Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Wildlife & Nature Reserves

Uttarakhand is a biodiversity hotspot, home to thriving wildlife, dense forests, and rare Himalayan species. From tiger reserves to bird sanctuaries and alpine meadows, the state offers a perfect escape into the wild. Here are the top wildlife destinations you must explore.

 1. Jim Corbett National Park – India’s First Tiger Reserve

✅ India’s oldest national park, established in 1936.
✅ Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, elephants, leopards, and over 600 bird species.
✅ Offers jeep safaris, canter safaris, and elephant safaris.

 Best Time to Visit: November - June (Monsoon season closed).

2. Rajaji National Park – Best for Elephant Safaris

✅ A dense forest reserve spanning across Haridwar, Rishikesh & Dehradun.
✅ Home to Asian elephants, leopards, tigers, and gharials.
✅ Best for birdwatching, safaris & nature walks.

 Best Time to Visit: November - June.

 3. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

✅ Nestled in Almora district, offering stunning views of Nanda Devi.
✅ Spot Himalayan black bears, leopards, barking deer & over 200 bird species.
✅ Best for trekking, photography & nature lovers.

 Best Time to Visit: October - March (For clear skies & birdwatching).

 4. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve – A UNESCO Heritage Site

✅ A protected high-altitude zone near Nanda Devi (India’s 2nd highest peak).
✅ Home to snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan tahrs & over 300 plant species.
✅ Best combined with the Valley of Flowers trek.

 Best Time to Visit: June - October.

 5. Valley of Flowers National Park – A Floral Wonderland

✅ A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its seasonal wildflower blooms.
✅ Home to blue poppies, Brahma Kamal, and medicinal plants.
✅ Also hosts Himalayan monals, snow leopards & red foxes.

 Best Time to Visit: July - September (Peak flowering season).

 6. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary – A Lesser-Known Gem

✅ A remote sanctuary near Pithoragarh, perfect for offbeat wildlife experiences.
✅ Home to snow leopards, musk deer, and Himalayan black bears.
✅ Ideal for nature photography and conservation tourism.

 Best Time to Visit: March - June, September - November.

 7. Gangotri National Park – Home to Rare Himalayan Fauna

✅ A pristine high-altitude park near the Gangotri Glacier.
✅ Spot blue sheep (bharal), Himalayan brown bears, and ibex.
✅ Best for trekking & wildlife spotting.

 Best Time to Visit: April - June, September - November.

 8. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park & Sanctuary

✅ Located in Uttarkashi district, known for Himalayan snow leopards & monals.
✅ Also home to serows, musk deer, and golden eagles.
✅ Ideal for wildlife safaris, birdwatching & nature lovers.

 Best Time to Visit: May - October.

 Why Explore Uttarakhand’s Wildlife & Nature Reserves?

✅ For Tiger & Elephant Safaris – Jim Corbett, Rajaji National Park.
✅ For Birdwatching & Rare Species – Binsar, Valley of Flowers, Askot.
✅ For Trekking & Alpine Beauty – Nanda Devi Biosphere, Gangotri National Park.
✅ For Offbeat Wildlife Photography – Govind Pashu Vihar, Askot Sanctuary.