38 monuments in this category
Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and Mollem National Park is among the popular wildlife reserves of Goa. Located in the Western Ghats, the place is adorned with amazing natural vistas and treasures of biodiversity. Apart from hundreds of flowering and endemic plants, the park is home to mammals like black panther, leopard, Bengal tiger, gaur, spotted deer, flying squirrel and many other wild animals. Birds like emerald dove, Malabar grey hornbill, large green barbet, fairy bluebird, paradise flycatcher and many others attract huge numbers of bird-lovers to the sanctuary which is also home to black cobra and many other reptiles and numerous butterfly species. The sanctuary is also popular for its majestic Dudhsagar Falls known for its milky white waters. Tourists can also explore other places like Tambdi Surla Temple, Tambdi Falls, Sunset Point and Devil’s Canyon.
Unfolded in over 358 sq km. Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary demos an ideal mix of rich and diverse flora and fauna in the country. A haven for nature lovers, the sanctuary presents a cluster of a wide range of flowers like Reetha, Shikakai, Amla, Sandalwood and Mahagony. The only sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh that has a huge elephant reserve, this place is covered with tropical dry deciduous and thorn forests. Home to about 78 Indian Elephant, the sanctuary is a habitat for Yellow-throated Bulbul, Cheetal, Jungle Wild Boar, Jungle fowl, Tortoise, Slender Lions and Chowsingha etc. A most sought after place among photographers and bird lovers, Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary has a huge collection of birds like Love Birds, Budgerigars, Grey Pelicans, Painted Strokes and Rosy Pelicans. It is one of the best tourist attractions in the state. Tirupati and Bangalore are two of the best nearby locations you can visit.
Wildlife sanctuaries of Kalakad and Mundanthurai were merged together to form Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the year 1988. It is the second largest protected forest area in Tamil Nadu and is home to commendable population of the royal Bengal tigers. Other exciting wild species at the reserve include leopards, jungle cats, gaur, elephants, sambar, sloth bear, bonnet macaque, giant squirrel, crocodile and many more. The reserve is also home to several endemic bird species like hornbills, bulbuls and warblers. Butterflies in many varieties can also be spotted here. It is also a treasure trove of many types of forests including evergreen, tropical evergreen, semi evergreen, most mixed deciduous, dry teak, thorn forests, reed forests and many more. Grasslands along with these forests add beautiful hues to the overall area of about 895 sq. km. The reserve’s splendour is further enhanced by 14 rivers and streams and some truly magnificent waterfalls like Agasthiyar, Banatheertham and Manimuthar. South India’s third highest peak called Agasthiarmalai is also located within the reserve. Thrilling boat rides and invigorating trekking trails let the visitors explore the place in the most entertaining manner.
Located amidst the luxuriant greenery of Western Ghats and enjoying dramatic settings along the banks of River Kali, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is Karnataka’s second largest sanctuary. As a part of the Anshi National Park, it enjoys the designation of a Tiger Reserve. Tigers are not the only attraction of the place, as one can explore species like leopard, crocodile, black panthers, elephants, gaur, Malabar giant squirrel, deer and many species of snakes. Avifauna at the sanctuary consists of crested serpent eagle, Malabar pied hornbill, breasted kingfisher, Indian lorikeet, ruby-throat bulbul, Ceylon frogmouth and many more. Teak, bamboo, hirda, mango and a variety of shrubs and grasses have their own significant contributions for Dandeli’s fascinating landscape. Safari timings at Dandeli are 06:00 a.m.-09:00 a.m. and 03:00 p.m.-06:00 p.m. Departmental buses and jeeps and elephants are available for safari trips (check the rate list). Dandeli is not only popular for its flora and fauna, but also for numerous adventures that attract flocks of tourists. Crocale boat ride (to spot crocodiles), trekking and rafting at Kali River rapids are among the extremely exhilarating activities. Visitors to the sanctuary also love to explore attractions like Kulgi Nature Camp, Kavala Caves, Syntheri Rock and Nagajhari Viewpoint.
Deepor Beel (or Dipor Bil), the pristine beel (lake) near the city of Guwahati is no less than a heaven for birdwatchers. Flanked by steep highlands and enjoying the pictorial backdrops of Garbhanga and Rani Hills, the bird sanctuary occupies about 4.1 sq. km. of the total 4,014 sq. km. of the wetland area. Designated as a Ramsar Site, the sanctuary is a home to many native and migratory bird species which add magnificent beauty to the place. Nearly 220 species of avifauna thronging the wetland include the likes of spot billed pelican, Pallas sea eagle, Siberian crane, Baer’s pochard, open bill stork, lesser adjutant stork, Eurasian marsh harrier, cotton teal, little cormorant and green sand piper among many others. Snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards and a variety of amphibians can also be explored at Deepor Beel. Tourists get lucky when herds of elephants visit the lake area from the nearby forests reserves of Rani and Garbhanga. Water hyacinths, lilies, aquatic grasses and many other varieties of vegetations add to the splendour. Don’t miss the opportunity of a boat cruise on the lake (cost may vary from INR 100-INR 250).
A personal hunting ground of the local rulers in the past, Rana Barda Forest is today popular as Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. Located close to the Arabian Sea coast, the wildlife reserve is admirable for its lavish greenery and presence of rich biodiversity. The sanctuary was once home to the endangered Asiatic lions and today it is home to leopards, blue bulls, crocodiles, wolf, spotted deer and chinkara. Bird lovers can visit the sanctuary to explore species like crested hawk, spotted eagle and others. Flamingos and other migratory birds can also be seen here. In addition, the place is extremely popular for its floral wealth, accommodating more than 650 different types of flowering plants. With hilly terrain and rivers flowing through the sanctuary, it is a great experience to enjoy the wonderful splendour of nature here. Many nearby attractions like Bileshwar Temple, Kileshwar Temple and Gir National Park can also be visited.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1998. More than 30 tigers greet the visitors to this wildlife reserve. In addition, one can find other animals like elephant, sloth bear, gaur, black leopard, jackal, spotted deer, bonnet macaque, civet, flying squirrel and many others. More than 300 species of birds find home at the sanctuary and some commonly spotted ones include great black woodpecker, Malabar trogon, hornbills, parakeets, quails and many more. Different species of reptiles and butterflies too can be explored here. The area of the reserve is beautified by diverse flora which includes rosewood, white teak and bamboo among others. Apart from jeep safari, one can also opt for elephant safari (which costs INR 100 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners). Night safari is another option which costs INR 1,800 per jeep. Boating can also be enjoyed here at the cost of INR 150. Warnings Don’t wander into restricted forest areas. Don’t litter the park and wear light-colour clothes.
Eastern Himalayas have numerous world-renowned biodiversity hotspots at their foothills, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary being one of them. Spreading over an area of about 217 sq. km. and at an elevation of about 61 m., it attained the sanctuary status in 1941. Majestic and unfortunately endangered one-horned Indian rhinoceros are the flagship specie of the sanctuary which accommodates world’s second highest population of the creature. The park is also home to other exciting species like royal Bengal tiger, spotted deer, elephants, bison and sambar. Birdwatchers too can have wonderful time at the sanctuary which is home to the likes of Bengal florican, crested eagle, Finn’s weaver, partridge, hornbill, peafowl and jungle fowl. In addition, one can explore numerous species of fresh water turtles, along with cobras, pythons, monitor lizards and many other reptiles. Torsa River flowe through the park and presence of tall elephant grasses enhances the rich beauty of the place. The sanctuary can be explored on safari trips in jeeps or on elephants. Jeep safaris are organized in two shifts from 06:00 a.m. to 08:00 a.m. and from 03:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m. and costs INR 450. Elephant safari costs INR 140 per head and is a thrilling experience. Permit for safari must be obtained at the main entrance.
One of the many wildlife treasures of Himalayas, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of rich biodiversity and pretty landscapes. Leopard, jungle cat, flying squirrel, porcupine, wild boar, red fox, Himalayan black bear, jackal and barking deer are the prime attractions here. If you get lucky, you may come across musk deer which is rare to spot. The sanctuary is also a designated Important Bird Area for attracting more than 200 bird species. Adorned with alpines, oaks, rhododendrons, cheer pines, hanging mosses and a huge variety of wild flowers, the sanctuary offers unique visual treats to the eyes. One can climb to the place called Zero Point from where the extravagant views of snow-clad Himalayan peaks can be enjoyed. When in Binsar, you can also explore popular tourist places like Binsar Mahadev Temple, Kasar Devi Temple and many colonial estates.
Counted among the most amazing biodiversity hotspots of the world, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is most admired for its spectacular landscapes, heart-warming greenery and treasures of wild animals. Also a popular Tiger Reserve, the sanctuary is spread over 285 sq. km. in the Sungam Hills (between Anamalai and Nelliampathy Hills) of Western Ghats. Thick forests of bamboo, teak, sandalwood, rosewood and neem lend mind-blowing magnificence to this tropical heaven. Parambikulam attracts huge number of tourists for being home to the majestic royal Bengal tigers. Other wild animals inside the sanctuary include leopard, gaur, sloth bear, wild boar sambar, lion-tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, Nilgiri marten and flying squirrel. Some very important reptiles, including king cobra, wolf snake, cane turtle, Western Ghats flying lizard, rock python, forest ground gecko and mugger crocodile, also find home at the sanctuary. More than 260 bird species, nearly 125 butterfly species and many types of fishes can also be spotted here. Added attractions of Parambikulam are Kannimara Teak Tree (world’s largest and oldest living teak specimen), Thuvaiar Waterfall, rivers, valleys, manmade reservoirs and many more. Tourists get to enjoy trekking, boat riding, bamboo rafting and many other exciting activities, apart from savouring the inimitable beauty of this amazing place.
Located about 18 km. north of Marayoor on the scenic Western Ghats of Kerala, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a unique range of plants and animals that are unique to the spiny vegetation. Spread in the area over 90 sq.km., it is designated as the second dwelling for the endangered grizzled giant squirrel in India. Recognized as the wildlife reserve since 1984, the sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. According to a research, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary houses about 34 species of mammals, 156 species of butterflies, 52 species of reptiles and 252 species of birds. Renowned as a home to the famous ‘White Bison of Manjampatti,’ the sanctuary houses a unique species like sambar deer, star tortoise, yellow-throated bulbuls and panthers. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the 12 wildlife sanctuaries among the protected areas of Kerala. The sanctuary is nominated by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. The nearby Thoovanam waterfalls and Sandalwood forest are the best attractions to explore.
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary is the largest sanctuary in the country. Though this sanctuary is particularly famous for wild asses but one can observe many other species of animals like endangered Ghudkhur, jackals, fox, wolves, desert cats and many other different varieties of birds, reptiles and insects. Jeep safari is the most enjoyable way to explore the sanctuary since it allows experiencing the natural habitats of the animals from close quarters. There are special tours that are arranged by different operators which may include special photography trips and boat rides in the sanctuary. One can also enjoy camping and trekking tours which are organised by the tour guides but prior booking is a must for that.
Srisailam Tiger Reserve, also known as Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve and Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, holds the distinction of being the largest tiger reserve in India. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1978, it was included in Project Tiger in 1983. Spread over 5 districts, the reserve claims the total area of 3,568 sq. km. which includes 1,200 sq. km. of core area. Topography of the reserve includes the Nallamala Hills, forested valleys, river gorges, plateaus and some very spectacular waterfalls that are worth visiting. Apart from southern tropical dry mixed deciduous forests and Deccan thorn scrub forests, the reserve is also home to Euphorbia scrubs. The wildlife treasures include Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, jungle cat, dholes, civet, mongoose, badgers, hyena, jackal, sambar, spotted deer, chinkara, black buck and wild boar among others. Popular birds at the reserve include partridges, jungle fowls, plovers, ducks, pochards, teals, quails, woodpeckers, barbets, cuckoo, hornbills, kingfishers, parakeets, doves, eagles, egrets, kites, herons, minivets, flycatchers and many more. Terrapins, geckos, marsh crocodile, monitor lizards, skinks, cobra, krait, vipers and pythons are the reptiles found here. The reserve’s attractions also include the huge Nagarjunasagar and Srisailam Dams, pilgarimage sites (including a Jyotirlinga and a Maha Shakti Peeth), ruins of Buddhist universities, ancient forts and rock shelters.
A delight for bird and wildlife enthusiasts, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is a habitat for several endangered wild animals and notable bird species. The sanctuary acts as a protective shelter for a forest of Oak and Pine trees. As the sanctuary is stationed in the Himalayan region, it is also one of the perfect outing spots for nature admirers. The sanctuary also has rough topography fit for trekking that makes the trip much more interesting and adventurous. Prior to 1976, it was a hunting reserve of the Royals of Patiala. A trip to Chail can be best enjoyed with trekking, angling and birding experiences. While on the trip to the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, tourists can spot a large variety of animal species like leopard, wild boar, panthers, ghoral, Himalayan black beer, sambar, and European red deer. Bird lovers can enjoy the sight of Cheer pheasant and Kalij pheasant.
Spread along the picturesque Radhanagri backwaters over the end hills of Sahydri range of Western Ghats, Dajipur Village is home to Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Bison Sanctuary). Lavishly green mountains and valleys sheltering beautiful lakes and soaring waterfalls enchant the visitors with its inimitable landscapes. Valiant and bold bison (Indian gaur) is the main attraction of the sanctuary which also offers home to wild deer, wild boar, sloth bear, sambar, giant squirrel and around 6-12 tigers. Tourists can also find birds like quails, bulbul, hornbills, doves, warbles and many other attention-grabbing species. Vegetation in the sanctuary consists of karvi, chandala, jambul, hirda, kumbha, banana, murudsheng, bamboo and many species of climbing plants. Sunset Point is a vantage point promising splendid views of nature. Inside the village, there is a hall where pug marks of wild animals cast in plaster can be explored. Some of the must-visit destinations around Dajipur include Radhanagri Sanctuary, Sagareshwar Sanctuary, Laxmi Talao, Kal Bhairao Temple, Radhanagri Dam and coastal plains of Konkan.
Jayakwadi Dam built over River Godavari led to the creation of Nath Sagar Lake which became the dwelling place for many local bird species. Over many years, the reservoir has slowly emerged as a major draw for the migratory birds from within India and also from the international locations. This has earned it the recognition as Jayakwadi (or Jaikwadi) Bird Sanctuary. The lake boasts of nearly 30 natural islands with many trees that offer habitat to these birds. Among the 200 species of birds spotted here, 70 are migratory out of which nearly 45 hail from foreign regions. These include the likes of flamingos, cranes, pintails, glossy ibis, pochards teals, Brahmany duck and many more. In addition, there are more than 50 species of fish that can be found in the lake’s water. Eye-pleasing aquatic vegetation is an added attraction, while the nearby Sant Gyaneshwar Udhyan (garden) can also be visited. Don’t forget to carry binoculars and cameras to sightsee and capture the amazing beauty of the place.
Thick forests, lush green settings and the thrill of discovering an amazing mix of biodiversity - the visitors get to enjoy each of these at Purana Wildlife Sanctuary. Names after River Purana flowing through the sanctuary, this protected area of about 160 sq. km. is considered as the northernmost extensions of the Western Ghats. The wild animals at the sanctuary include leopards, wild bulls, elephants, four-horned antelope, macaque, porcupine, sambar, chital, flying squirrel and many more. The sanctuary also offers the great opportunity to explore many species of birds like hornbills, shrikes, woodpeckers, fowls, barbets and flycatchers among others. Few species of reptiles, including python, also reside here. Dense moist deciduous forests add eye-pleasing splendour to the whole area, known to have the thickest forest cover in Gujarat. Teak, bamboo, khair, kalam, haldu and karanj are among the main trees found. Another exciting feature of the sanctuary is the dominance of the tribes. It is an added attraction to explore their culture and music. The region also receives the highest rainfall in the state.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO natural world heritage site that is tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is especially well known for its rare and endangered wildlife like Water Buffalo, Indian Rhinoceros, Assam Roofed Turtle, Capped Langur, Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur and The Hispid Hare. Project Tiger Reserve boasts of many activities like safaris, elephant rides and bird watching along the Manas River which passes through the heart of the sanctuary. The national park is named after Manas River. Wealth of rare species combined with scenic beauty offer enthralling and vivid experience of visiting this park. This is a perfect place for a weekend holiday as it takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city life and gives you a chance to enjoy nature at its best. There are a couple of forest lodges in the sanctuary that are approved by the government which guarantee an amazing stay at an affordable rate. Manas will be a good choice for nature lovers and adventure and wild life enthusiasts alike. Though there are no Forest Department safaris, many private resorts offer safaris, which is a delightful option to explore the sanctuary. Other attractions include elephant rides, walks, tea plantation and village visits in the vicinity.
Spread over a small area of about 1 sq. km., Porbandar Bird Sanctuary is a rare example of a bird area finding place within the limits of a city. Located on the migratory route of many birds, the sanctuary attracts huge numbers of birds during the peak winter months. Flamingos are the top attraction for the eager bird-watchers, while other spotted birds include pelicans, avocets, storks, cranes, terns, redshanks, herons, coots, cormorants, gulls, whistling teals, grebes, ducks and geese. Roaming around the freshwater lake inside the sanctuary during early morning hours can let you savour the chirping, splashing and other playful activities of the birds. The entire area can be explored on foot. Don’t forget to carry cameras and binoculars to experience the memorable trysts with these lovely winged creatures. A number of temples and historical sites are located close to the sanctuary.
Bhindawas Lake was constructed to store the water escaping from the Jawaharlal Nehru Canal and today it is a popular site of Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary. This manmade wetland greets hundreds of native and migratory birds from all over the world. Adorned with greenery and natural beauty, the lake is a must-visit for bird-watchers. Some of the most commonly spotted birds at the sanctuary include black francolin, comb duck, Eurasian pigeon, red vented bulbul, ruddy shelduck, pied cuckoo, white throated kingfisher, rose-ringed parakeet, crested lark, purple swamphen, jungle babbler and many others. One may also come across blue bull antelope, jackal and jungle cat here. Climb the watchtowers to have magnificent views of the lake covered with flocks of birds. The 12 km. long embankment can be travelled in vehicle to take a full circle of the lake.
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