Plain and mountainous, or wet and dry, patches of dense forests or miles of rugged
ORIENTATION
Currently, there is only one gate – Chor Galiya – open for entrance and exit to the sanctuary. Chor Galiya is 32km from Haldwani, the city closest to Nandhaur sanctuary. You will require a permit from the SDO, Forest Division at Haldwani itself. Once you reach Chor Galiya from Haldwani, take a left and drive for about 1km to reach the gate, where you can pay the entry fees.
As of now, there are no guides available, but if you ask politely, a forest guard may come along with you and offer useful spotting tips.
Tip The rocky, bumpy terrain requires a sturdy jeep or any other SUV for travel. Vehicles can be hired from Haldwani
Entry ₹250 per vehicle; ₹100 per person Timings 8.00am–noon
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Nandhaur Forest Rest House
A graceful building from the Colonial period, the rest house dates back to 1876. This is the first thing you will come across as you enter the sanctuary. Set in lush grounds with a gravel path leading up to the sprawling verandah, you can enjoy a cup of tea here before setting off to the forest’s interiors. A caretaker is available for help.
Wildlife Spotting
Reach the sanctuary early in the morning to make the most of your day. There are several routes you can take. These include the way to the Suryabeni Temple, Machchli Van and Jaulasal.
All the paths take you through thickly wooded, predominantly sal forests. The perennial Nandhaur river flows through the sanctuary. It is rare that you will come across other visitors, so you will have the chance of exploring a pristine wilderness, with only animal calls and birdsong for noise.
As the forest guards here say, this place is not for people who enjoy planned ‘tiger shows’, expect to see a big cat lurking wherever they look, or those who expect unbridled luxury in the middle of the forest, wanting to be waited on hand and foot at a 5-star ‘safari tent’, with wildlife being incidental to the experience. But this destination is for those who want quietude, the thrill of spotting animals in their natural habitat, and the feeling of being one with nature.
Nandhaur is home to tiger, wild elephant, leopard, jungle cat, small Indian civet, jackal, flying foxes and sloth bears, as well as over 200 species of birds, including the rare great pied hornbill, which you might see if you are extremely lucky. More easily spotted are nilgai, deer, sambar and wild boar. Birdwatchers can expect to see grey and red jungle fowls, partridges, brahminy ducks, darters, rosy pelicans, pin tails, storks, the Great Indian horned owl, mallards and herons.
Water Distribution System
Those with an engineering bent of mind must visit the 19th-century water distribution system on the Nandhaur river. Set underground, along the riverbank, are stone channels; if the water rose to a certain level, instead of flooding the riverbank, it would flow into these channels for 4–5km.
At the end of one channel, there was even a contraption for grinding wheat, which would work with the force of the water! With time, the level of the river decreased. Today, even during the rains, the water does not rise enough to flow into the channels. The system is, therefore, no longer in use, but it is worth a look.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
There are three forest rest houses within the sanctuary. Nandhaur Forest Rest House (Tariff: ₹1,250) is the most comfortable option. It has three suites – Mahaseer, Hornbill and Nandhaur. Tents are available on demand, and there are dormitories under construction. Note that the kitchen has to stock up in advance, so inform them in advance if you plan to eat here. Jaulasal FRH (Tariff: Rs.1,250), built in 1923, offers two suites, as does Amwlakheda FRH (Tariff: ₹1,250), which dates to 1887. Both serve meals if given advance notice. Book in advance with the Haldwani Forest Division. Those who cannot give up on creature comforts can opt to stay in Haldwani, which has a wide range of hotels. It is possible to visit the sanc-tuary as a daytrip from here.
Blue Saphire Clarks Inn (Tel: 05946-235201-03, Cell: 08476018881/ 19991; Tariff: ₹3,500–9,000) is a comfortable choice, offering facilities including a restaurant, swimming pool and Wi-Fi. GenX Devashish 1589 (Tel: 224466, 224566; Tariff: ₹4,400–10,000), located opposite Judge’s Court on Nainital Road, is also a good base. Hotel Nagpal Towers (Tel: 252391/ 95; Tariff ₹750–2,450), is a budget choice with basic facilities, as is Hotel President (Tel: 250365, 254219; Tariff: ₹800–1,550). Lemon Park Hotel & Spa, a chain hotel (Tel: 266305-06; Tariff ₹2,650–3,700) on Nainital Road, has efficient service.
GETTING THERE
State Uttarakhand
Location In Nainital District, part of Terai Arc Landscape, bound by River Gola in the west and River Sarda in the east
Distance 25km N of Haldwani, 270km NE of Delhi
Route from Delhi Take NH24 to Rampur via Hapur bypass; to Rampur via Gajraula, Joya and Moradabad bypass. From Rampur railway station, turn left onto NH87 to Haldwani via Rudrapur and Tanda More
Air Nearest airport: Pantnagar (48km/ 75mins). Air India operates one flight four times a week from Delhi to Pantnagar. Taxi charges ₹4,000–5,000
Rail Nearest railhead: Haldwani (32km/ 40mins). Taxi as above
Road From Delhi, follow NH24 to Rampur via Hapur bypass, Gajraula, Joya and Moradabad bypass. At Rampur railway station, turn left onto NH87 to Haldwani via Rudrapur and Tanda Modh. Then to Chor Galiya via Golapar
Bus Uttarakhand Roadways (Tel: 011-22141611) buses leave every 30 minutes between 6.00am and midnight from ISBT Anand Vihar to Haldwani
FAST FACTS
When to go The sanctuary is open from 16 October to 14 June every year, though winter months are the most comfortable. Nights are chilly though
Tourist/ Wildlife offices
Divisonal Forest Office
Haldwani Forest Division
Tikonia Campus, Haldwani
Tel: 05946-220002
Nandhaur WLS SDO
Cell: 09411076337
Range Officer
Cell: 9458128392, 9412130041
103, Indraprakash Building
21, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi
Tel: 011-23712246, 41519366
W kmvn.gov.in
STD code 05946
OT Getaway Guides
India
Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary
