Nanda
Devi is the second tallest mountain in India
(Kangchenjunga is the tallest) and its name
means Bliss-Giving Goddess. The peak is regarded
as the patron-goddess of the Uttaranchal Himalaya.
The Nanda Devi National
Park is a national park situated around the
peak of Nanda Devi (7,800 m) in Uttarakhand
in India. It was established as national park
in 1982 and was inscribed a World Heritage
Site by UNESCO in 1988
Spread over an area of 630
sq. kms., just next to the Nanda Devi Peak
(which is the second highest mountain in India
-7816 mts.), is the Nanda Devi National Park.
It was established in 1980. The first men
on record to have reached this Sanctuary,
while yet in its pristine form, were the the
British Mountaineers Eric Shipton and Bill
Tilman. The area had largely remained undisturbed
till then, except for Tilman's successful
attempt on Nanda Devi in 1936. However, from
1950 onwards the increasing number of treks
& climbing expeditions to the area has
somewhat affected the virgin character of
this place.
Fauna and Flora
in Nanda Devi National Park:
A unique mix of flora and
fauna is characteristic of this park.
The
main vegetation growth in the forests is of
fir, birch, rhododendron and juniper. The
conditions are drier in the inner part of
the sanctuary. There is almost no vegetation
ear the Nanda Devi Glacier. The vegetation
changes to alpine from the place called Ramnani
and only juniper scrubs dominate the vegetal
growth. This type of vegetation gradually
give way to grasses, prone mosses and lichens.
There are around 312 floral species found
in this national park out of which around
17 are considered rare.
Fauna
found in Nanda Devi National Park
area are Bharal, Brown Bear, Common Langur,
Goral, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Black Bear,
Himalayan Musk Deer, Leopard, Serow and Snow
Leopard. The avifaunas found in this national
park are the Grosbeaks, Rose Finches, Ruby
Throat and Warblers. Approximately 80 animal
species have been spotted in this park.
Travel Tips
Tourists should not cause any damage floral
and faunal life. The flora should not be plucked
to take back home. You should not kindle any
kind of fire; throw lit matches and cigarette
buds. Do not throw or leave trash, litter
and polyethylene bags in the forest. Firearms
and chemicals should not be taken into the
forests as they may cause harm to the wildlife
and the vegetation. Never play radio and tape
recorders as their frequency and voice might
disturb, scare or irritate the animals.
Climate
The Nanda Devi National Park experiences
cold weather for major part of the year as
it is at a very high altitude. For almost
six months of the year, the region remains
under perpetual snow. The rest of the months
experiences pleasant climate. The region receives
heavy rainfall from June to August.
The best time to visit the Nanda
Devi National Park is from April to October.
The tourists should carry light woolens during
summers and heavy woolens during the winters.
Accessibility:
Road : Nearest road head is Lata, 30 kms.
from Joshimath which is also connected by
bus services. Joshimath is linked by road
to Rishikesh and other centres in the region.
Air
Nearest airport is Jolly
Grant, Dehradun, 315 kms.
