Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Mangalore
Puducherry
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
SANCTUARY SPOTLIGHT
Hastinapur sanctuary
Founded in 1986, the Hastinapur sanctuary spreads over Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bijnore and Jyotiba Phule Nagar. The Ganga flows through the sanctuary.
Area: 2073 sq km
Wildlife: Besides swamp deer and blue bull, one can spot various other species including antelope, sambhar, cheetal, leopard and wildcat. The marshy land along the Ganga makes this sanctuary a haven for migratory birds. Over 350 species of birds are found here such as painted stork, black and white necked stork, sarus crane, as well as night birds of prey, ranging from the great Indian horned owl to the jungle owlet, colourful woodpecker, barbet, kingfisher, minivet, bee-eater and bulbul.
Around 42 pairs of sarus cranes have been spotted in the Bhimkund area of the sanctuary.
Gangetic dolphins have been spotted in certain stretches along the river, especially between Haridwar and Bijnor.
Other inhabitants include jackal, wild boar, fishing cat, jungle cat and civet. Invertebrates such as scorpions and centipedes are also found. Reptiles seen here include the Indian Rock Python. Peacocks are also found aplenty.
Best time to visit: Mid-November to April
How to get there
Air: Delhi airport is 110 km away.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Meerut, 30 km
Road: Hastinapur on National Highway No. 45 is connected by road to all parts of the State.
Where to stay
The Forest Rest House, Hastinapur; PWD Inspection House, Hastinapur. There are many dharamsalas in the area.
Contact
The Divisional Forest Officer, Meerut, Ph: 0121- 2641762.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Mangalore
Puducherry
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
|