Chandraprabha sanctuary
is situated in the eastern region of Uttar
Pradesh, the northern province of India.
Although one of
India's lesser-known sanctuaries, it is well endowned
with beautiful picnic spots, dense forests, and scenic
waterfalls like Rajdari and Devdari that attract tourists
every year to its vicinity.
Located southeast of
the city of Varanasi. a popular religious center
for Hindus and a seat of education. the sanctuary
was established in May 1957.
Asiatic lions were introduced at Chandraprabha in
1958. The exercise was successful in the beginning, with
the number of lions rising from three to 11 by 1969.
However, the following year the lions were found
missing. One can only assume that they fell prey to
poachers or succumbed to changes in their living
conditions. The plan was again revived in 1993 although
the Indian Government is yet to take a decision in this
regard.
THE CLIMATE: The region has typical
central Indian weather conditions. The summer (April.
July) temperature hovers around the 38°C mark.
The winters (November. January) are cold with temperatures
around 14°C. The monsoon season (July.
mid-September) has moderate rainfall.
FLORA AND FAUNA: A
variety of wild animals are found at Chandraprabha.
These include blackbucks, chital, sambhar, nilgai, wild
boar, porcupine and Indian gazelle. The reptilian
species include gharial and python.
In
terms of flora, it is a typical dry deciduous forest
composed of gneiss and laminated stone.
REACHING THERE: Chandraprabha sanctuary is just 55 km from the
city center of Varanasi. The most convenient way to
reach the park is by hiring a taxi and driving down. The
journey takes approximately two hours. The nearest rail
junction is Varanasi, which is well connected to most
parts of India.
STAYING THERE: There
are no facilities for accommodation at Chandraprabha.
Most tourists drive down for the day. However, meals and
snacks are available in the eating joints nearby.
LINKS TO THE OUTSIDE
WORLD: Communication (post, telegraph, phone, fax) and
medical facilities (chemists, hospitals) are available
at Varanasi. Internet/e-mail cafés are present as
well.
TRAVEL TIPS: For
summer light cottons while for winters light woolens are
suitable.
For
more details contact: Conservator of Forests, Wildlife
Preservation Organization, 17 Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow,
Uttar Pradesh, India. Tourists may also contact the UP
State Tourism Department at Lucknow.
PLACES NEARBY: The
Hindu religious center of Varanasi (at a distance of 55
km) and the Buddhist holy site of Sarnath are the
important tourist spots nearby Chandraprabha Sanctuary.
