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Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary

Punjab is one of the finest tourist destinations of India because of its diverse attractions. It is one of the most important pilgrim locations of the Sikhs. Millions of people visit the city of Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple, which is considered the holiest place for the Sikhs. Similarly, Punjab has got natural attractions as well in the form of large number of rivers and forests. Punjab houses a lot of wild animals and birds at various wildlife sanctuaries that are present in the state. One such important wildlife sanctuary is the Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary.

Situated near the road connecting Patiala and Devigarh, Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary is quite famous as a popular tourist spot in Patiala. Since, it is located close to Patiala city many people who come to the city also visit the sanctuary. The sanctuary covers an overall area of more than 660 hectares approximately. The Kikar and Shisham trees at the Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary make the place suitable for the wild animals. The majority of the sanctuary is not guarded and only 240 hectares is fenced using chain-links and concrete pillars of cement. There are a lot of wild animals found at this sanctuary which ranges from Blue bull to Jungle Cat, Rhesus Monkey to Black Buck and Peafowl to Spotted owlet. Similarly, this place is also the home to various kinds of trees including Nara, Karri, Neem, etc.

Origin

The Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary was for the first time declared a protected sanctuary in the year 1952 by Patiala and East Punjab State Union Government. It was in their notification dated 28 February 1952 that this announcement was made. This place was made a protected area under the Preservation of Faunae of Patiala Act of 1896.

Things To Do at The Sanctuary

The Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary which is the home to a large number of species is an excellent location for nature lovers. Here, you would be able to see the exciting and adventurous form of nature. Seeing the wild animals in the midst of Kikar and Shisham trees occupied protected area would give you a sheer sense of enjoyment. Obviously, you would get the sense of jungle safari when sitting in your safari car you pass by the wild creatures of this wildlife sanctuary.

This place is again a treat for the lovers of photography. A large number of photographers, especially wildlife photographers, visit this place every year. Thus, if you are passionate about photography then you can come here and capture some of the finest photographs of wild animals that are present here. You would also get to click photographs of birds that visit this place in huge numbers.

Threats To The Sanctuary

Just like all other habitats of the wild Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary is falling prey to the threats of modernization. Due to the pollution in the atmosphere wildlife is being affected in sanctuaries like the Bir Bhunerheri. In order, to protect all such sanctuaries in Punjab, cabinet of the Punjab State Government, headed by the Chief Minister has approved the increase of eco-sensitive zone area from 10 km to 100 km for these sanctuaries. Thus, with new rules being applicable no environment polluting activities can be carried out within 100 km radius of the Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary.

Accommodation Near Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary

Tourists, who visit the Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary, generally lodge at the hotels that are present in the city of Patiala. There are large numbers of hotels in Patiala and they are available at different prices depending upon its type luxury, budget, dormitory, etc.

Reaching Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary

Before you might reach Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary you will have to first reach the city of Patiala. Reaching Patiala from any other part of India is not a big deal. This city of Punjab is well connected with other cities of the country by large number of buses and trains. Even flight connection is also available to Patiala through Chandigarh airport. If you prefer to travel by air then you will have to first reach Chandigarh and then from there you can take taxis or buses to Patiala. Patiala’s distance from the country capital New Delhi is 256 km while from Chandigarh it is just 67 kilometres. Distant cities like Chennai and Bangalore are situated at 2517 km and 2463 km respectively from Patiala. However, large distance does not matter much because of the availability of many trains and flights to this place.

Once you reach Patiala you may easily travel to the Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary. The distance of the sanctuary from the proper Patiala city is around 15km. Therefore, you can choose any local transport such as taxi, auto rickshaw, PRTC operated buses, etc for reaching the wildlife sanctuary.

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