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Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary

Location:  Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Area: 78 square kilometers

Nearest Airport: Varanasi (65 km)

Nearest City: Varanasi

Nearest Railway Station: Mughal Sarai

Entry Fee: Rs.30 for Indian Nationals and Rs.350 for foreigners

Best Time to Visit: Mid November to Mid March

Number of Species: 150 species of birds

Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary has a number of picnic spots and waterfalls that makes it popular amongst tourists. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 78 square kilometers and lies on Naugarh and Vijaigarh hillocks in the Vindhya forest range in Chandauli. This sanctuary was once home to Asiatic Lions, but their numbers dwindled and today it is difficult to find a trace of these lions.

Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary is situated about 70 kilometers from the historic city of Varanasi. Varanasi is one of the most famous religious centers of Hindus.

The most convenient way to reach Chandraprabha Sanctuary is from Varanasi. Tourists can hire a taxi in order to reach this sanctuary which is just 55 kilometers away from Varanasi. This city is easily accessible by road and also by rail transport with other parts of the country.

Chandraprabha sanctuary was established in the year 1957. In 1958, Asiatic lions were introduced into this sanctuary. This has proved successful as the number of lions increased from 3 to 11 by the year 1969. Then some lions were found missing and due to this the plan was again revised in the year 1993.

The sanctuary is typically dry deciduous forest and also has a large variety of natural vegetation such as Tendu, Saagun, Mahua, Amaltas, Koraiya, Ber and more.

Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a number of animals. Some of the animals that you come across in this sanctuary include sambhar, nilgai, blackbucks, porcupine and wild boar. You can also see a python and Gabriel in the sanctuary. Want to know more Wildlife Sanctuaries in India click on the link.

The sanctuary is a home to 150 species of birds. Chandraprabha sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.

During summer from April month to July month the temperature in the region can go up to 38°C while in winter from November month to January month the temperature can drop below 14°C. Rainy season lasts from mid July to September.

• Carry light cotton clothing in summer and light woolen clothing during winters.
• Try to make sure that your clothes are in camouflage color, i.e. green or khaki.
• Avoid making loud noise as this may disturb the animals.
• Do not throw anything inside the forest.
• Take proper precautions while photographing so that it will not disturb any birds and animals.
• Prior booking and travel information will help in making a tour to the sanctuary a smooth affair.

The best time to visit Chandraprabha sanctuary is from mid November to mid March.

• The timings of the park are from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• The Sanctuary is open all 7 days.
• The entry fee for Indian Nationals is Rs.30 and for foreigners is Rs.350.
• There are separate charges for vehicle parking and for using a camera or for making any video.
• Medical and communication facilities are available in Varanasi.

Raj Dari: The prime attraction for the visitors is Raj Dari that is a stepped waterfall and is surrounded by the forest area. The forest department has developed this area into a picnic spot where tourists can enjoy the beauty of the fall.

Deo Dari: This is approximately 500 meters down the stream underneath Raj Dari waterfall.

Chandraprabha Dam: This is one of the best attractions for the visitors and is located upstream on Chandraprabha River close to the sanctuary. This dam is also considered as a source of water for both the waterfalls. The Irrigation Department has constructed this dam.

Varanasi is the most popular tourist place to visit close to Chandraprabha Sanctuary. Varanasi is popular for its temples and ghats. Varanasi is believed to be the oldest city in the world and one of the most famous pilgrimage centers for Hindus. Some of most famous tourist attractions in Varanasi are Dashashwamedh Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, Durga Temple, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Alamgir Mosque

You can also visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

By Air: The nearest airport for reaching Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary is Varanasi which is about 65 kilometers away.

By Rail: Mughal Sarai is the nearest railway station that is approximately 55 kilometers away. The other railway station is in Varanasi which is connected to the main towns and cities.

By Road: The most convenient way to access this sanctuary is by the means of road. The nearest bus station is Chakia.

A number of accommodation options are available as it is one of the popular places in the India. The luxury hotel to stay is Taj Nadesar Palace Varanasi and budget hotel stay is Rajdari which is a rest house having all the basic facilities in Sanctuary. However, most people spend the day at the sanctuary as there is accommodation at Chandraprabha Wildlfie Sanctuary if you wish to stay for the night. There are a number of eating joints near the sanctuary.