Chandraprabha Wildlife Experience

Location: Near to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Area: 78 square kilometers

Nearest Airport: Varanasi (65 km)

Nearest Town: Varanasi

Nearest Railway Station: Mughal Sarai

Best Time to Visit: Mid November-Mid June

Number of Species: 150 species of birds

Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary has a number of picnic spots and waterfalls that makes it popular amongst tourists. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 78 square kilometers and lies on Naugarh and Vijaigarh hillocks in the Vindhya forest range in Chandauli. This sanctuary was once home to Asiatic Lions, but their numbers dwindled and today it is difficult to find a trace of these lions.

Location

Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary is situated about 70 kilometers from the historic city of Varanasi. Varanasi is one of the most famous religious centers of Hindus.

Accessibility

The most convenient way to reach Chandraprabha Sanctuary is from Varanasi. Tourists can hire a taxi in order to reach this sanctuary which is just 55 kilometers away from Varanasi. This city is easily accessible by road and also by rail transport with other parts of the country.

History

Chandraprabha sanctuary was established in the year 1957. In 1958, Asiatic lions were introduced into this sanctuary. This has proved successful as the number of lions increased from 3 to 11 by the year 1969. Then some lions were found missing and due to this the plan was again revised in the year 1993.

Flora

The sanctuary is typically dry deciduous forest and also has a large variety of natural vegetation such as Tendu, Saagun, Mahua, Amaltas, Koraiya, Ber and more.

Wildlife Attractions

Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a number of animals. Some of the animals that you come across in this sanctuary include sambhar, nilgai, blackbucks, porcupine and wild boar. You can also see a python and Gabriel in the sanctuary.

Avifauna

The sanctuary is a home to 150 species of birds. Chandraprabha sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Climate

During summer (April-July) the temperature in the region can go up to 38°C while in winter (November-January) the temperature can drop below 14°C. Rainy season lasts from July-mid September.

Travel Tips
• Carry light cotton clothing in summer and light woolen clothing during winters.
• Try to make sure that your clothes are in camouflage color, i.e. green or khaki.
• Avoid making loud noise as this may disturb the animals.
• Do not throw anything inside the forest.
• Take proper precautions while photographing so that it will not disturb any birds and animals.
• Prior booking and travel information will help in making a tour to the sanctuary a smooth affair.