Heaven for the wildlife enthusiasts India is a land of the mighty tiger, the graceful peacock, the beautiful King Cobra and the great elephant. Blessed in terms of topography, location, climate and nature, India’s wildlife is comparable to the best in the world. Set apart for its rich bio – diversity, unique ecosystem and fascinating wildlife India features among the 12 mega diversity areas in the world. With almost 4% of its land under forests cover India is home to innumerable national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Being a large country the dark and dense wilderness of India which supports the other forms of life is thrilling for one and all. Be it the lofty Himalayan regions of north India, the semi arid desert regions of west India or the swampy wet regions of Eastern India, wildlife in India is specific and unique to its geographic area.
According to statistics currently India is home to about 390 species of mammals, 210 amphibians, 455 reptiles, 1,230 bird species and 30,000 species of insects. This makes India one of the richest country’s in terms of wildlife. As far as India’s plant life is concerned there are 1500 species of plants which are of different origins.
Famous for their captivating landscapes and varied flora and fauna the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India are built over large expanse of tropical greenery. The many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the country offer ample opportunities to explore the fascinating and extraordinary flora and fauna. Some of the wildlife sanctuaries provide shelter to the immigrated birds while others have animals strolling around. Each having its own charm the wildlife sanctuaries in India are simply irresistible for the wildlife treasurer.
Wildlife in North India
Naturally blessed this part of India is home to the vast Himalayas and the great Gangetic Plains. Due to its favorable climatic conditions and topographical diversity North India supports a rich mix of flora and fauna. North India provides shelter to some of the finest and the rarest wildlife and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the species unique to this part of the country are; bluesheep, Himalayan marmots, snow partridges, snow leopards, goats like ibex, Himalayan wolfs, makhor, etc. The list of most frequented wildlife sanctuaries in North India include; Corbett National Park, Ranthambore National Par and Bharatpur National Park.
for the wildlife enthusiasts the western part of India supports a prominent part of India’s wildlife. Supporting the growth of a distinct flora and fauna this part of India resides more than 40 mammals species and about 450 birds species. Blessed in terms of topography and climate West India is home to some of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in India. There are about 300 Asiatic Lions in the Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated in Gujarat. The other important wildlife sancturies in West India include; Dhangadhra Sanctuary the Velavadar National Park Marine National Park and Sanctuary and many more.
Wildlife sanctuaries in India
India is home to 88 national parks and about 450 wildlife sanctuaries. The many wildlife sanctuaries in India are blessed with a rich, diversified and unique flora and fauna. The National Parks in India showcase a variety of enchanting landscapes, uncommon birds, all kinds of shrubs, bushes, grasslands and trees and most importantly some of the finest and rarest endangered species. Be it the popular Asiatic Lion, the Royal Bengal Tiger the Flying Fox or the Nilgai you are sure to catch a glimpse of the most unique animals which are otherwise only heard off. A major attraction for tourists from all corners of the globe the wildlife sanctuaries in India are apt places for the ornithologists, wildlife photographers, researchers and simply the animal and plant lovers. In order to experience the exotic flora and fauna of the numerous wildlife sanctuaries in India you have to visit any of the few mentioned below.
Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
Jim Corbett National Park: Said to be India’s most beautiful wildlife sanctuary the Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand this National Park is spread over an area of 1318.54 sq. km. Home to a rich ecosystem the Jim Corbett National Park consists rolling grasslands interspersed with rivers and valleys. An ideal place for bird watchers and nature lovers this national park in North India is the residing place of the endangered Bengal Tiger. Consisting of a diversified flora and fauna this sanctuary in India is home to about 500 different species of plants, 600 species of birds and a number of animals which includes , gharial, elephant, chital, sambar, wild boar , King Cobra, Indian Pangolin nilgai, muntjac, , common musk shrew, and the flying fox.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in the mighty Western Ghats the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is said to be heaven for the nature lovers. Set amidst the picturesque surroundings and vast tracts of lush greeneries of Kerala this wildlife sanctuary in South India is the adobe of some of the rarest endangered species in the country. Beautiful as it is this wildlife sanctuary offers enthralling views of nature and includes a host of wildlife attractions like Barking Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog, Deer, Mouse and very rarely, a Tiger. There are also a number of birds that inhabit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which include Darters, Kingfishers, Cormorants and the Malabar Hornbill.
Gir National Park: Spread over an area of 1412 sq km the Gir National Park lies in the Gujarat Peninsular region of India. Known to be the last habitat of the world renowned Asiatic Lion, this wildlife sanctuary in western India is every nature lovers dream. Consisting of a seamless blend of valleys, rivers, dense deciduous forests and swampy grasslands this national park is considered as one of the top wildlife habitats in the country. Mostly known for its Asiatic Lions this wildlife sanctuary is also famous for species like; Grey Musk Shrew, Flying Foe, Hare, Hedgehog, Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Ratel, Porcupine, Fox and Jackal. The peafowl is the most important bird found here.
Sunderbans National Park: Synonymous with wildlife and wildlife sanctuaries in India the Sunderbans National Park is the undisputed gem in the crown of the eastern part of India. It is situated in the world's largest Delta this wildlife sanctuary in India spreads over an area of 4264 square km of impenetrable mangrove forests. Bestowed with the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site the Sunderbans in Eastern India is known to be the largest tiger reserve in the country. Idyllic for bird gazers and nature lovers the Sunderbans is home to species a multitude of species apart from the Royal Bengal Tiger like; Jungle Cat, Flying Fox, Chital, Wild boar and Pangolin.
Ranthambore National Park: When talking about National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India the Ranthambore National Park needs a definite mention. Ranked as one of the largest and most reputed national park in North India this wildlife sanctuary is situated in Rajasthan. Said to be the once famous hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur this National Park is sprawled over 1,334 sq km of terrain. Offering a gamut of flora and fauna this national park is home to species such as the sambar, hyena, sloth bear, leopard, nilgai, dhole and lots more.
Last Updated on 02 February 2011
