Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
SANCTUARY SPOTLIGHT
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
The Maenam hills surround the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary that is situated in South Sikkim district. "Maenam-la" means the "treasure-house of medicines" as the sanctuary is rich in medicinal plants.
It is located above the town of Ravangla and its highest point is at Maenam. The main entry point is Ravangla, 65 km from Gangtok.
The Maenam ridge bisects the sanctuary. This ridge gains height as it proceeds and attains a maximum of 3263 metres. The streams originating from the eastern flank of the ridge drain into the Tista river and the ones originating from the western flank into the Rangit river.
Area
35.34 sq. km.
Altitude: 10,700 ft. approximately
When to go
March to May and September to November
What to see
Animals and birds spotted: The Maenam sanctuary is home to red panda, goral, serow, barking deer, marbled cat, leopard cat, Himalayan black bear, wild dogs, flying squirrel, civet cats, blood pheasant, common hill partridge, magpies, black eagle, blue necked pitta, sunbirds and other animals of the temperate forest.
The other sightings include kalij pheasant, ashy wood pigeon, broad-billed warbler, pygmy wren babbler, hoary-throated barwing, rufous-breasted and maroon-backed accentors, dark-breasted and pink-browed rose finches.
The flora of the sanctuary is famous for its rhododendron, magnolia and orchids.
Source of water
The sanctuary is significant for its watershed value. It is the only source of perennial water in this ridge. The south district headquarters, Namchi, situated 26 km south is dependant on the piped water originating from the Barmeli stream in this sanctuary. The town of Ravangla is also dependant for potable water on the sanctuary.
There is a historical Buddhist monastery — Maenam Gumpa, at the top of the ridge, which was constructed around 1969.
Views from the summit include the snow-laden peaks of Mt. Khangchendzonga, Mt. Siniolchu, Mt. Pandim and Mt. Narsing. Sikkim and Siliguri towns are visible on a clear night. It also has a good trekking route.
The Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary is under the administrative control of the Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife, Government of Sikkim. The Divisional Forest Officer, South and West Wildlife Division, based in Namchi is responsible for its management.
How to get there
Entry permits for visitors can be obtained from the wildlife check post. It is approachable by road and there are private tourist lodges. Ravangla is 26 km by road from Namchi and 65 km from Gangtok via Singtam.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
