Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in Punjab

Location & Size Located approximately 3 km from the sacred city of Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar (Ropar) district, the Jhajjar-Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary spans about 116 hectares (~289 acres): 218 acres from Jhajjar village, 55 from Bachauli, and 16 from Lamlehri .

Establishment & Legal Status The sanctuary was first notified in 1998 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, with a final notification issued in 2003. Since 2017, it has also been designated as an eco-sensitive zone .

Flora & Fauna

Vegetation: It features dry deciduous forests rich with species like Khair, Shisham, Subabul, Siris, Ficus, Neem, Amla, Bamboo, Kikar, Pipal, and Eucalyptus—many with medicinal or ecological value .

Wildlife: The sanctuary serves as habitat for a varied array of species, including sambar deer, barking deer, hares, jackals, wild boar, and an assortment of reptiles like pythons, cobras, and rat snakes. Notably, migrating leopards are also known to occasional visit the area .

Visiting Tips & Access

Best Time to Visit: October to March offers the most favorable climate—cool and ideal for wildlife and bird watching .

Access: The sanctuary is about 15 km from Anandpur Sahib and accessible by car, taxi, or bus from Chandigarh, nearby cities, or directly from Anandpur Sahib .

Visitor Advice: Bring binoculars and a camera for wildlife and bird spotting. Guided tours can enhance the experience; follow all sanctuary guidelines, stay quiet, and avoid littering or disturbing wildlife .

Future Developments & Eco-Tourism Initiatives

The Punjab government is currently working on transforming Jhajjar-Bachauli into the state’s first-ever leopard safari destination—a landmark initiative in eco-tourism and wildlife conservation. This includes the development of infrastructural amenities such as:

A 3 km nature trail

Observation towers, elevated decks, and boardwalks

A nature interpretation center, possibly including a leopard gallery with interactive displays, camera-trap footage, and audio experiences .

An initial budget of ₹10 crore has been allocated to support these enhancements and to develop nearby Nangal as a major tourism hub—aiming to boost employment, promote local heritage, and expand sustainable tourism in the region .

In Summary

Jhajjar-Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary is a compact but biodiverse gem nestled near Anandpur Sahib. It offers a vibrant mix of flora and fauna, with the exciting prospect of becoming Punjab’s first leopard safari destination. This project not only promises to enrich the visitor experience but also represents a meaningful step toward ecological preservation and...

Sanctuary is beautiful but there is some type of corruption , like govt provide 3 tanker of water for animal but animal got only single one, half quantity of food was provided rest is sold by govt worker , lots of missuse...

Went the this Wildlife Sanctuary after seeing it on Google Maps. "There is nothing", except a Punjab Govt SignBoard. No Road. No Animals. No Directions.

It's a cruel joke of...