Top 30 Wildlife Sanctuaries In India: Best Time to Visit, Things to Do, Timings & How to reach

by Avathi Outdoors | Wildlife Sanctuaries

Top 30 Wildlife Sanctuaries In India: Best Time to Visit, Things to Do, Timings & How to reach


Top 30 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India


“Goal of life is to make your Heartbeat match the Beat of the Universe and to match your nature with Nature”.

Joseph Campbell

 

Whether the mighty mountains are your calling, or the golden sandy beaches beckon you, a getaway from the congested city life is much needed for all. There are several dense green forests in India which are harbour a myriad species of flora and fauna. Visiting any of these national parks are sure to give you an adrenaline rush as well as soothe your mind, body and soul.

 

Wildlife Sanctuary is one of those blissful resources shared with us. As other creatures residing in such places. They are either roaming around us, kept in Zoos or National parks, or enjoying their Natural habitat, free from detrimental human interventions like hunting or poaching in Wildlife Sanctuaries.


Visiting a wildlife sanctuary in India can be a rejuvenating experience. Where else do you you get to witness all the beautiful creatures, be it the majestic Rhinos, the toyal tiger or the graceful Deer, in their natural homes. India has over 540 wildlife sanctuaries which house animals like Elephants, Tigers, Rhinos, and many more. They are classified by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in the Class IV category. These sanctuaries house some unique and exotic species and are renowned in the whole world.

 

Read on as we have curated a list of Top 30 Wildlife Sanctuaries that you can plan to visit on weekends to have a revitalizing experience.


 

 

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List of Top 30 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
 

 

  1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala


Possessing rich biodiversity and located at a place with mesmerizing scenic beauty, Kerala’s Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most renowned protected areas in South India. It is known for the Elephants and Tigers that reside here. The name of this sanctuary is derived from the Periyar lake that flows in this area. In addition to the Elephants and Tigers, one can also witness Sambar, Gaur, Mouse Deer, Wild Pigs, Barking Deer, and Indian Wild Dog. Primates like the Rare lion-tailed Macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Gee's Golden Langur, Common Langur, and Bonnet Macaque are also found in Periyar. Nilgiri Tahr can also be found here. There are around 50 species of Mammals, 250 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 10 species of amphibians, 20 species of Fishes and 110 species of Butterflies found in the Periyar sanctuary.


Located in Kerala - The sanctuary is present in the Pandalam Hills and Cardamom Hills, in the Southwestern ghats. It is present along the border with Tamil Nadu. Kumily, Kottayam, Madurai, and Cochin are important cities near this park. From Bangalore, it is around 500 Kms and it is 9+ hours drive through the lush green forests.


Best Time to Visit- October to June

Things to do- Boat Cruise Ride, Jungle Camp, Spice Garden Tour.
Timings- 6 am to 7 pm
Entry Fees- INR 25
How to Reach- Nearest airport - Madurai Airport. Nearest railway station - Kottayam Railway Station.

By road - NH 220 will take you to Kumily which is 4 kilometers away from the sanctuary.

Find more info atKerala Tourism, Periyar National Park

 

Read our new article on Periyar National Park here - Link

 

  1. Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha

Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, close to the famous Chilika lake in Puri. It is one of the most popular sanctuaries in Odisha, and serves as a home to a huge number of migratory birds. It is a famous picnic hotspot in Odisha because of its scenic beauty and serene environment. Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary is included in the list of the Largest Wildlife Sanctuaries in India possessing a huge area of around 1100 sq km as well as harboring an astonishing collection of species of animals. Hyenas, Spot-Billed Pelicans, Golden Jackals, Open Billed Stork, Brahminy Kite, Spotted Deer, Ibis, Blackbuck, Limbless Lizard, Crustaceans, Heron, Pintail, Egret, etc can be found here. Moreover, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a wide range of aquatic wildlife which can be seen while boating. A peaceful sunset can be captured while at Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, which is like the icing on the cake. The shades of orange and red adorn the sky are a treat to the eye.
 

Location- Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the South-west of the Puri.


Best Time to Visit- November to February
Things to Do- Boating, Picnic, Visiting the nearby Kalijai Temple
Timings- 6 am - 7 pm
Entry Fees- No Entry Fees
How to Reach- If you are in Bhubaneswar, you can take a cab to the sanctuary. Bhubaneswar Airport is the nearest airport to the Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, and Balugaon Railway Station is the closest railway station.

Find More Info at- Odisha Tourism

 

  1. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam


Occupying an area which is almost thrice as much as the area it occupied earlier, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This sanctuary spans across around five to six districts of Assam and has been named after the Manas river that flows near the sanctuary. Due to its location, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary witnesses an amazing climate throughout the year. It serves as a home to Tigers, Elephants, Black Panther, Golden Cat, Otters, Sambar Deer, Indian Rhinoceros, Assamese Macaques, Asian Water Buffaloes, etc. There is a huge variety of birds too like Bulbuls, Ospreys, Pied Harrier, Serpent Eagles, Egret, etc.


Location- Located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Manas spans over the districts of Chirang, Baksa, Kokrajhar, Darrang, Udalguri, and Bongaigaon in the state of Assam in India.

Best Time to Visit- October to February
Things to Do- Elephant Safari, Tea Plantations Visit, Birdwatching, River Rafting
Timings- 6 am - 3 pm
Entry Fees- INR 20
How to Reach- Guwahati Airport is the closest airport to this sanctuary. Spanning across districts of Assam, buses, and cabs are readily available. The nearest railway station is Barpeta Railway Station.

Find More Info at- Assam Tourism

 

  1. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu


This wildlife sanctuary is bordered by the Anaimalai Hills and hence, was called Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary till 1987. It is spread over an area of 958.59 sq km, owing to the climate of the place, this sanctuary comprises teak wood, grasslands, moist deciduous forests, and even scrub forests. The wildlife found in this sanctuary is Lion Tailed Macaque, Bonnet, Nilgiri Tahr, Common Langur, Hornbill, Drongos, Parakeets, Peregrine Falcons, Cuckoos, etc.
 

Location- Anaimalai Hills of Pollachi, Valparai taluks of Coimbatore district and Udumalaipettai taluks of Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu, India

Best Time to Visit- December to April
Things to Do- Explore the Flora and Fauna of the sanctuary, Jungle Safari, Bird Spotting.
Timings- 7 am - 4:30 pm
Entry Fees- INR 25
How to Reach- Buses are easily available from Coimbatore to Pollachi. The closest airport is Coimbatore Airport and Pollachi Railway Station is the nearest railway station.

Find More Info at- Tamil Nadu Tourism

 

  1. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal

Located at a height of around 8,150 feet, this is one of the Oldest Wildlife Sanctuaries in India. A beautiful Lake present in the sanctuary is fed by a mountain spring. This sanctuary comprises a dense forest out of which 60% is man-made and 40% is natural. A diverse flora can be observed here including pines, oak, birch, and a huge variety of flowering plants. This sanctuary was set up in 1915, therefore is one of the oldest in India. Himalayan Black Bears, Barking Deer, Monkeys, Leopards, Scaly anteaters, flying squirrels, etc can be found here at these altitudes. Birds such as hornbills, red jungle fowl, pheasant, etc can also be observed.

Location- Darjeeling, West Bengal

Best Time to Visit- September to December and February to March
Things to Do- Relish the flora, Cycling.
Timings- 6 am - 6 pm
Entry Fees- No Entry Fees but cycling (optional) costs INR 50.
How to Reach- A vehicle can be taken from Darjeeling to reach the sanctuary. Bagdogra Airport is the closest and the nearest railway station is Tung Railway Station.

Find More Info at- Darjeeling Tourism

 

  1. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra


Enriched by the rivers like Solashi, Kandati, and Koyna within, this wildlife sanctuary is located in the Satara District. During the day, the diverse fauna can be seen around the water bodies. The altitude of this sanctuary is around 800 meters on an average, above the sea level. The climate of the place is cool and is renowned for its scenic beauty. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO which has added five stars to the name of this sanctuary and has got it in the list of the Finest Wildlife Sanctuaries of India. The fauna that can be spotted here are Royal Bengal Tiger, India Giant Squirrel, Bison, Crested Goshawk, Mouse Deer, Sloth Bears, India Pythons, King Cobra, etc.

Location- Koyna, Maharashtra

Best Time to Visit- October to November
Things to Do- Safari, Bird Spotting, Picnic
Timings- 7 am - 6 pm
Entry Fees- INR 50 for a vehicle is charged, and INR 20 per head.
How to Reach- Cabs or Buses can easily be taken from Pune and Kolhapur. Kolhapur Railway Station is the nearest train station and Pune airport is the nearest airport to Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.

Find More Info at- Maharashtra Tourism

 

  1. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh


This wildlife sanctuary is a major tourist hotspot, attracting visitors from all around the country and the world. This place is a conglomeration of the best of nature’s creations - dense forests, beautiful streams and streamlets, mountains, deep valleys and gorges along with a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is one of the Best Wildlife Sanctuaries of India. Snow Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Tigers, Red Gorals, Musk Deer, Red Pandas, and numerous other exotic species can be found here. This sanctuary has attracted a huge number of avid bird watchers and nature lovers too.
Moist temperate and alpine type vegetation is observed here.

Location- Dibang Valley located in Roing in Arunachal Pradesh

Best Time to Visit- November to May
Things to Do- Bird Watching, Wilderness Exploration, Enjoying the flora and fauna, Relishing the scenic beauty and climate
How to Reach- Dibrugarh Airport is the nearest airport and Tinsukia Railway Station is the nearest railway station. State buses and cabs connect Anini in Arunachal Pradesh and Tinsukia in Assam with Roing, where this sanctuary is located.

Find More Info at- Arunachal Tourism

 

  1. Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu and Kashmir


This wildlife sanctuary is famous for its astonishing landscapes and scenery. This beautiful mountain view makes the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary one of the Most Beautiful Sanctuaries in India. It serves as a home to the migratory Chiru, which is the Tibetian Antelope. Tibetian Gazelle, Himalayan Ibex, Himalayan Marmots, Red Fox, Wooly Hare, Wild Yaks, Snow Leopard, etc are found here. Certain plants with medicinal properties like Bergenia Stracheyi, Hyoscyamus Niger, and Arnebia Euchroma, etc are also found among the sparse vegetation that grows here.

Location- Easternmost side of Leh district, Jammu and Kashmir

Best Time to Visit- October as well as the month of May
How to Reach- Leh airport is the nearest airport to the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary. If you are traveling by train, the Jammu Railway Station should be your destination as it is the closest station to the destination. Buses and Jeeps regularly run from Leh to this famous Sanctuary

Find More Info at- Jammu & Kashmir Tourism

 

  1. Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Andaman

     


A renowned place that is regularly visited by ornithologists and birdwatchers from all over the world, the Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the Best Wildlife Sanctuary in India. A massive number of birds can be seen in this sanctuary even though this sanctuary was originally built to harbor elephants. It is a must-visit site if one ever visits the Andaman Islands because it possesses a mesmerizing diversity of birds. Elephants, Spotted Deer, Wild Pigs, Monitor Lizards, etc are found here.


Location- Andaman Islands, India

Best Time to Visit- November to April
How to Reach- Private boats from Mayabunder jetty can be taken and the closest airport is the Port Blair Airport.

Find More Info at- Andaman Tourism

 

  1. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat


This sanctuary is different from one’s conventional idea of a sanctuary. Generally famous for the flamingos found here, the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the Largest Seasonal Saline Wetlands Areas. It is also one of the Most Beautiful Sanctuaries of India where the pretty pink birds can be seen. There is a constant water depth here which is why the flamingos here can be found in large numbers. Other than that, Indian Porcupines, Spiny Tailed Lizards, Black Necked Storks, Wild Ass, etc are found here.
 

Location- Less than 100 km from Bhuj, Rann Dholavira Kutch
 

Best Time to Visit- November to March
Timings- 6 am - 6 pm
Entry Fees- INR 250 for Indian Citizens and INR 1200 for foreigners
How to Reach- Bhuj airport and railway station are the nearest. Cabs or buses can easily be taken from Rajkot or Ahmedabad to reach here directly.

Find More Info at- Gujarat Tourism

 

  1. Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Telangana 


The Nagarjunasagar Wildlife sanctuary is often called as the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary owing to its location. The river Krishna flows nearby and there are several cottages, guesthouses, and temples located within the sanctuary.  Five districts are spanned by this sanctuary namely Guntur, Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, Kurnool, and Prakasam. Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir lies next to this sanctuary and it was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1983. It inhabits species like Macaques, Langur, Jackals, Monitor Lizards, Pythons, Marsh Crocodiles, Soft Shelled Turtles, etc. A wide variety of birds are also found here including the Grey Hornbill and Pea Fowls.
 

Location- Nagarjunasagar, Telangana
 

Best Time to Visit- October to March
Timings- 7 am - 5 pm
How to Reach- The closest airport is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport present in Hyderabad. Macherla Railway Station is around 24 km away from Nagarjunasagar being the closest railway station to the sanctuary. The closest places connected to it by road are Devarakonda, Nalgonda, Kodad, etc.

Find More Info at- Telangana Tourism

 

  1. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka


The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best for avid bird watchers because it harbors a great variety of birds like Blue Throated Barbet, Great, and Malabar Pied Hornbill, Peregrine Falcon, etc. It is located on the banks of the famous Kali river and is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in the state of Karnataka. Numerous exotic plants are also found here, and it also houses many sorts of insects and reptiles. Come here and enjoy watching different species of migratory birds. Have fun by participating in adventure sports that are booming here.
You can opt for a moonlight boat ride, jungle safari, natural jacuzzi, etc. Elephants, Flying Squirrels, Crocodiles, Tigers, Black Panthers, Leopards, etc are found here.
 

Location- Dandeli, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka
 

Best Time to Visit- March to October
Entry Fees- INR 40 for Jeep Safari and INR 40 for Indian Citizens. INR 80 for foreigners
Timings- 12 am - 6 pm
How to Reach- Hubli Airport is the nearest airport and the nearest railway stations are Alnavar and Londa railway stations. You can also take a bus or cab from Bangalore, Hubli, Karwar, etc.

Find More Info at- Karnataka Tourism

 

Read the full article on Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary here - Link

 

  1. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala


Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is actually the second-largest sanctuary in the state of Kerala and is surrounded by Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and by Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka. It houses many endangered species. One-third of the sanctuary is actually populated by teak, silver oak, rosewood, and eucalyptus plantation. Some exotic plants that are widely loved by the tourists are  Dalbergia, Carya Arborea, Terminalia Myrobalan, Anogeissus Lavandula Latifolia, etc. Fauna includes deer, panthers, elephants, monkeys, bison, bears, langurs, tigers, etc. Monitor lizards and snakes are also found here. One can also observe crocodiles, geckos, flying lizards, chameleons, skinks, flap shell turtles in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
 

Location- Wayanad, Kerala
 

Best Time to Visit- December to May
Timings- 7 am - 10 am, 3 pm - 5 pm
Entry Fees- INR 10 for normal visitors of Indian Citizenship, INR 5 for students and kids below 12 years, INR 100 for foreigners
How to Reach- Kozhikode is 110 km away and the sanctuary can be visited by road from there. The nearest airport and the railway station are there too.

Find More Info at- Kerala Tourism

 

  1. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala 


Housing numerous species of wildlife like Panthers, Spotted Deer, Star Tortoise, Leopards, Loris, Tigers and Elephants, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the Largest Wildlife Sanctuaries in India. It comprises vast jungles and dense forests for explorers to relish the beauty. It has a diverse ecosystem and many medicinal plants are also found. People come here for trekking and hiking because of the famous Thoovanam waterfalls located here. This sanctuary is not as popular as the Periyar National Park but is still special because of its flora. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is also situated on the Western Ghats and shares the border with Tamil Nadu.


Location- Munnar, Kerala


Best Time to Visit- November to February
Timing- 6 am - 6 pm
Entry Fees- INR 10 for Indian Citizen and INR 100 for foreign nationals
How to Reach- Cochin Airport is the nearest if you are traveling by plane. Pollachi and Aluva railway stations are nearby too. If you wish to take a bus or cab, that can be done from Munnar.

Find More Info at- Kerala Tourism

 

Read the full article on Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary here - Link

 

  1. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand


Present in the hill town of Mussoorie, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most visited places in this city. It houses various species like the almost extinct mountain quails, deer, leopards, and red-billed blue magpie. It is famous for its pine-clad slopes too. The scenic beauty here is mesmerizing and proves to be great for birdwatchers. This Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Rajaji National Park and peaks like Bandarpunch and Chaukhamba can be seen from here. Panthers, Leopards, Deer, Bear, Himalayan Goats are also present here.
 

Location- 11 km from the Library Point in Mussoorie
 

Best Time to Visit- April to November
Timings- 7 am - 5 pm
Entry Fees- No entry fee is required here.
How to Reach- The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant airport which is around 60 km away from Mussoorie and the nearest railway station, Dehradun Railway Station, is about 30 km from Mussoorie. A bus can also be taken from Delhi to Mussoorie.

Find More Info at- Uttarakhand Tourism

 

  1. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka


It is like a heaven for people who seek adventure amidst nature. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is covered by moist deciduous forest as well as dry forest and some evergreen forest too, making it a place with a rich flora. Common and rare plants and animals are found here. The tributaries of Bhadra River flow west through the sanctuary and makes a good spot for photography. Bison, King Cobra, Leopards, Tigers, Elephants, Boars, Sambar Deer, Porcupines, etc are some of the animals present here. Birds like Gaur, Emerald Dove, Malabar Parakeet, Hill Myna, etc. are also inhabited here.
 

Location- Tarikere, Lakkavalli Chikmaglur, Karnataka
 

Timings- 6.30 am - 8.30 am, 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Best time to Visit- March to May
Entry Fees- INR 400
How to Reach- Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport. Cabs can be taken from Mangalore, Mysore, and Bangalore to reach the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Kadur and Hassan are the nearest railway stations.

Find More Info at- Karnataka Tourism

 

  1. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh 


As the name suggests, EagleNest Wildlife Sanctuary is included in the list of the Top Bird watching Hotspots and Wildlife Sanctuaries of India. It comprises over 700 different species of birds of all kinds- be it migratory or resident, rare or endangered, or even the common ones. An entirely new species of bird was discovered here called the Bugun Liocichla in the year 2006, after which this sanctuary became famous. The animals found here are Elephants, Barking Deer, Himalayan Serow, Red Panda, Leopards, Himalayan Bears, Snow Loris, etc. Birds that are found here are Ward’s Trogon, Wedge Billed Babbler, Nuthatch, etc.
 

Location- Shannan, Arunachal Pradesh
 

Best Time to Visit- November to April
Entry Fees- INR 100 per head and INR 500 for one vehicle.
How to Reach- Guwahati Airport and the Tezpur Airport are nearby. Bhalukpong railway station and vehicles can be hired from Tezpur or Guwahati to reach this sanctuary.

Find More Info at- Arunachal Tourism

 

  1. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh 


This Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a plethora of species of plants. This is why many researchers, wildlife biologists, and botanists come here very often to study the various types of plants present here. People can also explore the fauna, but they need to be accompanied by a guide. The animals that live here are The Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, etc. Though this sanctuary is not very famous, it is widely known for its diverse flora. A village is located inside the Sanctuary itself which is a must-visit site because of its culture. The villagers possess extensive knowledge about the Sanctuary, so don’t forget to witness that.
 

Location- Rollapadu, Andhra Pradesh.
 

Timings- 7 am - 6 pm
Best Time to Visit- November to February
How to Reach- Hyderabad airport is the nearest airport and Kurnool Railway station is the closest railway station. Buses and cabs from Kurnool can directly bring you to the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary.

Find More Info at- Andhra Pradesh Tourism

 

  1. Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu 


This sanctuary is also called Srivilliputhur Sanctuary and it spans over the districts of Madurai and Virudhunagar districts of western Tamil Nadu. Owing to the fact that the Grizzled Flying Squirrel is indigenous to this place, this place is called the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary. The Andipatti Hill present nearby adds on to the value of this place, making it a favorable spot for landscape and wildlife photographers. People can also enjoy the jungle safari offered in this sanctuary. The fauna found here, apart from Grizzled Flying Squirrel, is Bonnet Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion Tailed Macaques, Common Langurs, Barking Deer, Leopards, Elephants, Porcupines, Sloth Bears, Wildcats, etc. Many bird species are also found here like White Backed Vulture, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Great Pied Hornbill, Nilgiri Pipit, etc.
 

Location- Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu
 

Entry Fee- INR 15 per adult and per vehicle and INR 10 per child.
Timings- 5 am - 6 pm
Best Time to Visit- All round the year
How to Reach- Nearest stations are Virudhunagar and Madurai Railway Station. Madurai Airport is the nearest airport. By road, one can go to the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary via NH 44, NH 41, or NH 186.

Find More Info at- Tamil Nadu Tourism

 

  1. Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Gujarat 

     

Owing to the fact that the Wild Ass is endangered, the government established this sanctuary in the year 1973 to protect its population. This Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kutch area of Gujarat and covers a whopping area of 5000 square km. It covers parts of various districts like Kutch, Patan, Rajkot, Sundernagar, and Banaskantha. Ibis, White Browed Bulbul, Ducks, Moorhens, Saras Cranes, Indian Flamingoes, Pelicans, Flamingoes, etc are found in this sanctuary.
 

Location- Mayurnagar Halvad Road, Dhrangadhra Gujarat.
 

Entry Fees- INR 280 for Indians and INR 1500 for foreigners.
Best Time to Visit- October to March
Timings- 7 am - 6:30 pm
How to Visit- Nearest airport and railway stations are in Bhuj. Take buses and taxis from Ahmedabad or Rajkot, if you want to travel via road.

Find More Info at- Gujarat Tourism

 

  1. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa


This Sanctuary is widely visited by people who love bird watching because of the density of birds and animals here. One can climb The Devil's Canyon for some extremely beautiful views of the park. This sanctuary lies in Mollem and is situated in the Western Ghats. It is surrounded by dense forests and is famous because it possesses both historical and geographical significance. The fauna found here are Jungle Cats, Spotted Deer, Leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Pythons, Cobra, etc.
 

Location- Mollem, Goa
 

Timing- 9 am - 5:30 pm
Entry Fee- INR 10 per adult and for students INR 3
Best Time to Visit- November to March
How to Reach- Nearest airport is Dabolim airport and Colem Railway Station is the railway station. State-run buses and private vehicles can be taken to reach the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary from all over Goa.

Find More Info at- Goa Tourism

 

  1. Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, Chhattisgarh


Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is named after Tamor Hill and Pingla Nalla, the ancestral features of the area. Covered by rivers on two sides, this place experiences a good climate generally. It also shares a border with the state of Uttar Pradesh. There are seven villages within this sanctuary, namely Khond, Injani, Archoka, Durgain, Kesar, Chattauli, and Dholpur. Except for Khond, these villages are very small. This sanctuary houses the endangered chinkara (Indian Gazelle). Other animals found here include Tigers, Striped Hyenas, Hare, Wild Boars, Leopards, Elephants, Sambar Deer, Blue Bulls, etc.


Location- Surajpur, Chhattisgarh

 

Best Time to Visit- November to June
How to Reach- Nearest airport is Ranchi Airport. Surajpur railway station is the nearest railway station. Buses and shared transports can be taken from Ambikapur and Surajpur.

Find More Info at- Chhattisgarh Tourism

 

  1. Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh


Bori Wildlife Sanctuary (Pachmarhi) is one of the Oldest and Smallest Wildlife Sanctuary in India. It proves to be an ideal destination for environment lovers owing to the dense forests that it has. It rests on the foothills of the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh. It houses numerous rare animals like Chital, Gaur, Rhesus Macaques, Indian Gazelle (chinkara), Nilgai, and the majestic Tiger. Over 1300 species of exotic plants are present here like Teak, Dhaora, Tendu, etc.
 

Location- Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh
 

Best Time to Visit- October to June
How to Visit- Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal is the closest airport from this sanctuary. Pipariya railway station is the nearest station and by road, one can easily take a bus to Pachmarhi from Indore, Bhopal, Pipariya, etc.

Find More Info at- Madhya Pradesh Tourism

 

  1. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana


As the name suggests, a visit to the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is mandatory for people who enjoy bird watching. A number of migratory birds treat it as a home and it is a great spot for looking out for different bird species especially during winters. Around 250 species of birds are present here during the peak season. Birds from parts of Europe, Siberia, and Central Asia come here during their migration. 4 towers have been erected at different points of the property to make bird watching easier. Resident birds of this sanctuary are Black francolin, Indian roller, White-throated Kingfisher, Painted stork, Black-necked stork, White ibis, Black-headed ibis, Little egret, Great egret, Cattle egret, Crested lark, Red-vented Bulbul, Rose-ringed parakeet, Red-wattled Lapwing, Shikra, Eurasian collared dove, Red-collared dove and many more. Some of the migratory birds include Siberian crane, Greater Flamingo, Ruff, Black-winged stilt, Common teal, Common greenshank, Northern pintail, Yellow Wagtail, White wagtail, Northern shoveller, Rosy Pelican, Spot-billed pelican, Gadwall, Wood sandpiper, Spotted sandpiper, Eurasian wigeon, Black-tailed godwit.
 

Location- Gurgaon, Haryana
 

Timings- 7 am - 4:30 pm, closed on Tuesdays
Entry Fees- INR 5 for Indians, and INR 40 for Foreigners. The camera costs INR 10 and the fee of a video camera is INR 500. INR 2 is for per child.
Best Time to Visit- October to February
How to Reach- You can easily get a bus or cab from Delhi because it is just 50 kilometers away.

Find More Info at- Haryana Tourism

 

  1. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan


The Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary stretches across the Aravali range. It spreads over parts of cities like Pali, Rajsamand, and Udaipur. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is also encompassed in the sanctuary. There is a presence of a hilly dense forest, in and around the sanctuary. River Banas is present around the sanctuary and is a primary source of water here. This sanctuary is famous for its 40 strong wolfpacks and also houses different endangered and rare animals, with 200 species of birds. You can enjoy activities like Jeep Safari, Trekking, and Horseback Riding. Tribes like Garasia and Bhils can be seen living here. The animals which reside here are Wolf, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Hare, Jackal, Sambhal Nilgai, Chausingha. Birds like Peacocks, Doves, Grey Jungle Fowl, White Breasted Kingfisher, Parakeets, Red spur Owls can also be observed.

 

Location- Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan
 

Timings- 7 am - 6 pm
Entry Fees- INR 10 for Indians, INR 80 for foreigners, and INR 2 for students.
Best Time to Visit- March to December
How to Reach- Visitors should hire vehicles from Kumbhalgarh or Kelwara to visit the sanctuary. Buses or taxis can also be hired from Udaipur.

Find More Info at- Rajasthan Tourism
 

 

  1. Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand


Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is present in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It was established in the year 1955. It covers parts of mountains like Black Peak, Swargarohini and Bandarpunch. The snow-covered peaks are famous and provide beautiful scenery to the visitors. Animals that live here include Koklas, Chukar, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Himalayan Serow, etc.
 

Location- Supin Range, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
 

Timings- All time open
Entry Fees- INR 150
Best Time to Visit- April to June, September to November
How to Reach- Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest Airport and the Dehradun Railway station is the nearest station. One can take a jeep from Dharkadhi to the sanctuary too.

Find More Info at- Uttarakhand Tourism

 

  1. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Telangana


Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India. Present in the Warangal district of Telangana, it has green valleys with dense biodiversity. The Godavari River is the main source of water here. You experience all kinds of terrains while exploring the sanctuary like hills, plains, spring, etc. Golden Jackals, Cobra, Lizards, Python, Nilgai, Wolves, Tigers, etc are found here.
 

Location- Eturnagaram, Telangana
 

Timings- 9 am - 6 pm
Entry Fees- INR 10 for Adults and INR 5 for kids.
Best Time to Visit- October to April
How to Reach- Nearest Airport to the sanctuary is located in Hyderabad. Warangal Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary. Bus services can be availed from Warangal.

Find More Info at-Telangana Tourism

 

  1. Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Andaman

It is located on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the northernmost part. It is spread over a small area but houses some rare species. The island is rather peaceful and the flora that you find in this area is exclusive to this island. Andaman Drongo, White-headed Starling, Hawksbill Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Andaman Water Monitor, etc are found here.
 

Location- Landfall, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
 

Timings- Open all the time

Entry Fee- No entry fee
Best Time to Visit- Throughout the Year
How to Visit- The nearest airport is in Port Blair and ferries can be taken from there to this sanctuary.

Find More Info at- Andaman Tourism

 

  1. Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

This sanctuary is also called as the Kalakad Tiger Reserve. The Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the 17 declared Tiger Reserves in India. It has a rich bounty of natural resources and attracts photographers from all around the globe. It is so renowned that UNESCO is considering it under the list of World Heritage Sites. Animals found here include Brown Mongoose, Nilgiri Martin, Pit Viper, Spotted Deer, Giant Squirrel, Great Pied Hornbill, Grey Headed Bulbul, Bonnet Macaque, Sloth Bear, Royal Bengal Tiger, King Cobra, etc.


Location- Ambasamudram, Papanasam, Tamil Nadu

 

Timings- 7 am - 5 pm
Entry fees- INR 15 for Adults and INR 5 for children
Best Time to Visit- October to January
How to Reach- Nearest Railway Station is the Tirunelveli Junction and you can take buses from there to the sanctuary. The nearest airport is Trivandrum Airport.

Find More Info at- Tamil Nadu Tourism
 

  1. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh


Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary is the Largest Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and one of the Largest Wildlife Sanctuaries in India. Ganga and Narmada rivers flow through this sanctuary and provide water to this area. It spreads in four districts namely Damoh, Raisen, Narsinghpur, and Sagar. This wildlife sanctuary was established in 1975. Bengal Fox, Kites, Snakes, Nilgai, Indian Leopard,  Kingfishers, Owls, Tortoises, Monitor Lizards, Vultures live here.
 

Location- Madhya Pradesh
 

Timings- 6 am - 6 pm
Entry Fees- No entry fee is applicable here.
Best Time to Visit- November to June
How to Reach- The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport. Damoh and Sagar Railway Station is the closest railway station to the sanctuary. You can take the NH 12 and reach the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Find More Info at- Madhya Pradesh Tourism


 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Wildlife Sanctuaries of India

     Q. Which is India’s first Wildlife sanctuary?

A. Jim Corbett National Park which was founded in 1936 is the oldest wildlife sanctuary of India.

     Q. Which state in India has the highest number of wildlife sanctuaries?

A. Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of wildlife sanctuaries in India.

Q. Which is the Largest Bird Sanctuary of India?
A. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary of Gujarat is the largest bird sanctuary in India.

Q. Which is the biggest wildlife sanctuary in India?
A. Sundarbans, Wild Ass Sanctuary, and Hemis are some of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in India.

Q. What is the Smallest Wildlife Sanctuary in India?
A. Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra is the smallest sanctuary covering an area of around 5.14 sq km.

      Q. Which national park has the highest density of tigers?

A. The Kaziranga National Park is said to have the highest density of tigers in India.



Some Tips and Things to Remember
 

1. In case you are visiting a bird sanctuary, remember that bird watching is best done early in the morning. 7:00 AM is the perfect time for bird watching as migratory birds fly out of their nests at sunrise and return at sunset. Carry binoculars along with you. Make sure to stay quiet to not scare the birds.

2. In some sanctuaries, an entry permit to the sanctuary is required for the trek. Make sure that you get it before visiting the sanctuary.
 

2. Forest guards to accompany you on the treks can be hired in some sanctuaries or you can arrange a local guide.
 

3. Carry your hat, sunglasses, food, and water for the safari.
 

4. A few hotels can arrange jeeps and horses for the safari.
 

5. It is always advisable to make advanced bookings at the sanctuary that you are going to. Check up the booking or ticket system of the sanctuary.

6. Carry flashlights, water bottles, sunscreen, sunglasses, charged phones and cameras if any..

We hope that you found this blog about the Top 30 Wildlife Sanctuaries of India insightful and it helped you plan your trip in a more informed way.

Good Luck for Your Visit!

 

Please share your experience after your visit in the comments below.

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