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India, with its rich cultures, traditions and heritage, also flaunts a diverse biodiversity. It is home to different types of wildlife. From the majestic tigers of Bengal to the one-horned rhinos of Assam, the country’s numerous wildlife sanctuaries offer an unparalleled opportunity to watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Beyond witnessing the animals, wildlife sanctuaries also attract tourists to indulge in unique experiences like jeep safaris, nature trails, trekking, and more. If you are planning an adventurous and fun-filled trip across India, exploring the most significant wildlife sanctuaries in India is an absolute must.
10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In India
From migratory birds to endangered wildlife, India boasts a wide range of wildlife sanctuaries worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Balaji Srinivasan / Pexels
Currently renamed as ‘Keoladeo National Park’, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the leading spots to witness different bird species in the country. While the sanctuary served as a hunting ground for the royals back in the 1850s, it is now home to more than 350 species of birds. In addition to resident birds, the sanctuary is home to a diverse range of migratory birds too. Some of the popular species you can spot here include black-necked starks, purple herons, white-necked storks, egrets, grey herons, and more. You can also indulge in boat safari on Bharatpur Lake.
Location: Rajasthan
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Average Temperature: 20°C to 25°C
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2. Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Prithwiraj Dhang / Wikimedia Commons
Hemis National Park is another popular wildlife sanctuary worth exploring. Located at a distance of 50 km from Leh, it is the only wildlife sanctuary that is nestled in the north of the Himalayas. The sanctuary is home to the elusive and endangered Snow Leopard, an apex predator of the Himalayas. Additionally, you can embark on jeep safaris through the diverse terrains to spot Bharal Sheep. Currently, the sanctuary is home to 200 snow leopards and other wildlife like Argali, Bharal, Shapu, and Tibetan wolf.
Location: Jammu And Kashmir
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Average Temperature: 5°C to 15°C
3. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Manojk / Wikimedia Commons
Located 18 km from Marayoor on State Highway 17, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled in the Idukki district in Kerala. The sanctuary is the sole rehabilitation centre for the famous Indian Star Tortoise. Also, some of the popular species that can be spotted here are Rusty Spotted Cat, Leopard, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Jungle Cat, Bison, Spotted Deer, and Sambar as well. The sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq. km and offers stunning views of the Western Ghats from the sanctuary. Also, you can explore the trekking trails to witness shimmering waterfalls, streams and diverse birds.
Location: Kerala
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Average Temperature: 15°C to 25°C
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4. Gir National Park And Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Up next on the list is the Gir National Park, which is a popular wildlife sanctuary located in Gujarat. Built in 1965, the wildlife sanctuary is sprawling across an area of 1,412 sq. km. Also, it is the only spot that preserves the famous Asiatic Lion in the entirety of Asia. At present, there are 600 Asiatic lions in the Gir Forests. The sanctuary also hosts a variety of species including hyenas, jackals, and numerous birds. Furthermore, the place has an Interpretation Centre, an ideal spot to learn about the history and conservation efforts.
Location: Gujarat
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Average Temperature: 15°C to 25°C
5. Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Byron Johnson / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is another renowned wildlife sanctuary in India, located near the Supin range in Uttarkashi town. It is home to the Himalayan Musk Deers which is known for its distinct scent gland, golden eagles, steppe eagles and black eagles. The wildlife sanctuary also manages the Snow Leopard Project, whose main aim is to conserve snow leopards. If you are lucky, you can also witness cheering pheasants and the western tragopans.
Location: Uttarakhand
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Average Temperature: 15°C to 25°C
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Monsoon In India
6. Mudumalai Sanctuary
The Mudumalai Sanctuary is nestled along the borders of Karnataka and Kerala and is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Spread across an area of 3300 sq. km, it is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. From elephants to tigers and Indian Leopards, this sanctuary is home to 55 species of wild animals and 227 species of native and migratory birds, which stands out as the allure of this place. The sanctuary also offers various adventurous activities and camping spots for you to indulge in. In addition to exotic fauna, the Mudumalai Sanctuary also boasts a rich diversity of rare plants.
Location: Tamil Nadu
Best Time To Visit: February to May and September to November
Average Temperature: 20°C to 30°C
7. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Zdeněk Macháček / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you want to witness Asian elephants in India, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is one of the popular spots to explore. What stands out about this sanctuary is the boat safari experience on Periyar Lake. Apart from witnessing the herd of Asian elephants, you can also indulge in bamboo rafting, trekking, and spice plantation visits. Some of the other wildlife that can be spotted here are barking deer, mouse deer, Indian wild dogs, leopards, mongoose, foxes, and more.
Location: Kerala
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Average Temperature: 15°C to 25°C
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In North East India
8. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Devarshi.talukdar.9 / Wikimedia Commons
Spread across 39,100 hectares of land, the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in the state of Assam. This biodiversity hotspot is home to exotic tigers, wild water buffalo, and one-horned rhinos. In October 1928, the reserve was sanctioned the title of a sanctuary and later it was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The stunning semi-evergreen forest in the region makes it one of the most alluring wildlife sanctuaries in the country.
Location: Assam
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Average Temperature: 15°C to 20°C
9. Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Herbert Kikoy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary is covered with dense mangroves, marshlands, and littoral forests and is spread across an area of 101 sq. km. In 1985, it gained the status of a wildlife sanctuary to protect the elephants who were transported to the Andaman Islands. Apart from elephants as its main inhabitants, several other wildlife species like spotted deer, palm civet, monitor lizards, and three striped squirrels are local to this island. Furthermore, the dense mangrove boasts a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna which you can explore on a jetty.
Location: Andaman Islands
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Average Temperature: 20°C to 37°C
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10. Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary
Photo: Sumeet Moghe / Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1973, the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary covers a sprawling area of 5,000 sq. km and is a part of Rann of Kutch while touching small areas of other major cities like Rajkot, Sundernagar, Patan, and more. In addition to being home to the Indian Wild Ass, this sanctuary also preserves almost 32 species of wild animals including blackbucks, striped hyenas, jackals, nilgai, and more. The sanctuary equally fascinates bird watchers as it has almost 75,000 species of migratory birds like flamingos, spoonbills, sandpipers, stints, ibis, godwits, and shanks.
Location: Gujarat
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Average Temperature: 10°C to 30°C
Bestowed with breathtaking landscapes, each wildlife sanctuary in the country offers a unique experience. From the majestic Asiatic lions of Gir National Park to the one-horned rhinoceros of Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, these awe-inspiring wildlife sanctuaries in India provide a glimpse into the exotic fauna. Plan your adventure to these wildlife sanctuaries with TripXL to witness the rich flora and fauna of India.
Cover Photo: soumyajit nandy / Wikimedia Commons
