Wildlife sanctuaries are protected areas declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. India has 573 of them, according to the Wildlife Institute of India's database. Their rules are less strict than a national park's: some regulated activities such as grazing may be allowed. For visitors, they are often quieter, less crowded and easier to book.
Some famous places are not sanctuaries at all. Keoladeo (Bharatpur) and Sultanpur are national parks, and Jaldapara became a national park in 2014. This guide lists places that are legally sanctuaries, and names the correct status for each.
Quick answer
Among India's wildlife sanctuaries, Pobitora in Assam has one of the densest populations of one-horned rhinos, Wayanad in Kerala is known for elephants, the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary covers the Little Rann of Kutch, and Thattekad is one of Kerala's best birding spots. Kumbhalgarh and Mount Abu in Rajasthan, and Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, are good for forest walks and hill scenery. Most are best from October to March.
Key takeaways
- India has 573 wildlife sanctuaries; they are less strictly protected than national parks.
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has a high density of rhinos close to Guwahati.
- The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch is the only home of the Indian wild ass.
- Bird sanctuaries such as Ranganathittu, Vedanthangal and Nal Sarovar are best in winter.
- Keoladeo and Sultanpur are national parks, not sanctuaries.
Sanctuaries at a glance
| Sanctuary | State | Known for | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | One-horned rhinos (107 in 2022) | November to April |
| Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary | Kerala | Elephants, gaur, tigers | October to May |
| Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary | Gujarat | Indian wild ass, flamingos, cranes | October to March |
| Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary | Rajasthan | Aravalli forest, wolves, leopards | October to March |
| Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary | Rajasthan | Hill forest, birds | October to June |
| Thattekad Bird Sanctuary | Kerala | Forest birds, Sri Lanka frogmouth | November to April |
| Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary | Kerala | Grizzled giant squirrel, dry forest | October to March |
| Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary | Maharashtra | Indian giant squirrel, forest | October to February |
| Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary | Karnataka | Nesting waterbirds, crocodiles | December to June |
| Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | Nesting waterbirds | November to March |
| Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary | Gujarat | Wintering waterbirds | November to February |
Sanctuaries for mammals
Pobitora
A small sanctuary about an hour or so from Guwahati with a high density of rhinos, seen by jeep or elephant.
- State
- Assam
Wayanad
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, with elephants, gaur and deer, and safaris from Muthanga and Tholpetty.
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary
The salt flats of the Little Rann, the only home of the Indian wild ass (khur), explored by jeep from Dasada or Bajana.
Kumbhalgarh
Aravalli forest around the Kumbhalgarh fort walls, with jeep drives and walks.
Sanctuaries for birds
Thattekad
Also called the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, known for forest birds of the Western Ghats.
- State
- Kerala
Ranganathittu and Vedanthangal
Island and lake sanctuaries where storks, ibises and herons nest in large numbers.
- Near
- Mysuru; Chennai
Nalabana on Chilika
A bird sanctuary island inside Chilika lake, Odisha, with flamingos and ducks in winter.
Sanctuary or national park?
Both are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. National parks do not allow grazing or private rights; sanctuaries can allow some regulated activities. A tiger reserve can include both. For visitors, the difference mostly shows in rules on walking, vehicles and stays.
See best national parks in India for the parks.
More sanctuaries worth knowing
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Oak and rhododendron forest in Uttarakhand's Kumaon hills, with Himalayan views and birds.
- State
- Uttarakhand
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Forest at the foot of the Darjeeling hills, near Siliguri, with elephants, gaur and hornbills.
- State
- West Bengal
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Part of Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, known for hornbills and river trips.
Point Calimere
A coastal wildlife and bird sanctuary in Tamil Nadu with blackbuck and flamingos in winter.
- State
- Tamil Nadu
Goa's sanctuaries
Goa's Western Ghats forests are protected in a chain of sanctuaries along its eastern border. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, near Dudhsagar falls, have gaur, hornbills and butterflies; Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in the south has forest trails and watchtowers; Mhadei and Netravali protect the northern and southern hills. The Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on Chorao island, near Panaji, is a small mangrove reserve for birding by canoe.
Safety
- Follow the forest department's rules on walking and vehicles.
- Keep a safe distance from elephants, even from a vehicle.
- Carry water and sun protection in the Rann and in Rajasthan.
- No park can promise a sighting; plan several drives and enjoy the forest itself.
What to pack
- Binoculars and a field guide
- Neutral clothes
- Hat and sunscreen
- Warm layers for winter mornings
Ready to plan your wildlife escape?
FAQs
How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in India?
573, according to the Wildlife Institute of India's protected-area database.
Is Bharatpur a bird sanctuary?
It was once, but Keoladeo is now a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Which sanctuary is best for rhinos?
Pobitora in Assam has a high density of rhinos and is close to Guwahati.
Where can I see the Indian wild ass?
Only in and around the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
Which is the best bird sanctuary in India?
It depends on the season and the birds. Thattekad suits forest birds; Ranganathittu, Vedanthangal and Nal Sarovar suit waterbirds; Keoladeo, a national park, is the most famous wetland for winter birds.
Are sanctuaries less crowded than national parks?
Usually, yes, which makes them good for relaxed visits and birding.
