This year, make a resolution to go off the beaten track and visit those natural parks that are relatively unknown and infrequently visited. Here are some interesting options that we have culled out for you.
Achanakmar-Wildlife-Sanctuary
The Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhatisgarh is situated 60 kilometeres from Bilaspur and is home to a large number of endangered animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Wild Bison and the Leopard. Part of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, the sanctuary also has flying squirrels, Indian giant squirrels, chinkaras, wild dogs, hyenas, sambar, chital and over 150 species of birds. Be warned that sightings are not as commom as Kanha or Corbett because of the thick forest. However, you can avail of the five watchtowers that offer a better way to view the wildlife. The one at Tangli Pathar at an altitude of 1,039 mteres above sea level provides great views of the forest.
Singaila National Park
The Singalila National Park in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district is a must-visit for its stunning mountain views and the unique flora and fauna found in it. Situated at a height of over 7000 feet, the Singalila National Park is forested with bamboo, oak, magnolia and rhododendron trees. If you want to see the rhododendrons in full bloom, visit the park in spring between March and April. This is also when wild plants flower. The post monsoon season from October is when the forests are full of pretty Primula, Geranium, Saxifraga, and orchids. If you are an animal lover, pray that you catch a glimpse of the park’s elusive red panda, leopard cat, barking deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard and the endangered clouded leopard. The park is also home to 120 species of birds.
Desert National Park
The Desert National Park in Rajasthan, that can be visited as a day excursion from Jaisalmer is a wonderful example of the fragile ecosystem of the Thar Desert. The landscape is atmospheric with sand dunes, rocky terrain, fixed dunes and compact salt lake beds. The park has a good habitation of indigenous wildlife like the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert fox, hare and desert cat. Birds like the grey partridge, blue-tailed and green bee-eaters, drongos, common and bush quail and Indian rollers are to be found in plenty. If you are lucky you will catch a glimpse of the endangered great Indian Bustard. The park is a UNESCO World heritage site. Don’t forget to visit the Wood Fossil Park at Akal where you can see the fossilized remains of 180 million-year-old forests.
Gautala-Autramghat-Sanctuary
This pristine wildlife sanctuary is only about 60 km from Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Truly off the beaten track, it lies in the Satmala and Ajantha hill ranges of the Western Ghats. Covered with dry deciduous forests and grasslands, one can spot more than 230 species of birds like Cranes, Spoonbills, Storks, Ibis, Pochards and more here. Reptiles like Cobra, Krait, Keel backviper, Python, Rat snakes and monitor Lizard’s are in plenty. The sanctuary is also home to animals like jungle cats, Leopard cats, barking deer, Jackal, Fox, Leopard, wild boar and Chinkara. The best place to visit if you are looking for solitude.
The Namdapha National Park
The Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the treasures of the North-East. Spread out over 1985.23 square kilometers, it is the third largest national park in the country. The beautiful National park sprawls over tropical moist forests to Alpine meadows and is known for lush vegetation, deep forests with a variety of flora and fauna. Located on the border between India and Myanmar, the park is unique in that it is home to the Leopard, Tiger, Snow Leopard and Clouded Leopard. The park was declared a Toger reserve as early as 1983. The park also has a primate species like the Assamese macaque, pig-tailed macaque, stump-tailed macaque and Hoolock Gibbons. There are also other anuimals like elephants, black bear, Indian Bison, deers and reptiles.