Uttarakhand, often called the “Land of the Gods,” is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and numerous national parks. These parks preserve the region’s unique flora and fauna and offer a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. In this blog, we will explore some of Uttarakhand’s most famous national parks, highlighting their unique features and attractions.
1. Jim Corbett National Park
Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park and a significant wildlife sanctuary. It was renamed in honour of the legendary hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett.
Attractions:
- Bengal Tigers: The park is renowned for its healthy population of Bengal tigers.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to leopards, elephants, deer, and various bird species.
- Safari Adventures: Jeep safaris and elephant safaris provide thrilling wildlife viewing experiences.
Activities:
- Wildlife Safaris: Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems on guided jeep safaris.
- Bird Watching: With over 600 bird species, it is a paradise for bird watchers.
- Fishing: Anglers can try their luck at fishing in the Ramganga River.
2. Rajaji National Park
Over 820 square kilometres, Rajaji National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It is named after C. Rajagopalachari, the first Governor-General of independent India.
Attractions:
- Asian Elephants: The park is famous for its large elephant population.
- Rich Biodiversity: Home to tigers, leopards, deer, and numerous bird species.
- Scenic Landscapes: Featuring picturesque hills, rivers, and dense forests.
Activities:
- Wildlife Safaris: Explore the park’s rich flora and fauna on jeep safaris.
- Nature Walks: Enjoy guided nature walks and treks through the park.
- Bird Watching: Spot a wide variety of resident and migratory birds.
3. Nanda Devi National Park
Part of the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nanda Devi National Park is known for its stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity.
Attractions:
- Nanda Devi Peak: The park is dominated by the majestic Nanda Devi peak.
- Floral Diversity: Home to a rich variety of alpine flora.
- Wildlife: Includes species like the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, and bharal.
Activities:
- Trekking: The park offers challenging treks with breathtaking views.
- Flora and Fauna Exploration: Discover the unique plants and animals of the region.
- Photography: The stunning landscapes provide excellent photography opportunities.
4. Valley of Flowers National Park
The Valley of Flowers National Park, located in the Western Himalayas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its vibrant meadows of endemic alpine flowers.
Attractions:
- Floral Paradise: Home to over 600 species of flowering plants.
- Scenic Beauty: The valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush greenery.
- Unique Fauna: Includes species like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer.
Activities:
- Trekking: The trek to the valley is popular, offering stunning views and floral beauty.
- Floral Exploration: Discover the diverse and colourful flora of the park.
- Nature Photography: Capture the breathtaking beauty of the valley.
5. Gangotri National Park
Located in the Uttarkashi district, Gangotri National Park is known for its stunning landscapes and spiritual significance. The park is named after the Gangotri Glacier, the source of the Ganges River.
Attractions:
- Gangotri Glacier: The park is home to the sacred Gangotri Glacier.
- Rich Biodiversity: Includes species like the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and ibex.
- Scenic Beauty: Featuring lush forests, alpine meadows, and towering peaks.
Activities:
- Trekking: The park offers several trekking routes, including the trek to Gaumukh.
- Glacial Exploration: Explore the Gangotri Glacier and its surroundings.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot the unique wildlife of the Himalayan region.
6. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary
Covering an area of 958 square kilometers, Govind Pashu Vihar is known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. It is located in the Uttarkashi district.
Attractions:
- Snow Leopard Habitat: The park is known for its population of snow leopards.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to species like the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and bharal.
- Scenic Landscapes: Featuring dense forests, alpine meadows, and glacial streams.
Activities:
- Trekking: Popular trekking routes include the Har Ki Dun trek.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot the unique wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Bird Watching: The park is home to a variety of bird species.
7. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
Also known as Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, it is located in the Rudraprayag district. The sanctuary is named after the famous Kedarnath Temple.
Attractions:
- Musk Deer: The sanctuary is known for its population of musk deer.
- Rich Flora and Fauna: Home to species like the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and a variety of birds.
- Scenic Beauty: Featuring lush forests, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks.
Activities:
- Trekking: The sanctuary offers several trekking routes, including the trek to Kedarnath Temple.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot the unique wildlife of the region.
- Bird Watching: The sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers.
Booking a Bus Ticket to Uttarakhand on the redBus
Booking a bus ticket to Uttarakhand on redBus is a straightforward and convenient process. Follow these steps to secure your journey:
- Visit the redBus Website or App: Open the redBus website or download the redBus app on your smartphone.
- Enter Your Travel Details: In the search fields, input your departure city, destination (choose a city in Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Nainital, or Rishikesh), and travel date. Then, click on the “Search Buses” button.
- Select a Bus: Browse through the list of available buses. You can filter the options based on the type of bus, boarding points, dropping points, and bus operators. Choose a bus that suits your preferences.
- Choose Your Seat: Once you’ve selected a bus, click on “View Seats” to see the available seats. Choose your preferred seat from the seating layout.
- Enter Passenger Details: Fill in the required passenger details, including name, age, gender, and contact information.
- Make Payment: Proceed to the payment page and choose your preferred payment method. redBus offers various payment options, including credit/debit cards, net banking, and digital wallets.
- Confirm Booking: After successful payment, you will receive a booking confirmation via email and SMS. Keep this confirmation handy; you may need to show it during boarding.
- Track Your Bus: On the day of travel, you can use the redBus app to track your bus in real time and stay updated on any delays or changes in schedule.
Booking a bus ticket to Uttarakhand on redBus ensures a hassle-free and comfortable journey, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip to these beautiful national parks.