Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary

Place : Near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan in the northwestern part of India. 
Major Attractions : Tigers, Leopards, Boars.
Area Covered : 392 sq-km.
Ideal Time to Visit the Park : During the months of October - March and April to June.
Nearest Attractions : Ranthambore Fort (the 10th century fort) & Jogi Mahal in the park complex. Bakaula, Kachida Valley, Lakarda and Anantpura are also some place you can visit.
Some Major Accesses : Sawai Madhopur (11 km), Alwar, Jaipur (145 km). 

Things to Know
Where is the Ranthambore National Park
The Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan is situated in the eastern part of Rajasthan, where the Aravali Hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau meet. The park falls under the district of Sawai Madhopur, which is also the nearest town located 11 km from the park. 

The Ranthambore National Park was once the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The rivers Chambal in the South and Banas in the North bound the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan India. Six man made lakes are the central focus of the Ranthambore park and many longlasting streams meanders through the entire park. The Ranthambore National Park has internal drainage and has no connection with any river system, even though two rivers bound the Park in it's north and south side. 

The Climate in the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
The park experiences drastic variations in climatic conditions. The temperature range is extreme with the mercury dipping to around 2 degrees centigrade in the winters and rising all the way up to 47 degrees centigrade in the summers.

Important Dates in the Ranthambore's History
The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in year 1957 and in year 1974 it gained the protection of "Project Tiger". It received it's status of a National Park in year 1981. 

The Ecological System in the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
For the wildlife lovers, Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan offers an enthusiastic diversity of flora and fauna. The landscape fo the Ranthambore National Park is formed of massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams and forest suddenly opening up into large areas of Savannah. The terrain of Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land. Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is famous for its Tigers and is a delight treat for the photographers. For a relatively small area, the park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora - species list includes 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the Marsh Crocodile & amphibians and 30 mammals.

The Flora in Ranthambore National Park
The Ranthambore National Park Rajasthan is dotted with ancient Banyan Trees, Dhok & Pipal trees, clusters of mango trees and crisscrossed with evergreen patches. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with Dhok, being the most obvious tree found through out the region. 

Apart from Dhok, other species found here are - Am (Magnifera Indica), Imli (Tamarindicus indica), Babul (Accasia nilotica), Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), Ber (Zizyphus mauritania), Dhak or Chila (flame of the forest), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Kadam (Authocephalus cadamba), Khajur (Phoenix sylvestris), Khair (Accacia catechu), Karel (Capparis decidua), Khejda (Prosopis specigera), Kakera (Flacourtia indica), Mohua (Madhuca indica), Neem (Azadirachta indica), etc.

The Fauna in the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary

Tigers, the park's pride makes it one of the best places in the country to observe them. Apart from that a large numbers of Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Hanuman Langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black Buck, Rufoustailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy cat, Coomon Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Fivestriped Palm Squirels, Indian False Vampires, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Indian Mole Rats, Indian Porcupines, Longeared Hedgehogs, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Civets and Common mongoose are seen in the park.

The Avifauna in the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
Ranthambore national park is also one of the richest reserves in bird species. Ranthambore, due to its varied terrain and abundance of water bodies, has an excellent population of birds, resident and migrant. There are about 272 different species of birds found in the Ranthambore National Park Rajasthan. The birds in the Park includes a large number of migratory birds. Some of the many varieties of birds seen here are the great Indian horned owl, various species of eagles such as Bonelli's eagle and the crested serpent, spoonbills, partridge, quail, parakeets, Common Kingfishers, owls and storks, geese and ducks. The most visible bird in Ranthambhore is the peacock, India's national bird. 

The Reptiles in the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Tortoise, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles, Indian Pythons, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles, Rat Snakes, Russel's Vipers, Saw-scaled Vipers and the Indian Chamaeleon.

The Fishes in the Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore due its numerous water bodies has a relatively large variety of fish to boast of. These species consist of : Bita (Labio Rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Greyei (Chhana matulion), Lanchi (Walago auto), Mahseer (Tor tor), Mirgal (Cirrchinus mrigala), Rohu (Labio rohita), Savank (Chhana punctatus), Seenghari (Mystus seenghala).

Safaris at Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
Delhi - Ranthambore - Bharatpur – Agra - Bandavgarh – Kanha - Nagpur – Mumbai 

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary Travel Circuit
Delhi - Ranthambore - Bharatpur – Agra - Bandavgarh – Kanha - Nagpur – Mumbai 

How to Reach the Ranthambore National Park
Air : Jaipur at 145 km is the nearest airport from Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary.

Rail : Ranthambore National Park is around 11 km away from Sawai Madhopur railway station, that lies on the Delhi to Bombay trunk route.

Road : A good network of buses connect Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town from Ranthambore to all the major cities within the state of Rajasthan.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Place : Forest belt between the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Mountains, in the extreme west of Tamil Nadu, Southern India.
Major Attractions : Tigers, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer and Leopards.
Area Coveredrea : 300 sq. km. 
Ideal Time to Visit the Park : Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary can be visited from April-June and September-December.
Nearest Attractions : Ooty (64km) and Coimbatore (160km).
Some Major Accesses : Coimbatore, Bangalore.

Things to Know
Where is the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary sets in South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Madhumalai means old hills ans interestingly sets amidst Bandipur and Annamalai sanctuaries. At an elevation of 1000m, it sprawls over an area of 321 sq. km. This wildlife sanctuary lies between Kerala and Karnataka. A mix of low hills, valleys and flat terrain sprinkled with a few swampy areas forms the terrain here. With largest elephant population of about 600, this is one of the famous wild life sanctuaries in Southern India. 

Important Dates in Madumalai's History
In 1940, Mudumalai was established as a wildlife sanctuary as an extension of Bandipur National Park. It was former erstwhile gaming reserve which was a famous hunting ground for Britishers who stayed at Ooty. The sanctuary saw an onslaught of gaurs during an epidemic that hit this area. There are few hunting sites within the park and government keeps a strong vigil on the activities taking place inside the Sanctuary.

Climate at Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Madurai experiences pleasant climate throughout the year. From October to March, the mercury level is recorded 20 degree centigrade and are winter months here. Summer months are from March to June when the temperature rises upto 30 deg. Centigrade. From July to September is a pleasant time with temperature being around 24 deg centigrade. Visiting Madhumalai during summer months can be a good time to spot tigers as they come at water pools within the sanctuary to fill their thirst.

The Ecological System in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
The Flora in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Madhumalai experiences tropical moist decidous vegetation towards western parts of the sanctuary. Dry-decidous and thorn scrub along the cast supports blaclbuck population. The flora at this park includes: Bamboos, Natural teak, Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia, Crenulata/Terminalia Tomontosa, Grewia, and blooming trees like Indian Labumusum, Aredesia, Solanancea etc .

The Fauna in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
There are two types of fauna found here: mammals and bird raptors. Among the mammalian population, Asian Elelphants, Barking deer, Musk deer, Gaur(Indian Bison), Sloth Bear, Giant Squirrel, Sanibar, Spotted Dear, Chowsingha, Indian Pangolin, Leopard, Wild Dog, Rusty Spotted Cat and Striped necked Mongoose are easily spotted animals. The bird raptors include: Changeable Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Jerdon's Baza, Bonelli's Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Besra, Mottled Wood Owl, Brown Hawk Owl. 

The Avifauna in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
You can spot diverse variety of birds at Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Grey Junglefowl, Red Spurfowl, Grey Francolin, Emerald Dove, Green Imperial Pigeon, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Indian Cuckoo, Alpine Swift, Black-hooded Oriole, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Black-headed Cuckooshrike, Painted Spurfowl, Painted Bush Quail, Whitebellied Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, Greater Flameback, Streak-throated Woodpecker, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Grey-headed Bulbul, Forest Wagtail, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Loten's Sunbird forms the avi fauna population here.

The Safaris in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
A safari tour to Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary can be very interesting. The guides here know their animals by heart. Each lion, each elephant and each bison has its name assigned by these guides. Try insist your guide to have a deeper look into the wildlife and he will take you to some of the unbeaten paths in the sanctuary. You can sit on the elephant back and have an enthralling trip around the park. 

Mudumalai Wildlife Travel Circuit 
Bangalore - Mysore - Ranganathittu - Nagarhole - Bandipur - Mudumalai - Ooty - Cochin - Periyar - Varkala - Trivandrum 

How to Reach Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Air :Coimbatore is the nearest airport to access Mudumalai via air route. Private coaches or cabs can be hired from the taxi stand outside the airport to reach Madhumalai.

Rail : Mettupalayam is the nearest broad gauge rail head, located 46km from Mudumalai. 

Road :Accessing Mudumalai via road is not very difficult. Regular bus service from Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore, Calicut, Kanyakumari, Tanjavur, Tirupati, Cochin, Kotagiri, Udhagamandalam, Coonoor and Doddabeta is available which are destined to Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sundarbans National Park

Place : Piyali (72 km from Kolkata by road), West Bengal, in the eastern part of India.
Major Attractions : Royal Bengal Tiger, Ridley Sea Turtle.
Area Covered : 1330.10 sq-km.
Ideal Time to Visit the Park : During the months of September and May. Winter is the time to see the Royal Bengal Tiger sun-bathing on the river banks. 
Nearest Attractions : The Sajnakhali Sanctuary (famous for its rich avian population), Netidhopani (ruins of a 400 year old temple), Bhagabatpur, Kanak, Haliday Island, Piyali, Kaikhali Island.
Some Major Accesses : Gosaba (50-kms), Kolkata. 

Things to Know
Where is the Sundarbans National Park
The Sundarbans National Park lies in the south-east of Kolkata in the 24-Paraganas District of West Bengal and forms part of the Gangetic Delta, which borders on the Bay of Bengal. The vast swampy delta of the two great Indian rivers, Brahamaputra and the Ganges stretches over areas consisting of mangrove forests, swamps and forest island all knotted in a network of small rivers and streams. The Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal is home of the Royal Bengal Tiger and is also the largest mangrove forest in the world, forming the core of this region. The Sundarban region has derived its name from the Sundari trees, once found in large number 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 Sunderbans park is the Matla and Bidya Rivers and to the east is the international boundary of Bangladesh.

Climate in the Sundarbans National Park
Rainfall is heavy and humidity high (80% on average) due to the proximity of the Bay of Bengal. The monsoon usually lasts from mid-June until mid-September, after which fair weather prevails until mid-March. Mean annual maximum and minimum temperatures recorded are 34°C and 20°C, respectively. Prevailing wind is from the north and north-east from October to mid-March, although January and February are quieter months. Violent south-westerlies prevail from mid-March to September. Storms are common in May and October-November, sometimes developing into cyclones which are usually accompanied by tidal waves and cause much loss of life and damage to property and the forests 

Important Dates in Sundarbans' History
The Sundarbans National Park was established as a national park on 4 May 1984. Before this it was been declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1977. It was been designated as the core area of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in December 1973. Sunderbans National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in year 1985. 

The Ecological System in the Sundarbans National Park
The Landscape in the Sundarbans National Park
The area that makes up the Sunderban National Park is the largest estuarine mangrove forest in the world. With the altitude averaging at 7.5 m above sea level, there is hardly any highland variation throughout the park at the Sundarbans. The park is dotted with 54 small islands that are networked by many tributaries of the mighty rivers Ganga and Brahmaputra, which finally flow out at the southern tip into the Bay of Bengal. 

The Flora in Sundarbans National Park
The main forest cover in the Sunderbans comprises of estuarine mangrove forests intermixed by swamp and littoral forests. There is mangrove scrub forest, salt water mixed forest, brackish water mixed forest and alluvial grasslands. Due to the dense and huge forest reserve, Sundarbans has also been classified as a World Biosphere Reserve. Some of the more commonly found plants and trees in the park are Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan, Kankra and Goran. 

The Fauna in the Sundarbans National Park
The Sundarbans forest is home to more than 400 tigers. The Royal Bengal Tigers have adapted themselves very well to the saline and aqua surroundings and are extremely good swimmers.

The animal number of the Sundarbans is quite varied keeping it's climatic conditions in mind. Apart from the Royal Bengal Tiger, Sundarbans houses - Fishing Cats, Macaques, Wild Boar, Common Grey Mongoose, Fox, Jungle Cat, Flying Fox, Indian Pangolin, Chitals, etc. 

The Avifauna in the Sundarbans National Park
Due to climatic conditions popular at the park, it creates an ideal habitat for the native as well as migratory birds of a numerous variety. Some of the more popular birds found in this region are - Open Billed Storks, White Ibis, Water Hens, Coots, Pheasant Tailed Jacanas, Pariah Kites, Brahminy Kites, Marsh Harriers, Swamp Partridges, Red Jungle Fowls, Spotted Doves, Common Mynahs, Jungle Crows, Jungle Babblers, Cotton Teals, Herring Gulls, Caspian Terns, Gray Herons, Brahminy Ducks, Spotted Billed Pelicans, Large Egrets, Night Herons, Common Snipes, Wood Sandpipers, Green Pigeons, Rose Ringed Parakeets, Paradise Flycatchers, Cormorants, Fishing Eagles, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Seaguls, Common Kingfishers, Peregrine falcons, Woodpeckers, Whimprels, Black-Tailed Godwits, Little Stints, Eastern Knots, Curlews, Golden Plovers, Pintails, White Eyed Pochards and Whistling Teals. 

The Aquafauna in the Sundarbans National Park
Some of the fish and amphibians found in the parks are Saw Fish, Butter Fish, Electric Rays, Silver Carp, Star Fish, Common Carp, Crabs, Prawn, Shrimps, gangetic Dolphins, Skipping Frogs, Common Toads and Tree Frogs. 

The Reptiles in the Sundarbans National Park
The Sundarbans National Park has an excellent number of reptiles that are seen within its area. Some of the most seen are - Olive Ridley Turtles, Sea Snakes, Dog Faced Water Snakes, Green Turtles, Estuarine Crocodiles, Chameleons, King Cobras, Salvator Lizards, Hard Shelled Batgun Terrapins, Russels Vipers, Mouse Ghekos, Monitor Lizards, Curviers, Hawks Bill Turtles, Pythons, Common Kraits, Chequered Killbacks and rat Snakes 

Rides in the Sundarbans National Park
The Boat Cruise
The best and only means of travelling the park is to hire a boat and float down the various lanes formed by the many flowing rivers. Either hire one, which is operated by the locals in the area or one of the two luxury launches - M.V. Chitrarekha and M.V. Madhukar, operated by the tourism department. The M.V. Chitrarekha offers all the basic facilities required by the tourists, including overnight accommodation. The local boats are available at Canning, Gosaba and Basanti whereas the luxury launches starts their journey only from Canning. 

SunderbansTiger Reserve Wildlife Travel Circuit 
Delhi - Guwahati - Kaziranga National Park - Guwahati - Bagdogra - Kalimpong - Siliguri - Kolkata - Sunderbans National Park 

How to Reach the Sundarbans National Park
Air : The nearest airport is Kolkata, at 112 km.

Rail : Canning is nearest railhead, at a distance of 48 km.

Road : Road transportation is available from Kolkata for Namkhana (105-kms), Sonakhali (100-kms), Raidighi (76-kms), Canning (64-kms), and Najat (92-kms), which are all near the Sunderbans and have access to the riverine waterways. 

Water : Sundarbans are approachable only by riverrine waterways. Motor launch facilitiy are available from Namkhana - Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project- Sagar Island -Jambudwip; from Sajnekhali - Sudhanyakhali-Buridabri- Netidhopan-Holiday Island; from Sonakhali - Gosaba; from Raidighi - Kalas.

Manas National Park

Place : Assam, in the Northeastern part of India.
Major Attractions : Tigers, Rhinos, Elephants.
Area Coveredrea : 391sq-km.
Ideal Time to Visit the Park : During the months of November to April.
Nearest Attractions : Hajo, Pabitora, Bhalukpung.
Some Major Accesses : Guwahari (176 km), Tezpur.

Things to Know
Where is the Manas National Park
Manas National Park in Assam is situated on the foothills of the Himalayas and a portion of it stretches to Bhutan (the neighbouring Princely State). 

Important Dates in Manas' History
The Assam Manas National Park was declared a sanctuary on October 01, 1928 and was designated a World Heritage site in December 1985. 

The Ecological System in the Manas National Park
The physiology of the rehabilitation park is mostly small meadows located among densely forested foothills with many rivulets, streams and natural drains flowing all around. The park is mainly watered by the river Manas, which also forms the international boundary between India and Bhutan. In the low lands, there are many smooth sandy expanses with clumps of trees growing in, and around, them. 

The Flora in the Manas National Park
The vegetation that covers most of the park is of the mixed deciduous variety. This mixed forest is intermixed by small glades of grass where deer can be seen grazing in huge numbers. Altogether, Manas National Park Assam offers some of the most eye-pleasing natural surroundings in the country. 

The Fauna in the Manas National Park

The animal population of Manas National Park Assam is very diverse. Some of the more fierce or potentially aggressive creatures it holds within it's confines are Tigers, Elephants, Rhinos, Wild Buffaloes, Leopards, Clouded Leopards and the amazingly beautiful and rare Black Panthers. The park is also a haven for highly endangered species of which it houses 20. Two of the unique residents of the park are the Hispid Hare and the Pygmy Hog. 

Some of the other animals sighted while exploring the park are Gaurs, Swamp Deer, Capped Langurs, Golden Langurs, Assamese Macaques, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbons, Smooth Indian Otters, Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar and Chital 

The Avifauna in the Manas National Park
Manas National Park in Assam is a favourite with many bird species, resident and migratory. Some of these are Giant Hornbills, Red Jungle Fowls, Bulbuls, Brahminy Ducks, Khaleej Pheasants, Egrets, Pelicans, Fishing Eagles, Serpent Eagles, Falcons, Scarlet Minivets, Comb Duck, Bee-Eaters, Magpie Robins, Pied Hornbills, Gray Hornbills, Mergansers, Harriers, Ospreys and Herons. 

The Safaris in the Manas National Park
The Jeep, Elephant and Boat Rides
The ideal way to explore a majority of the Manas National Park in Assam is in a 4-wheel (Jeep) drive petrol vehicle. The Jeep ride will get you to all the corners of the Manas Park without being too noisy. Some of the animals that comes out on the banks of the river Manas can be viewed from a boat which commences its ride from Mathanguri and ends around 35km away, from where one is picked up by pre-arranged transport. The third option, which are a favourite with most visitors, are the elephant rides organised by the park authorities from Mathanguri. These take you deep in to the densest areas of the forest and often right in between some of the wildlife there, including elephants, rhinos and wild buffaloes. 

Manas Tiger Reserve Travel Circuit
Kolkata - Manas - Kaziranga 

How to Reach Manas National Park
Air : Manas National Park is 176 km from Guwahati. The nearest airport is Borjhar, which is situated, 5 km out of town, and can be reached by rickshaw, auto rickshaw or airline buses.

Rail : The nearest railhead is situated at Barpeta road.

Road : Buses regularly ply from Guwahati to Barpeta Road in 4½ hrs.

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

 Place : Gir, 42 km from Junagadh, Gujarat in the western part of India.
Major Attractions : Asiatic Lions, Leopards, Chowsingha
Area Covered : 1412.13 sq-km.
Ideal Time to Visit the Park : Can visit Gir park throughout the year, but the best time to visit the Gir Sanctuary is between the months of November and June.
Nearest Attractions : Tracks to Deva Danga, Riley's, Bawal Chowk, Kankai, Chodardi, Tulsishyam and Kamleshwar dam/lake. 
Some Major Accesses : Sasan (1 km), Junagadh (42 km), Ahmedabad (400 km), Veraval, Somnath. 

Things to Know
Where is the Gir Wildlife Sanctaury?
The Gir National Park, the home of the Asiatic lion is located among the low, undulating and excellently irrigated hills in the Junagadh district of Gujarat in India. 

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat was created to protect the last wild population of Lion outside the African regions. Since 1913 when the Lion population over here fell drastically to just 20 animals, the numbers have grown to around 300.

The Climate in Gir Wildlife Sanctaury
The park receives a good annual rainfall averaging 1000 mm. The temperatures at the park vary to extremes. In winters, the temperatures go down to as low as 6 degrees centigrade, while soaring up to a scorching 46 degrees in the summers. 

The Ecological System in the Gir Wildlife Sanctaury
The Flora in Gir National Park
The Gir National Park is a mixed deciduous forest with well spread stock of teak, flame of the forest, some Acacia and Banyan trees. A unique belt of vegetation is found along the main rivers and streams. Species like the Jamun, Karanj, Ber, Tendu, Semul, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here. These trees are mostly broad leaved and evergreen, giving the area a cool shelter and the moisture content.

The Fauna in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
Gir is not just about Indian Lions, the second most commonly found predator in the Gir is Leopard. Infact, Gir national park also houses one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, and especially in the hotter season they can sometimes be seen at night close to the tourist lodges. 

Other animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur, Jackal, Panthers, Wild Cats and Hares and Hyena.

The Avifauna in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
The presence of a large number of water bodies and suitable climatic conditions prevalent within the park has made it a haven for a large number of bird species. Numerous birds like Paradise Flycatchers, Black headed Cuckoo Shrike, Gray Drongo, Pied Woodpeckers, Coppersmiths, Indian Rollers, Crested Swifts, Fish Owls, Black Vultures, Shaheen Falcons, Bonelli's Eagles, Flamingo, Crested Serpent Eagles, Painted Sandgrouse, Rock Bush Quail, Gray Partridge, Painted Storks and White Necked Storks are found here. 

The Reptiles in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
The reptile population of the park is mainly represented by Marsh Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Pythons and a large variety of snakes. There is an interesting breeding farm for crocodile at Sasan, which also provides the specimens that are relocated into the water reservoirs inside Gir. 

Safaris in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
Jeep Safari
The best way to see the big cats is, of course, in their natural habitats, at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl. Wildlife viewing in the Gir's is best done, by driving a jeep around the forest. 

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary Travel Circuit
Delhi - Rann of Kutch - - Gondal - Gir National Park - Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary - Goa - Mumbai 

How to Reach Gir Wildlife Sanctuary?
Air : The nearest airport from Gir is Keshod 90 km via Veraval. Visitors can easily catch daily flights from Mumbai to Keshod. 

Rail : The nearest rail connection is the meter gauge rail line of 395 km from Ahemdabad.

Road : Gir is situated at a distance of 400 km from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are easily available from Junagadh and Veraval to Gir, between November and June.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

Place : Sultanpur, Haryana, in north India.
Major Attractions : Migratory Birds, Kingfishers, Blue Bulls
Area Covered : 359 acres.
Ideal Time to Visit the Park : During the months of December and January.
Nearest Attractions : Sultanpur Lake, Museums, Library.
Some Major Accesses : Gurgaon & Delhi.

Things to Know
Where is the Sultanpur National Park
Sultanpur National Park & Bird Sanctuary is located in Gurgaon district of Haryana, 46 km from Delhi and 15 km from Gurgaon on the Gurgaon - Farukh Nagar Road. The Sultanpur National Park is lush with lawns and trees and shrubs and masses of bougainvillea. A good pair of binoculars is a must to clearly see the wildlife from a safe distance, without disturbing them.

To facilitate bird watching, there are four watch towers (machans) located at different points. In addition there is parking and facilities for toilets and drinking water. The Educational Interpretation Center has been established here to offer proper guidance to the tourist visiting the place.

Important Dates in the Sultanpur National Park
Keeping in view Sultanpur's potential, the park area covering 359 acres was declared a Bird Sanctuary in 1971 and was upgraded to the status of National Park in 1991 by the Haryana Government.

The Ecological System in the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
Sultanpur National Park is essentially a bird watcher's place with few trees obscuring the visitor's view of the lake. The birds here can be easily spotted wading, swimming or flying.

The Flora in the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
Efforts are being made to improve the vegetation in the area by planting more trees. The vegetation of this park is tropical and dry deciduous and the flora include grasses, dhok, khair, tendu, ber, jamun, acacia, and banyan tree.

The Avifauna in the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary - Birding at Sutanpur
In 250 species of birds have been recorded in the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. Some of them are resident, while others come from distant regions like Siberia, Europe and Afghanistan.

Some of the resident birds are - Common Hoopoe, Paddyfield Pipit, Purple Sunbird, Little Cormorant, Eurasian Thick-knee, Gray Francolin, Black Francolin, Indian Roller, White-throated Kingfisher, Spot billed Duck, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Black headed Ibis, Little Egret, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, India Crested Lark, Red vented Bulbul, Rose ringed Parakeet, Red wattled Lapwing, Shikra, Eurasian collared Dove, Red collared Dove, Laughing Dove, Spotted Owlet, Rock Pigeon, Magpie Robin, Greater Coucal, Weaver Bird, Bank Mynah, Common Mynah and Green Bee Eater.

Every year 90 migratory bird species arrive here in search of feeding grounds and to pass the winter. In winter the sanctuary provides a picturesque panorama of migratory birds such as birds like - Ruff, Greater Flamingo, Black winged Stilt, Common Teal, Common Greenshank, Northern Pintail, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Northern Shoveler, Rosy Pelican, Gadwall, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Eurasian Wigeon, Black tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Starling, Bluethroat and Long billed Pipit. In summer about 11 species of migratory birds such as Asian Koel, Black crowned Night Heron, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Comb duck, Blue cheeked Bee Eater, Blue tailed Bee Eater and Cuckoos come here.

The Fauna in the Sultanpur National Park
The wildlife in the park include blackbuck, nilgai, hog deer, sambar deer, wild dog or dhole, caracal, wild cat, hedgehog, mongoose, striped hyena, Indian porcupine, rattle/honey badger, leopard, wild pig, and four horned antelope.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary Travel Circuit
Delhi - Sultanpur - Delhi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Bharatpur - Agra - Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Jabalpur

How to Reach Sultanpur National Park
Air : The nearest airhead is Delhi (46 km).

Rail : The nearest railhead is Delhi (46 km).

Road : There are buses and taxis from Delhi (46 km), Gurgaon (15 km) and neighboring centers.

Hemis High Altitude National Park

Place : Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Northern India.
Major Attractions : Snow Leopards, Shapu, Bharal, Wild Sheeps and Goats.
Area Covered : 3,350sq. Km.
Ideal Time to Visit the Park : For Mammal Viewing: September to March.
For Bird Viewing: March to May.
From mid June to mis October, you can find a large number of trekking routes to its visitors.
Nearest Attractions : Leh, Ladak.
Some Major Accesses : Srinagar, Jammu and Chandigarh.

Things to Know
Where is the Hemis High Altitude National Park
At an altitude ranging between 3,300 and 6,000 m above the sea level, Hemis High Altitude National Park is situated at Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. The park stretches from 33°15' to 34°20' North latitude and from 76°50' to 77°45'E longitude with an altitudinal range of 3,300 m at the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers in the northwest to the 6,400 m Kang Yisay massif in the northeast. With rough terrain and abundant wildlife, this park attracts a large number of tourists annually. It is the largest high altitude and conserved national park of India. On the banks of Indus River, the park includes the cachements of Markha, Sumdah and Rumbak. The most prominent animal found here is Snow Leopard which has given this park, a status of Snow Leopard Capital of India. This treasure trove of scenic and unblemished beauty is located in northern region of India, at the foothills of Himalaya.

The Climate in the Hemis High Altitude National Park
The climate of area is one of extremes, with considerable daily and seasonal fluctuations. Precipitation is low with only 160.5 mm per year recorded at Leh. During winter the Zanskar River and its tributaries become frozen. Temperatures during winter drop typically to -15°C to -20°C at night and rise to near freezing point in daytime. Although summer temperatures can reach upto 30°C at the lower elevations, snowfall can occur at any time of year. Annual precipitation in Leh at 3,500 m in the Indus valley is about 10 cm, but rainfall and snow increase with altitude.

Important Dates in the Hemis High Altitude's History
This national park of India was established in 1981 to preserve the dwindling wildlife in Ladak. The park has been named after Hemis Gompa which is a believed to have been established in 1630 by Lama Tagstang Raspa and built by Palden Sara under the patronage of King Sengge. The Hemis monastic complex is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir within the Ladakh region of the Western Himalayas, at an altitude of 12,000 feet making it one of the highest settlements of the world.

The Ecological System in the Hemis High Altitude National Park
The Flora in Hemis High Altitude National Park
You will find alpine and steppe trees predominantly at Hemis High National Park. These trees and shrubs are spread across the valley bottoms. Since the upper mountain slopes are moist, this area is characterized by alpine vegetation including: Anemone,Gentiana, Thallctrwn, Lloydia, Veronica, Delphinum, Care.x and Kobresia. The other parts of the park support steppe vegetation which is dominated by Caragana, Artemisia, Stachys, and Ephedra, present along the lower river courses.

The Fauna in the Hemis High Altitude National Park
The park is famous for it's population of the rare Snow Leopards (Uncia uncia) and the Ibex (Capra ibex). Within the park, the best area for trying to spot the snow leopard is in the Shang valley area where it's density is the highest. Other than these two animals, the park also has Bharal (Pseudois nayaur), Wolf (Canis lupus), Pallas' cat (Felis manul), Tibetan argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni), Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Ladakh urial (Ovis vigne), Himalayan marmots (Marmota bobak), Tibetan Wild Ass or Kiang (Equus hemionus kiang), Wooly hare (Lepus oiostolus), wolves (Canis lupus), Dholes (Cuon alpinus), lynx (Lynx lynx), mouse hare or pika (Ochotona roylei) etc. To spot some of these animals, the best time is early morning and afternoons.

The Avi-fauna in the Hemis High Altitude National Park
There are about 70 varieties of birds that can be viewed here. Some of the common birds found here are: snow cock, chukor, magpie, Himalayan whistling thrush, white rumped shama, snow partridge, golden oriole etc. Other importants birds worth watching include: Great Grey Shrike, the Red Mantled Rose Finch, the Black Throated Thrush, the Robin Acceptor, the Spotted Flycatcher, various migrant Teal, the Red Flanked Blue Tail and the Great Nose Finch.

Safaris in the Hemis High Altitude National Park
Jeep & Elephant Safari
At such high altitudes, the best way to take a tour of some of the easy accessible areas is through jeeps. For higher altitudes, Jeep Safaris are not feasable and hence we recommend some enthralling trekking tours with trainned guides which will get you to some of the exciting spots within the park. These trekking tours will let you have a view of enslaving flora and fauna of the park. Take one such tour and wish that you also spot a growling leopard in the snow covered mountains.

Hemis High Altitude National Park Travel Circuit
Ladak-Mrakha Valley-Hemis High.
Delhi-Leh,Ladak-Rumbak Village-Hemis High National Park-Ganda La Pass.

How to Reach the Hemis High Altitude National Park
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.