Chandra Prabha Sanctuary is one of those rare eco-regions of the world that has various emergent species of deciduous elements. Being one of India's well-known sanctuaries, Chandraprabha is bestowed with beautiful picnic spots, green forests, and picturesque waterfalls like Rajdari and Devdari. These attract a large number of travelers. This wildlife sanctuary is considered one of the oldest sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh, India. Dense forests and green grasslands of the Chandra Prabha Sanctuary provide shelter to numerous species of plants and animals. Moreover, the sanctuary area has historical importance owing to the presence of tree fossils in the Sarvai area and caves.
Chandra Prabha Sanctuary: Introduction
The Chandra Prabha Sanctuary is located in Uttar Pradesh, in South west of Varanasi. It is a narrow strip of forest formation alongside the southern coastal areas of Uttar Pradesh. This wildlife sanctuary, which spreads across 75 sq. kms of dense forests and green grasslands in Varanasi district, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1953 by the erstwhile Uttar Pradesh Government due to its rich bio-diversity. Climbers are the unique features of the Chandra Prabha Sanctuary, which are found in abundance across the length and breadth of this natural park. The area is full of steep and gentle slopes.
Wildlife in the Chandra Prabha Sanctuary
Chandra Prabha Sanctuary is the homeland to many characteristic floristic elements typically dominated by thorny species such as Zyzyphus glabarrima, Dicrostachys cinerea, Randia dumetorum, and Carissa spinarum while other plant species include Bamboo, Pterocarpus, Anogeissus, and Buchanania. Southern tropical dry deciduous teak and many of its other forms including Abnus, Kodesa, Timan, make the wildlife sanctuary a significant place for botanists. The deep forests of the Chandra Prabha Sanctuary provide habitats to several endangered mammals and reptiles including Four Horned Antelope, Tiger, Sloth Bear, Panther, Chinkara, Black Buck, Gumpena, Wild dog, Wolf, Jackal, Giant Squirrels, Crocodiles, Python, Star Tortoise, Cobra, Monitor Lizard, Krait, to name only a few.
Chandra Prabha Sanctuary: Tourist Information-
Climate: The climate of the Chandra Prabha Sanctuary region is usually hot round the year with an average rainfall of 800-1000 mm. Most of the precipitation occurs during the brief northeast monsoon between October and December. Maximum temperatures during the long dry season in summer soars upto a stifling 44° Celsius while winters in the Chandra Prabha Sanctuary are usually mild.
How to get there:
By Air: Varanasi is the nearest airport, which is 250 km away from the Chandra Prabha Sanctuary.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations are at about 55 km away from the Chandra Prabha Sanctuary.
By Road: A number of buses and private transport to the Chandra Prabha Sanctuary are available from Varanasi.
