Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Varanasi - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 65 km from Varanasi Junction, Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife reserve situated in Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh. It is under the control of Divisional Forest Officer, Kashi Wild Life Division with head quarter at Ram Nagar, Varanasi.

Also known as Chandraprabha, this area was made a hunting reserve for the rulers of Benaras in the second half of the 18th century. Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1957. Asiatic lions were introduced at Chandra Prabha in 1958. The exercise was successful in the beginning, with the number of lions increasing from three to eleven by 1969. However, the following year the lions were found missing.

Chandra Prabha Sanctuary is spread over an area of 78 sq.km and lies on the Naugarh and Vijaigarh hillocks on the north slope of the Kaimur Range. The Chandraprabha River, a tributary of the Ganges, flows through the sanctuary. A variety of wild animals are found at Chandra Prabha which include blackbucks, chital, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, porcupine and chinkara. The park is also a bird watcher's paradise, as one can see around 150 species of birds.

Chandraprabha is endowed with beautiful picnic spots, dense forests, and scenic waterfalls like Raj Dari and Dev Dari that attract a large number of tourists. Surrounded by the forest area, this stepped waterfall is the main attraction point for the tourists. A picnic spot has been developed by the forest department near the fall from where people can enjoy the natural beauty of the fall. Dev Dari is about 500 m down the stream below Raj Dari waterfall. Chandra Prabha Dam is another tourist attraction near the sanctuary.

The entry gate located at Chandraprabha Dam is the main entrance for the sanctuary. Tickets can be booked from entry gates located at Chandraprabha Dam. Public transportation is less so better to hire private vehicle to go there from Chakia.

Best time to visit the sanctuary is from July to February but the sanctuary is at its best during and after rainy season.

Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 30 for Indians & Rs. 350 for foreigners

Parking fee: Rs. 50 for Car & Rs. 100 for Bus