Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, is a land of natural beauty and spiritual significance. It is home to the majestic Himalayan mountain range, the holy Ganges river, and the sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites. But Uttarakhand is not only a place for seekers of peace and enlightenment. It is also a paradise for wildlife lovers, who can explore the rich and diverse flora and fauna of the state in its many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
In this blog post, we will give you some facts and information about the wildlife of Uttarakhand, their habitats, their conservation status, and their threats. We will also share some tips and advice on how to plan a wildlife safari in Uttarakhand, such as the best time to visit, the best places to stay, the permits and fees required, the safety precautions to follow, and the ethical guidelines to respect. We will also include some stunning photos or videos of the wildlife that we have captured or sourced from reliable websites.
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The Wildlife of Uttarakhand: An Overview
Uttarakhand has a rich array of animal life, with more than 1000 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Some of the most iconic and endangered animals that can be found in Uttarakhand are:
Bengal Tiger
The king of the jungle, the Bengal tiger is a majestic and powerful predator weighing up to 250 kg and measuring up to 3 meters in length. It has a distinctive orange coat with black stripes and a white belly. Bengal Tiger is an apex predator that feeds on deer, wild boar, buffalo, and other animals. It is also a territorial and solitary animal that marks its domain with urine, faeces, scratches, and roars. The Bengal tiger is classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List, with only about 2,500 individuals left in the wild. The main threats to its survival are habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change.
Asian Elephant
The largest land animal in Asia, the Asian elephant is a gentle and intelligent herbivore that can weigh up to 5000 kg and measure up to 3.5 meters at the shoulder. It has a greyish-brown skin with sparse hair and a long trunk that it uses for breathing, smelling, drinking, feeding, and communication. It also has large ears that help it regulate its body temperature and tusks that are used for digging, fighting, and defence. The Asian elephant lives in social groups called herds that are led by a dominant female called the matriarch. The Asian elephant is classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List, with only about 50,000 individuals left in the wild. The main threats to its survival are habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation, poaching, human-elephant conflict, and disease.
Snow Leopard
The ghost of the mountains, the snow leopard is a rare and elusive cat that can weigh up to 75 kg and measure up to 1.5 meters in length. It has a thick fur coat that ranges from smoky grey to yellowish tan with black spots and rosettes. It has large paws that help it walk on snow and a long tail that helps it balance on steep slopes. Snow Leopard is an agile climber that can leap up to 10 meters in distance. It is a carnivore that feeds on mountain sheep, goats, ibexes, marmots, hares, and other animals. It is also a solitary and nocturnal animal that prefers to hunt at dawn and dusk.
The snow leopard is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, with only about 4000 individuals left in the wild. The main threats to its survival are habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change.
Musk Deer
The perfume factory of the Himalayas, the musk deer is a small and shy herbivore that can weigh up to 15 kg and measure up to 0.8 meters at the shoulder. It has a brownish-grey fur coat with white spots and stripes. It has long hind legs that help it jump and run on steep terrain. Musk Deer also has long canine teeth that protrude from its mouth and are used for defence. The male musk deer has a gland in its abdomen that produces a strong-smelling substance called musk that is used for marking territory and attracting females.
The musk deer is classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List, with only about 1 lakh individuals left in the wild. The main threat to its survival is poaching for its musk which is highly valued in the perfume industry.
Himalayan Monal
The jewel of the Himalayas, the Himalayan monal is a colourful and charismatic bird that can weigh up to 2 kg and measure up to 0.7 meters in length. It has a metallic green blue purple and copper plumage with a long crest on its head. The male Himalayan monal has a bright red band around its neck and a white patch on its back. The female Himalayan monal has a dull brown plumage with white stripes on its tail. It is an omnivore that feeds on seeds fruits insects and worms. It is also a social and vocal bird that lives in flocks of up to 20 individuals.
The Himalayan monal is classified as least concern by the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of 5 Lakh individuals. However, it is still threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and predation.
These are just some of the amazing animals that you can encounter in Uttarakhand. There are many more, such as leopards, black bears, langurs, otters, porcupines, king cobras, and hundreds of bird species. To see them in their natural habitats, you need to visit the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Uttarakhand, which we will discuss in the next section.
The Wildlife Safari Destinations in Uttarakhand: A Comparison
Uttarakhand has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that offer wildlife safari options for tourists. Here are some of the most popular ones.
Jim Corbett National Park
Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest and most famous national park in India. It is named after the legendary hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, who saved many lives from man-eating tigers and leopards in the region.
The park covers an area of 1318 sq km and is divided into six zones: Bijrani, Dhikala, Durga Devi, Jhirna, Sonanadi, and Dhela. Each zone has its own entry gate, safari timings, accommodation options, and wildlife attractions. The park is home to about 200 tigers, 600 elephants, 50 leopards, and many other animals and birds.
To book a safari, please visit the government portal by clicking on the following link: Click here.
The park offers jeep safaris and canter safaris (open bus) for tourists. The jeep safaris can be booked online or offline at the zone gates. The canter safaris can be booked online or at the Ramnagar office. The safari fees vary depending on the zone, vehicle type, number of people, and nationality. The park also offers elephant safaris for a few tourists in the Dhikala zone. The elephant safaris can be booked only at the Dhikala office on a first-come-first-serve basis. The park is open from mid-October to mid-June every year.
Rajaji National Park
Established in 1983, Rajaji National Park is a tiger reserve that covers an area of 820 sq km. It is named after C. Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India and a freedom fighter. The park is spread across three districts: Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal. It is divided into three zones: Chilla, Motichur, and Ranipur. Each zone has its own entry gate, safari timings, accommodation options, and wildlife attractions.
The park is home to about 50 tigers, 300 elephants, 250 leopards, and many other animals and birds. The park offers jeep safaris for the tourists. The jeep safaris can be booked online or offline at the respective zone gates or at the Rishikesh office. The safari fees vary depending on the zone, vehicle type, number of people, and nationality. The park also offers elephant safaris for a few tourists at the Chilla zone. The elephant safaris can be booked only at the Chilla office on a first-come-first-serve basis. The park is open from November to June every year.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1988, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a scenic and serene sanctuary that covers an area of 45 sq km. It is located in Almora district, at an altitude of 1500 to 2500 meters above sea level. It offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli, and Kedarnath.
The sanctuary is home to about 200 leopards, 300 deer, and many other animals and birds. The sanctuary offers jeep safaris and trekking options for the tourists. The jeep safaris can be booked online or offline at the entry gate or at the Binsar office. The safari fees vary depending on the vehicle type, number of people, and nationality. The trekking options can be availed by hiring a guide or a porter from the entry gate or from the Binsar office. The trekking fees vary depending on the guide or porter’s charges, the duration, and the difficulty level of the trek.
The sanctuary also offers camping options for tourists who want to stay overnight in the wilderness. The camping options can be booked online or offline at the Binsar office. The camping fees vary depending on the tent type, the number of people, and the facilities provided. The sanctuary is open throughout the year.
Valley of Flowers National Park
Established in 1982, Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers an area of 87 sq km. It is located in Chamoli district, at an altitude of 3000 to 5000 meters above sea level. It is famous for its stunning meadows of alpine flowers that bloom from July to September every year.
The park has more than 600 species of flowers, such as orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and lilies. The park also has many waterfalls, streams, glaciers, and peaks that add to its beauty. It is home to many animals and birds, such as snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan monals, and Himalayan griffon vultures.
The park offers trekking options for tourists who want to witness the floral splendour of the valley. The trekking options can be availed by hiring a guide or a porter from Govindghat or Ghangaria, which are the base camps for the trek. The trekking fees vary depending on the guide or porter’s charges, the duration, and the difficulty level of the trek. The park also offers camping options for tourists who want to stay overnight in Ghangaria, which is the only place where accommodation is available in the park. The camping options can be booked online or offline at the Ghangaria office. The camping fees vary depending on the tent type, the number of people, and the facilities provided. The park is open from June to October every year.
These are some of the best wildlife safari destinations in Uttarakhand that you can choose from according to your preferences and budget. However, before you book your safari, you need to know some important tips and advice that will help you plan your trip better and enjoy your safari more. We will discuss them in the next section.
The Wildlife Safari Tips and Advice: A Checklist
A wildlife safari in Uttarakhand can be a thrilling and memorable experience if you follow some simple tips and advice that will ensure your safety, comfort, and satisfaction. Here are some of them:
Do your research
Before you book your safari, do some research about the destination, the wildlife, the climate, the terrain, the accommodation, the transportation, and the rules and regulations of the park or sanctuary. You can use online sources such as websites, blogs, forums, and reviews, or offline sources such as books, magazines, brochures, or guides. This will help you choose the best option for your safari and prepare yourself accordingly.
Book in advance
Once you have decided on your safari destination, book your safari in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles or disappointments. You can book your safari online through official websites or authorized agents or offline through offices or counters. Booking in advance will also help you get better deals and discounts on your safari fees and accommodation charges.
Pack wisely
Packing wisely is essential for a wildlife safari in Uttarakhand. You need to pack the following items:
- Clothes: Pack clothes that are comfortable and suitable for the weather and season of your safari destination. Preferably, pack clothes that are lightweight quick-drying breathable and have neutral colours such as khaki green brown or grey. Avoid clothes that are bright-coloured noisy or flashy as they may attract unwanted attention from animals. Also, pack clothes that can protect you from cold rain sun or insects such as jackets sweaters hats scarves gloves socks shoes raincoats umbrellas sunglasses or insect repellents.
- Accessories: Pack accessories that are useful and necessary for your safari such as binoculars cameras tripods lenses batteries memory cards chargers or power banks. These will help you capture and enjoy the wildlife better. However, be careful not to disturb or harm the wildlife with your accessories. Avoid using flash or loud noises when taking photos or videos. Also, pack accessories that can enhance your safety and comfort such as torches whistle knives matches first-aid kits medicines water bottles snacks or toiletries.
- Documents: Pack documents that are required and valid for your safari such as identity proofs passports visas permit tickets vouchers or receipts. These will help you enter and exit the park or sanctuary smoothly and legally. Also, pack documents that can help you in case of emergencies such as insurance papers emergency contacts or medical records.
Follow the rules
Following the rules is crucial for a wildlife safari in Uttarakhand. You need to follow the following rules:
- Respect the wildlife: Respect the wildlife that you encounter in the park or sanctuary. Do not disturb harass feed touch or harm them in any way. Keep a safe distance from them and observe them quietly. Do not litter or pollute their habitats. Do not collect or damage their plants, flowers, fruits, or seeds.
- Respect the guides: Respect the guides who accompany you on your safari. They are experts and professionals who know the park or sanctuary better than you. Listen to their instructions and advice carefully and follow them obediently. Do not argue or disobey them. Do not wander off or separate from them. Do not ask them to do anything illegal or unethical.
- Respect the fellow tourists: Respect the fellow tourists who share your safari vehicle or accommodation. Do not be rude or noisy. Do not interfere with their privacy or enjoyment. Do not take up more space or time than necessary. Do not cause any inconvenience or trouble to them.
- Respect the local people: Respect the local people who live near or inside the park or sanctuary. They are an integral part of the ecosystem and culture of Uttarakhand. Do not offend or insult them. Do not intrude on their lands or homes. Do not exploit or cheat them. Do not impose your beliefs or values on them.
Conclusion
By following these tips and advice, you can make your wildlife safari in Uttarakhand a successful and unforgettable one. You can also contribute to the conservation and promotion of the wildlife and nature of Uttarakhand, which is a priceless treasure for India and the world.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and learned something new and interesting about the wildlife of Uttarakhand. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to share them with us in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and happy safari! 🐯🐘🐆🦌🐦🌸🏔️
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