Forest Reserves Of India

Known For : Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park Corbett Waterfall River Rafting in Corbett National Park

This is oldest forest reserve in India situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It was set up in 1936 for the protection of the endangered Bengal Tiger and is named after Jim Corbett who played a major role in setting up the park. It is spread over a total distance of 520.8 sq. km and sees a massive amount of visitors every year. It has 586 species of fauna including a huge array of birds such as the crested serpent eagle, blossom-headed parakeet and the red junglefowl. It has tigers in abundance and also is home to leopards, barking deer, sambar deer, hog deer and chital, Sloth and Himalayan black bears and numerous other mammals. It is a very important nature reserve and only selected parts of it are open to the public. In conclusion, the forest reserves make up for a huge part of India’s flora and fauna and act as important buffer zones between national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. They provide subsistence to local communities and habitat for various species of animals. They are indispensable to the growth and preservation of India’s countryside. Nainital can be easily reached from New Delhi by taking a bus or a taxi.

Best Time: Mid October to Mid June

19 Jim Corbett Attractions

It is an International Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri Hill Ranges and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2012. It includes the Mudumalai, Mukurthi, Wayanad and Bandipur national parks. It has a wide variety of fauna, including the tiger, Asian elephant, Lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri Tahr. It also has over 3300 species of flaura, with 132 of them endemic to the region, which include Adenoon, Calacanthus, Baeolepis, Frerea, Jarodina, Wagatea, Poeciloneuron, etc. It also houses 175 types of orchids of which 8 are endemic.

This forest is very much the pride of Gujarat and is a reserved forest which is home to the mighty Asiatic Lion. After the inclusion of the New Jesal Sanctuary, the area of the forest will go up to 1600 sq. km. Due to the overpopulation of the Asiatic Lion in the Gir National Park, the state govt suggested that they be moved to this reserve but the Supreme Court of India in April 2013 ruled that these lions instead be moved to the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary. Bhavnagar Amreli Forest Reserve in India still continues to be home for a large number of Asiatic Lions.

Spread over 180 sq. km of land at a monumental height of 2400-4300 metres above sea level, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is home to some of the most exquisite wildlife species. The absolutely lush green cover of this place is mostly covered by conifers which make it quite stunning. The Musk Deer which can be seen here is also an example of the kind of exotic species you can find here, which include leopards, black bears and brown bears, the red fox and others. This forest reserve in India houses plenty resident and migratory birds such as the Snow Cock, the Blue Rock Pigeon, Jungle Crow, Kashmir Roller etc. The biosphere reserve makes for a truly wonderful nature viewing experience.

Located about 24km from the Chennai City Centre, Namnangalam is a massive forest sprawling across 2400 hectares, of which 320 are reserved. It is a bird watchers paradise and houses about 85 species of birds including the red-wattled lapwing, the white-breasted kingfisher, Indian eagle owl and several others. It is also said to be home to rare territorial orchids.

Amarambalam Reserve Forest is one of the largest reserve forests of Kerala. Situated in the Western Ghats, it covers a height ranging from 40m-2500m above sea level and sees heavy rainfall making for a thick forest cover. This forest reserve in India sees a variety of birds, some endemic to the region, and some endangered and near threatened species as well. It also is home to the Lion Tailed Macaque and the Nilgiri Tahr. The forest continues from the Silent Valley National Park and forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The reserve forest is located about 30km from Chennai and boasts of housing the Arignar Anna Zoological Garden, which at 602 hectares is the largest zoological garden in the Indian Subcontinent. The zoo also houses a rescue and rehabilitation centre for abandoned and confiscated animals. Costing a staggering Rs. 75 million back in 1979, the zoo opened to the general public in 1985 and was the first zoo of India. Reason enough to visit?

Located in Uttar Pradesh, about 9km from Lucknow, Kukrail Reserve forest is where you’ll find crocodiles in abundance. Established in 1978, this place was funded by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the UP Forest Department and is also where endangered species of crocodiles are specially bred. This came up after a survey done by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources estimated that only 300 open river crocodiles were left in UP. Also, if you’re looking to combine leisure with learning, this forest reserve in India is also a great picnic spot and sight-seeing spot where you can gain great knowledge about crocs!

Located about 24km from the Chennai City Centre, Namnangalam is a massive forest sprawling across 2400 hectares, of which 320 are reserved. It is a bird watchers paradise and houses about 85 species of birds including the red-wattled lapwing, the white-breasted kingfisher, Indian eagle owl and several others. It is also said to be home to rare territorial orchids.

Home to several fauna such as the tiger, leopard, deer, sambar, gaur and many more, Tikarapada is one of the most beautiful reserved forests of the country. It is situated 200km from Bhubaneshwar, and also has the Gharial Crocodile Sanctuary within its bounds. The forest also offers a lot for trekkers, with the Satkasia Gorge nearby. Activities such as river rafting and fish angling are available as well. As you move deeper into this forest reserve in India, you can even spot birds such as the Crested Serpent Eagle and hornbills. The forest is truly splendid and makes for a great getaway for anyone with a taste for adventure.

Best Time: October to March