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Uttaranchal Wildlife

Corbett National Park- Uttaranchal

With sixty three percent of the state area under forest cover, Uttaranchal is the obvious destination when it comes to wildlife tourism. Rich, diversified flora and fauna mark the land which has been so blessed by mother nature. What is so special and unique about Uttaranchal wildlife tourism is that along with wildlife, it offers much more. It is a destination packed with the thrill of being in the untouched raw forest lands, where you would feel like as if the place has never been visited before. As you trek in the forests looking for animal trails, the feeling of being adventurous won't be missed. Miles and miles of lush green forests, hills after hills carpeted in green, early morning mist and the air so pure that you just can't seem to have enough of it, all this comes complimentary with the wildlife tours.

Govind National Park

In Uttarkashi district of Uttaranchal is Govind National Park, established in 1955. The park spreading over an area of 953 sq. km is popular with tourists for reasons more than one. The wildlife, the snow covered peaks and glaciers, all these make Govind National park a great vacation spot. The wildlife is mainly that of Himalayan Black Bears, Tahr, Serow, Monal, Snow Leopard, Brown Bears Trogopan, Bharal, Musk Deer, Koklas, Kaleej Pheasants and Chukor.

There are some 150 species of birds here. Parakeets, Minivets, Cuckoos, Pigeons, Buntings, Finches, Tits and Bulbuls can be easily spotted. The best time to be here is May - June when the weather is pleasant and wild flowers are in full bloom.

Binsar Sanctuary

The sanctuary came into being in 1988 with the efforts of locals. Spread in an area of 50 kilometres, the sanctuary is thirty five kilometres from Almora. One of the most beautiful places in Kumaon, the terrain of the place has been formed by running waters on the slopes. The animals and birds found here are generally high altitude living creatures. You will spot Leopards, Civet Cats, Serow, Gharial, Musk Deer, Brown Bear and Pheasants. If you are a keen bird watcher, then come here for Himalayan birds. The flora of the place is also notable. The vegetation mainly consists of mixed deciduous, coniferous sub alpine trees. The best time to be here is February to April both for wildlife spotting and to catch flowers in their full bloom.

Assan Barrage

Forty kilometres west of Dehradun is Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary, also known as Dhalipur Lake. It was established in 1967 as a result of formation of Assan barrage by coming together of river Yamuna and Assan. There are some 53 species of water birds and 19 species of winter migrant birds here. The easily spottable migrants are Brahminy Duck, Pintail, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall, Common Pochard, Mallard, Coot, Wigeon, Common Teal, Tufted Duck, and Shoveller. There are some endangered species also here but chances of spotting them are very less. Once here, you will never forget the sights which the park offers you, like that of a Red Crested Pochard or hundreds of them flapping their wings when flying above the water.

Since it is the winter passage halt of birds, you will see migratory birds either in October -November when they are flying towards southern India or in February- March when they are going back. Pallas Fishing Eagle, a difficult species to spot nests here during winters for the past thirty years. You have to be here to find all the wonders and secrets the place holds for you, and you will not be disappointed, that's for sure.

Ascot Sanctuary

At a height of 5412 ft. amongst the snow capped peak lies Ascot Sanctuary or the Ascot Muscat Sanctuary in the Kumaon region. Covering an area of 284 sq. Km, Ascot Sanctuary lies in the Pithorgarh district. The sanctuary was established to protect musk deer which are here in considerable numbers but require to be protected. Other species found here are Leopard, Jungle Cat, Civet Cat, Barking Deer, Serow, Ghoral and Brown Bear and some high altitude birds also. Winters are harsh here with heavy snowfall but summers are mild.