India 39 S National Parks Tell Me Why 80 gnv64 PDF

Elephant and her calves in Kaziranga National Park
From the house of

MAGIC POT, THE WEEK,
MANORAMA YEARBOOK, VANITHA &
May 2013 • Volume: 7 • No: 5
THE MAlAYAlA MANORAMA DAilY
Nature for the Future

National parks are dedicated to
conserving a nation's unique fJora
and fauna, and distinct scenic and
wildlife heritage for future gener
ations. These parks are rich in
plant and animal species, thriving
in their indigenous natural
environment and beauty.
Each country has its own
national parks which protect a
number of species. Till 1 970, India
had only five national parks.
However, new laws were passed
in the 1 970s and 1 980s to protect
wildlife and the environment. As
a result, many more national
parks were established.
By 201 2, there were 1 03
national parks in India. This
number will definitely increase,
as plans are afoot to set up a total
of 1 66 national parks. This issue of
Tell Me Why unfolds for you a
stunning panorama of the
Wonders of Wild India.
M.M. Publications Ltd.,
P.B. No. 226, Koltayam, Kerala, India.
Pin·686001. Phone: 0481·2563721 - 22 ,23
Fax: ++91·481·2564393
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
NEW DELHI: Malayala Manorama Co. Ltd.

Andhra Vanitha Mandali Building,
2, Azad Bhavan Road, Indraprastha Estate,
New Delhi·110 002.
Phone: 011- 23379718, 23379719, 23379720
MUMBAI: Malayala Manorama,

A- 404 Marathon Innova, A Wing 4th Floor,
Lower Parel (West), Mumbai - 400 013.
Phone: 022·39495969,24900844, 24901331
KOLKATA: Malayala Manorama,

14 Parasar Road, Near lake Market
Kolkata • 700 029.
Phone: 033·24198233,24198048
PATNA: Malayala Manorama,

608, Jagat Trade Centre, Frazar Road,
Patna - 800 001. Phone: 0612 • 2233809
JAIPUR: Malayala Manorama,

C/o Royal business Centre, Usha Plaza, Near
JaipurTower, M.1. Road,Jaipur - 302 001.
Phone: 0141 - 2368360, Mob: 94616 28972
HYDERABAD: Malayala Manorama,

Clo Dr. B.C. Mathur, 8-2· 62911/B, Road
No.12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500 034.
Phone: 040 - 23314168, 23324692
BENGALURU: Malayala Manorama,

No. 132, Kantha Court, 3rd Floor,
Lal Baugh Road, Bengaluru- 560 027.
Phone: 22247735 136
CHENNAI: Malayala Manorama,

Unit B III Floor, 23,SpurTank Road,(hetput,
Chennai-600 031. Phone: 044 - 43181405.
COIMBATORE: Malayala Manorama,

101, 5unshine Buildings,1056,
Avinashi Road,Coimbatore - 641 018.
Phone: 2241911 12245470
LUCKNOW: Malayala Manorama,

B-1657, Indira Nagar, Lucknow-226 016.
Phone: 0522 - 2341576
CHANDIGARH: Malayala Manorama,

India's first national
H No. 2252, Ground Floor Annexe, Sector
21- C,Chandigarh -160 022.
park was established in
Phone: 0172 - 2724699 Mob: 09417310727 1936. lt was called the
BHOPAL: Malayala Manorama,
Plot No.161, Gopal Bhawan, Zone 1,
Hailey National Park,
M.P. Nagar, Bhopal. Phone: 0755 - 2557937 but has now been
THIRUVANANTH, PURAM renamed Jim Corbett
Malayala Manorama, P.B. No. 160.
Thampanoor East, Thiruvananthapuram- National Park.
695 001. Phone: 2328198
KOCHI: Malayala Manorama,

P.B. No. 5008, Panampilly Nagar,
Kochi - 682 036, Kerala.
4.one: 0484 - 2316285
What are national parks?
f you have visited a national park, you will know that it is
I a place where Nature has been left undisturbed, and
you can see animals in their natural surroundings. In other
words, it is a park that preserves or conserves Nature for
future generations to study and enjoy. Every country in the
world has its own national parks, and there is an interna
tional organization, the IUCN- International Union for the
Conservation of Nature- that is recognized as a regulatory
body for these parks. According to the IUCN there are more
than 6500 national parks in the world today. The first
national park to be established was the Yel lowstone
National Park in the U SA. It was declared a national park in
, 872. The largest national park in the world is the Northeast
Greenland National Park.
Why is the Mahavir Harina Vanasthali
National Park an interesting place?
he Mahavir Harina Vanasthali

TNational Park lies on the outskirts National Aquatic
of Hyderabad. Since it was established Animal
,
in 1 975, the year of the 2500th birth
anniversary of the great Jain saint The Gangetic
Mahavir, it was named after him. It Dolphin has been
became a National Park in 1 994. declared the
The park is famed as the preserve of national aquatic
the endangered blackbuck, the state animal of India.
animal of Andhra Pradesh. There are This is an
important step in
also chitals and herds of wild boar.
the conservation
Partridges, quails, peacocks, doves, and preservation
pond herons, egrets, kingfishers and ofthis endan
cormorants are found here, as well as gered animal,
birds of prey like kites and vultures. If which is unique to
you are lucky, you may even catch sight India.
of the short-toed eagle- a very rare bird.
6 Tell MeWhy
Why is the Kasu Brahamananda Reddy National
Park unique?
he Kasu Brahamananda Reddy National Park or

TKBR Park, as it is popularly known, is named
after a former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. It is
located in the Jubilee Hills, in the heart of Hyderabad
city. The park has over 600 species of plants and
trees. As far as wildlife is concerned, the park is home
to approximately 1 13 species of birds, 20 species of
reptiles, 20 species of mammals, 15 species of butter
flies, and a wide variety of invertebrates as well as
palm civets and small jungle cats.
The park is unique in that, in addition to its magnif
icent flora and fauna, it also has awe-inspiring historic
structures within its boundaries like the Chitan
Palace of the former Nizam of Hyde'
established as a National Park in 1 998 to safeguard
the biodiversity, and it is like a breath of fresh air
Jungle Cat amidst the noise and pollution of the city.
Why is the Mrugavani National Park a Chitals
popular tourist destination?
You fool;
rugavani National Park is located
M about 25 kilometres from
don't you know
this is a National
Hyderabad, and was declared as a National Park?
Park in 1978. The park is covered with teak,
sandalwood and bamboo, as well as many
varieties of shrubs and herbs, woodlands
and grasslands. It is home to animals like
the Indian hare, forest cat, civet, Indian rat
snake, Russell's viper and chital. There are
over 1 00 species of birds, including
warblers, peacocks, grey partridge, quail,
lapwings and flower peekers, as well as
myriads of butterflies. With its 600 different
types of plant life, amazing wildlife, and
wide range of nature friendly activities,
Mrugavani National Park has become a
favourite destination of both domestic as
well as international tourists.
8 Tell MeWhy
Why is the Sri Venkateswara National
Park called by this name 1
he Sri Venkateswara National Park

Tis located in the Chittoor and
Cuddapah districts of Andhra Pradesh. It
covers an area of 353.62 sq km of rugged
The Mount hilly terrain, and abounds in deep gorges,
Harriet National steep slopes, lofty plateaus, green valleys
Park in the and breathtaking waterfalls.
Andaman and The park is famous for over 1 500 plant
Nicobar Islands, species, and also for its rare species of
is named after wildlife. These include the slender lorises,
Mount Harriet, the golden gecko, and flying lizards.
the highest peak There are also many mammals like the
in the archi nilgai, wild boar, the occasional leopard
pelago. The peak,
and hyena. Nilgai is the largest Asian
in turn, is named
antelope.
after Harriet
Tytler, who is For bird-watchers, there are over 1 00
remembered for species of birds to be seen. The park,
her notes at the which was notified as a National Park in
time of the revolt 1998, is just 1 0 km from Tirupati, the
of 1857. abode of Lord Venkateswara, and is
named after the Lord.
Nilgai
Where is Campbell Bay National Park?
he Campbell Bay National Park is on

Tthe Great Nicobar Island, the largest
of the Nicobar Islands. These islands are
located in the Indian Ocean. Campbell Bay
was established as a National Park in 1 996,
and forms a part of what is known as the
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
The park covers an area of 426.23 sq km
of tropical evergreen forest, abounding in
orchids and tree ferns. The orchids are truly
spectacular, and in summer, when all the
Nicobar Pigeon flowers are in full bloom, the park is a
breathtaking sight. The animals inhabiting
this park include the crab-eating macaque,
the megapode, the giant robber crab and
Walk&Watch
the Nicobar pigeon. There are also myriad
If you are species of birds that you can watch from
walking specially built watchtowers.
around the
Sultanpur Give me
Bird some crabs, or leave
Sanctuary, it immediately.
will take up to
two hours to
cover the
entire area.
But with over
100 species of
migratory
birds to look
out for, time
will just fly!
10 TelrMeWhy
Why is the Galathea National
Park special?
he Galathea National Park

Tis in the Union Territory of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Located on Great Nicobar Island,
it occupies an area of 1 1 0 sq km.
This park is home to many rare
species of plants and animals
that are found only here,
because of the relative
geographical isolation of this
region.
The park is especially famous
for the presence of the giant
leatherback turtle, an endan
gered species. Other animals
found here include, the water
monitor lizard, the reticulated
python, the endangered Nicobar
tree shrew, wild pigs, robber
crabs, and the Malayan box
turtle. The wildlife also includes
the Nicobar scrub-fowl, the
edible nest swiftlet, the Nicobar
long-tailed macaque, and
saltwater crocodile. The
Galathea National Park is also a
great place for enthusiastic bird
watchers, and a holiday here is
truly a unique experience.
Long-tailed Macaque
11
Why is the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National An Island
Park linked with eco-tourism 7 in the
Mahatma
Gandhi
he Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is
Tin the Wandoor region of South Andaman. Marine
National
The park covers an area of281 .5 sq km, and is made Park
up of a group of 1 5 islands and open sea creeks.
This was declared as a National Park in 1 999.
Most of the park area is dotted with islands and
islets covered with mangroves or tropical forests,
along with open rock-faces, and shallow beaches.
The marine wonders include a variety of coral reefs,
myriad fish in all sizes and colours, mollusks, shell
fish, star-fish, turtles, and saltwater crocodiles.
This park is a major nesting ground for sea turtles,
who come there in hundreds every year to lay their
eggs. This national park has many excellent
locations for snorkelling and scuba-diving, and is a
hot-spot for eco-tourism.
12 Tell MeWhy
I
Middle Button Island National Park
,
Middle Button Island Park is also in the

Andaman and Nicobar islands. It is near
Port Blair, and is famous for its spotted deer,
along with many other species of wildlife, as
well as for its breath taking beauty.
Why is the North B utton Island National Park an ideal

holiday spot?
he North Button Island National Park covers 0.44 sq km of

T marine area in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, off the east
coast of India. It is a wonderful place for scuba diving and
snorkelling as the bottom of the sea is made up mainly of coral
covered rocks interspersed with patches of sand. This is the home
of the dugong, dolphins, blue whale, water monitor liz�rd, and
other forms of marine life. Here, you will also find humpback
snappers, giant groupers, and schools of spiny foot and unicorn
fish. Boulder corals, stag horns, and finger corals are some of the
sights to be seen on the reef flats. The area receives heavy rainfall
from June to October every year, and so, the best time to visit the
North Button Island National Park is from December to April.
Why is the Rani Jhansi Marine National Park called
the eco-tourism hub of India?
he Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is the eco

Ttourism huboflndia.ltis located in theAndaman
and Nicobar Islands, on the picturesque Ritchie's
Archipelago, and is spread out over three islands. It is
about 40 km from Baratang Island, and covers a total
area of about 256.1 4 sq km. From the eco-tourism
point of view, Baratang provides an excellent oppor
tunity to view a variety of habitats, from mangroves
to littoral forests, to mud volcanoes, as well as natural
limestone caves, marine life, and birdlife. The plant
life and wildlife found here include the terrestrial
forests, mangroves, coral reefs, crocodiles, dugongs
and birds. Fruit-eating bats are also found here. The
islands surrounding this National Park offer great
Coral locations for scuba-diving and snorkelling.
Reef
Rani of Jhansi!
Help me in my
battles on coral
reefs.
i the Saddle Peak
National Park called by this
name?
he Saddle Peak National

T Park is located in North
Andaman Island. It covers an
area of 32.54 sq km, and is
named after the highest poin
in the Andamcln and Nicobar
Islands, Saddle Peak. It was
declared as a national park in
Imperial Pigeon
the year 1996.
South Button Island The climate here is humid,
. warm, and wet, and the park
National Park
abounds in luxuriant, lush green
The South Button Island tropical rainforests.
National Park in the A unique feature of this park is
Andaman and Nicobar
the stunted evergreen
islands is famed for its
shallow water coral vegetation surrounding the
reefs, which makes it a peak, which is 732 metres high.
popular site for scuba The main animal species in the
diving. It is also home to park comprises Andaman wild
the dugong and water pigs, water monitor lizard, and
monitor lizard. It was Salt Water Crocodile. The
>
declared as a national important birds found here are
park in the year 1996. the Andaman hill mynah and
imperial pigeon.
India's National Parks 15

Why is the Namdapha National Park an Namdapha
unforgettable experience? National Park
he Namdapha National Park covering

Tan area of 1 807.82 sq km, is located in
Arunachal Pradesh in north-east India. The
majestic gaur, elephant, Himalayan black
bear, wild goat, musk deer, and slow loris
can be seen here along withtigers, leopards,
the rare snow leopard, and clouded
leopard.
Some of the plants and animals found
here cannot be seen anywhere else in the
world. For the bird-enthusiast, the forest
shelters many rare and threatened species
found only in the North East, such as grey
peacock -pheasant, red headed and Ward's
trogons, wedge-billed wren babbler, snowy
throated babbler, hill partridges, the
beautiful nuthatch, and five different
species of the majestic hornbill.
Please
believe me. I 'm
here just to do a study
on birds.
16
Which National Park in India is associated with
the one-horned Indian rhinoceros?
he Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a World

THeritage Site, and the natural home of the
famous one-horned Indian rhinoceros. Here you
will find thick forests, elephant grass, marshes,
shallow pools, and reeds spread out over 858.98 sq
km.
The park contains about , 5 species of India's
threatened mammals. It has the world's largest
population of Indian rhinoceros. Other mammals
include capped langurs, hoolock gibbons, tigers,
Ganges dolphins, gaurs, sambars, swamp deer, and
the Indian muntjac.
Kaziranga National Park is perhaps one of the last
areas in eastern India undisturbed by a human
Indian presence- and as such, it is one of India's_natural
Rhinoceros treasures.
Please pull out

one of my horns! I
have to visit Kaziranga
next week.
Great Why is the Manas National Park India's pride?
Hornbill
he Manas National Park, located in the foothills
Tof the Himalayas in Western Assam, was
declared a tiger reserve in 1974, and a World Heritage
Site in 1985, and a national park in 1990. The focal
point of Manas National Park is the enchanting Manas
River.
The sanctuary is home to a great variety of wildlife
that includes the golden langur, hispid hare, pygmy
hog, capped langur, Indian one-horned rhinoceros,
elephant, gaur, and hog deer. It is one of the tiger
reserve sanctuaries in India. Manas is known for its
project tigers, rhinos and elephants, and is one of the
two tiger projects in Assam. The diverse habitat of
Manas is an ideal home for a variety of specialized
birds too. The park boasts of the largest population of
the endangered Bengal florican in the world, and is
also a great place to see the great hornbill.
18 Tell Me Why
Hello Sam bar,
would you like to taste
sot1)e 'sambar'?
Where is the Nameri National Park? The lion

tailed
he Nameri National Park, in Assam, is macaque is
T situated in the foothills of the Himalayas
an endan
gered
and covers an area of 200 sq km. The Park is a
species of
Tiger Reserve and here you will find Sambar, monkey
Barking deer, Hog Deer, Wild Boar and Gaur as found only
well as Tigers, Elephants, Leopard, Clouded in pockets of
Leopards and Sloth Bears. The Capped Langur evergreen
and Jackal along with Indian Bison, Pangolin, forests in
Indian Wild Dog and Civet Cat, are amongst the south-west
species found in the park. India.
Many rare birds have also been spotted here,
including the White Billed Wood Duck and four Clouded
species of Hornbill. Leopard
Why does the Dibru- Saikhowa
•'
National Park have a special .
place in Assam? . .. .
he Dibru- Saikhowa National The

T Park in Assam, and sprawls Mouling
National Park is in
over 340 sq km. It was formed by
merging the two reserve forests Arunachal Pradesh. It is
named after the
of Dibru and Saikhowa, and was
highest peak in the
declared a national park in 1 999.
state, Mouling.
Dibru-Saikhowa is among the 'Mouling' means 'red
most vibrant wilderness on Earth, poison,' and refers to
and is also distinct for its pristine the red latex from a
scenic beauty. Situated in the tree which is found
flood plane of the Brahmaputra, only in this area. The
Dibru-Saikhowa is a safe haven for park has been recog
many endangered species of wild nized as one of the 18
life, including over 300 species of biodiversity hotspots
birds, both endangered and of the world.
migratory.
Over 25 species of mammals Elephant
have been recorded including
tigers, elephants, leopards, jungle
cats, bears, small Indian civets,
squirrels, Gangetic dolphins, slow
loris, and Assamese macaques.
The main attractions, however,
are the white winged wood duck
and the brightly coloured wild
horses, known as feral horses.
Why is the Valmiki National The place has a major
Park important? historical attraction-the Valmiki
Ashram- which is located at a
he Valmiki National Park distance of about 7 km from
Tand Wildlife Sanctuary is Valmikinagar. Although the
situated in the state of Bihar. As ashram itself is in Nepal, it can
many as 53 species of mammals be approached only from
and 240 species of birds have Valmiki Nagar in India.
made the park their home.
Amongst the many animals We are
that can be spotted in the undoubtedly in
national park are wolves, deer, Valmiki National
sloth bears, and reptiles like Park!
pythons, leopards, nilgai,
hyenas, jungle cats, Indian
bison, and rhinoceros.
However, the main attraction
of the park is the Bengal tiger,
and most visitors travel to the
place to catch a glimpse of this
elusive and endangered animal.

Why is the Kanger Valley Park a fascinating place? Chitals
he Kanger Valley National Park is spread out

Tover 200 sq km of picturesquely hilly terrain in
Chhattisgarh State.
The beautiful park derives its name from the Kanger
River, which flows throughout its length. The Kanger
Valley attained the status of a national park in 1 982.
The park has forests of sal, teak and bamboo trees.
Tigers, leopards, mouse deer, wild cat, chital, sambar,
barking deer, jackals, langurs, rhesus macaque, sloth
bear, and wild boar are some of the wild animals
found here.
Hill myna, spotted owlet, red jungle fowls, racket
tailed drongos, peacocks, parrots and steppe eagles
are just a few of the bird species that make the park a
fascinating place. Besides wildlife and plants, there
are many tourist attractions inside the park such as
the Kutamsar Caves, Kailash Caves, Dandak Caves
and Tirathgarh Waterfalls.
22 Tell Me Why
Why is the Indravati National
I'm off to
Park famous? Kanger Valley Park
to hunt mouse
he Indravati National Park deer.
T is famous for its tiger
reserve. In fact, it is the only
tiger reserve in the state of
Chhattisgarh. The park gets its
name from the Indravati River,
which flows through the park,
from east to west.
The park boasts of exotic
varieties of tropical flowers,
especially orchids. The grass
lands abound in wild buffaloes,
barking deer and herds of
nilgais. The wildlife also
includes barasinghas, gaurs,
sambars, wild dogs, sloth bear,
hyenas and manyother species.
However, the Indravati National
Park is most famous for the
reptiles found here. One can
see crocodiles basking in the
sun, as well as Indian chame
leons, cobras and Indian rock
pythons.
The Park also has an inter
esting variety of bird life that
includes the hill myna, cattle
egret, parrots, bulbul, koels, fly
catchers, and weaver birds.
Sambar
India's National Parks

How did the Guru G hasidas National Park
get its name?
he Guru Ghasidas National Park in

T Chhattisgarh is named after a famous
reformist, Guru Ghasidas, who lived between
1 756 and 1 850. The Guru Ghasidas National Tiger Reserve
Park is actually a part of the former Sanjay The Valmiki
National Park. This park was formed when National Park
Chhattisgarh was split from Madhya Pradesh covers an area
to form a separate state. of 335.65 sq
The park's hilly terrain, dense forest, grass km. The
lands, and rivers perfectly supportthe wildlife Valmiki Tiger
population of the region. Tigers, leopards, Reserve was
chital, nilgai, chinkara, jackals, sambar, four established in
1994. It is the
horned antelopes, jungle cat, barking deer,
second tiger
porcupine, monkey, bison, striped hyena,
reserve in
sloth bear and wild dogs are some of the
Bihar, and the
common species found in this region. The eighteenth in
best time to visit this place is from November India.
to June.
Striped Hyena
Which national park is
located in Goa?
oa's Mollem National

G Parkis intheWestern
Ghats, near the town of
Mollem, 60 km south-east
from Panaji, the capital city
of Goa. The park was earlier
known as Mollem Game
Sanctuary. It was declared
a wildlife sanctuary in 1 969,
and renamed Bhagwan
Mahaveer Sanctuary. The
thick jungles of the park
are home to a variety of
wildlife that includes the
barking deer, bengal,tiger,
leopard, bonnet macaque,
and the Malabar giant
squirrel.
The park is qlso famous
forthe 12th century Tambdi
Surla temple, Devil's
Canyon, Sunset Point, and
Bonnet Macaque with its baby Tambdi Water Falls .
Orang National Park

The Orang National Park is the oldest game
resen,;e in the state of Assam. It lies on the
northern bank of the Brahmaputra River, and
covers an area of 78.81 sq km.

Why is the Gir Forest National
Grrr, I'm now
Park important to Asiatic in Gir . This is a nice
lions? place indeed!
he Gir Forest National Park

Tin Gujarat was established
in 1 975. It covers an area of
about 258.71 sq km, and is the
sole home of the pure Asiatic
lions.
The forest and the lions in it
were declared as 'protected' in
the early 1 900's by the nawab The sanctuary is also famous
of the princely state of Junagadh. for its remarkable bird
This was an important step in the population. In addition to the
conservation of the lions whose lions, the Gir Forest supports a
population had plummeted to rich biodiversity comprising 32
only fifteen, because they were species ofmammals, 26 species
hunted as trophies. Today, the of reptiles. It also has the
sanctuary is internationally distinction of being home to
acclaimed for successfully the largest leopard populations
saving this precious species of India.
from the brink of extinction.
Lion in Gir Forest
National Park
How did the Velavadar
Blackbuck National Park get
its name?
his national park in Gujarat

Tgets its name from the fact
that it is meant primarily to be a
sanctuary for blackbucks. This is
a land of wide-spread golden
grasslands, where spiral-horned
antelope or the blackbucks can
be seen bounding up out of the
grasses.
Close to the coast, there are
wetlands full of birds. Pelicans,
flamingos, ducks, waders, coots,
white storks, painted storks, and
different species of cranes-make
the park a treat for
birdwatchers.
Thousands of harriers from
Europe stay here during winter,
and one of the fifty rarest birds
in the world, the lesser florican ,
Blackbuck is also a regular visitor.
Animal Population
The Dibru Saikhowa National Park has a

staggering population of animals- over 3
species of amphibians, 22 species of reptiles,
2S species of birds, 2S species of mammals,
and 62 species of fish! Is it any wonder that it
has been declared a biosphere reserve?

Why is Gulf of Kutch Marine The sanctuary is in the intertidal
Park u nique? zone- this is the area between the
lowest and highest tide levels,
ndia's first marine wildlife which means that it lies below
I sanctuary and first marine water in high tide, and is exposed
national park were created in during low tide. This unique
the Gulf of Kutch in 1 980 and feature gives the visitor a chance
1 982, respectively. The to observe the richest diversity of
sanctuary covers 458 sq km, marine habitats in the country,
of which the park covers includingsalinegrasslands,marshy
1 62.89 sq km. It is an archi areas, rocky shores, mudflats,
pelago of 42 tropical islands creeks, estuaries, sandy strands,
that lie along the northern coral reefs, and mangroves.
coast of Jamnagar district and The mangrove trees can be
the southern coast of Kutch. identified by their peculiar roots,
Why is the Sultan pur Bird

Sanctuary and National
Park a 'm ust-see' spot for
bird lovers?
he Sultanpur Bird
T Sanctuary and National
Park in Haryana is a popular
tourist destination, especially
in winter when migratory
birds from all over the world
flock here. Situated conven
iently close to New Delhi,
Gurgaon, Faridabad, and
Noida, the park covers an area
of 1.43 sq km. The star attrac
tions are the hundreds of
28
Some of the finest
coral reef fringe islands
are found here too.
Thesecolourful rock-like
formations provide
shelter and safe
breeding grounds for
various tiny marine
species. In short, the
Gulf of Kutch Marine
which reach up through the mud and Park is a treasure trove
out of the water. They are the breeding of marine life that
grounds for colonies of near-threatened affords the visitor a
species of birds such as painted stork, unique and thrilling
darter, and black-necked Ibis. experience.
different migratory birds,

which fly in from Russia,
Turkey, and East European
countries,everyyearduring
winter. These include the
Siberian crane, greater
flamingo, ruff, northern
pintail, yellow wagtail,
white wagtail, rosy pelican,
spotted redshank, and
long-billed pipit.
In summer about 1 1 species
of migratory birds such as
Asian Koel, comb duck, and
cuckoos can be seen.
Greater Flamingos
29
Birds in Mollem
Mollem National Park is a bird-watcher's
dream. The fairy bluebird, wagtails,
three-toed kingfisher, drongo, golden
oriole and the great Indian hornbill are
some of the species found here. Butterflies of many species
like blue mormon, and crimson rose add to the beauty of
the park.
Leopard Why is the Kalesar National

Park and Sanctuary called by
this name?
he Kalesar National Park

Tlies in the foothills of the
Shivalik Ranges of the
Himalayas, along the Yamuna
River in the Yamuna Nagar
district of Haryana. Leopards,
ghoral, barking deer, sambar,
chital are some of the animals
that can be seen here.
The park is also home to the
red jungle fowl. Other species
of birds that can be spotted
here are the grey hooded
warbler, red billed blue
magpie, crested serpent eagle,
grey capped pygmy
woodpecker and blue bearded
bee eater. The park is named
after a Shiva temple located in
the protected area.
Tell Me Why
Snow Leopard Why is The Great Himalayan
National Park a nature lover's
paradise?
he Himalayas are the

Can I get Tlargest, tallest and geologi
some ice cream cally youngest mountains on our
here? planet. They are also one of the
most fragile mountain regions of
the world, and their unique
ecological features led to the
creation of the Great Himalayan
National Park or GHNP in the
Kullu district of India's mountain
state of Himachal Pradesh.
Vast areas of virgin conifer
forests, alpine pastures, and
glaciers cap this park which has a
wide variety of wildlife. These

include the No doubt,
Himalayan tahr, the this horn has made
Himalayan musk you an endangered
deer, and snow one!
leopard.
It also has more
than 200 species of
birds. The park is well
known as the most
important locality in
India for the endan
gered western
tragopan. Which are the endangered animals
Raptors are also a found in the Pin Valley National Park?
prominent feature of
the park, with lammer he Pin Valley National Park is in the
geiers, Himalayan Tcold desert region of Spiti in
griffon vultures, and Himachal Pradesh. This valley is the
golden eagles being
seen regularly. Bharal
How did the Salim Ali National
Park get its name?
ormerly known as the City

F Forest National Park, the Salim
Ali National Park spread over 9 sq
km, is a protected area located
within the capital city of Srinagar in
Jammu and Kashmir. The park is
named after the famous Indian
Ornithologist and Naturalist, Salim
Salim Ali Ali.
The park is home to the hangul,
natural habitat of a number the endangered antelope, and the
of endangered animals wildlife here includes the serow,
including the Himalayan chakar, monal and the rare snow
ibex, snow leopard, bharal, cock. The best season to visit the
woolly hare, Tibetan wolf park is from April to October. .
and snow cock.
""'"'!'7"'�
In summer, rare birds like �'>' , Vansda
f .:
. .
the Himalayan snowcock, N��pa� P�rk

.:
.'
chukar, snow partridge and

The Vansda National Park in
snow finch flourish in the Gujarat is spread over an
area. area of 24 sq km, in the
This is the time when wild mountains of the Western
roses with their gorgeous Ghats. It has dense forests of
pink blooms add brilliant bamboos and tall teak trees
splashes of colour that form and abounds with orchids,
a striking contrast to the mango groves and gigantic
arid landscape. creepers. The park has more
The best time to visit the than 250 species of plants,
Pin Valley is during summer, including a large variety of
between the months of rare animals and birds.
June to October.

Why was the Oachigam National Park initially
created?
he Oachigam National Park in Jammu and Kashmir

T was formed by relocating ten villages, and the name
of the park literally means Ten Villages'. The park has been
a protected area since 1910, first under the Maharajah of
Jammu and Kashmir, and later under the Indian
Government. It was upgraded to a national park in the
year 1981.
The hangul or Kashmir stag is the most famous of the
endangered species found here, and the park is also
home to many other exotic wildlife, including musk deer,
leopard, Himalayan grey langur, leopard cat, Himalayan
black bear, Himalayan brown bear, jackal, hill fox and
Himalayan weasel.
There is also a spectacular variety of birds present, from
the cinnamon sparrow, black bulbul, Himalayan mona I,
golden oriole, pygmy owlet and woodpeckerto babblers,
redstarts, wagtails, orange bullfinch and
the Kashmir flycatcher.
Snow Leopard
What are the main features of the Hemis

National Park?
he Hemis National Park is the only

Tnational park in India that lies north New National
of the Himalayas. It is a high altitude park Parks
in Eastern Ladakh.
Spread over 3350 sq km, the park is Three new
home to 1 6 species of mammals. It is the national parks
protectedhomeforendangered mammals were estab
like leopards, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolf, lished in
the Eurasian brown bear, and the red fox. Himachal
Pradesh in
Of these, the snow leopard is the star
2010. They are
attraction. The parkalso has the distinction
the Inderkilla,
of being the only habitat of shapu or the Simbalbara,
Ladakhi urial in India. and Khirganga
The Hemis National Park is also a dream National Parks.
destination for birdwatchers. The park is Of the three,
home to over 70 species of birds. The the Khirganga
400-year-old Hemis Monastery, the largest National Park is
monastery in Ladakh, is also located within the largest.
the park.

The Hemis Festival,
held every summer
at the Hemis
Monastery, is a big draw for tourists.
There are no metalled or motorable
roads within the park, but there are
many trekking routes that are very
popular. There are no hotels either,
but there are six villages within the
park where home stay facilities are
available.
What is Betla National Park known for?
etla National Park, earlier known as Palamu Sanctuary, is one

B of the most widely known national parks in the North Eastern
part of the Indian subcontinent. Pure stands of sal forest, rich
evergreens, teak trees and bamboo thickets are home to some 37
tigers, 62 leopards, 21 0
I'm from the elephants and 249 bison.
census department. Some of the other
I need your family important animals found
details.
in this park are panthers,
wild boars, sloth bears,
chitals, sambars, nilgais,
langurs, jackals, small
Indian civets and
ant-eating pangolins.
\ There are also 1 74 species
�--
� of birds, along with
reptiles, and more than
36 Tell Me Why
," "
:":" ·r
Kishtwar
National Park
Kishtwar
National Park, in
Jammu and
Kashmir, was
established in
the year 1 990,
with the aim of
protecting
snow leopards.
It is the natural
habitat of 15
mammal species
including the
970 species of plants and shrubs, the musk deer and
majority of them possessing medicinal Himalayan black
properties. Living among the animals and brown bear,.
are eight local tribes, spread across 200 as well as 50

species of birds.
small villages. This area was also the seat
of power in the (hero Dynasty, and two
of its 1 6th century forts still exist in the
jungle.
The country's
third-largest
nuclear power
station, Kaiga
Generating
Station, is located
in the Western
Ghats, not far
from the Anshi
NationaLPark.
Why is the Nagarahole National Park called by this
name?
he Nagarahole National Park in Karnataka is also

Tknown as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park. On its
northern part is the Kabini River, and on its southern
fringes is the Bandipur National Park. A dam on the
Kabini River and its reservoir separates the two national
parks. Nagarahole National Park is blessed with fasci
nating wildlife. There are grassy swamps lined with teak
and eucalyptus, and sparkling waterfalls, as well as rich
tropical forests where the Maharajas of Mysore once
used to hunt. The park has a large elephant, and bison
population. There are also tigers, leopards, sloth bears
and wild dogs as well as spotted deer, sambar and wild
boars. There are around 250 species of birds too, as well
as amphibians and reptiles, including of course, snakes!
Papikonda
National
Park
The Papikonda
National Park is
located on the
banks of the
river Godavari,
and stretches
over an area
covering three Why is the Anshi National Park
major districts associated with Tigers?
ofAndhra
he Anshi National Park in Karnataka is
T the habitat of Bengal tigers as well as
Pradesh.
Located in the
region of the black panthers and Indian elephants. It has
Eastern Ghats, the rare distinction of being the only park
this National in Asia where the black panther is found
Park is home to naturally. The park abounds in wildlife like
several rare the Indian bison, sloth bear, Indian wild
varieties of wild
boar, bonnet macaque, northern plains
animals and
birds. The gray langur, and the gray slender loris.
different There are about 197 rare species of birds.
species offlora The reptile population is very impressive
that are found too.
in the
Papikonda
National Park
include teak,
rose myrtle,
crepe myrtle,
Indian
rosewood, and
rattle pod .

Why is the Bandipur Na1tlOraa
Park fa mous?
he Bandipur National Park

Tlies at the foothills of the
Western Ghats in Karnataka. I
was set up by the Maharaja of
Mysore in 1 93 1 , and becam
one of India's fi rst tiger C:j3r"j3.�::es...;""":::-';'��::::::;:'-"::;"....:!.:i:iidliMli
_
In 1 974, Bandipur became a Bandipur National Park
national park. The entire area
now constitutes the vast Nilgiri Butterfly Park
Biosphere Reserve, one of
India's most extensive tracts of The Bannerghatta
protected forest. Biological Park has the
Bandipur's vast open spaces country's first butterfly
make it a pleasant and park.
convenient outing for visitors It is spread out over
7.5 acres , and includes a
to see the elephant in its natural
butterfly conservatory,
surroundings. museum and audio
In addition to tigers and visual room.
elephants, some of the other The conservatory has a
animals that can be seen lovely tropical setting
include the bonnet macaque, with a host of plants and
smooth-coated otter, common shrubs to attract butter
palm civet, jungle cat, and flies.
chital.
40 Tell Me Why
What is the unique feature of the
Bannerghatta National Park?
he Bannerghatta National Park is

Tin Karnataka. Spread across an Yummy,
area of over 1 04.27 sq km, the Yummy Park!
Bannerghatta National Park was estab-
lished in the year 1 974. A part of the
�r'-
_
national park has been declared a

'
biological park.
W I --""-�
The park houses a zoo, conserva '
tories, and a museum. The park is
famous for a wide variety of birds and
animals, and is especially known for its
tiger and lion safaris. Leopards, lions,
zebras, bengal tigers, panthers, porcu
pines, rhinoceroses, elephants,
spotted deers, white tigers, bison,
panthers, and bears can be
spotted within the park.
The park is dotted with
flora that attracts over 20
different species of butter
flies, and the park has the
distinction of
housing the first
ever butterfly
conservatory in
India.
Leopard
India's
�'. Kadambi Waterfalls
The Kadambi Waterfalls

in Kudremukh National
Park is an awe-inspiring
sight in the monsoon
when the water
thunders down majesti
cally. The falls can be
viewed from
the roadside
itself.
Why do tourists flock to Kudremukh

National Park?
he Kudremukh National Park is

T located in the Western Ghats in
Karnataka. The park is named after a peak
shaped like a horse's face - the name, in
fact, means 'horse face'. The park covers
four mountain ranges named Kudremukh,
Kerekatte, Kalasa, and Shimoga. The
mountains are clothed with eucalyptus,
casuarinas and acacia auriculiformis trees,
while the wide array of wildlife includes
tigers, leopards, wild dogs, Malabar giant
squirrels, common langurs, jackals, and
giant flying squirrels. The park is also home
to several species of birds like the Malabar
trogon, Malabar whistling thrush, great
pied hornbill and the Imperial pigeon.
What are the two things
the Eravikulam National
Park is most famous for?
he Eravikulam
T National Park was
once a hunting preserve of
the British. It was declared
a sanctuary in 1 975, with
the intention of protecting
a highly endangered
mountain goat, the Nilgiri
tahr. In 1 978, it became a Nilgiri Tahr
national park. The main
body of the national park otter, and dusky striped squirrel
is a high rolling plateau. among others. About 1 20 species of
Spread out along the birds have been recorded here, as
crest of the Western Ghats well as 1 00 species of butterflies. In
in the high ranges of ldukki addition to the Nilgiri tahr,
district of Kerala, the park . Eravikulam National Park is also
also is the abode of other famed for the spectacular mass
little known fauna such as flowering of the shrub neelakurunji,
the Nilgiri marten, ruddy which takes place in the grasslands
mongoose, small clawed once every twelve years.

Biological
, Treasures
Why was Mathikettan Shola declared a
national park? Silent Valley
has about
athikettan Shola, in the Idukki district 1000 species
M of Kerala was declared a national park of flowering
plants, 107
to protect the wildlife and rich biodiversity of
species of
the area. It is part of the elephant corridor, and
orchids, 100
home to rare and magnificent wildlife like ferns and fern
elephant, tiger, panther, Indian bison and allies, 200
Nilgiri tahr. The park provides an excellent liverworts, 75
habitat for a wide variety of mammals, birds, lichens, and
butterflies, and reptiles. The area under the about 200
Mathikettan Shola National Park has parts of algae. Many
the Cardamom Hill Reserve, which was earlier of these are
leased out for plantations. The park is near unique to this
other national parks like Eravikulam and region, while
Pampadum Shola National Park. others are
extremely
Cheer up! This is rare, and new
our national park. species are
constantly
being
discovered. In
addition, the
Silent Valley
has four types
of forests!
44 Tell Me Why
Keep silence, Why is the Silent Valley
This is 'Silent National Parkcalled 'Nature's
Valley!' Gift to Mankind'?
he Silent Valley National

T Park in Kerala is unique in
many ways. It is shut off from
the world as it is surrounded on
all sides by mountains,
- continuous ridges, and steep
cliffs. As a result, it is shielded from extremes of climate, and at the
same time, its flora and fauna have remained relatively untouched
since times immemorial.
The Silent Valley National Park is the unique preserve of a natural
rainforest that probably dates back 50 million years. The park is
home to 34 species of mammals, 292 species of birds, 3 1 species of
reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, 1 3 species of fishes, 500 species
of butterflies and moths, besides a multitude of lower forms of
animal life most of which are yet to be documented. Of these, the
most famous resident of the park is the lion-tailed macaque whose
name has become almost synonymous with that of the valley.
Silent Valley National Park

How did Pampadu m Shola National Park
get its name? Anam udi Shola
National Park
he Pampadum Shola National Park is
Tlocated in the eastern part of Western Anamudi Shola
National Park is
Ghats in Kerala. Mistyandcloudythroughout
located along
the year, the park has hillocks of varying
the Western
heights, forests and grasslands. 22 Species Ghats in the
of trees, 74 species of herbs and shrubs and Idukki district of
16 species of climbers make the Park a Kerala. lt repre
botanist's dream. sents one of the
In addition to elephants, gaurs, leopards, largest shola
wild boars, sambar and common langurs, forest
there are many rare, endangered and unique ecosystems in
species of wildlife too. The name of the park the country,
'Pampadum Shola' means 'the forest where with a unique
the snake dances'. biodiversity and
climate. These
Pampadum Shola forests are
National Park totally free from
human habita
tions within its
boundaries. The
forest has a
continuous
canopy inter
spersed with
emerging grass
lands. Many of
the species
noted here are
found only here,
and some are in
the threatened
category.
Tell Me Why
Periyar National
Park
What are some of the attractions of the Periyar

National Park?
he Periyar National Park and Wildlife

T Sanctuary in Kerala is famous as an elephant
and tiger reserve. The sanctuary surrounds the
picturesque Periyar Lakethat was formed when the
Mullaperiyar Dam was built in 1 895. Sixty-two
different kinds of mammals have been recorded in
Periyar, including many threatened ones. There are
around 52 tigers and nearly 1 000 elephants in the
reserve area. Another rare animal glimpsed here is
the Nilgiri tahr. The park also has over 320 kinds of
birds, 45 varieties of reptiles, 27 different kinds of
insects, some of which are found only in the
Western Ghats, and a remarkable numberof butter
flies- some of which are even dangerous!

Where is the
Primates i n
Periyar : Bandhavgarh National
�<it; . Park situated?
The rare lion
tailed macaque, andhavgarh National
the Nilgiri
langur, the common langur,
B Park, in Madhya
Pradesh, lies amidst the
and the bonnet macaque are outlying hills of the
some of the primates that can
Vindhya Range. The park
be found in the Periyar
was the former hunting
National Park and Wildlife
Sanctuary. preserve of the Maharaja
of Rewa and, at present, is
a famous natural hub for
white tigers. White tigers,
now a major attraction
around the world's zoos,
were first discovered in
Rewa, not far from here.
The park is also famous
for the largest breeding
population of leopards
and various species of deer.
Other forms of wildlife like
nilgai, chausingha, chital,
chinkara, wild boar, and
sometimes foxes and
jackals can also be seen.
The park has more than
22 species of mammals
and 250 species of birds, as
well as a large variety of
reptiles.
Tigers
Tell Me Why
Why is the Kanha National Park
In the Silent Valley associated with Rudyard
National Park , there are Kipling?
128 species of butter
flies. Of these, nine are anha National Park in
not found anywhere else
in the world!
K Madhya Pradesh has the
reputation of being one of the
finest and best administered parks
in Asia. The park has a tiger reserve
that was created in 1 974, and it is
the only habitat of the rare
hardground Barasingha, often
referred as 'the jewel of Kanha'.
Other mammals found here are the
panther, chital, sambar, and black
buck.
Did you know that Kanha is the
place that has been described by
Rudyard Kipling in his great book,
'The Jungle Book'?

Where is the Panna National
Park?
he Panna National Park in

T Madhya Pradesh is on the
banks of the River Ken. It is a land of
... Fossil deep gorges, lush forests, and
National Park tranquil valleys. Here, one can
The Fossil National glimpse tigers along with leopards,
Park in Madhya wolves and gharials. Herds of blue
Pradesh is a unique bulls, chinkaras and sambars are a
park where fossils common sight along with an
belonging to 3 1 amazing number of other forms of
genera of 1 8 plant wildlife. Panna is the twenty second
species have been tiger reserve in India and the fifth in
identified. Well Madhya Pradesh. The reserve is
preserved fossils of situated in the Vindhya Ranges and
woody plants
spreads over Panna and Chattarpur
including palms,
climbers, flowers, districts in the north of the state.
fruits, and seeds give The Ken River which flows
us a glimpse of plant through the reserve from south to
life some 65 million north is home for many species of
years ago. aquatic fauna. It is one of the sixteen
perennial rivers of Madhya Pradesh,
Gharial
Bandhavgarh Fort
and is truly the lifeline of the reserve.

The park can probably boast of the
highest density of the paradise
fly-catchers, and is rich in bird life too.
The park's area includes the former Bamini Dadar
shooting reserves of the erstwhile royal One of the most
state of Panna and Chhattarpur. Due to beautiful spots
its proximity to one of the best-known in Kanha
tourist attractions in India, Khajuraho, National Park is
the Panna National Park is recognized Bamini Dadar,
as an exciting stop-over destination. also known as
Sunset point.
Bandhavgarh Fo ��'�:iI
.
.
Here, you can
gaze on lush
Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to green vistas of
be around 2,000 years old, is dense forests
located atop the Bandhavgarh while the sun
Hill, in the centre of the national slips down
park. The fort was the seat of below the
rulers of Rewa State. Today, the horizon in a
park is home to many endan blaze of glory.
gered species of vultures.

Most National
Parks
Madhya
Pradesh and Hanuman Langur
the Andaman
and Nicobar What a re the attractions of the Pench
Islands have the N ational Park and Tiger Reserve?
maximum
number of
estling in the Southern slopes of
national parks
in India- nine N the Satpura ranges of Central India,
each. lnterest the Pench National ParkandTiger Reserve
ingly, there is encompasses the Indira Priyadarshini
no national Pench National Park, the Mowgli Pench
park in Punjab. Sanctuary, and a buffer zone. It was
declared a national park by the
Government of Maharashtra in 1 975, and
Happy received the official status of Tiger
to be a Pench
Tiger! Reserve of India' in 1 999. The park is four
different forest regions in one, with an
amazing variety of trees, shrubs, grasses,
climbers, weeds and herbs, with teak
being the most prominent of the tree
species. The park is home to 33 species of
mammals, 1 64 species of birds, 50 species
of fishes, 1 0 species of amphibians, 30
species of reptiles, and a wide variety of
insect life. Visiting Pench National Park is
an enlightening experience for everyone.
52 Tell Me Why
Why is the Madhav National Park u nique?
he Madhav National Park is a unique

T mixture of natural splendour, history, and
architectural wonders. Another unique feature
is that it has the eco systems of both lakes and
forests. Located in Madhya Pradesh, the park
has two lakes, Sakhya and Madhav Sagar. Marsh
crocodiles are seen in abundance in the Sakhya
Lake, and are a popular tourist attraction. The
park has different types of forests, and is home
to antelopes like nilgai, chinkara and chowsinga
as well as deer like chital, sambar and barking
deer. The wildlifealso includes leopards, wolves,
wild pigs, porcupines, marsh crocodiles and
pythons.
Deep inside the Madhav National Park, at its
highest point, stands the exquisite George
Castle. It was built by Jivaji Rao Scindia of the
Gwalior royal family for an overnight halt for
tiger shooting by the British King George V,
Madhav when he was to pass that way during his visit to
National Park India in 1 9 1 1 .
Wow! Are you
a tiger from the black
and white era?
Project Tiger
Project Tiger
was launched Why is the Sanjay National Park famous?
in 1973 by the
Government of he Sanjay National Park, in Madhya
India to protect
and conse l"q!
T Pradesh, is one of the largest wildlife
sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh. The park is
tigers, as we�
made up of hills, valleys, deep gorges and
as areas of
biological plains with numerous streams. The flora in
importance, this National Park consists mainly of babul,
both as a sal, bel, bambo, palas, hiwar, bel, bija, khair,
national tendu, dhawda, zizphus helicteres, salaia
heritage, and and teak. As regards the wildlife, the major
for enjoyment
and education Second Largest Biodiversity Base
of the people.
An estimated India has the second largest bio
93,697 sq km diversity base in the world. Its wildlife
has been sanctuaries and national parks are
observed as home to the largest number of tigers
tiger habitat , and one-horned rhinoceros in the
and the world, as well as the almost extinct
estimated Asiatic lion, and a large percentage of
number of the total elephant population.
tigers is 1 41 1 .
54 Tell Me Why
attraction is the elephant. The
most commonly found species
include bison, chital, panther,
wolf, four-horned antelope, Project
barking deer, wild dog, sambar, Elephant
chinkara, blue bull, hyena, wild was
launched in 1 992 to ensure
boar, bear and crocodile.
the long-term survival of
In the winter months, the the elephant population in
sanctuary comes alive with the their natural habitats in
flutter of colourful birds and different states. Andhra
their chirping. Pradesh, Arunachal
Tourists can visit the park Pradesh, Assam,
from the months of October to Jharkhand, Karnataka,
June, as this is the time that the Kerala, Meghalaya,
sanctuary is at its most bea utifu I. Nagaland, Orissa,
The park is famous for the fact Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand,
that it was here that last of the Uttar Pradesh and West
white tigers, Mohan, was saved
Bengal are the states in .
which the project is at
from extinction.
present being imple
mented.
Elephant
What do we know about Satpura
National Park?
he Satpura National Park is in

T Madhya Pradesh. It was set up
in 1 98 1 , mainly for the conservation
of tigers, the national animal of India.
The wildlife here is fascinating, and
includes spotted dear, Indian bison
or gaur, tigers, leopards, wild boar,
wild dogs, sloth bear, black buck
Porcupine, sambar, and four horned
antelopes or chowsingha.
There are birds in plenty for
birdwatchers too. The best time to
visit the park is during the months of
November to March: during
monsoons, it remains closed.
Where are
you, my beloved
birds?
Blackbuck
56
What is the importance of the
Van Vihar National Park?
he Van Vihar National

T Park in Madhya Pradesh is
near the Upper Lake of Bhopal,
its capital city. The Van Vihar
National Park has been
developed as a zoological park,
in which wild animals are
contained safely in their natural
settings. Herbivores like chital,
sambar, and nilghai can be
seen under free ranging condi
tions while animals like the
tiger, lion, leopard, hyena,
crocodile and gharial are held
in captive conditions. Large
numbers of birds frequent this
park- over 200 species. The
migratory waterfowl come in
great numbers in the adjoining
extensive wetland of the big
lake. Apart from this, the
common pariah kite, great
horned owl, shikra, and kestrel
are some of the important birds
of prey. The upper lake is the
abode of a wide array of birds,
and more than 40 species of
migratory birds visit this area
Crocodile at Van Vihar during winter.

Hooray .. !
.
What is special about the Gugamal

National Park?
he Gugamal National Park in

Rudyard Kipling
T Maharashtra was established in
Jungle Book 1 987. It is located in the Satpura Hills,
and is the only park in the state that still
Much of Rudyard has tigers. It is a division of Melghat Tiger
Kipling's 'The Reserve. The park has a wealth of other
Jungle Book' is set
wildlife too, including panthers, sloth
in Pench National
bears, wild dogs, sambars as well as
Park, and the
character of Mowgli ratels, flying squirrels, cheetals, nilgais,
was inspired by Sir wild boars, langurs, rhesus monkeys
William Henry and macaques. Migratory birds from all
Sleeman's over the world flock to this park too.
pamphlet, 'An
Account of Wolves Barking Deer
Nurturing Children
in Their Dens',
which describes a
wolf-boy captured
in Seoni district
near the village of
Sant Baori in 1831.
In fact, many of 'The
Jungle Book'
locations are actual
locations in the
Seoni district.
58 Tell Me Why
What is the
Navegaon National
Park best known for?
he Navegaon National
T Park in Eastern Mahar
Paradise ashtra is a popular forest resort.
Flycatcher Set in the Vidarbha region, it
has a picturesque lake set
amidst lush green hills and the
seven peaks surrounding the
lake are known as 'Sat Bahini' or
'Seven Sisters'. There isan island
in the middle of the lake, and
the area around the lake forms
the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
Theparkaboundswithforests
of teak, haldu, jamun, kawat,
mahua, ain, bhel and bhor.
Tigers, panthers, bisons,
sambars, nilgais, chitals, wild
boars, sloth bears, and wild
dogs are also to be seen here.
But Navegaon is most famous
for its birds. Here you can
experience the thrill of spotting
a scarlet minivet, a paradise
flycatcher, or the blue flash of a
kingfisher. The Dr. Salim Ali Bird
Sanctuary in Navegaon is home
to almost 60 percent of the
migratory birds seen in Mahar
ashtra.
59
Where is the Sanjay Gandhi National Park?
C h andol i
he Sanjay Gandhi National Park is in the
T
N a t i o n al
Mumbai suburb of Borivali. In spite of P a rk
being surrounded by Mumbai's urban sprawl,
the park does have a sizeable population of The Chandoli
Nation a l
big cats like panthers. It has the reputation of
Park i n
being the most visited national park, and also Maharashtra
being the world's largest park within city is in the
limits. southern
The forest enclosed in the park is an ideal portion of
dwelling place for many varieties of wild the S ahyadri
animals. These include bonnet and rhesus ngerReserve,
macaque, chital, Indian hare, gray langur and a n d is spread
sambar, in addition to big cats. The Park is a a l o n g the
birdwatcher's dream. From the tiny Tickell's crest of the
flower pecker and humming bird to the S ahyadri
range. Nearly
majestic white bellied sea eagle, the paradise
23 species of
flycatcher, the elusive trogon, many species mammals,
of kingfishers and drongos can be seen. 1 22 species
of birds, 20
species of
amphibian s
a n d reptiles
c a n be seen
in the forests,
which a re a
mix of
Malabar
Coast moist
forests, and
NorthWestern
Ghats moist
deciduous
forests.
Tell Me Why
Tiger at What are the interesting features of the Tadoba
Tadoda N ational Park?
National
Park
he Tadoba National Park lies in the Vidarbha
T region of Maharashtra
/
and is often referred to
as /the jewel of vidarbha . The park is located in the
heart of a reserve forest/ and forms a part of the
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. To the southwest is
the huge/ bamboo fringed Tadoba Lake/ which is
the home of the marsh crocodile/ and attracts many
water birds like cattle egrets/purple moorhens and
jacanas. Ornithologists will get to see as many as
1 8 1 species of birds. The star attraction is
undoubtedly the Tiger. Tadoda National Park has
around 50 Tigers/ as well as other rare Indian
wildlife including leopards/ gaur/ wild dogs/ sloth
bears/ jungle cats/ hyenas and different other
species of Indian deer such as sambar/ chital/ nilgai
and barking deer. The Tadoba Nati9rn1I-Park is the
oldest national park in Maharash�J:.a ': ._
India's National Parks . ... ' 61

Why is the Keibul Lamjao
National Park unique?
he Keibul Lamjao National

T Park in Manipur is the
world's only floating national
park and is the last natural
habitat of the Manipur brow
antlered deer - Sangai. It is
characterized by many floating
decomposed plant materials,
that are locally called phumdis.
Two thirds to three fourths of
the total park area is formed by
phumdis, which occupy the
south-eastern side of the Loktak
Lake, the largest freshwater
lake in India. It is the Sangai,
which is also called the dancing
deer, which has a pride of place
in the folklore and culture of
Manipur State, and is the state
animal.
Hurry up!
We are reaching
Keibul Lamjao
National Park.
62
What is the importance of the Nokrek
National Park?
he Nokrek National Park is in

T Meghalaya, which is regarded as the
wettest state of India. It is the first
biosphere reserve of its kind in the
northeast region. Nokrek is the highest
Kanheri Caves
peak in the Garo Hills, and is home to
The Kanheri different species of wild animals including
Caves in Sanjay elephants and hoolock gibbons. The
Gandhi National capped langur, clouded leopard, Leopard
Park give us a cat, fishing-cat, golden cat, pangolin, wild
glimpse into buffalo,python, elephant, serow and tiger
Ancient Buddhist are some of other animals that can be seen
India . Most of
here. One can also spot birds such as
the 1 09 caves,
Hornbill, Peacock, Pheasant, Hollock and
chiselled out of
the rock, are many more. The salt deposits found in the
small cells meant area attract green pigeons during March
for Buddhist and April.
monks. The main
cave is huge, and Peacock
has an immense
statue of Lord
Buddha. There
are also caves
that are meant to
be used as prayer
halls. The caves
are believed to
have been
carved between
the 1 sl century
BC, and the 91h
century AD.
India's National Parks

Phawngpui What is special about the Balpakram
National Park?
Park
he Balpakram National Park in the
Phawngpui T South Garo Hills of Meghalaya is
Park is in renowned for being the home of one of
Mizoram, near the rarest animals in the world, the lesser
the Myanmar panda, or as it is more popularly known,
border. It is an
the red panda. The word 'Balpakram'
enchanting
means 'land of the perpetual winds,' and
forest area
sprawling this is indeed a land shrouded in mystery
around
Phwangpui,
the Blue
Mountain of
Mizoram, and
the highest
peakin the
state, which is
considered by
the local
residents to be
the abode of
the gods. ln
addition to its
wealth of wild
life and
magnificent
flora, the park
is famous for
its orchids
and rhododen
drons that
carpet the
valleys.
64
Selbagre Hoolock Gibbon Reserve
This reserve in the West Garo Hills, is home
to the hoolock gibbons, the only ape
species found in India. The sacred grove in
the reserve is the pride of the village and
the community. There is a traditional belief among the
villagers that if a hoolock gibbon is killed, a famine or a curse
would befall the entire village.
and blessed with the most breath taking scenery and

an amazing variety of wild life. The park has 609
elephants and 46 tigers, while other mammals
include the clouded leopard, golden cat, serrow, wild
buffalo, black bear, red panda, and hoolock gibbon.
The great hornbill, common hornbill, peacock, oriole,
kingfisher and Indian roller are some of the birds tbat
can be seen.
What makes this
park special and
Welcome!
mysterious to the
tribes and local
people is, among
other things, a
deep gorge where
it is believed that
the spirits of the
dead dwell tempo
rarily before
embarking on their
final journey.
65
What a re the features of the Murlen National
Park?
ne of Mizoram's best-known parks, the

O Murlen National Park lies close to the Indo
Myanmar border, near the Chin Hills. This is a land of
steep hills, high cliffs, rippling clear water rivulets,
lakes and natural salt licks at altitudes ranging
between 400 metres to 1 897 metres. The vegetation
is lush, and over 35 species of medicinal plants, two Rhesus
species of bamboo and four species of orchids have Macaque
been so far recorded in the Murlen
National Park. The virgin forests
are home to a unique stock of
endangered wild species which
include the Bengal tiger, leopard,
sambar, barking deer, Himalayan
black bear, serow, hoolock gibbon,
rhesus macaque and Malayan
giant squirrel.
The Chin Hills-Arakan Yoma
Montane Rain Forests of Myanmar
are world famous for their rich bird
life, and over 1 50 species of birds
can be seen here.
Why is the I ntangki National
Park a popular tourist desti
nation?
he Intangki National Park

Tin Nagaland was estab
lished by the British adminis
trators in the year 1 923. Rolling
mountains and enchanting
valleys spread over a unique
202.02 sq km area make this one
of the most popular national
parks in the North East.
The park has thick forests
which create a natural habitat
--"'�L many birds, reptiles- and
mammals. Here you can see
wild buffaloes also called
Welcome
mithun, and the hoolok gibbon.
to Intangki .. Apart from this, the park also
has tigers, sloth bears, wild
dogs, and flying squirrels. You
will also see the golden langur,
hornbill, palm civet, black stork,
white-breast kingfisher and
reptiles like the monitor lizard,
andpython.Thename'lntangki'
is derived from the Zeme dialect
of the Zeliangrong tribe. This
national park is an ideal place
for birdwatching, trekking, and
--
camping.

Olive Ridley Why is the Bhitarkanika National Park a n
Sea Turtle amazing place?
he Bhitarkanika National Park in Orissa is a

T unique habitat of mangrove forests, criss
crossed with numerous creeks and mudflats. It is
the second largest mangrove eco-system in
India,and has morethan 70speciesofmangroves.
These mangrove plants are a rich source of food
for the organisms of the mangrove ecosystem.
The animals that are associated with the
mangroves cover a wide range of vertebrate and
other invertebrates, including protozoans and
zoo planktons.
Rajiv Gandhi National Park

Did you know that there is a national park
that is just 2.3 sq km? It is the Rajiv Gandhi
National Park. This small park was estab
lished in 2005, in Andhra Pradesh.
68 Tell Me Why
The wetland is represented by as many as three
protected areas, namely 'The Bhitarkanika National
Park', 'The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary,' and
'The Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary'. Bhitarkanika is
a hot-spot of biodiversity. It is home to the largest
population of giant salt water crocodile i n India. It
is also home to the more than 2 1 5 species of birds,
including an astounding eight varieties of
Kingfishers. The numerous wetlands scattered
throughout the sanctuary serve as a feeding and
wintering grounds for more than 50,000 migratory
birds during winter and early summer months. The
sanctuary is also the world's largest nesting ground
of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle. In the
whole of South-East Asia as wel l as in the Northern
Barehipani
Indian Ocean countries, Bhitarkanika is famous for
Falls in
its reptil ian fauna. In fact, the longest estuarine Simlipal
crocodiles of theworld measuring more than seven Nationar
metres in length are located here! Park
The Simlipal
National Park was
the hunting
preserve of the
Mayurbhanj
maharajas. As a
result, its wildlife
was seriously
depleted until it was
declared a sanctuary
in 1957.
A Jungfe Waterfall in
Simlipal National Park
What are the attractions of the Simlipal National Park?
he Simlipal National Park in Orissa gets its name from the

Tabundance of semul or red silk cotton trees found here. This
national park has 1 2 rivers running across it, and has picturesque
hills, thick wooded slopes, ridges, luxuriant grasslands, and
beautiful waterfalls. The reserve is well known for its spectacular
flowering plants- more than one thousand species. The Park is also
a valuable source of medicinal and aromatic plants. Simlipal
National Park is also home to
three of India's biggest animal This tree
species- the tiger, Asian produces red silk
elephant, and gaur. Around cotton!!
230 species of birds are found
here. The national park is also
home to a large number of
reptiles. The other attractions
of the Simlipal National Park
include mugger crocodiles
and the Barehipani and
Joranda waterfalls.
70 Tell Me Why
Why is a visit to the Darrah National
Park a wonderful experience?
he Darrah National Park in Rajasthan

Twas originally the hunting ground of
the Maharajah of Kota. It was established
as a national park in 2003, and is actually a
combination of three wildlife sanctuaries
Darrah, Chambal, and Jaswant Sagar
Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home
to the wolf, sloth bear, chinkara, and
leopard as well as the spotted deer, bear
and antelope. The sanctuary is also home
to a number of birds and reptiles. Many
rare trees and plants with medicinal value
can be found here too.
A visit to Darrah sanctuary can be
complimented by a visit to Jhalwar where
there is a historic fort. You can also visit Indian Skimmer
Jhairapatan, which is renowned for the
ruins of the Sun Temple which was built
way back in the 1 0th century. A number of
ancient temples, most of them built
between the 7th 8th centuries are located
-
along the banks of Chandrabhaga River,

and are worth seeing too. Chambal River
Spotted Why is the Rantha mbore
Deer 'must-see' for wildlife lovers?
he Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is

Tprobably the best place in the world to spot
Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. It is part of the
much larger Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, and
amazingly, tigers can often be observed hunting in
the daytime too.
Why is the Desert National Park different?
he Desert National Park in Rajasthan is

Tlocated amidst the sprawling sand dunes
of the Thar Desert, close to the Indo-Pak border,
and is known for its fragile ecosystem, and
unique and diverse flora and fauna.
It is one of the largest national parks of India,
covering an area of over 3, 1 62 sq km, and is
primarily known for the great number of the
endangered great Indian bustards that can be
seen here.
72
Leave me tigers, other wild cats
please. I am a found in the Rantham
tourist. bhore Tiger Reserve are
leopards, caracals, rusty
spotted cats, and even
fishing cats. Macaques,
jackals, jungle cats,
caracals, sloth bears,
black bucks, rufous tailed
hare, Indian wild boar and
chinkara, are just some of
the other animals that
'The park is one of the biggest, and can be seen. About 272
most renowned of the national parks species of birds have
in Northern India, and was once the been documented in
hunting ground of the Maharajah of Ranthambore. It is also
Jaipur. The vegetation in the park is counted as a famous
mostlyofthe dry, deciduous type, with heritage site, because of
a large variety of plant life, covering the pictorial ruins that dot
nearly 300 species. In addition to the wildlife park.
Craggy rocks, compact salt lake bottoms, and sand dunes cover
20 percent of its total area. The vegetation in the park comprises
mainly of small grasses, shrubs, and xerophytes. The unique habitat
supports a rich spectrum of wild life like spiny-tail lizards, desert
monitors, desert wolves
and desert cats.
The Desert National Park
is different in that it is not
the lush green vegetation
that is the star attraction
here, but the desert in its
many moods and forms.
73
Why is the Sariska National Park more than a
wildlife sanctuary?
he Sariska National Park in Rajasthan is a land

Tof deciduous forests, grasslands, rocky
landscapes, and steep cliffs. Sprawling across 273.8
sq km of the Aravalli Hills, it is perhaps one of India's
most exciting wildlife reserves, and easily accessible
from both Delhi and Jaipur. The park boasts of quite
a few tigers and other wildlife including the leopard,
wild dog, jungle cat, civets, hyena, and jackal as well
as the sambar, chital, nilgai, chausingha, wild boar
and langur. Sariska is also well known for its
population of rhesus monkeys, as well as its birdlife.
The Sariska National Park was initially the hunting
grounds of the royal family in the early 1 8th and 1 9th
century. In fact, the sanctuary still houses the ruins
of medieval houses and temples that date back to
A Deer in the
the 1 Qth and 1 1 th centuries. The Kankawadi Fort, the Sariska
'Nilkanth Temple,' and the Sariska Palace all make National
Sariska more than a wildlife sanctuary. Park
What do we know about the Keoladeo
National Park? Keoladeo National
Park
he Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan
T is a green oasis of wildlife that includes
wetlands, woodlands, scrub forests, and
grasslands. Due to its strategic location in the
middle of Central Asia and the presence of
water bodies, large congregations of ducks,
geese, coots, pelicans, and waders arrive in
the winter. The park is the only known
wintering site of the critically endangered
Siberian crane, and also serves as a wintering
area for other globally threatened species
such as the greater spotted eagle, and the
An Egret in
imperial eagle. KeoLadeo NationaL
More than 15 species of herons, ibis, cormo Park
rants, spoonbills and storks can be seen during
the breeding season. The park's well-designed
system of dykes and sluices provides areas of
varyingwaterdepthswhichareusedbyvarious
species of birds. This former duck-hunting
reserve of the maharajas is now a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.

A Young Himalayan Thar
How did Khangchendzonga

National Park get its name?
he Khangchendzonga
T National Park in Sikkim is
surrounded by glaciers and icy
peaks, including the magnificent
Kanchenjunga. In fact, the park
derives its name from the towering
Kanchenjunga Mountain.
A National Park as well as a
biosphere reserve, this park
was established in 1 977.
There are many glaciers in
the park area, and among
them, the Zemu Glacier is
the longest and most
awesome. The park has broad
leaved trees as well as coniferous
forests and grasslands.
Tell Me Why
Which national park in India was set up for the
clouded leopard?
he Sepahijala National Park in Tripura is the

Tnational park established for the clouded
leopard. This 5.08 sq km park, situated in Sepahijala
Wildlife Sanctuary, was established in 2007, and
houses a botanical garden, zoo, a lake, and many
different species of trees.
Birds and primates are the star attractions here as
well as a rare species of crab eating mongoose, which
was last seen around 72 years ago. Apart from the
clouded leopard, civets, barking deer and wild boar,
this forest is home to five species of primates that
include spectacled langur, rhesus macaque, capped
langur and pigtailed macaque.
Wow!
The clouds are
com ing down.
The animals found here are pigeon, Tibetan snowcock and

now leopard, clouded leopard, snow pigeon can also be
Himalayan black bear, red panda, spotted.
bluesheep, muskdeer, Himalayan Khangchendzonga National
thar, Tibetan wolf, and the Great Park is a dream destination for
Tibetan sheep. Around 550 bird mountaineers and nature
species, including the green- lovers.

A Stream in the
Indira Gandhi
National Park
Western Ghats, and

major reservoirs like
Parambikulam,Aliyar,
Thirumurthi, Upper
Aliyar, Kadambarai,
Sholayar and Amara
vathi are fed by the
perennial rivers
which originate from
the sanctuary. It is
therefore, very
important for the
economy of this
region, both in terms
of agriculture, as well
he Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary as electricity. The
Tand National Park is the largest sanctuary is also
national park in Tamil Nadu. It lies in the called Anamalai
Wildlife Sanctuary
the word 'Anamalai'
means 'mountain of
elephants.'
The scenic beauty
of the Indira Gandhi
Wildlife Sanctuary
has to be seen to be
believed. The largest
teak and rosewood
trees are found in the
lush forests of the
78 Tell Me Why
Rajbari Why is the Guindy National Park
National Park unique?
Tright in the heart of Chennai, is

The Rajbari he Guindy National Park, situated
National Park is
also in Tripura. unique in that it has the rarest type of
It covers around vegetation- tropical dry evergreen
3 1 .63 sq km, plants. A part of it has been made into a
and is a haven zoo, dedicated to the conservation of
for the wildlife different species. Blackbuck, chital,
and flora of the jackal, pangolin, elephant, spotted deer,
region. jungle cat, toddy cat and Indian civet are
. Sneha Rao
the major forms of wildlife found here.
The park shelters over 1 00 species of
birds such as the black winged kite,
sanctuary. Some of the
honey buzzard, and pariah kite. A snake
animals dwelling in
park housed within this park supports
trees include the
common langur,
Nilgiris langur, Malabar
giant squirrel, and
grizzled giant squirrel,
while on the ground,
one can spot the tiger,
panther, elephant,
gaur, pangolin,
sambar, spotted deer,
barking deer, mouse
deer and wild boar
among other wildlife.
The great pied hornbill,
and other rare birds
like the frogmouth are
among the 300 species Indian Peafowl at Children 's Park in
Guindy National Park
of birds found here.

various snakes, croco
diles, and turtles.
The Guindy National
Park has over 60 species
of butterflies and spiders.
Another interesting fact
is that the park, one of the
sma llest in India, is an
extension of the grounds
surrounding the official
residence of the governor Wild Boar
of Tamil Nadu.
Where is the M udumalai National Park?
he Mudumalai Wild life Sanctuary and National Park lies at

T the meeting place of three states- Tamil Nadu, Kerala and
Karnataka. Along with the Bandipur Tiger Reserve of Karnataka in
the North, and Kerala's
Wayanad Wild life
Sanctuary in the West, the
region forms a single
continuous habitat for a
wea lth of wildlife. A
varietyof habitats ranging
from tropica l evergreen
forest, moist mixed
deciduous, moist teak
forest, dry teak forest,
secondary grass lands,
shrubs, and swamps exist
here.
Mudumalai
National Park
80
Bird Paradise
The Keoladeo National Park is one of the

world's most important breeding spots
for birds. Over 350 species of birds can be
seen here, including 42 species of --'I"""!l
raptors, and 9 species of owls. In addition,
the park is home to 34 species of
mammals, 22 species of reptiles, 8 species
of amphibians, 57 species of fishes,
71 species of butterflies, and more than
30 species of dragonflies and spiders.
• Dev Nath
The park is the perfect place to see the elephant, gaur, chows
ingha, mouse deer, and sloth bear. Other animals that can be
spotted include the tiger, panther, sambar, spotted deer, barking
deer, blackbuck, common
langur, and Malabar giant
squirrel. The park is home to
over 200 species of birds
belonging to 48 families,
including the rufous bellied
hawk eagle. The reptile
population in the Mudumalai
National Park mainly consists
of crocodiles and pythons. The
common krait and bamboo pit
snake are the other major
reptiles in the park which also
supports a variety of turtles,
frogs, and amphibians. Did
you know that 'Mudumalai'
means 'situated on a first hill'?
81
Endangered
Turtles
A Young Elephant Taking a Mudbath in
The sandy Corbett National Park
shores of the
islands in the Which is India's first national park?
Gulf of Mannar
attract five he Corbett National Park is India's
species of
endangered
Tfirst national park. It was established
in 1 936. Its name was first changed to
marine turtles. Ramganga, and later to Corbett National
These include Parkin honour of Jim Corbett, a legendary
the olive ridley
hunter turned conservationist.
turtle,
Corbett National Park is situated in the
hawksbill
turtle, green foothills of the Himalayas, in the newly
turtle, leath created state of Uttarakhand, and is the
erback turtle, core area of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
and loggerhead Here you will find flat valleys, hilly ridges,
turtle. and rolling grasslands that provide the
perfect habitat for a rich eco-system.
82 Tell Me Why
The Mukurthi National Park lies in the
Nilgiri Plateau ofTamii Nadu. lt is famous
for the Nilgiri tahr. lt gets its name from a
peak named Mukurthi inside the park.
An unusual feature of the park's wildlife
and plant life is its relationship to
Himalayan flora and fauna.
More than 600 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, Nilgiri Tahr

bamboos, grasses, climbers and ferns have been
identified in the park. The Ramganga River is an
important water source, along with its tributaries.
The most famous of Corbett's wild residents are the
Bengal tiger and the Asiatic elephant, but with
about 600 species of birds too, the Corbett National
Park is one of the richest bird regions of India.

Why is Gulf of Mannar
special place?
Green Turtle
in Gulfof
he Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
Tcovers the coast of Rameswaram, Tuticorin,
Mannar
National Park
Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. The
park, which is about 1 50 kms away from Madurai,
is a part of the Indian Ocean, and lies between
India and the west coast of Sri Lanka. It is one of
the world's richest areas for marine biodiversity,
and consists of 2 1 islands. The area has all the
mangrove species available in India, and all the
1 1 sea-grasses of India are found here too. The
abundance of sea-weeds and sea-grasses attract
the endangered sea cow. Other marine creatures
like dolphins, sea-horse, sea-cucumber and
sea-anemone can also be seen here. The marine
park has over 1 3 7 coral reef species that form the
basis of an ecosystem where 3 600 species of
plants and animals flourish.
84 Tell Me Why
Wow!!
� What a wonderful
� sme l l . . /
\)
Why is the Nanda Devi National Park

considered one of the most beautiful of
national parks?
he Nanda Devi National Park is situated in

Tthe Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The
entire park is overshadowed by Nanda Devi
peak. The park isfamed for its rugged wilderness
and lies between the Eastern and Western
Himalayas. The flora of the Nanda Devi National
Park is supposed to be one of the rich est
preserves of the world.
Himalayan The fauna of Nanda Devi National Park is rich
Black Bear in Himalayan species like serow, snow leopard,
Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear etc.
There are 1 1 4 species of birds found here. This
national park is included in the World Heritage
Site list.
Elephants
Whom is the Rajaji National

Park named after?
he Rajaji National Park is

Tnamed after the great
freedom fighter and last Governer
General of India, C. Rajagopala
chari. Located at the foothills of
the Shivalik Ranges in Uttara
khand, the park marks the
beginning of the vast Indo
Gangetic Plain, and represents
the vegetation of several zones
and forests. Three sanctuaries in
the Uttarakhand Shivaliks - Rajaji,
Killg Cobra Motichur and (hila were joined
together to form this national
86 Tell Me Why
park in 1 983. The majestic Ganges flows
through the nationa I pa rk for a dista nce
of 24 km, along with innumerable
streams and brooks.
The park is important in that it marks
the northernmost limit where the tiger,
Discovery of the
Asian elephant, king cobra, and certain
Valley
species of birds can be found. The park
has the largest population of elephants The Valley of
in Uttarakhand. It also has a good Flowers was
number of tigers and leopards. It discovered by Frank
possesses as many as 23 species of Smith, a
mammals and 3 1 5 bird species. mountaineer,
The most prominent avian species explorer, and
include pea fowl, woodpeckers, botanist in the
monsoon of 1 93 1 .
pheasants, kingfishers and barbets.
The valley was
Besides that, the rivers which flow
given the status of a
through the park harbour fishes such reserve in the year
as trout and the big mahseer. 1 982, and today, is
famous across the
Valley ofFlowers National Park world for its magical
beauty.
• Radha Nair
What d o we know a bout the Valley of Flowers? Valley of
Flowers
he Valley of Flowers National Park is in Uttara National
T khand, bordered by Nepal and Tibet. It is a high Park
altitude Himalayan valley that has around 300
different varieties of alpine flowers.
The main Valley of Flowers is a glacial corridor,
around five kilometres long, and two kilometres wide.
The park is open only from the beginning of June until
the end of September as it's covered in snow the rest
of the year. With the coming of the monsoon, the
valley too comes alive with its stunning display of
riotously coloured blossoms, which seem like a
brightly hued carpet against a mountainous, snow
capped background.
The abundance of Asmanda fern in this valley is a
special feature. To reach the park requires a a
strenuous hike, but once you reach your destination,
you'll feel on top of the world in this enchanting place.
Is it any wonder then that the Valley of Flowers has
been declared a U NESCO World Heritage Site?
88 Tell Me Why
it, and is a part of the Govind Wildlife
Sanctuary. The entire area gets light to
heavy snowfall, and is significant for
being the major watershed of the
Yamuna River. The area is also an
important source of medicinal plants.
Golden Eagle
Why was the Govind

National Park estab
lished?
Brown Bear
he Govind
T National Park in The sanctuary has about 1 5 species of
Uttarakhand was set up mammals, and 1 50 species of birds. The
in 1 990 to ensure long most significant ofthese animals are the
term protection and Himalayan snow leopard, Himalayan
conservation of the black bear, brown bear, and serow. The
elusive and endangered endangered birds found in this region
snow leopard. The park are monal pheasant, koklas pheasant,
offers awesome views bearded vulture, Himalayan snow cock,
of the snow-capped golden eagle, Western tragopan, steppe
mountains surrounding eagle, and black eagle.

Why is the Gangotri National Park called 'breathtakingly
beautiful'?
he Gangotri National Park is named after one of the most

Tfamous pilgrim sites in India, GangotrL lt is located in Uttara
khand, and forms a vital link in the green corridor between the
Govind National Park and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.The park is
breathtakingly beautiful with its dark green coniferous forests,
lush green meadows, majestic glaciers and spectacular views of
tumbling waterfal ls. The vegetation consists of chir pine, deodar,
fir, spruce, oak and rhododendrons. The vast area of the Park is
home to 1 5 species of animals and 1 50 species of birds. Tourists
can see snow leopards, brown bears, musk deer, thar,
Himalayan barbets, tigers, serows, pheasants, partridges,
koklass,bharals and Himalayan monals, as wel l as
doves, pigeons, and parakeets here.
Gangotri
Entrance to Dudhwa National Park
Why is the Dudhwa National Park

i mportant?
udhwa National Park lies in

D Uttar Pradesh. It is tucked
between India and Nepal, in the
region referred to as 'the Terai belt'.
The Terai region is one of the
most endangered ecosystems on
the planet, and so, Dudhwa's
importance lies in conserving this
ecosystem. With its varied topog
raphy, lush green landscape and
remarkable biodiversity, the
reserve is an enviable paradise for
nature lovers.
The park is the last refuge for the
critically endangered sub-species
of the swamp deer, called Baras
ingha. The grasslands are the
natural habitat of Indian
one-horned rhinoceros, which
adds to the importance of this
national park.

Home of Deer
If you visit the Dudhwa National Park, you
can see up to five species of deer. They are
the swamp deer, sambar, the barking deer,
spotted deer and hog deer . In fact, Dudhwa
National Park has the distinction of being the
only place in the world inhabited by five
species of deer! There are only seven species
of deer in the whole of India, so Dudhwa can
rightly be called 'Home of the Deer.'
What makes the Neora Valley Park so

special?
he Neora Valley National Park in West

Hog Deer T Bengal is one of the richest biological
zones in North East India. It was declared as a
national park in 1 992. It is the land of the cute
red panda, and its pristine undisturbed natural
habitat, with rugged inaccessible hilly terrain
Sunset in and rich diverse flora and fauna make the park
Neora Valley an important wilderness zone. The forests are
Himalaya Mountains Singalila National Park
The Singalila National
Park is in the Oarjeeling
district of West Bengal.
This is a high altitude park
located more than 2000
metres above sea level.
Singalila National Park is
popular with the tourists
from all over the world for
its amazing flora and
fauna, and the stunning
view of the Himalayan
peaks, including Everest
and Kanchenjunga.
so thick and luxurious that leopard cat, civet, wild boar,

sunlight rarely falls on the sambar, Himalayan thar, serow
ground. Dense bamboo groves, and ghoral. The park is also
spectacular rhododendron home to the endangered Royal
bushes, lush green valleys, Bengal tiger. Some of India's
exotic orchids, meandering most sought-after birds are
rivers, and snow-capped found in this park. Here one can
mountains all combine to make see more than 300 species of
this a nature lover's paradise. feathered rarities like satyr
The park harbours more than tragopan, crimson-breasted
3 1 species of mammals, which woodpecker, darjeeling
include the ever elusive red woodpecker, hodgson's hawk
panda and clouded leopard. cuckoo, lesser cuckoo, brown
Other prime mammal species wood owl, jerdon's baza, black
found in this park are wild dog, eagle, mountain hawk eagle,
Himalayan black bear, leopard, and ashy wood pigeon.

your
passport.
What are the features of the Buxa National

Park?
he Buxa National Park lies in West Bengal,

Talong the border with Bhutan. Created in
1 983 as the 1 5th tiger reserve of India, it also plays
the role of an internal corridor that facilitates
elephant migration between India and Bhutan. The
reserve has more than 300 species of trees. It is also
home to endangered species like the Indian tiger,
Asian elephant, leopard cat, Bengal florican, regal Leopard Cat
python, Chinese
pangolin, hispid
hare, and hog deer.
The plant life
includes 250 species
of shrubs, 400
species of herbs, 9
species of cane, 1 0
species of bamboo,
1 50 species of
orchids, 1 00 species
of grass and 1 30
species of aquatic
flora. As regards the
wildlife, 390 species Why is t he Suna erban ? National Park
of birds, 73 species unique?
of mammals, 76
species of snakes, he Sunderbans Tiger Reserve ·and
and five species of TNational Park lies inWest Bengal, and
amphibians have is a part of the Sunderbans- the largest
been identified so delta in the world. It consists of river
far. The historic Buxa channels, creeks, and islands which total
Fort and a sacred about 1 02 in number.
temple - Mohakal - A U NESCO World Heritage Site, the
lies in the park too. In Indian Sunderbans forms the largest tiger
fact, the name 'Buxa reserve and national park in India. The
Tiger Reserve' has creeks and channels teem with a variety of
been derived from fishes, red fiddler crabs and crocodiles.
Buxa Fort - an Sunderbans National Park is also noted
imposing structure for its conservation of the Olive Ridley sea
that watches over turtle. Besides a heronry, the Sajnekhali
the most important Visitors' Centre has a crocodile enclosure,
of the eleven land a shark pond, a turtle hatchery, and a
routes into Bhutan. mangrove interpretation centre.

What do we know about the Jaldapara
National Park?
he Jaldapara National Park lies on the

T banks of the River Torsa. Located on
the foothills of the Himalayas in West
Bengal, it is a vast grassland with patches of
forest. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in
1 941 and a national park in 201 2, and has
the largest population of one-horned rhinos
in the state. It houses more than 1 60 rhinos,
apart from numerous bison, deer, leopards
and six Bengal tigers.
Jaldapara is a paradise for birdwatchers. It
is one of the very few places in India, where
96 Tell Me Why
Gorumara
National Park
The Gorumara
National Park in
North West Mebin Mathew Paul, a student of
Bengal is a land of Fr. Agnel School, New Delhi points
grasslands and out a correction to the Tell Me Why
forests that is issue on Great Movies (April).
famous for its Mebin refers to the mention o n
population ofthe p a g e 78, that the Ha rry Potter movies
Indian were d i rected by C h ris Columbus.
Rhinoceros. In All the movies i n the Harry Potter
view of its great series were not d i rected by a single
diversity of plants person. The first two pa rts, 'Harry
and animals it Potter a n d the Philosopher's Stone'
was declared as a and 'Ha rry Potter and the Chamber of
National Park in Secrets' were d i rected by Ch ris
1 998. Columbus. 'Ha rry Potter and the

Prisoner of Azkaban' was d i rected by
Alfonso Cuaran, 'Ha rry Potter and
the Bengal florican is the Goblet of F i re' by Mike Newell
sighted. More than 240 and the lastfour instalments by David
species of birds Yates.
including barbets, Thank you Mebin foryour valuable

orioles, brahminy feedback. - Editor
ducks, and whistling
teals are found in a
variety of habitats
grassland, waterbodies,
woodland. There is
scope for unusual
holiday activities like
elephant riding and
leisurely strolls through
the towering grass.

I Wonder Why is it said that multi-dimensional movies
are different from normal movies?
WhVIl
The movies we see usually are two-dimen
sional (2-D). But there are also multi-dimen
sional movies that are made in three, four, five
Question of the or six dimensions.
Month In a 3-D film, viewers are required to wear
special glasses which will show as a three-di
mensional image on the screen. But movies
having more than three dimensions provide a
different experience to the viewers. Special
theatres are required to show these films, and
viewers can experience them through other
senses like odour, touch and sight. The seats to
watch such movies are specially designed to
create vibration, wave motion etc. There would
be other effects, too, like smoke, water spraying
etc., to give a multi-dimensional feel.
• Alwin George
MANORAMA TELL ME WHY - INDIA'S NATIONAL PARKS
Editor: Ammu Mathew Editor-in-Charge: A.V. Harisanker'

Printed and Published by V. Sajeev George, on behalf of M.M. Publications Ltd, P.B. No. 226, Kottayam - 686001
at M.M. Publications Ltd, P.B. No. 226, Kottayam - 6B6 001 and Malayala Manorama Press. Kottayam - 686 039
and published from M.M. Publications Ltd, P.B. No. 226, Kottayam - 686 001 .
• Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

India 39 S National Parks Tell Me Why 80 gnv64 PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

India 39 S National Parks Tell Me Why 80 gnv64 PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

India 39 S National Parks Tell Me Why 80 gnv64 PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Elephant and her calves in Kaziranga National Park

From the house of

Nature for the Future

NEW DELHI: Malayala Manorama Co. Ltd.

MUMBAI: Malayala Manorama,

KOLKATA: Malayala Manorama,

PATNA: Malayala Manorama,

JAIPUR: Malayala Manorama,

HYDERABAD: Malayala Manorama,

BENGALURU: Malayala Manorama,

CHENNAI: Malayala Manorama,

COIMBATORE: Malayala Manorama,

LUCKNOW: Malayala Manorama,

CHANDIGARH: Malayala Manorama,

KOCHI: Malayala Manorama,

he Mahavir Harina Vanasthali

he Kasu Brahamananda Reddy National Park or

he Sri Venkateswara National Park

he Campbell Bay National Park is on

he Galathea National Park

Middle Button Island Park is also in the

Why is the North B utton Island National Park an ideal

he North Button Island National Park covers 0.44 sq km of

he Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is the eco­

he Saddle Peak National

India's National Parks 15

he Namdapha National Park covering

he Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a World

Please pull out

Where is the Nameri National Park? The lion­

he Dibru- Saikhowa National The

India's National Parks 21

he Kanger Valley National Park is spread out

India's National Parks

he Guru Ghasidas National Park in

oa's Mollem National

Orang National Park

India's National Parks 25

he Gir Forest National Park

his national park in Gujarat

The Dibru Saikhowa National Park has a

India's National Parks 27

Why is the Sultan pur Bird

different migratory birds,

Leopard Why is the Kalesar National

he Kalesar National Park

he Himalayas are the

India's National Parks 31

ormerly known as the City

the Himalayan snowcock, N����pa� P�rk

chukar, snow partridge and

India's National Parks 33

he Oachigam National Park in Jammu and Kashmir

What are the main features of the Hemis

he Hemis National Park is the only

India's National Parks 35

What is Betla National Park known for?

etla National Park, earlier known as Palamu Sanctuary, is one

he Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is the eco

Where is the Nameri National Park? The lion

the Himalayan snowcock, N��pa� P�rk