Winters mean taking that one well-deserved vacation you were planning all year long. Usually, most people opt for tropical getaways, snow-capped retreats, or trips to their favorite cities. But, imagine this – you’re surrounded by lush greenery, observing the wonders of nature. Colorful, chirpy birds, majestic wildlife, and a variety of never-seen-before flora, and so much more to see.
India’s 573 wildlife sanctuaries are a testament to the country’s diverse flora and fauna, with every sanctuary offering something unquestionably unique. Let’s have a look at 4 wildlife sanctuaries in India that you must visit in the winter season.
Top 4 Wildlife Sanctuaries To Visit In Winter
- Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa
- Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra
- Mount Abu Sanctuary, Mount Abu, Rajasthan
- Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa
This sanctuary situated in Southern Goa is usually popular during the monsoon season for its abundant waterfalls and thriving seasonal wildlife, but exploring it in winters is just as rewarding. As there’s no unexpected downpour and the sanctuary environment isn’t dampy or marshy, winters make for a good season to visit it.
The Savri and Mainapi waterfalls are key attractions here, accessible by hiking from the main Matoni Gate. There are no safaris or forest department guides within the sanctuary, but the trails are frequented often and defined clearly for nature enthusiasts. With over 50 animal species and 200 bird species, the most popular wildlife here is leopards, bison, mouse deer, civets, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Ceylon frogmouth, and white-bellied treepie, among others.
Timings And Costs
Timing: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry fee: INR 100 per adult; INR 30 per child/student (with ID card)
Vehicle entry fee: INR 50 (two or three wheelers); INR 100 (four wheelers)
How To Get There?
Air: Dabolim has the nearest airport (73 km) to the sanctuary.
Rail: Margao is the nearest railway station, with a one-hour drive or 45 km away.
Road: Even though buses are available from Panaji, the public transport isn’t the most reliable. It is recommended to go for rental cars, bikes, or hired taxis to reach the sanctuary.
Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Also known as Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary, it is situated about 55 km away from Kolhapur city in Maharashtra. It is nestled in the lush green Sahyadri ranges and is also a natural World Heritage site of category ix and x since 2012. It is home to 425 plant species, 47 mammal species, 66 butterfly species, 59 reptile species, and 264 bird species. Nilgiri wood pigeon, Ceylon frogmouth, Malabar gray hornbill, Malabar whistling thrush, giant squirrel, barking deer, bison, and sambar are quite popular sightings.
The jungle is explorable through a wildlife safari or by trekking through narrow trails. Additionally, the temples of Shiva and Kal Bhairava are popular tourist attractions within the sanctuary. The latter is situated at a place which gives a bird’s eye view of the entire sanctuary, so visiting it is a must. Moreover, private cars or jeeps are also allowed inside the sanctuary. These vehicles are permitted up to an open ground by the name of the Shivrai Sada. With a water pond in its center, it attracts wild animals for water during sunrise and sunset.
Timings And Costs
Sanctuary timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Ticket counter timing: 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Closed on Tuesday
Entry fee: INR 50 per person; INR 1900 for safari
Vehicle entry fee: INR 50 (two or three wheelers); INR 100 (four wheelers)
How To Get There?
Air: Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport is the closest domestic airport (57 km), but it isn’t a very popular option to reach Kolhapur.
Rail: Kolhapur’s Shahu Maharaj Terminus is the closest station (55 km). Buses, private cabs, and rental cars are available from the station.
Road:It is 55 km away from Kolhapur on the Kolhapur – Deogarh state highway. Many other national highways connect major Indian cities to Kolhapur.
Mount Abu Sanctuary, Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Mount Abu is a popular winter tourist destination, so the sanctuary, situated 35 km from the city, attracts plenty of travelers too. Spread across 288 sq. km, it also houses the highest peak of Rajasthan, Guru Shikhar. The sanctuary is famous for its diverse flora, including wild roses, various orchid species, and feras. In the south-western part of the sanctuary, abundant bamboo forests are present. It is also home to a variety of animals including Indian leopard, sloth bear, sambar, chinkara, and wild boar. Many of the fauna living here are rare and endangered species.
The sanctuary presents plenty of sightseeing opportunities and is famous for its emphasis on eco-tourism. Visiting it during winters is the best option, as the weather is pleasant and most wildlife can be seen roaming openly in the wild. If an off-beat sanctuary is what you’re looking for, this one is just for you!
Timings And Costs
Sanctuary timing: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry fee: NIL, but jeep safari costs INR 300 onwards
How To Get There?
Air: Maharana Pratap Airport in Dabok, Udaipur is the closest airport to Mount Abu.
Rail: Abu Road railway station is the closest to the main town of Mount Abu (28 km). It is an important railway stop on the lines between New Delhi and Ahmedabad. Cabs and private cars can then be hired.
Road: It is roughly a one-hour drive or 35 km away from Mount Abu. Private cars and taxis are available from the main city.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu
Originally known as the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and later renamed as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park, it is a popular tiger reserve now, apart from being renowned for its other wildlife. Visitors can undertake exhilarating treks, both guided and unguided, as well as informative safaris to witness the untouched beauty of the Anamalai Hills.
There are special elephant camps too where visitors can interact and watch them being fed. The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is also home to the Amaravathi Reservoir, famous for its crocodiles and other aquatic life. Elephant, Panther, Tiger, Spotted deer, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, panther, elephant, as well as tigers are some of the animals that can be spotted here. Along with it, over 800 species of flora and 250 avian species make it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Timings And Costs
Sanctuary timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Checkpost timing: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Safari timing: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Entry fee: INR 30 per adult; INR 10 per child
Vehicle entry fee (at the checkpost): INR 100 to INR 200
Safari entry fee: INR 800
How To Get There?
Air: The Coimbatore International Airport (75 km) is the closest airport and cabs are easily available to the Reserve.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Pollachi (35 km). Many trains from Coimbatore and Chennai halt here.
Road: Coimbatore and Pollachi facilitate direct buses to the Reserve. Additionally, it is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu, but private or rented cars are also a popular option.
Things To Keep In Mind When Visiting Wildlife Sanctuaries
Now that you’ve read through some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India, here are some things to keep in mind when visiting them.
- Check the timings of entry before-hand.
- Pack appropriate gear like compass, binoculars, cameras, trekking poles, whistles, and other necessary items.
- Network signals might be weak inside or around the sanctuary, so it is advisable to keep cash handy.
- Avoid stepping out of the designated trails to avoid potential danger.
- Do not litter and dispose off all waste when visiting the sanctuary.
- Avoid disturbing the wildlife and instead silently observe them. Also avoid feeding or baiting them, unless it is permitted.
- Keep a tab on local weather conditions to avoid any inconvenience.
- Wear comfortable, light-weight clothes and running or trekking shoes for the best experience. As you’ll be visiting these places in winter, also keep winter clothes like jackets and coats handy.
- Carry winter essentials like moisturizers and sunscreens, as well as necessary medications.
- Follow all listed rules inside the premises of the wildlife sanctuary.
Summing Up
Winter is the best time to explore India, as it is a country with a mostly tropical climate. And what’s better than experiencing Indian winters in its unbounded nature. Imagine waking up to chilly mornings and going on a safari ride to see tigers and feed jolly elephants. India’s wildlife sanctuaries are home to some of the world’s most unique flora and fauna. If you too wish to make your vacation extra special by ditching the usual winter getaways, India’s thriving wildlife sanctuaries are calling you!
FAQs
How Many Wildlife Sanctuaries Are There In India?
According to the National Wildlife Database, Nov. 2023, there are 573 wildlife sanctuaries in India. They cover about 3.7% of the country’s land.
Which Is The Smallest Wildlife Sanctuary In India?
The Bor Tiger Reserve is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in India. It is spread across roughly 121 sq. km.
Which Is The Oldest National Park In India?
The Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest in India. It was established in 1936 in Uttarakhand.
Which Is The Largest Bird Sanctuary In India?
The Keoladeo or Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the most bird species in India. It is said that there are around 400 species of birds that call it their home.
