Govind Pashu Vihar

Monal Pheasant

Musk Deer

Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary was established initially as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955. Situated in the Uttarkashi district In the Indian state of Uttarakhand the park lies in the higher reaches of Garhwal Himalayas. The total area of Govind Pashu Vihar National Park/Sanctuary is 958 sq km (370 sq mt). The Snow Leopard Project started by the Government of India is being managed at this sanctuary. Also, it is home to the last breed of Bearded Vulture a vital ecological catalyst. Nearest town from the park is Dharkadhi 17 km (11 mt) from the park. The nearest airport and railway station are in Dehra dun at a distance of 190 km (120 mt).

The altitude in the park ranges from 1,400 to 6,323 metres (4,600 to 20,745 ft) above sea level. Within the park is the Har-ki-dun valley which is a known spot for trekking, while the Ruinsiyara high altitude lake is also popular as a tourist destination. The Har-ki-dun Forest Rest House is known for its location amidst a valley of wild flowers. The forest rest houses of Naitwar, Taluka and Osla are en route to Hari-ki-dun and attract large number of tourists.

Wildlife:
Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Serow, Snow Leopard, Indian Porcupine, Common Otter, Goral, Civet, Hedgehog, Himalayan Rat, Cuckoos, Hodgson's Fly Squirrel, Wild Boar, Monal Pheasant, Koklas Pheasant, Himalayan Palm, Western Tragopan, Himalayan Snow Cock, Golden Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Black Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Parakeets, Minivets, Tits, Warblers, Thrushes, Sikkim Vole, Finches, and Buntings are some of the wild animals in the park.

Valley of Flowers National Park

The stunning landscape of The Valley of Flowers National Park in northern India's state of Uttarakhand, bordered by Nepal and Tibet, comes alive with the monsoon rain. This high-altitude Himalayan valley has around 300 different varieties of alpine flowers, which appear as a bright carpet of color against a mountainous snow-capped background.

The park is spread over 87.5 square kilometers (55 miles), and was declared a national park in 1982. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main Valley of Flowers is a glacial corridor, around five kilometers (3.1 miles) long and two kilometers (1.2 miles) wide.

The Valley of Flowers Location: The Valley of Flowers National Park is located in Chamoli Garhwal, close to Nanda Devi National Park. It’s about 595 kilometers (370 miles) from Delhi, and has an altitude that varies from 10,500 feet to 21,900 feet above sea level.

Getting to the Valley of Flowers: The nearest airport is at Dehradun which is 295 kilometers and the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh which is 276 kilometers from there. The closest you can get to The Valley of Flowers by road is Govind Ghat. This requires around a 10 hour drive to Joshimath, then another one hour to Govind Ghat. From Govind Ghat it’s a 13 kilometer (8 mile) trek along a steep, narrow, but well defined mountain trail to base camp at Ghangaria. This will take between 4 to 8 hours, depending on your fitness! The start of the main valley, where all the flowers are, is a further 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Ghangaria.

When to Visit the Valley of Flowers: The Valley of Flowers is only open from the beginning of June until the end of September as it's covered in snow the rest of the year. The best time to visit is from mid of July to mid of August, when the flowers are in full bloom after the first monsoon rain. If you go before July, you’ll find hardly any flowers at all. However, you will be able to see melting glaciers. After mid of August, the color of the Valley changes quite dramatically from greenish to yellowish, and the flowers slowly die.

In regards to the weather, temperatures get quite cold at night and in the early morning.

Valley of Flowers Opening Hours: To prevent trekkers and livestock from taking too much of a toll on the park, access to The Valley of Flowers is restricted to daylight hours (from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and camping is prohibited. The last entry to the park is at 3 p.m. You’ll need to go from, and return to, Ghangaria on the same day. 

Wildlie Tourism- National Parks & Sanctuaries of Uttarakhand

With sixty three percent of the state area under forest cover, Uttaranchal is the obvious destination when it comes to wildlife tourism. Rich, diversified flora and fauna mark the land which has been so blessed by mother nature. What is so special and unique about Uttaranchal wildlife tourism is that along with wildlife, it offers much more. It is a destination packed with the thrill of being in the untouched raw forest lands, where you would feel like as if the place has never been visited before. As you trek in the forests looking for animal trails, the feeling of being adventurous won't be missed. Miles and miles of lush green forests, hills after hills carpeted in green, early morning mist and the air so pure that you just can't seem to have enough of it, all this comes complimentary with the wildlife tours.

1- Jim Corbett National Park

Named after the hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment—is the oldest national park in India. The park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. Situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhand the park acts as a protected area for the critically endangered Bengal tiger of India, the secure survival of which is the main objective of Project Tiger, an Indian wildlife protection initiative.

The park has sub-Himalayan belt geographical and ecological characteristics. An ecotourism destination, it contains 488 different species of plants and a diverse variety of fauna. The increase in tourist activities, among other problems, continues to present a serious challenge to the park's ecological balance.

Corbett has been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers for a long time. Tourism activity is only allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its splendid landscape and the diverse wildlife. In recent years the number of people coming here has increased dramatically. Presently, every season more than 70,000 visitors come to the park from India and other countries.

The Jim Corbett National Park is a haven for the adventure seekers and wildlife adventure lovers alike. Corbett National Park is India's first national park which comprises 520.8 km². area of hills, riverine belts, marshy depressions, grass lands and large lake. The elevation ranges from 1,300 feet (400 m) to 4,000 feet (1,200 m). Winter nights in Corbett national park are cold but the days are bright and sunny. It rains from July to September.

Dense moist deciduous forest mainly consists of sal, haldu, pipal, rohini and mango trees, and these trees cover almost 73 per cent of the park. The 10 per cent of the area consists of grasslands.It houses around 110 tree species, 50 species of mammals, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. The endangered Bengal tiger of India resides here. The sanctuary was the first to come under Project Tiger initiative.

Flora

A total of more than 450 different species of plants have been recorded in the park. Tree density inside the reserve is higher in the areas of Sal forests and lowest in the Anogeissus- Acacia catechu forests. Total tree basal cover is greater in Sal dominated areas of woody vegetation.Healthy regeneration in sapling and seedling layers is occurring in the Mallotus philippensis, Jamun and Diospyros tomentosa communities, but in the Sal forests the regeneration of sapling and seedling is poor.

Fauna

Over 585 species of resident and migratory birds have been categorized, including the crested serpent eagle, blossom-headed parakeet and the red junglefowl — ancestor of all domestic fowl. 33 species of reptiles, seven species of amphibians, seven species of fish and 37 species of dragonflies have also been recorded.

Bengal tigers, although plentiful, are not easily spotted due to the abundance of camouflage in the reserve. Thick jungle, the Ramganga river, and plentiful prey make this reserve an ideal habitat for tigers who are opportunistic feeders and prey upon a range of animals. The tigers in the park have been known to kill much larger animals such as buffalo and even elephant for food. The tigers prey upon the larger animals in rare cases of food shortage. There have been incidents of tigers attacking domestic animals in times when there is a shortage of prey.

Leopards are found in hilly areas but may also venture into the low land jungles. Smaller felines in the park include the jungle cat, fishing cat and leopard cat. Other mammals include four kinds of deer (barking,sambar, hog and chital), Sloth and Himalayan Black bears, Indian Grey Mongoose, otters, yellow-throated martens, ghoral (goat-antelopes), Indian pangolins, and langur and rhesus monkeys. Owls and Nightjars can be heard during the night.

In the summer, elephants can be seen in herds of several hundred. The Indian python found in the reserve is a dangerous species, capable of killing a chital deer. Local crocodiles were saved from extinction by captive breeding programs that subsequently released crocodiles into the Ramganga river.

Location: Corbett National Park is situated in Ramnagar in the district of Nainital, Uttarakhand.

Area: 521 km²

Route: The town of Ramnagar is the headquarters of Corbett Tiger Reserve. There are overnight trains available from Delhi to Ramnagar. Also, there are trains from Varanasi via Lucknow to Ramnagar. Reaching Ramnagar, one can hire a taxi to reach the park and Dhikala.

Ramnagar is also well connected by road with Lucknow, Nainital, Ranikhet, Haridwar, Dehradun and New Delhi. One can also drive from Delhi (295 km) via Gajraula, Moradabad, Kashipur to reach Ramnagar. A direct train to Ramnagar runs from New Delhi. Alternatively, one can come up to Haldwani/ Kashipur/ Kathgodam and come to Ramnagar by road.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-November to Mid-June.

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2- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful, quiet and wild Himalayan destination with rich natural surroundings among dense forest. Binsar is perched on top of the Jhandi Dhar hills. This place is situated 33 km north of the Almora town in the Uttarakhand state of India.

From Binsar one can see the 300 km panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath Peak, Shivling, Trisul and majestic Nanda Devi from a place called 'Zero Point'.

Binsar Hills known and Jhandi Dhar, rise to a height of 2412 mts and offer an excellent view of Almora town, Kumaon hills and the greater Himalayan valley. The surroundings abound in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and species of wild flowers. The chief attraction of Binsar is the majestic view of the Himalayas - a 300 km, stretch on famous peaks which includes Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, nanda Kot and Panchchuli.

Binsar was the summer capital of the Chand Kings, who ruled over Kumaon, from 11th to 18th centuries AD. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1988, for the conservation and protection of the shrinking broad leaf oak (Quercus) forests of the Central Himalayan region, and it inhabits 200 bird species.

Binsar is the epitome of serenity and tranquillity with perched on top of a hill with a spectacular view of the snow capped peaks and the Almora valley. Surrounded by abundant garlands of alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and many other species of wild flowers, tourist can feel close to heaven.

Flora

The place has Pine forest at the lower level and Oak and Rhododendron at the higher altitude. This place is abundant in alpine flora, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, hanging mosses and many other species of wild flowers. Other main plants of this sanctuary are Kaphal (Myrica esculenta) , Pinus roxburghii, Engelhardtia spiicata, Macaranga pustulata, Quercus gloca, Quercus incana, Quercus leucotricophora(Banjh), Quercus semicarpifolia, Quercus dilatata, Cedrus deodara, Alnus napalensis, Aesculus indica, Pinus wallichiana , Quercus lanuginosa and Quercus floribunda, etc.

Fauna

These includes leopard (Panthera Pardus), Nemorhaedus goral (goral), Chital (Axis axis), Musk deer , Serow (Capricornis sumatiensis) ,Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Sus scrofa, Black Bear, pine marten,Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Langur (Presbytis entellus), monkey (Macaca mulatta),Porcupine, Flying Squirrel (Petaurista petaurista),Barking Deer(Muntiacus muntjak), amongst others. It has been declared an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International with over 200 species including Tits, Forktail, Nuthatches, Blackbirds, Parakeets, Laughing thrush, Magpies, Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelana), Monal, Koklas , eagles, Woodpeckers and a range of others. Binsar is also home to many reptiles and innumerable invertebrates including a wide range of Butterflies.

Location

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is located 35 km from Almora in the state of Uttaranchal.

Area: 47.04 km².

Route: It’s half an hour journey from Almora.Kathgodam is the nearest railhead, almost 126 km from Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. One can board the overnight train Ranikhet Express from Old Delhi railway station to reach Kathgodam. There are taxis available from Kathgodam to reach Binasar.

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3- Rajaji National Park

The park has been created in 1983 by amalgamation of three sanctuaries- Rajaji sanctuary(estd. 1948) Motichur sanctuary (estd. 1964) and Chilla sanctuary(estd. 1977) after the name of renowned statesman and freedom fighter Sri C. Rajgopalachariya - The first and last Governor General of independent India popularly known as "Rajaji". The park is spread over an area of 820.42 sq. km. in three Districts- Dehradun, Haridwar & Pauri Garhwal of Uttaranchal State, India.

The Park has got the largest area representing Shiwalik Eco-system. The Shivalik trail is 10 million year old and very rich in fossils. It's fossils faunal remains include about 50 species of elephant, one of them is present today. The majestic Ganges flows through the National Park for a distance of 24km, besides the innumerable streams and brooks making it rich and diverse. It offers ample opportunities to nature lovers to enjoy the captivating landscape and wildlife.                                                                                               

Rajaji is thickly foliated predominantly by the Rajaji is thickly foliated predominantly by the Sal Forest and a number of other forest types which include the Western Gangetic Moist and Northern dry Deciduous and Khair-Sissoo forests. Low Alluvial Savannah Woodlands cover the drier southern margins of the park, in contrast to the Shiwalik Chir-Pine on the high reaches of the hills.

The park is home to the Tiger, Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Cheetal, hog deer, barking deer, Sambar deer, wild boar, antelopes such as the Nilgai, Goral , Jackal, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Civets, Himalayan Yellow-Throated Marten, Sloth Bears, Pythons, King Cobra, Common Krait, Indian Cobra and the Monitor Lizard and above all the Asian Elephant.

Wildlife Tourism- The Call of the Wild

 

Uttarakhand also treasures some of the most breathtaking destinations for Wildlife Tourism - presenting a perfect retreat for picnics and excursions. The snow-capped mountains, rolling meadows, high-altitude lakes and dense forests in the hills of Uttarakhand support exotic wildlife, bird life and plant life. These wonderful creations of nature add a dash of splendour to nature’s abundance that exists in the environs of the Uttarakhand. Some National Parks and Sanctuaries are created to preserve this gift of wildlife and enable visitors to have a privileged view of the same – Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Nanda Devi National Park, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. In the Wilderness of these Parks and Sanctuaries animals like tiger, elephant, leopard, leopard cats, jungle cats, fishing cats, snow leopard, snow cock, musk deer, chitals, barking deers, sambar, Himalayan black bears, brown bears, bharals, monals, crocodiles, gharials (descendants of the prehistoric reptiles) can be seen along with many species of birds, butterflies and snakes.

Uttarakhand- The Land of Gods

Uttarakhand became the 27th state of the Republic of India on 9th November 2000. The State came out of Uttar Pradesh. Demand for Uttarakhand was first made in 1930 at the Karachi session of INC. It occupies 17.3% of India's total land area with 51,125 sq km.

Uttarakhand is a place with great diversity of the region where snow-clad mountains, green hills, fertile valleys, flowing rivers and thriving lakes add to the natural beauty.

Uttarakhand is also known as the Land of the gods, there are several highly venerated pilgrimage places. The tourists must visit Kedarnath, Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Jageshwar, Bageshwar, Rishikesh and Haridwar for their religious importance on Uttarakhand Travel. Each hilltop or bent is known to have a temple, big or small, which are considered very sacred by the locals.

Its a region with several natural lakes, which are the center of attraction of the town and good for sporting activities. The popular hill stations of Uttarakhand are Almora, Bhimtal, Munsiyari, Mussorie, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Ranikhet, Chopta, Valley of Flowers, Joshimath and Lansdowne. For unlimited serenity and tranquility in pleasant pollution free environs, hill station on Uttarakhand Travel are ideal for vacations.

Uttarakhand is also ideal for several adventure sports activities because of its geographical attributes. The tourist here takes the maximum pleasure out of adventure sports like trekking, ice-skiing, white water rafting, sailing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, yachting, water-skiing and parasailing. To climb the big mountain stretch or to pass the dense jungles of the hills is in itself very exciting. The huge water-filled rivers and deep lakes are perfect for water sports.

People who come here also prefer to visit the abundant wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the state. Also dont miss the chance tovisit the Valley of Flower National Park, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuaries, Nanda Devi National Park, Govind National Park, Assan Barrage National Park, Rajaji National Park and Corbett National Park.

Capital	Dehradun (Interim)
High Court	Nainital
Longitude	77° 34' 27" E to 81° 02' 22" E
Latitude	28° 53' 24" N to 31° 27' 50" N
Total Area	53,484 sq. km.
Total Forest Area	34,434 sq. km.
Hilly Area	92.57%
Plains	7.43%

Districts: Uttarakhand has 13 districts: Almora, Nainital, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Udham Singh Nagar & Uttarkashi.

Languages Spoken: Langauges spoken here are Garhwali, Kumaoni, Jaunsari and Hindi.

Pilgrimage Sites: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Panchkedar, Panchbadri, Panchprayag, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Hemkund Sahib, Purnagiri, Chittai, Kaliyar Sharif, Nanakmatta Sahib, Rettha Sahib etc.

Tourist And Historical Places: Nainital, Mussoorie, Pauri, Almora, Ranikhet, Khirsu, Champawat, Dayara Bugyal, Auli, Khatling, Bedni Bugyal, Valley Of Flowers, Lansdowne, Lakhamandal, Paataal Bhuvaneshwar, Gangolihaat, Jauljivi, Kataarmal, Kausani, Jageshwar, Dwarahaat, Someshwar, Baijnath, Munsiyari etc.