Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, New Delhi — Attraction in Delhi

Review of Asola Wildlife Sanctuary:

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary, and I must say, it was an incredibly rewarding experience. Nestled on the southern edge of Delhi, this sanctuary offers a much-needed respite from the bustling city life, immersing visitors in the tranquility of nature.

One of the standout features of the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary is its diverse range of flora and fauna. Spread across a sprawling area of approximately 32 square kilometers, the sanctuary boasts a variety of ecosystems, including scrubland, rocky terrain, and grassy plains. As I explored the sanctuary, I was captivated by the rich biodiversity that thrives within its boundaries.

The sanctuary is home to a wide array of animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. During my visit, I was fortunate enough to spot several species of birds, including peacocks, kingfishers, and eagles. The sanctuary also houses mammals such as nilgai, Indian gazelle, and porcupines, which can be spotted if you keep your eyes peeled. The presence of such a diverse range of animals truly showcases the sanctuary's commitment to conservation.

For those who enjoy hiking and trekking, the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary offers several well-maintained trails. These trails provide an opportunity to explore the sanctuary's varied terrain and discover hidden gems along the way. The fresh air, scenic views, and the occasional encounter with wildlife create a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Another noteworthy aspect of the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary is the presence of knowledgeable guides who accompany visitors on their journeys. These guides are well-versed in the sanctuary's history, its inhabitants, and the conservation efforts taking place. Their expertise adds a layer of depth to the experience, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the sanctuary's significance and the importance of preserving its natural treasures.

The sanctuary also offers facilities such as picnic spots and rest areas, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway with family and friends. The well-maintained infrastructure ensures that visitors can enjoy their time in the sanctuary comfortably.

However, it is worth noting that due to its proximity to the urban area, the sanctuary faces some challenges related to encroachment and pollution. Efforts are being made to address these issues, but visitors should be mindful of their impact on the environment and follow the guidelines set by the sanctuary authorities.

In conclusion, the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. Its abundant natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and commitment to conservation make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Whether you're a birdwatcher, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this sanctuary offers an immersive experience that will leave you with...

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary – Visit Only If You’re Nearby!

We visited Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary on February 26th and here’s what you should know before planning a trip:

What to Expect:

🌿 Not much activity – The sanctuary is almost closed, with very limited safari options (only 25 people at 7 AM). If you don’t get a safari spot, there’s not much else to do.

🚗 Private vehicles are now banned! Earlier, you could take your own vehicle inside, but now that’s completely restricted. The guards told us that animals were dying due to private vehicle accidents, so they stopped allowing them. Unfortunately, they don’t provide any alternative safari either, leaving you with no way to explore beyond the entrance area.

🦋 Small Butterfly Park – There’s a butterfly park inside, but you’ll only see butterflies in the right season. If you visit off-season, you’ll be lucky to spot even one!

🚧 Some areas are under construction, making access to parts of the sanctuary limited.

Worth Visiting?

💰 Entry ticket is very cheap (₹10), so no major loss if you just want to check it out. ⏳ Only visit if you’re passing through the Shooting Range Road area and have time to kill. ❌ Not worth a special trip if you’re coming from far—without a vehicle or safari, there’s very little to see.

Final Verdict: If you’re in the area, it’s a quick stop, but if you’re expecting a full wildlife experience, you’ll be disappointed.

📍 Location: Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Delhi ⏰ Best time to visit: Early morning (if you can manage a safari spot)

#AsolaBhatti #DelhiWildlife #NatureEscape #OffbeatDelhi...

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary essentially is a an arid scrub forest which includes the now abandoned Asola Bhatti Mines. It has a large quarry lake-the Neeli Jheel or Blue lake. Wildlife includes different types of antelopes, monkeys, hares, fox and an occasional leopard. Our motorbike group undertook a ride from Delhi. Route is exceedingly picturesque-initially the GFR and then the bylanes from Gwal Pahari. A left turn from the Gwal Pahari signal takes you through the beautiful country road through Dera Mandi village right upto Asola Village. From Asola head to Bhatti Village where one needs to leave the highway and head into the rugged track into the sanctuary. After crossing the Forest Department barrier it is a 7 km drive through the forest upto Neeli Jheel. En route are a couple of stray monkey re-hab centres maintained by the forest department. Cars and bikes with low ground clearance may bottom out at a couple of places but in winters, the track is pretty okay. Wonderful place for a day trip from Delhi/Gurgaon.

This wildlife sanctuary is located in the southern fringes of the city. Approached from South Delhi, it is en route to Surajkund. But it spans well into Gurgaon of Haryana state.

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has set up a Conservation Education Centre here with support from Government of Delhi and they organize frequent walks and awareness sessions. We have been to two of them and enjoyed the experience thoroughly.

The sanctuary is vast and has the typical flora and fauna of semi-arid Aravalli mountain range. Discovering the hidden birds is an...