Srisailam Sanctuary: The largest of India's Tiger Reserves, the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary extends over an area of 3568 sq. km.; lies in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The terrain is rugged and winding gorges slice through the Mallamalai hills. Adjoining the reserve is the large reservoir of the Nagarjunasagar Dam on the River Krishna.

Best time to visit: Oct - June.

Namdapha National Park: Tucked away in the northernmost state of Arunachal Pradesh is the Namdapha National Park. Three major rivers drain this area and flow into the Noa Dihing, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. The majestic gaur or mithun, elephant, Himalayan black bear, taking the wild goat peculiar to the Patkoi range, musk deer, slow loris, binturong and the red panda are all found here.

Best time to visit: Oct to March.

Kaziranga National Park: Lying along the mighty Brahmaputra River, the Kaziranga National Park covers an area of about 430 sq. km. Its swamps and grasslands with tall thickets of elephant grass and patches of evergreen forest, support the largest number of rhino in the subcontinent.

Manas Tiger Reserve: While Kaziranga is known for the Rhinoceros, Manas National Park is famous for the Majestic Tigers. This park is the only Project Tiger in Assam. The Manas Reserve, located in the foothills of the Bhutan hills, far from human habitation, is a world in itself.

Best time to visit: Nov-April

Ratan Mahal Sloth Bear: Spread out over 56 sq km, Ratanmahal, on the Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh border, is the only exclusive sloth bear sanctuary in Gujarat.

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary: Just 80 km. from Ahmedabad is Nalsarovar. The lake is spread over an area of 115 sq. km. It is known to harbour more than 250 species of birds. Visitors are ferried in small boats and to experience a sunrise or a sunset while gliding slowly through the silent waters.

Sasan Gir National Park: The park is located in the south west of the Saurashtra peninsula, is a heaven to about 300 Asiatic lions. The 1,412.13 sq. km. Park has a rugged terrain and the steep rocky hillsides are covered in mixed deciduous forests. There are teak, beer, flame of the forest and banyan trees.

Rann of Kutch ( Wild Ass ): The Gujarat is famous for its large herds of wild asses as it is for its lions. The Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, can be from Dasada, 93 kms from Ahmedabad and on an important route.

Velavadar / Black Buck National Park: Situated in the Bhal region of Saurashtra. The only tropical grassland in India to be given the status of a national park, is a 36 km patch of Savannah type grasslands and thorn scrub. The park is set between two rivers, a few miles from the Gulf of Cambay sea coast. The principal attraction of the park is the massive population of blackbuck and the handsome Indian antelope.

Great Himalayan National Park: The Great Himalayan National Park the largest protected area in Himachal Pradesh, the Park is carved out of the splendid mountain terrain of the Kullu district. Rich coniferous forests, alpine meadows carpeted with flowers, snow-capped peaks and glaciers provide a breath taking panorama.The secluded

Sainj and Tirthan valleys harbour a variety of animals common to this area - wild mountain goats like the bharal, ghoral and serow, the brown bear and predators like the leopard and the rarely seen snow leopard. Varieties of colorful pheasants - monal, khalij cheer, tragopan and other Himalayan birds are part of its rich avian population. Trekking through the Park to Rakte Sar, the origin of the Sainj River, brings in the added pleasure of seeing wildlife in this spectacular natural environment.

Best time to visit: April-June, Sept-Oct.

Dachigam National Park: The park is located very close to Srinagar (22km) with its splendid forests and magnificent scenery, is easily accessible.

The two sectors of the Park - Upper and Lower Dachigam are spread over an area of 141 sq. km. and altitudes vary between 1700 and 4300 meters. Two steep ridges enclose the Park with its great topographical variety - deep ravines, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures. Tumbling down from the Masrar Lake (4300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River winds through Lower Dachigam .The Park is the habitat of the endangered hangul or the Kashmir stag - the only species of red deer to be found in India.

Best time to visit: May-Aug. Upper Dachigam and Sept.-Dec. Lower Dachigam.

Bandipur National Park: The 874.20 sq. km. National Park, which is also a Tiger Reserve, with its open grassy woodland, lies to the south of the Kabini River. Bandipur, lying in the shadow of the Western Ghats, is one of the finest habitats of the Asian elephant. Drained by the Moyar River, its open forest makes it easy for visitors to see the elephant and gaur in natural surroundings.

Best time to visit: March-Aug.

Nagarhole National Park: There are excellent facilities for viewing wildlife and large groups of gaur, elephant, sambar, chital and even the occasional tiger or leopard. Among other mammals are the muntjac, the tiny mouse

deer, wildboar, pangolin,giant squirrel, slender Loris, languor and lion tailed macaques. The Park has about 250 species of birds and the Malabar trogon, the Malabar pied hornbill, the great black woodpecker, the Indian pitta and the green imperial pigeon are part of its avian variety. Lesser cats like the jungle cat, leopard cat and rusty spotted cat are also resident species.

Best time to visit: Oct - March.

Periyar National Park: The park 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

perennial source of water for the local wildlife. Herds of elephant and sambar, gaur and wild pigs wander down to the lake-side and can be observed from the launches that cruise the lake. In March and April, during the driest period here, the animals spend a lot of time near the lake and the elephants can be seen bathing and swimming in the reservoir. A glimpse may be had even of the tiger during this season, as it comes to the water. Periyar also harbour the leopard, wild dog, barking deer and mouse deer.

Best time to visit: Oct to April
 

Bandhavgarh National Park: Set amidst the Vindhyan ranges, the Park has a series of ridges running through it.

Extended to an area of 437 sq. km. About half the Park is covered with fine stands of sal, while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches of the hills. An ancient fort up on a precipice, 800 meters high, dominates the Park. inhabitants of the Park include the muntjac, jungle cat, rattle, hyena, porcupine, the rhesus macaque and the black-faced languor. About 150 species of birds are also found here and include the migratory birds that arrive in winter like the steppe eagle and various water-birds.

Best time to visit: Nov - June. The Park closed from 1st July to 31st October.

Kanha National Park: Kanha's sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour. Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers and a true haven for its animal and avian population. The park is the only habitat of the rare hard ground barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi).

Best time to visit: Feb-June, Although the cool season is much more comfortable and still very good for wildlife. (The park is closed from July 1st to 31st because of the monsoon).

Dhakana - Kolkaz National Park, (Chikaldara): Situated in the Vidharba region, Kolkaz National Park is famous for its tigers. The Melghat Tiger Project is located here. The cool, breezy climate of Chikaldara makes it an excellent place to repose in summer.

Best time to visit: Summers.

Dajipur Bison Sanctuary: The Sanctuary is situated on the border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts.

The jungle resort is a scenic spot near the backwaters of the Radhanagri dam. It is surrounded by hilly areas and thick forests abundant in wildlife. You can spot bisons, wild deers, chitals, gawas, etc.

You'll find Gagangiri Maharaj's Math in the forest area. The special trekking camp is more than just fun. It's an enlightening excursions; a must for botanical students.

Best time to visit: Summers.

NandankananSanctuary / National Park: Nandan Kanan A short distance from the capital city, Bhubeneshwar, the zoo lies in the splendid environs of the CHANDAKA forest , along the rippling water of the KANJIA LAKE.

It also contains a botanical garden and part of it is has been declared a sanctuary. It is famous for white tiger population. Nandankanan- The garden of Gods has become a hot family favorite, with visitors getting an excellent opportunity to enjoy seeing these regal animals in there natural glory-in an environment conducive to there growth.

Endangered species such as the Asiatic lion , three Indian crocodilians , Sangal lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, mouse deer and countless birds, reptiles and fish have been breeding successfully at Nandankanan.

Simlipal National Park: Located in the forest belt of northern Orissa Once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Mayurbhanj, the Park is set in an expanse of fine sal forests. Twelve rivers cut across the attractive terrain and there are innumerable waterfalls. The mugger is quite often seen along many of these rivers. The Park also holds tigers, leopards, elephants, sambar, chital, chausingha and mouse deer, the tiniest member of the deer family. Simlipal can be explored by jeep and the deer are especially seen in the grasslands along the rivers.

Best time to visit: Oct to June.

KeoladeoGhana NationalPark: Just 176 km. from Delhi is a very special wilderness - the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the finest water-bird sanctuaries in the world. The 28.73 sq. km. lake and wetland was artificially created by the Maharaja of Bharatpur in the l9th century. Every year Bharatpur waits with bated breath for the arrival of the Siberian cranes. Commonly referred to as Bharatpur, the Park is a delight for bird watchers. Over 300 species of birds are found here and raised paths, camouflaged by babul trees and undergrowth make viewing easy.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
Breeding season: Aug-Oct.
Migrants: Oct-Feb.

Ranthambore National Park: Earlier the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Park at Ranthambore was once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, at their normal pursuits - hunting and taking care of their young. Ranthambore has large numbers of sambar, chital and nilgai. Sounders of boar and an occasional gazelle the chinkara can be seen, as also the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. The lakes and pools at the Park are where the deer congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals. Among the other local fauna are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile.

Best time to visit: Oct to June

Sariska Tiger Reserve: The picturesque Siliserh Lake lies along the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve and a charming hunting lodge overlooking marvellous place for visitors to stay. The dry Herds of sambar, chital, nilgai and sounders of wild boar - the prey population for predators like the tiger and leopard, roam the 765.80 sq. km. Reserve.

Best time to visit: Oct to June.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park: This man made Zoological park situated on the outskirts of the Chennai Metropolitan, created out of the Reserve Forests of Vandalur. It was in the year 1855 the first Zoo in India was established in Chennai. This Zoological park is said to be one of the biggest in the South East Asia. More than 170 species of Mammals, Aviaries & reptiles are exhibited. Lion safari vehicle, Elephant ride, battery operated vehicles are some of the facilities available inside this park.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
Annual Rainfall: 1400 mm.

Guindy National Park: It is one of the prime visiting spots for those who come to Chennai. This park boasts of over 24 varieties of trees, more than 14 varieties of shrubs, over 14 types of mammals, over 37 varieties of birds, many kinds of amphibians and snakes to add to the variety that is already available.

Best time to visit: Year Around.
Annual Rainfall: 1200 mm
Other Facilities: This national Park encompass, a snake park and a Children' park as well.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: This is a marine Bio sphere, running along with coasts of Ramanathapuram and Tuthukudi (Tuticorin) Districts. This National Park is full of coral reefs, Dugong, Turtles, Dolphins and Balano-glossus.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
Annual Rainfall: 900 mm

Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in area of 223 sq kms in the Tirunelveli District, including the foothills of Western Ghats and the adjoining area. Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque and Common Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, sambar, Sloth Bear, gaur, Elephant, Tiger, Flying Squirrel, Panther, Wild Dog, Pangoline are some of the wild life seen in the sanctuary. Trekking can be done with prior permission from the Forest (Wildlife) Department.

Best time to visit: Sep to March

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Nilagiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the eastern Ghats. It has varied mixture of flat land, undulating parkland, open grassland, swamp, valleys and nullas. This 321 sq kms wide sanctuary encompasses a National Park measuring are of 103 sq kms. The vegetation is varied. The Mysore-Ooty highway runs through the Park, following the course of the Moyar River, which separates Mudumalai from Bandipur.

Best time to visit: Sep to May

Mukkurthi National Park: Located on the high altitudes of the Nilgiris, comprising rolling downs interspersed with temperate sholas, it is also a part of Nilgiri Bio-sphere reserve and situated 40 km from Udhagamandalam. It contains a viable population on Nilgiri Thar (Hamitragus-hilocrius), Sambhar, Barking deer, Nilgiri marten and otter, Jungle cat, Jackal etc.

Best time to visit: Feb to May


Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary: There is nothing to differentiate this sanctuary from that of Kalakkadu, except the absense of Elephant and the Gaur. Situated in the Tirunelveli district, This 567 sq km sanctuary boasts of dry deciduous to tropical wet evergreen forests patches of pure reeds.

Best time to visit : Oct - Jan

Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary: Sprawling on 17.26 sq km surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of tidal swamps, dry evergreen forests of mangroves, this sanctuary is situated in the Nagapattinam district. It is bestowed with population of varied wild life such as Chital, Wild boar, Bonnet macaque, Black Buck, Flamingoes, Teals, Gulls, Terns,and Stilts. Special attractions are close encounters with Dolphins and Turtles which often come quite close to the shore.

Best time to visit: Year around.
For migratory birds: Nov - Feb.


Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Virudhunagar District, 45 kms off Virudhunagar Town, this sanctuary has a composition of dry deciduous forests,and grasslands. Grizzled Giant Squirrels are abound. Other interesting species are flying squirrel, Tree Shrew, Elephant, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, and many a species of birds.

Best time to visit : Year Around.

Vedanthangal National Park: It is the oldest bird sanctuary in the country. This has been in existence presumably for more than 200 years. Breeding birds like Commorants, Egrets, Grey Heron, Open-billed Stork, Darter, Spoonbill, White Ibris, Night Herons, Grebes, Grey Pelican etc visit the sanctuary. The population of migratory birds included Garganey Teals, Shovellers, Pintails, Stills, Sandpiper's etc. Some of the resident birds listed are Coots and Moorhen, Terns.

Best time to visit: Nov - Feb.
Annual Rainfall: 1200 mm.

Corbett National Park: Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Corbett National Park extends over an area of 520.82sq.km.

Varied topography and vegetation gives Corbett a rich diversity in habitats and natural beauty. Flat valleys are interspersed with hilly ridges and the Park's rolling grasslands known as the Chaurs provide visitors with an excellent view of its inhabitants.

One of Corbett's most memorable exploits was the killing of the Rudraprayag Leopard, which accounted for 125 human lives between 1918 and 1926, and was bold enough to steal its victims from the midst of human habitation; he also terminated the careers of the Chowgarh Tigress, the Talla Des and the Mohan man eaters.

Corbett described his adventures in books such as my India, Jungle Lore and Man Eaters of Kumaon; Martin Booth's Carpet Sahib is an excellent biography of a remarkable man. Awarded the order of the British Empire in recognition of his lifelong work with nature, Jim Corbett was unhappy in post Independence India, and left to settle in East Africa.

Best time to visit: Nov-May (closed mid June to mid Nov.)

Dudhwa National Park: Dudhwa National Park, which is also a Tiger Reserve, is located in the district of Lakhimpur - Kheri, very close to the Nepal border. The 498.29 sq. km. Park has fine sal forests and extensive grasslands.

There are habitats of large members of barasingha, the magnificent swamp deer, noted for their multi-tined antlers(bara-12, singha-horn). These in turn support the predators -the tiger and leopard. Though the Park has a fair population of tigers, they are rarely seen owing to the nature of the forest cover.

Other inhabitants include the sloth bear, jackal, wild pig and the lesser cats - the fishing cat, leopard cat, jungle cat and civet. Dudhwa has also an abundance of birds. Its marshes are home to a range of water-birds both local and migratory. Colorful wood peckers, barbets, kingfishers,

minivets, bee eaters, and bulbuls flit through the forest canopy. A fragile natural paradise, Dudhwa endeavors to protect its wild haven from the depredations of an expanding human population.

Best time to visit: November to May.

Buxa Tiger Reserve: Buxa Tiger Reserve was set up in the year of 1982-83 at the north eastern corner of West Bengal bordering Bhutan and Assam.

This picturesque reserve with its proigous Terai, Bhabar as well as Hilly landscape, is dissected by numerous rivulets. It is declared a National Park in January 1992. The veritable flora and fauna of these wet forests having an annual downpour exceeding 5000 mm, attracts tourists and nature lovers every year.

This part of the country is characterized by its high degree of plant & animal bio-diversity where 60% species are endemic to the area. The Generic diversity of mammals is second highest among all the tiger reserves of India. Astonishing bio-diversity of animals comprise of a reach avifauna of more than 230 identified species, 67 mammals (out of which 21 are endangered), 36 species of reptiles (10 numbers are endangered).

Apart from Bengal Tiger the flagship species, there are plenty of Leopard, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat,

Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Wild Dogs, Malayan Giant Squirrels, Mangooses, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Small Clawes Otter, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer,

Wild Buffalo, 3 varieties of Pythons, Monitor Lizard and a host of land tortoises. A number of animals like Chinese Pangolin. Regal Python (reticulate) Clouded Leopard are endemic to the region.

Sunderbans National Park: The vast swampy delta of the two great Indian rivers, the Brahmaputra and the Ganga, extends over a vast area.

Mangrove forests, swamps and forested islands are interwoven with a network of small rivers and rivulets. The Sundarbans National Park, covering about 1330.10 sq. km., forms the core of this area. This mostly estuarine mangrove forest is the habitat of nearly 200 Royal Bengal tigers. Bangladesh lies to the east of the Park and it is estimated that the combined population of tigers in the region could well be about 400 in number.

Adapting itself to the saline and watery environment, the tigers at the Park are good swimmers and practically amphibious!

Best time to visit: Between September to March. Specially in winter to catch a view of the migratory birds