Are you looking for an adventure? Do you love wildlife? Then, a visit to the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar is a must. This sanctuary is one of the best places in India to see the endangered Gangetic dolphins. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit to this beautiful sanctuary.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Location and History
- Flora and Fauna
- Dolphin Species
- Other Animals
- Bird Species
- Aquatic Plants
- Best Time to Visit
- Things to Do
- Dolphin Watching
- Boating
- Bird Watching
- Trekking
- How to Reach
- Where to Stay
- Forest Guest House
- Private Accommodations
- Rules and Regulations
- Safety Tips
- Conclusion
- FAQs
1. Introduction
The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is located in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, India. It was established in 1991 with the aim of protecting the endangered Gangetic dolphins, which are known for their unique long nose and pinkish-brown color. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 50 km along the Ganges River and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
2. Location and History
The sanctuary is located in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, which is around 230 km from Patna, the capital city of Bihar. The sanctuary is named after the Vikramshila University, which was once a renowned center of learning during the Pala dynasty. The sanctuary was established in 1991 to protect the Gangetic dolphins, which were facing extinction due to human activities such as fishing and pollution.
3. Flora and Fauna
Dolphin Species
The sanctuary is home to two species of dolphins, the Gangetic dolphin and the Irrawaddy dolphin. The Gangetic dolphin is the most commonly found species and is known for its unique long nose and pinkish-brown color. The Irrawaddy dolphin is a rare species and is known for its blunt nose and grey color.
Other Animals
Apart from the dolphins, the sanctuary is also home to a variety of other aquatic animals such as gharials, turtles, and fish. On land, you can spot animals like deer, jackals, and wild boars.
Bird Species
The sanctuary is also a paradise for birdwatchers. You can spot a variety of birds such as kingfishers, eagles, owls, and migratory birds like Siberian cranes.
Aquatic Plants
The sanctuary is rich in aquatic plants such as water hyacinths, lotus, and water lilies.
4. Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and March, as the weather is pleasant and the river water is clear. During the monsoon season, the water level in the river rises, making it difficult to spot dolphins.
5. Things to Do
Dolphin Watching
The main attraction of the sanctuary is dolphin watching. You can take a boat ride and spot the playful dolphins jumping out of the water.
Boating
You can also go boating in the Ganges river and enjoy the scenic beauty of the sanctuary.
Bird Watching
The sanctuary is home to a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
Trekking
You can also go for a trekking trail that offers a panoramic view of the sanctuary.
6. How to Reach
The nearest airport to the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is the Bhagalpur Airport, which is around 25 km away. The airport has good connectivity with major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Patna. You can also reach the sanctuary by train. The Bhagalpur Railway Station is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Patna. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary. If you are traveling by road, the sanctuary is well connected to major cities like Patna, Kolkata, and Ranchi by state-run buses and private taxis.
7. Where to Stay
The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary has a Forest Guest House located inside the sanctuary premises, which is operated by the forest department. The guest house offers comfortable and affordable accommodations for visitors. In addition, there are also private accommodations available near the sanctuary.
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Rules and Regulations
Visitors to the sanctuary are required to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the animals and the environment. Some of the rules include not disturbing the animals or their habitats, not littering the sanctuary, and not carrying any plastic bags or items inside the sanctuary.
Safety Tips
Visitors are advised to take certain precautions to ensure their safety during their visit to the sanctuary. It is important to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, carry sufficient water and snacks, and avoid getting too close to the animals. Visitors should also be aware of the weather conditions and carry necessary medications.
Conclusion
The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors an opportunity to witness the natural beauty and diversity of the Ganges river system. With its rich flora and fauna, the sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit the sanctuary? A: The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to February when the weather is pleasant.
Q: Is it safe to visit the sanctuary? A: Yes, it is safe to visit the sanctuary. However, visitors are advised to follow the rules and regulations and take necessary precautions.
Q: What are the major attractions of the sanctuary? A: The major attractions of the sanctuary include the Gangetic dolphins, various species of birds, and the beautiful landscape.
Q: Are there any entry fees to visit the sanctuary? A: Yes, there is an entry fee to visit the sanctuary, which is nominal.
Q: Is photography allowed inside the sanctuary? A: Yes, photography is allowed inside the sanctuary, but visitors are advised not to use flash photography as it may disturb the animals.