Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful protected area in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, India. This wildlife sanctuary covers an area of about 8.75 square kilometres and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The refuge was established in 1978 and is 640 meters above sea level.
The sanctuary is named after Topchanchi Lake, located within its boundaries. The lake is a major tourist attraction in the area and serves as a source of drinking water for the nearby villages. The Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by the Damodar Valley Corporation's coal mines, which makes it an oasis of greenery amidst the industrial landscape.
The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, and it is home to various animals, such as leopards, hyenas, jackals, wild boars, sambars, barking deer, and many other small mammals. The avian population in the sanctuary is also quite diverse, with species like peafowl, grey hornbill, kingfisher, Indian roller, and many others being found here.
The vegetation in the Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is dominated by dry deciduous forest interspersed with grasslands and bamboo groves. The forest mainly comprises sal, teak, bamboo, and email trees. The sanctuary is also home to several medicinal plants used by the local tribes for their traditional restorative practices.
The best time to visit the Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is from November to March when the weather is pleasant, and the animals are more active. The sanctuary offers several trekking trails for nature enthusiasts, which take them through the forest and to the top of nearby hills, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Places To Visit Near Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary:
Maithon Dam is located about 25 kilometres from the Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary and is a popular tourist spot. The dam is built across the Barakar River and offers a scenic view of the surrounding hills. The dam is also used for generating hydroelectricity and irrigation purposes.
Panchet Dam is another major tourist destination about 45 kilometres from the sanctuary. The dam is built across the Damodar River and is surrounded by beautiful hills and forests. The dam is also used for generating hydroelectricity and is a popular spot for picnics and water sports.
Bokaro Steel City is located about 50 kilometres from the sanctuary and is one of the most well-planned cities in India. The city is home to several parks, lakes, and temples and is a great place to explore the local culture and cuisine.
Parasnath Hills are a range of hills located about 70 kilometres from the sanctuary and are considered one of the most sacred places for Jains in India. The ridges are home to several temples and shrines and offer a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
Hazaribagh National Park:
Hazaribagh National Park is located about 75 kilometres from the sanctuary and is a popular wildlife destination in Jharkhand. The park is home to several species of animals, such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and many others.
Ranchi is the capital city of Jharkhand and is located about 110 kilometres from the sanctuary. The city is known for its natural beauty and is surrounded by hills and forests. Some popular tourist attractions in Ranchi include Tagore Hill, Hundru Falls, and Rock Garden.