Every year, around October-November, industrial emissions and post-harvest stubble burning leaves Delhi under a thick cloud of smog. The air quality turns hazardous, which makes it difficult to breathe for many. So, a quick getaway for some fresh air at this time can be a great idea.
Fortunately, the national capital is surrounded by numerous wildlife parks worth exploring. Fresh and clean air and lush green landscapes are a relieving escape for every Delhiite. They are a step closer to nature and locals cherish their times here all year round. The experience is sure to be intriguing and enriching, leaving you rejuvenated. If you have booked flight tickets to Delhi for business or leisure, make sure to include these reserves in your itinerary.
1. Keoladeo National Park
Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 200 kilometers from Delhi. Tourists can witness over 350 varieties of birds, including pelicans, cranes and herons and the majestic Indian python, in winter here. Further, it is breeding grounds for the striped hyena, golden jackal, jungle cat, sambar, nilgai, wild boar and the black buck. While booking flight tickets, check the timings and entry fee beforehand.
2. Ranthambore National Park
This is a globally recognized Indian wildlife reserve, located 394 kilometers from the national capital. Lying at the foothills of the Aravalli and Vindhya Hill ranges, Ranthambore is one of the Project Tiger reserves of 1974. The park is made up of perennial streams and rocky scarps, which was once the hunting destination of the Maharajas. Here you can see an impressive number of foxes, hyenas, mongoose, marsh crocodiles, rat snakes, sambar deer, blue bull antelopes and cobras, in their natural habitat.
3. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
A century ago, the picturesque Binsar was the summer capital of the British. Today, the national park houses 5 villages within its boundaries and 30 villages on the outskirts. It is located 397 kilometers from Delhi and is one of the high altitude parks of India. This is a paradise for bird lovers, since it is home to the laughing thrush, parakeets, monal, fork tail, blackbirds and pheasants, in huge numbers. Flying squirrels, barking deer, porcupines, musk deer, along with Kafal trees, are the key attractions here.
4. Sariska National Park
Located about 200 kilometers from Delhi, this is the best reserve to see the ferocious Bengal tiger. Rare feathered species, like the bush quail, golden backed woodpecker, grey partridge, Indian peafowl, white-throated kingfisher and Indian eagle-owl can be seen in plenty too. You can choose from activities like jungle safari, turtle sighting, bird watching and fort and temple visits here.
5. Gangotri National Park
Named after one of the Char Dhams, Gangotri National Park is situated 318 kilometers from Delhi. The locals come here to savor the mesmerizing snow-capped mountains, springs, waterfalls and the dense forests around the park. The rich fauna includes Himalayan monal, musk deer, snow leopard, black bear and blue sheep. If you wish to trek, Gaumukh, Tapovan, Nandanvan and Kedartal are the popular trails here. While booking flights to Delhi, check out the timings for a same day trip.
These parks are known for serenity at its best and are safe havens for wildlife to thrive. They also let tourists and locals enjoy nature’s bounty to the fullest. While looking for domestic flights, do check out other attractions in the vicinity to make the trip worthwhile.