Location : Uttranchal,
in the northern part of India.
Area : 630 sq. kms.
Tourist Attractions : Alpine flora and fauna
Nearest Tourist Destinations : Joshimath, Valley of
Flowers, Badrinath, Nanda Devi Peak and Hemkund Sahib.
When to Visit : April to October
About Nanda Devi National Park
The Nanda Devi National Park is one of the most spectacular wilderness
areas in the Himalayas. It is overshadowed by the peak of Nanda Devi, which
rises to over 7,800 m. Nanda Devi National Park was established in the year
1980. The first men on record to have reached this park, while yet in its
pristine form, were the the British Mountaineers Eric Shipton and Bill
Tilman. The area had largely remained untouched till then, except for
Tilman's successful attempt on Nanda Devi in the year 1936. However, since
1950 the increasing number of treks & climbing expeditions to the area
has to some extent affected the virgin characteristic of this place. Nanda
Devi National Park is characterised by the unique mix of flora and fauna.
Major Attraction in Nanda Devi National Park
The Vegetation
In total, 312 floral species have been found here of which around 17 are
considered rare.
The
main vegetation here is of fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper. In the
inner sanctuary, conditions are drier and near the Nanda Devi Glacier, the
vegetation is almost nil. Starting from Ramani, the vegetation changes to
alpine and the place is dominated by the juniper scrubs, which gradually
leads to the area with grasses, prone mosses, and lichens.
The Animals
Animal population of species like bharal, Himalayan tahr, serow, goral,
snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, leopard, common langur,
Himalayan musk deer, and brown beer dominate the park area.
The Birds
There are nearly 80 species of birds in this area. Warblers, gresbreaks,
rose finches and ruby throat are commonly seen here.
Getting There
Airport : Nearest airport is Jollygrant, 221 kms.
Railways : Rishikesh is the nearest Railway station.
Road : Well connected to Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nanital, &
Almora.
Accommodation
Nearest accommodation is available at Joshimath You will find numerous
accommodation here. There are several hotels for the tourists designed
according to the interest of every single tourist visiting the place. There
is a Tourist Rest House and a P.W.D. Inspection House for the tourists.
