If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of nature, then
Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect destination for you. Located in Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh, this
wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, as well as scenic waterfalls, caves, and tribal villages. In
this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, including its history,
location, attractions, and how to reach it.
History of Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary
Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary was established in May 1957 as a hunting preserve for the rulers of Benares in the
second half of the 18th century. The name Chandraprabha means “moonlight” in Hindi, and it is said that the
sanctuary was named after the Chandraprabha River that flows through it.
In 1958, Asiatic lions were introduced at Chandraprabha as part of a conservation project. The project was initially
successful, with the number of lions increasing from three to eleven by 1969. However, the lions mysteriously
disappeared in 1970, and the reason behind their disappearance is still unknown. In 1993, there was another
attempt to revive the lion project, but it has not been approved by the Indian Government yet.
Location of Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary
Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 78 km² and lies on the Naugarh and Vijaigarh hillocks on the
north slope of the Kaimur Range. The sanctuary is situated about 70 kilometres from the historic city of Varanasi,
which is well known for its temples, ghats, and culture.
The sanctuary falls within the Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests ecoregion, which is characterized by
alluvial savanna forest, southern dry mixed deciduous forest, dry deciduous scrub and savanna, dry tropical
riverine forest, and desert thorn forest and scrub.
The Karamnasha River, a tributary of the Ganges, flows through the sanctuary, as does the Chandraprabha River, a
tributary of the Karamnasha. These rivers provide water and habitat for many aquatic animals and plants.
Attractions of Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary
Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary boasts of a rich
biodiversity, with more than 150 species of birds and several species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and
insects. Some of the animals that can be spotted here are leopard, wild boar, nilgai, sambar deer, chinkara, chital,
porcupine, python, monitor lizard, crocodile, turtle, kingfisher, peacock, hornbill, parakeet, eagle, owl, and many
more .
One of the main attractions of Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary is its waterfalls. The most famous ones are Rajdari and
Devdari waterfalls, which are located near each other and offer a spectacular view of the cascading water and the
surrounding greenery. Another waterfall that is worth visiting is Naugarh waterfall, which is also known as Mini
Niagara Falls because of its resemblance to the famous Niagara Falls in Canada. The waterfalls are ideal places for
picnicking, swimming, boating, and photography.
Another attraction of Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary is its caves. The sanctuary has several caves that contain
prehistoric rock paintings that depict animals, humans, and geometric patterns. The paintings are believed to be
more than 10,000 years old and are evidence of ancient human civilization in this region. Some of the caves that
have rock paintings are Lakhania Dari Cave , Khoh Cave , Markundi Cave , and Kabir Chaura Cave . The caves
are also home to various bats and other creatures.
Another attraction of Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary is its tribal villages. The sanctuary has several tribal communities
that live in harmony with nature and follow their traditional customs and practices. The tribes have their own
forms of music and dance that reflect their culture and history. Some of the tribes that live in Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary are Kol , Chero , Bhuiya , Gond , Tharu , Baiga , and Bhumij . The tribal villages are a great way to
learn about their lifestyle and interact with them.
How to Reach Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary
Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible by road from Varanasi. The most convenient way to reach the
sanctuary is by hiring a taxi or driving your own vehicle. The journey takes approximately two hours by road. The
nearest rail junction is Mughalsarai and Varanasi, which are well connected to most parts of India by train. The
nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, which has flights to major cities in India
and abroad.
The best time to visit Chandraprabha Sanctuary is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the
vegetation is lush. The sanctuary is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day, and the entry fee is Rs. 50 per person.
There are also options for accommodation and food within the sanctuary premises. You can stay at the forest rest
houses or the jungle lodges that offer comfortable rooms and facilities. You can also enjoy delicious food at the
canteen or the restaurant that serve local and continental cuisine.