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Wildlife in North India

Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary
A paradise for the avian world, and the pilgrimage for the bird lovers, it was known as the best duck shooting resort in the British empire. But was declared a reserve for birds in 1956 and later upgraded to National Park. UNESCO has listed it as a world heritage site. The geographical location is ideal as it is on the main North-South avian route of India. Although small in size, 29 sq km. Only, it boasts to house more than 375 species of beautiful birds, and more than 132 of them breed inside the Keoladeo Ghana National Park and nearly every year new ones are added to the list. The sanctuary not only attracts birds from India but also from places like Europe, Siberia, China and Tibet Before monsoons hundreds of these exotic birds roost and nest building activities start on the babool and kadam trees of the park. Water coming through the Ajan Bandh starts filling the various ponds and lakes of the Park.

Corbett Wildlife Sanctuary
Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Corbett National Park extends over an area of 520.82sq.km. Varied topography and vegetation gives Corbett a rich diversity in habitats and natural beauty. Flat valleys are interspersed with hilly ridges and the Park's rolling grasslands known as the Chaurs provide visitors with an excellent view of its inhabitants. The magnificent Ramganga River flows through the entire length of the Park and little forest streams tumble through the ravines. While dense stands of sal cloak the higher ridges, mixed deciduous forests are found throughout the Park and over 110 varieties of trees, 51 species of shrubs and over 33 kinds of bamboos and grasses are seen here. Corbett has the highest density of tiger in the Country - approximately one every 5 sq.km. and it was here that the prestigious "Project Tiger" was launched in 1973. Four of deer - hog deer, samber, chital and barking deer and other prey like the wild boar, support the predator.

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
The picturesque Siliserh Lake lies along the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve and a charming hunting lodge overlooking it, is a marvelous place for visitors to stay. The dry Deciduous forests of the ancient Aravalli range, are excellent tiger country and Sariska, was once the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwa''. Declared a sanctuary in 1955, it became a Tiger Reserve in 1979 under Project Tiger Herds of sambar, chital, nilgai and sounders of wild boar - the prey population for predators like the tiger and leopard, roam the 765.80 sq km Reserve. Other carnivores include the hyena, jungle cat, and caracal. Interestingly enough, the dhole or wild dog has been sighted in the Park only in the last few years. The Park has hides carefully located near the water holes. These afford fine opportunities for viewing and photographing wildlife. Splendid ruins scattered in the vicinity of Sariska give it an added interest.

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
Ranthambhore, in the state of Rajasthan, is one of the smallest Project Tiger reserves. It's name comes from the vast fort that stands in the middle of the forest. The name Ranthambore is derived from two hills in the area, Ran and Thanbhor. Another version says that Ranthambhore was once called Rana Stambhapura or City of the Pillars of War! The Ranthambhore National Park at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhayas is a unique juxtaposition of the natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kms. from Sawai Madhopur. The elegant Ranthambhore fort called the Jogi Mahal is now the forest rest house.