With the coming of Dussehra and Diwali, many people in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) will be looking to get away for a short break from the routines and rigours of daily life. There is arguably no better way to refresh oneself mentally and physically than by heading into nature’s embrace. Thankfully, Delhi lies close to many national parks in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, such as Jim Corbett National Park (245 kilometres), Ranthambore National Park (372 kilometres) and Dudhwa National Park (438 kilometres).
Here are a few national parks and reserves near Delhi that you should consider checking into this winter.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located 216 kilometres from Delhi and has long been a vital breeding ground for resident and migratory birds, especially during the winter season when many different species fly to the Indian subcontinent. At least 400 avian species have been observed in the national park, including warblers, bee-eaters, bulbuls, buntings, quails, Indian grey hornbills and peregrine falcons. Mammalian species at the park include Hanuman langurs, nilgai, chital, blackbucks, wild boar, the Indian porcupine, the leopard cat, the Asian palm civet, the Bengal fox and more. There are also five lizard species, including monitor lizards, in Keoladeo National Park; 13 snake species, including pythons, common kraits, cobras and Russell's vipers; and seven species of amphibians such as bullfrogs and skipper frogs.
The best time to visit Keoladeo National Park is from October to February when the migratory birds come to roost. When you arrive, spend a few hours birdwatching and soaking in the peace of the surroundings. You can also embark on a safari through the national park and learn about its flora and fauna from your guide.
Sultanpur National Park is a bird sanctuary and Ramsar Site near Gurugram, Haryana. It is 42 kilometres from Delhi and, just like in Keoladeo National Park, migratory birds from as far away as Siberia, Europe, Central Asia and Africa stop here during the winter. To facilitate bird watching, four watch towers called machans are located at different points around the park. An Educational Interpretation Centre has been established to guide tourists on the most respectful and ethical way to tour the park. Pack a pair of binoculars to see the resident bird populations of hoopoes, kingfishers, Indian rollers, black francolins, red-wattled lapwings, shikras, white ibis, cormorants, egrets, herons and moorhen, among others. Some of the common migratory birds that can be found at Sultanpur National Park are northern pintails, common teals, ruddy shelducks, bar-headed geese and yellow wagtails, among others. Have a picnic here during the winter, even as you train your ears to distinguish one bird call from another.
Around 323 kilometres from Delhi lies the wilderness of the National Chambal Sanctuary. This site is located at the point where the borders of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan meet. The area shelters a kaleidoscope of avian, aquatic and terrestrial life within its bounds, but what makes the place unique is that it is the biggest riverine sanctuary of the country. The Chambal River is the lifeblood of the sanctuary, which sprawls over an area of more than 5,000 square kilometres. The preserve came into being in 1979 with the primary goal of conserving the gharial, a rare species of crocodile; the critically endangered river dolphins; the red-crowned roof turtle; and marsh crocodiles. Once teetering on the brink of extinction, the gharial is now thriving under the watchful eye of the Uttar Pradesh Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department.
A total of 290 species of migratory and resident birds have been identified at the site. The best time to visit the National Chambal Sanctuary is during the winter. Take a boat ride in its tranquil waters during this time and marvel at the sight of reptiles basking in the sun on the banks of the river. Flamingoes and ruddy shelducks arrive here during the autumn and typically stay till May.
The Rajaji National Park is 221 kilometres from Delhi and is most well-known for its elephant population and rich biodiversity. It encompasses the Shivalik range of the Himalayas and boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. About 400 bird species have been observed here, including the white-naped woodpecker and great hornbill. The national park also houses wild animals like the Bengal tiger and the Asian elephant. In fact, the park is home to more than 500 elephants, 250 panthers, 12 tigers, sambar deer, spotted deer, gorals, wild boars, barking deer, Himalayan black bears and sloth bears.
Some of the top things to do at Rajaji National Park include taking a safari through the rugged terrain and rolling hills, accompanying expert bird watchers on a birdwatching tour, and traversing the challenging rapids of the Ganges River in Rishikesh. The best time to visit the park is from November to June. The park remains closed during the monsoon.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve covers 866 square kilometres in Rajasthan and is an important site for Project Tiger. It is about 216 kilometres from Delhi and is part of the Aravalli Range and the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests eco-region. Thanks to conservation efforts by the Rajasthan Forest Department, the reserve had a population of 20 Bengal tigers by 2020. Apart from India’s national animal, there are many other wildlife species here, such as sloth bears, Indian leopards, jungle cats, caracals, striped hyenas, nilgai, wild boars, small Indian civets, ruddy mongoose, honey badgers, Rhesus macaques and Indian hares, to name a few. Bird species include grey francolins, white-throated kingfishers, Indian peafowls, bush quails and golden-backed woodpeckers, among others.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve is an all-year-round destination, except for the months it is shut. While sightings are usually higher in summers due to watering holes drying up in the forest, winter offers a more pleasant experience as the lush greenery brings more charm. Visitors can also check out the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, the Kankwari Fort, the Bhangarh Fort and the Pandupol Hanuman Temple during their visit.