5 Must Visit Wildlife Sanctuaries In India

Nature is one of the best ways to rejuvenate oneself. Not many can disagree with this fact. In today’s hectic and monotonous lifestyle of cities and towns, an opportunity to spend a few special days with the best of nature and its forms is something that is always welcomed.

Imagine having a close interaction with rich and varied fauna and flora, having lush greenery, exotic plants around you and rarest of animals carrying on with their day to day activities when you closely watch them. Isn’t it exciting?

A vacation filled with thrill and excitement along with refreshing natural settings is what you get in Wildlife sanctuaries of India. Tourists can not just get a glimpse but also experience the world they live in and enter their territories.

Visiting a Wildlife sanctuary promises you not just wildlife but much more than that. Even if one is not a nature enthusiast, he or she will find something to keep themselves interested. Going to any of India’s wildlife sanctuaries makes for an experience worth experiencing.

# Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Shimoga in the Chikmagalur District of Karnataka. It is home not only to India’s 25th Project Tiger population but also some very rare and exotic species of flora and fauna. Ranked among the most picturesque wildlife sanctuaries in Asia, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary makes your heart skip a beat as you witness nature come alive before your eyes.

Named after the River Bhadra that flows through the lush deciduous forests, the sanctuary is home to 120 species of trees and 250 species of birds. You can even spot some endangered species like Malabar Giant Squirrel and Orangutan. The natural beauty of the landscape makes it one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India for nature photography. Kallathigiri Peak being the highest peak in the area offers astounding views of the sanctuary.

# Dibang Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

The Dibang Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is home to some of India’s most intriguing and unique animals. It lies nestled in the Arunachal Pradesh and is among one of eight sanctuaries that occupy part Eastern Himalayas Mountains.

Sprawling across an area of 4,149 sq. km. are the lofty mountains and snow-covered peaks. The deep gorges make this place abundant in natural beauty. You can undertake adventurous expeditions to see the native flora or fauna of the region.

Wolves, Musk Oxen, Deer, Hares, Bears, Tigers, Leopards, and Pumas are some of the animals you will spot in the Dibang Sanctuary. Other rare animals that thrive in the wild setting are Otters, Eagles, Porcupines, and Hedgehogs. Bird watching is another interesting activity to enjoy in Dibang Valley. Vultures, Falcons, Kites, Ravens, Owls, and Parrots can be spotted chirping around the sanctuary.

# Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Periyar National Park in Thekkady, Kerala is rich in biodiversity. The rivers Periyar and Pamba flow through it, nurturing and flourishing the plants and animals in this 257 square mile sanctuary. It is a protected area where visitors can witness nature in its most vibrant form. The sanctuary is home to many types of animals including tigers, elephants as well as reptiles, and birds.

Adventure tourism has been combined with the natural features of the landscape. Thousands of tourists are lured to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You can explore the wilderness through boat cruises, jungle safaris, or on elephant backs. It is among the prominent wildlife sanctuaries in India that offer ecotourism activities. You can enjoy Jungle Patrol, Border hiking, Bamboo Rafting, Jungle camping, and Bullock Cart discoveries.

# Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is among the most popular Tiger reserves of India, set up in an area that was once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The climate makes this area perfect for travel and is also known to house the Royal Bengal Tigers. With high chances of sighting the national animal of the country, Ranthambore National Park is perfect for a quick weekend trip amidst the wild.

Located in the foothills of the Vindhya Range, it has one of the richest flora and fauna making it an absolute delight for nature enthusiasts. The hillsides covered by lush green vegetation offer breathtaking scenery for nature photography. One can also explore these peaceful woods at different spots like Jakhau Fort or just relax amidst its rich forests filled with birds singing all day long.

# Sundarbans National Park

The Sundarbans National Park is a natural wonder that features lush forests, rivers, and estuaries perfect for visitors looking to get an immersive experience of India. Home not only to the Royal Bengal Tigers but also salt-water crocodiles, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in India.

The Bioreserve of Sunderbans is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. You can book a safari that takes you across creeks and rivers to watch the well-preserved endangered species. You can spot animals like Batagur Baska, King Crabs, and Olive Ridley turtles in these lush forests. Other species include jungle fowls, giant lizards, spotted deer, and wild boars.