their subsequent replenishment, the National Chambal Sanctuary was set up in Uttar Pradesh.The animals found here were almost on the verge of extinction when they found a natural home here, against the advancing civilization which posed a threat to their existence. 6 species of Terrapins are found here, these are the web footed turtles, found mainly in brackish water. It is natural that such a large sanctuary would have a large river or lake to quench the thirst of the abundant animals found here. The avian attraction at National Chambal Sanctuary in UP consists mainly of Black tailed Terns, Red-crested and Ferruginous Pochards, Indian Courser, Pallas's Fish. The Chambal River that waters the National Chambal Sanctuary in UP originates in Kota in Rajasthan, and finally merges with river Yamuna at Bhareh. From dusty ravines to rocky falls this river leaps and bounds through many a ravine to come here ultimately.Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Greater and Lesser Flamingos which are Large pink to scarlet web-footed wading birds, with down-bent bills, which inhabit brackish lakes, Darters which are Fish-eating birds, residing in warm inland waters having a long flexible necks and slender sharp-pointed bills, Bar-headed Goose, Sarus Crane and Great Thick-knee.
Climate
The daytime temperatures vary a great deal, but it is usually warm in the sun. The temperatures dip around mid-December, with the onset of morning and evening fog, and the days and nights remain quite cold till the end of January. The temperature ranges between: • Day:25-35 °C Night:10-20 °C October, November, February and March, • Day:10-20 °C Night: 2-10 °C December and January, • Day:25-35 °C Night:15-25 °C Apri
Flora
The process of listing the flora of the Chambal Valley has been initiated.
Fauna
A good population of Indian Skimmers is the strongest birding attraction here. This endangered species is easily seen near Bah and is one of the few remaining places where you can get close views of this beautiful bird. Black-bellied Terns, Red-crested and Ferruginous Pochards, Bar-headed Goose, Sarus Crane, Great Thick-knee, Indian Courser, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Darters, and the star attraction of Chambal Safari Lodge, the resident Brown Hawk Owl, all add up to an impressive list of birds.
Travel Tips
The only real way to enjoy the attractions of the river is by motorized boat. Arrangements to hire boats can be made. Going up and down the river as it flows through the ravines is a great experience.
Best Time to Visit
November to March |
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Corbett National Park
Location: Nainital, Uttarakhand
Main Wildlife Attractions: Tiger, Asiatic elephant, Wild boar, Spotted deer, Nilgai, Asiatic jackal, Swamp deer, Small Indian Civet, Hanuman Langur, Hog Deer, Sloth bear, Indian wild dog and migratory birds
Coverage Area: 1288 sq. km.
Established: 1936 as a National Park
At a Glance
Corbett National Park has more than 50 species of mammals, 585 species of birds and 25 species of reptiles, but the Park is known for its elephants and leopards, not its tigers. Many kinds of deer, namely chital (spotted deer), sambar (Indian stag), chinkara (Indian gazelle), pada (hog deer) and muntjac (barking deer) abound in the Park. Tiger sighting is rare, in spite of a lot of alarm calls from monkeys and deer. Elephant herds comprising tuskers, females and calves are commonly seen. However, an elephant herd with calves is perhaps the most dangerous encounter in the wild, for elephants are very possessive of their young and do not hesitate to charge at intruding human beings. Leopard sighting is even rarer than that of the tiger, and these spotted cats confine themselves to the higher reaches of the Park. Other feline species found in the Park are leopard cats, jungle cats, the rare fishing cat, and caracal, to name a few. Sloth bears, wild boars, monkeys, dholes (wild dogs), jackals and ghorals (mountain goats) also inhabit the Park. The aquatic reptile population in the Park consists of mugger (Crocodyluspalustris) and gharial (Gavialisgangeticus) crocodiles, while Indian rock pythons, Russell’s vipers, cobras, king cobras and common kraits are some of the snakes found in the Park. Bird life includes parakeets, flycatchers, babblers, cuckoos, robins, bulbuls, Indian and Great Pied hornbills, warblers and finches, to name a few.
Climate
Temperature in winter varies from 4°C to 25°C and in summer it varies from 19°C to 46°C
Flora
The park is known for its population of the fearless master predator. Most of the tourists come to visit the place, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Tiger. Corbett offers its visitors numerous wildlife attractions which include over 39 species of mammals, 13 species of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians and more than 210 varieties of birds. Some of the prominent avian residents of the park include the barbet, bulbul, minivet oriole, wagtail, munia, myna, malabal pied hornbill, collared scops, owl, waterfowl and blue kingfisher among other variety of animals which can be commonly seen adorning the skies of Corbett. Major mammalian species found in the region include animals like cheetal, sambar, nilgai, wild pig, tiger, leopard, jungle cat, leopard cat, striped hyena, wild dog, wolf, sloth bear, pangolin and the mighty Indian gaur.
Fauna
Corbett National Park has more than 50 species of mammals, 585 species of birds and 25 species of reptiles, but the Park is known for its elephants and leopards, not its tigers. Many kinds of deer, namely chital (spotted deer), sambar (Indian stag), chinkara (Indian gazelle), pada (hog deer) and muntjac (barking deer) abound in the Park. Tiger sighting is rare, in spite of a lot of alarm calls from monkeys and deer. Elephant herds comprising tuskers, females and calves are commonly seen. However, an elephant herd with calves is perhaps the most dangerous encounter in the wild, for elephants are very possessive of their young and do not hesitate to charge at intruding human beings. Leopard sighting is even rarer than that of the tiger, and these spotted cats confine themselves to the higher reaches of the Park. Other feline species found in the Park are leopard cats, jungle cats, the rare fishing cat, and caracal, to name a few. Sloth bears, wild boars, monkeys, dholes (wild dogs), jackals and ghorals (mountain goats) also inhabit the Park. The aquatic reptile population in the Park consists of mugger (Crocodyluspalustris) and gharial (Gavialisgangeticus) crocodiles, while Indian rock pythons, Russell’s vipers, cobras, king cobras and common kraits are some of the snakes found in the Park. Bird life includes parakeets, flycatchers, babblers, cuckoos, robins, bulbuls, Indian and Great Pied hornbills, warblers and finches, to name a few.
Travel Tips
Visitors are advised to reach the gate half an hour in advance to complete the formalities for entry into the park.
Best Time to Visit
The best visiting season of Corbett is from November 15 to June 15. Corbett remains closed between June 16 and November 14, when the monsoons flood the river beds and cut the fragile road links. |
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Sunderbans National Park
Location: West Bengal
Main Wildlife Attractions: Royal Bengal Tigers, Ridley Sea Turtle, Fishing Cats, Leopard Cats, Macaques, Wild Boar, Indian Grey Mongoose, Fox, Jungle Cat, Flying Fox, Pangolin, Chital
Coverage Area: 1,330 sq km
Established: 1977 as a Wildlife Sanctuary
At a Glance
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 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 Sunderbanspark is the Matla and Bidya Rivers and to the east is the international boundary of Bangladesh.
Climate
Due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal, Sunderban experiences very high humidity. Rainfall is quite heavy during monsoon, which last from mid-June to mid-September. After the monsoons, fair weather prevails until mid-March.
Flora
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.Fauna Major TheSundarbans 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.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, BatagurBaska is found on the Mechua Beach, while the Barkind Deer is found only in Holiday Island in Sunderbans.
Travel Tips
Permit is required For Foreigners
Best Time to Visit
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. |