Sikkim: Flora and fauna parks and sanctuaries

Sikkim flora and fauna Parks and sanctuaries

Sikkim or Himalayan wonderland is known for astonishing variety of beautiful birds, animals and flowers - more than 450 species of birds, 400 species of butterflies, 450 varieties of orchids, and 40 species of rhododendron. Being located on the high altitude that varies from sea level to summits that touches skies, the flora and fauna of the state naturally captures a wide spectrum. It is really wonder! Though Sikkim is a small state but one can find all varieties of flora and fauna ranges from tropical to alpines. It's botanical and zoological richness is stupendous, possessing more than four thousands species of plants and thirty per cent of all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent. And that is why Sikkim has been dream destination of naturalist for long time.

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary or Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is sprawls over 104 square kilometers situated in the Singalila Range in the Southwest corner of Western Sikkim. It is a must-visit place during late spring. The Rhododendron - the national flower of Nepal as well as the state flower of West Virginia and Washington bloom during March and April. This beautiful flower sanctuary can be reached from three points - Hilley, Dentam and Soreng. But the most popular entry point is Hilley as it is approachable by road and Varsey is only four kilometer trek from this point.

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary

The Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary located in the south Sikkim district covers an area of around 35 square kilometers is an abode of medicine as it houses rich assortment of medicinal plants and herbs. Situated at an altitude of about 10,600 feet is a must-visit attraction in Sikkim. Here you can see species of the temperate forest such as Red Panda, Serow, Goral, Barking Deer, Leopard-Cat, Marbled-Cat, Civet-Cats, and birds like Common Hill Partridge, Blood Pheasant, Magpies, Blue necked Pita, Sunbird and Black Eagle.

Khangchendzonga National Park

Located in the Yuksom town of Sikkim, the Khangchendzonga National Park spreads in the area of 1784 sq km and offers a magnificent sighting of the rich and exotic wildlife which includes the species like Red Panda, Great Tibetan Sheep, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer and many other animals. With a large number of exotic birds as its habitat, the park is also a heaven for the bird watchers. The birds like Black-necked Crane, Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Grusnigricollis, Satyr Tragopan, Snow Cock, etc. are the prime avifauna species of the Khangchendzonga National Park. The 18 high altitude glaciers which include the famous Zemu Glacier and the majestic views of around 19 mountain peaks of the Great Himalayan range which include the Mount Khangchendzonga peak are the prime attraction of the beautiful landscape of the Khangchendzonga National Park. The park is the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its amazing wildlife at the high altitude ecology.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is situated in the small town of Lachen in Sikkim, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary attracts wildlife enthusiasts as well as Nature lover alike. The sanctuary is surrounded by the picturesque hills of the Himalayan range and the striking beauty of Nature. As the name suggests, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary will impress you with its large array of different species of the Rhododendron trees. During the season of spring, this fabulous attraction of the park comes to the life and mesmerizes visitors with its unmatched beauty when the flowers sprawled far and wide covering around the 43 sq km area. There are more than 40 different species of the rhododendron trees in this sanctuary, which also is the home to some exotic bird species such as hoary-throated barwingand wood snipe. The other species of plants and trees that enhance the lushness of the vegetation of this sanctuary are aconites, potentillas, gentians, primulas, poppies, saxifrages, etc. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is also a popular destination in Sikkim for the trek loving tourists.

Kitam (Bird) Wildlife Sanctuary

Located at Kitam near Namchi, Sikkim, Kitam (Bird) Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the protected sanctuaries in India. This silent and peaceful sanctuary is a heaven for travelers who would like to see the peafowl & other wildlife in their natural habitats. Tumbol Schor, the highest point of Kitam Bird Sanctuary, is famous for providing great scenic and panoramic views of the mountain areas around. Therefore, It is also considered as of the best sanctuaries in Sikkim that keep bird and animal watchers engaged throughout their visit.

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