Top 7 National Parks Around Dehradun: Your Ultimate Wildlife Safari Guide
The capital city of Uttarakhand known as Dehradun serves as an entry point to India's finest natural sceneries. The Himalayan foothills serve as the home of this region which receives fame from its verdant forests and calm valleys together with its rich wildlife population. Wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts can engage in thrilling wildlife safaris at nationwide parks surrounding Dehradun to discover the abundant biodiversity of India. A full list of wildlife-friendly national parks surrounding Dehradun will be provided in this detailed guide.
1. Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park stands among the most frequented wildlife attractions in the area because it lies only 20 kilometers from Dehradun. Rajaji extends across 820 square kilometers which bears its name after C. Rajagopalachari who was widely known as Rajaji and protects numerous species of flora and fauna throughout its borders. The park gained fame from its elephant population and its residents of tigers along with leopards and sloth bears. Visitors at the park have two options for exploration of its forest and grassland areas and river valleys through jeep vehicles and elephants. Birdwatchers will find Rajaji to be their haven since this park hosts more than 315 species of birds among its foliage.
2. Jim Corbett National Park
Wildlife enthusiasts must include Jim Corbett National Park as a destination in their itinerary because it sits 160 kilometers past Dehradun. The first national park of India was established back in 1936 as part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Jim Corbett National Park exists due to its namesake Jim Corbett who turned from hunting into conservation efforts while becoming famous for its prosperous tiger community. Tonkari and Mussoorie offer jeep safari and tour experiences for visitors to observe Bengal tigers, elephants, deer along with crocodiles in zones including Dhikala, Bijrani, and Jhirna. Wildlife enthusiasts and adventure tourists find refuge in this park because its combination of forested lands, riverbank territories as well as grassy plains offer natural habitat to both animals and explorers.
3. Asan Conservation Reserve
The Asan Conservation Reserve exists at a 40-kilometer distance from Dehradun and provides wildlife enthusiasts with an exciting smaller alternative to their destinations. The 4.44 square kilometer conservation reserve exists at the Yamuna River and Asan River junction. During the winter migrant birds including red-crested pochard and gadwall and northern pintail choose this area as their crucial resting habitat. Wild boar and sambar existence together with barking deer can be found in the reserve. Visitors at this location often engage in birdwatching and guided nature walks to experience nature in a more personal way.
4. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park
The Uttarkashi district maintains Govind Pashu Vihar National Park as a wildlife haven approximately 170 kilometers away from Dehradun. This protected area established in 1955 dominates 958 square kilometers of land which belongs to the Western Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. The park harbors several rare species that include snow leopards together with musk deer and Himalayan monal and brown bears. Visitors can participate in safaris and trekking adventures to wander throughout alpine meadows, glacier regions and dense forest stretches. The park exists in a distant location which maintains its natural purity as an attractive spot for those who want to experience solitude in nature.
5. Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site near the town of Dehradun at approximately 250 kilometers in Chamoli district. The 630 square kilometer park surrounds Nanda Devi peak in its entirety as it features remarkable natural biodiversity in addition to its harsh geography. The protected area shelters endangered animals including snow leopards together with Himalayan black bears and blue sheep. Visitors can reach the unique natural beauty of this park through difficult terrain due to its high elevation but will find access through trekking paths including Milam Glacier and Ralam Valley. Visitors typically engage in trekking activities when they experience safaris through this region to discover double the adventure potential.
6. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary lies approximately 200 kilometers outside Dehradun as a distinguished wildlife safari destination. The Garhwal Himalayas host Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary within its 975 square kilometer area which functions as an essential habitat channel for wild animals. Users can find Himalayan musk deer and serow and ghoral in addition to a wide range of birds that inhabit this location. Tourists can also visit the beautiful Sonprayag and Triyuginarayan areas which contribute cultural and spiritual aspects to the sanctuary experience. Guided safaris and nature trails throughout the sanctuary permit visitors to discover both the dense forests and alpine meadows.
7. Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary
Any person seeking access to natural surroundings can easily reach Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary from Dehradun because it exists at a distance of 35 kilometers. With 32 square kilometer dimensions the sanctuary exhibits stands of oak and rhododendron trees throughout its expanse. Despite being smaller than the other parks this sanctuary preserves wild species which include leopards and Himalayan black bears together with barking deer. Guests who visit this sanctuary often participate in birdwatching because they commonly see Himalayan monal and koklass pheasant birds within its boundaries. The sanctuary welcomes visitors by offering nature walks combined with guided treks throughout the woodland area.
Final Thoughts
Uttarakhand's amazing national parks along with wildlife sanctuaries are best accessed through Dehradun's perfect position. Every wildlife lover can find their perfect viewing experience because the region gives numerous opportunities for Bengal tiger sightings at Jim Corbett National Park and bird watching at Asan Conservation Reserve. Protection of endangered species and maintenance of Himalayan ecological equilibrium are two essential functions performed by these parks. Visitors to these protected areas discover a priceless safari experience because they get to experience adventure and education while building deep bonds with nature. Trip around Dehradun becomes available to you when you bring your binoculars alongside your travel bags.
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Holding my father's fingers
My father would sometimes take me out with him when I was growing up. Perhaps in earlier times, this was a common practice. However, these are 'digital times' where emotions have been kept in the backburner. What was the reason for him to do so? Maybe to show the world outside or just an outing, I cannot say. But I remember my father in many ways, and one such is when I accompanied him holding his fingers! My earliest memory is when he took me to Lansdowne on vacation from Allahabad. I had spent my childhood in Lansdowne. It was a happy childhood with my brother and the large family. My grandfather edited a newspaper from there, and his mother (my great-grandmother) was alive and active then. We brothers received so much love from her and from our grandfather, uncles and aunts, neighbours; our memories are full of joyful days of that period. We have plenty of photos in our album of those times in 'Subedar Mohalla', which gives happiness still. Therefore, my visit called back those times, and I could relate to that place — the church which housed a school where I studied, the park which was my favourite place, the bazaar and chocolate burfi of Kanhaiyalal. Since then, we brothers go regularly to Lansdowne to look at our rented house opposite the park in the small and calm cantonment town. My father had plenty of tales to tell about Jim Corbett and his hunting expeditions. These formed part of the bedtime stories, and he would relate the story with much action and the roar of the tiger, etc. I took from him and would tell the stories to my children in a similar manner. In the sixties, he managed a van and took us to Corbett National Park, and the sight of an elephant herd chasing our dark grey van still excites me. Later, I would read books by Corbett and found him to be a wonderful writer — The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag is among his best works. Corbett National Park has remained my favourite sojourn and retreat, much to the reluctance of my wife and children, who insist on exploring new sanctuaries. Though I have not yet sighted a tiger, I prevail that where in India would you find such tall trees, thick forest, a river flowing, and the largest number of tigers! Allahabad was a city of intellectuals, writers, leaders and lawyers. It also boasts of some of the finest bungalows of the colonial era. Civil Lines area, with broad parallel roads and sprawling residences, was created by the British after the 'First War of Independence' of 1857 by perishing five villages. My first experience of visiting one such bungalow was with my father, who took me to the residence of one Mr. Tiwari, senior advocate near Thornhill Road. A well-kept lawn and garden with a wide variety of plants and flowers and two German Shepherd dogs! This was in the late sixties, and the multi-storey ingress was lurking in the corner! I could experience some satisfaction when I stayed in a bungalow in Katari Bagh, Wellington Island, Kochi during my Navy days! My father would every year order a box (peti) of apples from Chobatia near Ranikhet, Kumaon, which the family looked forward to and relished. He would also distribute some to his friends and associates, and I would often accompany him. The happiness on his face as he handed over the fruits, mentioning with pride about the quality of the fruits from the hills, makes me smile still. Fruit culture is prevalent in hills, and often we would take fruits with us to gift to friends instead of sweets. Train journeys in older times were enjoyable — getting down at remote stations and looking for vendors for tea and local snacks. Some stations are famous still for their unique items, such as 'Sandile ke Laddu' and 'Shankargarh ka Peda'. The reading culture was much prevalent, and before boarding the train, one would buy the latest magazines and newspapers from the countrywide present 'Wheeler's Book Shop'. These were exchanged with the fellow passengers, and on occasions, some interesting discussion would also take place. I recollect one such journey when I purchased, among other publications, the latest copy of the Blitz weekly newspaper, edited by the legendary editor Rusi Karanjia, who was among the earliest to carry out investigative stories. The last page of the paper was always written by the famous writer and filmmaker Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. My father would read many newspapers, and he had told me that he improved his English by reading the English dailies aloud. I too would do the same and, during vacations, would read to my grandfather, who was surrounded by newspapers, magazines and periodicals. That edition of Blitz carried the cover story from cover to cover — it was a special edition on Independence Day. It carried in detail various ideas to make our country 'Great' and consisted of numerous micro and macro suggestions. My father first quickly read the paper and then I read the same, and we agreed that it was a good article, and I clarified some aspects from father. As was the practice, we kept the copy for many days to be shared with other family members and friends. Father possessed a small library from his student days, and books with titles — Light of Asia by Edwin Arnold, Inqilab by K. A. Abbas, Glimpses of World History by Nehru — are retained in me. We brothers too maintain our libraries! Once I accompanied my father to 'Institute of Gandhian Thought and Peace' near Allahabad University. There was some discussion and Z. A. Ahmad, the famous leftist leader and Rajya Sabha member, was also expected. I was among the youngest in the meeting, and among others was Mr. Mulla, the famous senior advocate of Allahabad High Court, and Zia-ul-Haq, the local Communist Party leader. Though Dr. Z. A. Ahmad did not arrive, there was a lively discussion and repartee, and Mr. Mulla was highly critical of the new policy of the government regarding adult education. He said that how does one expect a poor rickshaw-walla to attend classes after a hard day's work! Participating in discussions was much sober in those times! When I joined university, along with my friends, we joined the weekly club 'Elysium' headed by the genial Dutta Sahab, the editor of Northern India Patrika for many years. His nephew, Ranjit Dutta, was my friend. The meetings were held in Barnetts Hotel in Civil Lines, run by the Dutta family, and we were served tea. Many eminent personalities would visit our meetings and talk to us; among them were the famous Justice Markandeya Katju, who was a lawyer at that time and was very popular among students. There are some people whom we cherish lifelong, and one such person was Dr. V. S. Narvane, Professor of Philosophy at the Allahabad University and later visiting professor in US universities. He had taught my father and formed a lifelong association with him and our family. My father took me to him, and I was immensely impressed by his thinking, knowledge and the beautiful house adjacent to Circuit House which he built. His study consisted of a wide variety of books, and I would borrow them sometimes. He wrote in simple, lucid style, reminding me of the style of Hemingway and Nehru. He wrote books on philosophy, culture and literature. Once, he lectured us in the 'Elysium' on 'Indian and Western Art', and there was an overwhelming response in the manner and fluidity of his narration from all of us. Holding my father's fingers unwittingly, I imbibed so much that I could face the world confidently. Sadly, he left us so suddenly and early, depriving me of my duty to hold his hand in old age! 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