Wildlife

Padmaji Naidu Zoological Park is claimed to be the only zoo in the world to breed Tibetan wolf in captivity. It is also the first South Asian zoo to breed Snow Leopard and Siberian Tiger. Rare red pandas are also seen here.

The park is situated at an altitude of 2133.5 meters, with scenic and mighty Kanchenjunga forming the backdrop. The zoo was established in 1958, with the aim of conserving the Himalayan fauna. In 1975, the park was dedicated to the memory of Padmaji Naidu, former governor of West Bengal, by Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister of India.

Birbhum offers explorers and those in quest of excitement and thrill an excellent opportunity to indulge in adventure escapade. Located near Shantiniketan, in Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum District, Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1977. Popularly known as Deer Park, the sanctuary is home to a number of wild animals, including the blackbuck and spotted deer. Apart from this, the fauna of the region includes jackals, foxes and a variety of water birds. The eco system of the sanctuary is excellent.

The zoo located in Sayaji Baug was opened for the visitors in the year 1879. It houses around 35 types of mammals that include tiger, lion, panther, deer etc; 122 types of birds including blue crown pigeon; 10 types of reptiles including alligators, ghadials and many more. Asiatic lions are the major attraction of the zoo.

The aquarium within the zoo premises is one of the oldest zoos in India that was built in 1900. It has around 45 species of fish and some among them are Chinese 'magoor', 'kissing' and 'chicklet' species, 'oscar', 'koika' etc

This sanctuary covers an area of 200 Sq.Km, and is inhabited by lions, wild boars, spotted deers, sambars, neelgais, panthers and monkeys. The best season to visit is between November and March.

380 kms South-West of Ahmedabad and 50 kms from Junagadh is located Gir Forest, sprawling on 1412 sq kms. It has a dry deciduous forest and a luxuriantly ric eco system endowed with fauna plenty. Gir is the last home of the Asiatic lion.

Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary located on the outskirts of Bharuch stretches over an area of 608sq. kms. Earlier known as Dhumkal Sanctuary, it was established with a view to protect the Sloth Bear. The sanctuary is a peaceful abode for a large variety of birds and animals. Leopards, wild sloth bears, hyena, panther, sambar, four-horned antelope, wild dogs are some of the fauna's protected here. Crocodiles and otters have been sighted along the river. Best season for visiting the sanctuary is from October to March.

If you were in search of a perfect holiday retreat by the side of placid lake, Kamla Nehru Zoological garden would be a nice choice. It is beautifully located at the majestic banks of the tranquil Kankaria Lake. Kamla Nehru Zoological garden is famed for enduring albino animals. Besides the albino animals, the zoo serves as a natural habitat for large number of the feathering folk, reptiles and other mammals.

A delightful haven of both migratory and common birds, Nal Sarovar a natural lake, situates 70 kilometers away from Ahmedabad is a perfect retreat to those who want to absorb themselves in absolute serenity. Spread across a rambling expanse of 116 sq km, this natural asylum of rare and exotic birds looks as if it were a fairyland. Avian flock from Siberia is the most precious visitors in this park.

Bir Moti Bagh used to be the hunting preserve for the Maharajas and is located in the outskirts of Patiala. The total area of the forest is 1,600 acre. Most of the area is still covered with forest, but parts of it have been made into a zoo and a deer park as well as a pilot project for medicinal plants.

The pristine location of the Harike Wetlands is worth a visit. This region was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1999 and is considered a wetland of International Stature by Ramsar site under UNDP in 1990.