If you travel through Haryana, you will come across huge farmlands. All year round, crops like wheat and rice are sown by farmers to feed India. But there are many options available for nature lovers to explore the region that borders the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal. A national park named Kalesar, spread over 53 square kilometers, is a perfect bird-watching spot that sits in the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas.
Location
Kalesar National Park and the adjacent Kalesar Bird Sanctuary are situated in the Yamunanagar district of Haryana. If you approach the road, then the Yamunanagar-Paonta Sahib road crosses the national park. It’s bounded by Rajaji National Park in the northeast (Uttarakhand), the Yamuna River, and Simbalbara National Park in the north (Himachal Pradesh). The Kalesar National Park is named after the Kalesar Mahadev temple, which is located within the park on the Jagadhri Paonta road. Kalesar was a Hindu monk who worshiped the deity, Shiva.
Etymology
The Kalesar National Park is named after the Kalesar Mahadev temple, which is located within the park on the Jagadhri Paonta road. Kalesar was a Hindu monk who worshiped the deity, Shiva.
Flora
Kalesar National Park is comprised of 53% dense forest, 38% forest, and 9% scrub. Sal trees cover most of the dense forest belt spreading from the Doon Valley. In addition, Khai, Shisham, and Bahera can be found in the forest.
Fauna of Kalesar National Park
Kalesar National Park is very rich in fauna. In a survey of 2004 and 2016 conducted by the forest department, a population of 42 leopards, Indian jackals, Asian elephants, porcupines, and nilgai were reported.
The national park also houses endangered species like red jungle fowl. Being connected to neighboring Rajaji National Park and Simbalbara National Park, it provides a safe passage for elephants.
Safari of Kalesar National Park
Safari is allowed in the park through three motorable roads. Different routes have different lengths: route 1 is 7 km, route 2 is 6 km, and route 3 is 6 km long. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the vehicles; only pre-registered vehicles with the Forestry Department operate safaris.
Conservation
Kalesar National Park is the biggest national park in Haryana. However, despite being a significant biodiversity hotspot, the park did not receive adequate funding from the central government after being designated a national park in 2003. The Haryana government has taken steps to conserve the park’s flora and fauna. Park houses the Ch. Surinder Singh Elephant Rehabilitation Center for the conservation of elephants. In 2014, 80 cameras across 40 locations were installed, provided by the Wildlife Institute of India, to monitor the movement of tigers, elephants, and other animals across the park.
Timing for Kalesar National Park
Summer– 6 am to 10 am
4 pm to 7 pm
Winter– 7 am to 11 am
3:30 pm to 6 pm
How to reach
By road: Yamunanagar and Poanta sahib are the nearest towns located to the national park
By Train: The nearest railway station is Yamunanagar is 35 km from the park
By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh is 85km away from the park.