India is a land of incredible biodiversity, with diverse landscapes ranging from dense forests to vast deserts, and from high mountain ranges to pristine coastal regions. This rich ecological tapestry is home to an array of wildlife species, some of which are endangered or critically endangered. To safeguard these valuable natural treasures and conserve the delicate balance of ecosystems, India boasts a network of wildlife sanctuaries spread across the length and breadth of the country.

Wildlife sanctuaries in India are protected areas designated under various national and state laws. They serve as safe havens for native flora and fauna, shielding them from human intervention, poaching, and habitat destruction. These protected zones are established with the primary objective of conserving biodiversity, promoting ecological research, and promoting sustainable tourism while ensuring minimal human interference.

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Few Wildlife Sanctuaries of India:

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

It is located on the banks of the Kali River in Karnataka; this is the second largest wildlife sanctuary as well as one of the most frequented wildlife reserves in this state. It is home to a wide range of rare and exotic plant species as well as species of animals including predators, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and more. It also has a huge variety of resident as well as migratory bird species which makes it one of the best wildlife sanctuaries of India for birdwatchers and bird photographers in Karnataka. Adventure seekers can also go for river rafting, and trekking in this sanctuary.

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Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

This huge park is enveloped by dry as well as moist deciduous forests along with some semi-evergreen forests. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place for adventure seekers to go on a safari within the extensive habitat of common as well as rare plants and animals and experience the magic of nature and the wilderness. The Bhadra River inside the park is a favorite spot of all wildlife enthusiasts and photographers since it is here that all the animals of the jungle come for their water needs several times a day. This is one of the most fascinating additions to the number of wildlife sanctuaries in India owing to its extensive natural resources.

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Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa

It lies in the tiny town of Mollem in Goa and is situated amidst the scenic Western Ghats where this famous sanctuary is enveloped by thick picture-perfect forests. It holds a prominent place among the names of wildlife sanctuaries in India since it boasts of both historical as well as geographical significance. More than animal lovers, this place is frequented by birdwatchers since it is home to a diverse array of avifauna. However, it also provides shelter to a large number of animals. Don’t miss the experience of climbing the Devil’s Canyon Viewpoint for some outstanding views of the whole park.

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Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

Also popular as Kalakkad Tiger Reserve, Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of about 900 square kilometers. Due to its rich biodiversity and beauty, the place is always teeming with photographers and wildlife enthusiasts as it offers thrill and unveils mystery at every turn or corner. The sanctuary is located in three different areas including Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary is now one of the 17th declared Tiger Reserve in India which has grabbed the attention of travelers. UNESCO is now considering it under the list of World Heritage Sites. Moreover, the trekking trails in this sanctuary has also made it a treasure trove for trekkers and nature lovers.

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Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the Madhya Pradesh covering an area of around 1,197 square kilometers. It is sprawled in four different districts namely, Damoh, Raisen, Sagar, and Narsinghpur and was established in 1975. The main source of water for this sanctuary is two renowned rivers Ganga and Narmada. As cheetahs are going into extinction, this sanctuary makes some special efforts to preserve them and reintroduce in the ecosystem. For the sustainability of the wildlife, it is home to both herbivores and carnivores animals which are why it is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India.

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Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh  

Spanning over an area of 614sq km in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary offers wildlife lovers and nature huggers a rare chance to venture into its unseen and unexplored realms and have an up close and personal encounter with the wild, but in the supervision of a guide. In fact, it is frequented by botanists and wildlife biologists every year who come here to conduct research over these species. Bringing people closer to nature, this paradise is home to a huge diversity of flora and fauna, including the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican. Though it’s not as popular as the other wildlife reserves in the country, it is still one of the best places to experience nature and wildlife if we look at state-wise wildlife sanctuaries in India. People who visit are also fascinated by the mutual coexistence of mankind and nature that they witness here, owing to the village located right in this forest.

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Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

It is a famous tiger reserve located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. It is one of the oldest and largest wildlife sanctuaries in India. Home to various species of herbivore and carnivore animals, this park is evergreen (like, literally!) owing to the unique geographical topography of its location. Other than a plethora of animal’s species, this park is also home to some rare plant species like the axle-wood, which is a fire-resistant species of trees and is very common in this park among other species like Black Plums, Arjun, and Palas.

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The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu and Kashmir

This high altitude sanctuary situated in the easternmost side of Leh district in Jammu and Kashmir is its most prized possession. The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary serves as an essential wildlife reserve in India and provides shelter to the migratory population of rare Tibetan Antelope, that is also called Chiru in the local dialect. Blessed with magnificent mountain views, this is among the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in India and was extensively surveyed by Prof. Chandra Prakash Kala who found this cold desert area enriched with medicinal plants despite having sparse vegetation. These medicinal vegetation types included Arnebia Euchroma, Bergenia Stracheyi, Ephedra Gerardiana, and Hyoscyamus Niger.

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