Jaikwadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Jaikwadi Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a virgin and offbeat jungle destination located just 40 km from Aurangabad. The Jaikwadi Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers. Every year during October to February, thousands of migratory birds visit this place. The forest is situated on the bank of River Godavari. The sanctuary is home to a variety of birds including Indian Roller, Greater Flamingo, Oriole, Spot Billed Duck, White Throated Kingfisher and Stonechat.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Aurangabad. Aurangabad is well connected to other parts of the country by rail. Jaikwadi Wildlife Sanctuary is 40 km from Aurangabad.

Staying There

Hotel Panchavati. Tariff - Rs. 800-1100.
Hotel Atharva. Tariff - Rs. 900-2000.
Regal Plaza. Tariff - Rs. 700-1200.

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This national park was originally established in the year 1936 as Hailey National Park. The park spans over an area of 1318 sq km and its elevation ranges from 600-1100 m above sea level. The Corbett National Park hosts a wide range of animals including the Himalayan Black Bear, Sambhar, Elephant, Leopard, Wild Dogs and of course the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. The forest is also home to more than 580 species of birds and 25 species of reptiles. The main entrance to this jungle is the town of Ramnagar.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Haldwani which is well connected to other parts of the country. Ramnagar is 54 km from Haldwani. Hired cars are available from Haldwani to reach Ramnagar. The town of Ramnagar serves as an entry point to the Jim Corbett National Park.

Staying There

KMVN Tourist Resthouse. Tel: (05947) 251225. Tariff - Rs. 1600-2200.
Hotel Corbett Plaza. Tel: (05947) 282360. Tariff - Rs. 1500-2500.
Corbett Safari Park. Tel: (05947) 284201. Tariff - Rs. 2500-3500.

Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary

Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 20 km from Bhubaneswar in the Indian state of Odisha. The forest was designated as an elephant reserve in the year 1982. Apart from elephants, the sanctuary is home to leopard, chital, wild pig, pangolin, bear, wolf, hyena and other wild animals. Different species of birds including the Crested Serpent Eagle, Great Horned Owl and Black Headed Oriole are also seen in this forest. There are a number of watchtowers at Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary for the sighting of birds and animals. The best time to visit the jungle is from October to May.

Getting There

The nearest major railway station is Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar is well connected to other parts of the country by road, rail and air transport.

Staying There

There are two log huts and one bamboo hut inside the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 500. For booking contact: Tel: 9468879488.
For permit regarding entry and stay at Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary contact:
Divisional Forest Officer
Chandaka Wildlife Division
SFTRI Campus, Ghatikia
Bhubaneswar-751003
Tel: (0674) 24720404.

Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is located 80 km from Mysore in the state of Karnataka. This park was established as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in the year 1973. The forest covers an area of 874 sq km. The Bandipur National Park hosts a variety of wild animals including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, hyenas, deer, sloth bears and wild dogs. Various species of birds and snakes also live in this jungle. The National Park remains open from 6 am to 8 am and again from 4 pm to 6 pm. Cars are available on hire basis for jungle safari.

Getting There

The nearest railhead from Bandipur National Park is Mysore which is 80 km away. Mysore enjoys good connectivity with the rest of the country. Hired cars and buses are available from Mysore to reach Bandipur.

Staying There

Bandipur Safari Lodge. Tel: (080) 40554055. Tariff - Rs. 5100-5600 (including food and safari charges).

Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most famous and popular national park of India. The Kanha National Park stretches over an area of 940 sq km. The park is ideal for the sighting of tigers. The forest is also home to wild animals including leopards, Barasingha, sloth bears, wild cats, wild dogs, foxes and jackals. A number of efforts has been undertaken at the Kanha National Park for the conservation of the Barasingha. Various species of deer like the spotted deer, barking deer, Sambhar and four-horned deer are seen in this national park. The Kanha National Park remains open every year from 16th October to 30th June. Jungle safari is conducted every day from 6 to 11 am and again from 3 to 5:30 pm.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Jabalpur. Jabalpur is well connected to other parts of the country by rail. Buses are plying from Jabalpur to Khatia which is 165 km away. Khatia is the main entry gate to the Kanha National Park.

Staying There

Kanha Safari Lodge. Tel: 7636290715. Tariff - Rs. 4990.
Baghira Log Huts. Tel: (07649) 277227. Tariff - Rs. 5990-6990.
Panther Resort. Tel: (07649) 277223. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1500.
Kanha Resort. Tel: 9376903457. Tariff - Rs. 1900-2300.

Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary

Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the North East Indian state of Tripura. It is located at a distance of 28 km from Agartala. Although the sanctuary covers a small area of 18.59 sq km, it is quite attractive. The forest is home to Clouded Leopards. The unique spectacled monkey which is the state animal of Tripura is also seen in this sanctuary. Various species of birds live in this sanctuary and migratory birds visit during the winter season. Boating in the lake inside this forest is an added attraction for the tourists. A zoological garden has also been developed inside the sanctuary.

Getting There

The nearest airport from Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is Agartala which is 28 km away. Buses and auto rickshaws are plying from Agartala to Sepahijola.

Staying There

There is a cottage beside the lake at Sepahijala. You may rest at the cottage during daytime. Night stay is prohibited.