| The Corbett National Park |
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Based at Ramnagar, 250km northeast of Delhi and 63km southwest of Nainital, is one of India's premier wildlife reserves. The Hailey National Park, as it was then called, was established in 1936 following the advice of the hunter-naturalist Jim Corbett. Over 50 mammals, 580 birds and 25 reptile species can be found in this park.
The insect life is also intriguing, especially after the monsoons. Among popular attractions in this area are the leopards and lesser cats such as the jungle cat and the fishing cat. The sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, |
dhole, jackal, yellow throated marten, Himalayan palm civet, Indian grey mongoose, common otter, porcupine, clacktaped hare are also to be found here.
The chital, the spotted deer, para, kakkar, and the barking deer are some of the species of deer which can be seen in this area.The park is a haven for bird watchers. Most of the birds to be found are migrant and generally arrive in the winter season. Some of these are the greylag, barheaded goose, duck, grepe, snipe, sandpiper, gull and wagtail. Permanent residents at the park, include, darters, cormorants, egrets, herons, the blacknecked stork and the spurwinged lapwings.
One can find reptiles too.They include the gharial, the rare fish eating, long -nosed crocodile, and a few species of turtles and tortoises. The Indian python, viper, cobra, krait and king cobra also inhabit the Corbett National Park.
| Location |
Pantnagar 50kms |
| Distance |
Delhi 300 kms |
| STD Code |
05945 (Ramnagar) |
| Language |
Hindi, English |
| Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit |
As with the rest of the country, there are three well-defined seasons at the Corbett National Park-winter from November to February, summer from March to June and the rainy season the rest of the year. Corbett is closed for public from June 15 to November 15. |
| Entertainment |
The park is a treasure trove for wildlife - buffs, photographers and anglers. Walking is permitted in some areas, but only when accompanied by a guide. It is therefore advantageous to have one's own vehicle. Elephant rides too, are available, in the mornings and evenings. |
| How to Reach |
Air: Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50-kms is the nearest airport. Delhi at a distance of 300-kms is the nearest international airport.
Rail: Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options have to be availed to reach the park. For faster trains and connections to other parts change at Moradabad.
Road: Ramnagar is served by frequent buses to and from Nainital and Ranikhet, 112-kms north. Buses arrive every half hour or so after the eight hour trip from Delhi; Delhi Transport corporation run a semi deluxe service, and most of the alternatives are pretty basic. |
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Located very close to Srinagar (22km), Dachigam National Park with its splendid forests and magnificent scenery, is easily accessible. Of all the many sanctuaries in the state. the one at Dachigam is the best known.It was declared a national park in 1951, and owing to a strictly enforced conservation programme, the hangul population, once 150, now stands at over 400 animals.
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 metres. 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. Winter is the best time to view the hangul, when they congregate in the shelter of the lower valleys. Other inhabitants include the Himalayan black bear, species of wild goat like the markhor and ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds.
Colourful pheasants include the crimson tragopan, the iridescent monal pheasant with its glittering plumage, the blood pheasant and the koklass pheasant. The golden eagle and the bearded vulture or lammergeier are seen circling the brilliant blue skies. The leopard, which is the only predator in this paradise is rarely seen as also the elusive snow leopard which is found in the higher altitudes. Other animals include the rare musk deer and the Himalayan marmot. A metalled road takes visitors from Srinagar into Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only be explored on foot.
Amidst forests of silver birch and conifer roams the hangul. Rare and on the verge of extinction till a few years ago, the national park at Dachigam contains the last viable hangul population in the world. Related to the red deer of Europe, this breed is characterised by its white rump patch and impressive spread of antlers. |
| Location |
Srinagar (22km) |
| Distance |
Jammu (200 km) |
| STD Code |
0194 |
| Language |
Hindi, English |
| Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit |
The region remains cold throughout the year. The summer season (from May to August) is cool and very pleasant with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C; however, winters (September and December) are particularly harsh when the temperature drops to a range of -2 to 4°C.
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| Entertainment |
Site Seinng, Valley,Jeep safari |
| How to Reach |
Air: Nearest Air port is Srinagr 22kms
Rail: Nearest Railhead is Jammu 200kms
Road: The nearest town is Srinagar at a distance of 22 km and is well linked to
Dachigam by a proper metaled road. |
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| Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve |
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Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve 48 km from Srinagar, the reserve has an area of 180 sq km, and an altitudinal range of 2,400 -- 4,300 meters above sea level. Fauna includes Himalayan musk deer, red fox, brown and black bear. Among avifauna are upland birds, both resident and migratory.
Spread over 180 sq. km 2400 to 4300 m above sea level, the Biosphere Reserve is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The area has a rich foliage cover.Multiple species of rare and endangered fauna like hangul,musk deer, brown bear, |
leopard and black bear are provided protection in the Biosphere Reserve. The area has a good population of pheasants and upland birds, both resident and migratory. The common birds are griffon vulture, monal, snow cock, koklas, blue rock pigeon, Kashmir roller, European hoopoe and jungle crow.
| Location |
Srinagar (48km) |
| Distance |
Jammu (342 km) |
| STD Code |
01953 |
| Language |
Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri,English |
| Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit |
Mammal Viewing - September To March
Bird Viewing - March To May
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| Entertainment |
Site Seinng, Valley,Jeep safari,Mammal Viewing ,Bird Viewing |
| How to Reach |
Air: Nearest Air port is Srinagr 57kms
Rail: Nearest Railhead is Jammu 342kms
Road: The nearest town is Srinagar at a distance of 48 km and is well linked to Dachigam by a proper metaled road.
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| Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary |
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Located 28 kms from Jammu, Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by stunning locale and varied topography. The sanctuary derives its name from Nandini village. The region play hosts to a large number of rare and endangered species of mammals and birds. It supports 8 species of mammals and a wide variety of bird species. Much acclaim has been accorded to the Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its diversity of wildlife and best known for wonderful species of pheasants. |
Spread over an area of 34 sq. km, the sanctuary is rich in fauna and provides refuge to a wide variety of mammals.The main species are leopard, wild boar, rhesus monkey, bharal, grey langur etc. Like the Overa wildlife sanctuary, the Nandini, too, is the natural habitat for a significant population of pheasants. Among the other avifauna Indian mynah, blue rock pigeon, peafowl, red jungle fowl, chir pheasants, chakor etc.
| Location |
28-km From Jammu, |
| Distance |
Srinagar (274-km). |
| STD Code |
0191 |
| Language |
Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri,English |
| Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit |
Mammal Viewing - September To March Bird Viewing - March To May |
| Entertainment |
Site Seinng, Valley,Jeep safari,Mammal Viewing ,Bird Viewing |
| How to Reach |
Air: Nearest Airport is situated at Jammu (26-km).
Rail: Nearest railhead is Jammu (28-km)
Road: Regular buses ply to the Sanctuary from Jammu (28-km) as well as from Srinagar (274-km).
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| Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve |
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Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve located 76 km from Srinagar, near Pahalgam, it has an area of 32 sq km. Several species of birds as well as fauna are found here -- musk deer, brown bear, leopard to name a few. The altitudinal range varies from 3,000 to 5,425 meters above sea level. Prime viewing time for the upper areas is from May to August In the lower areas, for bird viewing the best time is March to May and for animal viewing from September to March. Accommodation in two bedroom huts is available. For passes contact the Regional wildlife Warden, Srinagar.
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| Location |
Srinagar (76 km) |
| Distance |
Jammu (280 km) |
| STD Code |
01932 |
| Language |
Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri,English |
| Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit |
Mammal Viewing - September To March Bird Viewing - March To May |
| Entertainment |
Site Seinng, Valley,Jeep safari,Mammal Viewing ,Bird Viewing,Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Leopard |
| How to Reach |
Air: Nearest Airport is situated at Srinagar (87 km)
Rail: Nearest railhead is Jammu (280 km)
Road: Regular buses ply to the Sanctuary from Srinagar (76 km) , Anantnagh (40 km), Pahalgam (11 km) |
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| Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary |
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Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary situated only 6 km away from ,Jammu city, this sanctuary occupies an area of 31 km. The area sustains 8 mammal species including nilgai and barking deer, and 15 species of birds. Within the sanctuary is a two bedroom hut For passes contact the Regional Wildlife Warden, Jammu (near, Jammu Ashok Hotel).
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| Location |
Jammu (6-km). |
| Distance |
Srinagar around 300kms |
| STD Code |
0191 |
| Language |
Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri,English |
| Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit |
Mammal Viewing - September To March Bird Viewing - March To May |
| Entertainment |
Site Seinng, Valley,Jeep safari,Mammal Viewing ,Bird Viewing,Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Leopard |
| How to Reach |
Air: Nearest Airport is situated at Jammu (8-km).
Rail: Nearest railhead is Jammu (8km)
Road: Regular buses ply to the Sanctuary from Jammu
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| Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary |
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Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary derives its name from the two lakes, located on each corner of the sanctuary. Occupying an area of 98 sq km, the sanctuary is located 58 kms away from the Jammu city. The sanctuary harbors a mammal population of 8 species which includes Goral, wild boar, barking deer, leopard etc. The vegetation of the sanctuary includes the mixed scrub forest which comprises mainly of broad leaved species which are mixed with stands of Pinus gerardiana. |
The common broad leaved species are Mallotus phillipensis, Acacia spp., dalbergia sissii, bahunia variegate, ficus religiosa.
Among the avifauna found in the sanctuary include 15 species of birds. The main species are black partridge, red jungle fowl, peafowl, grey partridge, green pigeon, blue rock pigeon, rufus turtle dove.
The Surinsar Mansar Wildlife sanctuary has an altitudinal range of 430 to 611 meters above sea level. The best season for bird viewing is March to May and mammal viewing is September to March. While in the sanctuary, it is advisable to have trekking shoes, raincoat, and light clothing during spring and summer. In winter trekking shoes, heavy woolens, waterproof windcheaters should be kept.
| Location |
Jammu (58-kms). |
| Distance |
Srinagar around 300kms |
| STD Code |
0191 |
| Language |
Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri,English |
| Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit |
Mammal Viewing - September To March Bird Viewing - March To May |
| Entertainment |
Site Seinng, Valley,Jeep safari,Mammal Viewing ,Bird Viewing,Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Leopard |
| How to Reach |
Air: Nearest Airport is situated at Jammu (58-kms).
Rail: Nearest railhead is Jammu (58kms)
Road: Regular buses ply to the Sanctuary from Jammu (58kms)
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| The Great Himalayan National Park |
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Great Himalayan National Park is located in the upper ranges of Himalaya It is a kaleidoscope of alpine flora and fauna. A major part of the national park is permanently under glaciers and ice. It is one of the last undisturbed Western Himalayan ecosystems giving shelters to a diverse variety of wildlife and forests. The bewitching beauty of the park is a compliment to its biological richness. The park is home to rare "Western Tragopan" and 200 species of birds and over 30 species of mammals.
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Also known as Jawahar Lal Nehru National Park, the region was notified as a national park in the year 1984 to save the endangered wildlife species of this Himalayan Ecosystem.
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 breathtaking panorama. The secluded Sainj and Tirthan valleys harbour a variety of animals common to this area - wild mountain goats like the bharal, goral and serow, the brown bear and predators like the leopard and the rarely seen snow leopard. Varieties of colourful 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.
| Location |
Great Himalayan National Park is located in the upper ranges of Himalaya |
| Distance |
Bhuntar 60 kms |
| STD Code |
01902 (Kullu) |
| Language |
Hindi, Himachali, English |
| Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit |
Climate of the region is hotter during the summers and more rain during the monsoon, quite contrary to the climatic condition prevailing in the Upper Beas region of Himachal Pradesh. Also there is less snowfall during the winters making the climatic condition here more similar to front zones like Shimla and other places in Himachal Pradesh. Best time to visit April to June, September to October
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| Entertainment |
Three important pilgrimages exist in the vicinity of the park. Raktisar is the place where River Sainj originates; Hanskund is the origin point of the river Tirthan, and Sirikhand Mahadev, a lake on the southern border of the park. Kullu Valley |
| How to Reach |
Air: Nearest airport to Great Himalayan National Park is Bhuntar near Kullu at a distance of around 60 km. There are regular flights to Delhi operated by Indian Airlines.
Rail: Joginder Nagar near Mandi is the nearest railhead for Great Himalayan National Park. There are regular trains from Joginder Nagar Railway Station to other parts of the country.
Road: There are no direct roads that can make the access to the park easy. Two gravel roads from Ropa to Shangarh in Sainj Valley and from Gushaini to Ropa in Tirthan Valley that makes life easier for the visitors by taking them closer to the park. |
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| The Hemis High Altitude National Park |
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The Hemis High Altitude National Park: includes the catchments of two valleys which drain into the River Indus. It is named after the famous monastery -- Hemis, and sprawls over 600 sq km. Approachable by road from Leh, this national park contains several camping sites. The area is barren and rocky, covered only sparsely with vegetation. Most of the ten species of mammal here are extremely rare -- shapu, bharal, great Tibetan sheep, ibex and snow leopard. The avifauna too comprises species which are not seen at lower altitudes: Himalayan snow cock being an example. |
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| Location |
The Hemis National Park is located in the Ladakh division of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. |
| Distance |
Leh (40kms) |
| STD Code |
01982 (Leh) |
| Language |
Hindi, Ladakhi, Kashmiri, Urdu, English |
| Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit |
The climate of this region is one of the extremes with great variations and changes in the temperature at daily and seasonal levels. During the winters, the temperature goes down well below the normal at around -40ºC in the nights and near freezing point during the daytime. All the major rivers in the Ladakh region become frozen during this season. The annual rainfall is very low at around 160.5 mm of rain. Summer is best season to explore the region.Best time to visit March to September
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| Entertainment |
Site Seeing, Valleys,Trucking |
| How to Reach |
Air: The nearest airport is Leh, which is connected by Indian Airlines to Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar, and Jammu.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Jammu, situated at a distance of around 690 km. Jammu is connected to all parts of India.
Road: The Leh-Srinagar National Highway officially opens from May 15 to November 15 every year (depending on weather condition). The distances of some important destinations from Leh by road are: Srinagar, 434 km; Kargil, 230 km; Manali, 497 km; and Keylong, 380 km.The Jammu Kashmir Road Transport Corporation operates buses between Srinagar and Leh.
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