Chandraprabha Wildlife National Park of India
 

Chandraprabha sanctuary is situated in the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, the northern province of India. Although one of India's lesser-known sanctuaries, it is well endowned with beautiful picnic spots, dense forests, and scenic waterfalls like Rajdari and Devdari that attract tourists every year to its vicinity. Located southeast of the city of Varanasi. a popular religious center for Hindus and a seat of education. the sanctuary was established in May 1957.

Asiatic lions were introduced at Chandraprabha in 1958. The exercise was successful in the beginning, with the number of lions rising from three to 11 by 1969. However, the following year the lions were found missing. One can only assume that they fell prey to poachers or succumbed to changes in their living conditions. The plan was again revived in 1993 although the Indian Government is yet to take a decision in this regard.

CLIMATE

The region has typical central Indian weather conditions. The summer (April. July) temperature hovers around the 38°C mark. The winters (November. January) are cold with temperatures around 14°C. The monsoon season (July. mid-September) has moderate rainfall.

FLORA AND FAUNA

A variety of wild animals are found at Chandraprabha. These include blackbucks, chital, sambhar, nilgai, wild boar, porcupine and Indian gazelle. The reptilian species include gharial and python.

In terms of flora, it is a typical dry deciduous forest composed of gneiss and laminated stone.

Chandraprabha sanctuary is just 55 km from the city center of Varanasi. The most convenient way to reach the park is by hiring a taxi and driving down. The journey takes approximately two hours. The nearest rail junction is Varanasi, which is well connected to most parts of India.