Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Top Wildlife Destinations in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a paradise for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts, offering some of the best national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves in India. From the Royal Bengal Tigers of Jim Corbett to the rare flora of Valley of Flowers, the state is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Here are the top wildlife destinations in Uttarakhand:

 1. Jim Corbett National Park – Land of the Tigers & Elephants

✅ India’s first national park, established in 1936.
✅ Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephants, Leopards, and Crocodiles.
✅ Offers jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and birdwatching experiences.
✅ Divided into six safari zones, each offering unique wildlife sightings.

 Best Time to Visit: November - June (Closed during monsoon).

 Location: Nainital & Pauri Districts

 Things to Do:

• Jeep Safari in Dhikala & Bijrani Zones
• Birdwatching near Ramganga River
• Elephant Safari & Nature Walks

 2. Rajaji National Park – Best for Birdwatching & Elephant Safaris

✅ A dense forest reserve located near Haridwar & Rishikesh.
✅ Home to Asian Elephants, Leopards, Tigers, Sloth Bears & Gharials.
✅ Over 315 bird species, including Hornbills, Eagles, and Kingfishers.
✅ Offers elephant safaris, jungle jeep safaris, and river-side birdwatching.

 Best Time to Visit: November - June.

 Location: Haridwar, Dehradun & Pauri Districts

 Things to Do:

• Jeep Safari in Chilla & Motichur Zones
• Elephant Safari in Jhilmil Jheel
• River rafting & nature trails

 3. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – A Hidden Wildlife Paradise

✅ A serene forest reserve in the Almora district.
✅ Home to Leopards, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Bears, and Monkeys.
✅ Offers stunning views of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath & Trishul peaks.
✅ Best for nature walks, wildlife photography & birdwatching.

 Best Time to Visit: October - March (For clear views & wildlife sightings).

 Location: Almora District

 Things to Do:

• Trek to Zero Point View for a 360° Himalayan view
• Explore the Oak & Pine Forests
• Visit the Binsar Mahadev Temple

 4. Valley of Flowers National Park – A UNESCO Heritage Site

✅ A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its colorful alpine flowers.
✅ Home to rare Himalayan species like Snow Leopards, Musk Deer & Red Foxes.
✅ Offers a stunning high-altitude trek through breathtaking meadows.
✅ Best visited during the monsoon when flowers are in full bloom.

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

 Location: Chamoli District

 Things to Do:

• Trek to the Valley of Flowers (Easy-to-Moderate Trek)
• Visit Hemkund Sahib, a high-altitude Sikh pilgrimage site
• Experience the rare Himalayan flora & fauna

 Why Visit Uttarakhand for Wildlife & Nature?

✅ For Tiger & Elephant Safaris – Jim Corbett, Rajaji National Park.
✅ For Birdwatching & Rare Species – Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
✅ For Trekking & Alpine Beauty – Valley of Flowers National Park.
✅ For Nature Walks & Photography – Binsar, Rajaji, Valley of Flowers.