Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
A wildlife sanctuary is an area where animals and birds can live protected and safe in their natural habitats, away from poaching or trafficking. It is also known as a natural reserve, biosphere reserve or a nature conservation area. It is an area where not only the animals are protected but the flora as well as other geological features are conserved and maintained either to be studied or for research purposes.
Wildlife sanctuaries of India are classified as IUCN Category IV protected areas. As of December 2020, 553 wildlife sanctuaries were established in India, covering 119,776 km2 (46,246 sq mi). Among these, Project Tiger governs 51 tiger reserves, which are of special significance for the conservation of the Bengal tiger. The oldest bird sanctuary is Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary near Chennai in Tamil Nadu state, and was established in 1796.
Any area other than area comprised with any reserve forest or the territorial waters can be notified by the State Government to constitute as a sanctuary if such area is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural. or zoological significance, for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment. Some restricted human activities are allowed inside the Sanctuary area. There are 553 existing wildlife sanctuaries in India covering an area of 119776.00 km2, which is 3.64 % of the geographical area of the country (National Wildlife Database, December, 2019).
Please note, While the below list is curated basis multiple factors, however one must keep in mind that as such these are subjective and will differ from individual to individual.
Wildlife sanctuaries of India are classified as IUCN Category IV protected areas. As of December 2020, 553 wildlife sanctuaries were established in India, covering 119,776 km2 (46,246 sq mi). Among these, Project Tiger governs 51 tiger reserves, which are of special significance for the conservation of the Bengal tiger. The oldest bird sanctuary is Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary near Chennai in Tamil Nadu state, and was established in 1796.
Any area other than area comprised with any reserve forest or the territorial waters can be notified by the State Government to constitute as a sanctuary if such area is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural. or zoological significance, for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment. Some restricted human activities are allowed inside the Sanctuary area. There are 553 existing wildlife sanctuaries in India covering an area of 119776.00 km2, which is 3.64 % of the geographical area of the country (National Wildlife Database, December, 2019).
Please note, While the below list is curated basis multiple factors, however one must keep in mind that as such these are subjective and will differ from individual to individual.
#1 Corbett National Park:
Located in the district of Nainital, Corbett National Park is a perfect place for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It is located in Nainital district and Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand and was named after Jim Corbett, a well known hunter and naturalist.
Corbett National Park comprises 520.8 km2 (201.1 sq mi) area of hills, riverine belts, marshy depressions, grasslands and a large lake. The elevation ranges from 1,300 to 4,000 ft (400 to 1,220 m).
The main attraction of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts to this Park is that the majestic view of Tiger with all its wildness in this Park. This park is a natural habitat of the rare species of Tigers that are facing extinction and wealthy flora and fauna with variety of wild animals, birds which makes it a heaven for bird watchers.
Corbett has been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers for a long time. Tourism activity is only allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its landscape and wildlife.
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It is located in Nainital district and Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand and was named after Jim Corbett, a well known hunter and naturalist.
Corbett National Park comprises 520.8 km2 (201.1 sq mi) area of hills, riverine belts, marshy depressions, grasslands and a large lake. The elevation ranges from 1,300 to 4,000 ft (400 to 1,220 m).
The main attraction of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts to this Park is that the majestic view of Tiger with all its wildness in this Park. This park is a natural habitat of the rare species of Tigers that are facing extinction and wealthy flora and fauna with variety of wild animals, birds which makes it a heaven for bird watchers.
Corbett has been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers for a long time. Tourism activity is only allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its landscape and wildlife.
#2 Sunderbans National Park:
Sundarbans National Park, the land where entire wildlife embroidered to the perfection, is situated in South 24 Parganas at the most charismatic location of Sundarban delta which is largest delta of the world. It is a national park, tiger reserve, and biosphere reserve in West Bengal. It is part of the Sundarbans on the Ganges Delta, and adjacent to the Sundarban Reserve Forest in Bangladesh. Home of the royal Bengal tiger, the Sundarbans, encompass hundreds of islands and a maze of rivers, rivulets and creeks, in the delta of the rivers Ganges and Brahmaputra on the Bay of Bengal in India and Bangladesh.It is a UNESCO world heritage site with a large variety of birds and reptiles including salt-water crocodile.
Sundarban is the largest delta in the world. It comprises of 10,200 km2 of Mangrove Forest, spread over India and Bangladesh. The forest has a large number of Sundari trees and it is said that the forest got its name from these trees. Its forest and waterways support a wide range of' fauna including a number of species threatened with extinction. The mangrove habitat supports the single largest population of tigers in the world which have adapted to an almost amphibious life, being capable of swimming for long distances and feeding on fish, crab and water monitor lizards. They are also renowned for being “man-eaters”, most probably due to their relatively high frequency of encounters with local people.
The islands are also of great economic importance as a storm barrier, shore stabiliser, nutrient and sediment trap, a source of timber and natural resources, and support a wide variety of aquatic, benthic and terrestrial organisms. They are an excellent example of the ecological processes of monsoon rain flooding, delta formation, tidal influence and plant colonisation. Covering 133,010 ha, the area is estimated to comprise about 55% forest land and 45% wetlands in the form of tidal rivers, creeks, canals and vast estuarine mouths of the river. About 66% of the entire mangrove forest area is estimated to occur in Bangladesh, with the remaining 34% in India. Read More
Sundarban is the largest delta in the world. It comprises of 10,200 km2 of Mangrove Forest, spread over India and Bangladesh. The forest has a large number of Sundari trees and it is said that the forest got its name from these trees. Its forest and waterways support a wide range of' fauna including a number of species threatened with extinction. The mangrove habitat supports the single largest population of tigers in the world which have adapted to an almost amphibious life, being capable of swimming for long distances and feeding on fish, crab and water monitor lizards. They are also renowned for being “man-eaters”, most probably due to their relatively high frequency of encounters with local people.
The islands are also of great economic importance as a storm barrier, shore stabiliser, nutrient and sediment trap, a source of timber and natural resources, and support a wide variety of aquatic, benthic and terrestrial organisms. They are an excellent example of the ecological processes of monsoon rain flooding, delta formation, tidal influence and plant colonisation. Covering 133,010 ha, the area is estimated to comprise about 55% forest land and 45% wetlands in the form of tidal rivers, creeks, canals and vast estuarine mouths of the river. About 66% of the entire mangrove forest area is estimated to occur in Bangladesh, with the remaining 34% in India. Read More
#3 Manas National Park:
Manas National Park or Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a national park, UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger reserve, an elephant reserve and a biosphere reserve in Assam, India. Located in the Himalayan foothills, it is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. The park is known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog. Manas is famous for its population of the wild water buffalo. Manas, at the base of foot hills of the Bhutan-Himalayas in the state of Assam, with unique biodiversity and landscape is one of the first reserves included in the network of tiger reserve under Project tiger in 1973.
The park area falls in the following districts: Chirang, Baksa in the autonomous territorial region, i.e BTR in the state of Assam in India. The park is divided into three ranges. The western range is based at Panbari, the central at Bansbari near Barpeta Road, and the eastern at Bhuiyapara near Pathsala. The ranges are not well connected; while two major rivers need to be forded in going from the centre to the Panbari, there is a rough trail (the daimAri road) connecting the centre to the eastern range. Most visitors come to Bansbari and then spend some time inside the forest at Mathanguri on the Manas river at the Bhutan border.
Covering an area of 39,100 hectares, it spans the Manas river and is bounded to the north by the forests of Bhutan. The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the core zone of the 283,700 hectares Manas Tiger Reserve, and lies alongside the shifting river channels of the Manas River. The site’s scenic beauty includes a range of forested hills, alluvial grasslands and tropical evergreen forests. Manas has exceptional importance within the Indian sub-continent’s protected areas, as one of the most significant remaining natural areas in the region, where sizeable populations of a large number of threatened species continue to survive. Read More
The park area falls in the following districts: Chirang, Baksa in the autonomous territorial region, i.e BTR in the state of Assam in India. The park is divided into three ranges. The western range is based at Panbari, the central at Bansbari near Barpeta Road, and the eastern at Bhuiyapara near Pathsala. The ranges are not well connected; while two major rivers need to be forded in going from the centre to the Panbari, there is a rough trail (the daimAri road) connecting the centre to the eastern range. Most visitors come to Bansbari and then spend some time inside the forest at Mathanguri on the Manas river at the Bhutan border.
Covering an area of 39,100 hectares, it spans the Manas river and is bounded to the north by the forests of Bhutan. The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the core zone of the 283,700 hectares Manas Tiger Reserve, and lies alongside the shifting river channels of the Manas River. The site’s scenic beauty includes a range of forested hills, alluvial grasslands and tropical evergreen forests. Manas has exceptional importance within the Indian sub-continent’s protected areas, as one of the most significant remaining natural areas in the region, where sizeable populations of a large number of threatened species continue to survive. Read More
#4 Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary:
Famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers, Ranthambore National park is spread over an area of 392 sq km. along with its nearby sanctuaries like - the Mansingh Sanctuary and the Kaila Devi Sanctuary. It is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in its natural habitat.
Nestled lazily in the foothills of the magnificent hilly terrain of Aravali and Vindhya ranges, the park is the fantastic gateway to an adventure filled holiday amidst the raw nature along with an unforgettable sighting of exotic wild animals. Witnessing such a rich and exceptional wildlife and spending time in the tranquil ambiance of a forest is like a tryst with the might of Nature.
The Ranthambore National Park wraps around 392 sq km in which 282 sq km is a core area and the rest is buffer area. The tiger reserve zone of the Ranthambore forest which was constituted in 1973, initially spread in around 334 sq km area which further extended in 1991 to the adjacent sanctuaries of Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary, currently having 1334 sq km area as a tiger reserve.
The mighty Ranthambore fort from which the forest drew its name is located on the hill and leans over the Ranthambore Park overlooking the entire forest. Several ancient ruins which are spread around the forest present a spectacular, surprising and stupendous taste of history, wildlife and nature. Read More
Nestled lazily in the foothills of the magnificent hilly terrain of Aravali and Vindhya ranges, the park is the fantastic gateway to an adventure filled holiday amidst the raw nature along with an unforgettable sighting of exotic wild animals. Witnessing such a rich and exceptional wildlife and spending time in the tranquil ambiance of a forest is like a tryst with the might of Nature.
The Ranthambore National Park wraps around 392 sq km in which 282 sq km is a core area and the rest is buffer area. The tiger reserve zone of the Ranthambore forest which was constituted in 1973, initially spread in around 334 sq km area which further extended in 1991 to the adjacent sanctuaries of Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary, currently having 1334 sq km area as a tiger reserve.
The mighty Ranthambore fort from which the forest drew its name is located on the hill and leans over the Ranthambore Park overlooking the entire forest. Several ancient ruins which are spread around the forest present a spectacular, surprising and stupendous taste of history, wildlife and nature. Read More
#5 Tadoba Tiger Reserve:
The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. It is Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park.
Spread across 626 square kilometers, Tadoba National Park is the largest as well as the oldest national park in the state of Maharashtra. The national park is located roughly 150 kms from Nagpur, in Chandrapur district. Tadoba, among 47 tiger reserves in India, is also commonly referred to as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. The national park derives its name from the regional god Tadoba, while Andhari is the name of the river which flows in the area.
The national park is also home to three water bodies, namely, Tadoba Lake, Tadoba River, and Kolsa Lake. These water bodies can be referred to as the lifeline of the vast park as they provide the necessary ingredients for the sustenance of the park’s flora as well as fauna. Visitors will come across a plethora of mammals, reptiles, and birds. In addition to tigers, the park is home to Indian leopards, striped hyena, jungle cats, barking deer, sambar, spotted deer, marsh crocodile, Indian Cobra, Indian Python, peacock, crested serpent eagle, and other animals. The most commonly spotted flora are teak, ain, tendu, hirda, mahua madhuca, karaya gum, arjun, and bamboo.
Tadoba Andhari Reserve is the largest national park in Maharashtra. The total area of the reserve is 625.4 square kilometres (241.5 sq mi). This includes Tadoba National Park, with an area of 116.55 square kilometres (45.00 sq mi) and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary with an area of 508.85 square kilometres (196.47 sq mi). The reserve also includes 32.51 square kilometres (12.55 sq mi) of protected forest and 14.93 square kilometres (5.76 sq mi) of uncategorised land. Read More
Spread across 626 square kilometers, Tadoba National Park is the largest as well as the oldest national park in the state of Maharashtra. The national park is located roughly 150 kms from Nagpur, in Chandrapur district. Tadoba, among 47 tiger reserves in India, is also commonly referred to as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. The national park derives its name from the regional god Tadoba, while Andhari is the name of the river which flows in the area.
The national park is also home to three water bodies, namely, Tadoba Lake, Tadoba River, and Kolsa Lake. These water bodies can be referred to as the lifeline of the vast park as they provide the necessary ingredients for the sustenance of the park’s flora as well as fauna. Visitors will come across a plethora of mammals, reptiles, and birds. In addition to tigers, the park is home to Indian leopards, striped hyena, jungle cats, barking deer, sambar, spotted deer, marsh crocodile, Indian Cobra, Indian Python, peacock, crested serpent eagle, and other animals. The most commonly spotted flora are teak, ain, tendu, hirda, mahua madhuca, karaya gum, arjun, and bamboo.
Tadoba Andhari Reserve is the largest national park in Maharashtra. The total area of the reserve is 625.4 square kilometres (241.5 sq mi). This includes Tadoba National Park, with an area of 116.55 square kilometres (45.00 sq mi) and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary with an area of 508.85 square kilometres (196.47 sq mi). The reserve also includes 32.51 square kilometres (12.55 sq mi) of protected forest and 14.93 square kilometres (5.76 sq mi) of uncategorised land. Read More
#6 Gir National Park:
Gir National Park is widely known for being a natural habitat of the Asiatic Lions and to see these lions, wildlife lovers, wildlife photographers, professionals, naturalists and normal explorers love to tour around this place.
Established on 18th September, 1965; the sanctuary covers a total area of 1412 square kilometers in the Saurastra region of Gujarat. Primarily the park was dedicated to conserve the Asiatic Lion which is identified as world most endangered species.
Many researchers and hunters from the different part of the world come to Gir because it is the only place where lion exist other than Africa.
As the tiger lovers mostly prefer to visit the Ranthambore National Park or Corbett National Park to get the sight of their favorite wild predator, the lion lovers get attracted to the Gir National Park to get the glimpse of the king of the Jungle, the Lion, in their natural habitat. Read More
Established on 18th September, 1965; the sanctuary covers a total area of 1412 square kilometers in the Saurastra region of Gujarat. Primarily the park was dedicated to conserve the Asiatic Lion which is identified as world most endangered species.
Many researchers and hunters from the different part of the world come to Gir because it is the only place where lion exist other than Africa.
As the tiger lovers mostly prefer to visit the Ranthambore National Park or Corbett National Park to get the sight of their favorite wild predator, the lion lovers get attracted to the Gir National Park to get the glimpse of the king of the Jungle, the Lion, in their natural habitat. Read More
#7 Nagarhole National Park:
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole National Park is a national park located in Kodagu district and Mysore district in Karnataka. It is one of India's premier Tiger Reserves along with the adjoining Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Nagarhole a combination of two Kannada words ‘Nagara’ signifying ‘Cobra’ and ‘Hole’ signifying ‘River’, justifies its name completely as several streams serpentine through the rich tropical forest of this national park. Spread in an area of 247 square-miles, the park was initially a hunting reserve for the royals of Wodeyar dynasty, one time rulers of Kingdom of Mysore.
This park was declared the thirty seventh Project Tiger, Tiger reserves of India in 1999. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats Nilgiri Sub-Cluster of 6,000 km2 (2,300 sq mi), including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. The park has rich forest cover, small streams, hills, valleys and waterfalls.
The park is located in a place where the Deccan plateau joins with the Western Ghats. The North region of the park is bordered by Kabini river. This is the main water source of the park and many mammals can be spotted near the banks. Together with the adjoining Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, it forms the largest protected area in Southern India, totalling 2,183 km2. Read More
Nagarhole a combination of two Kannada words ‘Nagara’ signifying ‘Cobra’ and ‘Hole’ signifying ‘River’, justifies its name completely as several streams serpentine through the rich tropical forest of this national park. Spread in an area of 247 square-miles, the park was initially a hunting reserve for the royals of Wodeyar dynasty, one time rulers of Kingdom of Mysore.
This park was declared the thirty seventh Project Tiger, Tiger reserves of India in 1999. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats Nilgiri Sub-Cluster of 6,000 km2 (2,300 sq mi), including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. The park has rich forest cover, small streams, hills, valleys and waterfalls.
The park is located in a place where the Deccan plateau joins with the Western Ghats. The North region of the park is bordered by Kabini river. This is the main water source of the park and many mammals can be spotted near the banks. Together with the adjoining Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, it forms the largest protected area in Southern India, totalling 2,183 km2. Read More
#8 Kaziranga National Park:
Kaziranga is the place where the nature unwinds its pristine form in millions of hues, where wildlife roams fearlessly, where man and nature meets together. This prestigious national park of India is situated in the north eastern part of the country in the district of Golaghat and Nagoan in the state of Assam. It is the host for two third of world’s population of endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros and also declared as a tiger reserve in 2006, holding the highest density of tigers in the world. The park is also a domicile for large breeding inhabitants of Elephants, wild water buffaloes and Swamp Deer.
Kaziranga National Park is a national park in the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam, India. The sanctuary, which hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses, is a World Heritage Site. According to the census held in March 2018 which was jointly conducted by the Forest Department of the Government of Assam and some recognized wildlife NGOs, the rhino population in Kaziranga National Park is 2,413. It comprises 1,641 adult rhinos (642 males, 793 females, 206 unsexed); 387 sub-adults (116 males, 149 females, 122 unsexed); and 385 calves.
In 2015, the rhino population stood at 2401. Kaziranga is home to the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world, and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006 (now the highest tiger density is in Orang National Park, Assam) . The park is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. Kaziranga is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for conservation of avifaunal species. When compared with other protected areas in India, Kaziranga has achieved notable success in wildlife conservation. Located on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, the park combines high species diversity and visibility.
Kaziranga is a vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests, criss-crossed by four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, and the park includes numerous small bodies of water. Kaziranga has been the theme of several books, songs, and documentaries. The park celebrated its centennial in 2005 after its establishment in 1905 as a reserve forest. Read More
Kaziranga National Park is a national park in the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam, India. The sanctuary, which hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses, is a World Heritage Site. According to the census held in March 2018 which was jointly conducted by the Forest Department of the Government of Assam and some recognized wildlife NGOs, the rhino population in Kaziranga National Park is 2,413. It comprises 1,641 adult rhinos (642 males, 793 females, 206 unsexed); 387 sub-adults (116 males, 149 females, 122 unsexed); and 385 calves.
In 2015, the rhino population stood at 2401. Kaziranga is home to the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world, and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006 (now the highest tiger density is in Orang National Park, Assam) . The park is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. Kaziranga is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for conservation of avifaunal species. When compared with other protected areas in India, Kaziranga has achieved notable success in wildlife conservation. Located on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, the park combines high species diversity and visibility.
Kaziranga is a vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests, criss-crossed by four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, and the park includes numerous small bodies of water. Kaziranga has been the theme of several books, songs, and documentaries. The park celebrated its centennial in 2005 after its establishment in 1905 as a reserve forest. Read More
#9 Periyar National Park:
Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Periyar National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, locating in Thekkady is the perfect example of nature's bounty with great scenic beauty and rich biodiversity.
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (PNP) is a protected area located in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The protected area encompasses 925 km2 (357 sq mi) of which 305 km2 (118 sq mi) of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. The park is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna and forms the major watershed of two important rivers of Kerala, the Periyar and the Pamba.
Periyar National Park lies in the middle of a mountainous area of the Cardamom Hills. The boundary commences from the point nearest to the Medaganam in the interstate boundary upto Vellimalai. The highest peak in the park is the 2,019 m (6,624 ft) high Kottamala, the southernmost peak in India higher than 2,000 metres (6,562 ft). The Periyar and Pamba Rivers originate in the forests of the reserve. The other prominent peaks within the park are Pachayarmala, Vellimala, Sunderamala, Chokkampetti mala and Karimala.
The topography consists of steep and rolling hills which are thickly wooded. The sanctuary surrounds Periyar Lake, a reservoir measuring 26 km2 (10 sq mi) which was formed when the Mullaperiyar Dam was erected in 1895. The reservoir and the Periyar River meander around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Read More
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (PNP) is a protected area located in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The protected area encompasses 925 km2 (357 sq mi) of which 305 km2 (118 sq mi) of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. The park is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna and forms the major watershed of two important rivers of Kerala, the Periyar and the Pamba.
Periyar National Park lies in the middle of a mountainous area of the Cardamom Hills. The boundary commences from the point nearest to the Medaganam in the interstate boundary upto Vellimalai. The highest peak in the park is the 2,019 m (6,624 ft) high Kottamala, the southernmost peak in India higher than 2,000 metres (6,562 ft). The Periyar and Pamba Rivers originate in the forests of the reserve. The other prominent peaks within the park are Pachayarmala, Vellimala, Sunderamala, Chokkampetti mala and Karimala.
The topography consists of steep and rolling hills which are thickly wooded. The sanctuary surrounds Periyar Lake, a reservoir measuring 26 km2 (10 sq mi) which was formed when the Mullaperiyar Dam was erected in 1895. The reservoir and the Periyar River meander around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Read More
#10 Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary:
Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO world heritage and is home to plethora of wildlife species.
It spans an area of just under 425 sqkm and 70km from Satara city. It thrives in a dense, green forest reserve situated in the heart of Satara district of Maharashtra. The dense forests are an ideal habitat for local flora and fauna, and numerous water bodies ensure greenery round-the-year. There are three rivers running through the sanctuary terrain, Koyna, Kandati, and Solashi. Presence of river and mountain makes Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary a unique tourists spot.
Tourists can also visit Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary for a guided jeep safari tour. Or can go for a sightseeing tour to Kolhapur or Satara. For heritage lovers, the closest attractions are Pratapgad Fort, Sajjangad Fort, Vasota Fort, and Ajinkyatara Fort.
Frequent sightings of crusted serpent eagles, paradise fly catcher, yellow footed green pigeon, purple rumped sunbird, scarlet minivets and many more make the visit an unforgettable experience. Here you would get to see one of the biggest flying fox colonies of the western ghat.
It spans an area of just under 425 sqkm and 70km from Satara city. It thrives in a dense, green forest reserve situated in the heart of Satara district of Maharashtra. The dense forests are an ideal habitat for local flora and fauna, and numerous water bodies ensure greenery round-the-year. There are three rivers running through the sanctuary terrain, Koyna, Kandati, and Solashi. Presence of river and mountain makes Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary a unique tourists spot.
Tourists can also visit Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary for a guided jeep safari tour. Or can go for a sightseeing tour to Kolhapur or Satara. For heritage lovers, the closest attractions are Pratapgad Fort, Sajjangad Fort, Vasota Fort, and Ajinkyatara Fort.
Frequent sightings of crusted serpent eagles, paradise fly catcher, yellow footed green pigeon, purple rumped sunbird, scarlet minivets and many more make the visit an unforgettable experience. Here you would get to see one of the biggest flying fox colonies of the western ghat.