Uttarakhand wildlife National parks and wildlife sanctuaries are a prime feature of Uttarakhand, India. naturalists, eco-tourists wildlife lovers and holidaymakers keep flocking to the region all the year round. Uttarakhand is known for its diversified flora and fauna. It is in this reagion that travellers get to see some of the most endangered and rarely seen animals species in the world. Not only for animals lover but for bird watching enthusiasts as well, Uttarakhand has a number of surprises in store to satiate their thirst for wildlife, bird watching. Major wildlife species to be watched here include the Indian Tiger, deer, Indian elephant, leopard, Jungle cat, Sloth bear, Black bear, Rhesus monkey, langur, ghoral, wild dog, common otter, porcupine, python, King cobra & a variety of resident and migratory bird species.

Uttarakhand is popular for so many things. One aspect that can immediately attract attention of all travellers is the wildlife beauty of the region. From one corner to the other, Uttarakhand is filled with natural beauty and beautiful wilderness. If you're a wildlife lover, you can always expect to have the time of your life while exploring the Himalayan jungles in Uttarakhand. Whether you want to see popular mammalian species from a close distance, explore the flora and click images of a wide variety of avian species, Uttarakhand welcomes all with open arms.

Watching animals in the cage at anonymous zoo is an entirely different and unrealistic experience in comparison with that of wildlife sanctuary or national park. Stop cheering yourself by looking at the helpless animals in a zoo and observe the real life struggle of animals in a wildlife sanctuary.

When it comes to enjoying the wilderness in Uttarakhand, you should always choose the Wildlife Packages in Uttarakhand carefully so that you see exactly what you want. we offer best Uttarakhand wildlife tour packages a wide range are available to spend some quality time in national parks like the jim corbett national park, Valley of Flowers, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajaji National Park, Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary, Nanda Devi National Park, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and Kedarnath Sanctuary.

Uttarakhand has some famous national parks and sanctuaries. All of them have been bestowed by nature with its bounty.

Jim Corbett National Park

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in to closest proximity of Ramnagar (Nainital) is the majestic Jim Corbett National Park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, the park is famous for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants. Corbett national park was established in 1936, as the Hailey National Park (named in the honor of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of the United Provinces). After independence, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1952 but was finally changed to Jim Corbett National Park in 1957, named after the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer who had helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries. India's first national park and the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger, Corbett supports a variety of vegetation making it the ideal habitat for the Tiger and its prey. With the help of the World Wildlife Fund, Project Tiger was launched in Jim Corbett National Park in 1973 and this park was one of the first such tiger reserves in the country.

Jim Corbett National Park is a haven for Tigers as well as its prey, which include four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and some lesser-known animals. Leopards are mostly found in the hilly areas of the park. Some nocturnal cats found here are the Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. Sloth Bear is found in the lower regions of the park while the Himalayan Black Bear is seen in the higher hills only. The Dole or Wild Dog, though they can be seen in the southern areas of the park along with the Jackal.

Jeep Safari in Jim Corbett National Park
Jeeps Safari, is the most convenient way to travel within Jim Corbett National Park, and can be rented for the park trips from Ramnagar, from the KMVN Tourist Lodge and other tour and travel agents. One bus each day goes to Dikhala from Ramnagar, stopping at the Forest Rest houses en route. Banking and other important tourist facilities are available at Jim Corbett National Park.

Safari Zones in Jim Corbett National Park:
Jhirna, Bijrani, Dhikala, Durga Devi, Sonanadi.

Jim Corbett National Park Sightseeing:
These are some of the popular tourist spots in Jim Corbett National Park.
Corbett Jungle Museum (Corbett Home), Garjia Temple, Kyari Camp, Sitabani Forest Reserve, Sitabani Temple, Dhangari Museum, Bijrani, Jhirna, Corbett Water Falls, Sunrise Point, Kalagarh Dam, Ramnagar.

Valley of Flowers

The world famous Valley of Flowers is situated in the upper expan- sions of Bhyundar Ganga in the far int- erior of Garhwal Himalayas. The valley is spread over an area of 87.5 Sq. Kms. And is 3,250 mt to 6,750 mt. Above the mean sea level. The rich references of this colourful and eye catching Valley, are found in the animals of Indian History and literature like that of Ramayana and Mahabharat. The rich references of this colourful and eye catching Valley, are found in the animals of Indian History and literature

It was in 1931 that Frank Smythe and Holds worth stumbled on the valley while returning from their successful Kamet expedition. There were "at once transported from a region of solemn austerity to a fairyland of dainty flowers, most of them dwarf, but brilliant in colour". Bustling with beautiful, lively and vibrant colours, this park spread over an area of 87.5 sq. kms. has the largest collection of wild flower species.

As though created by nature itself, the beauty of the park is enhance by the Pushpawati river flowing in the vicinity overlooked by towering Rataban peak in the background. More than 300 species of wild flowers bloom and swing with life during the monsoons. Also inhabiting the place is the amazing variety of Himalayan butterflies. Hidden from the probing eyes of civilization, this valley had been known to the inhabitants as the Bhyundar Valley, the playground of fairies and nymphs. Legends also associate this valley with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected "Sanjeevani" herbs to revive Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama. The valley can be visited only during the day, and overnight stay is prohibited

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Binsar is a comparatively small wildlife sanctuary, covering only an area of 47.04 sq. kms. A small protected area, Binsar was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1988, following a long local movement for its establishment. Today, Binsar supports a wide variety of floral species, faunal species as well as avi-fauna including some of the unique species found in the Himalayan range.

Set deep in the foothills of the Great Indian Himalayas, Binsar is a comparatively small wildlife sanctuary, covering only an area of 47.04 sq. kms. A small protected area, Binsar was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1988, following a long local movement for its establishment. Today, Binsar supports a wide variety of floral species, faunal species as well as avi-fauna including some of the unique species found in the Himalayan range. Within Binsar's boundary, there a nine villages populated by around 600 people.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary has only one entry gate for tourists at Ayarpani and only one road, climbing in a north-west direction to terminate at the Forest Rest House. The sanctuary is criss-crossed by many tails, some relatively wide and well-trodden while some barely discernible. A walk through this sanctuary is a truly fascinating as well as refreshing as most of the park area is shaded with a thick forests.

Flora and Fawn:
Within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, 25 types of trees, 24 types of bushes and seven varieties of grasses are found. At the higher altitude, Binsar is dominated by the Oak and Rhododendron forests, while at the lower level, mostly you will find the Chir Pine forests.

According to recent census, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to 16 Leopards, 69 Ghorals, 57 Wild Boars, 43 Kakars, 150 Monkeys and two Himalayan Black Bears. In addition to these, the sanctuary provides shelter to other wild animals like Indian Red Fox, Jackals, Pine Martens and Porcupines. Apart from these, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary ranks high in avian species variety and visibility. Here, you can see around 200 species of birds including both resident and migratory species.

Rajaji National Park

Lying in a 820 sq km swathe across the Shivaliks, at the foot of the Himalayas, the Rajaji National Park spreads across three districts of Uttarakhand - Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. In 1983, the three wildlife sanctuaries of Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla were amalgamated into a single contiguous park consisting of several distinct vegetation zones. These include broadleaved deciduous forests, riverine vegetation, grasslands, and pine forests in the upper reaches.

Rajaji National Park in the year 1983 after the famous freedom fighter Late Sri C. Rajgopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji. Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation takes you on a tour to Rajaji National Park and acquaints you with the wildlife of the region. Surrounded by mountains, Dehradun endures as a perfect retreat with beautiful spots for picnics and excursions. Its pleasant climate adds. further to its charm and makes it an attractive tourist destination. Established in 1966 on the edge of the Dehradun valley is Rajaji National Park, covering an area of approx 820 sq. kms.

The wildlife here includes elephant, tiger, panther, bear, chital, sambar, wild bear, kakar, python, i monitor lizard and a large variety of avian fauna. You find many opportunities of viewing these animals in their natural habitat here. Inhabiting these dense green jungles are an impressive array of creatures- furred and feathered, docile and dangerous. 23 species of mammals- including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, jungle cat, wild boar and sloth bear- and 315 species of birds are found in Rajaji. The most prominent avian species include pea fowl, woodpeckers, pheasants, kingfishers and barbets, supplemented by a number of migratory species during the winter months. Besides that, the rivers which flow through the park harbor fish such as trout and mahseer.

Govind Wildlife Sanctuary

The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is located between 35*55 and 31*17 30 latitude and 77*47 30 and 78*37 30 longitudes at Purola tehsil, Uttarkashi district of Garhwal in the state of Uttarakhand. It was established on 1st of March 1955. It is spreads over an area of 953 sq km. The sanctuary forms the upper catchments of the Tons River in the upper reaches of its area. Thus the area has a significant value as a major watershed for river Yamuna. The sanctuary has a rich forest cover and the neighboring forest divisions help in maintaining genetic diversity in the forest. The area is very rich source of some of the medicinal plants, many of which are the important life saving drugs. The area provides a natural habitat to a lot of endangered animals.

The Snow Leopard inhabits the inner Himalayas above the altitude of 3500 m. The Government of India launched the Snow Leopard Project in its Eighth Plan. The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary was identified as one of sites of the Snow Leopard in the Himalayas. The upper reaches of the sanctuary are the natural habitat of the Snow Leopard and were intentionally notified as a National Park.

The park is home to more than 15 species of mammals and 150 species of birds. The important mammals are Bharal, Black Bear, Brown Bear, Common Leopard, Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer, Serow and Snow Leopard. The endangered birds found in the area are Bearded Vulture, Parakeets, Thrushes, Tits, Warblers, Black Eagle, Himalayan Snow Cock, Golden Eagle, Monal Pheasant, Koklas Pheasant, Steppe Eagle and Western Tragopan. Other important bird found here are Buntings, Bulbuls, Cuckoos, Finches, Minivets, Owls & Pigeons.

Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary

The Asan Barrage, popularly known as Dhalipur lake, was created in the year 1967 as a result of the construction of Asan barrage at the confluence of the river Yamuna & Asan through Dhalipur power house. Asan Barrage is famous for bird watching.

Located just 40km from Dehradun, the Assan Barrage wetland has become popular as a bird sanctuary. Though not very large in size (just 4 sq km) the sheer abundance of birds that visit it, ensures that among both serious bird watchers and beginner enthusiasts frequently visit Assan Barrage.

Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary, Uttarakhand Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary was established in the year 1967 as a small man-made wetland at the convergence point of Rivers Yamuna and Assan in Dehradun. Since it is near to Dhalipur power house, it is also known as Dhalipur Lake.

The area is full of lush green trees and a calm 287.5 m long water body which attracts a humungous population of local as well as migratory birds. The area covered by this avian haven is just four sq kms but the profusion of foliage ensures that birds are not disturbed by bird-watching enthusiasts.

The humbling thing is that many of the birds seen here are globally threatened and are listed in the extremely endangered IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red Data book.

Flora and Fawn:
The terrestrial foliage is dominant by the vegetation of Shiwalik range like Sal (Shorea robusta), Dhaora / Axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia), Jhingan (Lannea coromandelica), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) and Red Silk Cotton Tree (Bombax ceiba). The marine plants in the area are Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), Sago Pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus), Elephant Grass (Typha elephantina) and Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum).

Birds:
The Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary attracts around 53 species of avian fauna out of which 19 are winter migratory birds from Eurasia. The population of birds consists of Pintail (Anas acuta), Common Pochard (Aythya ferina), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Coot (Fulica atra), Eurasian Wigeon (Anas Penelope), Gadwall (Anas strepera), Common Teal (Anas crecca), Shoveller (Anas smithii), Egrets (Ardea alba), Herons (Ardea herodias), Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) and Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Red Crested Pochard (Netta rufina), Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea).

Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park In the vicinity of Nanda Devi (7817 m), the second highest peak in India, is situated the Nanda Devi National Park, which has some of the most unique high altitude flora and fauna in the world. The spectacular views, sylvan environment, and richness of biosphere make it quite different from the other wildlife sanctuaries of India.

The park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and In its vicinity are the Valley of Flowers, Badrinath Temple, and Hemkund Sahib. Though the park was notified only in 1982, it has a long history. W.W. Garden was the first person to reach this region in 1883, but his expedition to the Nanda Devi Peak failed to create any impact. In 1936, Tilman and N.E. Odell scaled the Nanda Devi and opened its vista for others to follow. This led to the region becoming a game sanctuary in 1939. The area of the park remained undisturbed until 1950's when organized expeditions for Nanda Devi started. To save the park from these disturbances, the Government of India declared the region a National Park in 1982 and later it was given the special status of a Biosphere Reserve.

Flora and Fana:
Tour to Nanda Devi National Park The forest cover in this park is mainly restricted to the Rishi Gorge and the main vegetation is of fir Birch, Rhododendron & Juniper. In the inner sanctuary, conditions are drier and near the Nanda Devi Glacier, there is almost no vegetation. From Ramani, the vegetation changes to alpine and only juniper scrubs are the dominating vegetation. The Juniper scrubs gradually give way to grasses, prone mosses, and lichens. In total, 312 floral species have been found here of which around 17 are considered rare. Animal population of species like bharal, Himalayan tahr, serow, goral, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, leopard, common langur, Himalayan musk deer, and brown beer dominate the park area. Warblers, gresbreaks, rose finches, and ruby throat represent avifauna here. Approximately 80 species have been spotted in this park.

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is a majestic destination located in the middle of a snow covered peak in the Kumaon Himalayan at an elevation of 5412 feet in the Indian state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal). It is a majestic destination for the nature enthusiast.

The Sanctuary is rightly known as the green paradise of India. The wildlife sanctuary is positioned 54 km from Pithoragarh near Ascot in Uttarakhand. The sanctuary covers an area of 284 square kilometers. The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1986 with the object of conserving the musk deer and its habitat. Though the musk deer are present in significant numbers in the sanctuary, they required further protection as they are an endangered species.

Flora and Fawn:
The Ascot sanctuary has been is blessed with a large collection of herbs, shrubs, trees and climbers. The rich vegetation in this locality such as Teak, Grevelia, and Eucalyptus makes it one of the most prolific places to visit.

Species Found:
Tahr, Musk Spotted Deer, Chukoras, Pheasant, Leopard, Black Beer, Spotted Deer, Snow Cock, Kakar, Sparrow and a number of species of birds and many more.

Kedarnath Sanctuary

Kedarnath Sanctuary, established in the year 1972. Garhwal Himalayas offer a breathtakingly spectacular view of snow-clad mountains, valleys and forests. The Garhwal Himalayas also houses the Char Dhams, namely, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. In the wilderness of this sanctuary animals like snow leopard, snow cock, tahr, musk deer, leopard and sparrow can be seen along with many species of birds To study the details of the musk deer, a project funded by WWF was undertaken between 1978-1980.

Stretched about 967 Sq.Kms. the Kedarnath Sanctuary was established in the year 1972 in the one of the most pious region of Garhwal. Surrounded by the breathtakingly spectacular view of snow covered peaks of the great Himalayan mountain range, valleys rivers, glaciers and forests it is one of the most site seeing sanctuary in this region. Because this sanctuary is located in the Kedarnath region it is a famous and most visited natural place by the tourist of different countries for various reason.