Wildlife in Uttaranchal

Tourist Points: Almora, Chamoli,Dhanaulti, Kausani, Mussoorie, Nainital & Ranikhet.
Wild Life :  Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Govind Wildlife
Sanctuary & National Park.
Pilgrimage:   Haridwar,Rishikesh,Yamunotri,Gangotri,Kedarnath,Badrinath and Hemkund Saheb.
Nature Lovers:   Valley of Flowers.
Adventures Seekers: Skiing & Auli , Water Sports and Trekking.

WILDLIFE: Uttaranchal has exotic wildlife , bird life and plant life exixting in the environs of Garhwal and Kumaon regions.

CORBETT NATIONAL PARK: Along the banks of the Ramganga river , Corbett National park is just 300 km northeast of Delhi. India’s first & finest national park. Spread over 520 sq. km – It was constituted din 1935 and later named after Jim Corbett. Jim was one of the greatest hunters of the past century who later become the pioneer conservationist & protector of wildlife. Most of his hunting life, he lived in Kaladhungi, on the edge of the forest.

The park offers different kinds of vegetation all along its varied topography which comprises hilly and riparian areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines.

With elevation in the park ranging from 400 m-1210 m , both animals of Himalayas and those of peninsular India can be sighted. Over 50 mammals and 25 reptile species have been recorded at Jim Corbett Park. The Park is home to predators like Tiger, Leopard, diverse species of Cats, Wild. Dog, Antelops like Nilgai and Ghoral, varities of Deer- hog Deer, Sambhar, Chital, Barking Deer, the primates- Rhesus & Langur and other animals like jackals, Foxes, Civets, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Black Bear and a range of reptiles including Cobra, Python and two species of Crocodile.

Corbett is a marvellous location for bird watchers also. More than 580 species of birds have been sighted in the park, these include Water Fowl, Woodpecker, harriers and Kites, Peafowl, Kalij Pheasant, Red Jungle Fowl, Minivets, Shrikes, Cuckoos, Drongos and Barbets.

The dam at Kalagarh attracts diverse species of water birds –both local and migratory.

At the heart of the core area – Dhikala is located at the edge of a grassy plateau high above the Ramganga reservoir. There are viewing towers as well as elephant rides for visitors, morning and evening.

The best time for wildlife viewing is March-April when due to change in weather a lot of movement takes place.

RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK: On the edge of the Dehradun valley is the Rajaji National Park. Established in 1966 – is spread over an area of 820 sq. km. This National Park is amalgamation of three sanctuaries in Dehradun Shivalik, Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla into a large protected area in the year 1983. It represents vegetation of several distinct zones and forests, scrubland and grassy pasture lands. The wildlife here includes as many as 23 species of animals and 315 avifauna species.

It is the northwestern most habitat of the Asian Elephant, lying between the lower Himalayas and the upper Gangetic plains. One may watch a herd of elephants roaming majestically in the jungle or even a tiger picking its way through the tall grass or may find oneself excited by wildlife of many kinds including Sambhar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Leopard, Cat, Sloth Bear, Langoor, Ghoral, Monitor Lizard, Python and even King Cobra and a vast variety of winged delights; peafowl, jungle fowl, Kaleej pheasant, Hornbill, Woodpecker, Thrushes, Kingfisher, Parakeets, Warbler, Barbet, Finch, Indian Roller and the list go on.

NANDA DEVI NATIONAL PARK: This park is a world heritage site- situated in Chamoli district. Spread over on area of 630 sq. km – the park is established in 1980, just next to the second highest mountain in India i.e. Nanda Devi(7816m)

The area is inaccessible in the absence of roads. No regular path exists. Fauna includes Snow Leopards, Himalayan Bear, Musk Deer , Bharal, Him, Thar and many species in Pheasant.

KEDARNATH SANCTUARY: The sprawling Kedarnath Sanctuary in the district of Chamoli. The approach road starts from Haridwar-Rudraprayag and then leads to Sonprayag and Ukhimath which is 226 km away. In the wilderness of this sanctuary animals like Panther, Musk Deer, Black and Brown Himalayan Bear, Sambhar, Scrow, Thar, Ghoral and Monal pheasant can be seen along with many species of birds.

The best season to visit is from April to June and again from September to November.

GOVIND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY & NATIONAL PARK: It is established in 1955 and spreads over an area of 958 sq. km with altitude ranging from 1300m – 6315m. The average precipitation varies from 1000-1500mm, most of which occurs as monsoon rains(July-Sept.)

The entire area of the sanctuary is subjected to light-heavy snowfall in the winter. The Sanctuary forms the upper catchment of Tons river which is the most important tributary of river Yamuna in the upper reaches. The area is very rich in medical plants may of which form the bases for certain life saving drugs.    

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