Valley of Flowers National Park

The Valley of Flowers National Park is situated in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand, bordered by the neighboring countries of Tibet and Nepal. The park spreads across an area of 87.5 sq km and was declared as a national park in the year 1982. Ranging at an altitude of 3352 to 3658 meters above sea level, the Valley of Flowers National Park is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunning landscapes and meadows covered with endemic alpine flora are the prime attractions of this national park. This high-altitude Himalayan valley hosts around 300 species of alpine flowers which appears as carpet against the snow capped mountainous background. Some rare and endangered animals including snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, red fox and musk deer are also residents of the Valley of Flowers National Park. The best time to visit the park is from July to September.

Valley of Flowers National Park

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, 276 km away. Hired cars are available from Rishikesh to reach Govind Ghat. Ghangaria is a 13 km trek from Govind Ghat. The Valley of Flowers National Park is another 3 km trek from the base camp at Ghangaria.

Staying There

The best place to stay is at Joshimath where there are a number of hotels and accommodation options.
GMVN Guest House. Tariff - Rs. 1300-2000. Tel: (01389) 222226.

Keoladeo National Park

Keoladeo National Park is situated in Bharatpur in the state of Rajasthan. It is one of the most famous bird sanctuary in India and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The park spans over an area of 29 sq km. The primary vegetation type is tropical dry deciduous forest along with dry grasslands and scrublands. The Keoladeo National Park hosts an impressive number of bird species including Indian grey hornbill, common teal, tufted duck, crested serpent eagle, osprey, white spoonbill and herons. Every year during winter thousands of migratory birds flock to this place making the national park a paradise for bird watchers. The park is also home to animals such as nilgai, sambar, chital, wild boar and Indian porcupine. Apart from that around 50 species of fishes, 13 species of snakes and 7 amphibian species are residents of the Keoladeo National Park.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Bharatpur which is well connected to other parts of the country. Keoladeo National Park is just 5 km from Bharatpur railway station.

Staying There

Hotel Bharatpur Ashok. Tariff - Rs. 3500-4000. Tel: (05644) 222722.

Kunjanagar

Kunjanagar is an amazing destination situated 10 km from the town of Falakata in West Bengal. The place is surrounded by dense forests and corn fields. There is a suspension bridge. On one side of the bridge is Kunjanagar and on the other side is Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. River Torsa is flowing in the middle of Kunjanagar and Jaldapara. A watch tower is there for seeing wild animals. The view from the tower is awe inspiring. The popularity of Kunjanagar for boating is increasing rapidly in the recent years.

Getting There

The nearest railway station to Kunjanagar is Falakata. Falakata is well connected to Kolkata which in turn enjoys good connectivity with the rest of the country. Kunjanagar is 10 km from Falakata. Hired cars are available from Falakata to reach Kunjanagar.

Staying There

Forest Bungalow. For booking contact: DFO, Coochbehar, Forest and Wildlife Department, P.O. - Coochbehar, Dist. - Coochbehar. Tel: (03582) 227185.

Bodaganj

Bodaganj is a virgin and unexplored jungle destination situated near Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. The place is surrounded by forests and tea gardens with a beautiful backdrop of the mighty Himalayas. The Teesta Barrage is located very close to Bodaganj. Various wild animals including the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, barking deer, hog deer, spotted deer, sambhar, wild boars and Gour are sighted in the jungle around Bodaganj. The forest is also home to numerous bird species.

Getting There

The nearest railway station from Bodaganj is Jalpaiguri Road. Jalpaiguri Road is connected to Kolkata which in turn enjoys excellent connectivity with the rest of the country. Bodaganj is 17 km from Jalpaiguri Road station.

Staying There

WBFDC Forest Bungalow. Tel: (033) 22370060. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 800.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Baragarh district of Odisha. It spans over an area of 347 sq km. The sanctuary is situated in a calm and pleasing environment at a distance of 50 km from the town of Sambalpur. The vegetation primarily consists of mixed deciduous trees and shrubs. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife including tiger, leopard, elephant, sloth bear, sambar, chital, gaur and Nilgai. Since the sanctuary lies in close proximity to the Hirakud Dam, it attracts a number of migratory birds such as Crested Serpent Eagle and Chousingha. Mugger crocodiles and turtles also reside in this forest.

Getting There

The nearest railhead is Sambalpur which enjoys good rail connectivity with the rest of the country. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is 50 km from Sambalpur.

Staying There

You can stay at the Forest Rest Houses in Dhodrokusum and Dechua. Accommodation is also available at the Tourist Cottage at Chaurasimal.