Kaziranga National Park
Date of Inscription: 1985
The Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros calls it home. And this prehistoric species lives in harmony in the lush green surrounds of Kaziranga National Park . Nestled in the interiors of Assam the Park even houses sloth bears , tigers, elephants, panthers, hoolock gibbons, wild boars, jackals, porcupines, pythons, water buffaloes, Indian bison, swamp deer, sambar deers, hog deer and bears, and thousands of birds. Thousands of animals find solace and a place they could call home in this resplendent Park that remains undisturbed with the absence of humans. Spanning across 430 sq. kms the Park comes alive with elephant grass, marshland and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests that make the perfect habitat for over thousand species of mamals and birds that flock the Park every year.
The Kaziranga conservation story is one that has set benchmarks for others to follow. The nonpareil conservation model adopted by the team at Kaziranga has not only saved the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros but even successfully preserved the diverse biological heritage in and around the Park. All credits go to the committed and diligent team of people at Kaziranga who have selflessly worked towards creating a healthy habitat for varied species. The Park gallantly marches into its 100 th year with newer conservation modules, an enthusiastic team and obviously the varied animals that live in peace.
Keoladeo National Park
Date of Inscription: 1985
When the land was not tamed and the sun rose to its fullest the Bharatpur Maharaja's gratified themselves by hunting in these dense forests. Their meticulous hunts were hung on the walls and told stories of their valour. But times changed and the vast private hunting reserve was converted into a wondrous National Park back in the 19 th century.
Today the Keoladeo National Park is flocked by millions of visitors and ornithologists from various parts of the world. Also referred to as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary , the National Park is home to rare and varied species of birds from across the globe. The Park has winged visitors from Afghanistan , Turkmenistan , China and Siberia .
When in Keoladeo you could spot a Golden Jackal, Striped Hyaena, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Sambar, Blackbuck and wild Boar other than the birds. From all the 364 species of birds in the Park the Siberian crane is the star attraction.
As the Park is situated at the fringes of the Thar Desert the land is marshy and the climate is warm. And, these conditions make the perfect habitat for various birds. You could take a stroll down the Park or simply hire a rickshaw to soak in the splendid, eye-pleasing vistas. You could plan your trip somewhere around August-November to spot resident breeding birds and November-March for migrant birds.
Waterways: Bharatpur is well connected by road from Agra (56 km, 5 hours), Delhi (176 km, 5 hours) and Jaipur (176 km, 6 hours).
Railways: The Bharatpur railway station is 6 km from the park.
Roadways
Airways: You could take a flight from Agra , Delhi and Jaipur
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Date of Inscription: 1985
On the south of the Manas River is the vast Manas Wildlife Sanctuary that extends into Bhutan . This renowned tiger reserve is situated in the foothills of the Bhutanese Himalayas. Spreading across 2840 sq km the Sanctuary is home to around 20 highly endangered species that are under the process of conservation. When in the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary you are sure to spot a tiger, Golden Langur, Wild Buffalo, Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog, Capped Langur, Indian one-horned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Gaur, Hog Deer, etc
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
Date of Inscription: 1988
The English mountaineer Frank Smythe stumbled across the Bhyundar Valley to discover the wondrous display of flowers like none other. From orchids to anemones and alpines to poppies - the Valley of flowers has a plethora of flora. Dominated by the peak of Nanda Devi , which rises to over 7,800 m, Nanda Devi National Park has remained more or less intact because of its inaccessibility. If you are lucky enough you could spot a snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer or bharal wandering in the valley. The wild life and varied flora are the fancy of by mountaineers and botanists the world over. The Valley is the most attractive site that adorns the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya.
The number of plant species is internationally threatened, several have not been recorded from elsewhere in Uttaranchal and two have not been recorded in Nanda Devi National Park . The diversity of threatened species of medicinal plants is higher than has been recorded in other Indian Himalayan protected areas. And, that is where it got its tag as a World Heritage Site.
The best time to visit this place is from June to September as the Valley is covered with snow for the remaining months.
Sundarbans National Park
Date of Inscription: 1987
Mangrove swamps, lush forested islands and small rivers nearby make up the vast landscape of the Sundarbans National Park . Located in the Ganga Delta ni west Bengal the Sundarbans has the perfect ecosystem that suits various animals. This National Park is proudly the home of more than 400 Royal Bengal Tigers. The National Park also runs a programme for Olive Ridley Turtles that are on the brink of extinction. And if you want to get a glimpse of dolphins or crocodiles, the Raimgangal river has a plenty of them.
If you are planning a trip to the magnificent Sunderbans you could take a flight to Dum Dum Airport , Kolkata. You could always book a room at the forest lodges or forest rest houses in Sajnekhali to stay.
There are a lot of conservation programmes running simultaneously for varied species that fear extinction. Pay a visit to this incredible National Park for an awe-inspiring wildlife experience like none other.
