About Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary
Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary is a small protected forest area located about 5 km from Patiala city in Punjab, India. Notified in 1952 on the former hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Patiala, it covers about 654 hectares of dry deciduous scrub forest. The sanctuary is known for nilgai, hog deer, wild boar, jackal, peafowl and other birds, and functions as a deer park and nature area for visitors from Patiala.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a compact, flat scrub forest with open woodland, grassy patches and fenced enclosures for deer. The sanctuary has walking paths and viewing areas where nilgai, spotted deer, hog deer, wild boar, jackals, monkeys and peafowl can be seen, along with seasonal birds. Facilities are basic, with a quiet natural setting close to Patiala city, suitable for short nature walks, wildlife viewing and photography.
Key highlights
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Compact dry deciduous Bir forest near Patiala city
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Sightings of nilgai, hog deer, spotted deer and wild boar
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Peafowl and diverse resident and migratory birds
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Former royal hunting reserve notified as sanctuary in 1952
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Deer park enclosures for close wildlife viewing
History of Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bir forests around Patiala were maintained as hunting reserves (Shikargahs) by the Maharajas of Patiala princely state. Bir Moti Bagh, associated with the Moti Bagh Palace complex, was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1952 to protect the remaining forest and its fauna after the princely era.
Route
| By air | Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh, about 65-75 km away, is the nearest major airport |
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| By train |