Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is a great place for birdwatching, earning it the nickname "Bird Sanctuary."

Apart from wildlife observation, Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary offers various adventure sports and outdoor activities, such as fishing, river rafting, canoeing, boating, trekking, camping, jungle trekking, and hiking.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the town of Orchha, which is situated in the Tikamgarh District of Madhya Pradesh, India. The sanctuary lies on the banks of the Betwa River, and it borders the state of Madhya Pradesh with Uttar Pradesh.

To be more precise, Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 1 kilometer away from Chhatris and around 2 kilometers from Orchha Fort.

Orchha itself is a popular tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh, and the wildlife sanctuary adds to its appeal as one of the most scenic places in the region.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwalior Airport (Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Airport), which is located approximately 85 kilometers away.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, there are two options:

(i) Orchha Railway Station: Orchha has its own railway station, which is the closest one to Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary. It lies on the Jhansi – Allahabad route and is located within the town itself.

(ii) Jhansi Railway Station: Jhansi Railway Station is another option, situated around 16 kilometers from Orchha. Jhansi is well-connected to major cities in India by regular train services.

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary History

Orchha is a historic town in the Tikamgarh District of Madhya Pradesh, India. It was once the capital of the Bundela Rajput kings and served as an important center of power and culture during the 16th and 17th centuries. The town is known for its grand palaces, temples, and cenotaphs (chhatris) that stand as a testimony to its glorious past.

The sanctuary itself was officially established in the year 1994, marking it as a relatively recent addition to the area's conservation efforts.

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 46 square kilometers. It is situated in the town of Orchha, which is part of the Tikamgarh District in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the banks of the Betwa River. The Betwa River is a significant river in central India, flowing through the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It serves as one of the main water sources for the wildlife living within the sanctuary.

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, contributing to its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The sanctuary's vegetation consists of both native and planted species, creating a varied and vibrant ecosystem. Here are some of the significant ones found within the sanctuary:

Dhawa Trees (Anogeissus pendula)
Kardhai Trees (Anogeissus Spp)
Teak (Tectona grandis)
Palaash (Butea monosperma):
Khair (Acacia catechu)
Bamboo
Other Shrubs and Undergrowth

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of animals, each contributing to the sanctuary's rich biodiversity and creating a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here are some of the remarkable animals that can be found within the sanctuary:

Mammals:

Spotted Deer (Chital)
Blue Bull (Nilgai)
Monkey
Wild Boar
Jackal
Sloth Bear

Birds:

Peafowls
Swans
Jungle Bush Quail
Minivet
Stork
Kingfisher
Owls

Reptiles:

Various Snake Species
Monitor Lizard
Tortoises