Subhasis Banerjee

SATKOSIHA GORGE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY In the Dhenkanal district of Odisha in the Eastern Ghats, spreading along a long river gorge created by River Mahanadi lies 400 sq km of deciduous forests of the Satkoshia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary. The water of the river here is notoriously infested with Crocodiles. The representative fauna of the sanctuary includes Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Wild Boar, Common Langur, Squirrel, Chital and Chinkara. Accessibility : 124kms from Cuttack, the sanctuary is approached by road via Angul. Cuttack , lying on the major Kolkata-Chennai rail route, is the nearest railway station to the sanctuary. Cuttack is also well connected by road. Accommodation : There are Forest Rest Houses inside the sanctuary and tented accommodation outside. Season : November to June.

BHITARKANIKA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This 650 sq km of pristine mangrove is predominantly an Olive Ridley Turtle preserve. These turtles flock in thousands from distant countries, even South America, to lay and hatch their eggs on the pristine Ekakula beach of the Gahirmata Island in the eastern fringes of the sanctuary. They start coming here from November and moves away with their offspring by April. The sanctuary spreads over the confluence of the Brahmini and the Baitarani rivers, continuing up to their estuary in the Bay of Bengal, housing around 62 out of the 70 species of mangrove found in the world. The waters of the two rivers are replete with Crocodiles, attributing to a breeding centre inside the sanctuary. A strong birdlife of over 170 species also inhabits the sanctuary. The sanctuary can be traversed only by motor boats. Accessibility : Lying on the major Kolkata-Chennai rail route, Bhadrak is the nearest railway station to the sanctuary. A 50kms drive south-east from Bhadr...

JESSORE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Lying in the Gujrat – Rajasthan border, this dry deciduous forest is basically a Sloth Bear preserve. Other interesting wildlife of the sanctuary includes Leopard, Jackal and Nilgai. Accessibility : About 125kms drive, north of Ahmedabad, reaches one at Palanpur, the nearest town of the Park, which is another 28kms away. Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses are available inside the Park. Season : November to March.

DHANGDHARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This sanctuary, situated on the Indo-Pakistan border on the Little Rann-of-Kutch, sprawls over an area of 4840 sq km and is the only home of the Asiatic Wild Ass, a highly endangered species with a scanty population of only 250 at present. Other major wildlife found in the sanctuary includes Chinkara, Black Buck, Jackal, Wolf and Desert Cat. In the winter, the sanctuary is crowded with thousands of Flamingos. Accessibility : Dhangdhara is135kms from Ahmedabad on the Ahmedabad – Gandhidham rail route. Accommodation : There is no accommodation inside or outside the Park. Only day visit to the Park is recommended. Season : October to February.

Chambal A huge wildlife sanctuary of 3,902sq kms in the Chambal valley, it abounds in wildlife. With a typical central Indian terrain covered with mixed deciduous forests and large grasslands, the Park extends into the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The sanctuary houses a major Gharial Sanctuary and Breeding Centre inside. Fauna of the sanctuary includes Tiger, Leopard, Panther, Dhole, Hyena, Jackal, Indian Wolf, Caracal, Chital, Gaur, Barking Deer and Indian Wild Buffalo. The sanctuary is also very rich in avifauna. Accessibility : 65kms from Gwalior, the sanctuary is accessible by road. Gwalior , on the other hand, is very well connected by air, rail and road, which is only 64kms south of Agra and 275kms south of Delhi . Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses are available inside the Park. There are also a number of standard and luxury Hotels in Gwalior . Season : November to June.

THATTEKAD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This acclaimed sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the world renowned ornithologist, whose efforts were instrumental in its formation. Home to over 500 species of exotic birds amongst dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and scattered grasslands in the Ernakulam district of central Kerala, this 25 sq km bird sanctuary lies between two tributaries of the Periyar River. Vegetation of the sanctuary is mainly Teak, Rosewood and Mahogany. The avifauna of the sanctuary includes Crimson Throated Barbet, White Breasted Water Hen, Bee Eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black Winged Kite, Night Heron, Falcon, Grey Jungle Fowl, Hornbill , Ceylon Frog Moth, Rose-Billed Roller and Blue Winged Parakeet. The sanctuary also supports a huge variety of reptiles along with Elephant, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Dhole, Bison, Sambar and Wild Boar. Accessibility : At a distance of 71kms northeast of Kochi, the sanctuary is approached by road. Accommodation : There a...

PEPPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Located on the Thiruvantapuram-Ponmudi road around the picturesque Neyyar Dam, the sanctuary is a natural home of many rare medicinal herbs and plants. The resident fauna of the sanctuary includes Elephant, Tiger, Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar, Porcupine and a variety of snakes. A Crocodile Breeding Centre and a Lion Safari also form parts of the sanctuary. Accessibility : A 52kms drive from Thiruvantapuram takes one to this verdant sanctuary. One can also day-visit the sanctuary from Thiruvantapuram. Accommodation : Government Guest Houses and Tourist Lodge afford good accommodation. Season : November to June.

PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Nestled between the Annamalai Range of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy Range of Kerala, this wildlife sanctuary is an oasis of tranquil greenery, spreading over an area of 287 sq km of Teak, Neem, Rosewood and Sandalwood trees on the Western Ghats. Home to the ancient human tribes of the Malayas , Kadas and Muthuvans of Kerala, this sanctuary also boasts of a good population of Tiger, Leopard, Wild Boar, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Lion Tailed Macaque, a variety of Deer and poisonous snakes like Spectacled Cobra, Krait and Viper. The birdlife of the sanctuary is equally interesting. Their population includes Darter, Hornbill, Heron, Little Cormorant and Black Eagle. Accessibility : The sanctuary is best accessed by road from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu via Pollachi. Pollachi is about 65kms from the sanctuary and Coimbatore is another 40kms away and is very well connected by air, rail and road. Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses are available...

MUTHANGA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Situated in the Wayanad district of north Kerala, this sanctuary is an extension of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Nagarhole National Park . Spread over an area of nearly 348sq kms of typical south Indian moist deciduous and west coast semi-evergreen forests, this sanctuary is an ideal destination to watch herds of wild Elephants, preserved and bred under the Project Elephant Programme. Other major residents of the sanctuary include Tigers, various species of Monkey, Deer and birds. Accessibility : A 113kms drive from Kozhikode via Sultan Battery takes one to this sanctuary in the Wayanad district of north Kerala. Sultan Battery is only 15kms away from the sanctuary. Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses are available inside the sanctuary. Government Rest Houses and Hotels and Resorts at Sultan Battery also offer excellent accommodation. Season : November to June.  

IDUKKI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Lying adjacent to the world renowned 17 th century Idukki Earthen Arch Dam in the Idukki district of central Kerala, this sanctuary consists of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests with interspersed grassy patches. Fauna of the Park includes Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Indian Wild Dog, Elephant, Wild Boar, Sambar and a wide variety of snakes such as Cobra, Viper and Krait. Avifauna includes Jungle Fowl, Myena, Laughing Thrush, Black Bulbul, Peafowl, Woodpecker and Kingfisher. Accessibility : With a 100kms drive west from Kochi, one reaches the sanctuary. Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses are available inside the sanctuary and Government Rest Houses outside. Season : November to June.

ERAVIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Famous for being the home of the highly endangered south Indian mountain goat called Nilgiri Tahr and Atlas Moth, the largest moth specie in the world, the sanctuary is a picture of striking beauty of rolling grasslands and forested Rajamalai Hills, covering 97 sq km with rich and rare flora and fauna. The habitant population of the Park also include Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Langur and Lion Tailed Macaque. The towering Annamudi Peak (2696 meters), the highest peak south of the Himalayas , stands inside the sanctuary. Accessibility : Only 15kms by road from Munnar. Accommodation : Standard and deluxe Hotels in Munnar affords accommodation. Season : November to June.

DARANGHATI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Set up in 1974 AD over a sprawling 167 sq km of celestial environment, the virgin and tranquil forests of the Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary have a classic collection of Monal, Kaleej and Koklas Pheasants. The animals of the sanctuary include Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Civet, Goral and Musk Deer. Accessibility : An awe-inspiring 160kms drive in the northeast from Shimla towards Rampur reaches one to this sanctuary. Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses inside the Park provide accommodation to the visitors. Season : April to July and September to October.

CHAIL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY In close vicinity of the popular hill station of Shimla lies the picturesque forested hills of Chail, the erstwhile royal hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Patiala. Only 3kms away, Chail also houses the highest cricket ground in the world. A watchtower overlooks a salt lick in this immaculate forest resort of Deodar and Oak. Visitors to this place enjoy an excellent aerial view of the sanctuary from this tower and watches wildlife at dawn and dusk. The residents of the Park include Leopard, Sambar, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar and a great variety of avian species. Accessibility : A 45kms drive from Shimla takes one to Chail. Shimla is well connected by rail and road. The 94kms toy train journey from Kalka railway station is an awful experience. Shimala is also connected by road from Kalka as well as Chandigarh , the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, which is 117kms away.   Accommodation : Tourist Lodge, Deluxe and Standard Hotels afford...

PHULIBAJE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This small 9 sq km sanctuary is famous for its population of a variety of Tragopan and Kaleej Pheasant. The moist deciduous forests of the sanctuary harbour a number of wildlife species such as Muntjac, Mithun, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear and Goral. The sanctuary also receives almost 2000mm of rainfall per annum. Accessibility : Only 2kms from Kohima, the capital of the state, the sanctuary is approached by road. Kohima is situated 74kms southeast of Dimapur and is well connected by road. Accommodation : Tourist Lodge, Circuit House and a number of standard Hotels provides accommodation in Kohima. Season : October to April.

PHAMIK WILDLIFE SANCTUARY A small yet attractive sanctuary of Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Soft Ground Barsingha, Hog Deer, Muntjac, Mithun, Hoolok Gibbon and a large variety of Himalayan birds amidst the spellbinding natural beauty of the Eastern Himalayas, this 16 sq km of moist deciduous forests also receives almost 2000mm of rainfall annually. Accessibility : At a distance of 300kms from Dimapur on the Indo-Myanmar border, this Park is approached by road. Accommodation : Government Guest Houses provide accommodation outside the Park. Season : October to April.

INTAKI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This wildlife sanctuary receives very heavy rainfall and boasts of a very thick canopy of trees and heavy undergrowth. It combines remarkably virgin forests and magnificent scenic beauty. The teeming wildlife of the sanctuary comprises of Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Sloth Bear, Baboon, Hoolok Gibbon, Flying Squirrel and Wild Boar. The avifauna consists of Owl, Eagle, and a variety of exotic Himalayan birds and Pheasants. Accessibility : The sanctuary is only 39kms drive from Dimapur. Dimapur is very well connected by air and road. Accommodation : There is a Forest Rest House inside the sanctuary. One can also stay in the Tourist Lodge, Circuit House or standard Hotels in Dimapur. Season : October to April.

MANAS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Where the foothills of the Himalayas meet the plains at an altitude of 70meters above sea level on the Indo-Bhutan border, there rests one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuary and Tiger Reserve of India – Manas.   The River Manas flows through the sanctuary with a number of other small rivers, thus rendering the name. Spread over an area of 2780 sq kms including the buffer area, the deciduous forest is intermingled with big patches of grassland and bamboo thickets. The fauna of the Park includes Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Elephant, Bison, Wild Boar, Hispid Hare, One-Horned Rhino, Sambar, Chital, Pigmy Hog, Mouse Deer, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Hoary Bellied Squirrel, Binturong, Assamese Macaque, Otter, Golden Langoor, Slow Loris and Hoolock Gibbon. Grey Goose, Giant Hornbill, Cormorant, Rudy Shelduck, Serpent Eagle, Tit, Mallard, Merlin, Lorikeet, Bengal Florican, Pheasant, Jungle Fowl, Scarlet Minivet, Egret, Heron, Merganser and Brahminy Duck c...

GARMANI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This small sanctuary, spreading between the Rengma and Naga Hills , was formed in 1952 AD. The sanctuary houses predators like Tiger and Leopard and cervidae like Chital, Chinkara and Hog Deer along with Elephant. Accessibility : The sanctuary is approached by a 72kms road journey from Jorhat, which is well connected by air, rail and road. Accommodation : Visitors can stay in the Forest Rest House inside the sanctuary. Government Rest Houses and Hotels are also available in Jorhat. Season : November to April.

BARNADI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This 26 sq km of picturesque grassland with dense forest patches amidst sublime natural environment was declared a sanctuary mainly to save the highly endangered Hispid Hare and Pigmy Hog. Other inmates of the forest are Leopard and Elephant. The tranquil setting of the Park is excellent for a laid-back sojourn. Accessibility : 140kms from Guwahati, the capital of the state, the Park is approachable by road. Guwahati is well connected by road, rail and air. Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses available inside the Park. Season : November to April.

PAKHNI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY In the picturesque East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, the Pakhni Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over the rolling Dafla Hills covering an area of 862 sq kms of mixed deciduous forests. At places, the forest is so dense that even at the peak of the day light does not reach the ground resulting in heavy undergrowth. Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Slow Loris and a wide variety of colourful birds constitute the population of the sanctuary. Strategically placed watchtowers within the sanctuary make game watching easy. Accessibility : The Park is approached by road, which is 65kms away from Tejpur in Assam. Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses are available for stay inside the sanctuary. Season : November to March.