Facts and Figures Area 7,800 hectares Languages Hindi Best time to visit November to February THE SANCTUARY Chandraprabha sanctuary is situated in the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, the northern province of India. Although one of India's lesser-known sanctuaries, it is well endowed with beautiful picnic spots, dense forests, and scenic waterfalls like Rajdari and Devdari that attract tourists every year to its vicinity. Located southeast of the city of Varanasi-a popular religious center for Hindus and a seat of education-the sanctuary was established in May 1957.

Asiatic lions were introduced at Chandraprabha in 1958. The exercise was successful in the beginning, with the number of lions rising from three to 11 by 1969. However, the following year the lions were found missing. One can only assume that they fell prey to poachers or succumbed to changes in their living conditions. The plan was again revived in 1993 although the Indian Government is yet to take a decision in this regard.

CLIMATE
The region has typical central Indian weather conditions. The summer (April-July) temperature hovers around the 38°C mark. The winters (November-January) are cold with temperatures around 14°C. The monsoon season (July-mid-September) has moderate rainfall.

FLORA AND FAUNA
A variety of wild animals are found at Chandraprabha. These include blackbucks, chital, sambhar, nilgai, wild boar, porcupine and Indian gazelle. The reptilian species include gharial and python.

In terms of flora, it is a typical dry deciduous forest composed of gneiss and laminated stone.

REACHING THERE Chandraprabha sanctuary is just 55 km from the city center of Varanasi. The most convenient way to reach the park is by hiring a taxi and driving down. The journey takes approximately two hours. The nearest rail junction is Varanasi, which is well connected to most parts of India. STAYING THERE There are no facilities for accommodation at Chandraprabha. Most tourists drive down for the day. However, meals and snacks are available in the eating joints nearby. LINKS TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD Communication (post, telegraph, phone, fax) and medical facilities (chemists, hospitals) are available at Varanasi. Internet/e-mail cafés are present as well.

TRAVEL TIPS
For summer light cottons while for winters light woolens are suitable.

For more details contact:

Conservator of Forests,
Wildlife Preservation Organization,
17 Rana Pratap Marg,
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh,
India.

Tourists may also contact the UP State Tourism Department at Lucknow.

PLACES NEARBY
The Hindu religious center of Varanasi (at a distance of 55 km) and the Buddhist holy site of Sarnath are the important tourist spots nearby Chandraprabha Sanctuary.