About Sitabani Wildlife Reserve
Sitabani Wildlife Reserve is a 58.25 sq km conservation reserve located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, near Ramnagar. Notified as a Conservation Reserve in December 2012, it features dense Sal forests and serves as an important wildlife corridor connecting Jim Corbett National Park with other forest divisions. The reserve is home to over 33 mammal species including tigers, leopards, and elephants, along with more than 365 bird species. It holds cultural significance from the Ramayana epic.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect jeep safaris through dense Sal forests with opportunities for wildlife observation and birdwatching. The reserve offers nature walks, visits to the ancient Sitabani Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and scenic landscapes with rivulets flowing through the woodland. The area provides a quieter alternative to core Corbett zones, with rich biodiversity including tigers, leopards, wild elephants, spotted deer, sambar, and diverse bird species. The terrain includes forested valleys, craggy cliffs, and gorges.
Key highlights
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Dense Sal forests sheltering Royal Bengal tigers and leopards
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Home to over 365 bird species making it ideal for birdwatching
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Ancient Sitabani Temple associated with the Ramayana epic
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Important wildlife corridor between Jim Corbett National Park and Nainital Forest Division
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Over 600 species of flora including Sal, Sheesham, Kanju, and orchids
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Sulfur spring and caves near the historic Forest Rest House built in 1940
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Open year-round unlike many Corbett zones which close during monsoon
History of Sitabani Wildlife Reserve
The Sitabani Forest Rest House was built in 1940. The reserve was notified as a Conservation Reserve in December 2012, covering 58.25 sq km in the Ramnagar Forest Division.
Culture & Context
The reserve is named after Sita from the Hindu epic Ramayana, who is believed to have spent part of her exile in this forest along with her sons Luv and Kush. The area contains an ancient Sitabani Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Route
| By air |
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