India’s Golden Triangle For Wildlife Viewing

Just as India’s golden triangle is marked by the three well connected beautiful cities – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, the golden triangle for wildlife enthusiasts if formed by three prominent national parks – Keoladeo, Ranthambore and Corbett. Each of these wildlife destinations has a tale of success, exotic fauna species and pleasing floral assortment.  Nature enthusiasts will not want to miss the opportunity to explore these exotic settings.

Keoladeo National Park

Once known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, this park is believed to have been in existence for 250 years. Situated in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Keoladeo National Park is acknowledged as being home to approximately 364 splendid species of birds.

The Date Dairy

• During the 18th century, the park served as a hunting ground for the kings of Bharatpur.
• In 1938 during the special shoot organized for British viceroys, over 4273 birds were killed.
• It was in the year 1971 when the area was declared as a protected sanctuary.
• 13^th March, 1976 – designated as a Bird Sanctuary.
• October 1981 – stood as a Ramsar site under Wetland Convention.
• 10^th March, 1982 – declared as a National Park.
• In 1985 the park was honored as one of the World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Fascinating Wildlife

Keoladeo National Park is a paradise for bird lovers and is one of the most visited bird sanctuaries of India.  Both domestic and migratory  species form a beautiful sight at the park. In addition to birds, the park inhabits different species of mammals, aquatic genus and lush floras.

Ranthambore National Park

Located in the pink city of Rajasthan, Ranthambore is among the largest national parks of India. This is one of the habitat of the most furious yet royal predator of the jungle – tigers. Wildlife lovers from round the globe come to witness the magnificent big cats dwelling at Ranthambore.

The Date Dairy

• The Government of India declared Ranthambore as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955.
• In 1973, it became of the first nine tiger reserves under Project Tiger.
• Finally in 1980, it has bestowed with the crown of a National Park.
• In 1991, the tiger reserve extended to the areas of adjacent Sawai Man Singh and Keladevi sanctuaries.

Fascinating Wildlife

Tigers stand as the main fauna attraction of the park. In addition to the big stripped cats, this wildlife destination provides a shed to Sloth Bears, Indian Wild Boar, Coomon Yellow Bats, Jackals, Rat Snakes, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles and many other fauna species.

Jim Corbett National Park

Corbett is not just India’s, but Asia’s very first national park. Cuddled in the foothills of Indian Himalayas at Nainital, the park was given three different names:

The first one was Hailey National Park (named after the British Governor); the second was Ramganga National Park (as it covered Ramganga River and village) and the third and last is Jim Corbett National Park (a tribute to the hunter turned conservationist who contributed maximum in the establishment of the park).

The Date Dairy

• The protection of the area began in 1868 when the British Forest Department banned agricultural and cattle activities on the land.
• It turned into a forest reserve in 1879.
• Later in 1907, the forest reserve was converted into a gaming reserve.
• Finally in the year 1936 it was declared as a National Park.
• In 1973, it stood as Corbett Tiger Reserve, the first reserve to fall under Project Tiger.

Fascinating Wildlife

Corbett is counted among the most visited destinations for spotting the Royal Bengal Tigers. Further, different species of amphibians, reptiles, other mammals and birds are found in the park. However, amidst all the fauna species, tiger works as the crowd puller.

Bottom Line

Anyone who has already visited these national parks will always have an urge of re-visiting, and those who haven’t yet explored the wild land will now pack their bags for the tour.

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About The Author:  Anshul Srivastava is a wildlife enthusiast and a travelogue; he likes to travel famous national parks and renowned wildlife sanctuaries over the globe. He always shares his experience through articles and blogs.
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