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Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts located in Nainital District, Uttarakhand. Covering an area of 270 square kilometres having diversified flora and fauna from different species of mammals to birds and reptiles as well as endangered species like Himalayan black bears and leopards. There are also spectacular bird species which make it a bird watchers’ paradise on earth. Be it a nature lover who is trying to escape the cacophony of life, Nandhaur is there to deliver the perfect retreat into the bosom of nature.
Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Photo: Supratik Deshmukh / Unsplash
Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the district of Nainital, Uttarakhand. It is about 40 km from Nainital, another world-known hill station. It is bounded by the Kosi River to the south and the Nandhaur River to the north. The sanctuary lies in the foothills of the Himalayas, hence it is close to nearby attractions of the Kumaon region. This location provides a wonderful sight of lush forests and rolling hills, adding to its richness in biodiversity and its natural beauty.
How To Reach Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary
There are numerous routes to travel to Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, which are all detailed below.
By Road: To reach Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary from Delhi, you can travel via Noida, Rudrapur, Haldwani, and finally Chorgalia by car. The journey from Delhi to Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary National Park by road takes approximately 7 – 8 hours.
By Train: Haldwani / Kathgodam is the closest railway station and is well connected to major cities such as Delhi, Varanasi, Haridwar, and Lucknow. People travelling from other regions of India will have to first arrive in Delhi and then board a connecting train to Haldwani.
By Bus: Haldwani is a popular destination for buses travelling from Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun, and other locations.
Places To Visit Around Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary
There are several places to visit around the Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand like scenic dams, hill stations, lakes and more.
1. Kainchi Dham
Photo: 25 Cents FC / Wikimedia Commons
Kainchi Dham is a religious ashram located 30 kilometres from Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand. This ashram has a temple and massive Hanuman statue that attracts thousands of devotees as well as visitors of this place who want to have peace and spirituality. The place is surrounded by forests, with a peaceful valley that builds a calm environment for meditation and self-reflection at Kainchi Dham. But it is especially important during Hanuman Jayanti, wherein many people come to obtain blessings and participate in rituals.
Distance: Approximately 30 km
Highlights: Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, River and Mountain Views
2. Bhimtal
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons
Bhimtal is a picturesque hill station in Nainital district, Uttarakhand. This town, with a picture-postcard lake, comes as a place considered as the “Lake District of India.” The name of this lake is attributed to Bhima, the great hero of the Hindu Epic, Mahabharata. Several islands form part of the attraction and one contains an aquarium. Most people enjoy boating, fishing, and looking at the lake’s scenic surroundings. It also serves as a base location to visit some of the other attractions close to it like Nainital and treks in the Kumaon region.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Highlights: Masonry Dam, largest lake in Nainital District
3. Naukuchiatal
Photo: SHUVADIP / Wikimedia Commons
Naukuchiatal is a scenic hill station found in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. This hill station is famous for its very beautiful lake, Naukuchiatal Lake, which actually translates as “lake of nine corners.” Approximately 25 km from Nainital and at a height of 1,220 metres, the serene lake stretches approximately 1 km by 0.5 km. You can enjoy boating, fishing, paragliding, and bird-watching here. It also has attractions such as Bhimtal Lake that is surrounded by an island and an aquarium and Sattal, a group of seven connected lakes.
Distance: Approximately 35 km
Highlights: Nine Cornered Lake, Magnificent lake resorts, lake covered with trees and shrubs
4. Ghorakhal
Photo: Lalit.bhandari86 / Wikimedia Commons
Ghorakhal is a place of serenity in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Golu Devta Temple is located in this destination, which is devoted to Golu Devta, the deity held in great repute as he does miracles and renders justice to his followers. Devotees take out bells and letters, which symbolise faith, as an offering. The place is so serene and beautiful as it offers views of the surrounding landscape. As it is almost at 1,800 metres altitude, tourists and devotees alike tend to feel spiritual solace.
Distance: Approximately 30 km
Highlights: Folk Culture Museum, Ghorakhal Temple
5. Sattal
Photo: Mosharraf Hossain / Unsplash
Sattal is an extremely beautiful group of seven connected lakes, located in the district of Kumaon in Uttarakhand. The place is famous for its serene atmosphere and immensely diverse surroundings. It proves to be an ideal destination for all nature lovers as well as those seeking adventure. The forests of oak and pine cover over 300 species of birds around the lakes. One of the other best attractions it features include boating and kayaking, treks along the many scenic trails as well as the Butterfly Museum.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Highlights: Freshwater Lakes, Lower Himalayan Range, Tea Plantations
Where To Stay Near Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Kurt Kaiser / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are several options for visitors to stay in Sattal. Sattal Birding Lodge is a good option for nature lovers, as it offers eco-friendly lodging and birding tours. Another good option is The Lake View Hotel that offers cosy rooms with nice views of the lake and is perfect for families and couples. Also, Kanha Sattal offers modern amenities and fun activities like boating and trekking Tourists can also stay at the Sattal Christian Ashram which provides a spiritual retreat with simple accommodations.
What To Eat
Photo: Chan Walrus / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
During your visit to Sattal, travellers are exposed to multiple local cuisines that reflect the healthy culinary tradition in Uttarakhand. There are several must-try dishes: one among them is Aloo ke Gutke and Kafuli, which are indeed a healthy spinach recipe. Yet another popular flatbread you can try here is Phaanu. There are many eateries, from Chinese and continental to small local eateries and packed food near the lakeside.
Best Time To Visit Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Muhil Mohan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary in Sattal is during spring and autumn seasons, as well as March to June, and then again during September to November. The weather is pleasant during these periods due to temperatures that lie in the range of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), which makes it all the more suitable for treks, bird watching, and boating.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Prasad Nayak / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Pack Smart: The weather of Sattal changes quite quickly; hence, pack layers and a rain jacket to keep you comfortable while visiting.
- Visit The Outdoors: The place is really beautiful with many hikes, birdwatching, and boating trips one can enjoy during the cooler parts of the day.
- Engage With Locals: Be respectful of the local way of doing things and indulge in some of the foods the locals eat.
Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand. This wildlife sanctuary attracts tourists, wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and visitors from the state borders and beyond. Renowned for its greenery and dense forest, this sanctuary is home to a diverse array of flora, fauna, insects, reptiles and avian species. To make the most of your trip at Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, book a trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Dibyendu Ash / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
