Wildlife sanctuaries of North Indian States of India

1. “Wild Life Sanctuaries of
North Indian States of India”

2. Context
 Punjab
 Uttar Pradesh
 Haryana
 Himachal Pradesh
 Jammu & Kashmir

3. Punjab
“The Land of five Rivers”

4.  Punjab, a state bordering Pakistan, is the heart of India’s Sikh community.
 The city of Amritsar, founded in the 1570s by Sikh Guru Ram Das, is the site of
Harmandir Sahib, the holiest gurdwara (Sikh place of worship).
 Known in English as the Golden Temple, and surrounded by the Pool of Nectar, it's a
major pilgrimage site.
 Also in Amritsar is Durgiana Temple, a Hindu shrine famed for its engraved silver doors.

5. Wildlife sanctuaries in Punjab
 The 2 most popular Wildlife Sanctuaries of Punjab are:
I. Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary
II. Bir Aishvan Wildlife Sanctuary

6. ABOHAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY,
FAZILKA
 The city of Abohar is located in the Fazilka District of Punjab towards the north-east of Sri
Ganganagar city and southeast of the city of Fazilka. The Fazilka District was previously a part of
the Firozpur District. The city is located close to the intersection of Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab
and is also close to the international neighbor Pakistan. For this reason the city is also known as
the Trinity of Culture, Civilization and Ethnicity of Punjab. Abohar is famous as one of the largest
producers of cotton in the northern zone of India. The city was originally found in the 12th century
by Raja Abheraj Bhatti and was named as Abhegarh and later was named as Abohar.
 Close to the city is the private wildlife sanctuary, the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is
located about 15 Km from Abohar. The sanctuary sprawls over an area of 186.5 Km2. The
sanctuary spreads over thirteen villages that are home to the Bishnoi community. A unique initiative
has been started by the Bishnoi community which has shown concern and taken up the
responsibility to protect the black buck deer. The black buck is the State Animal of Punjab and is
considered to be sacred by the Bishnois. The community also protects the blue bull popularly
known as the Neelgai. The initiative taken by the community has been successful and the number
of black bucks has risen by 3000. Visitors to the sanctuary can enjoy the scene of black bucks
racing in the sanctuary.

7.  The flora in the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is classified under the tropical dry mixed
deciduous forest. The sanctuary is also home to several other animals apart from the
black buck and blue bull. Porcupines, wild boars and black ducks can also be spotted
easily in the sanctuary. Unlike other wildlife sanctuaries that are located over public
or government land, the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over private land. The
Bishnois protect the animals in the sanctuary from the hunters by not allowing them
to hunt in the area.
 The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is conveniently connected by road and is best visited
during the winter months when the temperatures are favourable and visitors can
enjoy the natural surroundings and see the wildlife of the sanctuary at its best. The
Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit for visitors who want to see the native black
bucks in their natural surroundings.
 History : The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary was originally notified as a sanctuary in
1975 and again in 2000. It is a private nature reserve located in the Fazilka District of
Punjab. The sanctuary was initially established temporarily in 1975 and later in 2000
it was established as a sanctuary under the 1972 Wildlife Protection Act. The
sanctuary is home to several varieties of flora and fauna indigenous to the area.

8. Flora & Fauna
 Flora: Albizia lebbeck, Acacia nilotica, Azadirachata indica, A. tortilis, Dalbergia
sissoo, P juliflora, Prosopis cineraria and Melia azedarach.
 Fauna: Wild Boar, Blue Bull, Porcupines, Hare, Jackal and Black Duck.

9. BIR AISHWAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
 The Bir Aishwan Wildlife Sanctuary is among the first established sanctuaries in the state. The area
was initially established as a sanctuary in 1952. The Bir Aishwan Wildlife Sanctuary is among the
most visited sanctuaries in Punjab. The sanctuary finds a convenient location close to the city of
Sangrur and is just 56 Km from Patiala. For those looking to enjoy the beauty of nature and to see
wildlife in its native surroundings, the Bir Aishwan Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to visit.
 The Bir Aishwan Wildlife Sanctuary spans over an area of 264 hectares. The sanctuary sprawls
over Government land and supports a wide range of flora and fauna. The most dominant fauna in
the area is rabbit, money, fox and neelgai. The national bird of India peacock can also be seen
roaming freely around the sanctuary. The vegetation in the sanctuary is categorized as the
Northern Tropical Dry Mixed Deciduous type. The sanctuary also houses an Environment
Information Centre.
 The sanctuary is easily accessible from all parts of Punjab. Any mode of public and private
transport can be used to reach the sanctuary. The area is best visited during the winter season.
During this time the weather is lovely and visitors can enjoy visiting the surroundings.

10. Flora & Fauna
 Flora : Shisham, Kahir, Arjun, Jamun, Beri, Kikar, Mesquite, Karonda, Mulberry,
Eucalyptus, Neem, Karir, and Sambal
 Fauna: Jungle Cat, Hare, Rhesus Monkey, Blue Bull, Jackal, Spotted Owlet,
Peafowl, black partridge, grey partridge and rose ringed parakeet.

11. Uttar Pradesh
“The Land of battles”

12.  Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India.
 Its city of Agra is home to the iconic Taj Mahal monument, a colossal, domed,
white-marble mausoleum honoring the wife of 17th-century Mughal emperor Shah
Jahan.
 Nearby are the red-brick walls of Agra Fort, a fortified palace dating to the 16th
and 17th centuries. Capital Lucknow has Muslim memorial shrines Bara Imambara
and calligraphy-adorned Chota Imambara.

13. Wildlife Sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh
 The two most popular Wild Sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh are :
I. Bakhira Sanctuary
II. Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary

14. BAKHIRA SANCTUARY, SANT KABIR
NAGAR DISTRICT
 he Bakhira Bird Sanctuary is the largest natural flood plain wetland of India in
Sant Kabir Nagar district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary was established
in 1980. It is situated 44 km west of Gorakhpur city. It is a vast stretch of water
body expanding over an area of 29 km2. This is an important lake of eastern UP,
which provides a wintering and staging ground for a number of migratory
waterfowls and a breeding ground for resident birds. This is also used for farming
activities as it is connected to Bakhira Canal which covers the people of 15 km
from its origin.
 The sanctuary is named after the village Bakhira located adjacent to the lake along
with as many as hundred and eight villages surrounding the lake within the 5 km
radius. The villagers from the surrounding villages depend on the wetland for their
livelihood in the form of fishing, agricultural activities and fuelwood collection from
it.The Siberians birds travel across 5000 km to get to these wetlands at the time of
winter's.

15. Flora & Fauna
 The lake here has abundance of small hydrophytes plants, algae, and small
aquatic plants such as insects, snails, and numerous varieties of fish. You can get
to see local species throughout the year. This place is home to various migratory
birds that come from Siberia, Europe, China and Tibet, after covering a distance of
more than five thousand kilometers.
 This place becomes very attractive to watch during winter time as the presence of
migratory birds turns this place alive. You can also see lots of local varieties here
such as Indian purple Moorhen, which is also known as purple swan and is one of
the most beautiful birds found in India. Local people call it with the name Kaima
and are a common resident of this sanctuary.

16. CHANDRA PRABHA WILDLIFE
SANCTUARY ,CHANDAULI DISTRICT
 Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary otherwise known to be Chandraprabha is
located in eastern sector of Indian state, Uttar Pradesh. Chandraprabha is quiet
popular in this region because of its beautiful waterfalls like Devdari and Rajdari,
big dense forests and interesting picnic spots to attract huge volume of tourists
everyday to this place.
 From the historic place Varanasi, Chandra Prabha Sanctuary is located
approximately 70 km. Chandraprabha Sanctuary is amazingly widespread in an
area of approximately 78 square kilometer and lies exactly on the Vijaigarh and
Naugarh hillocks that come under the range of Vindhya Forest in Chandauli.

17. Flora & Fauna
 Flora : On the concept of flora, Chandra Prabha Sanctuary is made up of dry and
deciduous forest which in turn made up of laminated stone and gneiss.
 Fauna : Indian gazelle, porcupine, wild boar, Nilgai, Sambhar, chital, blackbucks,
Leopard, monkey, Wild cat, Wild Fox , jackal , Python, Gharial.

18. Flora & Fauna
 Hastinapur Sanctuary is a haven for birds. It houses more than 350 species,
including sarus crane, black and white necked stork, and painted stork. Visitors
can also find night birds of prey like the great Indian horned owl, barbet, colorful
woodpecker, jungle owlet, kingfisher, bee-eater, bulbul, and minivet.
 Hastinapur Sanctuary has rich fauna. This is due to the diverse ecological niches
present here. The place has a lot of birds, mammals, reptiles like snakes and
lizards, butterflies, frogs and toads, and fish. There are also invertebrate group of
creatures, such as centipede, scorpions, wasps, bees, dragon-flies, damsel-flies,
termites, spiders, and more.
 The Sanctuary is full of peacocks. There are also jackals, sloth bears, wild pigs,
jungle cats, leopards, fishing cats, and civets in abundance.
 Visitors have also seen Gangetic dolphins in some stretches along the Ganga,
between Bijnor and Haridwar.

19. Flora & Fauna
 Flora : No specific varieties of the plant kingdom are seen in the area.
 Fauna :Aspederites Gangetic Tortoise, Hamiltonai, Chitra Indica, Pechra,
Kachhua, Sundri Kachhua, Kachhua Tentoria, and Kachhua Tongok. Prawn, Bam,
Nain, Tegra, Bhakur, and Rohu.

20. Haryana
“The Home of Gods”

21.  Haryana is a North Indian state surrounding New Delhi on 3 sides. The Yamuna
River runs along its eastern border with Uttar Pradesh.
 Shared with Punjab, the state capital Chandigarh is known for its modernist
buildings and grid like street plan designed by Swiss architect, Le Corbusier.
 The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden features 1,600 species, while its Rock Garden
showcases sculptures made with recycled materials.

22. Wildlife Sanctuaries of Haryana
 The 5 wild life sanctuaries in Haryana are :
1. Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Abubshahar Wildlife Sanctuary

23. BHINDAWAS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY,
JHAJJAR
 Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary is situated in Jhajjar district of Haryana State. A man-made
wetland, the sprawling lake inside the sanctuary, has emerged as a major habitat for
migratory birds in the country and also a major attraction for birdwatchers. It is a
wonderful experience to see different species in large flocks in one large area which
makes bird watching very easy.
 It was established as a Bird Sanctuary by the Government of India in 3rd June, 2009.
Constructed to store the excess waters of the Jawaharlal Nehru canal at the time of
power failure of Lift Canal System, the Sanctuary is spread over an area of 1074 acres.
There are many reasons to visit Bhindawas, the main one being is, one can see acres
of yellow mustard fields along the road to this wetland, also one can spot innumerable
species of water birds flock near a canal long before reach the sanctuary. And, finally, a
trip here does not involve too much walking. A 12 km vehicle track goes all around the
lake.

24. Flora & Fauna
 The lake here has abundance of small hydrophytes plants, algae, and small
aquatic plants such as insects, snails, and numerous varieties of fish. You can get
to see local species throughout the year. This place is home to various migratory
birds that come from Siberia, Europe, China and Tibet, after covering a distance of
more than five thousand kilometers.
 This place becomes very attractive to watch during winter time as the presence of
migratory birds turns this place alive. You can also see lots of local varieties here
such as Indian purple Moorhen, which is also known as purple swan and is one of
the most beautiful birds found in India. Local people call it with the name Kaima
and are a common resident of this sanctuary.

25. KHAPARWAS WILDLIFED
SANCTUARY,JHAJJAR
 The Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary (mainly in Kairu and Khaparwas) attracts a
large number and variety of migratory birds, and situated at a distance of about
1.5 km from Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary;
 Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary as Eco-sensitive Zone from ecological and
environmental point of view, duly taken care by Forest Minister and MLA from
Tosham Smt. Kiran Choudhary w/o Late. Sh. Surender Singh.

26. Flora & Fauna
 Flora : Rose Ringed Parakeet, Jungle Babbler, Black Partridge, Grey Partridge,
Peafowl, Jungle Cat, Rhesus Monkey, Blue Bull, Hare.
 Faun : Shisham, Phalahai, Kikar, Eucalyptus, Beri, Dhak, Jand, Neem, Sembal.

27. Jammu & Kashmir
“Where the city of temples meets the heaven on earth”

28.  Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state of India .The state covers 39,179
square miles (101,473.1 km) and is mostly in the Himalayan mountains. In terms of
land area it is bigger than the Kingdom of Bhutan but smaller than Switzerland.
 Jammu and Kashmir used be a British protectorate in 1860. Jammu and Kashmir
borders the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in Republic of India to the
south and with the People’s Republic of China to the north and east and the
territories of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in Islamic Republic of
Pakistan, to the west and northwest respectively.

29. Wildlife Sanctuaries in Jammu and
Kashmir
 The two most popular Wild Sanctuaries of Jammu & Kashmir are :
I. Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
II. Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary

30. GULMARG WILDLIFE
SANCTUARY,BARAMULLA
 Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary is located approximately 48 km from Srinagar. Blessed with immense
natural beauty, this paradise comprises species of flora and fauna, which unfortunately have now
become endangered or almost extinct. The main attraction of the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is
the presence of musk deer.
 Known for its rich vegetation, the forest of this reserve has around 90% conifers. Some of the other
principal species of flora that can be found in this biosphere reserve are abies pindrow, aesculus
indica and others. On the other hand, shrubs like indigofera heterantha and sorbaria tomentosa are
also found in plenty in this reserve. Herbs like dicotyledonous can also be seen in this reserve.
 Gifted with rare and endangered species like hangul, musk deer, serow and red fox, this reserve is
one of the ideal places for nature, adventure and bird lovers. When it comes to avifauna, this
reserve is home to a large population of pheasants and upland birds like crimson tagopan, monal
pheasant, blood pheasant and koklass pheasant.
 In addition, golden eagles and bearded vultures are the other birds that tourists can spot while
touring to this reserve. Griffon vulture, monal, snow cock and more are some of the other species
of birds that tourists can spot.

31. Flora & Fauna
 Fauna: black buck, blue bull, sambhar, chital, chinkara, mongoose, peafowl, wild
dogs and cats, tiger, leopard, snake, rabbit, porcupine, baboon, bear, ratal, wolf,
Indian monkey, and jackal.
 Flora : saal, siddha, sheesham (teak), mahua, salai, jamun, jheengar,
koraiya,coniferous.

32. DACHIGAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY,
 Dachigam Wildlife is located 22 km from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. The name literally stands
for 'ten villages', which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated in order to create
the park. The Park is only 141 sq. kms. and roughly rectangular in shape, approximately 23.5km by
6km. It is best considered as two sections - Upper and Lower Dachigam. Lower Dachigam, in the
west, comprises approximately a third of the total area and is the area most accessible to a visitor.
Upper Dachigam in the east extends over the higher reaches and is a good day's trek from the
nearest roadhead.

 Dachigam was initially established to ensure the supply of clean drinking water to Srinagar city. A
protected area since 1910, it was declared as a national park in 1981. The park is best known as
the home of the hangul, or Kashmir stag.

 The Park harbors the last viable population of the endangered Hangul or Kashmir Stag. Himalayan
Black Bear are visible in the lower reaches from spring to autumn and hibernate in winter. Long-
Tailed Marmots are very conspicuous during summer in the upper reaches while Mouse Hare are
active throughout the year. Other wildlife includes Leopard, Common Palm Civet, Jackal, Red Fox,
Yellow-throated Marten and Himalayan Weasel.
 Over 145 different bird species including the Lammergeier, colorful species like Monal Pheasant
and Blue Magpie are seen.

33. Flora & Fauna
 Flora : Wild Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apple, Apricot, Walnut, Chestnut, Oak,
Willow, Poplar, Chinar, Birch, Pine and Elm.
 Fauna : Musk Deer, leopards, Himalayan Gray Langurs, Leopard Cats, Asiatic
Black Bear, Jackals, Hill Fox, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow-throated Martens, Jungle
Cats, Long Tailed Marmots.

34. Himachal Pradesh
“The State of hill stations”

35.  Himachal Pradesh is famous for its Himalayan landscapes and popular hill-
stations. Many outdoor activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking,
paragliding, ice-skating, and heli-skiing are popular tourist attractions in Himachal
Pradesh. Shimla, the state capital, is very popular among tourists.
 Himachal Pradesh is a northern Indian state in the Himalayas. It's home to scenic
mountain towns and resorts such as Dalhousie. Host to the Dalai Lama, Himachal
Pradesh has a strong Tibetan presence. This is reflected in its Buddhist temples
and monasteries, as well as its vibrant Tibetan New Year celebrations. The region
is also well known for its trekking, climbing and skiing areas.

36. Wildlife Sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh
 The 2 most popular wildlife sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh are :
 Bandli Wildlife sanctuary
 Chail wildlife sanctuary

37. BANDLI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
 Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh is home to the rare snow leopard and
Chir pheasant. Amidst the thick foliage of the tall tress, these animals can be seen
living a life of peace and serenity. This is the territory of the elusive snow leopard. If
you are lucky enough you will perchance get a glimpse of this animal. Spending a
few pleasant, peaceful hours and viewing animals in their natural surroundings can
be considered time well spent.
 Situated seven kilometers from Sunder Nagar town, Mandi, Bandli Sanctuary-
Himachal Pradesh, is a must see if you are in the vicinity of Himachal Pradesh.
The government of Himachal Pradesh is instrumental in preserving the wildlife
sanctuaries and parks of the state, with a view to balance the ecological system.

38. Flora & Fauna
 Flora : Rhododendrons, apples, peach , plum .
 Fauna : Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, common Palm Civet, Barking
Deer, Goral, Indian hare, Rhesus Macaque.

39. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
 Chail wildlife sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh is concerned, it is one of the perfect
destinations to explore to nature lovers. Surrounded by Oak and Deodar forest
ranges, Chail wildlife sanctuary is in Solan valley of Himachal Pradesh in an areas
of 10,854.36 hectares.
 Established in the year of 1976, this beautiful and popular wildlife sanctuary is a
home to Rhesus Macaque, Leopard, Indian Muntjac, Goral and Crested
Porcupine, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar and common Langur. Apart from this,
there are also a number of endangered to common species of animals, reptiles
and birds that can be found here in a large number.

40. Flora & Fauna
 Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is densely covered by Oak and Pine, apart from
grassland. It is an abode of a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the famous
animal species of the park include wild boar, goral, sambar, spotted deer,
Himalayan black bear, common langur, Indian porcupine, flying squirrel, etc.
European Deer was also introduced 50 years ago by the former Maharaja of
Patiala but no one has sighted in the year 1988 as per the survey. The Chir
breeding and rehabilitation centre has helped in increasing the number of chir birds
in nearby areas.
 The park is also a home to a huge variety of birds like Chir Pheasant, Golden
Eagle, Grey Headed Flycatcher, Khalij Pheasant, etc. One who is seeking a wildlife
tour with their dear ones must visit Chail Sanctuary and experience the cool
climate which remains pleasant round the year. This sanctuary is mobbed by
birders, nature lovers and wildlife lovers throughout the year.