WILDLIFE
IN UTTARAKHAND
Best in Wildlife Toruism
WILDLIFE.
Uttarakhand is a nature lover's paradise, featuring six national parks, including the famous Corbett National Park and Govind National Park with its diverse wildlife. The state also has two conservation reserves, Asan Barrage and Jhilmil Tal, plus one UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several lakes attract migratory birds, appealing to birdwatchers.
Corbett National Park
Nanda Devi National Park
Rajaji National Park
Jim Corbett National Park, India’s first national park established in 1936, is near Nainital and renowned for having the highest tiger population among Indian parks. It features stunning landscapes and offers jeep safaris to spot the Royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic elephant, bear, various deer, otters, and over 650 bird species. Overnight stays are available in select areas.
Gangotri National Park
Explore Gangotri National Park, a serene wilderness featuring lush forests, stunning meadows, and glaciers. Famous for the Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek, it offers breathtaking landscapes and the crystal-clear Ganga River. Established in 1989, the park spans 1,553 sq. km and is home to endangered species like blue sheep, black bear, brown bear, Himalayan Monal and snow leopards. Enjoy a peaceful retreat in this natural haven.
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking wilderness in the upper Himalayas, covering over 6,407 sq km across Uttarakhand’s Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar districts. It includes the Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers, featuring prominent peaks and rivers like the Alaknanda. The reserve is rich in biodiversity, home to endangered species such as the snow leopard and Himalayan musk deer, and requires permits for access.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Binsar, a scenic mountain hamlet and wildlife sanctuary, was the summer capital of the Chand Dynasty, rulers of Kumaon from the 7th to 18th century AD. Situated at 2,420 m, this picturesque location offers majestic views of Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi. The area is surrounded by ruby-red rhododendrons and lush oak forests, creating a vibrant natural landscape. Additionally, Binsar is home to a variety of animals, including leopards, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The name Binsar is derived from the 16th-century Bineshwar Mahadev temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Rajaji National Park, located near Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun, is famous for its elephant population and rich biodiversity. Established in 1983 by merging three sanctuaries, it spans 820.42 sq km and is named after C Rajagopalachari, or "Rajaji." The park is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, and many bird species, offering diverse ecosystems in the Shivalik ranges.
Asan Barrage
The Asan Conservation Reserve in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is the state’s first Ramsar site, recognized in 2020 for its ecological significance. Spread over 444.4 hectares at the confluence of the Asan and Yamuna Rivers, this biodiverse wetland lies within the Central Asian Flyway. It supports over 330 bird species, including critically endangered ones like the white-rumped vulture and Baer’s pochard. Known for hosting significant ruddy shelduck and red-crested pochard populations, it also sustains 49 fish species, including the endangered Putitor mahseer. Declared a Conservation Reserve in 2005 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the site plays a critical role in migratory bird life cycles, biodiversity conservation, and wetland ecosystem health, marking a milestone in India’s commitment to sustainable wetland management.
BEST WILDLIFE TOURISM.
