Also referred to as “Devbhumi” or the Land of Gods, Uttarakhand is popular for its peaceful landscapes and spiritual sanctuaries. Rishikesh’s yoga and adventure sports attract travellers, but the state’s true beauty lies in its expansive, untamed wilderness. A universe of dense green forests, thundering rivers and a variety of wildlife exists beyond the ashrams and temples, providing an untainted experience of the Himalayas.

In this article, witness the amazing wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that earn Uttarakhand the reputation of a nature lovers' paradise.

Uttarakhand’s Wildlife: The Call of The Wild

The state’s diverse terrain, including the high mountain peaks and foothills of the Himalayas, has nurtured the vastness of the ecosystem. Due to its variety, Uttarakhand supports a staggering diversity of flora and fauna and therefore it is a valuable hotspot for biodiversity. Uttarakhand’s wildlife and its rare snow leopard and gorgeous Bengal tiger are a testament to its rich ecological significance.

Jim Corbett National Park:

• Travelling to Jim Corbett National Park is the most famous national park, which anyone must explore during their Uttarakhand tours. Originally formed in 1936 as Hailey National Park and subsequently renamed after the celebrated hunter-turned conservationist Jim Corbett, the park covers 520 sq kms of diverse landscape.
• Corbett is amongst the greatest places in India to catch a glimpse of this incredible fauna due to its dense forests and grasslands.
• While tigers are the star highlight of Jim Corbett National Park also boasts a rich diversity of other animals, including sloth bears, elephants, leopards, spotted and sambar deep, wild boars and other fauna or bird species.
• Corbett has several safari options allowing travellers to explore different sections of the park, like car safaris, elephant safaris, and canter safaris.

 

Other Wildlife Destinations in Uttarakhand:

• Rajaji National Park is famous for its interesting birdlife and elephant herd, located on the slope of Shivalik. The park’s varied topography, ranging from riverine habitats to grasslands and forests, contains an interesting variety of vegetation and fauna.
• The mountain range of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is popular for its unspoiled scenery and unique fauna. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to rare species like the Himalayan tahr, Himalayan musk deer and snow leopard.
• Himalayan black bears, brown bears, and snow leopards are just a few of the various species that inhabit in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary is renowned for its glaciers, and alpine meadows.
• Besides offering a chance to witness the region’s unique flora and fauna, Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary in Pithoragarh district is dedicated to conservation.
• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is near Almora, inhabited by a variety of bird and mammal species and offers stunning views of the Himalayan ranges.
• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the famous Kedarnath Temple. The Himalayan Thar, Himalayan Musk Deer, and other high-altitude animals.

 

Tips to plan your wilderness adventure:

• Best time to explore: October to June is the dry season to pay a visit to Uttarakhand’s wildlife reserves. Each season in Uttarakhand has something unique to offer.
• Booking and permits: National parks and wildlife reserves need permits to be accessed. Reservations for safari and accommodation should be booked well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Essentials: Pack your bags suitable for the conditions, including waterproofs, insulating layers and solid shoes.
• Travel arrangements: Uttarakhand is well connected by trains and road. Dehradun airport is the nearest.

 

Summing up:

The natural landscape of Uttarakhand is the paradise of adventurers, nature lovers and anyone who wants to find some relief from the stress of a modern lifestyle. You can experience the rawness of the Himalayas and contribute to maintaining the invaluable natural heritage by venturing off the beaten tracks and tracking the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of the state. A fantastic journey into the depths of Uttarakhand’s wilderness is assured by the temptation of the wild.