The snow-capped mountains, rolling meadows, high-altitude lakes and dense forests in the hills of Uttar Pradesh support exotic wildlife, birdlife and plant life. These wonderful creations of nature add a dash of spendour to nature’s abundance that exists in the environs of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. In order to preserve this gift of wildlife and enables visitors to have a privileged view of the same, the State of Uttar Pradesh has created special areas, National Parks and Sanctuaries.
Kedarnath Sanctuary
In the land of gods Garhwal, lies the sprawling 967 sq. kms. Kedarnath Sanctuary, established in the year 1972. Garhwal Himalayas offer a breathtakingly spectacular view of snow-clad mountains, valleys and forests. The Garhwal Himalayas also houses the Char Dhams, namely Yamnotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. In the wilderness of this sanctuary animals like snow leopard, snow cock tahr, musk deer, leopard and serow can be seen along with may species of birds. To study the details of the musk deer a project funded by WWF was undertaken between 1978-1980.
General Information
Area: 967 sq. kms.
How to Reach
Rail : The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 235 kms.
Air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 252 kms.
Road : The road to Kedarnath diverts from Rudraprayag and goes along Mandakini valley. The road distances from Kedarnath are : Rambara 7 kms.(Trek) Gaurikund 14 kms.(Trek)Sonprayag 19 kms., Guptakashi 47 kms., Kund 56 kms., Tilwara84 kms., Rudraprayag 93 kms., Chopta 87 kms., Mandal 113 kms. and Chamoli 136 kms. Ponies, dandies and porters are available at Gaurikund, the starting point of the 14 kms. trek to Kedarnath. Gaurikund is connected by direct bus services to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath.
Accommodation
UP Govt. Tourist Accommodation Tourist Lodge Guptkashi Tourist Lodge Ukhimath Log Huts, Deoria Tal
PWD Inspection House, Mandal
PWD Inspection House, Dogatbhita
PWD Inspection House, Guptkashi
PWD Inspection House, Gaurikund
PWD Inspection House, Phata
For Reservation Contact:
Wildlife Warden, Kedarnath Sanctuary, Gopeshwar, Distt. Chamoli. Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nanda Devi Nation Park, Joshimath, Distt. Chamoli, Tel.: 22179
VALLEY OF FLOWERS
Nation Park
While on an expedition to Mt. Kamet, Frank S. Smith, an English mountaineer explorer and Botanist, discovered the valley of flowers. Bustling with beautiful, lively and vibrant colours, this park spread over an are of 87.5 sq. kms. has the largest collection of wild flower species. Hidden from the probing eyes of civilization, this valley had been known to the inhabitants as the Bhyundar valley. Legend associate this valley with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected ‘Sanjeevani’ herb to revive Lakshman. As though created by nature itself, the beauty of the park is enhanced by the Pushpawati river flowing in the vicinity overlooked by the towering Rataban peak in the background. More than 300 species of wild flowers like the Himalayan blue poppy, daiusy, dianthus, calendula, white and yellow anemones bloom. & swing with life during the monsoons.
Also inhabiting the place are the Himalayan black bears, musk deer, brown bears, snow leopards, tahr , bharal, serow and an amazing variety of butterflies. A large number of nature lovers, environmentalists and tourists descend upon the valley every year. The valley can be visited only during the day and overnight stay is prohibited.
General Information
Area : 87.5 sq. kms.
Altitude : Between 3,352 mt. And 3,962 mt.
How to Reach
Air : The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 319 kms.
Rail : The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 302 kms.
Road : Off the Rishikesh-Badrinath road, 17 kms. from Govindghat.(25 kms. from Badrinath). From Govindghat the distance has to be trekked. Bus services are available to Govindghat.
Porters are available at Govindghat and Ghangharia.
Accommodation
UP Govt. Tourist Rest House, Ghangharia.
Forest Rest Houses, Govindghat and Ghangharia. Gurudwara at Ghangharia.
Eating out
Dinning facilities are available at Ghangharia.
Fore Assistance contact
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath, Distt. Chamoli, Tel : 22179.
Nanda Devi National Park
Spread over an area of 630 sq. kms. just next to the Nanda Devi peak (which is the second highest mountain in India-7816 mts.), is the Nanda Devi National Park. It was established in 1980.
The first men on record to have reached this Sanctuary, while yet in its pristine form, were the British mountaineers Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman. The area had largely remained undisturbed till then, except for Tilman’s successful attempt to Nanda Devi in 1936.
However, from 1950 onwards the increasing number of treks & climbing expeditions to area has somewhat affected the virgin character of this place.
A unique mix of flora and fauna is characteristic of this park. The fauna includes the brown and Himalayan black bears. Himalayans tahr, snow leopards, serow, and chir pheasants.
General Information
Area : 630 sq. kms.
Altitude : between 2,400 mt. And 6,817 mt.
How to Reach
Road : Nearest roadhead is Lata, 30 kms. from Joshimath which is also connected by bus services. Joshimath is linked by road to Rishikesh and other centers in the region.
Air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 315 kms.
Accommodation
Nearest accommodation is available at Joshimath.
For assistance contact
Deputy Conservator of Forests,
Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath,
Distt Chamoli, Tel. 22179
Askot Sanctuary
Pithoragarh, the picturesque hill district of Uttar Pradesh, houses amidest its greens, the Askot sanctuary, which adds more dazzle to its already splendid beauty. Lying in the lap of Kumaon Himalayas at height of 5412 ft. snow-capped mountain peaks and fine temples are an integral part of Pithoragarh. The highlights of the sanctuary are snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deers, snow cocks, tahrs, bharals, monals, chirs, koklas, pheasants and chukors.
How to Reach
Air : The nearest airport is Pant Nagar Nainital.(305 kms.)
Road : Askot is accessible by road via Tanakpur – Pithoragarh or via Haldwani – Almora. Askot is 54 kms. from Pithorgarh.
Rail : The nearest railhead is Tanakpur, 204 kms.
Accommodation
Forest Rest House, Askot
Forest Rest House, Rugling
Forest Rest House, Tejam
For Reservation Contact
Divisional Forest Officer, Pithoragarh, Tel : 22234
Corbett National Park
India’s first and finest national park spread over 520 sq. kms. Along the banks of the Ramganga river, jst 300 kms. Northeast of Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas is the Corbett National Park.
Established initially as Hailey National Park on August 8, 1936, in honour of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of the United Provinces, the name was changed to Ramganga national Park in 1952. In 1957, it was finally named as Corbett National Park in honour and memory of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer who had helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries.
The elevation of the park ranges between 400 metres and 1210 metres. The multipurpose hydel dam at Kalagarh lies at the southwestern fringe of Corbett. The lake inside, with its scenic charm, has added to the beauty of the park. Many species of water birds, both migrant and non-migrant, frequent its waters. Crocodiles and the long snouted fish-eating gharial have found new homes here and their numbers have increased. They can often be seen sunbasking on the san banks. For anglers too, the lake is paradise. Fish, such as the mahseer, abound in the lake and river.
The park offers different kinds of vegetation all along its varied topography which comprises hilly and riparian areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines.
110 species of trees, 51 species of shrubs and over 33 species of bamboo are found here.
There are three distinct seasons in Corbett. Cold-Nov. to Feb., Hot-March to June, Rainy-July to Oct. Over 50 mammal, 580 bird and 25 reptile species have been listed in the Corbett. Also astounding is the insect life here. Corbett is a known haven for tigers, largely owing to the success of WWF funded project-tiger that was launched on 1st April 1973. Other animals which add to its attraction are: Leopard, leopard cat, jungle cat, fishing cat, Himalayan black bear, dhole, yellow-throated morten , elephant, porcupine, chital, barking deer etc. Some of the birds commonly seen here are osprey, crested serpent eagle, blackwinged kite, shikra, Pallas’s fishing eagle, spotted eagle, minivets, shrikes, babblers etc.
The Gharials, descendants of the prehistoric reptiles, have made the park their home. The Indian python, viper, cobra, krait and king cobra, the largest of the poisonous snakes, also inhabit Corbett, as do monitors and other lesser lizards.
General Information
Area : 520.8 sq. km.
Altitude : Between 400 mt and 1,100 mt.
Temperature
Max. Min.
Summer: 46°C 19°C
Winter: 25 C 4 C
Main entry point : Dhangarhi
Main Tourist Centre & Dhikala
Tourist season : Nov. 15 to June 15
Forest Rest House, Sarpduli
Forest Rest House, Gairal
Forest Rest House, Sultan
Forest Rest House, Bijrani
Forest Rest House, Mailani
Forest Rest House, Kanda
Forest Rest House, Dhela
Forest Rest House, Jhirna
For Reservation contact,
Field Director,
contact
Field Director,
Project Tiger or Wildlife Warden,
Corbett National Park, Ramnagar, Tel. : 85489,85376
Cable : PROTIGER
Chief Wildlife Warden,
17 Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, Tel : 283902
Cable : WILDLIFE
Govt. of UP Tourist Office,
Chandralok Building, Janpath,
New Delhi, Tel : 3322251, 3326620
UP Govt. Tourist Accommodation Tourist Bungalow,
Ramnagar,
Tel. : 05945-85961
Fax : 5945-85960
How to Reach
Air : Nearest airport is Pantnagar, 133 kms.
Rail : Nearest railhead is Ramnagar, 50 kms. From Dhikala.
Road : Dhikala is connected by a road to Dhikala-Ramnagar and from there to other parts of the state. Other centers within the park are connected by fair-weather tracks. From Dhikala : Delhi is 290 kms. Lucknow 503 kms.; Ranikhet 107 kms. & Nainital 114 kms.
Local Transport
Coaches and jeeps can be hired from the National Park office at Ramnagar. Elephants are available for wildlife viewing at Dhikala, Khinanauli and Bijrani. Elephant rides are conducted every morning and evening.
Accommodation
Forest Rest House, Dhikala
Cabins , Dhikala
Cottage Tents, Dhikala
Log Huts, Dhikala
Forest Rest House,
Khinanauli
Tiger Tops, Corbett Lodge, Ramnagar, Quality Inn, Corbett Jungle Resort, Jumeria, Corbett Ramganga Resort, Ramnagar, The Corbett Riverside Resort, Ramnagar Shergaon Tiger Village, Ramnagar.
Eating Out
Restaurants run by K.M.V.N at Dhikala provide mutlicuisine fare. There are no dining facilities at other centers. Ramnagar has local eating joints.
Museum
Natural History Museum, Dhangarhi
Tourist Information Offices
Reception Center, Corbett National Park, Ramnagar,
Tel.: 853189, 85332
Reception Centre, Corbett National Park, Dhikala
Facilities
A few Indian banks are represented in Ramnagar. First-aid facility is available at Dhikala. Nearest hospital is in Ramnagar. Field post-office operates at Dhikala during the season.
Package Tours
U.P. Tourism conducts Corbett Package Tour during the season from Chandralok Building, Connaught Place, New Delhi.
Rajaji National Park
Surrounded by mountains, Dehradun endures as a perfect retreat with beautiful spots for picnics and excursions. Its pleasant climate adds further to its charm and meks it an attractive tourist destination. Established in 1966 on the edge of the Dehradun valley is Rajaji National Park, covering an area of approx 820 sq. kms. The wildlife here includes elephant, tiger, panther, bear chital, sambar, wild boar, kakar, python, monitor lizard and a large variety of avain fauna. You find many opportunities of viewing these animals in their natural habitat here.
General Information
Area : 820 sq. km.
Altitude : 300 to 1350 mts.
Temperature
Summer : Max. 42° C
Winter : Min 0° C
Main tourist centers : Chilla, Motichur & Dholkhand
Tourist Season : Nov. 15 to June 15
How to Reach
Air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 33 kms.
Rail : Nearest railhead is at Haridwar (8 kms.) and Dehradun(24 kms.).
Road : The National Park is 220 kms. From Delhi & from Lucknow it is at a distance of 510 kms.
Elephants are available for wildlife viewing at Chilla and Dholkand.
Elephant rides are conducted morning and evening.
Accommodation
Forest Rest House, Motichur
Forest Rest House, Kansrao
Forest Rest House, Asarorhi
Forest Rest House, Ranipur
Forest Rest House, Dholkhand
Forest Rest House, Beri Bara
Forest Rest House, Chilla
Forest Rest House, Kunao
Tourist Lodge, Chilla.
For Reservations Contact
Director, Rajaji National Park,
Dehradun Tel. : 24225. Website:
www.rajajinationalpark.com
Eating out
Dinning facilities are available at Chilla Tourist Lodge.
Facilities
Banks are at Haridwar and Dehradun. Medical facilities are available at Haridwar and Dehradun.
Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
In the beautiful & captivating environs of the Uttarkashi district is Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary established in 1995, covering an area of 953 sq. kms. , includes mountains like Swarg Rohini, Black Peak and Bandarpunch. Apart from the Sanctuary, the place is a popular tourist destination, mainly because of the beauty of its snow-clad peaks and glaciers.
Attracting many trekkers and famous for its lush green beauty is Hari-ki-Dun. The wide variety of animal species that lieves here includes Himalayan black bears, tahr, serow, monal, snow leopard, brown bears, trogopan , chir, bharal, musk deer, kiklas, kaleej pheasants and chukor.
General Information
Area : 953 sq. km.
Altitude : Between 1,300 mt. And 6,315 mt.
How to Reach
Air : The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 231 kms.
Road : Accessible by road via Rishikesh-Uttarkashi or via Mussoorie –Purola-Saur. Bus services are available from Uttarkashi, Barkot, Dehradun, Naitwar to Saur-Sankri.
Rail : The nearest railhead is Dehradun, 207 kms.
Accommodation
Forest Rest House, Naitwar
Forest Rest House, & Tourist Rest House, Taluka
Forest Rest House, & Tourist Rest House, Osla
Forest Rest House, & Tourist Rest House, Har-ki-Dun
Forest Rest House, Jakhol
Forest Rest House, Dooni
Forest Rest House, Istragad
For Reservation Contact
Wildlife Warden, Govind Pashu Vihar, Sanctuary, Purola, Uttarkashi.
Divisional Forest Officer, Tons Forest Division, Purola, Uttarkashi.
Tourist Information
The following information applies to all visitors entering India through the international airports.
What Travel Documents do I need?
On arrival in India you must produce a valid national passport or other document satisfactorily establishing your identity and nationality. Indian visa from the Indian
Consulate in your country.
Do I need an international Certificate of Vaccination ?
Yes, yellow fever vaccinations would be required if you’re coming from infected or endemic areas.
Do I need Medical/Travel Insurance?
Yes, it is advisable to take both to cover theft, loss, or illness.
Do I need a tax clearance certificate?
If your stay in India exceeds 120 days you would be required to furnish a tax clearance certificate to leave the country. This is to prove that you did not earn money while in India.
How Much Money can I bring?
You may bring in as much money as you wish. There is no restriction on the amount of travelers cheques changed.
Can You explain the Indian Money System?
Though the rates keep fluctuating, one dollar is roughly equivalent to 42 Indian rupees. Indian rupees are available in denominations of 1,2,,510,20,50,100,500.
What are the working Hours of Banks and Post Officers?
Generally opening hours for all banks are 10 am to 12 pm on weekdays. Till noon on Saturdays. All banks are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Where can I get a Taxi ?
You will find taxis near railway stations, bus stands and at all good hotels. Scooter rickshaws are also conveniently available.
How Much Should I Tip?
It is generally advisable to pay 10% to 15% of the billed amount.
What is the Voltage?
The standard voltage throughout the country is 220 volts.
What are the Road Regulations?
Unlike other countries, in India we drive on the left of the road and overtake on the right.
Do I need a special driving license?
A valid International Driving License is necessary if you wish to drive a car or motorbike in India.
When are the important national holidays?
Jan.26 Republic Day, Aug. 15 Independence Day, 2 Oct. Gandhi Jayanti
What to wear ?
Light cotton if you’re here from August to November.
Light to heavy woolens in December and January.
For women it is advisable to be a little conservatively dressed. Long shirts and jeans or dresses are practical and comfortable. Men can wear trousers/jeans and shorts or the Indian kurta/pyjama. Page has been viewed 27 times..