Nestled near the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. This is a famous route towards the hill station of Mussoorie. Due to its salubrious climate, tourists visit Dehradun throughout the year and visit famous places like Kempty Falls and Robbers Cave. But, did you know that you can testify wild life in dehradun, Yes! The city also has some famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. If you didn’t know about it, here are some popular places where you can explore the best wildlife in Dehradun.
5 best places to see wildlife in Dehradun
So, here is a checklist of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that you can visit in Dehradun. Don’t wait for a second and note them down for future reference.
1. Rajaji Tiger Reserve and National Park
image Source
Situated amidst the Shivalik ranges and near the foothills of the Himalayas, Rajaji National Park is a tiger reserve spread over an area of 820 sq km. In Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal and Haridwar. This park is the second tiger reserve of Uttarakhand after Jim Corbett. This national park was created in 1983 by merging three wildlife sanctuaries, Rajaji, Chilla and Motichur and was named after the famous freedom fighter, Shri C. Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji. Although there are 4 gates of this park (Motichur, Jhilmil, Chilla and Ranipur), but Chilla Gate is most preferred for entry.
The national park has a diverse range of flora and fauna with over 300 bird species and 315 bird species. It is home to the Himalayan bear, samba deer, Himalayan yellow-throated marten, common krait, Himalayan-pied kingfisher, monitor lizard and others. Moreover, the rivers flowing through this park provide shelter to various fish species like Goonch and Chilva. Tourists can opt for wild safari inside the park to explore the flora and fauna. The best time to visit this park is from December to March as it opens between November and June every year.
If there are wildlife lovers who want to explore the wildlife in Dehradun, then Rajaji National Park is the perfect place for them.
Address: 5/1, Ansari Road, Mohand Range, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
Must read: 7 best hostels in Dehradun for solo travelers on a low budget
2. Asan Barrage Bird Sanctuary
Established in 1967, Asan Barrage Bird Sanctuary is situated at the confluence of the Asan and Yamuna rivers. This sanctuary is famous by the name of Dhalipur Lake and tourists often come here to watch birds. It harbors 53 species of birds and 19 of these species migrate from Eurasia during the winter season. Some of the migratory species of birds include pintail, gadwall, red crested tufted duck, shoveler and brahminy duck. The ideal time to visit this sanctuary is between October and December or March and April. Also, professional bird watchers plan to visit Dehradun between May and September as many migratory birds reside here for some time. To reach this sanctuary you will have to hire a taxi from Dehradun as it is 40 km from the city.
Address: Jhanda Mohalla, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
Read suggestions: 5 Best Museums in Dehradun to See Another Side of Dehradun
3. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, aka Vinog Mountain Quail Sanctuary, was authorized in the year 1993. Mostly a part of the famous Rajaji National Park, it is spread over an area of 339 hectares and is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Dehradun. It is rich in various medicinal plants and is home to Himalayan goat, leopard, bear and various indigenous birds including the red-billed blue magpie and white-capped water redstart. The place is surrounded by snow capped mountains and the Aglar River flows through the sanctuary making this place ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers. The best time to visit Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is during the summer months.
Address: Mussoorie Range, Uttarakhand 248179
Read suggestions: Dehradun Travel Guide: A Traveler’s Guide to Exploring the Capital of Uttarakhand!
4. Jabarkhet Nature Reserve
Jabarkhet Nature Reserve (JNR) is private property but is open to the public for exploration. It provides shelter to wildlife including insects, mammals and birds. Around 100 species of birds can be found here and if you are specifically looking for Kalij Pheasant, then my friend, you definitely have to visit JNR. Additionally, while walking along the trail you may also spot Lammergeier vultures, Himalayan griffons, magpies, jays and thrushes. If you are going to visit in the summer season, then you will get to see more than 300 varieties of flowers in the fields here. Each season brings with it its own beauty so there is no ideal time to visit this place. Moreover, about 60 species of fungi and mushrooms are available in this reserve, some of which are poisonous. Don’t forget to include this magnificent reserve in your itinerary when you are in Mussoorie.
Address: Near Bataghat, Dhanolti Road, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 248122
Read suggestions: 20 Best Restaurants In Dehradun That Will Serve As Heaven For Food Lovers
5. Malsi Deer Park
Malsi Deer Park, a mini-zoological park, is one of the must-visit places in Dehradun to explore wildlife. The place is famous for having one of the largest population of deer in the country. It shelters Nilgai and two-horned deer as well as other animal species like peacock and tiger. Due to its salubrious environment and picturesque views, it has gained popularity as a picnic spot or a family outing. It is just 10 km from Dehradun and is easily accessible by road. Although Malsi Deer Park can be visited throughout the year, the best time to visit this place is between April and July due to the pleasant weather in the mountains.
Address: Diversion, Mussoorie Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248009
read ahead: 6 stunning wedding venues in Dehradun to host a glamorous wedding!
If you are a nature and animal lover, then you cannot forget to explore the amazing wildlife in Dehradun. Some of these national parks and sanctuaries also shelter endangered species. To experience some of the best nature and wildlife tourism in Dehradun, include these great places in your itinerary for your next trip to Uttarakhand.
Disclaimer: TourTravelHotels claims no credit for images displayed on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyright to its respected owners. We try to link to the original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TourTravelHotels, please Contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in giving due credit to the original author, artist or photographer.
please pay attention: Any information published by TourTravelHotels in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice of any kind, and one should not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of one’s choice.
FAQs About Wildlife In Dehradun
What is Dehradun famous for?
Dehradun is famous for its beautiful landscapes, good weather and much more. Tourists also like wildlife in Dehradun.
Is Dehradun a hill station?
No, Dehradun is not a hill station. It is a dun and home to many hill stations like Chakrata, Mussoorie and others.
What is the best time to visit Dehradun?
The best time to visit Dehradun is from March to June. During this time the weather is pleasant and you can tour the city without any hassle.
Does it snow in Dehradun?
No, it does not snow in Dehradun. If you want to see snowfall, head to Mussoorie or Dhanaulti, located near Dehradun city.
How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in India?
There are about 514 wildlife sanctuaries in the country.
What is the population of Dehradun?
Dehradun has a population of 714223 and is the most populous city of Uttarakhand.
Which is the best wildlife sanctuary in India?
Ranthambore National Park, Corbett National Park, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Which is the largest wildlife sanctuary of India?
Hemis National Park is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India. Located in Ladakh, it covers an area of 3350 sq km and is situated at a high altitude. It is known for snow leopards.
Do you want to book a holiday package?
Book memorable holidays on TourTravelHotels with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
people also read
Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala