The wildlife of the Indian Subcontinent, like its vegetation, emphasises
by its diversity of species the wildely differing habitats and climatic zones
which are available. There are some 365 species of different mammals, about 1200
species of birds, over 400 species of reptiles and about 180 species of amphibians.
Corbett Wildlife Sanctuary
A
Establised in 1936, named after the great hunter turned naturalist Jim Corbett,
this park is located in Uttar Pradesh. Set in the undulating Shivalik foothills
of the mightly Himalayas, Corbett Park today covers a 518 sq.km of stunning
countryside. The diversity of wildlife has made it the most famous park in the
region. Thick forest and the pools of the Ramganga River, are home to many animal
and fish species including crocodile and sporting fish, such as mahseer. Tiger
sightings are possible. Access: to Corbett is by road from Delhi or a short,
delightful journey through the hills from the hill station of Nainital.
The Park is open from 15th
November to 15th June.
Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
Established as a sanctuary in 1955, Ranthambore was one
of the original areas covered by Project Tiger. Situated in the south-eastern
reaches of Rajasthan, it lies at the junction of the Aravali and Vindhya Hills.
Now covering 389 sq.kms. much of the area comprises rather arid scrub jungle,
together with forested hills and artificial lakes. There is an impressive range
of bird life on the lakes, and animal species include sambar, chital, nilgai,
chinkara, wild boar, jackal and leopard. Tiger sightings are possible.
The park is open from 1st October to 30th June.
Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary This park, situated in Madhya Pradesh, is considered
by many to be India's greatest and it is an excellent area to see many species
in their natural habitat. Declared a national park in 1955, it now covers 648
sq.kms and comes under the auspices of Project Tiger. The vegetation comprises
forest with bamboo breaks, grassy plateaus and meadows in the valleys. The barasingha
(swamp deer) are one of the park's success stories with its population having
increased seven - fold in the past 35 years. It is also home to Tara, the famous
elephant that Mark Shand rode on his journey through India. Tiger sightings are
common.
The park is open from 1st November to 30th June.
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
In the Aravali range which cuts across Rajasthan, a few pockets of forest still
survive. Sariska is one such. It was part of the erstwhile princely state of
Alwar whose late Maharaja, Jai Singh, was a keen shikari and his favorite hunting
ground war Sariska, which received strict protection under his rule. Ihn 1955
this forest was declared a der Project Tiger in 1979. An area of 308 sq miles
(800 sq km) is the project area with a core of 185 sq miles (480 sq km).
Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Bandhavgarh is a new national park with a
very long history. Set among the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh with an area
of 168 sq miles (437 sq km), it contains a wide variety of habitats and a high
density of game, including a large number of tigers. Currently the central area
of the park - the original 40 sq miles - remains the principal viewing area. There
are 32 hills in this part of the park, which has a large natural fort at its center.
The fort's cliffs are 2,625 ft (800 meters ) high, 1,000 ft (300 meters) above
the surrounding countryside. Over half the area is covered by sal forest although
on the upper slopes it is replaced by mixed forest sali, saj, dhobin and saja.
The park is open from 01st November to 30th June.
Keoladeo
Ghana Wildlife Sanctuary (Bharatpur)
Keoladeo Ghana is a wonder of the natural
world no less worth seeing than the marble tomb of Shah Jahan's queen. Over 350
species of birds find a refuge in the 11 sq miles (29 sq km) of shallow lakes
and woodland which makes up the park. A third of them are migrants many of whom
winter in Bharatpur before returning to their breeding grounds as far away away
as Siberia and Central Asia. Some 120 species nest in the park and heronry at
Keoladeo Ghana is said to be open throughout the year although most visitors choose
to come between the months of October and March when wintering wildfowl assemble
in their thousands on the lakes.
Tours Offered - Duration Tiger Adventure (King of beasts) 12 Days
Kipling Classic 15 Days
Wild India 12 Days
Jungle Rendezvous 21
Days
Tigers and Temples 14 Days
Wild South 14 Days
