Exploring India’s Best Urban Jungles And Wilderness Areas

Urban Jungles in India | If you’re accustomed to thinking that nature is to be found “out there,” then you make a vital mistake—human beings are part of nature, too. Furthermore, this line of thought obscures the more-than-human world we find right at our doorstep. As many cities and countries worldwide look to “rewild” their urban spaces, India is blessed with living landscapes that bring its residents closer to the natural world. However, many of them are struggling with urban pressures like encroachment, illegal construction, pollution, etc. These pockets of wilderness are integral to our mental and physical wellbeing and a reserve for species now threatened by climate breakdown.

Here are some of India’s urban wildernesses that you probably didn’t know about and what makes them special.

Urban Jungles in India

Dr Salim Ali Biodiversity Park, Pune

Named after the “Birdman of India,” the Dr Salim Ali Biodiversity Park was established in 1973 on the banks of the Mula Mutha River. The nine-hectare site is home to over 130 of birds, including the northern pintail, marsh harrier, grey wagtail, wood sandpiper and Siberian ducks, along with some birds of prey and 30 species of butterflies. These migratory birds play a crucial part in the river bank ecosystem by controlling the population of invertebrates, while the birds of prey control the resident bird population, thus keeping the ecosystem in balance. Just off Nagar Road near Yerawada, the sanctuary is a welcome escape for birders (much like these other birding spots in India), but since it is not an official protected area, there is much to be desired in terms of upkeep and maintenance. While the park offers a respite from the pollution and noise that otherwise drowns Pune, it is threatened by anthropogenic pressures such as construction work, littering and polluted waterways.

The Information | Dr Salim Ali Biodiversity Park, Pune

Things to Do: Spot over 70 bird species, including storks, herons, ducks, coots, terns, and various types of butterflies. The park offers a unique ecosystem with both forested areas and water bodies, attracting a diverse range of wildlife. Or explore the park's trails to enjoy its natural beauty and tranquillity. It's recommended to visit in groups for safety reasons. Carry water with you, as amenities within the sanctuary are limited.

How to Reach:

• By Road: The park is located on Gunjan Chowk Nagar Road, near the entrance of the Hindu Smashaan Bhumi in Yerawada, Pune. It's approximately 1.2 km from Ghorpuri Railway Station.

• By Public Transport: Local buses and auto-rickshaws are available from various parts of Pune. The park is well-connected and accessible via Nagar Road.

Best Time to Visit:

• Morning Hours: The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Early mornings, especially between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, are ideal for bird watching. This is when migratory birds are most active, and the weather is cooler.

• Seasonal Considerations: The winter months (November to February) are particularly favourable, as migratory birds visit the area during this period. However, be prepared for humid conditions during the summer months.

Nearby Places to Visit:

• Aga Khan Palace: A historical landmark located about three km from the park, known for its architectural beauty and significance in India's freedom struggle.

• Phoenix Market City: A large shopping mall approximately five km away, offering a variety of retail outlets, dining options, and entertainment facilities.

• Darshan Museum: Located around three km from the park, this museum offers an immersive experience showcasing the life and teachings of Sadhu Vaswani.

Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal

Van Vihar National Park is nestled on the banks of the Bada Taalab and lies just eight km from Bhopal Railway Station. Spanning 445 hectares, it was formalised as a national park in 1981, and is home to wild animals like leopards, white tigers, Bengal tigers and Indian bears. The open zoological park has huge wire enclosures to keep visitors and carnivorous animals like hyenas safe and separate. However, herbivores like chital and blackbuck are allowed to roam freely.

The park is a rescue and conservation centre for many endangered and threatened species and houses a variety of reptiles, including crocodiles, snakes, and turtles. While here, consider “adopting” an animal and pay for its care and wellbeing. You will receive a certificate, photograph and regular report of how your adopted animal is doing. The best time to visit is in the morning when the chirping of birds is like music to your ears.

The Information | Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal

Things to Do: Explore Van Vihar’s vast expanse of natural forest that functions as a national park and zoo combined. Take a walk or cycle along the 4.5 km paved path through the park, which runs alongside the Upper Lake. Spot a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, bears, hyenas, and deer in semi-natural enclosures. Bird watchers can enjoy sightings of more than 200 bird species, particularly in winter when migratory birds visit. A Butterfly Park and Interpretation Centre enhance the educational experience. The park also offers battery-operated vehicles for rent if you prefer not to walk or cycle.

How to Reach:

• By Road: The park is located in central Bhopal, adjacent to Upper Lake. It's around five km from Bhopal Junction railway station and easily accessible by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and city buses.

• By Air: Van Vihar is approximately 12 km from Raja Bhoj Airport, which is connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Indore. Taxis and app-based cabs are available at the airport.

Best Time to Visit:

• Morning and Evening Hours: The park is open daily (except Fridays) from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM in summer, and from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM in winter. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for wildlife sightings and pleasant walks.

• Seasonal Considerations: Winter (October to February) is the ideal time to visit, with cool weather and abundant birdlife. Monsoon months (July to September) are lush and green, though some areas may be slippery. Summers can be very hot but are quieter and still open to visitors.

Nearby Places to Visit:

• Upper Lake (Bada Talab): Located right next to the park, this is one of Bhopal's most scenic spots, offering boating, sunset views, and a lakeside promenade.

• Bharat Bhavan: An arts complex and museum about 3.5 km away, showcasing tribal and contemporary Indian art.

• State Museum and Tribal Museum: Around four km from Van Vihar, these museums offer insight into Madhya Pradesh's rich cultural and tribal heritage.

East Kolkata Wetlands

Covering 125 sq km and including salt marshes, agricultural fields, sewage farms and settling ponds in its bounds, the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) are “a wetland of international importance” under the Ramsar Convention.

The site in Kolkata is considered a natural treatment system for solid and soluble waste, receiving about 1,000 million litres of wastewater daily before filtering and discharging it into the Bay of Bengal three or four weeks later. The EKW is supposedly the largest “wastewater-fed aquaculture system” in the world, where the sewage is recycled for pisciculture and agriculture. Effluent-based paddy cultivation and garbage-based vegetable farming are integrated with the fishery system in ways that complement the production processes.

Furthermore, it locks in over 60 per cent of carbon from the wastewater it encounters, which might otherwise pile up in the atmosphere. There are about 100 plant species, over 40 bird species, numerous species of fish, around 20 types of mammals and a variety of snakes recorded in and around the EKW. However, just like the Dr Salim Ali Biodiversity Park, the East Kolkata Wetlands are threatened by urban encroachment and illegal landfills.

The Information | East Kolkata Wetlands

Things to Do: Explore the world's largest sewage-fed aquaculture system, where wastewater is naturally treated through solar-powered biochemical processes. Walk or cycle through the wetlands to observe traditional fish farming (bheris), salt marshes, and agricultural plots. Birdwatchers can spot over 40 species, including migratory waterfowl in winter months. Guided walking and cycling tours are available through organisations like Calcutta Walks and Cycle & Walk, offering insights into the ecological significance of the area.

How to Reach:

• By Metro: From New Garia station on the Green line, take an auto-rickshaw or bus to Dhapa or the Institute of Environmental Studies and Wetland Management. The ride takes approximately 15–20 minutes.

Best Time to Visit:

• Morning Hours: The wetlands are best explored early in the morning when bird activity is high, and the weather is cooler. Early mornings, especially between 6:00 and 8:00 AM, are ideal for bird watching.

• Seasonal Considerations: Winter (October to February) is ideal for bird watching, as migratory birds visit the area during this period. The Monsoon (July to September) is great as well as the wetlands are lush and green, offering a different experience. However, some areas may be slippery. While the park remains open in Summer (March to June), be prepared for hot temperatures.

Nearby Places to Visit:

• Salt Lake Sector V: Approximately five km from the wetlands, this area is a hub for technology and business parks. It also offers shopping and dining options.

• Nalban Food Park: Located about six km away, this park offers a variety of eateries and is known for its scenic lake views.

• Bengal Safari Park: Situated around 10 km from the wetlands, this park offers a range of wildlife experiences and is a great spot for family outings.

Guindy National Park, Chennai

Located within city limits and flanked by luxury hotels and the Madras branch of the Indian Institute of Technology, Guindy National Park is covered with lush green vegetation and is an idyllic spot to escape the humidity and heat of Chennai. It is an extension of the grounds surrounding the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan and extends deep inside the Governor’s estate, totaling an area of 2.7 sq km. It is filled with picturesque forests, scrubs, and streams and is home to a remarkable assortment of flora and fauna.

Some animals you can see here include blackbucks, jackals, spotted deer, snakes, tortoises, etc. Over 150 species of local and migratory birds have been found in the park, including crow pheasants, shrikes, tailorbirds, garganeys, herons and egrets, to name a few. A rescue and rehabilitation centre at the site looks after injured or abandoned animals before releasing them into the wild if it is safe to do. The park is open to volunteers looking to help out with the upkeep of the area so consider getting involved.

The Information | Guindy National Park, Chennai

Things to Do: Explore Guindy National Park, one of the smallest national parks in India, uniquely located within the city limits of Chennai. Despite its modest size, the park is home to a range of wildlife including blackbucks, spotted deer, jackals, civets, and over 130 species of birds. Nature lovers can walk along shaded trails, observe flora and fauna, and visit the adjoining Children's Park and Chennai Snake Park. These attractions offer educational displays, animal enclosures, and interactive exhibits, making it a great spot for families and school groups.

How to Reach:

• By Air: Chennai International Airport is about 10 km from the park. Taxis and app-based cabs are easily available for a short drive to the entrance.

• By Train: The nearest railway station is Guindy Station, approximately one km away, offering convenient access from other parts of Chennai and nearby cities.

• By Metro: Guindy Metro Station on the Blue Line is roughly two km from the park. From there, take an auto-rickshaw or enjoy a short walk to the park.

• By Road: Located off Sardar Patel Road in the Guindy area, the park is well-connected by public buses, autos, and taxis. Parking is available near the entrance.

Best Time to Visit:

• Morning Hours: The park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, except on Tuesdays. Visiting early in the day is recommended, as the animals are more active and the temperature is cooler.

• Seasonal Considerations: October to February is the best time to visit, offering pleasant weather for walking and sightseeing. Summers can be hot and humid, while the monsoon season brings occasional rain but lush greenery.

Nearby Places to Visit:

• Raj Bhavan: The official residence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu is adjacent to the park. While not open to the public, the surrounding area is peaceful and green.

• Chennai Snake Park: Located next to the main park entrance, this facility showcases reptiles such as cobras, vipers, and crocodiles, with informative signage and regular live demonstrations.

• Children’s Park: Within the Guindy park complex, the Children’s Park features animal enclosures, educational exhibits, and play areas, making it especially appealing for younger visitors.

• Anna University and IIT Madras: These two prestigious institutions are located nearby and are known for their sprawling, green campuses that also support diverse bird and animal life.

Najafgarh Bird Sanctuary, Delhi

The Najafgarh “drain,” part of the River Sahibi and an extension of the Najafgarh Jheel (lake), is one of Delhi’s most polluted water bodies. Its label as a “drain” is a misnomer and points to how it’s been used by humans rather than its actual function.

The 57 km long water body is a haven for birds, especially migratory waterfowl and waterbirds during the winter. Thus, the Delhi government had proposed to turn the site into an eco-tourism destination and bird sanctuary in 2022, but official confirmation is still pending.

The Najafgarh “drain” has been widened over the past decades and now has thick mud embankments on both sides to channel its waters and protect Delhi from floods. These embankments have been planted with thick forest cover, which serves as a much-needed habitat for remnant local wildlife occurring in nearby and surrounding farmlands, including common foxes, jackals, hares, wild cats, nilgai, porcupines, and various reptiles and snakes. Due to the presence of the Indira Gandhi International Airport nearby, contact between birds and aeroplanes is a mounting concern, as is the development of housing colonies on the banks of the water body and the growth of invasive species like water hyacinths.

The Information | Najafgarh Bird Sanctuary, Delhi

Things to Do: Birdwatchers can spot species such as the bar-headed goose, northern pintail, common teal, black-winged stilt, and sarus crane. The sanctuary is not formally developed for tourism, so there are no marked trails or visitor facilities. However, the embankment along the Najafgarh drain offers good views of the wetland and is popular among bird photographers and local nature enthusiasts.

How to Reach:

• By Metro: Take the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro and get off at Dwarka Sector 21 station. From there, Najafgarh is about 10 to 12 km and can be reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi.

• By Road: Najafgarh Bird Sanctuary is located approximately 35 km from central Delhi and is accessible by car or taxi. It lies along the Najafgarh Drain near Najafgarh town. Use Najafgarh Drain Road or Najafgarh Road depending on your starting point. Public buses to Najafgarh are also available from various parts of Delhi.

Best Time to Visit:

• Morning Hours: Early morning, especially between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM, is the best time for birdwatching, as the birds are most active during these hours and the light is ideal for photography.

• Seasonal Considerations: The best time to visit is between November and February, during the winter migration period. This is when thousands of migratory birds from Central Asia arrive. Summer months are extremely hot and not recommended, while the monsoon brings lush greenery but can make access challenging due to muddy paths.

Nearby Places to Visit:

• Sultanpur National Park: Located about 40 km away in Haryana, this park is another excellent birdwatching destination and has better facilities for visitors, including watchtowers and nature trails.

• Damdama Lake: Roughly 25 km from Najafgarh, this lake offers boating and a peaceful natural setting for a day outing.

• Chhawla Dera Mandi Road: This semi-rural stretch near Najafgarh has scenic fields and can be a quiet route for cycling or nature walks.

This story was first published on October 9, 2024; and it has since been updated.