Chandraprabha Sanctuary, famous for Asiatic
lions, was established in the year 1957.
Chandraprabha sanctuary is situated to the
Southeast of Varanasi. Though one of India's lesser-known sanctuaries,
Chandraprabha is endowed with beautiful picnic spots, dense forests, and
scenic waterfalls like Rajdari and Devdari that attract a large number
of tourists. The Chandraprabha sanctuary was established in May 1957.
Asiatic lions were introduced at Chandraprabha in 1958. To start with
the exercise was successful, with the number of lions rising from three
to 11 by 1969. However, the next year the lions were found missing. The
plan to put lions was again revived in 1993 but sadly not much has
happened since then.
Flora And Fauna
A variety of wild animals and plant life are found at Chandraprabha.
The animal life includes 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 Chandraprabha
Chandraprabha sanctuary is about 55 km from Varanasi. The most
convenient way to reach the Chandraprabha sanctuary is by hiring a taxi
and driving down. The journey takes approximately two hours. The nearest
rail junction is Varanasi, well connected to most parts of India.
