11 Best Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand to Explore the Wilderness of DevBhoomi

Best Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand
Spread the love
5/5 - (2 votes)

Devbhoomi urges you to explore its wilderness this time. The best way to discover the Himalayan flora and fauna in Uttarakhand’s best wildlife sanctuaries. With an estimated around 12 national parks and 9 wildlife sanctuaries under its belt, this state in northern India fringed by Himalayan peaks is one of the best destinations in India to witness high altitude wildlife, birds, and medicinal plants. I personally like spotting wildlife in Uttarakhand if you can observe the Leopard Tiger Bear crossing their way on the road from one forest to another. So, if you are in quest for Uttrakhand trip but for other reasons that are not Nainital’s ropeway, trekking in Auli, buckle the best wildlife encounters at the best wildlife sanctuary and national parks in Uttrakhand.

What type of wildlife is found in Uttrakhand?

Expect to see Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Snowcock, Musk Deer, Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, oxen, deer, antelopes, etc. Still, the distinguishable feature is the Himalayan emperor Snow Leopard in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Gangotri National Park, Askot Wildlife Sanctuaries. Apart from the wildlife, the flora of Uttarakhand is also an added bonus when you explore the wildlife sanctuaries in Uttrakhand.

Not just Jim Corbett National Park, there are plenty of wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand to explore that you must consider. Unfortunately, not all of them are open throughout the year. Most of them remain closed during the monsoon between July to September. Plus, the entry price tickets for Indians and foreigners are also distinct at each place. But one common thing is you will find guides outside the safari station and staying options close to the wildlife areas in Uttarakhand (if not inside).

11 Best Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand

Now let’s dive into the 11 trending wildlife sanctuaries of Uttarakhand. Don’t forget to share which place enticed you the most in the comment section.


1. Nanda Devi National Park in Uttarakhand

Nanda Devi National Park in Uttarakhand

Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians, INR 150 for foreigners

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, 273 km/10 hours

Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh railway station, 252 km/9 hours

Ever witnessed the meadows of endemic alpine flowers wrapped by the snow-capped Himalayas? If not, then head to Nanda Devi National Park to spot. With Valley of flowers, tourists spell it ‘India’s Valley of Flowers National Park. This is one of the best places in India to spot Asiatic black bear, Snow Leopard, Blue Ship, Brown Bear. Together, Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers make a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside this National Park in Auli, a camping option is available in the zone where villages are scattered. In extreme winters, snowfall is common at Nanda Devi National Park. Thanks to its staggering elevation of 7,817 m above sea level.

2. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar airport, 296 km, 9 hours

Nearest Railway Station: Tanakpur railway station, 210 km, 8 hours

Entry Ticket: Free for all

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar you consider yourself botany enthusiasts, then Askot Wildlife Sanctuary close to Nainital is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand. This wildlife spot is close to Didhihat and is the home ground for the endangered Musk Deer. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in Pithoragarh is a flagged eco-sensitive zone. The elusive Himalayan emperor, Snow Leopard, is the significant highlight during peak winter and snowfall. Aside, there are 250 bird species; out of them, few are very rare.

3. Gangotri National Park in Uttarakhand

Gangotri National Park in Uttarakhand

Nearest Airport: 220 km/9 hours Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun railway station, 210 km, 8 hours

Entry Ticket: INR 150 for Indians and INR 600 for non-Indians

Note: Additional charges for the video camera, pitching tent, tour guide

Forming a continuity with Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Gangotri National Park covers 2,390 km². Gangotri National Park is a famous high-altitude wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand in the Uttarkashi district. If you want to explore the pristine stretches of wilderness in the country, Gangotri National Park should be on your bucket list. This wildlife refuge comprises glaciers, forests, mountains, and hence, several trekking routes cross through this national park of Uttarakhand. For ease, horses are used as a mode of transportation. Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Snowcock roams at the upper catchment of the Bhagirathi River. One needs to obtain permission to visit Gangotri National Park.

4. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand

Where to spot barking deers, Himalayan bears, Musk Deer, flying squirrels in Uttrakhand? Then, switch to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, an unexplored wildlife refuge in Uttrakhand. Uttarakhand’s protected wildlife area comprises dense oak, rhododendron, and pine forest land. Everything can be done at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, from jungle treks to jeep safaris. This wildlife destination of Uttarakhand is located in the Almora region within 100 kilometres of Nainital. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is an ornithologist’s paradise at an elevation of 2,412 m above sea level.

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar, 140 kilometres/5 hours

Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station, 105 kilometres/4 hours

Entry Fee: INR 75 for students, INR 600 for foreigners, and INR 150 for Indian adults

5. Rajaji National Park Near Rishikesh

Rajaji National Park Near Rishikesh

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant in Dehradun, 22 km/30 minutes

Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar railway station, 21 km/30 minutes

Entry Fee: INR 600 for foreigners and INR 150 for Indian adults

One of the best wildlife destinations in the foothills of the Himalayas near Delhi, Rajaji National Park covers three districts, including Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun. Wonders of wildlife must opt for the jeep safari to spot wild elephants, barking deer, Hanuman Langur., Royal Bengal Tiger in their natural habitat. If you are visiting Rishikesh with your kids or parents, take them to Rajaji National Park as it is an ornithologist paradise also. Thanks to the Crested Kingfishers, Chestnut Tailed Starlings, Imperial Amazon flock during their breeding season.

6. Jim Corbett National Park in Nainital

Jim Corbett National Park in Nainital

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport, 81 km/2 hours

Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam railway station, 59 km/2 hours

Entry Fee: INR 200 for foreigners and INR 1000 for Indian adults

This is another famous national park of Uttarakhand for its positioning in the Himalayan foothills. Delhizens consider Jim Corbett National Park for their perfect weekend escape via smooth road trip. There is a guaranteed chance for sightseeing of Tigers because Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand has the highest concentration of Tigers in India. The best bet? Night stay and jungle safari are part of this wildlife refuge named after the environmental conservationist – Jim Corbett. Choose from elephant safari, jungle safari, canter safari. Alongside river rafting, angling, waterfall, trekking are a few adventure activities inside Jim Corbett National Park.

7. Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand

Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport, 50 km/1 hours 20 minutes

Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam railway station, 30 km/37 minutes

Entry Fee: INR 150 for Indians and INR 600 for non-Indian adults

There is a wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand famous for producing climbers, distinct species of grasses, shrubs, and we bet you didn’t know about it. Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary has earned the tag of the newest tiger reserve of the state. You must bookmark Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary because it is overshadowed by its cool cousin – Jim Corbett National Park. This hidden jewel has camping options outside its vicinity. This is another great place to see Royal Bengal Tiger in their highest concentration. You will find Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary close to Haldwani, Pantnagar, Nainital.

8. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary

Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, 176 km/5 hours 20 minutes

Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar railway station, 182 km/ 5 hours 45 minutes

Entry Fee: Free for all

Falls under the Chopra region of Rudraprayag district, Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary, as the name suggests, is one of the best places to breed Musk Deer. Several other distinct species of fauna are breaded here during a specific season. If you want to witness Himalayan wildlife in the offbeat form of lushness, you will find this wildlife refuge of Uttrakhand close to the dense forests on Chopta – Gopeshwar road. You can take a taxi or hire buses with good frequency from Rishikesh and Dehradun except monsoon season during July to September.

9. Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport, 95 km/4 hours

Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam railway station: 20 km/45 minutes

Entry Fee: Free for all

An ornithologist and wildlife paradise, Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, located close to Nainital, is one of the best wildlife places near Delhi for a weekend escape. Here you can come across white-throated laughing thrushes, forktails, brown wood owls. Spend a day with your kids at the company of the butterflies, too, at Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary. This tourist attraction is a must-visit place close to Nainital on a one-day tour.


10. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, 67 km/2 hours 20 minutes

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station, 37 km/1 hour 20 minutes

Entry Fee: Free for all

Mussoorie has a wildlife sanctuary that features colourful butterflies, and hence, it is called a paradise for the ornithologist. Belong Wildlife Sanctuary is one of those wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand where the entry fee is minimal. You can easily reach this wildlife refuge in Mussoorie from Library Bus Stand (12 km) and embark on the lesser walked Benog Hill Trek.

11. Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve

Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve

Entry Fee: INR 350 per person

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, 65 km/2 hours

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun railway station, 40 km/1 hour 50 minutes

Unknown to many, Devbhoomi has a private nature reserve with good hiking trails and natural views. Its name is Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve. It is suggested to go with an expert guide inside this wildlife reserve. You will find Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve on Mussoorie-Dhanaulti road, and the place is a great hiking spot. Although there are no animals inside this wildlife place, you can see guaranteed rhododendrons during springs.

So, We Are Saying…

Don’t you think these wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are an antidote to exhaustion? If you want to lose yourself in nature and find peace in the wilderness of Devbhoomi, check out Honeymoon Bug Uttarakhand tour packages today! Honeymoon Bug provide Uttarakhand Honeymoon Package from Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Pune, Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

FAQs about Wildlife in Uttarakhand

Which is the high-altitude wildlife sanctuary of Uttarakhand?

Gangotri National Park, at an elevation of 7,083 m approx sea level, is the famous high altitude wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand in Uttarkashi district.

Do all wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand require an entrance fee?

No! A few wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand are free for all to explore. For instance, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchula Korak Musk Sanctuary, and Benog Wildlife Sanctuary have free entrance for all.

When is the best time to visit the wildlife sanctuaries or national parks in Uttrakhand?

Whether you go for wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand or national park, the best months are winter and summer. Except for the monsoon, which is from July to September, any time of the year is a good time to go to wildlife in Uttarakhand.

What can I do at wildlife places in Uttarakhand?

Jungle safari on jeep, canter, bus, elephant is possible. Museum hopping inside the national park’s waterfall exploration at the wildlife sanctuaries are a few must-do things at Uttarakhand wildlife destinations.

Additional Reading

Other Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Call Now